Author: Beaver County Radio

Representative Aaron Bernstine to Host a Town Hall Meeting in Butler County

(File Photo of Representative Aaron Bernstine)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler, PA) Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is inviting Butler County residents to join him for a town hall meeting on February 4th, 2026, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Company in Butler. Bernstine will offer a legislative update on the latest issues that are being debated in Harrisburg, along with a discussion of how those decisions affect communities, families and workers across the 8th Legislative District. Bernstine plans to cover a wide range of topics, including issues that directly impact the community, current legislative priorities and ongoing challenges facing Pennsylvania and constituents will have the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful discussion about the direction of the state, ask questions and raise local concerns. You can call the district office of Bernstine at 724-752-2120 for more information about this town hall meeting.

Beaver County residents may stop paying emissions tax

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The likeness of Benjamin Franklin is seen on a U.S. $100 bill, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. In a time of high inflation and high interest rates, refunds for taxpayers are on average 10% smaller this year compared with last year, in part due to expired pandemic relief programs. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Beaver County drivers are among those in Pennsylvania required to pay for annual emissions testing, but county lawmakers say that should change. According to State Representatives Roman Kozak and Josh Kail, costly waivers that range as high as $450 annually and relatively low population, create an unfair burden for residents in Beaver County. An estimation from PennDOT confirms that maintenance shops charge between $38 and $45 for the service of testing vehicles under federal law, costing drivers roughly $4.8 million to $5.7 million each year.

Fire reported in a Beaver Falls home

(Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(South Beaver Township, PA) The South Beaver Township Volunteer Fire Department and their first alarm responded after 2 a.m. this morning to a home along Pinecrest Drive in Beaver Falls because of a structure fire. A caller reported that there was a fire in their electrical box. Police arrived and reported a possible fire in the walls. Crews requested a remote shut off from an electrical company and it was ultimately determined that no threat of fire persisted.

Red Cross issues call for volunteers to help after disasters

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, Caption and Credit for Photo: December 17, 2025. Monroe, Washington.
American Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer Erika Yourdan, from Ovalo, Texas, talking with Ashlie Coffin who was recently displaced by historic flooding that impacted western Washington. “The water told us we needed to leave,” Ashlie said, talking about her experience at the Three Rivers Mobile Home Park in Snohomish, Washington. Ashlie, her boyfriend, and her two young sons left behind their trailer with most of their belongings in it so that they could escape the rising water. They are all staying at the Red Cross shelter at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. “Home is where you make it,” Ashlie said. “And the people you meet along the way – the people we’ve met – have really helped us.”
Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is now looking for volunteers to help to step up and care for communities following disasters from hurricanes to local home fires. 90% of the Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers. The Red Cross will also host a free virtual information session on Feb. 12, 2026 at noon via Zoom to discuss what it’s like to volunteer with them and to support people that are affected by disasters. According to a release today from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, this introductory session will be hosted over Zoom andcwill allow potential volunteers to learn more about available positions and ask questions. You can go to redcross.org/GPAvolunteer to learn more and attend the session or you can attend it by clicking here. The meeting ID for the session is 859 4153 5855 and the meeting passcode for the session is 404502. The Red Cross works with partners to provide safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, health services and financial assistance to those in need during a disaster.

Troy Rivetti Appointed to Serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania

(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Photo Posted on Facebook on February 17th, 2023)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release in Pittsburgh today from the U.S. Department of Justice, Troy Rivetti was appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi yesterday to serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Rivetti was sworn into that position yesterday afternoon by the Honorable J. Nicholas Ranjan, United States District Court Judge. Rivetti has led the office since United States Attorney Eric Olshan resigned in January of 2025, with him having served as Acting United States Attorney until November of 2025 and then continuing to lead the office as First Assistant United States Attorney, which was the role that he held prior to becoming Acting United States Attorney. Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned nearly 30 years.

2026 Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival cancelled

(File Photo of a Past Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PUSH Beaver County recently announced that the annual Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival which is traditionally held at Brady’s Run Park will not take place this year. Regis Collins, the director of that festival, formally notified the organization’s Board of Directors at PUSH Beaver County’s January’s board meeting that he needed to unfortunately cancel the event. The Board and leadership team of PUSH Beaver County then engaged in further discussion following that notification and finally determined that a pause of the Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival was necessary to responsibly evaluate its future. That decision was not made lightly, however; PUSH Beaver County has chosen to pause that festival in order to explore opportunities to reimagine the event for 2027 or beyond and to study its long-term sustainability.

Joan E. Moritz (Passed on January 25th, 2026)

Joan E. Moritz, 98, passed away on January 25th, 2026 at her Monaca residence. She was born in Buffalo, New York, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Esther Perry. Her heart found its partner in Gregory L. Moritz, and they got married on December 15th, 1945, in Barker, New York. Their union was a bond that lasted until Gregory’s passing. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie Marshall, and her brothers, Robert and Harold “Skip” Perry. She is survived by her daughter, Helen Moritz and her sons, James (Debbie) Moritz and Gerald (Mary Kay) Moritz. She was the proud grandmother to five grandsons: Benjamin, Sean, Chris, James, Jr., and Mike Moritz; as well as her two great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. Her extended family included Tammy, Rudy, Chy, and Matt Spagnola and Norma and Dan Simpson.

In 1949, Joan moved to Pennsylvania, where she would become the heart of her home. She was the longest resident of Allaire Homes and was grateful for the many friendships she formed along the way. Her commitment to her family was unwavering, as she was a homemaker who kept an immaculate home and ensured a warm meal was always on the table. Her family was her priority, a value she instilled in all those around her. As a former Cub Scout den mother of Troop 420, she touched the lives of many young individuals. Among her proudest achievements was raising her amazing grandson, Benjamin, who carries on her spirit of generosity and compassion. She was a devout Catholic who lived her faith through action. She and her late husband shared a love for fishing, a pastime that brought them closer to nature and each other. Her hands were rarely still, as she enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating countless baby blankets that wrapped new generations in her love. She was an avid sports fan who cheered passionately for the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Her enthusiasm was steadfast, through victories and defeats.

Joan’s gratitude is extended to the care and support provided by Life Beaver. The organization was a pillar of strength for her, and she often expressed her appreciation for their unwavering dedication.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, June 27th at noon at the John Antoline (Memorial) Park, 2500 Marshall Road, Monaca.

Andrea Bocelli to sing in Pittsburgh

By Scott Tady

PITTSBURGH — One of the most beloved and recognized musical voices in the world, maestro Andrea Bocelli, announced new North American dates for his 2026 Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour, including a Dec. 21 performance in Pittsburgh.

Bocelli will entertain at PPG Paints Arena, celebrating his widely-acclaimed 1997 breakthrough album “Romanza.”

The Andrea Bocelli North American social fan presale starts 10 a.m. Feb. 5, followed by the general ticket on-sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 6. For more tickets and information, visit https://www.andreabocelli.com/tickets.

American Express is providing eligible card members access to Amex Presale Tickets. starting 10 a.m. Feb. 4.

Bocelli’s fall North American tour kicks off on Sept. 8 in Seattle and concludes on Sept. 21 in Denver, while his winter tour kicks off on Dec. 10 in Boston, and concludes on Dec. 22 in Philadelphia.

“Romanza“ became a global phenomenon upon its release in 1997, selling more than 20 million copies worldwide. The record earned Platinum and Diamond certifications in over 20 countries, including Triple Platinum in the United States and Diamond status in Canada. It is both the best-selling Italian-language album and the best-selling predominantly non-English language album of all time. “Romanza” also topped the charts in 11 countries and reached the top of Billboard’s U.S. World Albums and Top Catalog Albums charts.

Maestro Bocelli is set to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Feb. 6. Returning to the Olympic stage after his appearance at the Torino 2006 Closing Ceremony, the world-renowned tenor will bring his iconic voice to San Siro Stadium for this historic moment.

Andrea Bocelli has a Christmastime date in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Vera Krokonko (1935-2026)

Dr. Vera Krokonko, 90, of Casselberry, Florida, formerly of Ambridge, Moon Township, and Cranberry Township, passed away on January 22nd, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Ambridge on July 18th, 1935, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Lavrinok Krokonko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carrie Krokonko in 2015, a grandson, Terry Foley and a great niece, Adah Grace Krokonko. She is survived by four daughters: Tarrie Buchannon of Beaver Falls, Tina (Orin) Kephart of Arizona, Trina (Ted) Hennigan of North Carolina and Carmel Bynum of Arizona; as well as 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a brother, Joseph (Linda) Krokonko of Zainesville, Ohio.

Dr. Vera was a 1953 graduate of Ambridge High School, 1957 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a 1961 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.  She served her internship in medicine and pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1962-1965. Following her internship, she started her practice in pediatrics in Moon Township retiring in 2000, after 34 years of dedicated service to the community.  Her passion in life was serving God as a lifelong member of the Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge and she was a member of the choir there and later became the choir director in 1982.  She also served as a cantor and lector for many years.  She was a charter member of the Solidity Group for Women and was a charter member of the original parish council. She served on the Liturgical-Spiritual Committee for many years and taught CCD and adult education classes.  In 1965, she became a Secular Franciscan and in 2007 took the vows of the Consecrated Virgin in the Catholic Church. She was very proud to receive her Masters and PHD in Spiritual Formation from Duquesne University in 1997.  She took piano lessons for 9 years and loved playing the piano and painting Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs).

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 11 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 12 noon in the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky Officiating. Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, PA 15003. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Vera Krokonko, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Karin Roberta Hudac (1970-2026)

Karina Roberta Hudac, 55, of Economy Borough, passed away on January 27th, 2026. She was born on September 4th, 1970, a beloved daughter of Valerie Kozak and the late Jerry Hudac.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Hudac, her aunts, Marlene Hudac and Maryanne Kozak, her uncle, Robert Kozak, her maternal grandparents, Michael and Eugenia Kozak and paternal grandparents, Edward and Doris Hudac. She is survived by her sisters, Sheila Albright and Tammy George, her uncle, John Kozak, her aunts, Faythe Hudac and Holly Kozak, her nieces, Sophia Albright and Kailey George, her nephews: Joshua Martz, Zackary Gill, Cody George, and Seth Albright; life partner, Scott Zbrzezny; as well as her godmother, Helena Hess, and her beloved pets, Willy and Decland.

Karina was a graduate of Ambridge High School, Class of 1988, and went on to attend nursing school, earning her bachelor’s degree. She devoted many years to her career as a nurse, caring for others with compassion and dedication. Her life revolved around her son, whom she loved deeply. Karina was a positive, selfless soul who was always willing to help anyone in need. She found peace in campfires and cherished trips to the beach, especially watching the sunrise. Above all, she loved being in the warmth of the sun.

A Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 4 P.M. on Sunday, February 1st at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, February 2nd at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 546 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in care to the funeral home, Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.