Author: Beaver County Radio

Virginia Susan Dempsey (1943-2026)

Virginia Susan Dempsey, 83, of Independence Township, passed away on October 9th, 2026 in Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden. She was born in Sewickley on May 7th, 1943, a daughter of the late Jim and Helen Tilly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Omar “Sonny” Dempsey, her granddaughter, Elizabeth Ventresca and her son-in-law, Gregg Henning.

Virginia and her husband bought their family farm in 1969. She loved being on the farm, caring for her animals and she enjoyed cutting the grass. She especially loved decorating her farmhouse for the holidays and entertaining family and friends. If you knew her, you knew she loved people. She was always happy and ready to talk to anyone. After she raised her children, she accepted a job working at Marshall’s in Robinson Township.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jackie Hribar and Tiffany Henning, five grandchildren: Jason Pratchenko, Vincent Ventresca, Jacob Hribar, Zachary Henning, and Sydney Henning; as well as three great granddaughters, Amya, Issabella, and Camilla, two sisters, Mary Jane Bradford and Cathy (Gene) Kindy and a son-in-law, Dan Hribar.

In accordance with Virginia’s wishes, all services are private. A memorial luncheon for her will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Donna Jean (Shields) Vaughn (1937-2026)

Donna Jean (Shields) Vaughn, 89, passed away on October 11th, 2026 at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was a Western Pennsylvania native, the daughter of the late George Shields and Jenevie “Jane” (Kirchner) Shields.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert “Bob” Vaughn and her brothers, Richard Shields and Patrick Shields.

Donna was full of life and enjoyed living life to the fullest. She was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper by Westinghouse and the Borough of Beaver. She and her husband were actively involved with the Girl Scouts, leading many canoeing, hiking and camping trips to Canada. In the early 1980s, they moved to Asheville, North Carolina where they spent many happy years along with their beloved dogs, Buffy and Rufus. While in Asheville, she served as a docent at the Biltmore House and Gardens, was an active member of her local P.E.O chapter, and volunteered at Central United Methodist Church of Asheville. She was an outstanding cook and hostess who enjoyed nothing more than entertaining her family and friends. She loved music and later in life took up the harp, playing for her own enjoyment and for family and friends. She and her husband traveled extensively, and they spent 13 wonderful years wintering in Telluride, Colorado where she skied into her seventies while also volunteering at the local elementary school and making friends with every dog she met. Her final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ, tissue, and cornea donation.

Donna is survived by her sisters-in-law, Jeannie MacDougall of Atascadero, California, Lois Shields of Maricopa, Arizona, and Susan Shields of Gibsonia, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins along with many dear friends that she considered her family.

A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, October 23rd with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 12 noon at the Noll Funeral Home Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A service and interment of her ashes will be held on Sunday, November 8th at 2 P.M. at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, North Carolina. Donations in her memory may be made to the P.E.O Scholarship Fund peointernational.org/make-a-gift/#donate (AC/Asheville Chapter) or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Route 4006 Friendship Road, Route 4017 Shenango Road Utility Work Begins Tuesday in Big Beaver Borough

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Big Beaver Borough, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that utility work on Friendship Road (Route 4006) and Shenango Road (Route 4017) in Big Beaver Borough, will begin on Tuesday, October 20th, weather permitting. 

Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays through late November, the following restrictions will occur to accommodate fiber optic installation work, according to a release courtesy of PennDOT District 11:

Friendship Road (Route 4006) 

  • Single-lane alternating traffic restrictions controlled by flaggers will occur between Forest Drive and Holly Drive. 

Shenango Road (Route 4017) 

  • Single-lane alternating traffic restrictions controlled by flaggers will occur between Holly Drive and Pinehurst Road. 

The work will be conducted by crews from Penta Communications.

Northbound Interstate 79 Neville Island Bridge Overnight Lane Restrictions Tonight in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that overnight lane restrictions on the I-79 Neville Island Bridge in Robinson and Neville townships, and Glenfield Borough in Allegheny County will occur tonight, weather permitting. 

From 7 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow, northbound I-79 will be reduced to a single lane of traffic across the Neville Island Bridge.

Deck repair operations will be conducted by crews from Allison Park Contractors.

All ramps will stay open during this time and this restriction could be lifted earlier if this work is completed sooner. 

Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus Attaches Scam Warning Placard to Court Facility ATMs

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus announced yesterday that the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office has attached scam warning placards at ATMs located in that county’s downtown court facilities.

These placards can be found above the ATMs located in the Allegheny County Treasurer’s Office in that county’s courthouse, two locations that are in the Family Court Facility and a location that is in the County Office Building.

These placards have also been placed at the security checkpoints in the Allegheny County courthouse.

This warning is designed to keep people from becoming a victim of a scam by telling them to end calls in which the caller threatens arrest and says to remain on the line until cash has been deposited into either an ATM or a cryptocurrency kiosk.

The warning also reinforces previous information which includes the fact that the Allegheny County Sheriff’s office, the courts of that county and any other law enforcement agency will never require payment over the phone that uses cryptocurrency, gift cards, remote ATM access or QR codes.

State Representative Rob Matzie joins state and local officials to highlight $2 million state investment in Beaver County transportation infrastructure

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) State Representative Rob Matzie joined Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll and other state and local officials in Monaca yesterday to highlight $2 million in state dollars that support major transportation projects in Monaca and Ambridge boroughs.

According to Matzie, recent investments previously announced from the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which includes almost $1.9 million for safety and infrastructure upgrades along the Eighth Street corridor in Ambridge and over $200,000 to support construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street in Monaca, are part of a continuing effort to update infrastructure in Beaver County.

Matzie worked to help secure $3 million in state funding in 2018 to launch the Monaca Gateway Project.

It is now under construction and this project will improve more than 6,000 feet of State Route 18 and replace overhead stop controls with a roundabout at the intersection of State Routes 18 and 51 for safer and smoother traffic flow.

Almost $2 million in multimodal grant funding in Ambridge is supporting improvements to Eighth Street, from Route 65 to Merchant Street, which includes the addition of a median to control turning, traffic speed and improvements to pedestrian sidewalks and crosswalks that are at multiple intersections.

Matzie credits the collaboration with local and state officials for the progress on both of these projects.

Local High School Student’s Artwork Unveiled at Coraopolis McDonald’s in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of McDonald’s)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Coraopolis, PA) McDonald’s unveiled artwork created by talented students from Cornell High School and Sto-Rox Junior Senior High School as part of its “Golden Arches Mural Program” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Coraopolis McDonald’s yesterday.

Vanessa Bosetti was selected as the winning artist and she received an award of $1,000 from McDonald’s.

Bosetti’s artwork was transformed into a mural and it is displayed at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 1010 4th Avenue in Coraopolis.

The art departments at Cornell High School and Sto-Rox Junior Senior High School also received a grant of $500 to support future creative endeavors.

Art students from Cornell High School and Sto-Rox Junior Senior High School were invited to participate in the “Golden Arches Mural Program,” partnering with local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Sam Nwagbo.

Students were challenged to create works of art that blends the McDonald’s nostalgia with their unique interpretation of Coraopolis, which showcases their personal connection to the city.

Bosetti’s winning artwork was transformed into a 5-foot-by-5-foot mural and it was unveiled during yesterday’s celebration.

Her piece will stay on display at the Coraopolis restaurant along with artwork created by other participating students, which showcases the commitment that McDonald’s has to celebrate creativity and culture in the communities that it serves.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Reaches Lowest Level in Three Years, Drops to 3.6 Percent in September of 2026

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary employment situation report for September of 2026 today.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was down one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 3.6 percent in September of 2026, which is the lowest rate in three years and only one-tenth above the record low that was set in summer of 2023 just five months after Governor Josh Shapiro took office.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was six-tenths of a percentage point below the unemployment rate in the United States, which was up one-tenth of a percentage point from August of 2026 to 4.2 percent.

Thomas Edward Blair (1945-2026)

Thomas Edward Blair, 81, of Midland, passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born in New Martinsville, West Virginia, on October 6th, 1945, a son of the late Robert and Ida Blair.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Surmaitis and Dolly Smith, his grandson, Anthony Modany, his niece, Anna Kelly, and his best friend in the world, Bobby Smith. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth (Bailey) Blair, his three daughters, Lisa Mackey (Tom), Kathy Fong (Todd) and Tricia Hajnas (Joe), his grandchildren: Greg Modany (Jessica), Andrew Modany, James Fong (Jorie), Courtney Reed (Chad); as well as his great-grandchildren Angelina, Jaycee, Carter, Aurora, and Wayde. He is also survived by his brother Robert Blair (Lois), nieces, and nephews. He will dearly miss his beloved “Pup Dog,” Carlie. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Thomas was a resident of Ohioville for 53 years. He was in the second graduating class of Western Beaver High School. He worked at Crucible Steel for 18 years before retiring from his position as maintenance foreman at Old Economy Village after over 20 years.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and jack of all trades. He took great joy in passing on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren. He could fix and build just about anything (and did). Tom was known for being a kind and gentle human being. His motto was, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” In his younger years, he enjoyed stained glasswork, winemaking, woodworking, gardening, and traveling to California.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 19th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, followed by a private burial at a later date.  Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Robert R. Hovanec (1978-2026)

Robert R. Hovanec, 96, of Ambridge, passed away on October 13th, 2026. He was born on March 17th, 1930, a son of the late Marie and Michael Hovanec.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth M. Hovanec, his brother, Michael Hovanec, his sister-in-law, Alberta Hovanec and his brothers-in-law, Thomas Foley and Joseph Zoller.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Blanche C. Hovanec, his son, Robert M. (Francine) Hovanec, his sisters, Shirley Foley and Dolley Zoller, his grandchildren, Robert C. (Carlee) Hovanec and Kristen H. (Kenneth) Leckey, his great-grandchildren: Robert “Rex” Hovanec, Kenneth P. Leckey IV, Rhys T. Hovanec, Andrew R. Leckey, and Caroline F. Leckey; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked for 38 years at Armco Steel before retiring. He also served as an usher at the former Saint Veronica’s Church and was a devoted parishioner at Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish/Good Samaritan Church in Ambridge.

He was an avid golfer and was a member of Delmar Golf Course. He enjoyed making golf clubs for his friends. He also enjoyed spending time shopping at flea markets.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses at Good Samaritan Hospice for the loving care they provided to Robert.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 18th, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, October 19th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1019 Lovi Road, Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish/Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003.