Author: Beaver County Radio

AHN Chief Operating Officer Lou Baverso Joins Hospital and Healthsystem Association of PA Board of Directors

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release in Pittsburgh today from Allegheny Health Network, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) has named Allegheny Health Network (AHN) chief operating officer and president of hospitals, Lou Baverso, MBA, MISM, to a three-year term on its board of directors. HAP’s board of twenty-eight members, composed of health care leaders from across Pennsylvania, works to set the strategic direction of that association to foster a hospital community that is robust and promote access to care that is high-quality. In 2025, Baverso joined AHN as chief operating officer and president of hospitals from UAB Health System, which is a $7 billion provider based in Alabama, where he served as the system’s COO. UAB, also known as the University of Alabama, Birmingham, is anchored by UAB University Hospital, which is a 1,200-bed academic facility that is one of the largest hospitals in the United States of America. Before joining UAB in 2023, Baverso spent health care career at UPMC and its member hospitals in various prominent administrative and executive roles for three decades. Baverso is also the interim president of AHN West Penn Hospital, which is located in Pittsburgh.

State Representatives Kozak and Kail Introduce Bill to Exempt Beaver County from Vehicle Emissions Inspections

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Plant employees drive 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles off the assembly line at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Dec. 1, 2010. The U.S. government’s road safety agency has closed a more than six-year investigation into Ford Explorer exhaust odors, determining that the SUVs don’t emit high levels of carbon monoxide and don’t need to be recalled. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) According to a release today in Harrisburg from the offices of State Representatives Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) and Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), the duo recently introduced a bill in Pennsylvania to end Beaver County’s participation in the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. If passed, this legislation would petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove Beaver County from this federal requirement even though the current I/M program is federally mandated. Kozak stated: “Today’s engines run cleaner and more efficiently than ever before, and the population of our region is less than when this federal mandate was passed. It makes zero sense that people who live on one side of the road in northern or eastern Beaver County have to pay emissions fees while their neighbors across the street do not have to pay because their property is in Lawerence County or Ohio. It’s a significant unnecessary expense to Beaver County residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Pennsylvania needs to petition the Federal Government to remove Beaver County from this outdated mandate.” Kail also stated: “This program creates a serious financial strain on Pennsylvanians. Between inspection fees and possible repairs to taking time off work, residents become inundated with unnecessary pressures. Removing Beaver County from this outdated process would provide deserved relief to those who find it difficult to make ends meet.”

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider (1940-2026)

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider, 85, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on September 11th, 1940, the daughter of the late Richard and Mable (Stephens) Beagle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Puckett Jr., her second husband, Daniel W. Crider, her children, Teri Shafer and Jeffery Puckett and her brother, Dale Beagle. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta “Bobbie” Puckett; her sister, Beverly Morckel, her brother, Gary Beagle and her many cherished grandchildren: Richard (Suzanne) Puckett, Chasity Gorby, Brandy Reinhart, Chelsea Parks, Andrew (Margie) Shafer, and John Robert McLaughlin, a large and loving family of great-grandchildren: Madison, Richard, Gracie, Destiny, Cheyanne, Nathan, Breanna, Kenny, Kendra, Blake, Lillian, Eli, Sammy, David, Rhiannon, and Bentlee; as well as her great-great-grandchildren: Alexis, Serenity, Kinsley, Josiah, Sophia, Isabella, Anastasia, Zayden, Faith, Dominic, Janniah, Jo’Anna, Zayzon, and Preston; along with and a son-in-law, Stephen “Bubba” Shafer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She lived a life rooted in love, creativity, and adventure.

Charlotte was an avid baker with a true gift in the kitchen. She especially enjoyed designing beautiful wedding cakes, baking fresh bread, and creating all kinds of sweet treats. One of her proudest joys was working at Beans and Sweets in New Mexico, with her sister, where she shared her talents and love of baking with others. She was a member of the VFW in New Waterford, Ohio. She had an adventurous spirit and she loved to travel, explore national parks, and go camping whenever she could. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and proudly wore black and gold and rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. Above all else, her family meant everything to her. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pet, Butterball, and her fur grandbaby, Nola, who brought her constant companionship and joy. She will be remembered for her generous heart, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 15th, from 1-4 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte’s honor to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Linda Kay Sporcic (1954-2026)

Linda Kay Sporcic, 71, of Freedom, passed away at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on February 9th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on August 21st, 1954, the daughter of the late Ray P. and Edna Mae Black Rinehart. Linda is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Edward C. Sporcic, as well as one daughter, Tracy L. Sporcic, one son, Michael E. Sporcic, and a grandson, Benjamin Sporcic, all of Freedom, one brother, Richard Rinehart, of Ambridge, and her k-9 companions, Maggie, Arlo, and Luna. Linda was a retired cafeteria monitor in the Freedom School District and she attended St. Felix Roman Catholic Church in Freedom.

Linda’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Carol J. Kusnir (1938-2026)

Carol J. Kusnir, 87, a loving mother of five and the adoring wife of 69 years to her husband, John Kusnir, passed away on February 8th, 2026, in the comfort of her own home. She was born on September 26th, 1938, the daughter of the late Raymond and Beverly (Funkhouser) McLaughlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ray McLaughlin. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: J. Michael (Jeannie) Kusnir, Frank (Kathleen) Kusnir, Carol Kusnir, R. Joseph (Lisa) Kusnir, and Margie (Tim) Brown; as well as her sister-in-law, Nancy McLaughlin, her grandchildren: Zachary (Irina) Kusnir, Alexis Kusnir, Nicholas Kusnir, Jaclyn Kusnir, Frank Kusnir Jr., Daniel Kusnir, John Kusnir, Danielle (Darnell Pringle) Kusnir, Robbie (Katie) Potts, Tracy (Ethan)Wong, Sean (Emily) Kusnir, and David (Evan) Kusnir; and lastly, her great-grandchildren: Caden, Viana, Nathan, Carly, Gia, Deora, Kya, Janie, and Everett; as well as Anthony Roberts and Rachel Mihalko, who held a special place in her heart.

Carol had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that made anyone who heard it laugh harder. She was the best listener and gave honest advice without judgement. Above all else, family meant everything to her. She was proud of her heritage as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also cherished her time as a Rainbow Girl faithfully keeping the secret “word” no matter how many times she was asked. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers but also enjoyed sports of all kinds. Aruba held a special place in her heart as did Sugarcreek, Ohio. She also enjoyed shopping and reading. She enjoyed creating precious memories with her daughters. Their bond was filled with laughter, trust, and a love that shaped her life in a very meaningful way. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and her unwavering love towards her family. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 12th, from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A private burial will be held at Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at LIFE Beaver County for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol J Kusnir, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Clay D. Wallace (1960-2026)

Clay D. Wallace, 65, of Baden, formerly of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on February 7th, 2026. He was born on August 11th, 1960, a beloved son of the late Bobby Jack and Patricia Wallace.

Clay is survived by his children, Courtney Wallace and Josh (Samantha) Wallace, his brother, Craig Wallace, his sister, Christy Wallace, his cherished grandson, Carter Jones and many dear friends who were like family to him.

Clay spent his career in the communications field before retiring, but his true passion was music. He loved traveling with bands and working in production alongside his lifelong friend, Kenny Wilker, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. After retirement, he embraced the simple joys of life, spending time outdoors, camping, sipping sweet tea, and sharing laughter and stories with friends and his beloved family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Marietta, Georgia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Servcies and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Driver causes hit-and-run crash in Pittsburgh; vehicle of Coraopolis man hit

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash occurred in Pittsburgh on the afternoon of February 1st, 2026. At 12:39 p.m., an unidentified driver hit the vehicle of thirty-four-year-old Calvin Cygrymus of Coraopolis on I-376 East after the unknown driver entered traffic going eastbound on the West Carson Street Ramp. The driver that hit the vehicle of Cygrymus kept going on I-376 East after Cygrymus hit a concrete barrier on the right shoulder of the road with his vehicle as a result of the crash. There were no reported injuries. 

Sources: Chances are increasing for the return of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the next NFL season

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) leaves the field after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still pondering his future for the 2026 NFL season, which will be his 22nd season if he plays. It seems like the chances are increasing that Rodgers could play, and that will be a beautiful day in the neighborhood for Steelers fans. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke last week to KDKA’s Bob Pompeani, who asked McCarthy about Rodgers playing again, and McCarthy said: “That’s the plan.” According to several national outlets including the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Rodgers has told some of his closest friends that he feels refreshed and really appreciated his year with the Steelers. Pelissero stated that the plan is for Rodgers to take a little bit more time with his decision, and it will probably come prior to the start of NFL free agency in the middle of March. 

Moon Township man crashes vehicle in Robinson Township, hitting a deer

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that thirty-four-year-old Donald Marsh of Moon Township crashed his vehicle in Robinson Township on the early morning of September 4th, 2025. At 2:58 a.m., Marsh was driving on I-376 West close to the Crafton Exit and hit a deer that entered the road. There were no injuries. 

Golfer and Central Catholic High School alumnus Neal Shipley makes first hole-in-one in the history of TGL, a high-tech indoor professional golf league

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA-TV, CBS Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on February 10th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL) Central Catholic High School alumnus and golfer Neal Shipley made the first hole-in-one ever in the history of TGL, which is a high-tech professional golf league based out of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida that is held indoors at the Sofi Center. Shipley was competing for the Bay Golf Club in their match last night against Los Angeles Golf Club and whacked his golf ball with a wedge into a screen on a 110-yard par 3 and back-spinned it into the hole. Shipley finished as the runner up at the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2023 and earned a spot to compete in the Masters tournament in 2024. Shipley was bounced into the limelight in his debut at that tournament, because he earned its low amateur honor and golfed along Tiger Woods in the final round of the 2024 Masters.