Author: Beaver County Radio

Evgeni Malkin leads Penguins past Flyers 4-1 in Scrappy Contest

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in a scrappy contest on Monday night.

Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson and Chad Ruhwedel also scored for Pittsburgh, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 36 saves.

“I thought we got better as the night went on,” Nedeljkovic said.

Owen Tippett scored for the Flyers, who have lost seven of nine.

“They were the better team,” Philadelphia coach John Tortorella said. “We weren’t good enough in either end.”

The game was feisty between the in-state rivals, with several scrums around the net and in the corners after plays. The teams combined for 11 penalties that totaled 24 minutes.

Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang was bloodied 5:43 into the third after he threw Philadelphia’s Garnet Hathaway to the ice before getting a stick in the face from Nicolas Deslauriers. Twenty-six seconds later, Scott Laughton and Malkin were scuffling along the back boards.

The Flyers honored their late founder and owner Ed Snider on Saturday, and Snider certainly would have approved of the physical play from the Flyers, whose tough fighting style earned them the nickname “Broad Street Bullies” when they won back-to-back Stanley Cups during Snider’s tenure in 1974 and ’75.

Perhaps Philadelphia was showing its frustration after Malkin capitalized on a turnover by defenseman Egor Zamula and netted his 15th of the season 4:29 into the third to put Pittsburgh comfortably in front 4-1.

“We’ve been playing really well as of late and it makes it easy, makes it fun,” Nedeljkovic said. “That’s how you want to play.”

The Penguins will have a chance to even the four-game season series when they host Philadelphia in the final contest between the teams on Feb. 25.

Rakell opened the scoring just 45 seconds into the contest with a power-play tally after an early tripping penalty on Sean Couturier. Karlsson’s shot from long range through a screen almost seven minutes later beat goalie Carter Hart, who made 36 stops.

Tippett got the Flyers on the board with 5:05 left in the first period with a rare power-play goal for Philadelphia. The Flyers entered last in the league by converting on just 10.2% (13 of 128) of their chances this season. But Tippett finished on a wrist shot from the right circle after a beautiful setup from Zamula.

“We’re just struggling scoring,” Tortorella said. “We don’t have enough people going offensively.”

A surprising trade was announced in the first period. The Flyers acquired defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in 2025 from Anaheim for high-scoring college left wing Cutter Gauthier.

Department of Labor & Industry to Award up to $2.8 Million In Grant Funding to Direct Care Workforce

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced Monday that $2.8 million in grant funding will be heading to the direct care workforce, in the hopes of improving job quality and advancement opportunities for direct care workers who handle patients with disabilities and older patients..

Organizations including local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, healthcare organizations, and others are eligible to apply. 

Applicants may request awards of up to $600,000 each with a performance period beginning July 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026. The deadline to apply is Feb. 29, 2024.

Frances M. Kathary (1942-2024)

Frances M. “Fran” Kathary, 81, of Center Twp., passed away at home, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, with her husband by her side.
Born on July 14, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Fran was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Huffman. Fran was a member of the Slippery Rock Camp Ground, where she enjoyed spending a majority of her summers for the past 40 years. She will be remembered as loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Along with her parents, Fran is preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Huffman; and sister, Carol Huffman.
Fran will be greatly missed by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Donald C. Kathary; daughters Crystal (Gregory) Conjeski, Beaver, and Tina (James) Lowman, Plum; grandchildren, Michael ( Whitney) Conjeski, Eric (Maggie) Conjeski, and Colton Lowman; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Conjeski, Alexia Conjeski, and Zackary Conjeski; and her faithful four-legged companion, Susie-Q.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 2pm until the time of service at 5:30pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Inurnment to take place at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Mark Alan Smilek (1973-2024)

Mark Alan Smilek, 50, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice, Heritage Valley – Beaver.

Born on March 23, 1973, in New Brighton, he was the son of Robert Smilek and Arlene (Frederick) Ciccone.

Mark was a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, where he was a member of the Pentagon Protection Defense Force.  He was a valued member of the Beaver Valley community as he served as a Police Officer for Sewickley Borough Police Department, Baden Academy SRO, as well as Chief of the Ohioville Police Department.  He was a proud member of the Beaver Valley Chiefs of Police Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers, the NRA, and the Steel Valley Lodge.  Mark was an outdoorsman, having been an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Dr. Hilary (Miller) Jones; stepdaughters, Gwendolyn and Meredith Jones; his sisters, Tammy (Duane) Popham and Adrienne (Walter) Miller; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends throughout the Beaver Valley.

Mark was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Stella Smilek; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Freda Frederick.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 12th from 2PM to 7PM at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, January 13th at 11AM with Fr. Kim Schreck as celebrant.

Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery.

Mark’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Dr. Rafic Farah of Hillman Cancer Center, along with nurses Linda, Anna, Jules, and Sandy; his nurses at UPMC Shadyside, Stephanie, Tina, and Andrea; as well as his Nurse Practitioner, Densie Winfield.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in his name to www.reelrecovery.org

Phyllis Rosalie Alice Eaton (1932-2024)

Phyllis Rosalie Alice Eaton (Holland) age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 6, 2024. Phyllis was born on October 24, 1932, to the late George and Winifred Holland, in Holmbury St. Mary, Surrey, England. She attended school in Dorking Surrey and Art College in Kingston, Surrey. She was a very talented artist, that talent has been carried on in her children and grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of the late David Malcom Eaton who passed away in 2019.

The family emigrated to the U.S. in 1971 where Phyllis continued to be an amazing wife and mother as they raised their family. She leaves to grieve her 4 children, Sara Young (Anthony) Nassau New York, Matthew Eaton (Kathleen) Beaver Falls, PA, Jeremy Eaton Seattle, WA and Sophie Eaton San Rafael, CA. 6 Grandchildren, Aimee Suchocki (Billy), Jessica Eaton, Zachary Gorrell, Brittany Elwonger (Austin), Katie Eaton, JayJay Eaton and 4 great-grandchildren, Sacred and Brelon Allen, Ella and Ali Suchocki, and her wonderful companion over the years, her cat Ladybird.

The family would like to thank our dear family friend and caretaker Sherry, for the years of companionship and care she gave to Phyllis. Barb our dear aid who gave Phyllis undivided attention and kept her engaged during her final stage of Alzheimer’s.  Kay and Liz for filling in as needed.  Advanced Hospice, for going above and beyond until our last hours together.  You were all God sent and we could not have survived this without you or your prayers.

We will think of Phyllis in heaven with David, her husband, watching over all their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, in their lifetime achievements. Also, cheering on their beloved Pittsburgh sports teams. Love and miss you, Mum.

Services will be held privately at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

John W. Turner (1946-2024)

John W. Turner, of Moon Twp. Died on January 4, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford.  He was born in Oakmont, on February 25, 1946 the son of the late John & Bette Turner.

John earned his BA from Westminster College in English. John was an avid Ham radio operator. He had an advanced Extra General License. He communicated with multitude of Hams around the world. He received many awards.

John is survived by his wife of 49 yrs. Sandra L. (Sroka) Turner.  Brother-in-law, Larry Sroka, Pittsburgh.  Sister-in-law, Deborah Ehland (Leo), Robinson Twp. Nephews, Patrick Ehland & Sean Ehland. His dog, Toby, will miss him as well.

In addition to his parents John was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Barbara Sroka.

Friends will be received on Tuesday January 9th from 3-7PM in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd.) Where a blessing service will be held on Wednesday at 11AM. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. (www.humaneanimalrescue.org)

Elvira “Vera” E. Tedys (1943-2024)

Elvira E. Tedys, 80, Baden, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Angelina Bufalini. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David P. Tedys, sister, Clementine Noble, brother, Louis Bufalini. Surviving are her children, David (Sharon) Tedys, Andrea (Michael) Wise, Daniel (Holly) Tedys, Amy (Greg) Edder, grandchildren, Amber Vargo, Matt, Aaron, and Kyle Tedys, Joshua, Zachary, and Nate Wise, Ashley and Dylan Tedys, Christian and Maddie Edder, great grandchildren, Jack, Bentley, Aubree, Mylah, Enzo, and one on the way, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elvira enjoyed singing and dancing, but most of all loved and adored her family and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 2 PM until time of funeral service at 6 PM at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. Burial will be private.

Rosemary K. Flajnik (1948-2024)

Rosemary K. Flajnik, age 75, un- expectedly passed away on January 4, 2024, in her Rochester home. Born on May 1, 1948, in Rochester, Rosie was the beloved daughter of Albert and Nada Flajnik. She was predeceased by her loving parents. Rosie attended St. Cecilia Catholic grade and elementa- ry school in Rochester PA before transitioning to Mount Gallitzin, an all-girls Catholic High School in Baden. She continued her education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in audiology. Rosie furthered her studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Early Education. Rosie started her career as an audi- ologist for PSEA Beaver County. During this time, she also served on the Hopewell School Board. Rosie left the world of education and started a long and prosperous career at Staples where she retired after 24 years. She also was a loving caregiver for her mother, Nada. Rosie was a dedicated member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley), Where she served on multiple committees, especially working with youth groups. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and her commitment to the church was unwavering. In the 1970s Rosie was the organizer of the St. Cecilia contemporary music group, performing at Masses and throughout
Beaver County in various venues. Rosie is survived by her brother, Martin (Susan) Flajnik of Ellicott City, MD, and her sister, Christine (Ish) Rivera. She also leaves behind three nieces, Ariel (Alfred) Flajnik-Plitt, Natalia Rivera, Amanda Rivera, and one nephew, Miguel Rivera. Rosie was also a cherished godmother to many. The funeral arrangements are being handled by I and J Spratt Funeral Home. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Rosie’s life and bid her farewell, Saturday, January 13, from 9am until the Mass of Christian burial at 10am, in the Our Lady of the Valley, St. Cecilia Parish, Rochester.
Private inurnment will follow the service at St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery. In memory of Rosie, her family kindly requests donations to be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley) in Rochester, PA. Rosie’s warm presence, kind heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

First US lunar lander in more than 50 years rockets toward moon with commercial deliveries

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first U.S. lunar lander in more than 50 years rocketed to space Monday, launching a race for private companies to deliver experiments and other items to the moon.

Astrobotic Technology’s lander caught a ride on a brand new rocket, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan. The Vulcan streaked through the Florida predawn sky, putting the spacecraft on a roundabout route to the moon that should culminate with an attempted landing on Feb. 23.

“We are on our way to the moon!” Astrobotic chief executive John Thornton said.

The Pittsburgh company aims to be the first private business to successfully land on the moon, something only four countries have accomplished. But a Houston company also has a lander ready to fly, and could beat it to the lunar surface, taking a more direct path.

NASA gave the two companies millions to build and fly their own lunar landers. The space agency wants the privately owned landers to scope out the place before astronauts arrive while delivering NASA tech and science experiments as well as odds and ends for other customers. Astrobotic’s contract for the Peregrine lander: $108 million.

The last time the U.S. launched a moon-landing mission was in December 1972. Apollo 17’s Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt became the 11th and 12th men to walk on the moon, closing out an era that has remained NASA’s pinnacle.

The space agency’s new Artemis program — named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology — looks to return astronauts to the moon’s surface within the next few years. First will be a lunar fly-around with four astronauts, possibly before the end of the year.

Highlighting Monday’s moonshot was the long-delayed initial test flight of the Vulcan rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The 202-foot (61-meter) rocket is essentially an upgraded version of ULA’s hugely successful workhorse Atlas V, which is being phased out along with the company’s Delta IV. Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, provided the Vulcan’s two main engines.

ULA declared success once the lander was free of the rocket’s upper stage, nearly an hour into the flight. “Yee-haw!” shouted chief executive Tory Bruno. “I am so thrilled, I can’t tell you how much.”

The Soviet Union and the U.S. racked up a string of successful moon landings in the 1960s and 70s, before putting touchdowns on pause. China joined the elite club in 2013 and India in 2023. But last year also saw landers from Russia and a private Japanese company slam into the moon. An Israeli nonprofit crashed in 2019.

Next month, SpaceX will provide the lift for a lander from Intuitive Machines. The Nova-C lander’s more direct one-week route could see both spacecraft attempting to land within days or even hours of one another.

The hourlong descent to the lunar surface — by far the biggest challenge — will be “exciting, nail-biting, terrifying all at once,” Thornton said.

Besides flying experiments for NASA, Astrobotic drummed up its own freight business, packing the 6-foot-tall (1.9-meter-tall) Peregrine lander with everything from a chip of rock from Mount Everest and toy-size cars from Mexico that will catapult to the lunar surface and cruise around, to the ashes and DNA of deceased space enthusiasts, including “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke.

The Navajo Nation recently sought to have the launch delayed because of the human remains. saying it would be a “profound desecration” of a celestial body revered by Native Americans. Thornton said the December objections came too late but promised to try to find “a good path forward” with the Navajo for future missions.

One of the spaceflight memorial companies that bought room on the lander, Celestis, said in a statement that no single culture or religion owns the moon and should not be able to veto a mission. More remains are on the rocket’s upper stage, which was boosted into a perpetual orbit around the sun reaching as far out as Mars.

Cargo fares for Peregrine ranged from a few hundred dollars to $1.2 million per kilogram (2.2 pounds), not nearly enough for Astrobotic to break even. But for this first flight, that’s not the point, according to Thornton.

“A lot of people’s dreams and hopes are riding on this,” he said.