Author: Beaver County Radio

Savannah Guthrie makes offscreen visit to NBC’s “Today” show for the first time since her mother went missing

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Savannah Guthrie visits the Today show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Savannah Guthrie made an off-camera appearance Thursday at NBC’s “Today” show studios to thank colleagues for their support since her mother Nancy went missing from her Arizona home a month ago.

The “Today” show said Guthrie, a longtime co-host of the morning news program, plans to return to the air at some point but “remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home outside Tucson on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will.

The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of their mother, but solid information in the case has been hard to come by.

Savannah Guthrie has been a co-anchor of the venerable NBC morning show since 2012. One of her former colleagues, Hoda Kotb, has returned to “Today” to fill in while Guthrie has concentrated on finding her mother.

Lucille “Candy” Williams (1946-2026)

Lucille “Candy” Williams, 79, of Ambridge, passed away on March 4th, 2026.

She was born on December 15th, 1946, and was preceded in death by her parents, Georgella and Raven Williams, her mother, Beatrice Kimbrough, her lifelong companion, Samuel Blair, her brothers, Otis “Uncle Sam” Smith and Raven Williams, her sister, Mary Catherine Williams, her maternal grandparents, Henry and Birdie Bratton, her uncles, Phillip, Luther, and Henry Bratton, her aunt, Carrie McIver, her nephew, Phillip James Bratton and her special friends: Sissy Cooper, Jackie and Herman Joyner, Carol Underwood, and Debbie Allison. She is survived by her sons, Mikee (Kelly) Williams and Maury (Vena) Williams, her sister, Roberta “Wendy” Kimbrough, her brother, Phillip (Pamela) Bratton, her nieces and nephews: Damon (Jaime) Bratton, Darnell (Tracy) Bratton, Teylore Bratton, Sheree Bratton, Devonte Allison, and Durann Allison; as well as her grandchildren: Dylan (Autumn) Norris, Auni Williams, Laylay Williams, Isaac Williams, and Sonny “Baby Boy” Williams; as well as her special friend, Joanne Berry, her special roommate, Joan Marie Robinson, her special cousins, the Berry and Yokley families, as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of friends throughout Ambridge.

After Lucille graduated from high school, she joined Job Corps where she learned several trades, but her passion ultimately led her to the medical field. She worked for more than 30 years as a respiratory technician at Bellevue Suburban Hospital in Pennsylvania. She later worked at the Ambridge Municipal Office until her retirement, and continued serving others by working a few days a week providing in-home care for the elderly. In time, she fully retired and devoted herself to enjoying life with her family, whom she loved dearly. She was known for her cooking, especially her black-eyed peas and her delicious linguine. She also enjoyed sitting on her porch, talking with friends, and sharing spirited conversations: often playfully arguing with her late brother, Otis.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11th, from 4 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 6 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Former Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin gets a new job as a senior assistant with the Arizona Cardinals

(Caption and Credit for Photo: Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin laughs with the media before mandatory mini-camp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. (Lucy Schaly/Post-Gazette)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Glendale, AZ) A source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler today that former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is joining the staff of the Arizona Cardinals as a senior assistant. Austin was the defensive coordinator of the Steelers for four seasons and he was the last assistant from the staff of former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to find a new job. Patrick Graham, who was previously the defensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, replaced Austin as the defensive coordinator for the Steelers.

Lifesteps Announces Open Registration for Fall Preschool (PA Pre-K Counts) in Armstrong, Beaver, & Butler Counties

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Lifesteps)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler, PA) According to a release in Butler today from Lifesteps, it is now accepting registrations for the 2026-2027 PA Pre-K Counts program, serving qualified families in Armstrong, Beaver, and Butler Counties. Preparing children for kindergarten by supporting their academic, emotional and social development in a nurturing learning environment is what this high-quality preschool program is designed to do. Pre-K Counts is a program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that provides children that are turning three or four years old by their district’s kindergarten cut-off date access to structured, play-based learning that is led
by certified teachers. Lifesteps classrooms focuses on confidence-building, early literacy, math readiness and social skills so it can help children enter kindergarten ready to succeed. You can visit the Lifesteps webiste by clicking here for details regarding eligibility and information about application. According to that same release from Lifesteps, families that are enrolled in Lifesteps’ Pre-K Counts program benefit from:

  • Families enrolled in Lifesteps Pre-K Counts program benefit from
  • Certified teachers
  • Evidence-based curriculum and assessment
  • Small class size options
  • Family engagement and support services
  • Safe, inclusive, welcoming learning environments
  • Half-day (3 hours) and Full-day (5.5 hours) options
  • Daily meal and/or snack included

Enrollment is open to families that are income-eligible, but space is limited, so apply early to secure placement for the 2026-2027 school year.

Highland Middle School Kids of STEEL Program to Receive Grant Support from P3R

(File Photo of the Blackhawk School District Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Highland Middle School in the Blackhawk School District will welcome Maria DeCello of P3R and the Kids of STEEL program on March 12th, 2026, during the team’s regularly scheduled practice as the school receives grant funding to support its growing youth running program. The Highland Middle School Kids of STEEL program prepares student-athletes and their families to participate in events that are associated with the Pittsburgh Marathon that takes place each spring. Students train together while building lifelong habits centered on goal setting, physical activity, and teamwork through the program. DeCello will present grant funding from P3R to support the continued growth and success of the Highland Middle School program. The funding will help provide resources that ensure more students and families can participate in training and upcoming race events during the practice on March 12th, 2026.

Allegheny Health Network’s Cardiovascular Institute Opens Clinic Dedicated to Congenital Heart Disease in Adult Patient Populations

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, (AHN), AHN Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh announced the launch today of its comprehensive Adult Congenital Heart Center, which is a regional resource for patients with abnormal heart chamber structures, holes in the heart, malformed valves and other heart defects. This center is led by Allegheny Health Network’s Nael Aldweib, MD, who is a board-certified cardiologist that specializes in congenital heart disease and heart failure. Up to 2.4 million Americans have some form of congenital heart disease (CHD), and that number continues to grow, according to the American Heart Association. 

Andrew McCutchen, 39, and the Texas Rangers make agreement for his minor league contract

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen sits in the dugout before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Sept. 6, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File)

(AP) The Texas Rangers and outfielder Andrew McCutchen agreed to a minor league contract.

As part of the deal announced Friday, the 39-year-old would make $1.5 million this season while playing in the major leagues if he’s added to the 40-man roster.

McCutchen has three weeks of spring training to show the Rangers he’s worth a spot. They’re well-positioned in the outfield with rising standouts Wyatt Langford in left field and Evan Carter in center field and veteran newcomer Brandon Nimmo in right field.

Still, Carter was limited by injuries to 63 games in 2025, so depth is a concern that McCutchen could help alleviate. His right-handed bat could also serve as a natural complement at the designated hitter spot, where left-handed hitter Joc Pederson is slated for the bulk of the playing time.

McCutchen played the last three seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the club that drafted him in the first round in 2005 and promoted him in 2009 for his major league debut. McCutchen played his first nine years in MLB with the Pirates, making five straight All-Star teams and winning the 2013 National League MVP award while becoming one of the most popular players in that franchise’s history.

McCutchen bounced around with four other teams between 2018 and 2022, before reuniting with the Pirates. He played in 135 games last season, with 13 home runs, 57 RBIs and a .700 OPS. When the Pirates reported to spring training last month, general manager Ben Cherington publicly kept the door open to bringing back McCutchen, but the signing of veteran Marcell Ozuna effectively eliminated a spot on their roster for him.

“No matter what, Andrew’s a Pirate and certainly our desire will be to continue to have a really strong relationship with him into the future, whatever that looks like,” Cherington said then.

Dolores “Dolly” Margaret (Mihalow) Paul (1931-2026)

Dolores “Dolly” Margaret (Mihalow) Paul, 95, of Baden, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 3rd, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and generosity.

She was born in Harmony Township on January 12th, 1931, the cherished daughter of the late Nicholas and Margaret Milhalow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jacque Arlington Paul, and her brother, Nicholas Mihalow Jr. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Gregory Paul and Jeffrey (Heidi) Paul, and a proud grandmother to her two granddaughters, Rhyan Paul (Zachary Harris) and Jacquelyn Paul (Otis Koller), her former daughter-in-law, Ricki Paul, the mother of Rhyan and Jacquelyn. Her granddaughters brought immeasurable joy to her life and were among her greatest blessings.

Dolores was a graduate of Ambridge Area Senior High School and a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Baden. She shared more than 50 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Jacque Arlington Paul, before his passing in 2009. Together, they built a life centered on family and steadfast partnership. Their union stood as an example to all who knew them. She had a love for art and creativity. She spent countless peaceful hours coloring and creating with acrylic and watercolor markers reflecting her gentle spirit and appreciation for beauty. For over 20 years, she was a respected sales representative at JCPenney, where her savvy sales techniques, personable style, and genuine care for customers made her both successful and beloved. Her professionalism and warmth earned her numerous sales awards. After retiring in 1995, she enjoyed spending more time with family and embracing life’s simple pleasures.

Dolores will be remembered as a generous gift-giver to loved ones and friends. Whether it was a thoughtfully chosen present, a handwritten note, or simply her time and attention, she gave from the heart. Her kindness, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15th, from 1 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4:30 p.m. at the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Anyone who wishes to attend, should meet at the John Syka Funeral Home Inc. by 11:15 a.m., leaving no later than 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Monday, March 16th.  A luncheon will be provided following interment. Additional details will be shared at the visitation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dolores Paul, please visit our floral store.

Heather Nicole Pauley (1978-2026)

Heather Nicole Pauley, 47, of Beaver, passed away on February 27th, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 29th, 1978, a daughter of Kirby Ashburn and the late Carol Hanson. In addition to her father, she is survived by two daughters, Isabella and Lillian Pauley, as well as their father, Daryl, her loving companion, Dave Boehm Jr., one step-son, Landan Boehm, one sister, Courtnie Boniey, one brother, Drew Ashburn, two nephews, Jason Norman and Barrett Ashburn, and one niece, Charlize Frye, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Heather was a 1996 graduate of Point Pleasant High School, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where she excelled in the band program and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Following, She went on to get her license in Cosmetology and later became a business owner. She was also an affiliate of Pruvitt, where she dedicated herself to helping others and changing lives. Heather was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

Heather’s wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of life following. Friends will be received on Saturday, March 7th, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Ave, Beaver, with a service following at 11:15 a.m. A reception will take place following the service, where all are welcome to continue fellowship and remembrance. Celebrating will be Pastor Jeff Arnold. In Heather’s honor, the family would love guests to join them in wearing her favorite color, purple, a color that suited her personality perfectly. Arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074.