Author: Beaver County Radio

Contest at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show celebrated the much-maligned but enduring mullet

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Austyn Whirt, 18, prepares for a mullet hairstyle contest, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A contest that celebrates the much-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle will get underway Monday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The short-in-the-front, long-in-the-back coiffure, once the province of Canadian hockey players and hair metal bands, was expected to attract dozens of competitors for the day’s “mane” attraction. Categories included children under 5, throwback mullets and the patriotic Flow of Freedom Award.

Ben Barley, 7, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, arrived at the event with his parents two hours ahead of the event wearing a T-shirt featuring his name and the words “MULLET LIFE 6-7,” a nod to both his hairstyle and the bafflingly popular youth catchphrase. He said he’d been working on his mullet for two years.

Though mullets likely have been around longer than there have been barbers, the Oxford English Dictionary cites hip hop legends the Beastie Boys for helping popularize the term mullet with the song “Mullet Head” on their 1994 recording, “Ill Communication.” As the venerable dictionary notes, it’s a term that is slang, humorous “and frequently derogatory.”

The contest, in its third year, is one of the few at the fair open to people who live outside Pennsylvania.

Aliquippa School District Exceeds Guaranteed Energy Savings, Generates Over $330,000 in Verified Cost Reductions

(File Photo of the Aliquippa School District Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) According to a release on Saturday from Phillip K. Woods, Superintendent of Schools for Aliquippa School District, that district announced that it has exceeded its guaranteed energy savings for the second consecutive year, generating significant financial savings while modernizing school facilities and improving learning environments for students and staff. Aliquippa School District has realized a cumulative total of $331,710 in verified savings since the start of this project, which includes $22,523 in excess savings beyond contractual guarantees and these arte funds that directly benefit their district’s financial stability and long-term planning. According to the Year 2 Measurement & Verification (M&V) Report completed as part of the District’s Energy Services Contract, Aliquippa School District achieved $162,767 in total verified savings during Year 2 alone, surpassing its guaranteed savings by $7,747. Woods confirms that the savings stemmed from a series of district-wide energy conservation improvements, which included the conversion to high-efficiency LED lighting, the HVAC and building automation upgrades, the improved air filtration and system controls, the power factor corrections to reduce electrical demand costs and the window and masonry upgrades to enhance building efficiency and longevity. Those improvements not only reduced maintenance and utility costs, but also improved the quality of lighting, the indoor air comfort, as well as the safety and the system reliability across both school buildings. In Year 2 of the project alone, Aliquippa School District recorded utility cost savings of $28,583, operations and maintenance savings of $8,478 and energy-related cost avoidance that is ongoing that totaled $125,706 annually.

TV show filming in Beaver will limit parking

By Scott Tady

BEAVER — Filming for the Apple TV+ series “Parallax” will continue this week in Beaver, affecting parking and traffic flow.

There will be no parking on Third Street, between Market and Insurance streets, Monday through Thursday. Parking will be restricted on Third Street, between Insurance Street and College Avenue, Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to a Beaver Police Department statement, there will be intermittent traffic control between Insurance and Beaver streets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Traffic may be temporarily stopped or slowed during filming.

“Parallax” stars Liev Schreiber as an ex-soldier-turned-homicide detective who relocates from Philadelphia to a small town in Western Pennsylvania in search of a quieter life. He soon confronts a dangerous and cunning serial killer threatening his family and community.

Schreiber, an Emmy Award nominee for Showtime’s “Ray Donovan,” and other “Parallax” cast members already have been filming scenes in Beaver and Allegheny counties, including scenes previously shot near the Beaver Gazebo and along the borough’s Fifth Street.

Liev Schreiber stars in a Apple+ TV show filming in Beaver. (UPI File Photo)

New coffee shop celebrates grand opening in New Brighton

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 12, 2026 12:15 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) A new coffee shop celebrated their grand opening in New Brighton Monday morning.

The Coffee Village, located at 400 Ninth Street, is the latest installment at the recently renovated ‘Old Foodland’ building.

The locally owned shop offers high quality coffee, specialty espresso drinks, teas, and more with indoor seating and a drive-thru.

The shop owner and staff were joined by members of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am Monday.

Also in attendance were New Brighton Mayor Valerie McKelvey and State Representative Roman Kozak, in addition to others.

The Coffee Village also operates locations at Brighton Rehab and Heritage Valley in Brighton Township, Sewickley, and Pittsburgh.

More information on the The Coffee Village is available at coffeevillages.com

Cynthia Jo Hurst (1954-2026)

Cynthia Jo Hurst, 71, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2026, following a valiant and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on May 16th, 1954, a daughter of the late Douglass and Lorraine (Gusavage) VanLuvender. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Susan Murgido and Diane VanLuvender. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Charles M. Hurst; children, Charles “Chuck” Hurst and Sherri (Scott Norman) Hurst, her beloved grandchildren: Talia, Cole, Charlotte, and Olivia; as well as her niece, Amanda Morin, her sisters, Deborah Kelly and Denise (Bradley) Schleicher, along with numerous nieces and nephews, her church family, and special friends who traveled near and far to share in her life and passions, cherishing the hobbies she loved, and the memories they created together.

Cynthia graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Temple University and went on to retire as a self-employed pharmacist.  Her greatest joy was her family and being an amazing and crazy Mimi to her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and taking girls trips to New York City, Sedona, Florida, Wisconsin and numerous other places, all while making stops at every small business and mom-and-pop shop she could find. She was a devout member of Chapel Presbyterian Church, PCA, in Beaver, and she formed many strong relationships with other members.

The family sincerely extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Celebration Villa and Gateway Hospice for their dedicated care and support during this difficult time. Their kindness provided comfort and support to her and her family throughout this journey.

Friends are welcome to attend a memorial service to honor Cynthia’s life on Saturday, January 17th at 11 A.M. at Chapel Presbyterian Church, PCA, 625 Barclay Hill Road, Beaver.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk, Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Cynthia and her family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

William “Bill” Lewis (1940-2026)

William “Bill” Lewis, 85, of Beaver, passed away on January 9th, 2026, at St Barnabas – Beaver Meadows.

He was born in Rimersburg, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 1940, a son of the late Allen and Fay Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, his brother, Clifton “Packy” Lewis and his sister, Evelyn Williams. He is survived by his two sons, Bret (Beth) Lewis of Clinton, Pennsylvania and Bradley Lewis of Cary, North Carolina, one daughter, Deanna Mahkovec, of Phoenix, Arizona, one sister-in-law, Carolyn Lewis, as well as five grandchildren: Madison, twins, Mason & Lucas Mahkovec and Joel and Wesley Langmann; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

William was a proud United States Army Veteran stationed at Camp Wolters, TX Helicopter School. He was a 1958 graduate of Beaver High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Business. He held several positions over his professional career, mainly as a Buyer for Rockwell Int’l in New Castle and a Materials Manager for Benson Int’l in Mineral Wells, West Virginia. Bill was an avid golfer and sports fan, always rooting for his Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers. He coached his boys in little league baseball and was also a Scout Master, as well as Treasurer of the Western PA Corvette Club for a time. He enjoyed “snow birding” with his wife to their home in Sarasota, Florida and was always kept busy tending to his rental properties. He had also been a member of the Rochester Turners, V.F.W., and Elks.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, January 13th from 3-7 p.m., in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a Funeral Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14th. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Interment to follow with his wife, Judy, at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Bills name to Help Disabled Veterans, www.ihelpveterans.org, or Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, www.givebigpittsburgh.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William “Bill” Lewis, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Zachery “Zach” James Tulowitzki (1991-2026)

Zachery “Zach” James Tulowitzki, 34, of Darlington, passed away unexpectedly on January 8th, 2026.

He was born in Denver, Colorado on September 4th, 1991, the son of Tammy Carr and the late Jeffery Scott Tulowitzki. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his grandparents, Ray and Judy Maathuis and Jack and Lisa Davis, his siblings, Melissa (Ed Leek) Tulowitzki and Deseree (Brandon) Thoma, four nephews, Carter, Leo, Joseph and John, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, his girlfriend, Kara Murphy, as well as their unborn son. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Tulowitzki, his maternal grandmother, Linda Bell and his step-father, Robert Lee Carr.

Zachery was truly talented at his trade as a Master Technician at Beaver County Nissan. He had a great love for Pittsburgh Sports and having attended many sporting events, enjoyed the outdoors, specifically fishing and was an avid golfer and dirt biker rider. He also had a passion for live music. He also played the guitar and sang.

A Celebration of Life Service for Zachary will be announced at a later date. Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Zachery “Zach” James Tulowitzki, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Nada Sylvia Dzuro (1938-2026)

Nada Sylvia Dzuro, 87, a resident of Center Township, passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2026. She was born in Aliquippa on May 3rd, 1938.

Nada was a kind and caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt, and a friend to everyone who knew her. Her warmth and generosity touched many lives. She will be remembered for the love she shared so freely with those around her. Above all else, Nada cherished her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with them, celebrating milestones and creating lasting memories.

She was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and for many years worked for Mellon Bank before retiring. Nada developed many close friendships with her co-workers which lasted a lifetime.

Nada shared a special bond with her sister Joann, her loyal, loving, and devoted companion. Together they became famous among family and friends for their delicious homemade cookies. Whether it was a wedding or a holiday gathering, their sweet creations were always a highlight of the celebration.

In her leisure time, Nada enjoyed crafts of all kinds. She had talents for needlepoint knitting and sewing, often creating beautiful pieces that reflected her patience and creativity. These hobbies brought her peace and fulfillment throughout the years.

Nada developed a special bond with her nieces Megan, Kristen and Erin Wawro, and Leann Schmid. Nada very much enjoyed their many visits and their companionship over the years.

Nada deeply loved her grandchildren, Nicole Lewis and her husband, Eric, Anthony Cerilli and wife Cara, Kaitlyn Hoover and her husband, Jordan and Dylan Dzuro. She took great pride in watching them grow. Her heart expanded even more with the arrival of her great grandchildren, Violet and Elliana Lewis and Lucille Hoover. Each held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her sister, Joann Wawro, her daughter, Debbie (Dzuro) Cerilli, her son-in-law John Cerilli and her son, Thomas Dzuro. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Dzuro, her mother, Mary “Baba” Wawro, her father, Paul Wawro, her brother, Ronald Wawro and her dear friends, Olga and Zeke Fechushak.

Over these past few years, Nada formed many special relationships with the staff at Apple Blossom Senior Living. Their outpouring of love, care, and kindness will never be forgotten.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 15th from 2-6 p.m., at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Friday, January 16th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca.

Ricky J. Stuck (1962-2026)

Ricky J. Stuck, 63, of Beaver Falls passed away on January 9th, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on October 6th, 1962, a son of the late Theodore Stuck and Norma (Plum) Stuck. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene (Frank) Stuck and Jeffrey Stuck and an infant brother, Teddy Stuck, a sister in-law, Tracy Stuck and a nephew, James Plum. He is survived by his wife, Toni (Powell) Stuck of Beaver Falls, his three daughters, Crystal (Clinton) Gray, Melissa Stuck and Jessica Stuck, ten stepchildren: Heather (Aj) Wooley, Ron (Monique) Adkins, Stephanie(Jesse) Giles, Holly Adkins, Tiffany (Chad) Vandeborne, Josh (Nikki) Adkins, Ashley Adkins, Brian Adkins, Jason Adkins and Jamie Adkins; as well as his pet, Millie (Baby), seventeen grandchildren, one brother, Scott Stuck and one sister, Tammy Stuck, along with countless nieces and nephews.

Ricky was a jokester at heart, always quick to crack a joke and never missing an opportunity to scare someone just to hear them laugh. He cherished time spent gathered around a table with family, whether playing board games, cards, dice, or bingo. He was the kind of person who offered a helping hand without hesitation and never complained. Known for his mechanical skills, he was the go to person whenever someone had car trouble. He had a deep love for classic cars and looked forward to the car cruise every summer. He was a loyal fan who also enjoyed cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and would never miss a game. During the summer months, one of his greatest joys was planting a garden filled with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and sharing it with family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 15th from 4-7 p.m. with a service to follow, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

At Ricky’s request, we ask that everyone wear either a pocket tee, Steelers shirt, or a flannel and a pair of jeans. Please don’t worry about dressing formal as he would prefer everyone be comfortable.

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

Michael R. Potter (1942-2026)

Michael R. Potter, 83, of Freedom, passed away on January 10th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 21, 1942, a son of the late James and Dorothy (McAteer) Potter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Potter and Billy Potter. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Bayorek) Potter, his daughter, Monica (Paul) Bigley, his son, Michael Potter and his daughter, Dory Pierce, two stepdaughters, Joann (Thomas) Guyaux and Nikki (Mike) Stevens, five granddaughters and one grandson, four step-granddaughters and three step-grandsons and a combination of thirteen great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation for Michael on Tuesday, January 13th, from 11 A.M. until the time of service commencing at 12 noon in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. At the family’s request, interment will be private.

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