Author: Beaver County Radio

Man from Leetonia, Ohio charged after single-vehicle crash in Chippewa Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chippewa Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported via release on Saturday that twenty-nine-year-old Arley Yerkey of Leetonia, Ohio was charged after a single-vehicle crash in Chippewa Township on Friday evening. At 6:25 p.m., Yerkey was driving on I-376 West and her vehicle slid on the slush and snow that was on the road and lost control because of the slick conditions. The vehicle of Yerkey hit the center metal cable barrier and it became partially disabled in the left lane of travel. There were no injuries. 

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Presidents Day Holiday

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT announced today that all of its driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed from Saturday, February 14th, through Monday, February 16th, in observance of the 2026 Presidents Day holiday. Customers can also go online anytime to PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website by clicking here to obtain a variety of services and driver vehicle products, including all driver training manuals, forms and publications.

Crash occurs in Beaver Falls involving a stuck vehicle

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department, Posted on )

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) The City of Beaver Falls Fire Department returned from a minor crash on Saturday assisting the Big Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Company on Wallace Run Road in Beaver Falls. They helped with stabilizing a vehicle in a rather precarious position with two occupants that were uninjured and two dogs that were unable to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was stabilized by using a ratchet strap to its rear axle. Both the occupants and dogs were assisted from the vehicle and to a vehicle of a family member on scene.

Carolyn R. Folds (Passed on February 2nd, 2026)

Carolyn R. Folds, age 81, of Baden, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2026 after living many years with lung disease. She spent her life in Aliquippa, Center Township, and Monaca.

Carolyn was an independent free spirit who lived life on her own terms. She was known for her unmistakable sense of style, her bold clothing, eye-catching jewelry, and perfectly done hair always made a statement. Wherever she went, she brought personality and flair.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and loved being outdoors at the lake, fishing, enjoying good company, and sipping her coffee. She had a fondness for the casino, bingo, playing cards, crafting, dressing up, and dancing to oldies music. Red convertibles held a special place in her heart, symbolizing her love of freedom and fun. Above all, she cherished the time spent laughing and sharing memories with family and friends.

While her life was filled with challenges, she was a fighter until her last breath and never let those struggles break her spirit or limit the dreams of her children. She carried burdens silently so others would not have to, consistently placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Her strength showed not in what she endured, but in how she ensured her children always felt supported, encouraged, and free to chase the lives they imagined.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John S. Reid and Frances M. Reid, as well as her former husband and father of her children, Riley B. Folds, Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Anderson (Joe) of Arizona, her daughter, Johnene Petersen (Jaime) of Idaho, her son, Riley B. Folds III (Alfonso) of California, her beloved granddaughter, Emily Bogard, her special friend, Perry Alexander and a large extended family who will miss her dearly.

Carolyn was a woman of Catholic faith. Interment will take place with her parents at St. John the Baptist Cemeter, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be shared at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to BreathePA, www.breathepa.org/donate.

A special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Concordia Villa St. Joseph, especially her aide Brittany, as well as her pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Laracuente.

Donald W. Campbell, Sr. (Passed on February 5th, 2026)

Donald W. Campbell, Sr.,73 of Potter Township went to be with the Lord and Savior after a courageous, but brief battle with cancer, on February 5th, 2026.

He was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and was raised in Center Township, a son of the late James and Cora Campbell, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his son, Donald W. Campbell, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marge Kovach Campbell, his loving daughter, Marissa Campbell and her husband, Russ Kovacic, and his three adored grandchildren, Lillian, Brody, and Lance Campbell. He is also survived by his sister, Delores (Terry) Malekovic, and his two brothers, James (Diane) Campbell and Richard (Joyce) Campbell. His feline companion, Katie, will miss his presence, as he was a friend to his pets, both present and past, including the late Cotton and Snowball.

He was raised in Center Township who attended Center Area High School and soon after took a brave step to serve his nation. In 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with aboard the USS J.F. Kennedy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he pursued further education at CCBC, where he honed his skills in auto body repair, a trade that would define much of his professional life. For 31 years, he applied his expertise as an auto body technician with a craftsman’s touch and an eye for detail. His career took a new track when he joined Norfolk and Southern Railroad, where he began as a conductor and concluded his tenure as a railroad engineer. Fishing and hunting were among Don’s favorite pursuits, activities that reflected his love for the outdoors. Never one to sit idle, he was perpetually engaged in tinkering and various projects, finding solace and satisfaction in the act of creation and repair.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 10th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca who was in charge of his arrangements, and where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in John Anderson Memorial Cemetery, Aliquippa.

LaVerne Schraf (1931-2026)

LaVerne Schraf, 94, formerly of Beaver Falls and Columbiana, Ohio, passed away peacefully surronded  by family on February 3rd, 2026, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  LaVerne was the fifth of seven children and she was born on September 8th, 1931, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Leo and Pauline (Garrett) Criste. LaVerne was a member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded  in death by her husband of 70 years, Paul J. Schraf. Together they raised eight children: Karen (Bob) Botte of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Anita Miller of Gulfport, Florida, Dave (Karin) Schraf of Webster, New York,  Linda (Greg) Hildebrand  of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Betsy (Jim) Pence of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, Paula (Jim) Brown of Canfield, Ohio, Mike (Susan) Schraf of Harrisburg and Rick (Jody) Schraf  of State College. They were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. After graduating high school, LaVerne studied at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania where she earned her Associate Degree as a Laboratory Technician. She and Paul married on June 6, 1953, moved to Beaver Falls, and immediately started their family. Paul worked long hours as a flooring installer for over 40 years, while LaVerne raised the family, kept the house, made the meals, and always ensured that there were homemade desserts on hand. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children, their spouses and their children traveled to Ocean Isle Beach for a week-long vacation every July. So many wonderful memories were made during those beach trips, and LaVerne cherished the time spent together with her children and grandchildren. After her children were grown and out of the house, LaVerne continued to keep herself busy by doing various crafts. She made numerous hand painted ceramic pieces, including nativity sets and village houses, which are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She was also a prolific knitter, specializing in her famous dish rags. Several years ago she found a new “crafting” passion – Diamond Dotz. This meticulous craft involves applying variously colored tiny plastic beads to a sticky pattern to create breathtaking artwork. The results are truly amazing and beautiful. LaVerne was even featured in the local South Brunswick Magazine for her creations – imagine, a celebrity at age 94! To commemorate the second anniversary of Paul’s passing, all eight of LaVerne and Paul’s children gathered in Ocean Isle Beach on January 29th, 2026. LaVerne spent a wonderful weekend with her family, including a memorial Mass for Paul on January 31. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 3. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls,  who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery,  2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Hospice, who took such wonderful care of her beloved Paul. https://patriotathome.org/services/patriot-hospice.

Louise Carey Kylander (1932-2026)

Louise Carey Kylander, 93, of Lake Mary, Florida passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Sewickley on July 15th, 1932, a daughter of the late Claudia Heard Carey and Hampson Carey and was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, her sister, Catharine Murdock (“Petey” and her husband Jim) and her brother, James Carey and his wife, Florence (“Flossie”).

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Keith Lorenz of Lake Mary, FL, a son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Marcy Kylander of The Woodlands, Texas, and five grandchildren: Liz (Lew) Robbins, Ed (Jen) Lorenz, Chris (Jessica) Lorenz, Claire Kylander and Evelyn Kylander. She was also an adoring Gigi to six great grandchildren, Vivienne, Isaac, Jack, Chloe, Emmy and Brooke.

Louise then attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a BS in Psychology. She was married for 60 years to Dr. Walter C. Kylander Jr. She and Walt raised their two children in Beaver and then moved to Naples, Florida in retirement. He was active in the community and in her church, where she served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. When age would no longer let her play a competitive golf game, she pursued Duplicate Bridge and earned the level of Grand Master. Louise was a life-long learner and enjoyed technology and trying new things. After moving to Lake Mary, to be nearer to family and discovering that there wasn’t a competitive bridge game available, she moved to online bridge and then took up Pinochle to stay social.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 4-6 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Celebration of Life will follow on Thursday, February 12th at 11:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, College Avenue, Beaver. Interment will be in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Louise Kylander, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Marshall A. “Woody” Woods (1938-2026)

Marshall A. “Woody” Woods, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Rochester on December 20th, 1938, the son of the late Paul and Lavania (Dunlap) Woods. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Edgcomb. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie “Rose” (Lachapelle) Woods, his daughter, Michelle Frizzell and her partner, Justin Samol, his granddaughter, Kaza Ayersman and her husband, Casey Pastore, his nephew, Marshall Edgcomb and his wife, Ellen and his niece, Lynn Watson.

Marshall was an avid golfer and spent a lifetime mastering Rolling Acres Golf Course.  He proudly served in the Army, a true patriot, and spent 44 years working in the steel mill. He loved to feed the animals, especially his deer, never missed a day. Finally, he loved his wife, never missed a chance to dance in the kitchen or to tell her how much he loved her.

In accordance with Marshall’s wishes, no services are planned.

Inurnment will take place in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Arrangements were entrusted to GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS, INC- 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Glenna (West) Tomasula (1920-2026)

Glenna (West) Tomasula, 105, passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Cary, Kentucky on April 9th, 1920, a daughter of the late John and Nellie West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John (Hank) Tomasula and her siblings: Dallas West, Bill West, Bob West, and Marie Ohlinger.

Glenna is survived by her sons, Ronald Tomasula and Michael Tomasula, and her daughter, Mary (Art) Krepps. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Mathew Tomasula, Jason (April) Krepps, Joshua Krepps. Lauren (Rich) Palya, and John Tomasula, along with her great grandchildren: Taylor Krepps, Sydney Krepps, Jack Palya, Henry Palya, and Anthony Palya; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Glenna’s family of seven moved to the Beaver County area in the 1940’s as the steel mills were booming and work was plenty. She met the love of her life, John (Hank as most called him) Tomasula. They married and raised three children in the town of Beaver. She loved making her house a warm and inviting home where all were welcome. Neighborhood children would frequently gather around the kitchen table for her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her hobby of sewing grew as the years passed, and she lovingly hand stitched several beautiful quilts for her family. After Hank passed in 1984, she was invited, by her friend, Joan, to join a bowling league. There she spent most Tuesday evenings with her “bowling buddies” as she enjoyed the competition and the friendship… and her friends enjoyed her homemade fudge! Glenna wore many hats in her 105 years… but her favorite was being a loving and caring wife and mother. The family is eternally grateful to Glenna’s dear friend Ursula…. for the many wonderful and truly” special” times they shared together. Heartfelt thanks also go to Helen for her friendship and care. The family wishes to thank Nurse Jessica and Good Samaritan Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and the many services that were readily available. Often asked what her secret to her longevity was, Glenna always replied, “the love of God and family.” One of Glenna’s favorite hymns was “When the Roll is called up Yonder” and now she is happily and peacefully there.

In accordance with Glenna’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

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

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Glenna B. Tomasula, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

The Pirates are signing veteran DH Marcell Ozuna, AP source says

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)

(PITTSBURGH, PA – AP) Veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna is heading to Pittsburgh.

The 35-year-old free agent has reached an agreement with the Pirates on a one-year deal worth $12 million, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending Ozuna passing a physical.

Ozuna would give the Pirates another experienced bat to potentially boost a lineup that was among the worst in the majors in 2025. The right-handed Ozuna hit .232 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs last season for Atlanta.

Pittsburgh previously acquired All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and signed All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn during an unusually busy offseason for the club as it tries to give a young pitching staff anchored by reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes some help.

Ozuna’s arrival could mean Pittsburgh is moving on from longtime franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen. The 39-year-old, five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP, who has spent 12 of his 17 seasons in the majors with the Pirates, remains unsigned after hitting .239 with 13 homers while serving primarily as the club’s designated hitter.

Ozuna is a three-time All-Star himself and a career .269 hitter in 13 seasons with Miami, St. Louis and Atlanta. The native of the Dominican Republic has batted over .300 three times, most recently in 2024.

One of the few places where Ozuna has struggled is PNC Park, his potential new home. Ozuna is a career .225 hitter with just one home run in 36 games at the ballpark that has been historically difficult for right-handed hitters.

The Pirates are banking on Ozuna figuring it out to give a left-handed dominant lineup a little balance. Lowe, O’Hearn and outfielder Oneil Cruz are lefties. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is a switch-hitter.

The Pirates begin spring training when pitchers and catchers report to their complex in Bradenton, Florida, later this week.