Author: Beaver County Radio

Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike reopens in New Stanton after crash occurs in Somerset County

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Vehicles move past signs that indicate payment methods for driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the entrance ramp in Gibsonia, Pa. in this file photo from Aug. 30, 2021. Gov. Tom Wolf gave final approval on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, to legislation aimed at getting owners or operators of some 25,000 vehicles to pay their overdue bills for turnpike usage, The law that could trigger the suspension of thousands of vehicle registrations early next year. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Somerset County, PA) The Pennsylvania Turnpike eastbound reopened in New Stanton this morning after a crash occurred east of the Allegheny Tunnel. According to Pennsylvania State Police in Somerset, a commercial vehicle rolled on its side shortly before 6 a.m. near mile 129 between the Somerset and Bedford interchanges, blocking all of the lanes. Forty-three-year-old Ying Fu of La Puente, California lost control of the tractor-trailer that he was driving while trying to stop for the overturned vehicle, and he hit a guide rail and crashed, which also blocked all of the lanes. Fu was taken to a hospital with a suspected minor injury and he was charged by police. A few hours after the incident, the Pennsylvania Turnpike east from New Stanton Exit 75 to Breezewood Exit 161 reopened.

Former Ellwood City police officer pleads guilty to a charge from June incident at a Lawrence County Sheetz store

(Original photo credit: Courtesy of Rachel Rausch, Screen shot from social media post)  

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Former Ellwood City police officer Robert Magnifico of Ellwood City pleaded guilty on December 18th, 2025 to a single summary charge of harassment, while five second-degree misdemeanor charges were withdrawn in the case. According to public court records, Magnifico appeared at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jerry G. Cartwright Jr. Five misdemeanor charges were withdrawn at that hearing, including two counts of official oppression and one count each of tampering with public records, unsworn falsification to authorities and simple assault and the summary charge of harassment was moved to a non-traffic case. Court documents show that Magnifico pleaded guilty to the summary charge of harassment and was fined $100. Magnifico was charged in October of 2025 by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday regarding a June incident at a Sheetz store. Magnifico, then a sergeant with the Ellwood City Police Department, pushed a 19-year-old man, denied the man of his rights, then filed a report about the incident that was not an accurate version of what took place. On June 6th, 2025, the 19-year-old victim and a 16-year-old friend purchased food at the Sheetz store on 5th Street in Ellwood City. Realizing he forgot his phone, the 19-year-old called the store and was told he could return and retrieve the phone. At the store, staff did not return the phone to the victim and police were called. The victim provided information about the phone, including its passcode, but still did not receive the phone back. The victim, who was in a public area of the store, became verbally frustrated. Magnifico came from behind a counter and shoved the man to the ground and verbally berated him. The 16-year-old recorded the interaction on his phone. The 19-year-old asked for the officer’s badge number and name. Magnifico provided the information while walking towards the man and bumping into him in an intimidating manner. Magnifico then grabbed the 16-year-old’s phone and threw it onto a table. The two customers then left the store. The 19-year-old was treated at an area hospital. Magnifico is also the current Riverside Varsity Football Coach.

Mark E. Byers named as the new Executive Director of the PIAA

PIAA logo

(File Photo of the PIAA Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mechanicsburg, PA) Mark E. Byers was recently named as the new Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA). Executive Director with unanimous support from the PIAA’s Board of Directors. Byers will begin his new position on January 1st, 2026 and he will be the ninth Executive Director of the PIAA since 1913, the year it was founded. Byers has been a member of the PIAA Administrative Staff since 1999, was brought on that staff as an assistant executive director, and in 2012, was promoted to chief operating officer.

Pitt promotes assistant coach Corey Sanders to defensive coordinator

(Photo Courtesy of the Pitt Panthers, Posted on Facebook on December 28th, 2025)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The University of Pittsburgh college football team has promoted Corey Sanders from assistant coach to its new defensive coordinator. The announcement of this move came yesterday from head coach Pat Narduzzi after longtime Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates announced he would retire following the bowl game that Pitt played against East Carolina University on Saturday. Sanders has served as Pitt’s assistant head coach since 2024 and he will enter into his ninth season on the Pitt coaching staff in 2026.

Jus1More Sports Bar and Grill in Beaver Falls will permanently close after last day on 2025 New Year’s Eve

(Photo of a Drawing of Beaver Falls)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Jus1More Sports Bar and Grill in Beaver Falls will have its final day of operation on December 31st, 2025 after three years in business. The reason for the closure is unknown, but the restaurant will be having a New Year’s Eve party that day as well with specials, giveaways of merchandise and more. If you have any gift cards for Jus1More Sports Bar and Grill, you should utilize them as soon as possible, because their services that are online will likely be turned off as they run through their remaining inventory. 

Virginia J. Walsh (Passed on December 22nd, 2025)

Virginia J. Walsh, 85, of Potter Township, passed away on the early morning of December 22nd, 2025, in the emergency room at Heritage Valley Beaver, following an unfortunate fall at her home. Virginia was born in West Virginia and raised in Virginia. After completing high school, she pursued further education at a two-year business school, equipping herself with the skills that would serve her throughout her career. At the age of eighteen, Virginia moved to Beaver County. Several years later, she became a dedicated worker for the Corp of Engineers in Pittsburgh, where she remained for over 30 years.

Virginia’s life was one of partnership and love, exemplified by her marriage to John R. Walsh on July 28th, 1960. Together, they built a life filled with joy and the blessings of a large family. She is survived by her loving husband, John, and their five children: John R. Walsh II (Quinn), Charles H. Walsh II, Steve L. Walsh, Laurene J. (Roger) Bietsch, and Matthew W. Walsh, two sisters, Carol Keefer and Gloria Pritt and her adored pup, Polly, who brought her much comfort and happiness.

Even though she was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma (Armstrong) Grimes, her daughter, Laura J. Walsh, and her brother, Richard L. (Helen) Grimes, Virginia’s legacy is carried on through her family, who remember her strength, kindness, and unwavering support.

Virginia was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, where she found solace and community. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an avid reader, often found curled up with a good book, and she took great delight in the daily challenge of crosswords, a testament to her sharp and curious mind.

A private memorial mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

The family has requested that rather than flowers, memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Greater Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Association.

Mark Daniel Bochicchio (1977-2025)

Mark Daniel Bochicchio, 48, of Patterson Township, passed away on December 21st, 2025 in Cranberry Township. He was born in Pittsburgh on May 2nd, 1977, a son of Margaret M. (Hocher) Bochicchio and the late William A. Bochicchio. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings: Mary (Joe) Doyle, Joe (Stella) Bochicchio, Anne Romano, John (Kim) Bochicchio, Andrew (Stephanie) Bochicchio and Clare Azubuike, along with his twelve nieces and nephews.

Mark was a member of St. Augustine Parish. He worked as a caterer most of his life with a passion for cooking and making chocolate. He was known to be a people person, offering his generous spirit to those around him. From a young age, Mark showed great courage in his battle with serious chronic health issues. Those who cared for Mark became better people because of him; he challenged us to forgive, compelled us to be compassionate, and taught us to pray and trust in God’s Providence. He is deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held soon at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Mark and his family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Eleanor Macurak (1930-2025)

Eleanor Macurak, 95, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania passed away on December 26th, 2025, in Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

She was born in Patton, Pennsylvania on March 18th, 1930, a daughter of the late Michael and Ann Makovich Rosinko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe Macurak and a brother, Michael Rosinko. She is survived are her son and daughter in law, David (Jennifer) Macurak, four grandchildren: Megan Ann Macurak, Shelby Lynott, Jordan Macurak and Brandi Macurak; as well as four great grandchildren: Torryn, Charlotte, Eleanora, and Thomas.

Eleanor was a lifelong member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Ambridge.  She loved watching soap operas and taking afternoon naps.

In accordance with the request of Eleanor’s family, there will be no public visitation. Arrangements have been entrsuted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

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

Michael Grant Homyk (1953-2025)

Michael Grant Homyk, 72, of Hopewell Township, passed away unexpectedly on December 22nd, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 1st, 1953, a son of the late Michael and Thelma Homyk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Linda (Mollohan) Homyk, two daughters, Kalyn (Jason) Rose and Sarah (John) Bober, his grandchildren: Brelyn, Bowen, Braeden, Brennen, Brooklyn and Declan Grant, as well as his brother, Martin Homyk.
Michael was employed at Autico Motor Sales, where he worked alongside his father at their family business. He enjoyed playing the guitar and was an avid fan of the blues, especially the music of B.B. King. He enjoyed sharing his taste in music with his wife and family, often creating special memories through the songs he loved. His passion for music brought joy and connection to those closest to him.
A private service will be held, and Michael will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Grant Homyk please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Calvin L. Chambers (1942-2025)

Calvin L. Chambers, 83, of Ellwood City, formerly of Rochester, passed away on December 22nd, 2025, in Northview Estates Nursing Home of Ellwood City. He was born in West Bridgewater on March 21st, 1942, a son of the late Franklin J. and Margaret Ayers Chambers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Olive M. Swihart and two brothers, Franklin and Clarence Chambers. He is survived by his wife of fifty three years, JoAnn Domico Chambers, one sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl Ann and Keith Wylie of Economy Borough, two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Marvin and Lola Chambers of Williamsburg, Virginia, Cathy Chambers, of Hampton, Virginia and David Ross Chambers of Aliquippa and numerous nieces and nephews survive.

Calvin was a retired Pressman with the former Beaver County Times, where he had worked for forty years. He was Catholic by faith, a Peacetime Navy Veteran, and an avid bowler. Friends will be received on Monday, December 29th, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service to follow at 6:15 p.m., followed by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862, will provide full military honors for their fallen comrade at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be held in Grandview Cemetery, Beaver Falls, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls. The family wishes to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice and Northview Estates for the care and comfort given to Calvin.