Author: Beaver County Radio

Blaine E. Hepler (1939-2026)

Blaine E. Hepler, 87, of West Mayfield, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away on June 14th, 2026.

He was born in Connellsville on May 16th, 1939, the son of the late Orton Hepler and Jane (Beal) Hepler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda and two sons-in-law, Ray Hermes and Christopher Bufalini. He is survived by his sons, David (Deniece) Hepler, of Georgia, Danny (Carey) Hepler, of West Mayfield and Darin (Nicole) Hepler of Brighton Township, his daughters, Denise Hermes (Keith Burr) of Texas, Darla Hepler, of Arizona and Dawn Bufalini, of West Mayfield, his sister, Linda Rose of Jeannette, as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Blaine devoted much of his career to protecting and serving others. He served the community as a police officer for 7 years with the Brighton Township Police Department and was a proud volunteer fireman with the Brighton Township Fire Department. When he was 18, he spent his Saturdays as a lifeguard at Mt. Vernon Park, Blaine worked in loss prevention at the former department store Hills, and later retired from Mac Plastics in Washington, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman. He found great joy while fishing and camping, especially his peanut time with his camping crew. Family members fondly recall the time when he named a calf after Renee and raised it in the fenced area of the yard, until they butchered it which was almost the end of their relationship.

Friends will be received on Sunday, June 21st from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted on Monday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. Private Inurnment to take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a late date. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Kenneth A. Sullivan (Passed on June 3rd, 2026)

Kenneth A. Sullivan, 74, passed away surrounded by his family in South Florida on June 3rd, 2026, after a brief illness.

Kenneth grew up in Industry, where he learned what it meant to be part of Steeler Nation during the heyday of the black and gold. He was a free spirit who enjoyed his youth to the fullest, made his own rules in his Camaro, and worked in the mill until moving to Plantation, Florida, where he worked at Motorola and Federal Express. However, even after moving to South Florida in the early ’80s, his heart remained in Pittsburgh. What mattered most to him was his family and friends. The absolute joy of Ken’s life was his three grandkids, Abby, Emmie, and Dax, all of whom will cherish memories of him cheering them on from the sidelines or shining with pride as each excelled and grew in individual ways.

Kenneth and his wife, Donna (Larizza) Sullivan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past September. He was a practicing member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Plantation, Florida, for the last 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Sullivan (Don), his mother, Ruth (McBride) Sullivan, his brother, David Sullivan, and his sister-in-law, Sue (Davis) Sullivan. In addition to his wife and three grandchildren, he is survived by his son, Dan Sullivan, his daughter-in-law, Raquel (Rodriguez) Sullivan, his sisters, Nancy Peluso (Sullivan), and Donna Sullivan and her partner, Jimmy O’Brien, his sisters-in-law, Nancy Larizza and Natalie Larizza, his brother-in-law, Gary Larizza, his nephews: Patrick and Sean Sullivan, Brian Peluso, and Brett Higgins and his nieces, Kerri Sue Fields (Sullivan), Molly Skundrich (Phillips), Devon Pinskey (Phillips), and Kylie Lane.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 17th from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 12 noon at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ken, if desired, to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Wisconsin man charged after multi-vehicle crash in North Sewickley Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported today that a thirty-six-year-old man from McFarland, Wisconsin was charged after a multi-vehicle crash in North Sewickley Township on Sunday. Ross Bond was driving on I-76 West at 11:15 a.m. and lost control of his vehicle and hit the vehicle driven by forty-six-year-old Robert Barone III of Coraopolis. The vehicle driven by forty-nine-year-old Jeremy Busch of Middletown, Virginia was also hit during this crash. There were no reported injuries.  

AHN Urology Expands Bladder Cancer Treatment Options with Innovative INLEXZO™ Therapy

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Department of Urology is now offering INLEXZO™, which is a newly FDA-approved, long-acting intravesical drug delivery system for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).  

Allegheny Health Network is the first health system in western Pennsylvania to offer this innovative treatment. 

INLEXZO™ is a flexible system shaped like a pretzel that is placed in the bladder during an outpatient procedure which continuously releases chemotherapy over a period of 21 days, and most patients complete eight cycles over six months. 

Early data suggests INLEXZO™ demonstrated a complete response rate of approximately 82%, meaning that most patients experienced no detectable signs of cancer following treatment. 

NMIBC is an early form of bladder cancer that remains confined to the lining of the bladder and it is the most common type of bladder cancer that accounts for about 70 percent of newly diagnosed cases.

Bladder cancer most commonly affects adults that are over age 50 and is more frequently diagnosed in men. Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours (1935-2026)

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours, 90, formerly of Patterson Heights, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Beaver Falls on December 6th, 1935, a daughter of the late Angelo and Eleanora (Young) Bonanni. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip Ours, her daughter, Tina Getz and her siblings: Claude Bonanni, Carl Bonanni, Clarence Bonanni, Clyde Bonanni, Clair Bonanni, Delores Doyle, Fern Kosloski, and Eleanor Vavro. She is survived by her children: Mary (Chris) Manolakos, Paul (Sharon) Ours, Philip Ours, and Eleanor (Richard) Scanlon; as well as her grandchildren: Sirena Ours, Jewell Ours, Kellie Scanlon, Richard Scanlon, Eric Scanlon, and Nicholas Manolakos; along with her great-grandchildren, Nash and Richard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Carol was a faithful member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish. She was also a devoted member of Patterson Heights Lady’s Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of her community and forming lasting friendships. She enjoyed playing bingo, reading, and playing cards. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was fullest when surrounded by those she loved. Whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, Carol treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren.

Her family will forever remember her kindness, her unwavering love, her gentle presence, and the way she always put family first.

Her family says: “To the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph we cannot thank you enough for the loving care you gave to Carol. Your support during her time at the Villa meant the world to us. Your kindness and compassion have truly touched our hearts during this difficult time.”

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 18th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, June 19th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. Kim Schreck will serve as celebrant.

Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Villa St. Joseph Activities Department in Carol’s memory, 1030 State Street, Baden PA 15005. Carol loved taking part in the activities and treasured the many friendships she formed along the way.

Susan Kay Fennell (1966-2026)

Susan Kay Fennell, 60, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on June 14th, 2026.
She was born on February 8th, 1966, a daughter of the late Charles and Lilian Smith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her lifelong friend, Shannon Bailey. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Charles Lee Fennell; her children, Ashley (Milton) Sokolovich, Clayton Fennell (Angelina Arnold), and Ean (Brittany) Fennell; her cherished grandchildren, Leighahna, Gabriel, Brandyn, Nathaniel, Rylee, and Leo; her siblings, Eddie Smith, Lennie Prough, and Carol Stuck; her brothers-in-law, Tom (Sally) Fennell and Dan (Sheila) Fennell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her great-niece, Breanna Lee (Jonny) White-McDaniels.
Susan trained as a mechanic and worked in the field for 10 years before later becoming a freight forwarder at DHL. She loved her grandchildren and her dogs, and she enjoyed many years as a dedicated band parent. One of her favorite sayings was, “F.R.O.G It.” She had a strong faith in God and relied on his guidance.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18th, from 4 p.m. until time of service at 6:30 p.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Susan Kay Fennell please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anothony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Steelers sign former Seahawks wide receiver Levi Wentz

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Lindsey Wasson)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers announced yesterday that the team signed wide receiver Levi Wentz to a one-year contract. 

Wentz originally signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft and he was waived by the Seahawks on June 8th. 

Wentz played at Old Dominion, Albany and Kansas during his college football career. 

He had 16 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games at Kansas in 2025. 

Harmon Grey Kidd, Jr. (1961-2026)

Harmon Grey Kidd, Jr., 64, of Beaver Falls, passed away surrounded by his family on June 14th, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 4th, 1961, a son of the late Harmon G. and Donna (Myers) Kidd, Sr. He is survived by his children: Crystal (Rocky) McConnell, Harmon G. (Jennifer) Kidd III, Jennifer (Andy Talfore) Kidd, Bruce (Amanda) Wallace, Scott Kidd, Amber (David Gipson) Kidd, Sandra Kidd, Alexis Kidd, Noah Hall, Anthony Hemmingway, Charles Hemmingway, Bobby Justison, and Sherri Justison; as well as numerous grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, his sisters, Deborah (Larry) Craven, Marie (George) Banko and Connie (Donnie) Schwartz, his partner, Tamara Justison, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harmon was a hardworking self-employed contractor. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, playing pool, his guitar and singing. He was very supportive of his family, loved his kids and hanging with his grandkids.

The family would like to thank his friend, Brenda Garrett, for the loving care and help provided to their love one.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Two people injured, Ohio driver charged after two-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported today that a fifty-seven-year-old woman from Cadiz, Ohio was charged following a two-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Saturday. Rose Masur was driving on I-79 in Collier Township at 10:36 a.m. and rear-ended the vehicle driven by thirty-five-year-old Melissa Hippensteel of McKees Rocks. Masur and her passenger were transported to Allegheny General Hospital for treatment of their injuries.  

Food access challenges push partnerships at Pennsylvania nutrition summit

(Caption for Photo: <p>The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s <a href=”https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-the-farm-to-school-grant” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Farm to School Grant</a> program offers up to $15,000 per school, and the award can cover no more than 75% of the project cost. Credit for Photo: Courtesy of (Project PA)</p>)

(Reported by Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service)

(Philadelphia, PA) Improving school meals while supporting farmers is the focus of the Pennsylvania Farm to Child Nutrition Summit on Wednesday (6/17). Organizers say schools and food producers are facing mounting challenges, including budget constraints, staffing shortages and supply chain issues. ElaineMcDonnell with Project P-A says the one-day summit brings together child nutrition leaders, educators, food service providers and community partners to exchange ideas, build connections and share strategies that can be applied locally. Over 2-thousand schools participate in the Farm to School program and it reaches more than a million students in Pennsylvania, according to the U-S Department of Agriculture. Wednesday’s event takes place at Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia.