Author: Beaver County Radio

Pirates announcer gives spring training report on Beaver County Radio

Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown gave his first of several Spring Training reports for Beaver County Radio listeners this morning.

Brown talked about the Pirates new-look lineup, including off-season acquisitions Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O’Hearn, and discussed expectations for 19-year-old shortstop slugger Konnor Griffin.

Check out what Brown had to say:

Listen to Pirates’ announcers reports on Beaver County Radio at 7:40 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Morning Show with Scott Tady.

Greg Brown, Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster. (photo courtesy Greg Brown)

Application Period Now Open for PSP’s 2026 Law and Leadership Academy

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania State Police Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hazelton, PA) The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today that it is now accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy. The free, 15-week program from May–August is for individuals that are 18 years or older who have either graduated from high school or earned their GED and are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Participants will meet twice a week, with occasional Saturday sessions, and they will experience what it’s like to train as a cadet. They will undergo educational and physical fitness training that is similar to what is provided in real-life police academies, and this includes running, swimming, and marching within a paramilitary environment that is structured. The curriculum will include instruction on traffic, criminal investigations, and other police resources. Cadets will also learn self-discipline, teamwork, time and stress management and other critical skills that are necessary to be a successful law enforcement officer. Those that are interested can find more information about this program and apply to one of the following locations at the Law and Leadership page on PSP’s website by clicking here: 

  • Erie
  • Greensburg
  • Hershey
  • Philadelphia
  • State College
  • Wilkes-Barre

The application period for this program is open until April 3rd, 2026.

Injured Sidney Crosby out for Canada vs. Finland in the semifinals at the Olympics

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is attended to after being injured during the second period of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

MILAN (AP) — Sidney Crosby is not playing for Canada against Finland in the semifinals at the Olympics on Friday because of injury.

Crosby appeared to injure his right knee in the second period of the quarterfinals against Czechia on Wednesday night. The 38-year-old captain did not practice Thursday, when coach Jon Cooper said Crosby was still being evaluated.

Sam Bennett, who was sick but now is good to go, took Crosby’s spot in the lineup. It was not immediately clear if Crosby would be available if Canada advances to the gold-medal game Sunday.

Connor McDavid will wear the “C” because international rules require a player to be designated captain for each game. Nathan MacKinnon joins Cale Makar as the alternates.

Crosby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, with wins in 2010 and ‘14, and a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

Defenseman Josh Morrissey, who has not played since getting injured in Canada’s tournament opener on Feb. 12, is also out.

Finland made a change with its forwards, bringing in Oliver Kapanen and scratching Eeli Tolvanen. Kapanen missed the preliminary round finale against Italy on Sunday while being isolated because roommate Anton Lundell contracted norovirus.

Lundell returned in the quarterfinals and assisted on the overtime goal to beat Switzerland.

Anna Cattley (1947-2026)

Anna Cattley, 78, of Crescent, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 16th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Sewickley. She was born in Pittsburgh on August 8th, 1947, a daughter of the late William and Loretta (Giehll) Cattley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Cattley and a niece, Deborah Mosholder. She is survived by her sister, Patricia (Merle) Mosholder, a sister-in-law, Debi Cattley, two nephews, Bruce (Missy) Mosholder and Brad (Alyssa) Mosholder, three nieces, Carla (Shaun) Buckley, Amy (Brian) Herman and Toni Cillo, four great-nephews: Jacob (Shanie) Mosholder, Tanner (Jordan) Mosholder, Jaxon Herman and River Mosholder; as well as a great-niece, Haylee Cillo and a great-great-nephew, Tanner Mosholder, Jr.

Anna found joy in life’s simple pleasures like walking the neighborhood, coloring and selling her handmade potholders. She especially loved attending gatherings and parties, where she could enjoy good food and company.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 2 P.M., in the Hopewell Volunteer Firehall, 1401 Gringo Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

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

Paul (Bud) Perminter, Jr. (1969-2026)

Paul (Bud) Perminter, Jr., 56, passed away on February 11th, 2026.

He was born on December 5th, 1969 and he was preceded in death by Mr. & Mrs. Craig Nesbit (Cynthia- Chi-Chi). Paul loved his family unconditionally and left memories that would last for generations. He is survived by his father, Paul Perminter Sr. & his partner, Annette Alexander, his daughter, Deena Struggs, his son, Paul Hawkins & his partner, Fatima Harriston, his grandchildren: Lil Paul, Princeton, Shaumir, Justice, King, and Pretty, his daughter, Shantia Tucker and grandchildren, Jeniah, Jayce, and JeKari; and four siblings: Paulene Perminter & his fiancé Christopher Struggs, Cynthia Rhodes & her husband Manani Babatu, Aric Perminter & his wife Emma Perminter, and Giere Perminter & partner, Hathzel Alvarez. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, as well as his companion, Victoria Peatross.

Paul was a loving and humorous father, brother, and friend whose presence lit up any room and will be missed tremendously. He will be remembered for his selflessness and empathy for others that were contagious. His life will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 1st from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lighthouse for the Blind, 720 3rd Avenue, New Brighton. Food and fun will follow the service.

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

The family sincerely appreciates all prayers, expressions of sympathy, and acts of kindness during this time of bereavement.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul “Bud” Perminter Jr., please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

John P. Shaban (1947-2026)

John P. Shaban, 78, of Beaver, passed away on February 18th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on October 10th, 1947, a son of the late John and Anne Shaban. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Huchko, his brother-in-law, Ronald Huchko, his aunts, Frances Zanath and Mary Werling and his uncle, John Bandula. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances (Carvelli), his sister, Linda (Ed) Ondovcik, his brother, Dr. Stephen Shaban, his nieces and nephews: Jeff (Mary) Huchko, Debbie (Dave) Folmar, Greg (Lori) Huchko, Mike (Allison) Ondovcik, Teresa (Paul) Sirianni, Rachel (Mike) Herisko, Ryan (Lindsey) Shaban, Matt (Bella) Shaban, Christina Shaban; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Beaver. He was also a retired electrician and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 25th, from 2-6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 26th, at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Johns’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of John’s caregivers, but especially Jenny, Diane, Serena, Heather, Jessica and all his therapists.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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

Raymond L. (Deacon) Valli (1927-2026)

Raymond L. (Deacon) Valli, 98, of Chippewa Township and a lifetime resident of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 15th, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 30th, 1927, a son of the late Charles and Kate Valli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Victoria Jevnick, Rachel Ruffalo, and Mary Wilkins, along with their husbands, a brother, Elmer (Peachy) Valli, a brother-in-law and his wife, Bill and Margaret Lash, a sister-in-law, Margorie Lash Smith, and a beloved grandson, Stephen T. Abbott, of Washington Township, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nellie Lash Valli, four sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren, and a step-grandson. His sons are Raymond C. Valli and his spouse, Chris, of San Diego, California, Robert (Bo) Valli, and daughters, Gray and Katherine Valli, of Sewickley, William (Bill) Valli, and his wife, Dawnlyn, of Darlington, as well as their children, Raena Valli Canter and her husband, Drew Canter, and Judd Haney, of Darlington, Thomas (Thom) Valli and his wife, Susana and their children Vanesa and Michael Valli, of Chippewa Township, Lisa Valli Abbott and her husband Steve, and their children, Dr. Aimee Abbott-Korumi and her husband, Enea Korumi, and grandson Matthew Abbott, of Washington Township, New Jersey. he is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Thelma Quest of Beaver Falls and Chong Lash, of Sacramento, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Raymond was employed by the B&W in both Beaver Falls and Koppel, and retired as a strand operator in July of 1987, after thirty-four years of service. He was a devoted husband and father and was a proud man with a vintage Italian work ethic. He was an intense sports enthusiast and an avid bass fisherman. He will be remembered by some for playing both softball and basketball on local city teams as a young man. He followed Geneva College Basketball and was a loyal follower of Blackhawk High School sports, attending football games as well as boys and girls basketball games during his mobile years. After his retirement, he renewed his interest in fishing and boating, taking numerous trips with his sons and grandchildren to fish on Erie Bay. He was a Veteran of the Armed Forces and he was discharged from the military in 1948. He was a former member of the Steelworkers Union Local 1082 and for many years, he was an active member of the Beaver County YMCA. He was Catholic by faith, he was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Chippewa Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 24th, at 10 a.m. at Saint Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Beaver Falls.  All arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Raymond’s name, to The Salvation Army, 414 16th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Harry L. Omecinski (1938-2026)

Harry L. Omecinski, 88, a resident of Baden and a former resident of Fair Oaks, passed away on February 18, 2026.

He was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on February 10th, 1938, a son of the late William and Irene (Zebrowsky) Omecinski. Harry was the youngest of nine children. His brother, Floyd Omecinski (Rose Marie), is the last surviving sibling. Harry and his wife, Zora Drzanich, married in 1962 and they had three devoted children: Kathy (Don) Ervine, Kris Shelton, and Ken (Elizabeth) Omecinski. In addition to his children and his wife, he is proudly survived by his seven grandchildren: Hope (Eddie) Donohue, Eric (Caitlin) Ervine, Meghan Ervine, Amber (Steven) Cook, Adrian (Isaac Sanders) Shelton, Conor (Julia) Omecinski, and Jenna (Jose Pagan) Omecinski; as well as his great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Olivia Ervine, Aurora and Adam Cook, and a Donohue on the way; along with countless nieces and nephews throughout New Kensington, Florida, Texas, and West Virginia.

Harry attended New Kensington High School and joined the U.S. Army in 1959. Upon his return to New Kensington in 1961, he met the love of his life, Zora Drzanich, while she was sitting on her uncle’s porch. Harry retired from Port Authority Transit (PAT, now PRT) as a bus mechanic and from the Quaker Valley School District as a bus driver. It was as a school bus driver that he earned the nickname “Red Light.” He was a member of the US Army, Polish Falcons, Ambridge Sportsman’s Club, Fair Oaks Community Bowling League, Good Samaritan Parish in Ambridge, and the Amalgamated Transit Union. He will be remembered for his blue eyes (and the eye flutter), a traveling candy jar, his prowess for finding tools, money, and anything shiny on the side of the road, his love of fishing, telling appropriate (and inappropriate) jokes, playing dominos, his Pittsburgh Steelers and his Polish Pride. He never knew a stranger and always had a story to tell. He loved with patience and dedication and enjoyed a long life with his family.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 21st from 12 noon until the time of a blessing service at 3 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Full military honors will be conducted at the conclusion of the blessing service by the Beaver County Special Unit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Life Beaver County, 131 Pleasant Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001. He enjoyed his weekly visit there and they took good care of him.

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

State Board of Higher Education Adopts Historic Strategic Plan to Transform Postsecondary Education in the Commonwealth

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), they voted unanimously yesterday in the state to adopt a strategic plan for higher education, which is Pennsylvania’s first in over two decades that is designed to support and align the higher education sector, increase affordability and degree attainment, and strengthen the economic well-being of Pennsylvania communities.

PUC Seeks to Update Pennsylvania’s Railroad Safety Regulations Three Years Since the East Palestine Train Derailment

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), they took a step in the state yesterday to advance a rulemaking that begins the process of enhancing railroad safety in Pennsylvania. The PUC voted 5-0 to adopt a motion by Commissioner Kahryn L. Zerfuss which would enhance the Commission’s rail safety requirements, the first such update to these regulations since 2013.  The motion acknowledges that as the third anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment is marked, communities in Pennsylvania continue to face risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials through population centers, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal rail safety reforms.