Author: Beaver County Radio

Beverley Ann Hissam (Passed on June 2nd, 2026)

Beverley Ann Hissam, 68, of Monaca, passed away on June 2nd, 2026, after a life marked by talent and love for her family and community. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosalee Riffle Hissam, and her brother, Ronald “Kirk” Hissam. She is survived by her father, Kenneth (Vicki) Hissam, her niece, Rhianna Hissam- Graham, and her nephew, Landon Hissam.

Beverley was raised in Ambridge and was a proud graduate of Ambridge High School, where her gifts and determination began to take shape. She went on to earn a Bachelor degree in music education from Seton Hill University and later completed a Master degree in music education from Duquesne University. Her education reflected both her discipline and her deep appreciation for the arts, and it laid the foundation for a career that blended professionalism and creativity. She devoted much of her life to music and education. She served as a voice instructor and faculty member at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Through her work, she touched many lives and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of learning from her. In addition to her work in education, she was employed in the banking industry with PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. She will be remembered with love and gratitude for the many ways she enriched the lives of others.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 5th from 3 p.m. until the time of a Celebration of Life at 5 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private interment will take place on Saturday at St John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

The family has suggested memorial contributions may be made, if desired in Beverley’s memory to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. PA 15001.

Judith “Judy” Wakelee (1942-2026)

Judith “Judy” Wakelee, 83, a resident of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on May 26th, 2026. She was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on October 6th, 1942, the daughter of the late Walter and Margaret (Balazs) Marchut. She is survived by her husband, John, a daughter and son-in-law, Jody Lin Lehocky and Gregory Lehocky, a daughter, Janeem Elaine Sanderson, three grandchildren, Kennedy Rose Dikec, with her husband, Timur Dikec, Savannah Lynn Young, and Connor James Young, a great-granddaughter, Ayla Rose Dikec, and a sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and George Wallace of Flemington, New Jersey.

Judith attended Rutgers University in New Jersey where she pursued an associate’s degree in business and marketing. She was a member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church where she served as Church Secretary from 1980 to 1995. In 1995, she became the Executive Secretary to the Bishop of the Western Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church in Cranberry Township. Following her retirement in 2003, she went on to work part-time at the Hello Shop in Chippewa Township and, later, to volunteer at Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver.  In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Steelers sign veteran linebacker Jamin Davis

(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers announced yesterday that they have signed linebacker Jamin Davis to their 90-man roster.

Davis participated in the team’s minicamp this week on a tryout basis.

He appeared in two games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, recording three tackles. Davis also has familiarity with Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who previously held the same position with the Raiders.

In 56 career NFL games, Davis has recorded 290 tackles and eight sacks.

Davis, 27, was selected by Washington with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent parts of four seasons with the franchise. He has also spent time with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets.

Charges withdrawn from driver after two-vehicle crash in Robinson Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported yesterday that charges filed against a driver following a two-vehicle crash in Robinson Township on Monday have been withdrawn.

According to police, the driver was traveling north on Interstate 79 at approximately 7:07 a.m. when their vehicle rear-ended another vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

Ryan O’Hearn powers Pirates past Astros 5-1 with a 3-RBI night

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ryan O’Hearn watches his two-run home run against Houston Astros starting pitcher Kai-Wei Teng during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)

HOUSTON (AP) — Ryan O’Hearn homered and drove in three runs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-1 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday night.

O’Hearn hit an RBI single in the first inning and his two-run homer in the sixth made it 4-0.

Pittsburgh’s Jared Jones (1-0) allowed four hits and walked two in five scoreless innings. Carmen Mlodzinski gave up four hits and a run the rest of the way to get his first save. It was his first work since being put on the restricted list for a day after general manager Ben Cherington told reporters he wasn’t ready to pitch Sunday following a move to the bullpen.

Isaac Paredes hit a solo homer in the sixth inning for the Astros to become the fourth Mexican-born player in the MLB history to reach 100 for his career. But it wasn’t nearly enough to keep Houston from its third loss in four games.

The Pirates’ run of four straight games in which they scored at least nine runs ended. But they still generated plenty of offense to bounce back and take the series after a late-game collapse cost them Wednesday’s game.

Houston starter Kai-Wei Teng (3-4) gave up seven hits and five runs — both season highs — in five-plus innings.

The Pirates led by a run when Brandon Lowe doubled to open the sixth before scoring on a single by Bryan Reynolds.

O’Hearn then launched Teng’s next pitch over the short fence in right field to push the lead to 4-0. Nick Gonzales singled to chase Teng and Steven Okert took over.

Oneil Cruz singled on a groundball to right field. There were two outs in the inning when Jared Triolo reached on an error by Jeremy Peña that allowed Gonzales to score and make it 5-0.

Up next

Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller (5-2, 4.35 ERA) opposes Atlanta LHP Martín Pérez (3-3, 2.79) when Pittsburgh opens a three-games series against the Braves on Friday night.

Astros: RHP Peter Lambert (4-4, 3.77) pitches against RHP Jack Perkins (2-2, 5.46) on Friday night in the first of three games against the Athletics.

Blackhawk softball defeats Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast Catholic 2-0 in the 2026 PIAA quarterfinals

(File Photo of the Blackhawk School District Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lewistown, PA) Blackhawk softball is headed to the PIAA semifinals for the first time in program history after defeating Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast Catholic 2-0 yesterday at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown.

The Lady Cougars will face District 10 champion Harbor Creek in the 2026 PIAA semifinals on Monday, June 8th.

$7 million streetscape transformation project underway in Monaca Borough

(File Photo of the Welcome to Monaca Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) A major streetscape project is underway in Monaca, a long-planned effort borough leaders hope will help revitalize the downtown business district. 

Borough Manager David Kramer said officials have been working toward the project since around 2013. 

“The last streetscape project was 1988, so we’re 40 years in,” Kramer told Channel 11’s Andrew Havranek. “We want to bring our downtown back, and this is one way of doing it.” 

The project carries a $7 million price tag, with half funded through a state grant and the other half paid for by the borough. 

Underground utility work began last year. This spring, crews started work on the road and sidewalks. 

The goal is to create a more vibrant downtown, attract businesses and visitors, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. 

“We’re tearing out sidewalks and replacing them with brick. We have half a million bricks going into this project. New lighting, new benches, bike racks,” Kramer said. 

While the construction may create temporary inconveniences for drivers, business owners told WPXI they are looking forward to the finished product. 

“We’re excited that the changes are taking place,” said Mark Kopsack, owner of Valley Vintage Motorworks. “They’ve been doing a lot of planning, and that’s what it takes to do a project as big as this one. We give them a lot of credit. They seem to be working pretty quickly, and we’re looking forward to seeing the end result.” 

Because Pennsylvania Avenue is a state-owned road, crews can only perform road work between March and October. Kramer said he hopes favorable weather this fall and winter will allow crews to continue work on sidewalks and lighting. 

He expects the project to be completed by the middle of next summer. 

Kramer also said private investors are working to revitalize vacant properties in the borough, with nearly $35 million in private investment planned. 

“We have a lot of work going into town,” he said. “The next five years, it’s going to change dramatically. It’s exciting to be a part of it.” 

Hopewell baseball loses to Indiana 10-0 in the 2026 PIAA quarterfinals

(File Photo of the Hopewell Area School District)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monroeville, PA) Hopewell’s high school baseball season came to an end yesterday with a 10-0 loss to Indiana in six innings at Gateway High School in Monroeville.

The defeat ends Hopewell’s postseason run after the Vikings finished third in the WPIAL and advanced to the state quarterfinals for the second time since 2023.

Matzie addresses resolution to study costs, benefits of remaining with grid operator PJM, State House unanimously adopts it

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie Speaking)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a resolution in Harrisburg yesterday directing the state to study the costs and benefits of remaining a member of PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid.

House Resolution 361, sponsored by Representative Rob Matzie, calls for the Joint State Government Commission to examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and its impact on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers.

The resolution comes amid concerns about rising electricity prices in parts of Pennsylvania and growing calls from some lawmakers and state officials for reforms to the regional power system.

Matzie said the study will provide policymakers with information needed to evaluate whether continued participation in PJM serves the state’s long-term interests.

PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Representative Rob Matzie recently spoke about this resolution in the State House chamber: (Audio Credit: Courtesy of Representative Rob Matzie’s Office)

Three Years After East Palestine Train Derailment, House Committee Advances Deluzio’s Railway Safety Act

(File Photo: Source for Photo: An aerial view of the cleanup of a derailed Norfolk Southern freight train, in East Palestine, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that his Railway Safety Act was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 21st, 2026 as part of the BUILD America 250 Act, a major transportation package. The legislation now advances to the full House for consideration.

Deluzio joined the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2024 and has made rail safety legislation a key priority. He first introduced the Railway Safety Act in 2023 following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Representing a district neighboring East Palestine and communities affected by the derailment, Deluzio has advocated for stronger rail safety measures in Congress. Lawmakers have not enacted major rail safety legislation since the February 3rd, 2023 derailment. Supporters say the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act in the BUILD America 250 Act represents the most significant progress on rail safety legislation since the incident.

The measure was approved by the committee with bipartisan support and has received endorsements from several rail labor unions. Deluzio has also said President Donald Trump supports the legislation and would sign it if it reaches his desk.

“The people of Beaver County and East Palestine have waited long enough,” Deluzio said. “I am so proud that my bill, the Railway Safety Act, passed out of committee with bipartisan support. Let’s get this bill passed and on President Trump’s desk—who promised he would sign it.”