Author: Beaver County Radio

Noble Jay Stone (1941-2026)

Noble Jay Stone, 84, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on May 26th, 2026 with his son and daughter-in-law by his side.

He was born on October 7th, 1941, a son of the late Donald and Maude (Fisher) Stone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia K. (Warzynski) Stone, a sister and two brothers-in-law, Betty (Joe) Cady and Eddie Edwards, and a sister-in-law, Betsy L. Stone. He is survived by his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey (Jessica) Stone, his grandchildren: Melissa Manzella, Laurel Stone, Bryson Helon (Liz Thomas-Wright), and Bailee Helon; as well as a great granddaughter, Violet Helon, a sister, Esther Edwards, and his brother, Donald N. Stone and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Noble was a faithful member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St John the Baptist Church in Monaca. He honorably served our country in the US Army and was proud to be a veteran. He retired from the former US Airways as a plant mechanic. He enjoyed numerous fishing trips with his son Jeff, spending peaceful days on the water waiting for the next big catch. Noble shared a special bond with his brother Don. They spent many outings together including walking at the mall. He also treasured time with his family during vacations to the beaches of Florida. Noble was an avid football and hockey fan, particularly the Steelers and Penguins. He cherished the pets that were in his home, three dogs, Coco, Ellie and Pixie, two cats, Leo and Tilly. He loved all animals.

A visitation will be on Friday, May 29th from 3-7 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 30th at 10 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church in Monaca. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Private burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

The Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors to Noble at the church.

Donations can be made in memory of Noble to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road Aliquippa PA 15001 and to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped with Noble’s care and for the love that was extended to him and his family.

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

Doris E. Swiontek (1932-2026)

Doris E. Swiontek, 93, of Aliquippa, (Independence Township) passed away on May 26th, 2026 at UPMC Mercy Hospital. She was born in Aliquippa on June 3rd, 1932, a daughter of the late James A & Florence (Cain) Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by by her husband Thomas Swiontek, Sr., her brothers: E. Reid, J. Lee, Keith and Dean Miller; as well as her son, Bob Swiontek and her grandson, Brad Swiontek. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Jr. (Marcia) Swiontek and Scott (Jan) Swiontek and their wives, her sisters, Anna Mae Shane and Janice Coon, her brother and sister-in-law Richard (Kay) Miller, her grandchildren: Brad Swiontek (deceased), Jamie (Dave) Davis II, Jim (Stephanie) Swiontek, Jena (Brad) Cunningham and Jackie (Jared) Kramer; along with her 15 great grandchildren and her special niece, Betty (Brunton) Downing.

Doris was a lifelong member of Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa.

Family and friends will be received on Friday May 29th from 11 a.m., until the time of a service at 1 p.m. in the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4128 PA-151, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Her Pastor, the Rev. Kevin Neal, will officiate. She will be laid to rest in the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Memorial Fund at Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church 4128 PA-151, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Walter E. Chludzinski (1942-2026)

Walter E. Chludzinski, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully in the home he and his family have cherished for 55 years. He always said he spent his life making that house a home, applying skills of electrical wiring, plumbing, framing, roofing, plastering and more. He could build or fix anything, and he did it well. When asked if he and his wife would move to a smaller home as empty nesters, he always said, “They can take me out of here feet first,” He passed away on May 26th, 2026. He was born on February 14th, 1942, a son of the late Walter and Laura Chludzinski of Brighton Township. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings: Wanda, Dorothy, Bill, Joe and Martha. He is survived by a sister, Donna, his wife, Karen Montgomery Chludzinski, who he married on July 31st, 1965, along with their children, Tammie (Dean) Chevalier, Wallie (Kathy) Chludzinski III and Julie (Dave) Kirik and his grandchildren: Elissa, Evan Jacob, Simon, Ethan, Donnie, Michael, and Elizabeth.

With the exception of his family and his home, Walter was most proud of his service in the U.S. Navy, most of which was spent traveling the world onboard the USS Harry E. Yarnell in the early 60s. He was proud to serve as a Machinist Mate, graduating at the top of his class. He remained a true patriot throughout his life, saying he would serve his country again in a heartbeat. The skills and knowledge he gained in the Navy formed a firm foundation for his career as a Millwright Rigger Welder with St. Joe, B&W and Hussey Copper. During the 80s when mills folded and downsized, he adapted quickly and provided for his family as a roofer, handyman, carpenter, painter and contractor. As a child, he knew what it meant to go without, and he made sure his family had everything they needed to thrive. He was a tireless worker, who expected the same dedication and effort from those around him. He was honest, generous and kind, with a quick sense of humor. Whether you knew him as a parent, coworker, gardener, avid fisherman, friend, farm hand or prolific producer of sauerkraut, you know he put his best into everything he did. He lived a life of service to his family, friends and Jesus Christ. His family thanks God for the privilege of having known him.

A thank you goes out to the Pinnacle Hospice Team for their support.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30th from 3 P.M. until the time of a service at 6 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Former Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen is designated for assignment as Rangers try to address infield depth

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Texas Rangers’ Andrew McCutchen flies out against Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jose Quintana in the first inning of a baseball game Monday, May 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, after he hit .192 in his 37 games.

The 39-year-old McCutchen was replaced by free agent infielder Nicky Cruz in a move spurred by the lingering absences of shortstop Corey Seager and second baseman Josh Smith. Seager is out with lower back inflammation, and Smith still hasn’t rejoined the team since a stint in the hospital with viral meningitis.

“Certainly respect to Andrew, what he’s accomplished, not only in this game, but more importantly, who he is as a person,” president of baseball operations Chris Young said. “It’s been wonderful having him around, but we’re at a point where given the injuries on the left side of the infield, middle infield specifically, that we’re thin and so Nicky gives us another option and provides some versatility.”

The Rangers had another setback with their middle infield when shortstop Ezequiel Duran exited Wednesday’s game against Houston after four innings due to an illness.

Lopez, who started at second base in the No. 9 spot against the Astros, moved to shortstop to replace Duran. Justin Foscue took over at second.

The 31-year-old Lopez, who signed a major league contract, has played in 693 big league games over parts of eight seasons with five teams. The left-handed hitter was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

McCutchen had two doubles, one home run and five RBIs with Texas, with 21 of his plate appearances coming as a pinch hitter. Those were the most at-bats as a pinch hitter for any MLB player this season.

The Rangers have seven days to trade, release or outright McCutchen to the minor leagues.

McCutchen played the past three seasons for Pittsburgh, the club that drafted him in the first round in 2005 and promoted him in 2009 for his major league debut. McCutchen played his first nine years in MLB with the Pirates, making five straight All-Star teams and winning the 2013 National League MVP award while becoming one of the most popular players in that franchise’s history.

He then bounced around with four other teams between 2018 and 2022 before reuniting with the Pirates. He played in 135 games last year, hitting .239 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs before becoming a free agent.

He is a career .271 hitter with 333 homers, 1,157 RBIs and 220 stolen bases in 2,299 games.

“I played against him during his MVP season,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “I know who this guy is and I got to know him even better this year. Those are not easy, but part of the game. He was a pro and understood.”

Seager is doing moderate baseball activity, but there is no timeline for his return. The two-time World Series MVP, including with the Rangers in 2023, has been eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list since Monday.

Smith had been on the IL since May 5 with a right glute strain when the Rangers announced May 15 that the 28-year-old would be hospitalized at least a week after feeling ill and getting the diagnosis of meningitis. Young said Smith could rejoin the club Thursday.

“We’ll be able to evaluate where he is from a strength standpoint,” Young said. “The physical toll that it’s taking on him and what the buildup is going to be, I can’t answer yet. But he’s healthy. We’re very grateful to the doctors and the medical staff that treated him and took great care of him.”

Teachers union calls for screen limits, AI oversight in Pennsylvania schools

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This photo shows the Facebook’s Messenger Kids application on an iPhone in New York, Feb. 16, 2018. U.S. regulators say Facebook misled parents and failed to protect the privacy of children using its Messenger Kids app. The Federal Trade Commission says Facebook misrepresented the access it provided to app developers to private user data. As a result, the FTC on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 proposed sweeping changes to a 2020 privacy order with Facebook — now called Meta — that would prohibit it from profiting from data it collects on users under 18. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, file)

(Reported by Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) As many Pennsylvania parents worry that artificial intelligence and cell phone overuse are getting in the way of their child’s education, public school advocates are proposing new limitations. According to the Pew Research Center, four in 10 teens say they’re online almost constantly. Speaking at the National Press Club this week, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten unveiled a national proposal that suggests a series of screen bans and AI restrictions. It supports active hands-on learning in schools while curbing technology in classrooms. While the Pennsylvania Department of Education has outlined A-I considerations for school districts, it hasn’t issued formal guidance. Meanwhile, a proposed “bell-to-bell” cellphone policy for students is still making its way through the Pennsylvania Legislature. Senate Bill 1014 passed the Senate in February and now sits in the Education Committee.

Ellwood City baseball wins the 2026 WPIAL 3A championship

(File Photo of a Past Ellwood City Wolverines Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, PA) Ellwood City baseball captured its first WPIAL Class 3A championship since 2012 with a 5-2 win over South Park yesterday at EQT Park in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The victory marked the third consecutive playoff game in which Ellwood City rallied from behind.

The team overcame deficits against Burrell in the quarterfinals and Riverside in the semifinals.

With the win, Ellwood City advances to the PIAA playoffs, where it will face the District VI runner-up between Phillipsburg-Osceola and Tyrone. The site and time of that matchup have yet to be determined.

The game will take place on Monday, June 1st.

UPDATE: 4 injured in explosion at dairy plant in Lawrence County

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WFMJ)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Three people were injured in an explosion at a dairy plant in Lawrence County yesetrday.

First responders were called to the Dairy Farmers of America facility at Routes 19 and 208 in Wilmington Township just after 10 a.m. for reports of a fire and explosion.

According to WFMJ, responding officers said the fire was out when they arrived, but at least three people were injured.

One person was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital, and another was taken to a hospital by ambulance. Two others were treated on scene for minor injuries.

Dairy Farmers of America is a farmer-owned cooperative that processes milk and dairy products.

Indianola man charged following single-vehicle crash in Hookstown Borough

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hookstown Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported that a 33-year-old Indianola man was charged following a single-vehicle crash in Hookstown Borough yesterday. 

Police said Khurshed Zokirov was traveling north on Pittsburgh Grade Road at approximately 4:38 a.m. when he failed to maintain his lane while negotiating a left curve. The vehicle then struck a tree. 

No injuries were reported. 

Cubs snap 10-game losing streak as Ian Happ has 3-run homer, 5 RBIs in 10-4 win over Pirates

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ, top, rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Yohan Ramírez (49) during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ian Happ hit a tiebreaking three-run home run and drove in five runs on Wednesday night while playing in his hometown as the Chicago Cubs ended their 10-game losing streak with a 10-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Happ’s three-run shot snapped a 4-4 tie and started a six-run inning that helped the Cubs get their first win since May 15. Pinch-hitter Michael Conforto hit a two-run home run later in the inning to extend the lead to 10-4.

Happ also hit a two-run single in the first inning to open the scoring and has reached base in each of his last 40 games in Pittsburgh. He was one of five Cubs with two hits.

Brandon Lowe hit a three-run homer for the Pirates and rookie Konnor Griffin had a solo blast that drew the Pittsburgh into a 4-4 tie in the fourth inning.

Chicago is just the second team in major league history to have two 10-game winning streaks and a 10-game losing streak in the same season, along with the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jacob Webb (1-1) struck out the side in order in the sixth. Yohan Ramirez (2-2), who allowed Happ’s home run, was charged with four runs in 1/3 inning.

Neither starter factored in the decision as Cubs veteran Jameson Taillon and Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler both allowed four runs in five innings. Taillon has lost his four previous starts. Chandler has gone seven starts since his only win of the season.

Bryan Reynolds had three hits for the Pirates, who had won their previous three games.

Wednesday marked the 2,000th regular-season game played at PNC Park, which opened in 2001. The Pirates have a 1,003-996-1 record there.

Up next

Cubs RHP Colin Rea (4-3, 4.83 ERA) starts Thursday night against 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner RHP Paul Skenes (6-4, 3.00) in the finale of the four-game series.

Hookstown teenager charged following a single-vehicle crash in Beaver County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that a 17-year-old Hookstown girl was charged following a single-vehicle crash in Beaver County on May 14. 

Police said the driver was traveling west on Hanover Kendall Road at approximately 2:44 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. The vehicle struck an embankment, went airborne, and then hit a tree in Hanover Township.

No injuries were reported.