Author: Beaver County Radio

Shirley Louise Zurbrick (1929-2026)

Shirley Louise Zurbrick, 96, passed away on September 17th, 2026 at Tapestry Senior Living Community in Moon Township, surrounded by family. She was born on October 23rd, 1929. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Howard L. Zurbrick, her parents, Myron and Louise Morrow and her siblings, Myron Jr. (late Alice) and the late Dean Morrow. She is survived by 3 children: Bruce (Vicki) Zurbrick of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Paul (Michele) Zurbrick of Orchard Park, New York and Lynn (David) Sherman of Hopewell, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for Shirley at a later date in her home town with a private interment. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Rocco Aloe (1933-2026)

Rocco Aloe, 92, of Harmony Township, passed away peacefully on September 20th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Amantea, Italy, on October 19th, 1933, the son of the late Salvatore Aloe and Giuseppina Valeriano. He came to the United States as a teenager, proudly served as a member of the United States Army, and later retired from United Airlines.

Rocco was the devoted husband to Margaret for 61 years, and father to Lisa, Janice, and Pina. He was affectionately known as “Rock” by his four cherished grandchildren, JohnRocco, Jack, Mira, and Eren, who were the greatest joy of his life. He rarely missed their sporting events, school activities, performances, and special occasions and loved treating them to ice cream. He always made sure there was plenty of pizza and ice cream waiting for them whenever they came to visit—which was often.

Rocco was a hardworking and generous man expressed his love through family traditions and food, always making and sharing his pizza, famous chickpeas and pasta and homemade wine. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, generosity, warmth, and the many ways he made those he loved feel cared for.

Rocco’s wishes were to be cremated, and no service will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

AAA: Gas Prices Keep Climbing as Crude Oil Remains High

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are 20 cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.74 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas is at $4.47 and it is up 16 cents from last week. That average is more than one dollar higher than it was at this point a year ago. Crude oil is still high and it is averaging $100 per barrel during the continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz. Gas prices are back to what they were during the season of spring earlier this year, and the national average for gas is inching closer to the record high this year of $4.56 set on May 21st. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01, which was set on June 14th, 2022.

The report also states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.78.

According to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$4.601      Altoona
$4.782      Beaver
$4.654      Bradford
$4.642      Brookville
$4.792      Butler
$4.661      Clarion
$4.606      DuBois
$4.748      Erie
$4.770      Greensburg
$4.782      Indiana
$4.796      Jeannette
$4.745      Kittanning
$4.781      Latrobe
$4.789      Meadville
$4.826      Mercer
$4.719      New Castle
$4.736      New Kensington
$4.790      Oil City
$4.761      Pittsburgh
$4.682      Sharon
$4.747      Uniontown
$4.804      Warren
$4.751      Washington

Fall events in Beaver County and beyond for fall fun

(File Photo of Buttermilk Falls)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The first day of fall is tomorrow, and there are plenty of farmer’s markets and farms around Beaver County and beyond for the whole family to have fun.

Some farmers markets only accept payment of cash checks or Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers (click here to learn more).

According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here is a lst of local places and beyond for fall events:

Apple Castle, 277 State Route 18, New Wilmington. 724-652-3221. Farm market is open year-round, hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Closed Sunday. Locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, pumpkins and fall decorations, cider, an in-house bakery and a full deli. U-pick apples and pumpkins offered on Saturdays from Sept. 26 to Oct. 24; apple picking hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through early October, then 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12, 17 and 24. Pumpkin picking hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Oct. 12, when it is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the farm’s website (click here) for more information.

Bedillion Honey Farm, 1179 Burgettstown Road, Hickory. 724-356-7713. Their Honey Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday and Monday. Sells local and varietal honey, honeycomb, beeswax candles, soaps and lotions made with their own honey and beeswax, gift items and more. Products are also sold at their online store at the Bedillion Honey Farm website by clicking here.

Brunton Dairy, 3681 Ridge Road, Independence Township. 724-375-5910. Dairy store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday. Sells Brunton Dairy milk, cream, buttermilk, ice cream and beef; Schneider’s Dairy cottage cheese and half and half; local bacon, butter and sausage; Bedillion Farm honey; jams and jellies, pies and McDonald’s Farm beef tallow products. More information is available at the farm’s website (click here) or Facebook page (click here.)

Hickory Creek Honey & Pumpkins, 228 Mount Air Road, New Castle. 724-814-9011. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Selling pumpkins of various sizes, cornstalks, gourds, mums and squash. Visit the farm’s Facebook page (click here) for updated information.

Hozak Farms, 488 Anderson-Hozak Road, Hanover Township. 724-899-2400. Fall festival in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Also open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 12 (Columbus Day). No admission charge. Free hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a play area for the kids. Some activities are an extra cost, including a scenic hayride, pony rides, pumpkin painting and face painting. Refreshments also available to purchase. Gift Barn is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, with decorations for fall, Halloween and Christmas. Their pumpkin patch is also open from 2-6 p.m. on weekdays in October. More information is available at the farm’s website (click here).

Irons Mill Farmstead, 252 Greenfield Road, New Wilmington. 724-946-5455. Farm is open now through Nov. 1, hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. They will also be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays in October, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 (Columbus Day). Admission price includes over 40 attractions on more than 150 acres; guests under 2 years and over 80 years old are admitted free. Visit their website (click here) or at their Facebook (click here) and Instagram (click here) pages for more information.

Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse, 1714 State Route 30 in Findlay Township. 724-899-3438. Farm market is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Gift shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sells seasonal produce, Brunton Dairy milk, Highland Homestead beef, chicken and pork and Coyote Run Ranch bison, as well as kombucha, honey, jellies and jams, soaps, candles and more. Pumpkinland Weekends open Oct. 3; hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only through Oct. 25. Admission includes pumpkin patch, scenic hayride, corn maze, haunted barn; kids’ activities include petting zoo, corn pit, straw maze, playgrounds and more. Pumpkins, pony rides and other items are an extra cost. Pack your own lunch or visit the food vendors on site. Major debit and credit cards are accepted, but some of the craft vendors only take cash, so plan accordingly. More information is available at the farm’s website under the events (click here) tab.

McDonald’s Farm, Independence Township (near Independence Elementary School). 412-935-4184. Currently selling fall decorations like cornstalk bundles, straw bales and a limited amount of pumpkins and gourds. They also have an online store, selling beef tallow products (click here) including soaps, body butter, lip balm and other items through their website.

McKinney Family Farm, 1257 Route 68, New Sewickley Township. 724-312-1234. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Selling fall produce, including tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, apples, peppers, carrots, cucumbers and items for fall decor, including mums, decorative pumpkins, straw bales and corn stalks. Also sells Marburger Dairy products, Byler’s canned goods, brown eggs, honey and candles. Visit the farm’s Facebook page (click here) for updates on what’s available.

Schiefelbein’s Farm Market, 3323 State Route 151, Independence Township. 724-378-8807. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until early November. Sells locally grown fruits and vegetables, Brunton Dairy milk and Amish-made baked goods. Check their Facebook page (click here) for the most recent selection.

Sperdute Farms, 206 Kildoo Road, New Castle. 724-667-8866. Farm market open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through October, selling seasonal farm produce, local honey and jarred products including barbecue sauce, salad dressings, salsas, jams and more. Accepts only cash, check or farmers market vouchers. Fall Harvest Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, 26 and 27. No admission charge or parking fee. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch and a variety of activities, including Superdute Farms Express train rides and pony rides, live music, crafts and more. Fresh produce, seasonal decor, craft vendors, baked goods and more. Visit the farm’s website (click here) or its Facebook page (click here) for more information.

Yeck’s Pumpkins and Hayrides, 568 Baker Road, New Sewickley Township. 724-775-1326. The farm’s fall visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Free activities for the kids include a corn maze, trikes, grainery play area, visit with farm animals and more. Hayrides are an extra cost and only available on weekends, starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. They also sell pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and mums, as well as handmade crafts, soy candles, Amish baked goods, cider and Marburger’s beverages. Cash or checks only accepted for payment. Visit their Facebook page (click here) for more information.

Ellwood City high school boys soccer team wins first match since 2010

(File Photo of the Ellwood City Wolverines Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hookstown, PA) The Ellwood City high school boys soccer team won a match for the first time in 15 years on Thursday.

The Wolverines had a 1-0 victory on the road over the South Side Rams in a section match. 

The last time that the Ellwood City high school boys soccer team won a match before Thursday was on September 25th, 2010.

That was a span of 5,836 days between wins.  

Secretary of the Commonwealth Reminds Eligible Pennsylvanians of October 19th Voter Registration Deadline Ahead of November Election

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Chester County, Pa., election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, approved a bill long-sought by counties seeking help to manage huge influxes of mail-in ballots during elections in the presidential battleground state and to avoid a repeat of 2020’s drawn-out vote count. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvanians today that the deadline to register to vote in the November 3rd midterm election is just one month away.

That deadline is October 19th.

Eligible voters in Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to cast the ballot for their U.S. House of Representatives seat, Governor/Lieutenant Governor, even-numbered state Senate districts, and all state House districts.

The Pennsylvania Department of State’s candidate database lists the candidates that are running for office to be eligible to vote in the November 3rd election.

A person is eligible to vote in Pennsylvania by being a U.S. citizen for at least one month before the primary, a resident of the election district in which the person plans to register for at least 30 days before the primary, and at least 18 years old on or before November 3rd.

Pennsylvanians who are already registered to vote can check their registration status online by clicking here.

They can also update their voter record with any address, name or party affiliation changes (click here for more information).

Eligible Pennsylvanians also can get a voter registration application at these following locations, according to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of State:

  • their county elections office,
  • county assistance offices,
  • Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offices,
  • Armed Forces recruitment centers,
  • county clerk of orphans’ courts or marriage license offices,
  • area agencies on aging,
  • county mental health and intellectual disabilities offices,
  • student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education, and
  • Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated complementary paratransit providers.

Marilyn J. Llewellyn, PhD, (1950-2026)

Marilyn J. Llewellyn, PhD, a consummate teacher and scholar, and a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, of Bellevue, passed away on September 13th, 2026, following complications of surgeries. She was 76.

She was born on June 3rd, 1950, the daughter of James B. Llewellyn and Adeline (Loschiavo) Llewellyn.

Marilyn spent her childhood in Ambridge and attended St. Veronica Elementary and High School, in 1966 she moved with her family to Canton, Ohio, and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1968. Months after graduation, Marilyn entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, PA, a congregation of Roman Catholic women who tolerated the rambunctious 18-year-old entering the convent with a record player and stack of 45s, mostly Motown and 50s rock and roll. Marilyn’s playfulness, wit, adventuresome spirit and deep love of God became a magnet to young Sisters who were drawn to religious life post Vatican II.

​In 1971, Marilyn professed her first vows in the congregation while also attending Carlow College where she earned a BA in history. The sisters at St. Catherine’s in Beechview mentored Marilyn as a teacher, but much of her skill came naturally. She was known to sneak out at night and join other teachers at a popular hangout, but it never held her back from giving 100% to her sixth graders at St. Catherine’s. From 1975-1980 Marilyn was principal at Annunciation School in the North Side. She was compassionate and fair toward children, parents and faculty alike. On snow days, Marilyn and the sisters went sled riding on cafeteria trays at Schenley Park. She loved having fun – dancing at a disco in McKees Rocks, enjoying a burger and beer with friends, playing pinocle. You name it.

​As much as Marilyn enjoyed good times, she also had a deep passion for social justice. She protested racial discrimination in Pittsburgh, helped mistreated migrants in South Carolina and championed the rights of marginalized people. Marilyn was a feminist and critical thinker who instilled in students, faculty, friends and family the importance of treating others with compassion and acceptance. She was a die-hard Democrat who loved, loved, loved Barack and Michele Obama.

​Following her M.A. in American history from Boston College in 1982, Marilyn taught for 10 years at St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. Her classes in social studies were enriched with discussions on past and current events. She taught students to think outside the pages and look for those who were excluded from written history but vital to American culture. In 1992, Marilyn was awarded the diocesan Golden Apple for her excellent teaching and was one of six honorees out of 1,200 applicants recognized by the KDKA Thanks to Teachers program.

​Marilyn earned her doctorate in curriculum and teaching from The Union Institute and Graduate University based in Cincinnati. As part of her studies, she co-authored Dealing with Differences: Taking action on class, race, gender and disability, and participated in the Dissertation Research/Writing Study Group affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. Her dissertation, Bringing Forth a World: Spirituality as Pedagogy, reflected on her experiences in the classroom, her dedication to justice and her life as a Sister of St. Joseph. Before her graduation in 1998, Marilyn was hired by Carlow University where she spent the next 23 years in the Education Department.

​As a respected faculty member, Marilyn held the following positions at Carlow: Dean and Professor of Education, University Senate co-chair, Program Chair for the Master of Education with concentrations in elementary education, special education, instructional technology and secondary education. She was certification officer and director as well as taught courses in undergraduate and graduation education. Over the years, Marilyn created and/or co-created many programs and courses at Carlow. She wrote and co/authored four books on education, was published in edited books and peer-reviewed education journals as well as presented at many national and international conferences. In 2002, Marilyn received Carlow University’s most prestigious faculty award: the Max and Esther Sestilli Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was the only person in the room who was stunned by the honor.

​Several years before Marilyn retired in 2021 as Carlow Professor Emerita, she ended her 46-year formal membership as a Sisters of St. Joseph. It was a difficult and painful decision for her, but one she felt was right. Marilyn continued to teach and built a house in Bellevue that became the hub for birthday and holiday celebrations, Steeler games, bridge club and informal gatherings of friends, including Sisters and colleagues. She loved visits from her family and watching “the twins,” her nephew and niece Camden and Ryan Banks. It was always a vacation at Aunt Mar’s home.

​In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nephew, Jerome Clark, her aunt Sister Muriel Llewellyn and her grandparents, Giuseppe and Carmela Loschiavo and Evan and Elizabeth Llewellyn. She is survived by her very dearest friend, Sister Roberta Campbell, OSB, of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, her brother, Eric, of Columbus, Ohio, his niece, Andrea (Jason) Banks of Columbus, Ohio, their children, Camden and Ryan, her niece, Carmela Llewellyn of Akron, Ohio, and her children, Jayla and Alannie Llewellyn and Sergio Noel and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, numerous cousins, her colleagues, hundreds of students, and a cadre of friends who cannot imagine life without her. She leaves a whole in so many lives.

​Marilyn chose to be cremated. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, October 17th, from 1-4 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, 1020 State Street, Baden.  Contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, or Casa San Jose, 1604 Broadway Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Route 18 Frankfort Road Bridge Closure Begins Monday, September 28th in Potter Township

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that the closure of the Route 18 Frankfort Road Bridge over Raccoon Creek in Potter Township will begin on Monday, September 28th, weather permitting.

The Route 18 Frankfort Road Bridge will close to traffic between PGT Way and Montgomery Dam Road from 12:01 A.M. on Monday, September 28th through 11:59 P.M. on Friday, October 9th to accommodate roadway tie-ins.

Raccoon Creek Road will also close to traffic at the intersection with Route 18 (Frankfort Road) from 12:01 A.M. on Monday, September 28th through 11:59 P.M. on Friday, October 9.

Traffic will be detoured, and according to a release from PennDOT District 11, here are the detours for this work:

Posted Detours

To northbound Route 18 (Frankfort Road)

  • Traffic on Route 18 south of the closure will take Shippingport Hill Road
  • Turn right onto the Shippingport Bridge
  • Bear right onto east Route 68 toward Beaver
  • Continue to the I-376 interchange
  • Take the east I-376 ramp toward Pittsburgh
  • Take the Route 18 toward Monaca/Shippingport (Exit 39) exit
  • End detour

To southbound Route 18 (Frankfort Road)

  • Traffic on Route 18 north of the closure will take the west I-376 ramp toward New Castle
  • Take the west Route 68 toward Midland (Exit 38A) exit
  • Continue westbound on Route 68
  • Bear left for south Route 168 toward Shippingport/Hookstown
  • Cross the Shippingport Bridge
  • Turn left onto Shippingport Hill Road
  • Continue to Route 18
  • End detour

Traffic to Raccoon Creek Road from south of the Route 18 (Frankfort Road) closure

  • From Route 18, turn onto Bauer Road
  • Turn left onto Mowry Road
  • Bear right to stay on Mowry Road
  • Continue to Raccoon Creek Road
  • End detour

Traffic to Raccoon Creek Road from north of the Route 18 (Frankfort Road) closure

  • Traffic on Route 18 north of the closure will take the west I-376 ramp toward New Castle
  • Take the west Route 68 toward Midland (Exit 38A) exit
  • Continue westbound on Route 68
  • Bear left for south Route 168 toward Shippingport/Hookstown
  • Cross the Shippingport Bridge
  • Turn left onto Shippingport Hill Road
  • Continue to Route 18
  • Turn left onto Route 18
  • Turn right onto Bauer Road
  • Turn left onto Mowry Road
  • Bear right to stay on Mowry Road
  • Continue to Raccoon Creek Road
  • End detour

Allegheny Health Network Launches New National CRNA Recruiting Campaign, $110,000 Student Loan Repayment Program, to Strengthen Western Pennsylvania’s Certified Nurse Anesthetist Workforce

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today the launch of a new national recruitment and loan repayment program which is designed to strengthen the pipeline of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Western Pennsylvania.

This workforce investment campaign is aiming to address the ongoing regional and national shortages in CRNAs by reducing the financial barriers to education and attracting early-career CRNA talent.

A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse, and they specialize in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.

AHN will collaborate with Clasp, a company based in Boston and a national leader in retention-driven healthcare recruiting.

AHN will also provide student loan repayment that is employer-sponsored for qualified nurse anesthesia students who commit to joining the organization full-time as a CRNA after they graduate.