Author: Beaver County Radio

Rookie Drew Allar has 2 TD passes, 1 TD run as Steelers beat Packers 28-9 in preseason opener

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (84) and quarterback Drew Allar (16) celebrate Allar’s touchdown run in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike McCarthy loves playing the role of teacher during what he calls “Quarterback School,” shorthand for his highly detailed process of teaching young signal callers the finer points of their position.

The first-year Pittsburgh Steelers coach’s latest pupils are proving to be quick studies.

Rookie Drew Allar threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another and Will Howard directed a long scoring drive of his own as the Steelers breezed past the Green Bay Packers 28-9 on Thursday night.

Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, was 10 of 13 for 154 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Wetjen and a 4-yard flip to Riley Nowkowski. The 22-year-old Allar, who entered to chants of “Drewwww,” also sprinted into the end zone for a 3-yard score as the Steelers made McCarthy’s debut leading his hometown team a successful one.

“I thought they were very poised,” McCarthy said. “I said I like the way (the quarterbacks) played, especially the young guys.”

Howard, a sixth-round pick last year who hadn’t played since leading Ohio State to the 2025 College Football Playoff championship, was 7 of 9 passing for 86 yards and looked comfortable directing the 2-minute offense that ended with a 1-yard touchdown dive by Lew Nichols.

The Steelers outgained Green Bay 385-160, and collected yardage in huge chunks at times on plays that had receivers running wide open against a vanilla defense more focused on fundamentals than elaborate schemes for a game that didn’t count.

“I think it really shows how QB-friendly this system can be,” Howard said. “When we execute the way that we want like all of us, I feel like, did tonight, we can be a really, really fun offense.”

Pittsburgh star Aaron Rodgers, who said this week he doesn’t think he needs to play during his 22nd and final training camp, caught up with Love and other Green Bay players and staff and then watched from the sideline with a headset on as his last NFL team faced his first.

The 42-year-old’s spot atop the depth chart is secure. What happens behind him is anyone’s guess as Howard, Allar and veteran Mason Rudolph compete for the right to still have a job when rosters are trimmed to 53 on Aug. 30.

Rudolph started and completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and put together a long drive that ended with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth tackled at the Green Bay 1 on fourth down.

Love does fine in cameo

Green Bay starter Jordan Love was 3 of 5 passing during one series of work while leading the Packers on an opening drive that ended with the first of rookie Trey Smack’s three field goals. Love wasn’t hit during his brief appearance, a welcome development after he injured his left (non-throwing) hand against the New York Jets during the preseason last year.

Smack talk

Packers coach Matt Lafleur praised the performance of Smack, whom Green Bay traded up in the sixth round to pick in this year’s draft.

Smack made kicks of 58, 38 and 37 yards and drilled another 58-yarder that didn’t count when Green Bay opted to take a personal foul penalty against the Steelers to extend a drive that later ended with Smack converting a shorter field goal.

“Really, really strong first performance,” Lafleur said. “Now he’s got to stack it.”

Smack, who said he connected with former Packers kicker Ryan Longwell recently to gain some tips on how to kick in Green Bay, shrugged off his play at Acrisure Stadium, which isn’t typically friendly to kickers.

“Every kick’s kind of the same,” he said. “I try to hit the ball the best I can. I hit that 38-yarder, I don’t know how far it was, and the deeper one, I kind of treated it as the same.”

Big names take the night off

McCarthy stressed the biggest goal of the season was to emerge from it healthy. To that end, many of the club’s bold-faced names joined Rodgers in sweats. Longtime Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman and running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle also had the night off.

Flag day

The game had all the trappings of a preseason opener, including some sloppy play on both sides. Pittsburgh was flagged 11 times for 135 yards while the Packers were penalized nine times for 76 yards.

Injuries

Packers: Backup tackle Darian Kinnard exited in the third quarter. … Defensive tackle Anthony Campbell left late in the third quarter with a significant limp.

Steelers: Reserve cornerback D’Shawn Jamison left in the first quarter

Up next

Packers: Visit the Denver Broncos on Aug. 21.

Steelers: Host the New York Jets on Aug. 21.

Route 65 Bridge Replacement Project Foundation Work Begins Monday

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing preparatory work of the Route 65 bridge over the Connoquenessing Creek in North Sewickley and Franklin townships, Beaver County will begin Monday, August 17 weather permitting.

Single-lane alternating traffic restrictions controlled by flaggers will occur on Route 65 between Country Club Road and Mercer Road (Route 1006) weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM through mid-September. Crews from Swank Construction Company will conduct predrilling and installation of bridge foundation work in preparation for the full closure expected to occur mid to late September.

A full replacement of the existing three-span, steel multi-girder bridge will occur on this $9.45 million project. The bridge spans the Connoquenessing Creek between Mercer Road in Franklin Township and Country Club Drive in North Sewickley Township. A 33-day closure with a detour will occur for the demolition of the existing structure, the building of a new bridge, and intersection upgrades which are expected to reopen the bridge by the end of October 2026. Additional work includes drainage improvements, sign upgrades, pavement marking installation, and planting and seeding areas impacted by construction activities. The overall project is expected to finish in the spring of 2027.

Please allow extra time and use caution when traveling through the work zone.

Raymond S. Rudek 9/11/1943 to 8/9/2026

Raymond S. Rudek (Ray), 82, of Ohio Twp., passed away on August 9, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 11, 1943, the son of the late Stanley Rudek & Susan (Farkas) Rudek.

Ray grew up in Oakland with his identical twin brother, Richard, and younger sisters Christine and Marion.  He learned the value of hard work early in life being an altar boy before school each day and on weekends and delivering papers throughout Oakland. He graduated from Central Catholic and began his studies at Duquesne University before enlisting in the Marines in 1963. During his service, he demonstrated leadership, honor, and commitment to his country, earning multiple promotions and reaching the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1967. Ray took advantage of the GI Bill to graduate with honors with a degree in Accounting from Point Park College. He joined Price Waterhouse in 1969 and over the course of 5 years he honed his accounting skills and passed the CPA exam.  Ray left Price Waterhouse to run the accounting department of Datatel Resource Corporation. For 35 years, Ray brought broad expertise and steady leadership to the company, eventually serving as CFO and part owner. He left Datatel and went into partial retirement, consulting along the way. Through his many business connections and friendships, Ray was requested to help an associate complete the acquisition of a business unit from a large corporation—an opportunity that led to his “last dance” as CFO of Consolidated Graphic Communications. In 2024, Ray officially retired.

Ray’s relationship with Louise Bellisario began in 1963. Throughout his years in the Marines, he made it a point during leave to drive back to Pittsburgh to spend time with her.  After leaving the Marines, the two married on August 26, 1967. They had two children, Ray Jr. and Michelle. Ray dedicated himself to providing the best life possible for his family, always prioritizing time together. He especially loved the Carolina beaches, where the family vacationed every year. He spent countless hours attending athletic events or coaching the kids as they grew up. His greatest joy was the welcoming of his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Papster.” He remained a constant and loving presence in their lives, guiding them with wisdom and devotion as they grew into young adults. In partial retirement, Ray and Louise found joy in wintering on Marco Island. Their love of travel and exploration also took them to many memorable places throughout the United States and Europe, in the company of dear friends.

Ray is survived by his beloved spouse of 58 years, Louise; son Raymond Jr. (Kimberly); his grandchildren Remi and Ryan Rudek and Kiran Renaut; his brother Richard (late wife Mary) and sisters Christine Silvestri (Alvin) and Marion Rudek. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Susan and his dear daughter, Michelle Rudek Renaut (survived by Paul Renaut).

A gathering to honor and remember Ray will occur on August 27, 2026, from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Huntsman Funeral Home at 1522 Coraopolis Heights Rd in Moon Township, PA. On August 28, 2026, a funeral mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Moon Township starting at 12PM. Committal and Full Military Funeral Honors will occur at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA starting at 2:30PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Michelle Rudek Memorial Fund. Gifts made payable to Johns Hopkins University may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in honor of Dr. Rudek and sent to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202, or make a gift online at https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel, choose “other” and specify Dr. Michelle Rudek Fund.

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Betty J. Reynolds Aug 7, 1941 to Aug 11, 2026

Betty J. Reynolds, 85, of Vanport Twp., passed away peacefully, with her beloved husband holding her hand, Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Born August 7, 1941 in Beaver, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth Wyrick Besong. A resident of Beaver all her life, Betty will be remembered as a caring wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, especially when cheering on her grandsons during their sporting events. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling, Beaver Football, the Steelers, and trying her luck at the casino.

She will be greatly missed by her devoted husband of 63 years, James R. Reynolds; daughter, Nancy Reynolds (Mark) Korcinsky; grandchildren, Heath and Alexander Korcinsky; and nephews, Dennis, Michael and Marty Shafer.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son, David Reynolds and sister, Janet Shafer.

Friends will be received Monday, August 17, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

The family would like to thank family friend, Ginny Wheeler and First Presbyterian Church, Beaver for the compassionate care and support given to Betty.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Carol Ann Wiltse November 07, 1966 to August 12, 2026

Carol Ann Wiltse, 59, of Beaver Falls, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at AHN Wexford, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on November 7, 1966, in Lackawanna, New York, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Colello and Beatrice (Blaskiewicz) Jakubowski.

Carol spent her life caring for others, building a career in food service and the petroleum industry before later finding fulfillment as a caregiver. She had a generous heart and a deep love for all living things, often rescuing animals in need and making sure they found the care and love they deserved.

In her free time, Carol enjoyed thrifting, bird watching, antiquing, and taking on creative DIY projects. She had a curious spirit and a knack for finding beauty and possibility in the world around her.

Above all else, Carol treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being a grandmother to her three grandchildren. She adored them dearly and cherished every moment spent watching them grow. Her love, kindness, and caring spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her

She is survived by her sons, Andrew Wiltse, Adam Wiltse, and Alex (Salena Riorto) Wiltse; a bonus daughter, Shannon (Craig) Edwards; three grandchildren, Walker “Bubba”, Draconis, and Ibis; her sister, Helene (Jim) Krygier; nieces, Danielle (Ken) Hess and Stephanie (Riley) Krygier; and many great friends.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by a nephew, Christopher Emerick.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial visitation on Sunday, August 16th from 1PM until the time of memorial service at 5PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

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

Hazel A. Withers December 24, 1933 to August 11, 2026

Hazel A. Withers, age 92, formerly of New Sewickley Township, passed away, Wednesday, August 11th, 2026, in Good Samaritan Hospice, of Wexford. Born December 24th, 1933, in New Brighton, Hazel was the daughter of the late Alfred and Sarah Mather Altenbaugh. She was a retired assembler with Westinghouse Corporation, of Vanport, a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rochester, a former volunteer with the Rochester Meals on Wheels organization, former member of the Eastern Star – Naomi Chapter, a longtime volunteer with the Syria Shrine and the Daughters of the Nile, and the Hillbillies Chapter. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Theodore L. Withers (2022), as well as two sisters, Dorothy L. Altenbaugh and Roberta G. Black. She is survived by two nieces, Debra and John Newton and Denise and Larry Parks, both of New Sewickley Township, three great-nephews, Greg and Cathy Altenbaugh, Robert Richards, and Chad and Katie Parks, a great-niece, Caitlin Newton, and numerous paternal nieces and nephews, including Deb Garnes, Jack and Neal Klann, and Donna Johnson. The family will receive friends Monday, August 17th, from 2pm until 5pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074, with the service following at 5:15. Officiating will be Pastor Gregory Clagg. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel , please visit our floral store.

Rose Bable Dec 30, 1938 to Aug 11, 2026

Rose Bable, 87, of Beaver, passed away Tuesday August 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at Good Samaritan Hospice.

Born December 30, 1938, in New Brighton she was a daughter of the late Frank and Catherine Romanchak. Rose enjoyed going to the casino, playing slots, and watching soap operas. She loved animals, her family, especially her grandkids who she talked about constantly.

Surviving Rose is her husband, John Bable, her children, Robin Bauer, Robert Cowie, Lynn (Jason) Phillips, grandchildren, Teddi Bauer, Joshua Bauer, Adam Bauer, Aubrey Phillips, and Brady Phillips.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Cowie, and her 11 siblings.

Private burial will be held at Concord Cemetery, Beaver Falls.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Ashcraft throws complete game, Flores has 2 homers, 6 RBIs as Pirates rout Marlins 13-1

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (35) aims a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

MIAMI (AP) — Braxton Ashcraft threw a complete-game three-hitter, Rafael Flores had a pair of three-run homers and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Miami Marlins 13-1 on Thursday.

Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez also went deep for the Pirates, who snapped a three-game skid. Pittsburgh’s Jake Mangum went 3 for 4 with three runs scored.

Ashcraft (12-5) struck out 10 and walked one in his 85-pitch outing. The right-hander, who was aided by three double plays, faced the minimum until Owen Caissie homered to lead off the ninth.

Ashcraft became the first Pirate to throw a nine-inning complete since Mitch Keller against the Los Angeles Angels on May 26, 2024. He also was the first Pirate to complete a game under 100 pitches since Ivan Nova accomplished the feat against Miami on April 29, 2017.

The Pirates’ Nick Gonzales had a walk and two singles. His two singles increased Gonzales’ multi-hit games to a major league-leading 48.

The Pirates broke through with a two-run fifth off Tyler Phillips (3-6). Mangum hit a leadoff triple and scored on a balk by Phillips. Triolo followed with his second homer of the season. Triolo went 3 for 4 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

A video review confirmed Triolo’s homer after the Marlins appealed that his drive bounced off and over the wall instead of center fielder Jakob Marsee’s glove.

Pittsburgh added to its lead in the sixth. Reliever Cade Gibson inherited two runners and walked Gonzalez, then hit Mangum with the bases loaded. Triolo followed with a two-run single to make it 5-0.

Flores broke it open for the Pirates with a drive off reliever John King in the eighth. Miami position player Javier Sanoja pitched the ninth and allowed Gonzalez’s two-run drive and Flores’ second three-run blast.

Phillips gave up four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out six.

Up next

Pirates: RHP Bubba Chandler (5-8, 4.26 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game home series against Boston on Friday. The Red Sox will go with LHP Jake Bennett (7-5, 3.17 ERA).

Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara (13-6, 3.52) gets the start on Friday, when Miami opens a three-game series at Cincinnati. RHP Chase Burns (13-2, 2.61) will start for the Reds.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving the Trump administration

FILE – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, July 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will be leaving the Trump administration at the end of the month to spend time with her young family. The 28-year-old Leavitt called it a “bittersweet decision” in a social media post Wednesday shortly after President Donald Trump announced she’d be stepping down. She is the youngest person in history to hold the role and recently gave birth to her second child. She said that, since returning to the White House from maternity leave, she has felt she could not devote enough time or attention to both roles. Trump said she will be one of his “top outside advisors.”

Winning ticket for $1 billion Powerball jackpot was sold in Illinois

FILE – Powerball lottery tickets are displayed Oct. 4, 2023, in Surfside, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

A Powerball ticket sold in western Illinois has won a $1 billion jackpot. Lottery officials say the ticket that won the jackpot on Wednesday night was purchased at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy along the Missouri border. It’s not clear if the winner has come forward yet. The prize can be taken as a $1 billion annuity over 29 years or a lump sum of $450.5 million in cash. Most winners take the lump sum. This is the first jackpot win since May 2. The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292 million. The Powerball jackpot now resets to $20 million for the next drawing on Saturday.