Author: Beaver County Radio

Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds reaches 1,000th career hits

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds, left, connects for a single as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno reaches for the ball during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds recorded his 1,000th career hit in the third inning of the team’s 1-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Wednesday.

It was one of two hits Reynolds collected in the game, and he also added a stolen base.

Reynolds became just the fifth player in Pirates history to record 1,000 hits, 200 doubles, and 140 home runs, joining Andrew McCutchen, Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, and Roberto Clemente.

Patricia Merle Shaw (1944-2026)

Patricia Merle Shaw, 81, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2026, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

She was born in Burbank, California on December 23rd, 1944, a daughter of the late Homer Puckett and Marie Aline (Strong) Puckett. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Walters and her husband, Joseph Stahl of Freedom, her sons, David (Jillian) Hof of Salem, Virginia and Joseph Hof. While an only child, her world became so full with 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and another little miracle great-granddaughter on the way. Although she couldn’t see all of you as she would have liked, she loved each and every one deeply. She loved the ocean, butterflies, and the sound of birds waking up first thing in the morning. In fact, she loved all the beauty of what God laid out before her. No matter how simple. Be glad in the day you are given. Her final years were made so special by Catherine Walters, David Hof, Laura Findley, Kristie Yee, Hailey Findley, Brooklyn Gale, Michael Diaddigo and Steven Gale. Whether by phone or in person, you all brightened her day.

Professional services have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A private service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patricia’s name to St. Jude.

A special thanks to Three Oaks Hospice (Elisa, Marie, Jenn, Nikki) for your amazing care for our mother. Also, to the Nurse (Jenn) and the aids and housekeeping for all your care when our mom was moved to hospice. Our family can never thank you enough!

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

Samuel J. Orr, III (1940-2026)

Samuel J. Orr, III, 86, of Brighton Township, passed away on May 5th, 2026. He was born on January 3rd, 1940, a son of the late Robert L. Orr and Blanche D. Orr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Eva Orr, who made his life a joy way beyond what any person could ever expect. He is survived by his siblings Julie Barr, Robert L. Orr, Jr., John D. Orr, Rebecca Orend and a very good friend, Jennifer Stephenson. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs, Heidi, Bridget, Penny, Henri, Mandy and his cat, Toby.

Samuel was a graduate of Beaver High School, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and the University of Wisconsin Law School at Madison, Wisconsin. He practiced law from 1966 until the present time. He served in the District Attorney’s Office in Beaver County in 1968-1969 and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1969 through 1977 including service as First Assistant. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver where he had the opportunity to serve as an elder.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12th at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, led by his Pastor, Rev. Jeffrey Arnold, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday May 13th.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Samuel J. Orr III, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Kennywood recognizing two employees who have worked at the park for 50 years

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Kennywood Park)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) Kennywood will honor two longtime employees this weekend for each reaching 50 years of service at the park. 

Larry Russ and Bobby Trygar will be recognized during a special ceremony Saturday. The park plans to unveil and dedicate benches in their honor. 

Russ began working at Kennywood in 1976 as a games employee at the Big Apple dart game before joining the park’s security department. Over the past 45 years, he has served in several roles, including corporal, lieutenant, chief and captain. Park officials said he continues to work security at both Kennywood and Sandcastle Water Park. 

Trygar also started at the park in 1976, working at the Parkside Cafe before moving into the maintenance department. Officials said he has helped maintain several of the park’s iconic attractions, including the Racer, the Log Jammer and the Merry-Go-Round. 

The ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday near the Old Mill. 

Police chase through several Beaver County communities concerns residents

(File Photo of a Center Township Police Department Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Viewer video sent to WPXI captured part of a police chase Tuesday evening near Temple Road and Edgewood Avenue in Hopewell Township. 

The video appears to show a white Toyota speeding down a residential street while being pursued by several police vehicles from the Center Township Police Department and Monaca Police Department. 

Witnesses reported seeing the chase in multiple communities, including Monaca and Aliquippa. One driver said the vehicle sped past her on Route 18 near the Shell cracker plant, while another person wrote on social media that the car nearly struck her head-on on Buchanan Street in Aliquippa. 

Monaca police said information about the incident would be released by Center Township police. 

Center Township police confirmed the pursuit began in their jurisdiction and continued into neighboring communities before officers ended the chase near the Hopewell line. 

Police have not said why the driver was being pursued, citing the ongoing investigation. 

State Representative Rob Matzie: $250,000 secured for HVAC pre-apprenticeship program

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) Beaver County students will gain new pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the HVAC industry through a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, according to Rob Matzie. 

Matzie said the Schools-to-Work grant was awarded to the Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee to launch an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program. 

The program is designed to connect students with in-demand careers through hands-on training and industry partnerships and will serve students in Beaver County and other parts of western Pennsylvania. 

Schools-to-Work grants support employers, schools and community organizations in developing apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways that help students transition from school into the workforce.

Trailer catches on fire in Brighton Township

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department, Station 63)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Fire crews were dispatched to the 1000 block of Dutch Ridge Road following reports of an equipment fire Wednesday. 

Units responded within two minutes and arrived to find a trailer fully engulfed in flames. 

Firefighters used foam to battle the fire because of the materials involved, and crews brought the blaze under control without further incident. 

No injuries were reported. 

Paul Skenes throws 8 innings of 2-hit ball, leads Pirates to a 1-0 win over the D-backs

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes warms up during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX (AP) — Paul Skenes threw eight brilliant innings in one of the best outings of the young star’s career, Brandon Lowe hit a solo homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates edged the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Skenes — the defending National League Cy Young award winner — retired the first 14 batters he faced until Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a soft dribbler down the third-base line for a single. The right-handed pitcher tried to make the play, but his throw was well wide of first base.

Nolan Arenado followed with a line drive single to left, but that was the final baserunner Skenes allowed. The 23-year-old struck out seven, including the final three batters he faced in the eighth.

He threw 97 pitches, including 65 strikes.

Gregory Soto worked around a one-out walk in the ninth to earn his second save.

Lowe’s homer to center field was a towering shot that traveled 435 feet and bounced off the batter’s eye. Bryan Reynolds earned his 1,000th career hit on a single in the third, finished the night with two hits and also had a stolen base.

D-backs right-hander Michael Soroka (4-2) gave up several hard-hit balls in the first — including Lowe’s homer — but had more success as the game progressed. He went 6 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and two walks while striking out six.

Skenes (5-2) has never thrown a nine-inning complete game in his big-league career. He threw 8 1/3 innings once in 2024 and threw an eight-inning complete game last season in a 1-0 loss against the Phillies.

Up next

The D-backs start RHP Zac Gallen (1-2, 4.45 ERA) on Thursday while the Pirates counter with RHP Mitch Keller (3-1, 2.85) in the finale of the three-game series.

2 killed after multi-vehicle crash sends car off ramp near Fort Duquesne Bridge

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Two people were killed in a five-vehicle crash near the Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon, after one vehicle plunged onto the roadway below. 

The crash occurred around 3 p.m. and closed southbound Route 65 at the ramp to the bridge for several hours during the evening rush, according to PennDOT. The roadway reopened shortly before 7 p.m. 

Authorities said an SUV involved in the crash went over the side of the bridge and landed on Reedsdale Street on the North Side near Acrisure Stadium, killing the driver. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the driver as 52-year-old Michael Smith of Sheraden.

Another person was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being extricated from a vehicle using hydraulic rescue tools, but later died, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz. The second victim was also identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office as fifty-eight-year-old Danielle Jackman of Churchill.

No other injuries were reported. 

Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash, though Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said speed may have been a factor. 

Possible expansion of pickleball courts at Brady’s Run Ice Arena among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session Wednesday at the County Courthouse. The main one was when audience member Peggy Greene spoke to the Commissioners about possibly expanding the number of pickleball courts at the Brady’s Run Ice Arena. Greene spoke about the county’s indoor facility for both pickleball and tennis. She described several issues about the pickleball courts, which included them being two feet too wide for regulation play. Greene also noted that the potential is present for the sport of pickleball, but she wanted to ask the possibility of adding more to accomodate with playing with the tennis players. Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury explained that “resurfacing of the entire area” needs to be accomplished before exploring all options to add the other lines with the appropriate regulation court size. Caltury also noted that because of a failure of a cooling tower pump, all ice activities like figure skating, public sessions and birthday parties at the Brady’s Run Ice Arena will be shut down at this time for “at best two weeks.” Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also mentioned that a report confirms that the county ranks first in the state of Pennsylvania in percentage of ballots returned. Beaver County has had over 60% of its mail-in ballots returned as the 2026 primary election in Pennsylvania will take place on May 19th. Fedeles expressed that “a total of 6,401 have been returned out of 10,332.” The public was also informed by Fedeles that the parking garage at the County Courthouse will be shut down for 4-6 weeks starting on Monday due to finalizing its repairs.