Author: Beaver County Radio

Mars Area School District mascot, the Fightin’ Planet, wins 2026 best high school mascot in America

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of oneBURGH, Posted on Facebook on May 7th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mars, PA) After millions of votes were cast, the Mars Fightin’ Planets were named the 2026 Best High School Mascot in America.

The nationwide contest featured a March Madness-style bracket in which 64 high school mascots competed head-to-head.

Mars defeated the Poca Dots of West Virginia in the opening round before advancing past the Johnson Atom Smashers of Georgia in round two.

In the later rounds, the Fightin’ Planets defeated the Bonanza Antlers of Oregon in the Sweet 16, the Yuma Criminals of Arizona in the Elite Eight, and the Willingboro Chimeras of New Jersey in the Final Four.

The championship matchup featured two Pennsylvania schools, with Mars defeating the Boiling Springs Bubblers by a vote of 899,296 to 575,259.

The mascot — named after both the Mars borough and the Red Planet — is also known locally as the “Mars Meatball.”

School supporters also generated significant social media attention during the contest, including a YouTube video featuring students from Mars Area Elementary School explaining why they believed the Fightin’ Planets deserved the title.

Congressman Chris Deluzio Celebrates More than $10 Million for Pittsburgh Airport to Upgrade Terminal Terraces, Taxiways, and Emergency Generators

(File Photo of Pittsburgh International Airport Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced more than $10.7 million in federal funding Thursday for continued upgrades to the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport.

According to Deluzio’s office, the funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Department of Transportation to support several infrastructure improvements at the airport.

The funding includes:

  • $5,527,109 to reconstruct 700,000 square feet of terminal space of existing terminal as part of the final phase of the terminal modernization project, including construction of the north and south airside terraces.
  • $4,013,934 to rehabilitate 4,300 feet of existing pavement in Taxiway B and 3,000 feet of existing pavement in Taxiway C to help maintain structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend their service life.
  • $1,200,000 to replace two existing emergency electrical generators that have reached the end of their usable lifespan.

Sources: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers to visit Steelers, likely to play for team in 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) leaves the field after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar,File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend and is likely to play for the team this season, sources told NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Thursday.

However, sources told ESPN there is currently no agreement between Rodgers and the Steelers.

Steelers president Art Rooney II told NFL Network last week that he remained confident Rodgers would be Pittsburgh’s quarterback in 2026 and believed the uncertainty would be resolved soon. Rooney previously said during the NFL’s annual meeting in late March that the organization expected a decision from Rodgers before the NFL Draft, though that deadline passed without an agreement.

With Rodgers still unsigned in free agency, the Steelers applied the rarely used unrestricted free agent tender to the quarterback late last month. The move ensures Pittsburgh could receive a compensatory draft pick if Rodgers signs elsewhere.

If Rodgers signs the tender, he would receive a 10% raise over last season’s salary, earning approximately $15 million this year. The tender also gives the Steelers exclusive negotiating rights if Rodgers does not sign with another team by July 22 or the first day of training camp, whichever comes later.

Breeze Airways adds nonstop service flight from Pittsburgh International Airport to Louisville

(File Photo of the Pittsburgh International Airport Airside Terminal)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Breeze Airways has launched new nonstop service from Pittsburgh International Airport to Louisville.

The route will operate twice weekly, with flights scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays. One-way fares start at $69.

Earlier this week, Breeze also announced three additional nonstop routes from Pittsburgh to Vero Beach, Punta Cana, and Cancun.

Two people taken into custody for possible “suspicious activity” in Chippewa Township

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chippewa Township, PA) The Chippewa Police Department took two people into custody Thursday morning in Chippewa Township. 

Police said officers conducted a traffic stop near First National Bank at about 9:13 a.m. and apprehended two individuals in connection with reported suspicious activity. The individuals were reportedly spotted outside the Home Depot prior to the stop. 

Authorities said the individuals were identified at the scene and transported to the police station in Chippewa. 

Springdale woman hits deer with her vehicle in New Sewickley Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported that a 30-year-old Springdale woman was involved in a single-vehicle crash Sunday in New Sewickley Township. 

Police said Sonitha Louissaint was traveling eastbound on Interstate 76 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike when her vehicle struck a deer at about 10:38 p.m. 

No injuries were reported. 

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.