Author: Beaver County Radio

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. (“Dean”) Kniola (1948-2026)

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. “Dean” Kniola, 77, of Crescent, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026. He was born on December 30th, 1948, and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith (Schnippert), his son, Major Scott Kniola (USAF, Ret.) and his wife, Bridget, Daughter-in-Law, Maggie, and three grown grandchildren, Samuel T., Olivia R., and Maxwel T., his sisters, Mary Grace (Mike) Landrum, and Kathleen Repko, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son ,Todd and his grandson, Joseph.

Retired Colonel Dean was a 1970 graduate of the USAF Academy (AFA) and retired honorably after 28 years active duty, earning the rank of Colonel and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics. He served as a laser project engineer, Asst. Prof. of Mathematics at the AFA, Vice Commander of an engineering analysis center, Assoc. Dir. of the Joint Communications Engineering Center in Washington DC, Commander of a nuclear forensics laboratory, and in other technical leadership positions. When he retiring from the AFA, he worked 10 years as Director of Market Research for BNY Mellon Inc. in Pittsburgh. His interest in graphic design led to placements of his artwork in regional museum juried shows and two pieces in the AFA Art Collection, including a 64-foot “Space Age” mural at the USAF Academy. He was especially blessed to serve in various roles in the Knights of Columbus Council 2555. He also coordinated the ChristLife program at a parish in Pittsburgh’s South Hills for five years and served on parish councils.

Viewings will be held on Monday, July 6th from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.

Chase James Morack (1982-2026)

Chase James Morack, 44, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 2nd, 2026, in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born on June 26, 1982 and was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was known for his kind heart, his loyalty and lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

He is survived by his parents, Rickie and Richard Probert, his brothers, Creighton (Carol) Morack, Chris (Nikki) Probert, and Josh (Michelle) Probert, his nieces and nephews: Haley, Austin, Taylor, Lexi, and Andrew Probert; as well as his aunt and uncle, Sue and Shawn Chaplin, his cousin, Jordan Chaplin, his college friends, Jon Herbert and Mark McKillip, and Mark’s Children, Henry and Lacey.

He was preceded in death by his father, James C. Morack, his maternal grandparents, Jacqueline P. Okon and Richard Edwards, and his paternal grandparents, James and Adeline Morack.

Chase was a 2000 graduate of New Brighton High School and a 2004 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, where he played football. He spent many years as an employment recruiter for various companies throughout the Pittsburgh area including the Port Authority of Allegheny County and most recently for Desotec.

The family wants to thank the Allegheny General Hospital nurses on floor six and nine for their excellent care and attention to Chase and the Palliative care staff for their compassion during this difficult time.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 P.M. & 6 P.M. until the time of a service at 8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Tunnels to Towers in Chase’s name, may do so online or by mail. https://t2t.org/donate/ (click here) or make your check out to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

Marie “Mary” (Santangelo) Marsilio (1928-2026)

Marie “Mary” (Santangelo) Marsilio, 97, of Baden, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2026. She was born on December 29th, 1928, the daughter of the late Frank and Eugenia Santangelo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lou Marsilio, her cherished daughter, Genie Mikulich, her stepmother, Maria Santangelo; and her granddaughter, Erin Holsinger.

She is survived by her loving children, Marylou (Tom) Holsinger and Anthony (Marianne) Marsilio, seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Marie retired from J.C. Penney, where she worked for many years working at the former Baden store. She was a devoted member of the former St. John the Baptist Church and generously dedicated countless hours of service to her parish. She faithfully served as President of the Christian Mothers, was well known for pinching pierogi, and volunteered at numerous church functions and events. She also devoted her time to serving the residents of Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend. She will be fondly remembered for her sassiness, quick wit, infectious laughter, and her love of playing bingo. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, July 6th from 3-7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Stephanie J. Haller (1996-2026)

Stephanie J. Haller, 19, passed away on June 30th, 2026 and passed away surrounded by her loving family, who loved her deeply.

She was born in Beaver on July 3rd, 1996, a beloved daughter of Robert and Veronica Massioni. She loved and admired her parents tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Judith Marlene Horner.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings, Ryan, Erika, and Shane (Megan), all of whom she loved very much. She was also a devoted aunt to her nieces, Mya and Emma, and is survived by her grandmother, Anna Mae Nicotero, as well as her grandparents, Robert and Gloria Horner, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Stephanie shared a special love with her fiancé, Ben Hogue, who had been her sweetheart since middle school. They were planning to be married on June 3rd of this year before her illness. Ben and his family loved her dearly. She also adored her beloved pets: Lainey, Sofia, and Lyla. She was blessed with many wonderful friends who loved her deeply. Rachel was like a sister to her, and she loved Rachel and her children, Lincoln and Cohen, as if they were family. She had a sparkling personality and a kind, loving heart. To know her was to love her. She loved everyone deeply and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, July 6th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Private burial will be in Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

Stephanie had a special place in her heart for animals. In her memory, the family asks that donations be made to Semper Fi Felines & Mary’s Misfits, a local Facebook rescue group dedicated to helping stray cats and kittens. Thank you.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Slippery Rock Borough in Butler County declares disaster emergency after heavy rainfall hits area

(File photo of the National Weather Service Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler County, PA) Slippery Rock Borough in Butler County declared a disaster emergency after excessive and intense rainfall hit the area yesterday afternoon. 

Mayor Jondavid Longo issued the declaration after a recent statement on social media, relating that dangerous flash flooding created dangerous conditions for residents and first responders. 

Officials told KDKA-TV that numerous streets remain impassable, and Mayor Longo is directing all residents to stay home and avoid areas that are flooded unless they are in immediate danger. 

These declarations allow the borough to quickly access resources which would otherwise take more time. 

Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone in Pittsburgh Adds Another United States Men’s National Team Watch Party at Acrisure Stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Matchup between USA and Belgium

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone, which is presented by Visit PA, has added another watch party at Acrisure Stadium so soccer fans can cheer on the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team as it faces Belgium in a FIFA World
Cup 2026™ knockout round.

This watch party will take place tonight for that night’s 8 p.m. match between the United States and Belgium with the gates opening at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and the public can watch the game and the first 500 fans that go through the gates will receive a free Team USA hat.

There will also be one giveaway item for each guest, while supplies last.

According to a release form the Pittsburgh Steelers, here is some other information about this event.

For more information on the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone in Pittsburgh, go to https://acrisurestadium.com/event/world-cup-fan-zone-july-4-2026

CLEAR BAG POLICY: The NFL Clear Bag Policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be
brought into the stadium will be enforced. Learn more by visiting https://acrisurestadium.com/guest-services/clear-bag-policy/

CASHLESS VENUE: The stadium is a cashless venue. Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google
Pay are accepted.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: For a list of prohibited items, please visit https://acrisurestadium.com/guest-services/security-guidelines/?spMailingID=13757208&spUserID=ODgxNjQwMTQ4MTc4S0&spJobID=2480014227&spReportId=MjQ4MDAxNDIyNwS2

Fans can watch from the field
where additional restrictions apply: no blankets and no food or beverages (except water).

Report: Secret Service missed just over 100 urgent messages before 2024 assassination attempt on now President Donald Trump in Butler

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler, PA) Government officials stated in a recent report that during President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler back in 2024, Secret Service officials failed to receive more than 100 urgent messages about an active shooter. 

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General on June 30th, 2026, Secret Service failed to carry out and arrange several security measures during Trump’s then-campaign rally for president at the Butler Fairgrounds on July 13, 2024. 

This report was sixty-four pages and outlined the shortcomings of the Secret Service, and stated that members failed to receive 102 radio transmissions from local authorities concerning an “increasingly intense search for a suspicious person.”

The shooter, who was later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, shot Trump, who was grazed by a bullet and sustained an injury to his ear. 

The report noted that the Secret Service received only five phone calls and three text messages about Crooks.

These calls included reports that Crooks possessed a range finder and a long gun when he positioned himself on top of the roof of the American Glass Research International Complex.

Fifty-year-old Corey Comperatore was killed and two other attendees were injured as a result of this incident. 

A U.S. Secret Service counter-sniper shot and killed the twenty-one-year-old Crooks.

Authorities confirmed that the Secret Service did not establish a joint communications room with representatives from all law enforcement agencies, which, if it was accomplished, could have prevented injury or harm to Trump and attendees of the rally.

Beaver County and beyond celebrate 250th anniversary of the United States gaining independence

(File Photo of a Fireworks Burst)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Saturday was the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which commemorates the United States of America’s independence from Great Britain.

The document was signed on July 4th, 1776.

Local events like the Fourth of July parade in Midland and shooting off fireworks in communities capped off the semi-quincentennial Independence Day weekend.  

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes makes it to the MLB All-Star Game for the third year in a row

(Credit for  Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Posted on Facebook on July 4th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The 2026 MLB All-Star game rosters were revealed on Saturday and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has made the National League team for the third year in a row. 

The 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner is a part of the reserves for the National League this year after he was the starting pitcher for that league in the 2024 and 2025 editions of baseball’s all-star game.

Skenes is also the only player from this year’s Pirates team to be represented in this year’s MLB all-star game, which will take place in Philadelphia on July 14th.

Skenes’ 2026 statistics going into his next start tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park include 119 strikeouts, a 3.62 ERA, and a 6-8 record.

Braves sign 2013 National League MVP and former Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen to minor league deal

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Texas Rangers designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (4) in the fith inning of a baseball game May 20, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract on Friday in their ongoing search for a veteran who can provide offensive help.

The 39-year-old McCutchen was released by the Texas Rangers on May 27 after he hit .192 in 37 games as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and outfielder.

The NL East-leading Braves (50-35) signed first baseman Carlos Santana, 40, to a minor league deal last week. McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP with Pittsburgh, is expected to soon report to Triple-A Gwinnett. On Thursday, another veteran first baseman, Rowdy Tellez, was designated for assignment as rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis was recalled from Gwinnett.

McCutchen played his first nine seasons in the majors with the Pirates and earned five straight All-Star berths from 2011-15 while becoming one of the team’s most popular players. After stints with five other teams from 2018-22, he returned to the Pirates for the 2023-25 seasons.

In 2025, McCutchen hit .239 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs in 135 games 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.

Braves manager Walt Weiss said McCutchen is “one of the most respected players in the game. … He’s a pretty cool name to have in a Braves uniform.”

Weiss said McCutchen will be a good leader for young players. “He’s going to impact any room he’s in,” Weiss said.

The Braves on Friday also recalled right-hander Anthony Molina, activated left-hander Danny Young (elbow) from the injured list and optioned right-hander James Karinchak to Gwinnett. Right-hander Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment.