Author: Beaver County Radio

Jennifer L. Davies Barnard (Passed on September 6th, 2025)

Jennifer L. Davies Barnard, 50, of Center Township, passed away on September 6th, 2025, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh after a long battle with an illness.

Jennifer was raised in Center Township (Stobo) and was a graduate of Center Area High School. She began her career at GNC in Leetsdale. It was there that she met the love of her life, David C. Barnard, Jr. The couple married in November of 1995 and shared a beautiful journey together until David’s passing on October 7th, 2019.

Jennifer later channeled her hardworking nature into the hospitality industry, serving as a waitress at several different restaurants at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Family was the cornerstone of Jennifer’s world. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ronald L. and Johanna L. Gillin Davies, her cherished husband, David, her brothers, Ronald D. Davies and David “Buck” Davies and her sister-in-law Debra Ann Davies. Her legacy continues through her loving children, Ian, Ryan, and Alexis Barnard, who will forever be inspired by her optimism and resilience. Jennifer is also survived by her siblings, Michael and Jimmy Davies, Lori (Walter) Reynolds, and Joni (John) Vetterly, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She and David relished the times spent watching cooking shows on the Food Network. She was a loyal Pittsburgh Penguins fan and her enthusiasm for her team was as steadfast as her support for her loved ones. She found solace in the beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida, where she vacationed.

Her artistic nature was another facet of her personality. Jennifer had the ability to draw and paint, capturing the beauty of the world as she saw it.

Jennifer’s journey through life was marked by her indomitable spirit. Even in the face of illness, she remained vigilant, never allowing it to dim her bright outlook. Those who knew her will remember Jennifer as the nicest person, one who uplifted others with her unwavering positivity.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 14th from 2-6 P.M. with a service to follow at the SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Samuel “Sam” Clifford Bevington (1961-2025)

Samuel “Sam” Clifford Bevington, 64, of Darlington, passed away on September 7th, 2025 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center of Beaver Falls.

He was born in New Brighton on March 6th, 1961, a son of the late Donald and Nancy (Stone) Bevington, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Jo Bevington, his in-laws, Richard and Donna Straub, and an infant daughter Sarah Marie Bevington. He is survived by his three children, Angela (Bill) Ringling, Kristy (Greg Conaway) Bevington and Daniel Bevington, four grandchildren: Alivia Ringling, Sam Ringling, Billy Ringling and Mia Hobbs; as well as his siblings: Don (Toni) Bevington, Bob (Bonnie) Bevington, Sue (Bill) Brown, and Sandy (Jim) Feezle; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Samuel and his wife began their own company, Bevington Trucking in 1998 which he worked at for over 20 years. In his later years, he enjoyed helping his son with his tree trimming business called Treeworx. He loved hunting and going to camp with his loved ones. He found joy raising cattle, playing cards, and cooking over the campfire for his family. He also adored spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Friends will be received  on Friday, September 12th from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A luncheon following visitation will be announced by the family.

Private interment will take place at Duff Cemetery, 293 East Palestine Road, Darlington.

Carol Ann Matthews (1943-2025)

Carol Ann Matthews, 82, of Independence Township, passed away on September 6th, 2025.

She was born in Rochester on July 5th, 1943, a daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Ellen (Riley) Jones. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles Robert “Chuck” Matthews and a son-in-law, Tom Polster. She is survived by her four daughters: Christine (Dan) McLaughlin, Suzanne (Dennis) Rich, Colleen (Mike) Matthews, and Michelle Polster; as well as her grandchildren: Brandon, Zackery, Madison (Chad), Thomas, Jonathan, Luc (Kristine), and Joshua; along with a great-granddaughter, Maci, her sister, Susan Jones, a sister-in-law, Linda Matthews and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Carol was a member of Prince of Peace Anglican Church of Aliquippa. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed spending time working on the flowers in her yard.

In accordance with Carol’s wishes, she will be cremated.

A joint Celebration of the lives of Carol and her late husband Charles will be held at Prince of Peace Anglican Church, 1314 Gringo Road, Aliquippa at a later date.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for the Matthews family during this most difficult time and the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls was in charge of Carol’s arrangements.

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Encourages Everyone to Reach out, Check on Veterans During National Suicide Prevention Month

(File Photo of a Candle)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Annville, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is currently reminding veterans and residents in Pennsylvania and beyond that there are support and crisis resources available during September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month. One way you can raise awareness of preventing suicide is by lighting a candle tonight at 8 p.m., because today is World Suicide Prevention Day. You can also reach out to a veteran and let them know that suicide is preventable. You can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line available anytime at 988, then press 1, or talk online on the link below:

Click here to talk online: Chat | Veterans Crisis Line

According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military and for female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely. The links below are for more information about prevention of suicide and resources that are available to help prevent suicide.

Click here for more information: www.dmva.pa.gov/vetconnect

Click here for more information: www.dmva.pa.gov

PennDOT Announces Partnership with Local Artists to Incorporate Artwork into the I-376 Parkway West Corridor in Allegheny County

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) According to a release from PennDOT District 11 yesterday, PennDOT District 11 is announcing plans to partner with local artists to incorporate aesthetic elements into the I-376 (Parkway West) corridor in Allegheny County. Artists that are local will be selected to contribute a display that is aesthetic to this work. PennDOT District 11 is also asking for feedback from the public about displaying work from local artists within their construction projects and the online link to do so can be found below. You can also visit that site at the lonk below for more information about this project.

Click here for more information: Route 22/I-376 Interchange project webpage.

CCBC Increases “ACCESS” to Cyber Careers with National Science Foundation Grant

(File Photo of the Community College of Beaver County Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Community College of Beaver County recently received $473,491 in National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program grant funds for CCBC to both train the next generation of professionals in cybersecurity and to expand their STEM programs. According to a release from the Community College of Beaver County, specifically, this three-year grant will fund CCBC’s ACCESS: Creating Pathways to Advance Cybersecurity Career Education for STEM Success program to accomplish these goals, and here are the things that the ACCESS project will do: 

  • Ensure underserved youths have access to high quality STEM education to speed up their entry
    into careers. Building from its successful high school academy model, CCBC will launch a new
    Cybersecurity High School Academy this fall.
  • Provide opportunities for peer tutoring, employment as teaching assistants, need-based
    stipends, and vouchers to pay for textbooks and certification exams.
  • Prepare students to directly enter the workforce or continue their training and provide low-to-cost workforce development for alumni, cyber professionals, community college faculty, and K-12 educators through a Penetration Testing Pro-Series.

12 community colleges, one of them being the Community College of Beaver County got accepted to the FORCE-ATE workshop for mentoring in June of 2024 to pursue an Advanced Technological Education grant to make more accessibility to educational pathways that are diverse for cybersecurity for students interested in that field coming from high school to that workforce. The academic plan from the Community College of Beaver County called Titan Pathways to Success aligns with a project involving directly addressing the critical cybersecurity workforce shortage of the United States.

Cracker Barrel suspends plans to remodel restaurants after logo blowup

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store logo in Pearl, Miss., is photographed, Sept. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

(AP) Cracker Barrel said Tuesday it’s suspending remodels of its restaurants after criticism from many longtime fans.

The announcement came two weeks after Cracker Barrel backtracked on a separate plan to modernize and simplify its logo. Fans of the chain had also loudly criticized that move.

Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel said Tuesday that just four of its 660 restaurants had been remodeled as part of a test for the brand. The remodels, which began last year, added more comfortable seating, brighter lights, lighter paint and a simplified assortment of antiques but kept signature elements like fireplaces.

“We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel,” the company said in a statement. “Of course, we will continue to invest in our restaurants to make sure that they are in good shape and meet your expectations.”

Cracker Barrel announced a transformation plan in May 2024 under its new CEO, Julie Felss Masino, a former executive at Taco Bell and Starbucks. Masino said Cracker Barrel was losing its relevance and needed some changes to boost customer traffic. In addition to remodeled stores, the chain planned new dinner menu items and more efficient kitchens.

At the time, Masino said Cracker Barrel planned to remodel 25 to 30 stores in its 2025 fiscal year, which ended July 31.

“Historically, Cracker Barrel has made limited changes to our design aesthetic, and we’ve probably relied a little too much on what was perceived to be the timeless nature of our concept,” Masino said during a conference call with investors.

Masino said the company had received positive customer feedback after remodeling two stores.

“The goal, simply put, was to freshen things in such a way as to be noticeable and attractive but still feel like Cracker Barrel,” she said.

But the changes didn’t sit well with many customers, especially after Cracker Barrel announced it planned to simplify its logo and remove a picture of an overall-clad man leaning on a barrel.

“They are supposed to be taking out the old, I call it ‘antique-type’ decorations on the walls,” said Jerry Love as he stood outside of a Cracker Barrel in Vicksburg, Mississippi, late last month. “I’m very conservative and old so I like those and rather that they didn’t.”

Massive fire breaks out in an apartment in the Squirrel Hill neighborhoood of Pittsburgh

(Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Safety)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Authorities are investigating a huge fire that broke out this morning at an apartment building in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which caused a part of a roof on that building and a part of the front of that building to collapse. Officials confirm that this fire started at around 8:20 a.m. this morning. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, everyone who lives in the building is accounted, there are no injuries at this time and as many as thirty people have been displaced because of this fire. Until further notice, the entrance ramp to the inbound Parkway East is closed and the inbound side there is moving slow. Caution in the inbound Parkway East area of Pittsburgh should be taken by drivers. An electrical fire in the basement of the building in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh that caught fire this morning was also reported and the fire may have began on the third floor of that building in a kitchen there before spreading across the roof. This fire and its cause are being investigated by authorities.

Steelers sign veteran safety Jabrill Peppers

(File Photo: Source for Photo: New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A source confirms to ESPN that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers today. The twenty-nine-year-old Peppers was the 25th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft who was released by the New England Patriots on August 29th, 2025 after playing for the Patriots for three seasons. Peppers was signed because Steelers safety Deshon Elliott suffered a knee injury during the first half of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets on Sunday, which caused Elliott to be ruled out for the rest of that game. During the 2024 NFL season, Peppers signed an extension of $24 million for three years with the Patriots before a trunover in the Patriots’ coaching staff occurred in the offseason, which occurred before the 2025 NFL season began last week. The Steelers are the fourth NFL team that Peppers will play for after the Patriots, the New York Giants and the team that drafted him in 2017, the Cleveland Browns. In his eight seasons in the NFL, Peppers has 511 tackles, seven interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles. The Patriots will also host a game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season against the Steelers where Peppers will face his most recent former team.

Pennsylvania state senator introduces bill to combat truancy in schools

(File Photo of a School Bus Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Montgomery County, PA) According to Montgomery County Republican Pennsylvania State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, school attendance rates in Pennsylvania dropped from 85% before the coronavirus pandemic to about 78% in the 2023-24 school year. Pennycuick is also addressing fighting an “educational crisis” in Pennsylvania, which is a school truancy problem statewide. On August 27th, 2025, Pennycuick introduced Senate Bill 984, which would both assist students before they experience chronic absenteeism at school and increase collection of data on truancy. Senate Bill 984 would direct officials in state education to report and track rates of truancy on a basis that is quarterly and would promote services of early intervention that connect families with local resources of support. Senate Bill 984 would also ask officials of schools to craft an improvement plan of attendance for students that are traunt and to work with the families of truant students until these truant students regularly attend school. Senate Bill 984 would also prohibit families of a child that is chronically truant from switching in the middle of the school year to virtual learning without the permission of a judge.