Author: Beaver County Radio

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby placed on injured reserve after getting hurt at the Olympics

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) reacts after Canada lost to the United States in a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins will have to start their playoff push without Sidney Crosby.

The club placed its longtime captain on injured reserve on Wednesday. The move comes after Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during the Olympic hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Games.

The 38-year-old Crosby went down in the second period of Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia. The Canadians held out hope Crosby would be able to return, but he sat out a semifinal win over Sweden and a loss to the United States in the gold medal game.

Crosby will have to miss at least a week, though it’s likely he will be out for considerably longer.

The injury comes with the surprising Penguins in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh is looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

Crosby has been his usually productive self this season. He leads the Penguins in goals (27), assists (32) and points (59) and is on pace to extend his NHL record of averaging at least a point a game to 21 years and counting.

The injury comes at a busy time for Pittsburgh, which opens the post-Olympic break at home against New Jersey on Thursday. The matchup with the Devils is the first of 13 games in a 24-day stretch for the Penguins.

Martin Gorecki (1977-2026)

Martin Gorecki, 48, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2026, in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

He was born on August 8th, 1977, in Trzebnica, Poland and he immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1982, settling in Ambridge, where he built his life but remained deeply proud of his Polish heritage.

In 1995, Martin enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a turret mechanic with the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He completed multiple tours, including Seoul, Korea; Kuwait; and “Operation Desert Thunder” in Iraq. Martin took great pride in serving his country.

He continued that same dedication in civilian life, spending many years as a mechanical superintendent, traveling the country—one of his projects being New York City’s subway system. This reflected his mechanical expertise and strong work ethic.

Martin was once married to Stacy Gorecki, and together they shared his only son, Austin Gorecki. He was also a stepfather to Alyssa Gorecki. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Gorecki. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Gorecki; his brother, David Gorecki (Tammy), and their daughter, Isabella; and his sister, Joanna Gauthier (Javier), and their daughters, Amaiya, Macie, Kayla, and Jena. Martin was the firstborn and the deeply cherished love of his late paternal Babcia, Wanda Górecka; late Pra-Babcia, Helena Szczukiewicz and late maternal Babcia, Teresa Bronowicka. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, and cousins living in Poland, who hold him close in their hearts across the distance.

Martin was known for his ability to make people laugh and for the humor he carried into every room. He loved his friends and held some especially close over the years. He could be stubborn at times—a family trait—but those who knew him best understood that beneath that tough exterior was a good heart. His color was always dark blue, a shade that reflected his nature and quiet strength.

Martin, a United States veteran, was loyal to those he served beside. He shared a close bond with his best friend, Chad Hayward, and Chad’s family meant a great deal to him. Martin was also known for his black Cavalier, which all of his friends from the Ambridge Class of 1995 remember fondly.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5th at the funeral home followed by an Honorable Veterans Burial at 1 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The family asks in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarrierproject.org.

19-year-old phenom shortstop and Paul Skenes updates from Greg Brown in Bradenton

Greg Brown appeared again Wednesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show, providing an update from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training in Bradenton.

The beloved Pirates broadcaster discussed 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, today’s spring debut of Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, and more.

Here’s Brown’s interview:

.

Greg Brown, Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster. (photo courtesy Greg Brown)

 

Boost the blood supply: Red Cross offers free A1C testing as 1 in 5 donors have levels in prediabetic or diabetic range

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is urging donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets in March of 2026. According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh today, those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email and here is some more information about this opportunity:

  • As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March (one result per calendar year).
  • New Red Cross data reveals 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health. The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025. Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  • “Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. “By giving blood and downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better manage and advocate for their health.”
  • The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March by clicking here for details.
  • Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to deliver support when help can’t wait by also making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills class.
  • Why You Should Know Your A1C
  • Millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, which are often preventable and in many cases, reversible. These conditions often develop silently, though if untreated, they can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
  • Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets.
  • An American Diabetes Association study found that, while people with prediabetes typically incur a few hundred dollars in additional medical costs each year, those with blood sugar levels that have progressed to the diabetic range could face several thousand dollars more in annual expenses — as much as 25 times higher.
  • How to Find Out Your A1C from the Red Cross
  • After making a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation in March, donors can access their A1C result within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care provider.
  • In addition, donors can access and track their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature, which are taken during each donation’s mini‑physical to ensure they’re healthy enough to give.
  • How Blood Donation Can Help Bridge Health Care Gaps
  • As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to help bridge existing health care gaps by providing blood donors with critical health insights. Through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and online donor portal, donors can track their results and share them with their health care provider.
  • These efforts are part of the broader Red Cross mission, which has supported the health of communities for 145 years. Today in Pennsylvania, this work includes installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high risk for home fires, providing basic health and mental health services to disaster survivors, and supporting the well-being of military families, veterans and their caregivers.
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q: Why is the Red Cross testing blood, platelet and plasma donors’ A1C levels?
  • A: The Red Cross values the health and well-being of blood donors. By providing this vital health insight, the Red Cross is helping to bridge existing care gaps and empower donors to take an important step toward preventative care and lifesaving intervention.
  • Q: Should I fast to receive the A1C test on my blood donation?
  • A: No, the A1C test does not require individuals to fast. This is noteworthy because eating a nutritious meal prior to blood donation is important.
  • Q: Can I donate blood if I have prediabetes or diabetes?
  • A: People with prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood, platelets and plasma if they are feeling well on the day of their donation. In most situations, the type of medication donors take to manage their diabetes does not disqualify them from donating blood.
  • Q: Can I donate blood while taking GLP-1 medication?
  • A: In most situations, the type of medication you take to manage your diabetes or insulin resistance won’t disqualify you from donating blood. Whether you take insulin injections like Apidra or Humalog, an injected diabetes medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, or oral medications like metformin, you are still eligible to donate if you are feeling well on the day of your donation.

Shirley A. Weber (1938-2026)

Shirley A. Weber, 87, of Center Township, passed peacefully at her residence on February 22nd, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Beaver Falls on August 5th, 1938, the daughter of the late Elmer and Florence Schuler (Yoho), she graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1956. She married her soulmate and love of her life, William (Bill) Weber, Jr., in April of 1959. Shirley and Bill were blessed with their beloved children, William and Annette. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Weber, Jr., and her great-grandson, Jacob Michael Thompson.​ She is survived by her children, William C. Weber (Maureen) of Monaca and daughter, Annette L. Thompson (Michael) of Rochester, New York, three grandchildren, Annette F. Corl (John) of Moon Township, Caleb Benjamin Thompson (Ellizay) of Rochester, New York and Matthew Charles Thompson of Rochester, New York, three great grandchildren, Sean Robert Corl, Miles Jacob Thompson and Mason Daniel Thompson and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her family, she is survived by her dear friend, Lois Hickey, who with her late husband, Richard, she and Bill shared many adventures. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many, she filled our lives with loving warmth and kindness while showing her faith in her daily walk.

Shirley earned her Registered Nursing diploma from Jameson School of Nursing in 1959 and was an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, the Lambda Tau Chapter. Always seeking professional growth throughout her career, she completed numerous professional certificates and continued her education to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University in 1988. She retired from the Beaver Medical Center in 2000 after over 30 years in nursing. She lovingly served her community in many ways.  Throughout her lifetime, she provided education on many subjects, including the child abuse prevention program Welcome Baby, childcare skills to new parents, literacy, and was a co-leader for the Girl Scouts Explorer Nurse patch. Outside of her teaching, she also provided aid by serving as the friendly community medical expert, often providing public immunizations, health screening, and other support services. She will always be remembered as a woman of unconditional love, great kindness, and unwavering compassion for everyone. She was a woman of God who was a lifelong member of Homewood United Methodist Church, where she met her husband. She served the church in many capacities over the years. These included playing piano for the church starting at 12 years old, serving as the church treasurer, and membership secretary. Besides serving her God, she had many interests. As a Penn State Master Gardener, she thoroughly enjoyed gardening. She also enjoyed needlework, embroidery, sewing, knitting, reading, camping, painting, bible study, bird watching, cooking, baking, and traveling. Together, she and William traveled to all 50 states, including a four-month trip to Alaska, fulfilling their lifelong dream to adventure across Alaska. She loved to fill the house with the wonderful smells of amazing cookies and pies throughout the holidays. She greatly enjoyed her weekly Beaver Valley Writers Guild meetings with her friends and writing her published stories.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, February 26th from 2-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homewood United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

“The greatest thing God ever gave me was a heart that loved people.” – Shirley Weber

Kathleen Diamond Girting (1945-2026)

Kathleen Diamond Girting, 80, of Midland, passed away on February 23rd, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on March 3, 1945, a daughter of the late Roscoe and Mahala Dillion Diamond. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Girting, her daughter, Darcey J. Adkins, her grandson, Kai Chandler, as well as her siblings: Wilma Jean Miglore, Polly Mae Wahl, Clayton Diamond, Jim “Dude” Diamond, and Melvin Diamond. She is survived  by  her cherished family, including her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen J. and Michelle Girting of South Beaver Township, daughters and son-in-law, Haley L. and Quin Logan of Hemet, California and Johnna S. Girting Smith and her companion, Mike Patrisian of Calcutta, Ohio, 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sister and brother-in-law, Florine and Tony McLean of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law including: Kathy “Sissie” Epley, Midland, Carol and Paul DiGiacomo, Ohioville, Terri and Sam Vojnovich, Ohioville, Ron “Sonny” Girting, Industry, and Joseph Girting and his companion, Sara Davidson of Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as so many loved nieces and nephews, and cherished family friends. The family would also like to thank the hospice care provided by Tammi and the staff from Pinnacle for their outstanding care and compassion.

Kathleen graduated from Western Beaver High School and she was involved in the Women’s Auxiliary at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8168 and American Legion Post 481. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 27th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home,  629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m.

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

Paul S. Trojan (1947-2026)

Paul S. Trojan, 79, of Economy, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 23rd, 2026, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph Personal Care.

He was born in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia on January 24th, 1947, the son of the late Gregory and Lillian Trojan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, and his infant twin sons, Paul & Michael in 1985.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary (Brian) Empson, Monica (Josh) Brunner and Paula (Bryan) Green, grandchildren: Alex, Vincent, Amelia, and Emery; along with his favorite grand-dog, Bentley, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Paul worked and retired from many years of service from St. Paul’s Travelers insurance Agency as a Senior Loss Control Risk Consultant. He was a devout Catholic, and was a long time member of Our Lady of Peace Church in Conway. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, his daughters’ sporting events, and grilling Sunday dinners. He and his parents immigrated to the USA when he was 2 years old and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended St. Edwards High School and Cleveland State University. He continued to follow St. Edwards’ sports teams throughout his life. He met his wife, Cathy, while working in Cleveland where he was a long time Cleveland sports fan. After having his daughters, he settled in the Pittsburgh area and converted to a Pittsburgh sports fan, cheering on the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his daughters and grandkids. He selflessly devoted himself as a caretaker to his family ensuring all their needs were met.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 26th from 5-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Friday, February 27th at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, with Fr. Howard Campbell as celebrant.

Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

The family would like to thank the staff at Concordia of Cranberry, Concordia at Villa St. Joseph Personal Care, and Good Samaritan Hospice for the care they have provided over the years.

John Bundy (1944-2026)

John Bundy, 81, of Moon Township, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 22nd, 2026.

He was born in Sewickley on October 29th, 1944, a son of the late John and Elizabeth M. (Almacy) Bundy. He was one of seven children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers-in-law: John Walker, Clarence McKay, Charles Wendt, and William Minch. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet (Todd) Bundy, three daughters, Shawna Tiu (James) of Oakdale, Michelle Marino (Curt) of Moon Township and Stacey Barcia (Tony) of Wexford, six grandchildren: Curtis Marino (Emily), Anthony Musi (Mary), Taylor Marino, Logan Barcia (Maria), Brooke Barcia (fiancé, Camden), and Tyler Barcia; as well as two great-grandchildren, Franco and Lena Musi and six siblings: Patricia Walker, Georgia McKay, Susan Bundy, David Bundy (Nancy), Sandra Minch, and Debra Bachman (David).

John spent more than 65 years helping build and operate his family’s baking pan manufacturing company, Premier Pan / USA Pan, contributing to a legacy that spanned generations. His dedication and work ethic were a constant throughout his life. Outside of his professional life, he embraced adventure. He had a passion for boating, loved flying airplanes, and enjoyed traveling, always seeking new experiences and appreciating the freedom they brought him. He often expressed that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He loved them deeply, took great pride in their lives and achievements, and cherished each of them.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 27th, from 4–8 P.M. at Huntsman Funeral Home of Moon Township (1522 Coraopolis Heights Road), who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 9:30 A.M.

Youngstown, Ohio man charged for single-vehicle crash in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today  that thirty-five-year-old Charles Findlay of Youngstown, Ohio was charged after a single-vehicle crash in Lawrence County last night. At 11:49 p.m., Findlay was driving on State Route 18 in Wampum Borough and passed a vehicle in a no passing lane and lost control of his vehicle before hitting a guide rail. The vehicle of Findlay also hit an embankment after going off of the road and he was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital with an injury with an unknown severity.