Author: Beaver County Radio

Administration of Governor Josh Shapiro announces agriculture grants for youth to develop in the agriculture field

(File Photo of the PA Department of Agriculture Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The administration of Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Monday in Harrisburg that grants totaling $501,123 will help youth find success in the field of agriculture in Pennsylvania. PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding was thrilled to announce what the future held for his field. According to Redding, three million grants have been given to three-hundred and fifteen receipients since 2019 across the state of Pennsylvania.

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. sworn into the State Senate for his fifth term, emphasizing jobs, agriculture improvement, and taxpayer dollar policies

(File photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from Senator Elder Vogel Jr.’s office, Vogel was sworn in for his fifth term on Tuesday. As he continues his role in the State Senate of Pennsylvania, Vogel focused on three priorities. Vogel wanted to make sure Pennsylvania’s Over Order Premium is more efficient to make progress in the field of agriculture. Vogel also identified that he will help find more jobs that sustain families in Pennsylvania. Vogel also helped provide tax exemptions for those who were given payments from either state or federal government or Norfolk Southern after the East Palestine train derailment. Therefore, using taxpayer dollars from policies was another important concern of Vogel as he goes into his fifth State Senate term.

 

Kozak Sworn in For First Term to Represent 14th Legislative District

Rep. Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) poses with his family after taking the oath of office to begin his first term representing the people of the 14th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (Photo provided with release)

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) was officially sworn in at the state Capitol to begin serving the 14th Legislative District as state representative.

“I’m ready to get to work fighting for those things we’ve been talking about at our kitchen tables,” Kozak said. “Things like strengthening our economy, ensuring we have safe communities and making sure our education system is working for our students.”

Prior to his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Kozak worked in the transportation and trucking industry, handling logistics for steel, concrete, brick and dairy manufacturing clients. He then served as a legislative aide to former PA State Rep. Jim Christiana, before becoming a world history teacher at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. He and his wife also own a small business.

Kozak is also very active in the community. He served as a member of the Beaver Falls Planning Commission, chairman of the Republican Committee of Beaver County and a founding board member of the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation. Kozak has also coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer in the county.

The 14th District consists of the city of Beaver Falls; the townships of Chippewa, Darlington, Daugherty, Franklin, Marion, New Sewickley, North Sewickley, Patterson, Pulaski and White; and the boroughs of Big Beaver, Bridgewater, Darlington, Eastvale, Economy, Ellwood City (Beaver County Portion), Fallston, Homewood, Koppel, New Brighton, New Galilee, Patterson Heights and West Mayfield.

Democrat Joanna McClinton elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania house after Republican opponent Jesse Topper bowed out

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pennsylvania state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, smiles after the chamber’s members elected her as House speaker for the new two-year legislative session, Jan. 7, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers on Tuesday returned Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton to lead the chamber for the new session after the Republican floor leader bowed out to resolve a deadlock.

Democrats won 102 seats in November, a single-vote majority, but one of their members was absent from swearing-in day after suffering a health crisis.

“My question to each of you distinguished colleagues is, what will you be remembered for?” McClinton said after taking the oath of office.

In the initial vote for speaker, Republican Leader Jesse Topper and McClinton each garnered 101 votes. Topper removed himself from consideration and McClinton, of Philadelphia, prevailed on the second ballot on a voice vote.

Rep. Matthew Gergely had a “medical emergency over the holidays requiring hospitalization,” according to Beth Rementer, the House Democratic caucus spokesperson. She said he is not expected to return “for some time.”

Gergely’s absence, the close House margin and Republican control of the Senate could complicate first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s hopes of getting things done this year. Democrats had the same 102-101 majority in the last session, and other than the two annual budgets, little substantial legislation was enacted.

Democrats won chamber control two years ago and successfully defended it while several vacancies arose and were filled by special elections. In November, not one of the 203 House seats changed parties, meaning Democrats retained majority control by the slimmest of margins.

House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford of Montgomery County thanked Topper, who drew a standing ovation, as Bradford acknowledged the close margin, telling colleagues “we need to be humble and we need to be wise.”

In floor remarks, Topper wished Gergely a full and speedy recovery.

“There are very few days in this job that are not difficult,” Topper said, urging members to feel gratitude for the opportunity to serve and to avoid becoming frustrated or cynical. “We see many of those who we represent not on their best day, but on their worst.”

House Republicans changed leadership since November, turning to Topper of Bedford County to be their floor leader. A former ranking member on the Education Committee, Topper succeeded Rep. Bryan Cutler, a former House speaker and caucus leader who remains in the House after being reelected in a Lancaster County district.

Topper told reporters after the session that he negotiated several changes to House rules, putting more minority party members on committees, requiring an additional “yes” vote for bills to get out of committee and parliamentary changes.

House Democrats meanwhile have five new members after Reps. Mike Sturla of Lancaster County and former House Speaker Mark Rozzi of Berks County retired; Reps. Patti Kim of Dauphin County and Nick Pisciottano of Allegheny County relinquished their seats to make successful runs for state Senate; and Rep. Kevin Boyle of Philadelphia lost in the spring primary.

House Republicans saw Rep. Dawn Keefer win a state Senate seat in York County and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild.

In other GOP caucus changes, Rep. Rob Mercuri didn’t seek reelection while running unsuccessfully for Congress in Allegheny County. Reps. Jim Gregory of Blair County and Mike Cabell of Luzerne County lost in the spring primary and six others didn’t run again: Donna Oberlander of Clarion County, Jim Marshall of Beaver County, Aaron Kaufer of Luzerne County, George Dunbar of Westmoreland County, Paul Schemel of Franklin County and Barry Jozwiak of Berks County.

In the state Senate, Republican Joe Picozzi unseated freshman Democratic Sen. Jimmy Dillon in a Philadelphia district. Because Kim flipped a redistricted Harrisburg area seat, Republicans still control the chamber by the same margin, 28-22. But there is currently one Senate vacancy: Sen. Ryan Aument, a Lancaster Republican, resigned at the end of December to take a top staff job with incoming U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.

On Tuesday, a special election to fill Aument’s seat was scheduled to be held on March 25.

PA Department of Aging announces Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period for 2025

(File Photo of Health Insurance paper)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the annual period for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment was announced for this year, which started on January 1st and goes through March 31st. Older Pennsylvanians can either switch to an original Medicare plan or find a different one between those three months. The release states that older adults can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to schedule a personalized counseling session. You can call the phone number of the PA MEDI Helpline that is toll-free at 1-800-783-7067 weekdays from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. The link to the PA Department of Aging’s website for more information is below:

Click on these words to find the link for the Department of Aging’s website.

McDonald’s announces the return of the McValue menu for participating restaurants

(File Photo of the McDonald’s Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) McDonald’s announced on Tuesday that the McValue menu is available now in participating restaurants in Pittsburgh. According to a release from McDonald’s, the McValue menu includes choices of:

  • Buy One, Add One for $1 offerings* to get their favorite breakfast, lunch or dinner menu items for less
  • The $5 Meal Deal for a McDouble® or McChicken® sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets® & a small soft drink
  • Plenty of local offers– Exclusive local deals available in Pittsburgh, like any size soft drink, tea, iced or hot coffee for $1, $2 breakfast sandwiches, free medium fries with $2 minimum purchase, $2 10 piece or Big Mac, and 20% off purchase of $10 or more
  • Plus, In-App deals like free medium fries during Free Fries Fridays every Friday through the end of the year and a free McCrispy TM for new App users.

McDonald’s will also team up with both WWE superstar John Cena, who will show you his favorite part of the McValue menu on social media. Mcdonald’s and sixteen brands will also collaborate for promotions this year.

 

Beaver Falls Police searching for homicide suspect

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 7, 2024 6:43 P.M.
Photos of Daniel Lance Felo ll posted by the City of Beaver Falls Police Department

(Beaver Falls, Pa) The City of Beaver Falls Police Department issued a notice to the public Monday afternoon in regards to a man wanted for homicide.

37 year old Daniel Lance Felo ll is wanted as a suspect of a homicide in which 48 year old Eric Mason was found shot in the head at an unoccupied building on 11st Street on December 30th.

Felo was also charged with robbery and a firearms violation.

Authorites say Felo is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. He is described as caucasian, 5’8″, 200 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Anybody with information on his whereabouts is told to call 911 or the Beaver Falls Police Department non emergency number at 724-775-0880.

Pamela C. Kendrew (1950-2025)

Pamela C. Kendrew, 74, formerly of Venetia, Pennsylvania passed away on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, at the Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. She was born on February 20th, 1950, in New Brighton, the daughter of the late U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John Benjamin Kendrew of New Brighton and the late Phyllis Jane Bagshaw of Hopewell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ben Kendrew II. She is survived by her nephews: Ben and Melanie Kendrew (Luke and Emma) of Pittsburgh, Jamie and Michelle Kendrew (Brandon and Rebecca) of Harmony, Joseph “Smitty” Kendrew of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Kevin and Chelsea Kendrew (Norah and Max), of Valencia, Pennsylvania, cousin and life-long friend, Cheryl Gropp & Family of Rochester. Pamela had a successful career in business and sales. Her heart belonged to a lifetime of love for her many cats, for whom she compassionately provided care. She was a fantastic cook and loved hosting Christmas parties for friends and family. She also had deep and meaningful friendships with Donna Lewis, Erin Massella, and Jill Griffin. In accordance with Pamela’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A private service will be held for the family and close friends at Sylvania Hills Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to any Humane Society, ASPCA or any animal rescue organization.

Mary Therese (Kleber) Brehany (1932-2025)

Mary Therese (Kleber) Brehany, 92, of Beaver, passed away quietly on December 28th, 2024 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. “Therese” as she was called by those who knew her, was the devoted wife of the late James (Jim) Brehany for 50 years, until his passing in 2005, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and inspiration to many.
She was born on October 6th, 1932, a daughter of the late Antonia Kanthak and Joseph Kleber. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph (Fr. Cecil), John, and Raymond Kleber and husband Jim Brehany. She is survived by her loving children, Jim Brehany (Christine) of Holden, Massachusetts, Chris Brehany (Lynda) of Clifton, Virginia, Diane Van Buskirk of Indianapolis, Indiana, John Brehany (Marybeth) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and Dennis Brehany in New Brighton, grandchildren Joseph Brehany (Dana), Lara Van Buskirk, Michael Brehany, Natalie O’Reilly, Patrick Brehany (Sydney), Caroline Van Buskirk, Karol Brehany, John Brehany (Monica), Lena McGovern (Tim), Liam Brehany, Andrew Brehany, Emma Brehany, Kateri Brehany, Adrien Brehany, Elisabeth Brehany, Giles Brehany, and Thomas Brehany; as well as nine great-grandchildren. She grew up in Aliquippa, graduating from Mount Gallitzin Academy. She then earned her RN Nursing Degree and practiced as a nurse at Providence Hospital in Beaver Falls. A chance meeting with Aliquippa friend Jim Brehany at a dance in early July 1955, led to him proposing that same evening, and the two married on July 16th, 1955. They initially moved to Los Angeles where Jim was working, and then back to Beaver in 1957 where they lived and raised five children: Jim, Chris, Diane, John and Dennis.

Mary supported Jim in his career at Met Life, so that he could excel. The award trips that Jim earned became part of their annual travels through which they had dear friends. In addition to juggling child transportation to music and sporting events, and “stretching a dollar” feeding the family (son Jim quipped ‘we wouldn’t eat if food was not on sale’), She volunteered at Boy and Girl Scout events, and become an excellent local tennis player, both in singles and doubles with Jim, earning many trophies. She developed her skills as a cook and baker, and the home regularly smelled of fresh-baked bread. As the children got older, she began taking an annual fishing trip with her three brothers to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.
Mary was a person of deep faith. A Catholic, Christian, she lived her faith with Jim at her side, attending Saints Peter and Paul Church, and passed it on to her children.
Therese found her true calling in the 1970’s serving in the Pro-Life Movement, a calling that would earn her and Jim (posthumously) the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She founded the Lifeline of Southwest PA Office in Beaver in 1979 and served women in crisis pregnancies for over twenty years. She also developed a Human Life Development slide presentation which she took to most of the Beaver County high schools. Her love of children was very evident as each grandchild (17) was born. As “Grammy”, she cleared her schedule to help the family after birth, and attend graduations, birthdays and sporting events.
She moved to St Martha’s Villa in Downingtown, Pennsylvania near son John and family in 2013. She later transferred to St Martha Manor, where she lived her final years, wheelchair-bound. She always had a smile for visiting family, staff and residents of St Martha’s, and continued to love God, music, and her expanding family throughout her life.
There will be a Visitation at Noll Funeral Home, 333 3rd St, Beaver, on Friday, January 10th, 2025 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 3rd St, Beaver, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. followed by Internment at Beaver Cemetery on Buffalo Street, Beaver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pennsylvanians for Human Life, https://paforhumanlife.org/

Ronald Lee Vandenberg (Passed on January 4th, 2025)

Ronald Lee Vandenberg, 66, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 4th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver.

He was a son of the late Cyril and Esther Vandenberg, Ron grew up in a household with his three brothers, Cyril, Dennis, and Kenneth, and two sisters, Linda and Susan. In the journey of life, Ron met his beloved wife, Bertha I. (Bish) Vandenberg, at Sims Bowling Lanes, a place that held many fond memories for the couple. They shared a loving marriage of twenty years. Together, they embraced the joys of a blended family, with Ron becoming a stepfather to Joe (Crystal) Brandon and Tim Brandon and grandfather of Tyler, Quenton, Taylor, Cameron, Cody, Kenyon, Peyton, and Trenton. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews: Cyril, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Brian, John, Angelo, and Antonio.

Ronald’s creative soul led him to attend art school. His artistic talents were paralleled by his culinary expertise, which he cultivated into a successful career as a chef in New York State.

An avid fisherman, he found solace in the quiet rush of the streams and the thrill of the catch. His love for bowling continued as a favorite pastime that brought him both joy and friendship.

Ronald was known for his kindness and generosity. He extended this altruism even in passing, as an organ donor, giving the gift of life and hope to others. His legacy of giving will live on, touching the lives of many.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 3 p.m. at the Christian House Baptist Church, 814 Rt #18, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.