Author: Beaver County Radio

Funeral services held for Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was shot and killed in Chester County in the line of duty

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Police)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Downingtown, PA) Funeral services were held yesterday for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Timothy O’Connor, who died in the line of duty on March 8th, 2026 after he was shot during a traffic stop in Chester County by an erratic driver. Family, friends and fellow troopers filled St. Joseph’s Parish in Downingtown to honor O’Connor. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the country also gathered outside to pay their respects. The word that was repeatedly said by family members and state police leaders at the service about O’Connor was that he was a hero. 

Boards of Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater vote to merge the two theaters

(File Photo: Credit for Photo: The marquee at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, where the Pittsburgh CLO performs. The boards of Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater have voted to merge the organizations into one. (Justin Vellucci | TribLive)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The boards of Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater have voted in favor to merge so they can create a new, unified organization. Both groups confirmed in a group statement yesterday that this decision came after more than a year of analysis and conversations. Their first full season of programming is expected to begin in January of 2027. Until that happens, the Pittsburgh CLO schedule of 2026 summer musicals will move ahead as planned, while Pittsburgh Public Theater also continues its current season.

Man shot to death in the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood of Pittsburgh

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Public Safety)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Public Safety confirmed that a man was found shot to death in the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood yesterday afternoon. A ShotSpotter alert for six rounds occurred on Fenway Alley right behind California Avenue around 2:30 p.m. When first responders arrived, they found a man who had been shot multiple times. Officials stated that he was pronounced dead at the scene. Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson Cara Cruz called the investigation into this incident “active and ongoing” and expressed that no suspects have been immediately identified. 

Crash delays traffic on the Parkway East; one person hospitalized

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News 

(Pittsburgh, PA) A crash delayed traffic on the Parkway East yesterday. An Allegheny County 911 supervisor stated that the crash was reported at 11 a.m. One person was taken to a hospital from the scene. There were lane restrictions on both the westbound and eastbound lanes, but both have fully reopened. At one point, 511 cameras showed that traffic was backed up past the Birmingham Bridge.

U.S. Postal Service says it could raise first-class stamp prices

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A U.S. Postal Service truck makes deliveries next to the Supreme Court on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in Washington. President Donald Trump says he’s planning an aggressive legal strategy to try prevent Pennsylvania from counting mailed ballots that are received in the three days after the election, a matter that could find its way to the high court. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington D.C.) A first‑class stamp could soon cost nearly $1, as the U.S. Postal Service recently warned it may run out of money by 2027 and looks to raise prices to stay afloat. Postmaster General David Steiner stated during an appearance before Congress on Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp could rise to 90 to 95 cents, up from 78 cents. Steiner confirmed in interviews with The Associated Press and Reuters that without congressional action to lift the agency’s $15 billion statutory debt limit, the U.S. Postal Service could struggle to pay vendors or employees by February of 2027. 

Secretary of the Commonwealth Launches Voter Education Efforts Ahead of the 2026 Primary Election

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of State)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt recently launched the Department of State’s 2026 voter education efforts to ensure that Pennsylvanians are aware of key election dates, deadlines, and options for casting their ballot in preparation for Pennsylvania’s primary election on May 19th.

These dates are among the dates to keep in mind: 

  • May 19: Primary Day. Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.  
  • 8 p.m. May 19: Deadline for all mail ballots to be received 

2026 Beaver County Boom on the Bridge supporting acts announced

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Visit Beaver County, Posted on Facebook on March 18th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Bridgewater, PA) The supporting acts were recently announced for the 2026 Beaver County Boom on the Bridge, which will take place in Bridgewater on June 27th, 2026. The headliner is country singer Dustin Lynch and the acts that will take place after him are Gene the Werewolf, North to Nashville and Lincoln Arts Performing Arts Charter school graduate Ashley Marina, who made it onto John Legend’s Team on the NBC reality singing competition show, “The Voice: Battle of Champions.” The festival will take place at 3 p.m. and the Zambelli fireworks show will take place at 9:45 p.m. 

Frank J. Namath (1967-2026)

Frank J. Namath, 58, of Baden, passed away on March 16th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Monaca on April 18th, 1967, a son of the late Robert Sr. and Billie (Bonamn) Namath. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his pet, Memphis. He is survived by his wife, Carol Namath, his son, Caleb Namath, his sister, Connie (Steve) Sluzynsky of Monaca, his brothers, Bobby Namath Jr. of Monaca, Richie (Sara) Namath of Conway and Danny Namath, of Weirton, West Virginia, nieces and nephews: Timmy Namath, Steven and Meghan Sluzynsky, and Madison, Abigail, and Hunter Namath; as well as aunts, Edith Namath of Beaver Falls and Sharon Namath, of New Brighton, his uncle, Joseph Namath of Florida and lastly his pet, Carlos Santiago Namath, the Golden Retriever; as well as numerous other family members.

Frank will be remembered as a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was the time he spent with those he loved most. He took immense pride in his son, Caleb, who was truly his pride and joy. He was a constant presence at every event and milestone, always showing unwavering support and love. He had a passion for the simple things in life. He especially enjoyed canning (most notably peppers) with his cousin, Frank. He also carried on a love of cooking passed down from his father, often spending time grilling and crafting his own homemade barbeque sauce. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a dedicated fisherman who would travel to destinations such as Florida and Erie in pursuit of the perfect catch, though he was just as happy casting a line anywhere he could. When he wasn’t fishing, he could often be found riding his tractor and tending to his lawn. He was also a lifelong and enthusiastic Steelers fan who rarely missed a game and always cheering on his team with passion. Among his proudest personal accomplishments was being part of the 1985 WPIAL championship football team for Monaca, a memory he carried with him throughout his life. He will be remembered for his strong sense of family, his dedication to those he loved, and the joy he found in life’s everyday moments.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 19th, from 4-7 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional viewing will be held at that funeral home on Friday, March 20th from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 11 a.m., with Father Joe Carr officiating. A procession to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, will follow immediately after the service.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank J. Namath, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Blackhawk School District teacher honored as a recipient of the National State Teachers of the Year-PA Apple Award for Excellence in Education

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Blackhawk School District, Posted on Facebook on March 18th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Blackhawk School District made an announcement on Facebook yesterday that one of its teachers, Mrs. Dana Cox, has been named a recipient of the National State Teachers of the Year-PA Apple Award for Excellence in Education. Mrs. Cox, who is a middle school English teacher and Technology Facilitator, was nominated by a colleague for her leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success. Cox has played a key role in guiding district initiatives for technology, supporting teachers, and helping to shape responsible practices for the use of AI in education. 

Walker’s OT goal lifts Hurricanes past Penguins 6-5 in matchup of Metropolitan Division’s top teams

 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Carolina Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (20) controls the puck in front of Pittsburgh Penguins’ Rickard Rakell (67) during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sean Walker scored with 28.3 seconds left in overtime as the Carolina Hurricanes beat Pittsburgh 6-5 on Wednesday night, spoiling Sidney Crosby’s return to the Penguins’ lineup.

Jackson Blake had a goal and two assists, Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall and Walker each had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes. Jordan Martinook and K’Andre Miller also scored and Nikolaj Ehlers finished with three assists. Frederik Andersen made 30 saves.

Erik Karlsson had two goals and an assist, Crosby added a goal and an assist, and Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel also scored for Pittsburgh. Stuart Skinner stopped 38 shots in the second matchup in nine nights between the top teams in the Metropolitan Division that went beyond regulation.

Pittsburgh completed a 2-1-2 trip that began with last week’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Eastern Conference- and Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes.

Each team scored twice in the final 7:01 of regulation, beginning with Stankoven’s goal and capped by Miller’s score with 2:51 left. In between, Karlsson and Kindel scored in a 23-second span.

Walker’s goal was his third in an eight-game stretch.

After Stankoven’s goal with 7:01 left gave the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead, Karlsson and Kindel scored 23 seconds apart for the Penguins.

Crosby missed 11 games after suffering a lower-body injury while playing for Canada in the Milan Cortina Olympics. He logged about 18½ minutes in his return, scoring the Penguins’ first goal midway through the second period. It was his 28th of the season.

Karlsson’s tying goal 59 seconds into the third came on a 5-on-3 power play to begin a period that included seven total goals.

Martinook’s short-handed goal was the only scoring in the first period.

Up next

Penguins: Host Winnipeg on Saturday.

Hurricanes: At Toronto on Friday.