Author: Beaver County Radio

Local 2025 New Year’s Eve events and light shows to celebrate the year’s end

(File Photo of a Fireworks Burst)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) As 2025 is ready to come to an end, some local events like light shows are going on in Beaver County and beyond to celebrate the end of that year. According to the Beaver County Times, here is a list of these events for you and your family as the new year of 2026 approaches:

Events

  • Pinball PA video arcade and museum, 2284 Brodhead Road, Suite 10B, Hopewell Township, 412-423-8532, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 2 p.m. December 31st, 2025 until 2 a.m. January 1st, 2026. Admission tickets are available online by clicking here for individuals or a group of up to four players and offers free play on all pinball and video games, with random giveaways throughout the evening and snacks and soft drinks are provided. The ticket also includes a raffle ticket for a special prize, awarded at midnight, for a one-year admission with unlimited visits to Pinball PA. Celebrate the new year surrounded by the lights, sounds and joy of your favorite arcade games.
  • Three Rivers Karting Entertainment Park, 541 Avenue B, Suite 10, Leetsdale. 412- 527-8464. Open from 12-6 p.m. on December 31st, 2025 and normal hours on and after January 1st, 2026. It offers its Winter Wonderland go-kart track through January 5th, 2026 with over 50 decorated trees, where guests age 10 and over can race through the twinkling lights of the darkened track. Racers can also take part in the Rudolph Race-Off Sweepstakes, where racers who make a set lap time on the track are entered into a raffle to win a handful of prizes. For the younger guests, there is also a “Find The Hidden Golden Ticket” in the upstairs arcade to win a free prize.
  • Tickets are sold out for the Neighborhood North Museum of Play’s New Year’s at Noon celebration in Beaver Falls on December 31st, 2025. However, there is a waiting list available by clicking here for those who are interested in attending if a guest cancels their visit. The museum also plans a “Snow Much Fun” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 24th, 2026, and registrations are open now for that event.by clicking here.
  • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh. 412-322-5058. “Countdown to Noon,” a faimly-freindly countdown to end 2025, takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 31st, 2025 at the museum. Activities include music from Lee Robinson and ISKA as the clock ticks down to noon and a balloon drop at noon in the garage; share your hopes for the new year live on the radio with SLB Radio Productions; make confetti and confetti art in the art studio; make a party hat and other party accessories in MAKESHOP and explore ice mold making in Waterplay. Activities are included with museum admission; tickets can be purchased online in advance or in person at the museum that day. The Children’s Museum is closed on January 1st, 2026 and the MuseumLab is closed on December 31st, 2025 and January 1st, 2026.
  • First Night Pittsburgh takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight on December 31st, 2025 throughout the city’s Cultural District. A variety of family-friendly activities are included in the schedule of events, including the Citizens Activity Zone from 7-10 p.m. at Highmark Fifth Avenue Place; Dollar Bank children’s fireworks and a New Year’s Eve countdown for kids at 8 p.m. at the Highmark stage; live ice sculpting from 8-11 p.m. at Seventh and Penn parklet; Pittsburgh Cultural Trust children’s book giveaway from 7-10 p.m. at the Benedum lot and a family dance party from 7:15 to 7:59 p.m. at the Highmark Stage.

New Year’s Eve Light Shows

  • Parade of Lights, New Castle. Open from 5-11:30 p.m. nightly through January 1st, 2026 at Pearson Park, 179 Pearson Park Drive. Use the Mercer Road entrance to the park.
  • Christmas Light Up Celebration, Findlay Township. Open from 5-10 p.m. nightly through January 3rd, 2026 at Clinton Park, 600 Clinton Park Drive. For GPS directions, use Findlay Township or Imperial for the city. A $10 admission fee is charged per car, cash only. Proceeds go to community charitable organizations.
  • Moon Holiday Lights, Moon Township. This drive-through light display is open from 5-10 p.m. nightly through January 7th, 2026 at Moon Park, 1350 Joe DeNardo Way.
  • Oglebay Festival of Lights, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, West Virginia. Open nightly, dusk to dawn through January 4th, 2026. This 6-mile, drive-through light show features over 100 displays and places to shop, eat and have fun along the way.
  • Overly’s Country Christmas, 116 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg. Open from 5:30-9 p.m. on select days through December 30th, 2025; visit its website by clicking here for more details. A walk-through Christmas village display with lights, a model train display, Santa’s workshop, a talking Christmas tree, a Country Kitchen and more.
  • Kennywood Holiday Lights, West Mifflin. A walk-through lights display open through January 4th, 2026, hours are either 3-9 p.m. or 5-9 p.m., depending on the date. New this year are the Gingerbread Express, a train ride through a gingerbread village; a meet and greet with Santa Claus in Gingerbread Junction and new shows and entertainment. More information and ticket sales are available online at Kennywood Holiday Lights by clicking here.
  • Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker St., Pittsburgh. Open for walk-through only this year, on select nights through January 11th, 2026. This year’s show features silk and steel lanterns paired with light displays. Guests who need a wheelchair or an electric scooter should reserve one in advance. Show times, prices and ticket reservations are available online by clicking here.

Penguins acquire forward Yegor Chinakhov from Blue Jackets in exchange for Danton Heinen and two draft picks

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired right winger and forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets yesterday as part of a trade in exchange for left winger Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round draft pick and a 2027 third-round draft pick. During his time with Columbus, Chinakhov scored 37 goals, recorded 40 assists and earned 77 points in 204 games. Chinakhov was drafted as the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Stanley James Phillips (1950-2025)

Stanley James Phillips, 75, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, in the comfort of the family cottage on Connoquenessing Creek. He was born in Sewickley on May 24th, 1950, the son of the late Howard and Joye Phillips. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws who truly loved him like a son, Gilio and Helena Lazzaretti and his very good friend and his spiritual brother, Joseph Vitunic. He is survived by his grieving family, including his wife of 40 years, Lisa Phillips, his children: Jessica (Ryan) Follmer, Samuel J. Phillips, Elizabeth (Noah) Lheureau, and Hannah (Jerry) Welsh; as well as his grandson, James Follmer, his sisters, Barbara (Walter) Johns and Peggy Vitovich, his sister-in-law, Judy (Roger) Spurlock, his nephews, Caleb Spurlock, Jacob Spurlock and Jason Phillips, his nieces, Michaela Spurlock and Rachael Cottrell, and his best buddy, his dog Benny.

Stanley attended Moon Township High School where he developed his love of music playing the bass clarinet. He earned two Associates Degrees in Electronics and as an OR Technician, and was also certified in HVAC. At the age of twenty, he served his country in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and despite the odds he made it home safely. In the years following, and in meeting his wife, Lisa, he gave his life to Christ. His steadfast faith was an inspiration to his family and community. He devoted much of his time to studying and applying God’s word and bearing witness to all who met him through his good works, sharing his story, and playing worship music. His ministries included hosting Bible studies in his home, serving his church community as an elder, shepherding new Christians in their walk of faith, and leading worship for his church. His walk with God brought him the opportunity to play bass in the church worship band. For many years, you could see him loading into the church early to set up, because if he was not early, he was late. He was a gifted musician who sang, played the bass, guitar, lap steel, and several other instruments. His passion and faith radiated from him when he played music for his friends and family, touching their lives and bringing them closer to one another and closer to God. Anything he did, he did so with pride and determination. He was also an avid fisherman who loved to share his knowledge with others. He taught his son, his daughters, his wife, and countless friends how to hook a worm and catch a big one all while teaching them to love and respect nature. Catching two fish on the same line was his most impressive fishing trick. The time he spent with his fishing buddies was a source of fond memories and great stories. He also had several jobs over the years, from working at Dravo between 1973 and 1983, working as an electronic technician, and an OR technician. Then he found contentment working in maintenance with Beaver County, where he could use his mental and technical expertise while doing what he loved most, working with his hands. If there was something he could not fix, it was truly broken. He worked for the county until his retirement in 2011. He raised four wonderful children alongside his beloved wife of 40 years, Lisa. From the moment they met, they knew that they had both found a lifelong love. He was an outdoorsman as well as a craftsman, building a beautiful home with Lisa. Together, they brought their dreams into reality, no matter how big or small. He was a gentle and quiet man, despite his tall stature. He was incredibly smart, so resilient, and loved to laugh. His kind eyes and the way his face crinkled during a good belly laugh, will be sorely missed. He had many hobbies, all of which he would become an expert on, however what he enjoyed most was quality time spent with his friends, family, and his dog. He always wanted the best for his family and was determined to raise his kids better than the generation before him. We would like to think he succeeded in that. He will be remembered in every belly laugh, in every moment of quiet contemplation, in every bear hug, with love, respect, and gentile sorrow.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 11 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 1 p.m. in the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Celebration Of Life will follow on Friday, January 2nd at 2 p.m. at Frank G’s Place, 500 Market St, Beaver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans.

Inurnment will take place in the spring at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Wilmer H. “Bill” George, Jr. (1930-2025)

Wilmer H. “Bill” George, Jr., 95, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on December 27th, 2025, in Concordia of Cranberry in Mars, Pennsylvania. He was born in Rochester on October 4th, 1930, a son of the late Wilmer H. Sr. and Geraldine Brown George. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Doris L. (Inman) George, a granddaughter, Stephanie Fisher, a nephew, Aaron George, a brother and sister-in-law, Richard I. Sr. and Jan George, as well as a sister, Margaret “Peg” Vild. He is survived by one daughter, Susie McDonald, of Wilmington, North Carolina, one son and daughter-in-law, Dale C. and Janet Marta, of Kansas City, Missouri, one step-son and daughter-in-law, Robert Stephen Sr. and Diana Fisher of Cypress, Texas, and six grandchildren: Robert S. Fisher, Jr. and his wife, Amanda, Daniel and his wife, Paige, Jonathan and his wife, Lauren, Michael and his wife, Brittney Marta, Christopher, and his wife, Nikki and Heather and her husband, Lang Robbins, thirty-one great grandchildren, a brother, Robert George of Daughterty Township, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wimer was a self-employed owner of George’s Autobody in Daughterty Township, and had previously retired from Westinghouse Corporation in Vanport. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the New Brighton United Methodist Church. Wilmer was a graduate of Conneley Vocational School in Pittsburgh. Friends will be received on Friday, January 2nd, from 3-6 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, with a service to follow at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd. Officiating will be his pastor Reverend Gary Hilton. Interment will then be held in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862 will also provide full military honors for their fallen comrade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd.

John C. Hesser, Jr. (Passed on December 28th, 2025)

John C. Hesser, Jr. of Brighton Township, passed away on December 28th, 2025 after a long struggle with liver cancer surrounded by his family. He was born in Rochester, a son of the late John Charles Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Maie (Bruff) Hesser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole Lynn Hesser, his  brother, Buddy C. Hesser, his brother-in-law, Oliver Thomas Hill and his nephew, Thomas Reed. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna J. (Olson) Hesser, his son, John E. Hesser and wife Kacy (Couper) Hesser of Industry, a granddaughter, Bailey Hesser, his sister, Sara Hill of Monaca, his sister in law & brother in law Sherry and Frank Fillipelli of Monaca, his most loved nieces & nephews, Debra and Victor DeCristoforo, Kitty and Kelly Hogan and Stacie and Ken Hastings, his great nieces and nephews: Kelsey, Kody Justin and Jessica; along with his special friends, Dave & Sandy Vaughn, his good friend, Bob Laman and his best lifelong friends, Dave Bathgate and Joe Maley. John was raised in Rochester where he graduated from Rochester High School with its class of 1966. High School is where be found his love for music singing. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force, serving four years active duty Vietnam Veteran 1967-1968. He later joined the PA Air National Guard as Crew Chief in the 112th TFG and later the 171St ARW in Pittsburgh I.A.P. retiring as the 171st E-8 Senior Master Sgt. He retired from Nova Chemicals Maintenance Dept. after working there for 40 years. He was also a member of the Monaca United Methodist Church where he served as Finance Chair, Trust Officer Administration Council, Pastor Parish and the soundman & tenor for the church choir. He was also a past member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society who sang as a soloist in barbershop and doowhop groups. His other past times including running, softball, golf, bowling, volleyball and pickleball. He also coached Monaca youth sports, in years past that included Little League, Pony League and basketball. He received volunteer of the year award form Nova which was donated to Monaca youth sports. He was also a life time member of Rochester Post 128 VFW, a life time member of Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of Monaca American Legion Post 580.  Friends will be received on Thursday, Jan 1st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the Monaca United Methodist Church, 813 Indiana Avenue, Monaca. Interment with military honors will then take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Monaca United Methodist Church, 813 Indiana Ave, Monaca, PA 15061.

Shirley Ann Kutevac (1939-2025)

Shirley Ann Kutevac, 86, of Conway, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2025. She was born on July 16th, 1939, a daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Broman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Kutevac, her second husband, John Hetz, who passed away in 2019, her brothers, Richard Broman and James Broman and her nephew, Andrew Broman. She is survived by her brother, Donald (Deborah) Broman, her sister, Susan (Don) Kuriger, her nephews, Dan (Laraine) Kuriger, Pete Broman and John Broman, and her nieces, Jamie Kuriger, Kara (Brian) Simpkins, and Heather (Jacquelynn Carnes) Broman.

Shirley was a graduate of Freedom High School and went on to attend Geneva College and Kent State University, where she earned her master’s degree. She later became a professor at Kent State University. She was also an avid world traveler who loved cruises, trips to the casino, and fishing excursions in Canada. She also enjoyed relaxing with a Long Island Iced Tea.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, from 3 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Shirley’s burial will take place on Wednesday, December 31st, at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Multi-vehicle crash occurs along a part of western Pennsylvania I-80; investigation underway

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Clarion Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police confirm that an investigation is underway following a multi-vehicle crash along a portion of I-80 in western Pennsylvania yesterday. According to a release from PSP Clarion officials, a multi-vehicle crash occurred at mile marker 69 in Clarion Township at 1 p.m. Officials state that it is unclear how many people were injured. After the crash happened, PennDOT issued a speed limit restriction between Exit 53: PA 338 – Knox and Exit 73: PA 949 – Corsica as speed limits are restricted to 45 mph for all vehicles. Commercial vehicles must also move to the right lane. 

One person hospitalized after crash occurs on McKnight Road

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) A person was injured because of a crash that occurred on McKnight Road yesterday. According to Allegheny County dispatchers, crews were called to the intersection of McKnight Road and Braunlich Drive at 7:03 p.m. Two vehicles appeared to have been involved in this crash and one person was taken to the hospital from the scene.

Representatives Bernstine, Mustello Announce Transportation Improvements for Butler County

(File Photo of Representative Aaron Bernstine)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler County, PA) According to a release yesterday in Butler County from Representative Aaron Bernstine’s office, Representatives Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marci Mustello (R-Butler) announced yesterday nearly $2.6 million in state funding has been awarded for transportation infrastructure improvements in Butler County through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. This funding will support the rehabilitation of five bridges that are currently rated in poor condition in Penn and Jefferson Townships, which will help to improve safety, reliability and mobility for businesses, emergency responders and residents. 

Attorneys for convicted man blamed for Tree of Life synagogue shooting seek his resentencing

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Police respond to an active shooter situation at the Tree of Life synagogue on Wildins Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa., on Saturday, October 27, 2018. (Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Over two years after a jury sentenced the Tree of Life synagogue shooter, Robert Gregory Bowers to death, his attorneys are taking the next step to reverse the decision by seeking a resentencing. Bowers shot and killed eleven people and wounded six others at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on October 27th, 2018. Bowers was sentenced to death in August of 2023. In an almost 500-page appeal, the lawyers of Bowers asked for a new sentencing hearing after accusing the prosecution and the court of “overreach.” They brought up 16 issues, which included jury selection, whether a juror who said they reviewed death sentences and oversaw executions in China should have been seated, and whether two jurors who shared reservations about the death penalty should have been struck.