Author: Beaver County Radio

See Steve Martin and Martin Short in Pittsburgh or The Outlaws in Greensburg

(The Concert 4Cast looks at the four biggest Western Pennsylvania concerts of the upcoming weekend).

The Outlaws bring their Southern rock sounds to Greensburg this Saturday.
Fronted by co-founder Henry Paul, the group known for hits like “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Green Grass & High Tides” headlines the Palace Theatre.
Ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle and his band launch the show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55, $65, $75, $100 and $110.
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Famed funnymen and friends Steve Martin and Martin Short bring their stage show Friday and Saturday to the Benedum Center.
The two amigos will trade barbs and joke about subversive and self-deprecating things, in a night of merriment titled “The Dukes of Funnytown!” Martin likely will strum a bit of banjo, too.
As of yesterday, only 38 tickets remained for Friday’s show (starting at $235) with 66 seats mostly in the balcony available for Saturday (costing $117 to $490.)
– – –

You can catch The Calling headlining the Pittsburgh Light Up Night main stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

The  Calling scored a Billboard Top-5 hit with the pop-rock song “Wherever You Will Go” in 2001.

Pittsburgh country artist Justin Fabus also will perform on the Xfinity Riverside stage along Fort Duquesne Boulevard near the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Musical artists Joe Grushecky and Kahone Concept also will entertain from a stage at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue.

Holiday tree lightings start at 5 p.m. A Zambelli fireworks show lights up the sky at 9:30 p.m.

– – –

Pittsburgh songsmith Bill Deasy teams with nationally known folk singer Maia Sharp in a Sunday show at City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District.

Tickets are $20 to $30 with showtime set for 7:30 p.m.

Jeffery Verzella (1956-2025)

Jeffery Verzella, 69, of Midland, passed away at his home on November 12th, 2025.

He was born in Rochester on June 1st, 1956, a son of the late Henry and Rose Marie Verzella. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Verzella as well as his two dogs, Joe and Gunnar that he loved dearly. He is survived by his brothers, Dino (Barb) Verzella and Richard Verzella, his sister, Lisa (Paul) Nutter, his nieces, Lindsay (Bryce) Plant and Kimberly (Dan) Kopycinski, his great niece and nephew and many friends.

Jeffery graduated from Western Beaver High School and received his training as an electrician at Dean Tech and PTI. He worked at Halama Brothers Electric and Horsehead Corporation. He attended St. Blaise Church in Midland and enjoyed hunting, duck hunting, fishing, bowling and golfing.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com

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

Richard Allen Stone (1967-2025)

Richard Allen Stone, 58, of Beaver Falls, passed away on November 13th, 2025. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on August 20th, 1967, a son of Clifford Reed Stone and Marie Alemeda Cope. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifford Stone Jr., William Stone and Timothy Stone and his sisters: Ruth Bevington, Nancy Bevington, Georgia Hemer and Audrey Jackson. He is survived by his children, Brandon Stone and Nicole (Travis) Burns, his grandson, Caleb Burns, his brothers, Samuel (Debbie) Stone, Joseph (Betsy) Stone and Larry (Ann) Stone, his sister, Jane (Ray) Hood and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard spent many years working at Vocelli’s. In his free time, he enjoyed video games, going on nature walks, mushroom hunting and fishing. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22nd from 2 p.m. until the time of a service starting at 4 p.m., at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Thelma K. Brognano (1941-2025)

Thelma K. Brognano, 84, of Fombell, passed away on November 15th, 2025, at Haven Convalescent Home in New Castle. She was born in Beaver Falls on July 7th, 1941, the daughter of the late John and Hazel Shaw Mannion. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Brognano, three daughters, Sherri Jones, Linda Pflug and Grace Biega and a grandson, Joshua Winstead. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta (Clay) Winstead, her brother, John Mannion, Jr., eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, three sons-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thelma was a long-time member of College Hill Church of the Nazarene in Beaver Falls and spent a good portion of her life working as a nurse’s aide. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 21st from 5 p.m. until the time of a service starting at 7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Pastor Joe Schiren will officiate the service. Thelma’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Haven Convalescent Home for their exceptional care and kindness.

Pittsburgh International Race Complex Announces First Public Auction of Facility Contents

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Pitt Race)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Wampum, PA) According to a release from Pitt Race yesterday, Pittsburgh International Race Complex announces that the first public auction of select facility contents has officially been scheduled. It starts on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5 p.m. and ends on Tuesday, December 9th at 5 p.m. and will be conducted by KIKO Auctioneers. The preview date at the Wampum facility is Saturday, December 6th from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and the dates for pickup are Monday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All sales go to the highest bidder and it is online only. The auction marks the start of the process to liquidate some selected contents of the Pitt Race property as part of its transition. According to that same release from Pitt Race, here is some more information about the auction and a link to a website to both take a look at the items and prices and participate in the auction:

Items up for bid include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintenance tools and facility equipment
  • Vehicles
  • Track support items and structures
  • Kitchen & Bathroom Fixtures
  • Miscellaneous operational assets

Full auction details, photos, and item listings are available at:

https://www.kikoauctions.com/auctions/17423

Pennsylvania Utilities Ready for Winter: PUC Highlights Natural Gas Reliability and Preparedness

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports today from the major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) of Pennsylvania, as well as a Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP). These reports together give details on how utilities across Pennsylvania are preparing to meet energy needs for consumers and maintain service that is reliable throughout the heating season that is upcoming and according to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here is some more information about these reports:

  • According to the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, total natural gas consumption across all sectors is forecast to increase by approximately 2.5% compared to last winter, with total demand expected to reach 240.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) – up from 234.7 Bcf last season. For residential consumers, home heating costs are expected to be only slightly higher – around 1% above last year – as anticipated colder temperatures are largely offset by lower commodity prices.
  • These reports complement the PUC’s broader efforts to strengthen energy reliability, promote affordability, and support coordination among utilities, state agencies, and emergency responders — ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy systems remain dependable, resilient, and ready to serve.

Ensuring Reliability and Safety

All NGDCs report that they are well-prepared to meet customer demand this winter, with sufficient supply, planning, and infrastructure in place to maintain service reliability and safety, even during periods of peak cold weather.

Utility highlights include:

  • UGI Utilities reported a 25% reduction in Class B (“in-progress”) leaks over the past three years, reflecting continued investment in system safety and integrity.
  • Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania expanded its Emergency Management team with the addition of a meteorologist, improving the utility’s real-time weather and climate analysis capabilities to support operational decisions.
  • PECO Energy and other NGDCs conducted a variety of internal and inter-agency emergency preparedness drills over the summer and fall to strengthen coordination and readiness for extreme weather conditions.

Protecting Core Customers During Peak Demand

Pennsylvania’s NGDCs emphasize that their highest priority remains service to core residential and critical-care customers. Utilities report that they do not anticipate any supply shortages affecting natural gas-fired electric generators this winter.

The complete 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from each of Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies are available on the PUC website:

You can also click on these seven links below to find them:

These reports, along with additional information about system reliability and consumer energy awareness, are available in the “Reliability” section of the PUC’s website.

Stay Safe, Warm, and Connected

As colder weather arrives, the PUC reminds residents struggling with energy costs to #CallUtilitiesNow — to discuss payment options, apply for customer assistance programs, and explore weatherization or energy-efficiency resources that can help manage winter bills.

More consumer resources are available at PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com, including energy-saving tips and information on shopping for electric and natural gas suppliers.

Man from Herndon, Virginia charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Findlay Township

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Findlay Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that twenty-eight-year-old Anthony Rivera of Herndon, Virginia was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Findlay Township on the early morning of October 27th, 2025. Rivera was driving in the left-hand lane on I-376 West at 2:42 a.m. in the area of mile marker 51.4 and lost control of his vehicle and subsequently drove off the roadway and into the grassy median to the left side of the road before going back onto the road. Rivera crossed over both lanes and into the guide rail on the right side of the road. 

Allegheny County Legislators Announce More Than $3 Million in Grants for Community Improvements

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, a bipartisan group of state legislators announced the approval of more than $3 million in Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants for community development projects throughout Allegheny County today. The funded projects include replacement for waterlines, upgrades for parks, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, improvements for flood control, modernization of trffic signals, renewal of stormwater systems, ADA-accessible playgrounds and trails, emergency infrastructure planning and enhancements to gathering spaces for the community. This funding supports 18 projects across municipalities that are represented by Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Representatives Anita Kulik (D-45), Dan Deasy (D-27), Valerie Gaydos (R-44), Arvind Venkat (D-30), Natalie Mihalek (R-40), Jason Ortitay (R-46), Jeremy Shaffer (R-28) and Andrew Kuzma (R-39). According to that same release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, the project awards from these grants include:

  • Robinson Township – Forest Grove Road Waterline Replacement: $100,000
  • Thornburg – Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining: $85,000
  • Pennsbury Village – Sewage Treatment UV System Installation: $130,000
  • Bell Acres – Borough Park Improvements (Phase II): $200,000
  • Franklin Park – Blueberry Hill Park Accessible Playground Update: $205,000
  • Bridgeville – McLaughlin Run Flood Control and Culvert Replacement: $305,000
  • Rosslyn Farms – Active Pathways Project: $100,000
  • Oakdale – Cottonwood Drive and Highland Ave. Stormwater Improvements: $400,475
  • Marshall – The Woodlands Accessible Nature Trail Renewal: $200,000
  • Edgeworth – Academy Avenue Traffic Signal Project: $251,000
  • Bethel Park – Millennium Park Bandshell: $153,150
  • Jefferson Hills – Tepe Park Improvement Project (Phase 1): $246,000
  • Upper St. Clair – Gilfillan Farm Foundation Restoration: $450,157
  • Glenfield – East Beaver Street Road Rehabilitation: $125,000
  • Leet – Salt Storage Facility Project: $75,150
  • Leetsdale – Emergency Exit Study and Design Project: $139,500
  • Sewickley Heights – Fern Hollow Nature Center Addition: $84,125
  • Sewickley – Beaver and Broad Street Upgrade Project: $150,000
  • Wexford – McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority: $105,000

The Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund provides grants for improvement to communities, upgrades for infrastructure and development projects for economics in Allegheny County with funding administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his broken wrist could still play against the Bears

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after he was sacked against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his fractured left wrist could still play on Sunday when the Steelers visit Chicago.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the team will evaluate Rodgers’ availability later in the week and that the key to Rodgers’ potential return will be whether he can function safely with a brace protecting the wrist.

Mason Rudolph, who filled in capably in the second half of Sunday’s 32-14 over Cincinnati, would start for AFC North-leading Pittsburgh (6-4) when it faces the NFC North-leading Bears (7-3) if Rodgers cannot.

The 41-year-old Rodgers, the oldest active player in the league, appeared to hurt the wrist while getting hit after a heave to the end zone with the Steelers driving late in the first half.

The four-time MVP clutched the wrist in the huddle following the play, though he did stay in to make one more pass — an incompletion to Roman Wilson — before the drive ended in a Chris Boswell field goal. Rodgers did not return to the sideline during the second half, though he greeted his teammates in the locker room after they left the field.

Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue (Passed on November 17th, 2025)

Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue, 83, of Monaca, passed away on November 17th, 2025 at home, surrounded by her closest family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Margaret (Goss) Swager. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. LaHue and her siblings: Joseph Swager, Margaret Swager, Dorothy Wiley, and William Swager. Known by loved ones as “Buttercup,” she is survived by many family members and friends. She was a loving mother to Timothy LaHue, Cynthia (Shawn) Reynolds and Brett (Tara) LaHue. She will be missed tremendously by her granddaughters, great grandchildren, and many friends: Hannah (Matthew) Maurice, Abigail (Samuel) Stajduhar, Margaret (Cody) Boring, Aubrey and Calla Reynolds. She was honored to be a great grandmother to Penelope Maurice and Luca Stajduhar. She loved her dear friends, Marianne Swartzwelder, LuAnn Taddeo, and Lynn Kolich deeply. She was also honored to have been a babysitter to Madison and Alexis Hiltz.

Judith was a proud graduate of Monaca High School with the class of 1960, recently attending her 65th high school reunion. She worked as a stewardess for American Airlines immediately preceding high school, worked as a crossing guard while raising her children, and worked as a dedicated Registered Nurse specializing in oncology. She continued her service as a caregiver long after early retirement to care for her husband, family members, and friends. Her daughter, Cynthia, a Registered Nurse, had the privilege of caring for her at home on Hospice and a special thanks goes out to the amazing staff at LIFE Beaver County for their compassionate care and support. She had a love for all animals, especially her late dog, Thomas the Labradoodle. She was a Human Rights Activist, praying for Equality and Peace on Earth who was adored by her family, friends, and community. She was also a firm believer in her savior, Jesus Christ.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Thursday, November 20th at 11 a.m. with her pastor, Dr. Steve Vesolich officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.