Carol A. Crudden (1951-2026)

Carol A. Crudden, 75, of Zelienople, passed away on March 19th, 2026, at Passavant Community Homes. She was born on February 3rd, 1951, a daughter of the late Clinton and Verna (Brenneman) Marshall.

For many years, Carol worked as a legal secretary in Lawrence County, where her strong work ethic and professionalism left a lasting impression. Outside of her work,  sh e found great happiness in life’s quieter and more personal moments. She shared a wonderful life with her husband, Jim, and together they created many moments through their travels, especially their beloved trips to Florida and Aruba. She also found joy in her time working at Rosalind’s Candy Castle, a place that reflected her sweet spirit and love of connecting with others. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment with them which became some of the most meaningful chapters of her life. In her younger years, she had an adventurous spirit. She embraced challenges by participating in cross-country skiing and roller blading in the park. During quieter times, she could often be found doing one of her favorite things: reading by the pool, soaking in the sun with a good book in hand. It was in these peaceful moments that she found contentment.

All in all, she will be remembered for her kindness, her love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to find joy in both life’s big journeys and simplest pleasures. She is survived her son, Michael (Bryanne) Crudden, of Center Township, her daughter, Jennifer E. Crudden of New Brighton, her sister, Kathy M. Lee, of Fombell and two grandchildren, Patrick and Rosie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Crudden, her brother, Larry Marshall and her nephew, Jonathan David Lee.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4 p.m. until the time of a blessing service at 6 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton,

Private interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton.

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

Joe Block gives Pittsburgh Pirates updates

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez was reassigned to the Indianapolis farm team (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Pittsburgh Pirates sent catcher Endy Rodríguez to the Minor Leagues, and a few of the team’s pitchers got a last chance to solidify their order in the starting rotation before Opening Day.

Pirates broadcaster Joe Block assessed the Buccos’ recent performances in his Friday interview on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show.

Here is what Block had to say:

Richard “KO” Kozak Sr. (1938-2026)

Richard “KO” Kozak Sr., 87, of Conway, passed away on March 18th, 2026. He was born on September 21st, 1938, a beloved son of the late John and Antoinette Kozak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Sandy Kozak, his sisters, Agnes, Marion, and Joan and his brothers: John, Joe, Ed, Frank, Bill, Tom, and Chuckie. He is survived by his loving children, Kathy (Ron) Coder and Richard (Betsy) Kozak Jr., his sister, Patti (Tom) Watters, his brothers, Bob (Pat) Kozak and Leonard Kozak, his sister in laws, Bong Jae Kozak and Betty Kozak, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Richard, who fondly known as “KO,”  took great pride in his work as a meat cutter for over 60 years, owning Kozak’s Custom Meats and later serving customers at Giant Eagle in Baden with his signature smile and personalized care, retiring at 80. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and the special bonds he formed. At 50, he discovered golf and quickly made it a passion, spending countless days at Blackhawk Golf Course refining his game, enjoying fierce competition, and expanding his circle of friends. Though he left the farm he grew up on, it never left him. He found joy in plowing snow for neighbors, tending his garden, and sharing its harvest. Even at 80, he continued to grow, and wrote his book, Sacred Showdown, capturing his life, stories, and wisdom. He was steady, dependable, and quietly impactful—a man people gravitated to, and trusted. A devoted husband of 68 years and a loving father, he led by example with hard work, perseverance, and unwavering love for his family. His faith anchored his life. He was quiet, steady, and lived it out daily through humility, generosity, and how he cared and mentored others. His life was a lesson in how to live well, love deeply, and finish strong.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22nd, from 1–5 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a Celebration of Life and Blessing Service will take place on Monday, March 23rd, at 10 A.M. Burial will be private.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at Crossroads Beaver Creek, Alexis and Leslie (“CR Angels”), Laura Blackston, and his neighbors on Cottage Avenue for their love and care.

Katherine (Turconi) Mannarino (1928-2026)

Katherine (Turconi) Mannarino, 98, who was born on January 19th, 1928, passed away on March 19th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at Franciscan Manor in Beaver Falls, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and faith.

She shared an extraordinary 74 years of marriage with her loving husband, Anthony Mannarino, building a life centered on family, faith, and community. Together they raised their children, Ronald (Sally), John (Laura), Lisa (Scott) Pulleo, and Patrick (Tracey) who were the pride and joy of her life. Her family grew to include nine grandchildren who knew her as Noni: Katie (Aaron) Jones, Jared Mannarino, Chelci (James) Dell, Anthony (Samantha) Pulleo, Matthew Pulleo, Dr. Mitchell Pulleo, Dominic Mannarino, Jillian Mannarino, Dante Mannarino; as well as and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. She is also survived by her brother, Joe (Patty) Turconi.

She was a daughter of the late James and Antionetta Rimoldi Turconi and in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary (John) Profato and Edith Turconi and her brother, Aldino (Maryann) Turconi.

Katherine was a faithful member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, where she was active in the Prayer Shawl ministry and VSP. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the compassion and generosity she showed to others. Those who knew her the closest can still hear her saying the Hail Mary. She was known as an avid and talented cook who expressed her love through the meals she prepared for her family, especially her cookie baking. Kaye’s kitchen was the heart of the home, where countless memories were made around the table with children, grandchildren, and friends. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to love, faith, family, and friendship, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Franciscan Manor and Advanced Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to her during the final days of her life.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22nd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 23rd at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, with Fr. John Naugle as celebrant, with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life.

Penn State women’s hockey team advances to the 2026 Frozen Four for the first time ever in the women’s college hockey tournament

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Nittany Lion logo taken before an NCAA college football game between Penn State and Delaware, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News 

(State College, PA) The Penn State women’s hockey team will compete in the Frozen Four on their home ice for the first time in their team’s history. The Frozen Four is the final four of both the men’s college hockey and women’s college hockey tournaments. Penn State will host Wisconsin tonight at Pegula Ice Arena, and a win will put them in the National Championship on Sunday.   

New restaurant and plaza set to open on the North Shore in April

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Barker Nestor, Caption for Photo: A rendering of the plaza and SugarBird)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A new restaurant and plaza on the North Shore will be open and ready to go by the time the Pirates return home for their home opener at PNC Park. The Plaza at North Shore and the new fast-casual restaurant SugarBird will open on April 2nd, and it is located at the corner of Mazeroski Way and General Robinson Boulevard. SugarBird will offer what is being described as a “playful” menu of fried chicken, donuts, and ice cream, along with a full bar. The outdoor plaza that is 30,000 square feet will also include Highball Social Club, which is a 15,200 square-foot experiential restaurant and bar that is expected to open in the fall. There will also be two performance stages and a 40-inch LED screen that will televise games, movies, and other must-see events. 

Monaca man charged after single-vehicle crash in Hampton Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hampton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that thirty-four-year-old Kory Smithhammer of Monaca was charged after a single-vehicle crash occurred in Allegheny County on Monday. Smithhammer was driving on the snow covered road of I-76 West in Hampton Township at 9:06 p.m. and the back of his vehicle started to rotate counterclockwise before it hit a concrete barrier and a guide rail. There were no injuries. 

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes selected as 2026 Opening Day starting pitcher for the Pirates

Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Posted on March 19th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates named 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes as their starting pitcher when they begin their 2026 season playing against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Queens, New York on Thursday. Skenes was the National League’s starter for the 2024 and 2025 MLB All-Star Games and became the first pitcher to start consecutive MLB All-Star Games since Max Scherzer when he played for the Washington Nationals and Chris Sale when he played for the Boston Red Sox in 2017 and 2018. Skenes was also the Opening Day starter for the Pirates last year against the Miami Marlins when the teams played at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 27th, 2025. The Pirates lost 5-4 even though Skenes pitched 5 1/3 innings while only giving up two runs and earning seven strikeouts.

Environmental group files intent to sue U.S. Steel over oil sheens in the Monongahela River

(File Photo of Water)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) An environmental group recently filed an intention to sue U.S. Steel over oil sheens in the Monongahela River. Three Rivers Waterkeeper says a sheen forms on the water when a substantial amount of pollution gets into it, which is what’s causing the environmental group so much alarm. The organization filed an intent to sue in February because of water coming from U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant into the Monongahela River. U.S. Steel has 60 days after it received the notice to address the concerns or possibly go to court. 

Felon from the Bronx, New York Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced yesterday that a former resident of the Bronx, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months in prison on his conviction of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Thirty-five-year-old Jose Baez Cabrera was given that sentence, as well as three years of supervised release following his term in prison in the event he is not removed from the United States based on his immigration status. According to information presented to the Court, on August 16th, 2023, Baez Cabrera was caught transporting eight kilograms of cocaine across Pennsylvania with the intent to deliver them to drug dealers in Erie. At that time, he was on probation following a 2021 felony conviction in New York for possessing a kilogram of fentanyl.