Sixteen-year-old girl shot in the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A sixteen-year-old girl was shot in the Knoxville neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Sunday night and detectives from the Violent Crime Unit are investigating this incident. According to Pittsburgh Police, officers were dispatched to the area of E. Amanda Avenue around 10 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a 10-round ShotSpotter alert. The victim was shot in the left arm when officers found her at the scene. Police confirm she was listed last in stable condition after she got taken to the hospital.

2025 Midland Arts Council Summer Gallery takes shape with winners taking home prizes

(Photo Courtesy of Fred Miller of New Cumberland, West Virginia)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) The 2025 Midland Arts Council Summer Gallery took place on Friday through Sunday at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. A range of 80 or more paintings were shown there and on Tuesday, July 1st, “Friendship,” by Nancy Wright of Chester, West Virginia won “Best in Show” for 2025. “Peace” by Kathleen Miller got the Merit Award for second place that day. “Old Economy, Ambridge,” by Marge Gardner got the Juror’s Award for third place that day. Ellie Gimbus, Gina Judy and Linda Sant’Eufemia also received honorable mentions that day as well.
A selection of paintings by Joyce Beatty, the sister of the winner of the show, Nancy Wright, were displayed at that show. Beatty won “Best in Show” last year in that same show.

Arlene Rodriguez (1951-2025)

Arlene Rodriguez, 73, of Baden, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2025.

She was born on September 23rd, 1951 and is survived by her two sons, Jaime Fuentes and Ken (Kelli) Scott, her sisters, Cecilia and Eleanora, her brother, Tito, her beloved grandchildren: Jade Kost, Corbin Scott, Miles Gibson, and Oak Scott; as well as numerous cousins and friends and her cherished dogs, Timo and Bella.

Arlene worked for many years at Verizon Wireless. After retiring, she began working at Walmart in Baden, where she formed lasting friendships. She had a deep devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she lovingly taught many children the values of her faith. Arlene found joy in the beauty of flowers, but above all, she deeply loved and treasured her family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7th, from 4-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where a funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 8th at 11 A.M. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Hopewell.

Lottie (Hryckowian) Besong (1938-2025)

Lottie (Hryckowian) Besong, 86, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2025.

She was born in the borderlands of Poland and Ukraine on November 24th, 1938, the beloved daughter of the late Michael and Rose Hryckowian. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert Besong, her son, Michael Besong and her brothers, Michael and John Hryckowian. Lottie is survived by her children: Robert (Bonnie) Besong, Charlene (Joseph) Krokonko, and Michelle (Tom) Fetkovich. She was a cherished grandmother to Shawn (Devan) Besong, Craig (Kait) Besong, Jenna (Dylan) Loller, Tyler Krokonko (Leann), Dr. Kayla (Levi) Besong-Cowan, Hannah Krokonko (Shihab), Lauryn Fetkovich (Alex), Noah Krokonko, and Alex Fetkovich; as well as a proud great-grandmother to Easton, Brayden, Anthony, and Eloise. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Barbara and Betty Hryckowian and Nita Besong, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Lottie was a survivor of war-torn Europe who found peace and purpose in Baden, Pennsylvania, where she and her husband warmly welcomed guests to their backyard swimming pool for more than four decades. She was a faithful member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Ambridge (formerly St. John the Baptist), where she took great joy in helping make pierogies with fellow parishioners. Lottie had a deep love for cooking and generously shared her table with family, friends, and often even strangers. She found joy in her garden and was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Her radiant smile, generous heart, and nurturing spirit touched everyone who knew her. The legacy of love she leaves behind will live on in the countless memories she created through her kindness and warmth.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 from 3-7 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where departing prayers will be offered on Wednesday, July 9th, at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery in Sewickley.

Anna M. Goletti (1928-2025)

Anna M. Pascuzzi Golletti, 97, of Conway, passed away on July 4th, 2025, at her home. She was born in Rochester on April 16th, 1928, in Rochester, the daughter of the late Chester and Lucy Matsook Ciccozzi. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles A. Pascuzzi, her second husband, Vincent F. Golletti, Sr., one son, Kenneth M. Pascuzzi, a step-son, Vincent F. Golletti, Jr. and three brothers, Anthony, Joseph and Chester Ciccozzi. She is survived by one daughter and son in law, Bernadette and David Cook of Conway, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Regis G. and Joyce Pascuzzi of Harmony, and Albert C. Pascuzzi of Columbiana, Ohio, one step-daughter, Virginia F. Fletcher of Patterson Township, three grandchildren, Danielle (Shane) Young, Casandra (David) Seifert and Patrick Pascuzzi and fiance Chelsea, five great grandchildren: Alexandra, Alana, Victoria, Grant and Benjamin; as well as two canine companions, Jackson and Frannie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Anna was a retired telephone operator for the Sister’s of St. Joseph’s in Baden. She was a member of St. Felix Roman Catholic Church of Freedom and Our Lady of the Valley Parish, where she was a Christian Mother. Anna was known for her crocheting of afghans for the Our Lady of the Valley Parish and for which she won many Blue Ribbons for her afghans at the Big Knob Fair. Anna was also a Eucharistic minister and an avid bowler and a volunteer with the Harvest Festival.
Friends will be received on Thursday, July 10th from 3-8 p.m. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. in St. Felix Roman Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Freedom, PA
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Sister’s of St. Joseph’s, 1020 West State Street, Baden, PA.

Edna Jane (Funkhouser) Goettman (1932-2025)

Edna Jane (Funkhouser) Alexander Goettman, 92, of Daugherty Township, passed away on July 5th, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside of Pittsburgh.

She was born in New Brighton on October 1st, 1932, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Howard and Jennie (Brandt) Funkhouser. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Edwin and Timothy, her husbands, James K. Alexander and Leonard A. Goettman, her sisters: Norma, Helen, Anna, June, Elsie, Lucille; as well as her brother, Paul.She is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Linda) Alexander and Randall (Kim) Alexander, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and her sister, Martha Russell.

Edna was Methodist by faith.  She liked crafts, sewing and making quilts.  Boating, vacationing, gardening and crossword puzzles brought her joy.  She loved flowers and birds, but more than anything loved her family.

Friends will be welcomed on Wednesday, July 9th, from 4 p.m. until the time of a service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating.

Kenneth R. Winters, Jr. (1946-2025)

Kenneth R. Winters, Jr., 79, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on July 5th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Beaver Falls on February 2nd, 1946, a son of the late Kenneth and Eleanor (Yanoski) Winters, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth, his brothers, Joseph and Fred and his sister, Cathy Huddleson. He is survived by his wife, Charlene “Lizzy” (Johnston) Winters, his daughters, Lisa Johnson, Pam Duncan and Shannon Winters, his sons, Bob Winters, Shawn Johnston, and Todd Johnston, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister, Marlene DiStefano and his brothers, David Winters, Johnny Winters, and Lenny Winters.

Kenneth served in the United States National Guard. He enjoyed fishing, camping, cutting grass, gambling, working on cars and driving people around.

His family will announce a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. The family requests no flowers and that donations can be made to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066 to assist with funeral expenses.

Russell “Dale” Foster (1934-2025)

Russell “Dale” Foster, 91, passed away on July 1st, 2025, at his home in White Township.

He was born in Bunker Hill, West Virginia on March 28th, 1934, a son of the late Robert and Virginia (Beatty) Foster. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Beverly J. “Sis” (Robison) Foster, two brothers, Ronald and Robert and two sisters, Violet and Carol. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, John and Tina Foster, Debbie and Bill Rizzo, Kathy and Rick Rihely, and Becky and Mike Engel; as well as his eight grandchildren, Gregg, Stefanie, Melissa, Billie Jo, Justin, Shawna, Shawn Mark and David; along with his seventeen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Russell was a skilled craftsman who owned Foster Construction for many years. He was known for his expertise, integrity, and tireless work ethic. Later in life, he became the owner of Foster’s Self-Storage Company, which he operated with the same determination and care that defined every aspect of his life. He was a devoted family man. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by those he loved most. He was a member of the Patterson Township Zoning Board for many years. He was also an honorary member of the Patterson Township Fire Department, a recognition he held with great pride. He was always quick to lend a hand and support his community however he could. He was also a beloved fixture at the Corner Tavern who was known for his good humor and loyal friendships. His stool at the bar might now sit empty, but the stories he told and the memories he made there will live on.

Friends will be received on Monday, July 7th from 2 p.m. until the time of services at 6 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Entombment will take place in Beaver Falls Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Dale’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society- 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Barbara Monac (1943-2025)

Barbara Monac, 81, of New Brighton, formerly of Midland, passed away on May 30th, 2025.

She was born in Pittsburgh on June 30th, 1943, a daughter of the late Jacob and Margaret Ahrens. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Monac, two brothers, Bobby and Larry Ahrens and her sister, Debbie Ahrens. She is survived by her sons, David and Greg Jergons, her daughter, Lora Billiot and numerous grandchildren. Barbara had many jobs during her life, including working at Phoenix Glass, driving bus for Rhodes Bus Line and retiring as a CNA at Villa St. Joseph of Baden. She was Christian by faith.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Junior B. Riteenberry (1928-2025)

Junior B. Rittenberry, 96, of Fair Oaks, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2025. He was born on October 16th, 1928. He was preceded in death by his parents, B. Harrison and Mary Rittenberry, his beloved wife, Nancy Rittenberry, his daughter, Nancy Seevers and several siblings. He is survived by his loving children, Kim (Jay) Close and Brenda (Mark Chaney) Rittenberry, his grandchildren: Amanda (Jason Thorn) Close, Stacy (Sean) Kelly , Bryan Rittenberg, Andy Bonager and Brittany Blinn; as well as his great-grandchildren, Bryson Downey, Connor and Kaleb Kelly, Layton Blinn, and Angelo Bonager. He is also survived by his dear friend, Lenny Bobincheck and many nieces and nephews, especially his niece, Mary Litherland.

Junior was a proud U.S. Army veteran who later worked for and retired from American Bridge Company. He was a dedicated member of the Doric Lodge #630 in Sewickley. In his spare time, Junior enjoyed collecting and working on Lionel trains, a passion he cherished throughout his life.

Private interment will take place at Economy Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.