Author: Beaver County Radio

Vogel Announces $2.48 Million in PHARE Funding Benefiting Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced $2.48 million will be awarded to several Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) applicants in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.

“The PHARE Fund is a vital funding source that helps our organizations and local government entities improve our local infrastructure; offer informational and educational opportunities related to housing; and better assist vulnerable communities,” said Vogel. “As someone who has fought hard to enhance this fund, I am pleased to see so many community projects benefit from it.”

Beaver County

The County of Beaver was awarded $100,000 for its Home Modification Program which be used to help provide home modifications for households with mobility and/or safety challenges; and $100,000 to go toward its Rental/Utility Assistance program.

The Cornerstone of Beaver County was awarded $100,000 to go toward operations for its Men’s Shelter.

The Women’s Center of Beaver County was awarded $100,000 to go towards its Homeless Prevention for Survivors of Violence project which includes the provision of intensive case management and support for vulnerable individuals and families living in emergency shelter who are at risk of becoming chronically homeless and the provision of direct financial assistance, such as rent and utility assistance, to eliminate barriers to obtaining safe, stable housing.

The Salvation Army was awarded $150,000 for its Beaver County Housing Homelessness Assistance Program, specifically assist Beaver County households in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing, including those currently involved in ESG, RRH, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing programs. Additionally, it will allow them to engage landlords to help address the lack of affordable housing options in the county.

Harbor Point Housing, Inc. was awarded $200,000 for part 2 of the Sheridan Rehabilitation Project which would rehab the six remaining apartments in the Beaver Falls apartment building; rehab the common areas; a new HVAC system and the outside walkway; and by re-point and repaint the east side of the building.

Housing Opportunities of Beaver County was awarded $200,000 for its Restoring Communities: Housing, Workforce, and Opportunities, specifically training underserved young adults in construction and including the rehabilitation of one duplex and one single-family home in Aliquippa.

Butler County

The County of Butler was awarded $80,000 for its First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program which will match a first-time homebuyer dollar for dollar toward their closing costs or downpayment of a new home in the county up to $5,000.

Lawrence County

The Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community Development was awarded $200,000 for its Countywide Housing Rehabilitation and Blight Removal Program.

The Redevelopment Authority of Lawrence County was awarded $400,000 for the Countywide Housing Rehabilitation and Blight Removal Program.

Joint County

NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania was awarded $150,000 to offer expanded and enhanced homeownership counseling education. Specifically, they will offer pre-purchase counseling and education to buyers at all stages of purchase readiness and will expand post-purchase counseling and education services, providing support for those experiencing mortgage delinquency, default and foreclosure as well as serving stable homeowners seeking to maintain, improve, or renovate their properties. This will benefit Allegheny and Beaver counties.

The Housing Opportunities of Beaver County was awarded $100,000 for its Housing Opportunity Fund: Emergency Repair Track grants program which is a targeted initiative to stabilize and preserve homeownership in Beaver and Lawrence counties.

Mercer County Housing Authority was awarded $500,000 for its Veterans Housing Development Center project which will provide 10 units of affordable housing – six transitional and four long-term rentals, for homeless and at-risk veterans in Mercer and Lawrence Counties.

Catapult Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $100,000 to growing and maintaining black generational housing equity in Allegheny County. Specifically, they will provide low- and moderate-income new homebuyers and existing low-income homeowners with comprehensive trauma-informed financial education. With a specific focus on the Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Increasing Homeownership initiative, the Organization has access to RNIH to Beaver County. They will also grow its Equity Protection Division which includes a Tangled Title Clinic and Home Repair program for existing low-income homeowners.

Vitalant and the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate 29 years with blood drives at PNC Park

PITTSBURGH (Jun. 12, 2024) — Vitalant and the Pittsburgh Pirates will mark 29 years of partnership by hosting a three-day blood drive at PNC Park June 24-26 and additional life-saving events throughout Western Pennsylvania.

 

All donors who give with Vitalant at a designated Pittsburgh Pirates Blood Drive location will receive a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a 2025 Pirates home game (Sunday through Thursday).* Donors will also receive a $10 Vitalant Rewards Gift Card and entry into a drawing for one of two $10,000 gift cards.*

 

Last year’s Pirates Blood Drives collected more than 900 units of blood, helping patients at hospitals throughout the region, like UPMC and AHN. Summer is one of the most challenging times to maintain a reliable blood supply, as schools are on break, many people travel, and regular routines change.

 

All blood types are needed, especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.

 

29th Annual Pittsburgh Pirates Blood Drives

Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

PNC Park, Press Conference Room

115 Federal St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Blood Drive Code: UET31

 Wednesday, Jun. 25

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

PNC Park, Press Conference Room

115 Federal St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Blood Drive Code: UET31

 

 Thursday, Jun. 26

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

PNC Park, Press Conference Room

115 Federal St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Blood Drive Code: UET31

 

 

Every donation helps ensure blood is on the shelves when patients need it,” said a Vitalant communications manager, Maya Santana. “These drives highlight the strength of the Pittsburgh community and the impact we can make when we act together.”

 

Vitalant is encouraging fans and the community to donate at the Pittsburgh Pirates Blood Drives. To beat the line and view other participating locations, schedule your appointment today at vitalant.org/pirates, on the Vitalant app, or by calling 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Sign Work Next Week in Beaver County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing single-lane and shoulder restrictions on I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Vanport, Brighton and Chippewa townships, Beaver County will occur Monday through Friday, June 16-20 weather permitting.

A single-lane and shoulder restriction will occur on I-376 in each direction as needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday as crews from Road Safe to conduct overhead sign replacement work.

Driver smashes into Sheriff’s cruiser in New Brighton

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published June 12, 2025 7:50 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) A crash took place on Junction Stretch of Route 65 in New Brighton Thursday evening shortly after 7pm. An SUV was lifted off of its wheels and held up by a Beaver County Sheriff Cruiser.

It appears that a chase likely took place but we have not yet received word from officials. What appeared to be spike strips were also visible on the ground.

Numerous Police Departments responded to the scene including New Brighton, Beaver Falls, BV Regional, State Police, as well as the New Brighton Fire Department.

Crews were working to remove the vehicles as of 7:35pm.

We have no further details at this time.

Timothy Michael Best (September 16, 1953 – June 9, 2025)

Timothy Michael Best, 71, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Brighton Township on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Tim was born September 16, 1953 to Mearle and Theresa (Mulgrew) Best. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Terri Taormina. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Fischer) Best, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph Best, Brian (Kara) Best, and Paul Best, two grandchildren, Geno Best and Adalyn Best, and his brothers, Ed (Debbie) Best and Ron (Holly) Best, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Tim was retired from the maintenance department at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver, where he worked for approximately 40 years. An avid sports fan, Tim will be greatly missed by his family, especially his three boys, who loved watching games and betting with their dad. Tim also leaves behind his beloved furry companion, Barkley, who always came running at the sound of Tim’s voice. The loss of Tim’s booming laughter will leave a void in the hearts of all who loved him, but his memory will live forever.
Friends will be received on Tuesday June 17, 2025, in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009 from 6pm-8pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

 

Ruth Cook (May 30, 1934 – June 10, 2025)

Ruth Cook, a devoted nurse, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Ruth was born in 1934 in Butler, PA, to Ralph and Ethel McPherson. Once her children reached school age, she pursued her passion for nursing, graduating from St. Francis Nursing School in 1976 and later earning a master’s degree from Slippery Rock University.

Throughout her career, Ruth provided compassionate care as a school nurse within Hopewell School District and served as Head Nurse at the VA hospital, always committed to the well-being of others. She shared many joyful years with her beloved husband, Robert “Red” Cook, traveling together often.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cook; her daughter, Susan Trumpeter; her son, William “Billy” Cook; and her daughter, Regina Harr. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara “Barbie” Davies and Laurie Sirko, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home in Aliquippa, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a blessing at 11:00 AM. A life well-lived, Ruth’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and adventure. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the memories she created and the love she nurtured.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth Cook please visit our Sympathy Store.

Charles S. Hrelec Sr. (05/02/1927 to 06/10/25)

Charles S. Hrelec, Sr., 98, of Center Township, passed away on June 10, 2025, after a succession of illnesses during the last few years. Chuck was born to the late Evan and Veronica (Ilic) Hrelec at home in Aliquippa on May 2, 1927. He lived through the Great Depression and had many tales of his antics, survival schemes, and dreaded pumpkin and flour soup dinners. It was this boyhood that shaped his appreciation of delicious foods, his simplicity of living, and his flair as a prankster and jokester.

Chuck dropped out of high school to enlist in the Coast Guard as a Steward’s Mate in World War II. There he became a cook and also furthered his pranking skills. After his honorable discharge, he advanced from local recreational baseball to the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team as a pitcher. Two of his fondest baseball memories were pitching against Whitey Ford and meeting and being photographed with Bill Mazeroski.

Chuck met his future wife, Jean E. Domitrovich, also of Croatian heritage, at the Aliquippa A & P, where he was a meatcutter. Nearly inseparable, they were happily married for 51 years. He later worked at several other grocery stores, retiring from Giant Eagle. He continued to cut meat—processing deer for relatives, friends, and local shops.

A longtime resident of Center Township, Chuck was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, SOAR, and 79-year member of ALCRO Lodge. He looked forward to monthly meetings and activities of the Croatian Club. He visited the Motherland 3 times and loved everything Croatian, especially potica and Croatian Day at Kennywood. Chuck enjoyed deer hunting, watching baseball, and baking his gifts of English muffin bread and fruitcake. He was a genuine, loyal, and giving man.

In addition to his beloved wife, Chuck was preceded in death by his devoted daughter, Katrina Kaiser, and cherished brothers, William, John, and George.

His loving children and their spouses who survive him are Cynthia (Dennis) Novotny; Charles S. (Sandra) Hrelec, Jr.; Suzanne (Philip) Knox; Jeanne (Anthony) Ciaccia; and Martina (John) Markowicz; as well as caring son-in-law, Joseph Kaiser; and cherished sister, Caroline McWilliams.

Chuck is also survived by his dear 18 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His Novotny grandchildren are Katrina, Martina, Aimee, Rebecca, and Dennis; Hrelec grandchildren are Charles, Jason, Candace; Knox grandchildren are Gabriel, Justin, and Amber; Ciaccia grandchildren are Antonio, Veronica, and Joseph; and Markowicz grandchildren are Jessica, Victoria, Angela, and Alexandra. His great-grandchildren are Braylen, Cynthia, Elyse; Charles, Carina; Noah, Jacob, Isaac; Abigail,  Selah, Hadassah; Elena, Henry, Chloe; Cora, Colton; Oliver, Birdie; Franco, Marco, Vera, Enzo; Wade, Rosalyn, Vaughn; Maverick, Vincent; and Geneva and Francesca.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where Prayers will be offered Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers or Ronald McDonald House.

Thomas Evoy Owczarzak (10/3/1959 — 6/10/2025)

Thomas Evoy Owczarzak, 65, of Hopewell Township, passed away Tuesday, June 10th 2025, in Aliquippa, PA. Born October  3rd 1959, he was the son of Patricia Heiden and Henry Owczarzak. He was the husband of Terri Owczarzak (Biddle), dad to Donald Sanders, father-in-law to Abigail Sanders, and grandpa to Xerxes Ingrassia and Sterling Sanders.

A native of Hammond, Indiana, shortly after graduating high school, Tom joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in 1978. There he served as a military policeman in the 82nd Airborne Division and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was immensely proud of his service, and for the rest of his life, he sounded off with a loud and thunderous “AIRBORNE” whenever the Chicago Bears scored a touchdown.

After leaving the Army, Tom briefly worked in a steel mill before starting his career in commercial underwater diving, supporting marine construction. Tom dove for many years and eventually rose through the ranks at Marion Hill Associates  where he worked for 15 years, before retiring in 2024 as the company’s general manager.

Tom met his wife, Terri in 2009 and was married in 2011. They enjoyed a happy life in Hopewell Township for many years, always with pets and hosting good friends. In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Tom is greatly missed by his mother-in-law, Audrey Biddle, his father in law, Donald Biddle, his sister-in-law, Tracy Young (Biddle), his brother-in-law Richard Young, his nieces, Sara Allen (Jim Riffle), Kat Sanders, and Patti Jo Stewart, his nephew, Jordan Sanders, his beloved friends Kurt and Jo Marie Sanders, Debbie Sgro, Robin Hurni, Bob Hurni, Christine Hurni, and Cindy Kincaid, his dogs Casper and Baxter, and his parrot Joey.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Heiden, his father Henry (Hank) Owczarzak, step-father Bun Heiden, and his sister Patti Jo Stewart.

Tom enjoyed hosting parties, spoiling his grandchildren, bird watching, and traveling. He will be remembered as a man with a big heart. He made his own family in life and he loved them more than anything.

A private service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held Saturday, June 14th, 11 AM at Huntsman Funeral Home in Aliquippa.

Alexander Brandon Mulig (July 02, 1980 – June 09, 2025)

Alexander Brandon Mulig, 44, of Brighton Township, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2025, at his home.

Born on July 2, 1980, in Ellwood City, he was the son of Jeanie (Lutz) Socci and her husband Stephen and the late Alexander Mulig, Jr.

Brandon was an electrician by trade and had a heart of gold.  Always there to help when someone needed him. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sitting around the campfire, and hanging out at his garage with the ones he cherished. He always has an “ols” school character line and he always left with a handshake and “I’ll catch you in the rebound, uh huh!” Brandon was always there to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his mother, Brandon leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 18 years, Stephanie (Macom) Mulig; their son, Brandon Alexander “Alex” Mulig; his siblings, Stephen Mulig and his children, Kyle, Codi, and Katelyn, Melissa Mulig and her son, Xavier, Donnie Mulig, Randy Mulig, Kori Colich; step-siblings, David and Tiffany Keisling; his siblings-in-law, Allen Macom, Amanda (Kenneth) Redding, and Emily Macom; his mother-in-law, Linda Macom; numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 13th from 2PM until the time of services at 6PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Pittsburgh promoter selling unique guitar collection

By Scott Tady

For nearly six decades, Pittsburgh area concert promoter Rich Engler, has booked over 6,000 concerts and performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment.

During this time, Engler has collected signed guitars and other memorabilia from many of those artists for his own personal archive. But now he finds it time to move on from this collection and make it available to other music fans.

The contents of this collection soon will soon be available for purchase in two
lots only; signed guitars (235+, priced at $1.2 million) and other
music/concert memorabilia (nearly 1,000 unique items, priced at $400,000).

The actual assessed values of the lot contents by industry professionals
exceed the asking prices. Some of the artists represented are Paul
McCartney, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Billy Joel, Kiss, U2, David Gilmour,
Cher, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Justin Timberlake, James Brown, George
Benson and so many more. Almost all are one-of-a-kind pieces.

In a press release, Engler said this is a serious investment opportunity, and all qualified buyers will be considered. It is an attraction that has captured the attention of many over the years.

Historically, his collection has brought in tens of thousands of
dollars for a number of charitable foundations through private viewings. The
future owner(s) can create public museums, themed bars and restaurants,
mobile/touring exhibits, or simply keep the entirety private.

Serious inquiries for the entirety of either lot, with the required financial
backing, can be submitted by completing the buyer information form on the
home page of richengler.com.