Author: Beaver County Radio

Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit Honors Board Member Pat McGeehan for Retirement After 52 Years of Service

(Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Charlie Deitch/Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, Caption for Photo: Dr. Eric Rosendale and Pat McGeehan)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit offered a tribute to retiring board member Pat McGeehan at its November 19th, 2025 board meeting in Monaca. McGeehan finished 52 years of distinguished service to the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit and is one of the longest-serving school board members in the history of Pennsylvania. McGeehan served as the Board President of the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit from 1996 to 2020 to guide the organization through growth that lasted for decades, programs that were new and major facility improvements.

Shapiro Administration Announces Opening of 2025-26 LIHEAP Season, Reminds Pennsylvanians of Moratorium on Shutoffs

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release today in Harrisburg from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), the DHS announced today that the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season will begin taking applications tomorrow on Wednesday, December 3rd. The program that is federally funded to help eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider was delayed due to the federal government shutdown this year even though it normally opens in November every year. The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is scheduled to run tomorrow through April 10th, 2026. According to that same release from the Pennsylvania DHS, here is more information about these LIHEAP applications and some links to access these applications:

  • To protect Pennsylvanians during the delay, Governor Josh Shapiro worked with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and utility providers to start the winter shutoff moratorium earlier on November 1st, 2025 (it usually begins in December each year). This ensured that Pennsylvanians who could not access LIHEAP in November because of the shutdown did not risk having their heat or electricity shut off as temperatures dropped.
  • LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. States receive LIHEAP funding through a federal block grant — these dollars were finally issued last week by the Trump Administration after the federal shutdown ended. Pennsylvania typically receives more than $215 million in LIHEAP funding each year, including $216 million in 2023 and $229 million in 2024.
  • “Pennsylvanians deserve the safety and health benefits that come from being able to heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “LIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year by providing cash and crisis grants directly to the eligible household’s utility company or heating fuel provider, and I am very glad that we are finally able to begin this important work. I encourage anyone who may need help with heating costs to apply for LIHEAP and keep your home safe through this winter.”
  • LIHEAP assistance does not need to be paid back and is available in the form of cash or crisis grants. The minimum 2025-26 LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Individuals and households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.
  • Separately, Pennsylvanians who qualify for a LIHEAP crisis grant will be eligible for a minimum grant of $25 and a maximum grant of $1,000. Individuals and households are eligible for a crisis grant if they meet the income guidelines and are in jeopardy of having their heating utility service terminated, have already had their heating utility service terminated, or who are out of or have less than two weeks’ worth of deliverable fuel, such as fuel oil, propane, coal, or wood. Households may apply for and be eligible for more than one crisis grant – up to the $1,000 maximum – if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.
  • LIHEAP benefits are applied for each year, so if an individual was approved or denied previously, DHS encourages them to apply again for the 2025-26 season. Individuals and families are financially eligible for LIHEAP if their incomes are at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, that is a gross income of $22,590 per year, and for a family of four, that is a gross income of $46,800 per year.
  • During the 2024-25 LIHEAP season, 292,867 households statewide received LIHEAP cash benefits, and these households received an average season benefit of $291. Approximately 128,222 households statewide received LIHEAP crisis benefits, and these households received an average payment of $523.
  • Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  by clicking here at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by calling 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply.

Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire (1936-2025)

Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire, 89, of Vanport, passed away on November 25th, 2025.

She was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania on October 17th, 1936, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary Shost Borghini.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Jack McGuire, her brother, Peter Borghini Jr. and her granddaughter, Abby Schmidt. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Mike) McGuire-Oizak and Mary (Scott) Rapp, her son, John (Betty) McGuire, her grandchildren: Derek, Sam and Rachel Schmidt, Kristy and Kelly Rapp, Katie (Ben) Fraudin, Brian and Kevin (Sarah) McGuire; as well as her great grandchildren: Rowan, Lucy, Hailey, Jack, Troy, Max and Isabella; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

Joan was a faithful and longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Beaver. She enjoyed the company of her large extended family throughout her lifetime. She loved seeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also known as an avid cook with a specialty in authentic Italian dishes and a vast array of homemade cookies. She also spent as much time as possible in the sun often while visiting with friends at the Beaver Pool. Although most recently living at Beaver Meadows, she was a long-time resident of Van Buren Homes.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 200 3rd Street, Beaver. A private entombment is to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis, with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden (1937-2025)

Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden, 88, of Beaver, passed away while surrounded by family on November 27th, 2025. She was born as the daughter of the late Bernard Oscar “Jed” Bloom and Ethel Mae Christmann Bloom in Rochester Hospital on November 24th, 1937. In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bard Bloom of Hastings, Michigan. She is survived by the love of her life and husband, Jerry Madden and three sons: Ted Linafelt (Diane Zawinski) of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, Tom Linafelt (Julia Shapiro) of Leawood, Kansas and Tod Linafelt (Becky Nelson Linafelt) of Takoma Park, Maryland and her stepsons Steve Madden (Karen) of Kent, Washington, and Jerry “Bo” Madden (Susie) of Westminster, Colorado.

She is also survived by four grandchildren: Zach Linafelt of Aliquippa, Jed and Sidney Linafelt of Leawood, Kansas and Eleanor Linafelt of Philadelphia.

Elizabeth grew up in Beaver, where Jed owned and operated Bloom’s Pharmacy on the southwest corner of Third Street and Wayne Avenue. In addition to being a deeply committed Christian and devoted mother, she will be remembered for the quick wit, fun-loving attitude and deep sense of loyalty that won her fast friends and lasting relationships wherever she went. She was a faithful parishioner of Park United Presbyterian Church in Beaver and Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, where she served as an elder and was active in Bible study, prayer groups and other activities. She played saxophone in the Beaver Area Senior High marching band before graduating from there in 1955. Several childhood years in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania instilled in her a love of U.S. history, especially the Civil War. Her favorite pastimes included studying Civil War history and touring Gettysburg battlefields with her young boys on summer vacations. Following a career working as a sales associate at Hartung Shoes, an office manager at Anderson Appliances, and a dental assistant at the office of Dr. Nathan William Hurtt, she worked in her later years as a librarian at the Beaver Area Memorial Library. She raised three pre-teen boys at the family home on College Avenue from 1967 until 1975, when she married Beaver Falls native Jerry Madden. She and Jerry later lived on Wilson Avenue in Beaver and Woodbine Drive in Brighton Township.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11 a.m. at Park United Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver. A private interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street.

Elizabeth’s love of animals was evident in the help she provided to a wide variety of animal support groups. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society in her memory.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donald M. Dickinson (1937-2025)

Donald M. Dickinson, 88, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on November 29th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born on July 13th, 1937 and was preceded in death by his parents, David and Jean (Mellon) Dickinson, a stepson, Richard Steven Bender and his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 5 years, Judith (Long) Bender Dickinson, a daughter, Lori (Tom) Pastier along with some nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donald had worked for a number of years as a parts manager at McElwain Cadillac in Beaver Falls. He was a devoted member of the New Brighton congregation of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In his free time, his enjoyed being outdoors, mowing, and working around his property.

Friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at 2:30 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to jw.org.

Angeline Marie Reno (1937-2025)

Angeline Marie Reno, 88, of Center Township, passed away peacefully at her home on November 30th, 2025.
She was born in Aliquippa on May 1st, 1937, a daughter of the late Vito and Laura (Liberatore) Maselli, Jr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carmel Reno, an infant sister, Rosemary and a brother, Vito Maselli. She is survived by her two sons, Louis and John Reno, her granddaughter, Desiree, her loving sisters: Annie Laurie Maryansky Letender and Tillie (AJ) Ciamelle, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and two dear friends, Rene and Aggie. Angeline was a dedicated wife and mother, consistently ensuring that her family’s needs were met. She was faithful to God and was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St. Frances Cabrini Church in Aliquippa.
Later in her life, she proudly graduated from cosmetology school and upon graduation became an instructor.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a blessing service on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at 11 a.m. until it ends at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Angeline Marie Reno please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Carol Nadine Kampian (Irey) (1965-2025)

Carol Nadine Kampian (Irey), 60, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully in her home on November 25th, 2025 after a grueling 8-month battle with cancer.

She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 1st, 1965, the daugther of James Irey and Norma Miller. She is also survived by her husband, Rick Kampian, her daughter, Danielle (Jon), her stepdaughters, Ashley (Jordan) and Angela, her brother, Jimmy (Rhonda) and her grandchildren, Luke and Ariah.

Carol married Rick Kampian in June of 2018 in Beaver, after a loving 9-year relationship. She was a proud co-owner of Wildwood Boutique in historic downtown Beaver, PA. She enjoyed watching all the Pittsburgh sports teams play, gambling, camping, cleaning and most of all, spending time with her two beloved grandchildren: Luke and Ariah. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, with the wake taking place from 1p.m. until 4 p.m., with a funeral service following at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Rosemary Monaco Hill (1940-2025)

Rosemary Monaco Hill, 85, of Beaver, formerly of Falls Church, Virginia, and Midland passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on April 12th, 1940, a daughter of the late Alfred R. and Mary E. Monaco, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin D. Hill, Sr. She is survived by her son, Edwin D. (Tina Modany) Hill, Jr. of Beaver Falls, her daughters, Michelle F. Hill Randall of Beaver, and Toni L. Hill pf Gibsonia, her brother, Alfred R. (Kay) Monaco, Jr., of Altoona, Wisconsin, her sister, Anna Marie Monaco Tomlinson of Midland and her grandchildren: Michael A. Randall of San Jose, California, Christopher E. (Maureen) Hill-Junke of Chicago, Illinois, Patrick A. Hill-Junke of Pittsburgh, Gabrielle Monaco of Gibsonia, Cassandra R. (Joshua) Hill Stoner of Beaver, and Edwin “EJ” Hill, III of Beaver Falls. Rosemary will also be dearly missed by many cousins and friends spread throughout the greater Pittsburgh, Virginia and Naples areas.

Rosemary was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She was also a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver.

Rosemary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved gathering everyone for family dinners, especially when her grandchildren were there. She also had a passion for gardening and took pride in the beautiful koi pond she created at her home in Virginia. Rosemary was grateful for the opportunity to travel with Ed during his years with the IBEW, and they were both happy to return to Beaver County and their extended family after retirement.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rosemary’s name may be made to the United Way of Beaver County, 3582 Broadhead Road # 205, Monaca, PA 15061 or the Edwin D. Hill Charitable Trust.

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

Ronald L. Adkins (1964-2025)

Ronald L. Adkins, 61, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on November 27th, 2025, with his family by his side.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 26th, 1964, a  son of the late Bobby and Loretta (Laffey) Adkins. He is survived by his children: Jennifer (Brian) Lauck, Janelle King, Heather (Andrew) Wooley, Ronald (Monique) Adkins, Stephanie (Jesse) Giles, Holly Adkins, Tiffany (Chad) Vandeborne, Josh Adkins, Ashley Adkins; as well as two brothers, Bob Adkins and Mike (Cindy) Adkins, two sisters, Becky McCaslin and Brenda Adkins, eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Ronald was a man who truly believed life was meant to be enjoyed who embraced each day with humor, warmth, and a joyful sense of mischief. He loved dancing, whether it was a crowded party or the middle of the living room, he never passed up a chance to move to the music. He was also known for being delightfully goofy, he had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. His quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to make anyone laugh made him the life of every gathering. Friends and family could always count on him to brighten the room simply by walking into it. Above all, Ronald cherished his children and grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and the foundation of his happiness. He poured his heart into every relationship, offering unwavering love, support, and encouragement. His presence made holidays richer, celebrations livelier, and everyday life more meaningful. He will be remembered not only for the joy he brought to others but for the way he made people feel seen, valued, and loved. His spirit will continue to dance in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

In accordance with Ronald’s wishes, no public visitation will held and a Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

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

Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Child Care Workers, and Legislators Highlight New Child Care Recruitment & Retention Bonuses Secured in the 2025-26 Budget in Allegheny County

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Verona, PA) According to a release yesterday from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined community leaders, child care workers and legislators yesterday at Riverview Children’s Center in Allegheny County to highlight investments for child care secured in the 2025-26 budget Governor Shapiro signed last month. These investments will help the state of Pennsylvania recruit and retain child care workers, expand the access to quality care, and ensure that more parents can stay in the workforce and provide for their families.