Author: Beaver County Radio

Janet M. Primo (Passed on October 31st, 2024)

Janet M. (LoFaso) Primo, 77, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Rochester, the daughter of the late Samuel and Lena (Bonanno) LoFaso. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Nicholas. She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Frank Primo, three children, Michelle (Daniel) Cronin, Anthony (Christine) Primo, and Angela Benson, her grandchildren: Emily (Alec) Ingros, Madelyn, Benjamin, and Grace Cronin, Conner and Matthew Benson, Madison, Abigail, and Jacob Primo, two brothers, Sam (Linda) LoFaso and Tom (Anna) LoFaso, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Janet was a wonderful mother who was always there when she was needed the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Professionally, Janet held various roles in catering, food services management, and furniture sales. Janet’s love for her Savior and Lord Jesus was a major influence in how she lived out her life. As a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, she found solace and strength in her community of faith. Her commitment to her church extended beyond attendance. She served as a CCD teacher, lector, Eucharistic minister and after the death of her grandson, Janet became a guiding force in the Grief Share program at both St. John’s and later at St Francis Cabrini Catholic Churches. Janet’s understanding and empathy provided a source of comfort, healing, and friendship for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Her ability to listen and her willingness to share her own experiences made Janet a saving grace to many. Her legacy of care and support will be remembered by those she helped during their most challenging times.

Janet’s influence will continue to be felt. Her love for her family, her passion for helping others, and her deep faith have left an indelible mark on the world. The family will now commence to fighting over her recipes for her homemade sauce, meatballs, noodles, and pizzelles.

In accordance with Janet’s wishes, all services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Hilliary Z. (Lawson) Coe (1974-2024)

Hilliary Z. (Lawson) Coe, 50, passed away on October 30, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania on January 5, 1974, a daughter of Richard Lawson of Monaca and Deborah Lawson of Zelienople. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sons Jackson (Sonny) and Samuel Coe, her sisters, Shannon (Steve) Pfeuffer of New Sewickley Township and Summer (Chad) Kirkpatrick of Ellwood City, her lifelong best friend, Joanna Creegan, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

When she was 6 years old, Hilliary’s family moved to New Sewickley, Pennsylvania where she lived a majority of her life. She graduated from Freedom Area High School in 1992, then pursued her Associate degree from Robert Morris University. Hilliary worked as a realtor, she enjoyed flipping houses and she was also a bookkeeper for Rock Concrete and O’Connor & Co. Above all else, she was a devoted and loving Mother to her two sons. They were her pride and joy. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Hilliary was always up for an adventure. From camping, attending rock concerts, to many road trips, she was always on the go, making new friends, connecting with old ones, and gathering with family along the way. She had a strong, determined will and never backed down from any challenges she faced. She loved her family, both near and far, fiercely. Hilliary will lovingly and forever be remembered by all those whose lives she touched with her kind, courageous, adventurous spirit.  

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at a viewing on Wednesday, November 6th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, November 7th from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton. 

Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery of Freedom. 

Cora Frances Campbell (Passed on November 1st, 2024)

Cora Frances Campbell, 92, of Center Township passed away on November 1, 2024 at her Center Township home. She was born in Bald Hill of Greene County, Cora was a daughter of the late Walter Leslie and Goldie Mae (Lang) King. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Campbell, Sr., a grandson, Donald Campbell Jr., and three siblings, Betty Garrett, Evelyn Seery, and Sonny King.  

She is survived by her brother, Tom King, her daughter Delores (Terry) Malekovic of Center Township and three sons, James (Diane) Campbell of Florida, Richard (Joyce) Campbell of Florida, and Donald (Margaret) Campbell of Potter Township, her eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. 

Cora worked for many years of dedicated service at the dietary department at Aliquippa Hospital. She was a woman of faith and a member of the Methodist community. A sports enthusiast, Cora’s passion for athletics was evident to all who knew her. She reveled in the excitement of baseball seasons and was an ardent supporter of football, cheering on her favorite teams with vigor, and her admiration for Tiger Woods and his skill of golf was evident. 

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 6th from 5 p.m. until the time of service 7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue , Monaca. Reverend Donald Scandrol will officiate. Private interment will take place on Thursday, November 7th at Woodlawn Cemetery. 

The family has suggested memorial contributions made, if desired to UPMC Children’s Hospital or Special Olympics. 

To share online condolences, add photos, get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralome.com 

 

Matzie: $6.2 million secured for Beaver County construction and revitalization projects

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 1 – New funding of $6.2 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major Beaver County building construction and revitalization projects, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

“I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Matzie said. “When experience and perseverance meet, this is the result. It’s not only about supporting our communities, but also knowing how to go about doing it. Anyone can talk the talk, but not everyone can walk the walk. I’ll always put Beaver County and the communities I represent first, and I will never quit fighting to get our fair share and more.”

Matzie said the funding includes:

  • $1.5 million to Monaca Borough for Phase III construction of the Monaca Civic Center. The project includes site preparation; required infrastructure including parking; and construction of a two-story 27,000-square-foot building for administrative, police and fire needs, plus housing of police and fire vehicles.
  • $1.25 million to Ambridge Borough for Phase 2 (interior) construction of the new Ambridge Senior Center, including framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, drywall, carpentry, and other work.
  • $1 million to Aliquippa School District for expansion of the high school’s Aschman Stadium complex, including completion of a state-of-the-art fieldhouse and academic resource center that will serve as an assembly/education space and indoor athletic/activity space.
  • $750,000 to Community College of Beaver County to transform the Beaver County Airport facility into a shared hub for aviation students and professionals by adding classrooms, study spaces, faculty offices, pilot briefing rooms and flight simulation and air traffic control simulation labs.
  • $750,000 to Heritage Valley Health System, Inc. for construction and renovation of patient rooms at HVHS Beaver Hospital to create a modern recovery space.
  • $500,000 to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #712 for construction of a new building with offices spaces, a union hall/training/conference center and related spaces.
  • $450,000 to CCBC for critical infrastructure renovations to the Golden Dome arena, including substantial roof repairs and waterproofing, mitigation of water damage, interior lighting upgrades to replace the failing metal halide system, restoration of deteriorating flooring and replacement of manually operated bleachers with automatic ones.

Sidney Crosby Scores Twice as Penguins edge Ducks 2-1 in overtime to end 6-game losing streak

 

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby scored his second goal of the game 2:35 into overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 on Thursday night to end a six-game losing streak.
Crosby found himself in alone on Lukas Dostal and hit the brakes before roofing the puck over the Ducks’ goaltender for the 93rd game-winning goal of his career.
Alex Nedeljkovic made 22 saves for Pittsburgh, which outshot Anaheim 46-23. Dostal stopped 44 shots to keep the Ducks in it, but it still wasn’t enough.
Alex Killorn picked up his second goal of the season for the Ducks, who ended a four-game East Coast trip with a 1-2-1 mark.
Anaheim led going into the third period before Crosby tied it with a redirect off a point shot from Matt Grzelcyk 1:47 into the final frame.
Takeaways
Ducks: The 24-year-old Dostal has built off his strong finish to last season. He remained steady while facing near-relentless pressure from the Penguins while finishing with 40+ saves for the third time in six starts.
Penguins: Pittsburgh needed something positive to happen at the end of a miserable October and responded with a win in front of one of the smallest crowds in the history of PPG Paints Arena.
Key moment
Nedeljkovic made three big saves down the stretch. He turned aside Trevor Zegras with the help of defenseman Marcus Pettersson with 4:25 to go, stoned Cutter Gauthier on a breakaway moments later and stopped a redirect by Pavel Mintyukov in the final seconds to force overtime.
Key stat
85-12-5 — Pittsburgh’s record during Crosby’s career when their longtime captain scores at least twice.
Up next
The Ducks begin a six-game homestand on Sunday against the Blackhawks, while the Penguins host the Canadiens on Saturday.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Mike Tomlin Isn’t Settling for Merely Being Good During the Steelers’ 6-2 Start. Neither is His Team

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin could have played it safe. Could have stuck with Justin Fields. Could have settled for the weekly rock fights that have been the Pittsburgh Steelers ‘ trademark for a half-decade and counting.
The NFL’s longest-tenured coach, however, knew he hadn’t seen enough. Not from Fields or the rest of the offense, either.
So Tomlin pulled Fields aside a few days after a relatively easy 19-point win over Las Vegas on Oct. 13 that boosted Pittsburgh’s record to 4-2 and told Fields it was time to see if Russell Wilson, now fully recovered from a calf injury, could still cook.
Asked if it was a tough discussion considering Fields had accounted for 10 touchdowns against one turnover, Tomlin shrugged.
“I don’t worry about the difficulty of conversations,” he said at the time. “It’s about whether or not they’re necessary. We’re pursuing big business here. Comfort is not a component of what we’re chasing.”
Neither, it seems, is complacency.
The NFL’s most stable franchise is evolving, working with a type of urgency it has perhaps lacked at times during a playoff victory drought that’s at seven years and counting.
It’s why the Steelers blew up the quarterback room during the offseason and why Tomlin turned to Wilson in mid-October and essentially said, “Let’s see what you got.”
Turns out, more gas in the tank than Wilson’s abrupt exit in Denver would have people believe.
The 35-year-old has thrown for 542 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in wins over the New York Jets and New York Giants. The offense topped 400 yards in both games, something the Steelers hadn’t done in consecutive weeks since 2018.
It’s a promising start, though Wilson acknowledged it’s just that — a start.
“We have great confidence (but) we haven’t done everything yet,” Wilson said. “We’re obviously sitting here at 6-2, which is a great thing, but it doesn’t mean anything.”
Reaching the playoffs hasn’t been the issue for Pittsburgh, which has made it to the postseason in three of the last four years. The problem has been that the Steelers often look overmatched once they get there, lacking the firepower to keep up with teams like the Bills and Chiefs.
That may be changing in 2024. Pittsburgh has reached 20 points in five of its last six games, something it hasn’t done since its 11-0 start in 2020, taking some of the pressure off a defense that has spent the last three years well aware that it could ill afford to get into a shootout.
While cornerback Joey Porter Jr. downplayed the idea that the defense has more wiggle room than usual — trotting out a variation of Tomlin’s “the standard is the standard” motto — Pittsburgh’s ability to score more often has allowed defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to be even more aggressive.
The Steelers are tied for second in the NFL with 15 takeaways, many of them momentum-changers like T.J. Watt’s strip-sack of Daniel Jones and Beanie Bishop’s clinching interception in the fourth quarter against the Giants, part of what outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin describes as a turnover “culture.”
There’s even T-shirts to match. Coaches will hand them out after Saturday walkthroughs. They come with their own color code. Get one, it’s a white shirt. Get two, it’s a gray shirt. Get three, it’s a black shirt. Watt and Bishop are racking them up with increasing frequency.
Yet all is not perfect. The Giants gashed the Steelers for 157 yards rushing, not the best indicator for a team whose second-half schedule includes four games combined with Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia, three of the most productive running teams in the league.
New York’s productivity on the ground was a sobering and in some ways welcome reminder of the considerable work that lies ahead.
“I think that’s good to be able to win ‘in spite of’ sometimes,” Austin said. “And so I’m real confident in our group coming back and working our tail off to be better when we line up and play next.”
It’s a methodology that trickles from the top down.
Tomlin’s message when he switched quarterbacks was simple: Good is no longer good enough. While Watt and defensive end Cam Heyward — now the longest-tenured defensive player in team history — are building resumes worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, neither has reached a Super Bowl. Watt, in fact, is still waiting for his first playoff victory.
“We can’t get comfortable because we know that we just got to, we got a lot of tough, tough games, a lot of tough ball ahead of us,” outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said. “And so we know our ultimate goal. And so we know we just got to always want to get better and have that championship detail.”
Something Wilson knows a little bit about. He arrived in Pittsburgh in March eager to resurrect his career after two underwhelming seasons with the Broncos. It’s early — very early — but his play so far has validated Tomlin’s decision to shake up the status quo and maybe set Pittsburgh on a path that’s been a slippery slope since reaching the AFC championship in 2016.
“You want to be on the rise as you go,” Wilson said. “I think we’re on that journey right now. We’re on that train of just continuing to grow. I think that’s an exciting thing for this football team, what we’re doing, how we’re doing it.”
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Matzie: $6.2 million secured for Beaver County construction and revitalization projects

(File Photo)

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 1 – New funding of $6.2 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major Beaver County building construction and revitalization projects, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

“I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Matzie said. “When experience and perseverance meet, this is the result. It’s not only about supporting our communities, but also knowing how to go about doing it. Anyone can talk the talk, but not everyone can walk the walk. I’ll always put Beaver County and the communities I represent first, and I will never quit fighting to get our fair share and more.”

Matzie said the funding includes:

  • $1.5 million to Monaca Borough for Phase III construction of the Monaca Civic Center. The project includes site preparation; required infrastructure including parking; and construction of a two-story 27,000-square-foot building for administrative, police and fire needs, plus housing of police and fire vehicles.
  • $1.25 million to Ambridge Borough for Phase 2 (interior) construction of the new Ambridge Senior Center, including framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, drywall, carpentry, and other work.
  • $1 million to Aliquippa School District for expansion of the high school’s Aschman Stadium complex, including completion of a state-of-the-art fieldhouse and academic resource center that will serve as an assembly/education space and indoor athletic/activity space.
  • $750,000 to Community College of Beaver County to transform the Beaver County Airport facility into a shared hub for aviation students and professionals by adding classrooms, study spaces, faculty offices, pilot briefing rooms and flight simulation and air traffic control simulation labs.
  • $750,000 to Heritage Valley Health System, Inc. for construction and renovation of patient rooms at HVHS Beaver Hospital to create a modern recovery space.
  • $500,000 to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #712 for construction of a new building with offices spaces, a union hall/training/conference center and related spaces.
  • $450,000 to CCBC for critical infrastructure renovations to the Golden Dome arena, including substantial roof repairs and waterproofing, mitigation of water damage, interior lighting upgrades to replace the failing metal halide system, restoration of deteriorating flooring and replacement of manually operated bleachers with automatic ones.

RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.

Overnight I-376 Fort Pitt Tunnel Inspections Begins Sunday Night in Pittsbur

file photo

​Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing overnight inspection work on I-376 (Fort Pitt Tunnel) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County will begin Sunday night, November 3 weather permitting.

Overnight tunnel inspection activities requiring a full closure of the Fort Pitt Tunnel will occur from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. according to the following schedule:

  • Sunday night, November 3 – Eastbound (inbound) tunnel
  • Monday night, November 4 – Westbound (outbound) tunnel
  • Tuesday night, November 5 – Westbound (outbound) tunnel
  • Wednesday night, November 6 – Westbound (outbound) tunnel
  • Thursday night, November 7 – Eastbound (inbound) tunnel
  • Tuesday night, November 12 – Westbound (outbound) tunnel
  • Wednesday night, November 13 – Eastbound (inbound) tunnel
  • Thursday night, November 14 – Eastbound (inbound) tunnel

    As work occurs, traffic will be detoured via Route 837 (East Carson Street), the West End Circle, and Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard).

    Crews from Gannett Fleming will conduct the routine bridge inspection activities.

    Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

    511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Lane Closures Next Week in Vanport

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing lane closures on I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Vanport Township, Beaver County, will occur Monday through Wednesday, November 4-6 weather permitting.

A single-lane closure on the I-376 Vanport Bridge in each direction will occur Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. as PennDOT crews conduct bridge washing operations.

Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns. Please use caution when driving through the area. Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Contact: Yasmeen Manyisha, ymanyisha@pa.gov ​

Northbound Interstate 79 Neville Island Bridge Deck Repair Work this Weekend Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing deck repair work on the northbound Interstate 79 Neville Island Bridge in Robinson and Neville townships, and Glenfield Borough, Allegheny County will occur Friday through Monday, November 1-4 weather permitting.

A single-lane restriction will occur in the northbound I-79 lanes on the Neville Island Bridge between the Route 51/Neville Island (Exit 65) and the Route 65/Emsworth/Sewickley (Exit 66) interchanges from 7 p.m. Friday night continuously through 6 a.m. Monday morning to allow crews to conduct deck repair work.

Please use caution when traveling through the project corridor.  Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

This work is part of the $43.9 million I-79 “S-Bend” Project that included full-depth pavement reconstruction, bridge preservation work on five mainline structures (I-79 northbound and southbound over Clever Road, I-79 northbound and southbound over Route 51, and the Neville Island Bridge). Additionally, milling and paving of three ramps at the Route 51 (Coraopolis/McKees Rocks) interchange. The project also includes guiderail replacement, highway lighting and signing upgrades, new pavement markings and delineation, and other miscellaneous construction work.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.