Author: Beaver County Radio

Resolutions for the CCBC Golden Dome and a local IBEW among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver. One of them was when Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles brought up some resolutions for tomorrow, and one of them was funding for both the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and the IBEW Local Union 712. David Thompson, the Assistant Director for the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment, described some resolutions involving funding for their specfic projects and he said that “it’s $450,000” for the CCBC resolution for roof repair at the CCBC Golden Dome at the school in Monaca and the IBEW Local 712 resolution is “an amendment to a previous resolution, they were originally awarded $500,000 for a new building in Vanport, and they got an additional $500,000 for a million total, so this is just amending that first resolution to reflect the million total.” Two of the other resolutions that Fedeles mentioned was an “agreement with Windmer overseeing the construction and approval process of the HAZMAT building down on Route 51” and “for Windmer to do the dam inspection at Brady’s Run Park.” In other business, Beaver County Recreation Director Tony Caltury rescheduled the kickoff rally event in Beaver County for America250 PA to Tuesday, February 24th at 2 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver on the first floor of the building. Another event that Caltury mentioned that is coming up, if weather permits, is the 2026 Snow Shovel Riding Championship at Old Economy Park on Saturday, February 14th with the registration from 10 to 11 a.m., with races starting at 11:30 a.m. Thompson also noted that as of yesterday, Connect Beaver County’s new tracker is now live. You can find out more by going to their website, connectbeavercounty.com.

AHN Cancer Institute – Allegheny General to Host Saturday Cancer Screening Clinic on March 7th

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) On Saturday, March 7th, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute will host its monthly Saturday cancer screening clinic at AHN Cancer Institute – Allegheny General in Pittsburgh. Patients that either have insurance or not are strongly encouraged to attend this vital clinic, which provides accessible cancer screenings for both AHN and non-AHN patients. Those interested in attending can call 412-359-6665 to make an appointment. According to a release from Allegheny health Network, available screenings include:

  • Breast cancer (ages 40-74)
  • Cervical cancer (ages 21-65)
  • Colorectal cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Head and neck cancers (ages 18+)
  • Lung cancer (ages 50-80 with a history of cigarette smoking)
  • Prostate cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Skin cancer (ages 18+)

Beaver man charged after single-vehicle crash in Robinson Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that seventy-seven-year-old Bruce Egolf of Beaver was charged after a single-vehicle crash in Robinson Township on the early morning of February 4th, 2026. At 4:47 a.m., Egolf was driving on I-376 East south of Steubenville Pike and eventually hit a light pole after going off of a shoulder on that road. Egolf had a suspected minor injury as a result of the crash but refused transportation.

Pittsburgh man arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Robinson Township

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that twenty-nine-year-old Shawn Green of Pittsburgh was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Robinson Township on the early morning of January 27th, 2026. At 2:43 a.m., Green was spotted by police on 579 I-79 South and he appeared to be intoxicated when they arrived at the scene. Charges were also filed against Green.

Kraft Heinz pauses plans to split into 2 companies, says its problems are “fixable”

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Kraft logo outside of the company’s headquarters in Northfield, Ill., March 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

(AP) Kraft Heinz said Wednesday it’s pausing its plans to split into two companies.

Steve Cahillane, a former Kellogg Co. chief who became CEO of Kraft Heinz on Jan. 1, said he wants to ensure that all of the company’s resources are focused on profitable growth.

“I have seen that the opportunity is larger than expected and that many of our challenges are fixable and within our control,” Cahillane said in a statement.

The company’s shares were flat in morning trading Wednesday as Kraft Heinz reported lower quarterly and annual results. Investors are likely concerned that Kraft Heinz believes its businesses aren’t strong enough to stand on their own, said Robert Moskow, an analyst with TD Cowen, in a research note.

Kraft Heinz announced in September it was splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet.

One of the companies would include stronger-selling brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other would include slower-selling brands like Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables.

At the time, Kraft Heinz said it expected the split to be finalized in the second half of this year. The company hired Cahillane, who presided over a similar breakup at Kellogg Co. in 2023, in December.

But on Wednesday, Kraft Heinz said it will pivot from the split and invest $600 million in marketing, sales and product development.

“We are confident in the opportunity ahead and believe this investment will accelerate our return to profitable growth,” Cahillane said.

Kraft Heinz said Wednesday its net sales fell 3% to $6.35 billion in the October-December period. That was lower than the $6.37 billion Wall Street forecast, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Sales fell 5% in North America but rose internationally.

Kraft Heinz’s net income fell 69.5% to $651 million in the fourth quarter. Adjusted for one-time items, the company earned 67 cents per share, which beat analysts’ forecast of 61 cents.

The path to the merger of Kraft and Heinz began in 2013, when billionaire investor Warren Buffett teamed up with Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital to buy H.J. Heinz Co. At the time, the $23 billion deal was the most expensive ever in the food industry.

As a combined company, Kraft Heinz wanted to capitalize on its massive scale. But shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking out less processed foods and switching to cheaper store brands.

Kraft Heinz tried to follow those trends. In 2021, the company sold both its Planters nut business and its natural cheese business, vowing to reinvest the money into higher-growth brands like P3 protein snacks. But the company continued to struggle.

Kraft Heinz’s net revenue has fallen every year since 2020, when it saw a pandemic-related bump in sales. In April, Kraft Heinz lowered its full-year sales and earnings guidance, citing weaker customer spending in the U.S. and the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Over the years, Buffett said he had come to realize that the company’s competitive moat around its brands wasn’t as strong as he thought. Two representatives from Buffett’s investment company, Berkshire Hathaway, resigned from the Kraft Heinz board last spring, and Berkshire later took a $3.76 billion write-down on its Kraft-Heinz investment. Buffett said he was disappointed in Kraft Heinz’ plan to split in two.

Buffett’s successor at Berkshire, Greg Abel, may now be seeking to unload its stake in the company altogether. Late last month, Kraft Heinz warned investors in a regulatory filing that Berkshire Hathaway may be interested in selling its 325 million shares.

Peter A. Napoli (1932-2026)

Peter A. Napoli, 93, of Daugherty Township, passed away on February 6th, 2026, in UPMC Passavant McCandless Hospital. He was born in Rochester on November 21st, 1932, the youngest child of the late Peter and Grace (Fucci) Napoli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 1980, two brothers, Joseph (Rita) Napoli and Robert Napoli, four sisters: Dr. Virgina Napoli, Marian (Thomas) Boeh, Pat (Joseph) Porcelli and Grace (Theodore) Ruscitti and his very dear friend Elizabeth “Betty” Grimes. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Theresa Napoli, several cousins, nine nieces and nephews and many grand (and great grand) nieces and nephews.

Peter was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and he frequently attended daily Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Western University – California (then known as California State Teachers College), and he served as an instructor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a teacher for 21 years in Beaver Falls, Freedom, and then finally Rochester Area School District where he retired as Principal. He held a 100-ton United States Coast Guard Master’s License and worked for several fleet services on the Pittsburgh Rivers and contributed his talents to the Carnegie (now Kamin) Science Center fleet. He was always happy to share his maritime knowledge with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 26th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Sewickley theater brings love, animated laughs and Oscars talk for Valentine’s Day

SEWICKLEY — Love is in the air at the Lindsay Theater for Valentine’s weekend, with the new “Wuthering Heights” film opening Friday.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in this steamy adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.

“Wuthering Heights” is in theaters starting Friday. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Families can opt for “GOAT,” an animated sports comedy following Will, a literal goat who is about to take the world of professional roarball by storm.

The animated film “GOAT” is in theaters this weekend. (Columbia Pictures)

At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Lindsay hosts its second annual “Oscars Talk,” a free event where film journalists including Lindsey Bahr (Associated Press), Amanda Waltz (Pittsburgh arts journalist), Megan McLachlan (The Contending) and The Lindsay’s Josh Axelrod will break down the 2026 Academy Awards.

 

Philip Edward Ward (1951-2026)

Philip Edward Ward, 74, of Freedom, passed away on February 7th, 2026, at Good Samaritan in Wexford. He was born on August 13th, 1951, a son of the late John Ward and Betty Reno Ward Galensky. In addition to his parents, Philip is preceded in death by his brother, John Ward Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Beverly Ward, his daughters, Heather Ward, Adelaide (Randi) Ward, and Amy Dougherty, his brother, James (Danila) Ward, his grandchildren: Oliver Ward, Briar Ward, Hannah Keblish, Connor Dougherty, and Harper Ward; as well as his special family members, Mike Dougherty and Heather Hargrove and a loving extended family.

Philip lived a life shaped by the open road and music. He was a truck driver by trade and spent years behind the wheel. Music was also his constant companion. He was a drummer in country rock bands and proudly played in the Rochester High School band, where his love for performing first took root. He remained deeply connected to music throughout his life, finding joy in the sound. He was a longtime member of the Croatian Club, where he enjoyed the sense of community and shared tradition. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he followed the team with loyalty. Some of his happiest moments were spent attending band festivals with his daughter, Heather, when they shared music and time together. Above all else, music was the thread that ran throughout his life, connecting his work, friendships, and his favorite memories.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life which will be held at Baden Fire Hall, 47 Firehouse Lane, Baden on Saturday, February 21st, at 4 P.M. 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 Philip Edward Ward, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Jason Edward Spade (1971-2026)

Jason Edward Spade, 54, passed away on February 6th, 2026. He was born on October 18th, 1971, the son of Cathy D. (Kaufman) Spade and the late Edward A. Spade. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his aunts and uncles: Larry Kaufman, Linda Rachuba, Bill Kaufman, Joni Piser, John (Kimberly) Kaufman, JoAnn Martin, and Linda (Dave) Droz; as well as his nieces and nephews, Lori (Russell) Collins, Paul (Erin) Guber, Steven (Tetyana) Kaufman, Kristina (Matt) Kaufman, Amy (Ben) Krembs, Stacey Spade, Tom Rachuba, Bill (Amy) Rachuba, Adam (Denise) Kaufman, Ashley (Melissa) Kaufman, Cayla (Ricky) Perrine, David (Jessica) Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Amber (Steven) Campbell, Sidney (Kelly) Martin III, Robin (Terry) Holmes, James (Millie) Droz, Michelle (David) Fabricatore, Jennifer (Michael) Queen and Andrew (Laurel) Droz; along with his special cousins, Dawna and Jimmy Mike, and his best friends: Lucas Guthrie and JR and Jessica. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Lorraine Kaufman and Floyd and Gladys Spade, his step grandmother, Dorothy Kaufman, three aunts, Leah Guber, Susie Kaufman and Paula Kaufman, four uncles: Buzz Rachuba, Sidney Martin Jr., Marshall (Anne) Spade, and James W. Spade and two cousins, Sammy Spade and Jared Piser.

Jason was a loving son who brought great joy into the lives of others, and he loved his family deeply. Even in his final moments, Jason showed the depth of his caring heart by choosing to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others. In his passing, he continues to bring hope and healing to families in need, embodying the compassion he lived by every day.

Jason was deeply loved by his family and friends. In his free time, Jason loved fishing. He had a special affection for feeding the birds, finding joy in their simple presence and the way they brightened his day. He also loved to play video games.

Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Jason at the visitation, which will be held on Friday, February 13th from 2-8 p.m. at GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 14th at 10:15 a.m. at Saint Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom PA 15042.  Father Howard Campbell will officiate.

Private Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Katherine A. Ciufo (1944-2026)

Katherine A. Ciufo, 81, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 9th, 2026, at Cambridge Village. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 12th, 1944, the daughter of the late Michael and Kathryn Ridgeway Thellman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Ciufo and her son and daughter-in-law, Dion and Michelle Ciufo. She is survived by her granddaughter, Sophie Ciufo, who she called her “heart” and special friend, Terri DeChellis. Katherine was a graduate of the Beaver Falls High School with their class of 1962 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University. She worked as a clerk for Clearview Federal Credit Union and then spent many years as a billing clerk for Gateway Rehab. She was a member of the St. Monica Parish, now St. Augustine Parish. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing recipes with others. She was also an avid bingo player. What she valued most was spending time with her granddaughter. She will be remembered for how positive and generous she always was. Friends will be received on Friday, February 13th, from 4-7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. There will be a Mass on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.