Ambridge gets new pizzeria

By Scott Tady

AMBRIDGE – Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza & Catering has opened in Ambridge.

A soft-opening last week introduced pizzas like the Margherita, Rosemary & Garlic, Pepperoni, White, Marinara and Stracciatella Margherita.

Specialty pizzas included the Truffle Shuffle, The Bailey (with sausage, shiitake mushrooms and red peppers),  Meatlover’s, The Colbie (with pancetta and red onion), Spicy Salami, White Veggie and Spring Special with ricotta and a lemony arugula salad.

Salads & Appetizers were the Burrata Caprese Salad, Whipped Ricotta Dip, Caesar Salad and Garden Salad.

Located at 916 Merchant St., next door to Fermata Brewing, Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza has tables for dining-in, with takeout also available.

Seating is available at Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza in Ambridge.

The walls include artful decorations including stained glass depicting scenes resembling Old Economy Village’s early days, plus paintings of black dogs and other cute pups.

Decorations adorning the walls at the new Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza & Catering in Ambridge.

Black Dog Wood Fired Pizza’s Instagram and Facebook pages will provide updates on business hours through the soft-opening phase.

Checklist for spring travel for vehicles recommended by AAA East Central will keep you safe for the future

(File Photo of the AAA East Central Logo Provided with Release)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from AAA East Central, spring car care is crucial because winter temperatures take a toll on parts of vehicles, and maintenance is necessary to ensure safe travels. AAA provides a checklist for recommendations of supplies for you to bring for your car for maintenance purposes. The full list of supplies and their purposes that AAA wants you to get for both repair and traveling in the spring, according to this release is as follows:

AAA Spring Car Care Checklist:

  • Engine Oil — Lubricates and cools the engine while cleaning internal parts. Running a car low on oil can cause severe engine damage. Check the level at least once a month.
  • Engine Coolant — Prevents engine freeze-up in winter and boil-over in summer and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion.
  • Brake Fluid — Critical to proper brake system performance.
  • Transmission Fluid — Helps transfer engine power to the wheels, lubricates internal parts, maintains seals, and acts as a coolant.
  • Power Steering Fluid — Transfers hydraulic pressure to reduce steering effort.
  • Air Filter — Captures dirt particles and ensures clean airflow to the engine. Inspect at every oil change.
  • Belts — Most vehicles use a single serpentine belt to operate under-hood accessories such as the alternator, although V-belts still are used in some applications.
  • Hoses — Circulate vital liquids such as engine coolants, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
  • Battery — Powers the starter motor, acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system, and makes up any shortfall when the alternator cannot meet the vehicle’s electrical demands.
  • Tires—As the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, tires significantly affect ride, handling, braking, and safety. For optimum performance, tires must have adequate tread depth, show no signs of physical damage, and be properly inflated. Inspect tires and check inflation pressures at least once a month.

Enforcement for Real IDs in Pennsylvania has begun and preparation continues to get one for upcoming flights

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Today is the deadline to get a Real ID in Pennsylvania, because if you do not have one, you will not be able to fly commercially. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website, specific PennDOT centers will hold the final day for residents to get a Real ID on Monday, May 12th from 8:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. The link for more information to get a Real ID as well as the locations for the last Real ID Day can be found on these links below:

Click here for a link: REAL ID Days | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Click here for a link: Apply for REAL ID | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Beaver County natives James Tobin and Debra Tobin will be the featured artists of the Cranberry Artists Network in June when the Cranberry Township Municipal Center re-opens

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Cranberry Artists Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) According to a release from the Cranberry Artists Network, the Back Hall Gallery at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center has re-opened. The center will host two artists that are featured during June. The first is James Tobin, an artist who has won awards from Ambridge and the Cranberry Artists Network Vice president. The second is Debra Tobin, a musician and artist from Ambridge and the chair of Newsletters for the Cranberry Artists Network.

Pittsburgh blues festival celebrates music and legacy this July

By Scott Tady

CHESWICK — Organizers of the Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival announced the eighth annual event will be renamed “The Kip London Memorial Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival, taking place July 25–27, at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center Pavilion in Cheswick.

Named in honor of a performer, who contributed his time and talent to promoting and growing the regional and national blues scene, through the generous support of The Kip London Memorial Foundation, the festival will recognize the life and legacy of the beloved Western Pennsylvania bluesman and will feature the official release of his highly anticipated posthumous album, “The Last Dance.”

The three-day celebration of music will bring some of the finest local, regional, and national blues and roots performers to the stage to support Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit enriching the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum through music, and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh.

Friday night kicks off with a heartfelt Tribute to Mike Lang, memorializing the Pittsburgh Penguins’ hall-of-fame announcer — a huge Kip London fan — who was one of the region’s biggest champions of blues music. Opening night also offers an electrifying Guitar Throwdown and a featured set by Jason Born, the Western Pennsylvania International Blues Challenge winner.

The weekend brings performances from The Nighthawks, Bill Wharton aka The
Sauce Boss, Solomon Hicks, Alexis P. Suter, Jim Donovan & The Sun King
Warriors, Jimmy Adler & The Soulville Horns, Cleveland’s Fleshman Singers,
and more.

The event also features an art market and vendor fair, which features works
from people on the autism spectrum.
Visit https://pghbluesfestival.com for more information and news about the
growing lineup of bands and performances.

Mark Czarnecki, the secretary-treasurer of Potter Township, graduates from the Pennsylvania Municipal Government Academy

(Photo of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Logo Provided with Release)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hershey, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Municipal Government Academy, the secretary-treasurer of Potter Township, Mark Czarnecki, graduated from that academy. The administration certificate program was also finished by Czarnecki, who had a curriculum that included public meetings, finance and budget, management for personnel and more. On Monday, May 5th in Hershey, Czarnecki got his certificate of completion and his diploma.  

 

 

Nancy Matika Yanyanin (1950-2025)

Nancy Matika Yanyanin, 75, of Economy, passed away on May 4th, 2025.

She was born on April 13, 1950, a daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Matika. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Yanyanin, her sister, Pamela Budris, her cousin, Robert Karwoski and her nephew, Steven Maslek. She is survived by her beloved son, Nicholas Yanyanin of Economy, who will cherish the countless memories and the indelible legacy left by his adoring mother. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Bill Budris of Center Township and Larry Yanyanin (Lynnie) of Freedom, her sisters-in-law, Cheryl Maslek of Aspinwall and Laurene Yotes of Monaca, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews including her nieces, Kristen Budris of Pittsburgh, Alexa Yanyanin of Moon Township, Ellen Filar (Joe) of Fox Chapel and Johnna (Todd) Haller of Monaca; as well as her nephew, Anthony Budris (Brandi) of Hopewell, her great-nieces, Afton and Amzey Budris of Hopewell, Sera and Vie Filar of Fox Chapel and her great-nephew, Mitchell Maslek of Center Township.

Nancy grew up in Freedom and is a graduate of Edinboro University. She married her high school sweetheart, the late Mitchell Yanyanin, who kept her laughing during their over 50 years of marriage.

Nancy was a devoted teacher and vice principal at Quigley Catholic High School before joining the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School as a Human Resources Executive. Her passion for current events and sports was evident to all who knew her, and her contributions to the Quigley Catholic High School community will be remembered for years to come.

She always made room in her life and heart for her many family members and friends that were dear to her including from the Caputo family: Doreen Mole-West, Richard (Maritza) Caputo, Raymond Caputo (Denise), Dominic Caputo (Linh), Greg Caputo (Ellen); the Matika family – Paula Quolke (Tom), Tom Panek (Patty), Roberta Good, Michael Matika, Mark Matika, Cathi Ashebill; as well as the Karwoski family: James Karwoski (Marta,), Thomas  Karwoski (Deb), Beverly Karwoski, JT Karwoski (Tracy, Maisie), Jeff Karwoski, Dina Karwoski, Jill Valentine (Lon, Brendan, Brady). Nancy had many lifelong friends from Beaver County and beyond, too many to list all of them, but special recognition goes out to: Karen Holiday, Lorraine Walley, Marilou Gibbs, Tom Holsinger, Janet Knowton, Anita Hooke, Scott Antoline, Lauren Bensink, Gayle and Larry Piroli, and Rozan and Jerry Antonetti.

A visitation for Nancy will be held on Sunday, May 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 P.M. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, where family and friends will gather to pay their respects and celebrate Nancy’s extraordinary life. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Felix Church in Freedom on Monday, May 12th, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvery Cemetery in Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Beaver County Humane Society and the American Civil Liberties Union.

J. Scott Kent (1930-2025)

J. Scott Kent, 95, of Vanport Township, passed away on May 4th, 2025, at Mercy Hospice of Poland, Ohio.

He was born in Wayne Township on February 24th, 1930, a son of the late John and Helen Snell Kent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia, his daughter, Kelly and his sisters, Joan Copeland, Grace Sweeney and Mary Kent. He will be greatly missed by his children, Richard (Carol) Kent and Sheri (Don) Hinzman, his grandchildren: Christopher (Lauren) Hinzman, Katie (Jake) Hummel, Jordan (Brooks) Canavesi, Travis (Jenny) Kent, Kyle Kent and Breanne (Marc) Phillips; along with his great-grandchildren: Max and Macy Hinzman, Caden, Cruz, and Lyla Canavesi, Izzy, Killian, and Miles Phillips, and Emery, Tristan and Tyler Kent; as well as his brother, Wesley Kent, his brother-in-law, Roy Roberts, and several wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he dearly loved.

Scott was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, who served during the Korean War. He reached the rank of Sergeant as an MP and received many medals, including the National Defense and Japan Occupation Medals. When he returned home, Scott began a 38-year career as a welder and team leader with Westinghouse of Vanport Township. In his spare time, Scott expressed his creativity as a locally renowned wood carver. He was a member of Beaver Valley Woodcarvers who initiated art classes with churches, schools and scouting troops, where he demonstrated apple head carving. He carved over 500 angels and crosses, many of which he gave away, and was celebrated by the Merrick Art Gallery, Butler Institute of American Art and Art of American Back Roads of Youngstown, Ohio. Scott authored two books, with some of his poems having been featured in various newspapers. He was also a former member of the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 8th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Scott made many wonderful friends along his journey. He was especially appreciative of the maintenance men and office ladies at Van Buren Homes of Vanport Township, his neighbors, Wally, Rose and Anthony and the compassionate staff at Mercy Compassus Hospice House of Poland, Ohio.

The family asks that those who have a carving or walking stick to please bring it when attending the visitation.

David Lee Rainey (1947-2025)

David Lee Rainey, 77, a devoted father, cherished husband, and friend to many, passed away on April 20th, 2025 at UPMC Mercy Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on July 16th, 1947, the son of the late Sara Rainey.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of nearly 42 years, Robin (Eck) Rainey, four sons: Michael (Stephanie) Rainey, Jacob Rainey, Brady Rainey and Cody (Arantxa) Rainey, two grandchildren, Michelle (Colton) Eshleman and Michael(Alexis) Rainey, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

David had worked as a salesman for the majority of his professional career, most recently having worked at 422 Home Sales. He embraced life with a quiet strength and a deep love for his family. He was the beloved husband of Robin, with whom he shared 42 years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. However, his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being the father of his four sons: Michael, Jacob, Brady and Cody. He was their constant, their guide, and their biggest fan. Whether it was coaching their sports teams, patiently teaching them life lessons, influencing career decisions, or simply being a steady presence in their lives, he poured his heart into raising them to be good men. His love was a constant, a foundation upon which they could always rely. He was a great dad and always willing to help. David was known for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, strong work ethic. He enjoyed working on cars, motorcycle riding, playing darts and pool, and hanging out with his friends at the Eagles He had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and respected. His warmth, generosity and general interest in others left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Though his physical presence is gone, the love and lessons he instilled in his four boys will live on for generations to come. He was a truly good dad, and his memory will forever be a blessing.

David’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, has been honored to provide care and guidance to David’s family at this time.

Melvin Lee Rowley (1939-2025)

Melvin Lee Rowley, 85, of Midland, passed away on April 28th, 2025 after a battle with cancer. He was born at the family home near Parkersburg, West Virginia on December 27th, 1939, a son of the late Frank G. and Clarice K. Rowley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Hila Jean and Carl Carnes and his brother-in-law, Jim Edwards. He is survived by his loving wife, N. Jean Rowley, his son, Robert L. Rowley, his daughters, Kimberly L. (Jeff) Blackburn and Rhonda J. (Randy) Reddinger, his brother, William R. (Eva) Rowley, his grandchildren: Sara Bain, David Rowley, Chrissy Helwig, Daniel Blackburn, Charity Ulrich, Lucas Reddinger, Nathan Blackburn and Benjamin Blackburn; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

Melvin was a laborer and Group Leader for 41 years at Westinghouse (Eaton) Corporation of Beaver. He was a member of Fairview PCA church since 1952 and held many offices over the years, including Sunday School Superintendent, Elder and Sunday School teacher. He especially loved participating in the church’s bowling league. Melvin also was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time at his cabin near Ridgeway, Pennsylvania.
A visitation for Melvin will be held on Friday, May 9th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A service will also be held on Saturday, May 10th at 11 A.M. in Fairview PCA Church, 6366 Tuscarawas Road, Industry.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Church.