Author: Beaver County Radio

Virginia M. Ruckert (1925-2025)

Virginia M. Ruckert, 99, formerly of Conway, passed away peacefully on July 18th, 2025. She was born on December 16th, 1925, a daughter of the late Clyde and Vera Krepps. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Ruckert Sr., a son, John Ruckert Jr., a daughter, Darlene Goodrich, a brother, Melvin Krepps, a sister, Margie Riley and a grandson, Eric Ruckert. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Terri) Ruckert, her brother, Jack (Gloria) Krepps, her grandchildren: Brennen Ruckert, Justin Summerville, Shannon Summerville, David Goodrich, Gary Goodrich, and Angela (Paul) Thompson; as well as ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Virginia was a 1944 graduate of Freedom High School. After graduation, she went to work at Curtiss-Wright, manufacturing propellers for B-17 bombers in support of the war effort. She also sang duets with her sister Marjorie, even making it as far as Nashville. As her children grew, Virginia returned to work at American Eagle Warehouse, where she formed many lasting friendships. She was also a member of New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Economy. Virginia enjoyed many things in life, especially bowling and playing bingo. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21st from 4-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where a funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 22nd at 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom, New Sewickley Township.

Kathryn B. DeChicko (1934-2025)

Kathryn B. DeChicko, 91, formerly of College Hill, passed away on July 17th, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Ellwood City on July 1st, 1934, a daughter of the late Richard and Marion Slade Means. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ralph M. DeChicko, her son, Ralph (Nancy) DeChicko, and her brother-in-law, Tony Scala. She is survived by her daughter, Kathi (Alan) Irwin, her brother, Chuck (Betsy) Means, her sister, Janet Scala, her four grandchildren, Molly (CJ) Morley, Shawn (Lauren) Irwin, Matt (Rebekah) DeChicko and Nick (Jessica) DeChicko and nine great-grandchildren. In her lifetime, Kathryn wore many hats, from serving customers at DeAngelis Donuts and Bell Telephone to ensuring the safety of children as a school crossing guard and serving food at The Restaurant at Blackhawk Golf Course. Despite her various roles, Kathryn’s life was centered around her joyous love for life and people. She eagerly looked forward to her monthly card club, where she would spend hours shuffling decks and sharing laughter. She was a lover of the simple joys of life. Kathryn relished in the tranquility of sitting on her porch, engaging in hearty conversations with passersby and watching her great-granddaughter, Chloe, in her drag races. In accordance with Kathryn’s wishes, all services were private. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice, esp. Michelle and Ashley for their exceptional care, as well as a special thank you to Patty for all of her help.

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 07/21/25

Free Business Accelerator Program Available to Beaver County Business Owners

We’re excited to share a newly announced program from Chamber member Shell Polymers, in partnership with Paramount Pursuits, that empowers entrepreneurs with the mindset, skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow their businesses and strengthen their communities through meaningful employment.

Shell LiveWire Pennsylvania is a free business accelerator designed to help you sustain and scale your business. Each cohort will include up to 15 participants and offers:

  • Fully funded participation through Shell LiveWire
  • A 12-month, high-touch program
  • Expert coaching
  • Business education
  • Digital skills training
  • Networking events
  • Peer learning
  • A graduate celebration
Learn More & Apply
Still Using Our Old Address?

The Chamber moved last year, and we’re still seeing some remittances sent to our former location. Kindly update your records with our current address:

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A, Beaver, PA 15009
Help Us Keep You in the Loop — and Connected!

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited your Chamber member profile, now is a great time to log in and make sure your company’s information and contacts are up to date.

We often hear how helpful it is when members add key staff—typically managers and above, though it can be anyone you choose—to their profiles. This ensures they also receive important Chamber communications, event updates, and educational opportunities happening throughout Beaver County.

Log in to Review Your Company Profile
Legislative Cruise Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us on last week’s sold-out Legislative Cruise! While the rain came down at times, we were grateful to be aboard a newly renovated riverboat with plenty of indoor space, scenic river views — and even a well-timed rainbow.

The networking was fantastic, and we’re especially thankful to the legislators and local officials who joined us and shared insights into the exciting growth happening across our region. They also expressed their continued commitment to working together for a stronger, more connected Beaver County.

A heartfelt thank-you to our members, guests, and sponsors who made the evening a great success!

Click here to view the photo gallery
View Legislative Cruise Photo Gallery
We need your feedback!

Whether you’re a regular attendee or just hearing about B-Club for the first time, we’d love your input.

Please take a moment to complete our brief survey—just six quick questions to help us improve the timing, format, and content of this free networking opportunity.

USX Federal Credit Union Grand Opening in Monaca

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of Chamber member USX Federal Credit Union’s newest location in Monaca!

115 Wagner Road, Unit 108

Township Marketplace Shopping Plaza

Thursday, August 21

12:30 PM Ribbon Cutting

A food truck is tentatively scheduled from 11:00 AM to 2:00 or 3:00 PM

The application period for our next Leadership Beaver County cohort is open!

Applications are due by July 31, 2025.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/LeadershipBeaverCounty

The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer Leadership Beaver County, a premier program dedicated to developing the next generation of community leaders. Through this initiative, the Chamber invests in the future of the region by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to lead with impact. We believe strong leadership is key to a thriving community—and we’re honored to play a role in shaping it.
Save the Date: Speed Networking at Penn State Beaver

Join us for a Speed Networking B-Club event at Penn State Beaver on Friday, September 5.

Come practice your business commercial, bring plenty of business cards, and enjoy breakfast and coffee.

Stay tuned for registration details!
Mark your calendars for our 2025 Business of the Year Awards and Annual Meeting

This fall, we’ll celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s award winners and share updates on Chamber initiatives.

Learn more or explore sponsorship opportunities here.
View All Event Photos
View Full Event Calendar
We have launched new ways to partner in 2025!

 

The BCCC is excited to share our Yearlong Partnership initiative. These unique yearlong partnership opportunities are an investment in the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Please consider a Yearlong Partnership as a Bridges ($5,000), Rivers ($10,000), or Legacy ($15,000+) level.

 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

As always, you can sponsor any of our events throughout the year. Check out our 2025 Event Sponsorship Guide here.

Submit your member news to info@bcchamber.com

Any opinion and other statement contained in Member News below in no way reflects the views and beliefs of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, its staff, or Board of Directors.

Beaver Area Heritage Foundation & Museum to Welcome a New Addition—A Retired Caboose

The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation is excited to announce a major addition to its museum campus: a retired railroad caboose generously donated by CSX Transportation. Once restored, the caboose will become a permanent rail history exhibit—marking an exciting new chapter for the site and expanding its storytelling in a meaningful way.

Read more about the project and how to get involved, here.
Need Summer Staff? We Deliver Talent Fast!

 

At Express Pittsburgh West, we specialize in helping local businesses thrive with fast, flexible staffing solutions—perfect for the busy summer season or any time of year.

 

• Speedy Turnaround Hiring – Get qualified candidates fast

• Seasonal & Temp Staffing – Ideal for summer surges

• Skilled, Vetted Talent – From office pros to machine operators, thoughtfully matched to your job requirements, team culture, and business goals

 

Whether you’re navigating vacation gaps, a seasonal spike in demand, or an unexpected absence, our team is ready to keep your productivity on track.

 

???? Call 412.494.2000 or ???? Email pittsburghpawest@expresspros.com

 

Let’s build your summer dream team—with staffing tailored to fit your roles and your culture.

In need of a product or service?

Head to our full membership directory available on our website,

where you will find a trusted partner to do business with today.
Membership Directory

Now Hiring!

Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
Jobs Portal
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

724.775.3944

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A

Beaver, PA 15009

www.bcchamber.com

Man in critical condition after crashing his scooter in Pittsburgh without wearing his helmet

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) An unidentified man got taken to the hospital by medics and is now in critical condition after he crashed his scooter in Pittsburgh on Sunday morning. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, around 5:45 a.m., police, EMS, and fire units were called to a crash on Bates Street and 2nd Avenue. At the scene, police found the male driver of the scooter, who did not stop at a red light on Bates Street and also hit a side of an SUV when going down on 2nd Avenue on his scooter. At the time of this crash, this man was not wearing a helmet.

Deborah Louise Carr (1956-2025)

Deborah Louise Carr, 69, passed away on July 14th, 2025.

She was born on February 15th, 1956. Her parents were Ralph Richard (Genevieve) Carr, Sr. and Charlotte Esther Cummins Carr. She was the oldest of four siblings: Nora Carr, Ralph (Sharon) Carr,Jr.) and Allan Carr.

Deborah was part of the first class to graduate from Blackhawk High School in 1974. She worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for nearly 37 years: six months as summer help, two years supplemental working more than 40 hours a week and 35 years full time. She opened Route 60 Mt Jackson herself. When Toll Route 60 was completed, they added two more people. Then went on to open State Route 576 with three people.

She was known for her most beautiful smile! Her immense kindness and love she poured out on so many. She loved to laugh. Always a strong woman encouraging and uplifting those around her. Going out of her way to do kind things for so many. Making sure her loved ones are taken care of and always there for them. Her love for others she made so clear. She loved gardening flowers, laughing, and watching funny movies. Her laughter roared playing the card game war with her grandson. She also enjoyed shooting guns. She loved her German Shepherd dogs Nitro and Ranger like her own children.

She loved Jesus and was often found reading her Bible. She has always been very talented in painting, making a variety of crafts and sewing, giving most as gifts or donating to raise money for an organization. She would make special clothing and hand sewn items for her loved ones. She would make chocolate candies for gifts or to raise money for an organization. She enjoyed muscle cars and riding motorcycles. Her first car was a 69 SS Chevelle. She was the Abate membership officer notary, serving and volunteering in her community of Homewood Junction. She also volunteered her time, talent and resources to raise money for the firemen.

Debbie was the best Mom and Nanny. The loves of her life are her daughter, Michelle (Matthew) Sokoloski and her grandson, Isaac (Karli) Knight.

She loved all her nieces and nephews dearly: Gregg, Stefanie, Michelle, Kimmy, Michael, Joshua, Alex, Jacob; as well as additional nieces and nephews from marriage. She loved all thirteen great nieces and nephews and four great-great nieces and nephews.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Investigation continues regarding motorcycle crash caused by man not wearing his helmet on his motorcycle in the South Side of Pittsburgh

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur) Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) An unidentified man got taken to the hospital in critical condition after he caused a motorcycle crash in the South Side of Pittsburgh early Sunday morning. The crash occurred at Arlington Avenue and East Carson Street just after 3 a.m. that day. According to investigators, the man lost control of his motorcycle due to air loss in the front tire and then hit a curb. Even though he did not have a helmet on at the time of the crash, his condition was last listed as stable. The investigation for this crash is ongoing.

Man taken into custody for driving over 100 miles per hour in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a City of Aliquippa Police Department Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) An unidentified man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after he drove over one hundred mile per hour speeds in Aliquippa that day. This caused a high-speed chase between him and Aliquippa police. Before the chase began, police were looking for the vehicle of that man for not yielding on southbound Route 51 and for speeding. According to scanner information, the tires of the vehicle blew out possibly in front of the Hopewell Junior High School. The vehicle then rolled over in front of Kendrew’s Lounge in Aliquippa. After the accident occurred, the man got taken into custody.

Couple from New Castle get charges involving both animal neglect and cruelty to animals

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) A couple from New Castle recently got charges after police went to a home and found both almost a dozen dogs that were neglected and dead animal carcasses. Travis Laughrey and Michelle Wilmer have fourteen misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals charges as well as eighteen counts of aggravated cruelty to animals charges. They also have forty-two counts of animal neglect charges. Those charges are for alleged lack both veterinary care and sustenance.

Male pilot dies after his plane crashes near the Lancaster Airport

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lancaster County, PA) A small plane crashed in Lancaster County on Sunday morning, leaving the male pilot of that plane dead. The unidentified man was the only one that was on the plane at the time. According to a report, from WGAL, the plane went down near the Lancaster Airport around 8 a.m., shortly after takeoff. The lead investigators of the crash are the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Security Board. The identity of the man has not yet been released.

3 people are still missing from deadly July 4 floods in Texas county, down from nearly 100

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Volunteers search for missing people along the banks of the Guadalupe River after recent flooding on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Just three people remain missing — down from nearly 100 at last count — since the Texas Hill Country was pounded by massive flooding on July 4, officials said Saturday.

Officials praised rescuers for the sharp reduction in the number of people on the missing list: Just days after the catastrophic flooding, more than 160 people were said to be unaccounted for in Kerr County alone.

“This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time,” Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said in a statement.

The death toll in Kerr County, 107, held steady for much of this week even as the intensive search continued.

The flash floods killed at least 135 people in Texas over the holiday weekend, with most deaths along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio.

Just before daybreak on July 4, the destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe, washing away homes and vehicles.

The floods laid waste to the Hill Country, a popular tourist destination where campers seek out spots along the river amid the rolling landscape. It is naturally prone to flash flooding because its dry, dirt-packed soil cannot soak up heavy rain.

Vacation cabins, youth camps campgrounds fill the riverbanks and hills of Kerr County, including Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls. Located in a low-lying area of a region known as “flash flood alley,” Camp Mystic lost at least 27 campers and counselors.

The flooding was far more severe than the 100-year event envisioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, experts said, and it moved so quickly in the middle of the night that it caught many off guard in a county that lacked a warning system.

In Kerrville, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Austin, local officials have come under scrutiny over whether residents were adequately warned about the rising waters.

President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have pushed back aggressively against questions about how well local authorities responded to forecasts of heavy rain and the first reports of flash flooding.

Crews have been searching for victims using helicopters, boats and drones. Earlier efforts were hampered by rain forecasts, leading some crews to hold off or stop because of worries about more flooding.