Author: Beaver County Radio

Valerie Jean Rudnicki (1942-2024)

Valerie Jean Rudnicki, 82, passed away on December 6th, 2024. She was born on July 8th, 1942, and was preceded in death by her father Sprague, mother Arlene,
stepmother Grace, brother Bill, sister Karen, and many other friends and relatives.
Valerie is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Richard, who she has entrusted to continue guiding their five children: Laura (Joerg Schaude) Rudnicki, Ric Rudnicki, Leigh (James) Sheets, Robert Rudnicki, and Lynde (Joseph) Mujwit. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Haley (Brian) Sirnic, Rory (Hannah) Sheets,Jenna Sheets, Chloe Mujwit, Leon Schaude, Mitchell Mujwit, Alexandra Rudnicki, and Richard Rudnicki III. Valerie sends her love and smile to her surviving brother Dennis (Jackie) Hollister and half-brother Harry Eakles.
She was a voracious reader, avid gardener, and creative cook and baker. She embraced
being a mother to her very active and individualistic sons and daughters. Her
commitment to being a grounded, loving wife was a welcomed force of nature that kept her family steadfast and happy. Val had many friends, but none closer than her
husband, Richard. In their later years, they were inseparable.
If you knew her, you know that she wants you to be smiling and laughing right now, as
she understood that these are the moments that create a life worth living. Honor her
memory by sharing a smile and laugh with someone today.
In accordance with with Valerie’s wishes, she will be cremated, and there will be no viewing. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Murderer of United Healthcare CEO was not a client of the medical insurer, according to police

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. (Janet Klingbeil via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City.

Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania.

“We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that’s possibly why he targeted that company,” said Kenny.

UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer.

Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald’s in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he has yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime.

Mangione’s arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.

Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early on the morning of Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park.

Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson’s killing. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30.

The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a “ ghost gun ” matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation had been a success and that his pain had improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery.

On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system.

Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione’s family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November.

 

Deluzio helps development act for water resources to be passed by the United States Houseives

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) According to a release from Congressman Chris Deluzio’s Office, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 was passed. The release notes that this bill helps to both develop and conserve water.  Deluzio is also working to ensure that the Montgomery Locks and Dam Project will get the required money to be finished.

JoAnn Yorns (1941-2024)

JoAnn Yorns, 83, of New Brighton, passed away on December 10th, 2024, in Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Denton, Texas after a brief illness.

She was born on May 1st, 1941, in Freedom, the daughter of the late Carl and Louise (Alberti) Steiner. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Edward M. “Big Ed” Yorns, Sr. She is survived by her children, Sherri (Brad) Kelly of Cranberry Township, Kelly (Steve) Jonas of Sanger, Texas, Edward (Michelle) Yorns, Jr. of New Brighton, grandchildren: Audra Kelly, Jordan (Shelby) Kelly, Stephen (Brandi) Jonas, Rachel (Hunter) Garza, Edward III and Andrew Yorns, great granddaughter, Blayke Jonas and sister, Rose Marie Berrill of New Brighton.

JoAnn was a devoted family woman who treasured her loved ones. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma, whose lives she filled with warmth, wisdom, and endless affection. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A special thanks to Owen Pitz and Maddie Cantu who will always hold a special place in her heart.

There will be no public visitation. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, December 20th at noon in Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Fr. Anthony Carbone will officiate.

Private interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in JoAnn’s name to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh, 2211 Lesnett Road, Unit 12864, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.

PennDOT announces ramp closure on Grand Avenue to I-79 going north

(File Photo of a work zone, name of caption of photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT announced that the Grand Avenue ramp to I-79 going north will be closed weather permitting on Saturday, December 14th. Work to repair decks on the ramp will take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. The traffic also will take a detour during this closure.

Midland Innovation Charter and Technology Charter School receives grant from Norfolk Southern Corporation

(File Photo: Source Photo: Norfolk Southern Railroad ceo Alan Shaw speaks during an interview Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) According to a release on Thursday from Terrence Smith, the CEO of The Midland Innovation and Technology Charter School, it was announced that the Midland school received a grant of $20,000 from Norfolk Southern Corporation. Smith notes that the money will go to a new welding lab that will help students to use hands-on learning for the technical education path of courses that the school provides Smith also states that the grant comes along with two Norfolk Southern initiatives started last year to encourage community needs and safe living. These programs are the Safety First Grant Program and the Thriving Communities Grant Program. 

Center Township is looking to hire part-time police officers

(File Photo of Center Township Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Center Township, PA) Center Township is looking for more police officers that can work part-time, and today is the final day for those to get their application. If you are at least nineteen years old and have finished Act 120 training with a validated license for a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania, you can be eligible. Applications are at the Center Township Municipal Building from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and must be completed and returned by 4 p.m. on April 3rd, 2025.

Conway fire chief is no longer in his position after majority department vote

(File Photo of Conway Fire Department and Truck)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The fire chief of Conway is no longer in his position. Daniel Bryne was removed after an overwhelming vote was taken by members of the department. According to sources, Bryne still came to events held by his department even though he had been suspended. Bryne took his resignation at first and then returned. Bryne then accepted his suspension and did not take it seriously. The Conway Fire Department now has a new chief and assistant chief after this move was taken.

Dec. 21st declared Homeless Persons Memorial Day and Sheriff’s Office accredited at Commissioners meeting

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published December 12, 2024 1:11 P.M.

(Beaver, Pa) The Beaver County Commissioners held their public meeting Thursday morning at the County Courthouse. A proclamation was given to congratulate Rose Sutter for 45 years of service in Beaver County through the Beaver County Transit Authority.

A second proclamation was approved as well declaring December 21st, 2024 as Local Homeless Persons Memorial Day in Beaver County. Members of the Beaver County Continuum of Care and others were present to thank the Commissioners for the proclamation and they noted that 2 local people died while homeless in the past year.

Sheriff Tony Guy made an announcement that the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office was reviewed by the State Accreditation Program. Jim Adams, PA Chief of Police Accreditation Program Coordinator, went on to say that the Sheriff’s Office went through a two year program to be reviewed on 370 best practices. The State awarded accreditation to the Sheriff’s Office for a status of three years.

Also announced were the Courthouse Holiday closures, which will be December 25th, 26th, and January 1st.

Betty Jane (Mancini) Bernola (1936-2024)

Betty Jane (Mancini) Bernola, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away on December 10th, 2024.

She was born on January 21st, 1936 in Aliquippa Hospital, the daughter of the late Nicola and Marietta (Gargaro) Mancini. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Cornell and her brother, Patrick Mancini. She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Susan Bernola, three grandchildren, Brandi and Anthony Budris, Brandon and Britney Bernola and Brett and Whitney Bernola; five great grandchildren: Afton, Amzey, Luca, Luella and Rayna; nephew, Frank (Joni) Perilli, sister-in-law, Elsie, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Betty worked at Young’s Drugstore in Aliquippa, which is where she met her husband, Cornell. In 1954, she married the love of her life and they were married for almost 70 years. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Her family was everything to her and she spent her life taking care of them. She was also a member of St. Titus Church of Aliquippa.

In her younger years, Betty enjoyed her casino trips and then later in life, her scratch tickets.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to the staff at Harmony Haus and Three Oaks Hospice for their kindness and care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., of Aliquippa. Services were entrusted to Our Lady of Fatima Church of Aliquippa.