Author: Beaver County Radio

Three museums in the Pittsburgh area voted as the best in the country on USA Today’s 10Best List

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Kids and adults alike enjoy innovate exhibits at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – Photo courtesy of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Three museums in the Pittsburgh area have been voted as the best in the United States in three different categories by USAToday’s 10 Best list, which was released yesterday. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh was voted as the top children’s museum in the country, the Heinz History Center was voted as the best history museum in the country for the third year in a row, and the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, Pennsylvania was voted as the best small town museum in the country by USA Today for their various attractions. Readers of USA Today cast their votes and an expert panel nominated all of the top picks for museums in these three categories. 

Sidney Crosby injured in Canada’s game vs. Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics and status unclear for semifinals

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Canada’s Sidney Crosby (87) is helped as he leaves the bench after being checked against the boards during the second period of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

MILAN (AP) — Sidney Crosby left Canada’s Olympic quarterfinal game against Czechia in the second period because of injury, did not return and his status for the rest of the tournament is uncertain.

Crosby’s right leg appeared to buckle when he braced for contact on a big hit from Czechia defenseman Radko Gudas a few minutes into the second. Laboring as he stayed on the ice, Crosby got crunched into the boards by Gudas and Martin Necas and then left after shaking his right leg and wincing.

The respected 38-year-old captain addressed his teammates at the second intermission, telling them to go get it. Inspired by Crosby and doing so in his absence, Canada rallied to tie it after falling behind with 7:42 left and won in overtime.

“Unfortunately, the game goes on no matter who gets hurt,” said defenseman Drew Doughty, who was teammates with Crosby when Canada won gold at the Olympics in 2010 and ’14. “We even mentioned going out before the third, ‘Let’s try to win this one for 87.’ Glad we did.”

Coach Jon Cooper said the message was to make sure this wouldn’t be Crosby’s final game in Milan. Canada next plays in the semifinals Friday, and 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini did not want to talk about the possibility of not having Crosby moving forward.

“Just keep good thoughts,” said Celebrini, who scored for Canada three minutes in and assisted on Marner’s OT winner. “Hopefully he’s back in the next game. That’s our leader, our captain and the heart and soul of our team.”

Crosby was getting punished early in the second by Czechia. Ondrej Palat hit Crosby and sent him sliding into the boards, with no penalty called despite the puck not being in the vicinity, and then the big check from Gudas.

“Just trying to play hard — everybody is playing physical,” Gudas said. “Hopefully he’s OK. You never want to see a guy get hurt, especially in these tournaments.’’

Crosby is Canada’s oldest and most accomplished player. He scored the famous golden goal in overtime against the U.S. at the 2010 Games in Vancouver to win it all on home ice and was captain when Canada went unbeaten and never trailed on the way to gold in 2014 in Sochi.

Again wearing the “C” in Milan, Crosby had two goals and four assists in three preliminary round games.

“He’s the best in the world, he’s one of the best leaders in the world and it sucks,” Canada winger Tom Wilson said. “But that’s hockey. The next guy’s got to step up, and we’ll regroup and see what’s going on.”

Ghost Hounds pleased sold-out Pittsburgh crowd

(A look back at Pittsburgh band Ghost Hounds’ sold-out show in the city’s Cultural District)

PITTSBURGH — Ghost Hounds delivered a powerful performance in Pittsburgh on Feb. 7, driven by the commanding presence of vocalist SAVNT, whose blend of grit, soul, and effortless control anchored the night.

Ghost Hounds singer Savnt seen at the Byham Theater, Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh-based band, which has toured with the Rolling Stones and Bob Seger, quickly grabbed a sold-out Byham Theater crowd’s attention with “First Last Time,” showcasing SAVNT’s dynamic range teamed with blues-leaning guitar work and Kristin Webber’s dazzling fiddle work.

Ghost Hounds at the Byham Theater, Pittsburgh.

Producer, guitarist Thomas Tull and Beaver County Musicians’ Hall of Famer Joe Munroe on keys reinforced the group’s tight sound. Their collaborative energy was apparent and defined the performance.

Ghost Hounds at the Byham Theater, Pittsburgh.

 

The set hit its stride with “Between Me and the Devil,” where Ghost Hounds guitarist Tyler Chiarelli, formerly of the Florida Georgia Line tour band, pulled the audience in with a magnetic, emotionally-charged delivery.

Ghost Hounds at the Byham.

The night closed on a high with a fiery rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” featuring special guest Channel Haynes (who starred as Tina Turner in the West End theatre production of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.”)

Ghost Hounds’ guitarist Thomas Tull seen at the Byham Theater, Pittsburgh.

Don Felder of The Eagles opened the show with a rousing performance loaded with Eagles classics and his solo radio hit “Heavy Metal.” His vocals were smooth, and his guitar playing was fiery. He used a double-neck guitar for “Hotel California.”

Don Felder delighted Eagles fans with his Byham Theater performance. (Scott Tady)

New Castle man charged after two-vehicle crash in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that twenty-four-year-old Saber Wadding of New Castle was charged after a two-vehicle crash in Lawrence County on Sunday afternoon. At approximately 2:06 p.m., Wadding was driving west on Harlansburg Road in Hickory Township and was trying to turn left into a driveway and was hit by the vehicle of forty-eight-year-old Bobbie Reese of Slippery Rock. Reese was transported to UPMC Jameson Hospital in Pittsburgh because of an injury she sustained from this crash. Wadding was not injured.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby injured in 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games men’s hockey quarterfinal game between Canada and Czechia

(File Photo: Source for Photo: MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada is challenged by Radko Gudas #3 of Team Czechia in the second period during the Men’s Quarterfinals Playoff match between Canada and Czechia on day 12 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Milan, Italy) Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was injured in the second period of the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game today between Canada and Czechia in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games in Italy and he did not return. Crosby, the captain of this year’s Canadian men’s Olympic ice hockey team, took a hit from Team Czechia defenseman Radko Gudas and left when the third period of the game began. Crosby appeared to be favoring his right leg after the hit.

Wampum man dies at a Pittsburgh hospital a day after being found unconscious in a Lawrence County residence

(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

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that an unidentified sixty-one-year-old man from Wampum died on Saturday at approximately 6:29 p.m. at a hospital in Pittsburgh and the investigation into his death is ongoing pending the results of his autopsy. PSP New Castle members were dispatched to a residence along Vitril Lane in New Beaver Borough of Lawrence County on Friday at 8:06 a.m. and found the man not breathing and unconscious. When EMS arrived, they obtained a pulse from the victim after providing advanced medical care. He was transported to a hospital nearby for further treatment before he passed away the next day. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner was contacted when an autopsy was conducted on the man who died.

Pennsylvania Game Commission asking for help of the public to find turkey flocks to trap for ongoing projects through online survey

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Facebook Page of State Representative Roman Kozak, Posted on Facebook on February 18th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is asking for the help of the public to find turkey flocks to trap for ongoing projects through an online survey that is available through March 15th, 2026. This survey can be found by clicking here.
Trapping turkeys during the winter is part of the PGC’s ongoing population monitoring, and the survey will provide information for large-scale turkey studies.

Big Knob Grange hosting the Grange Maple Syrup Festival this year to replace the Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photo Below: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Big Knob Grange)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) One of the topics that was discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver was that Big Knob Grange possibly hosting a festival to replace the Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival, which was cancelled this year because of issues involving structure and leadership. During the audience participation segment of the session, Becky Gallagher of Baden asked the Commissioners if they would support the possibility of the Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival at the Big Knob Grange despite the cancellation. Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp let Gallagher know that the Commissioners received word yesterday from members of the Big Knob Grange that they are looking to host a replacement for the Beaver County Maple Syrup and Music Festival. According to a recent release from Big Knob Grange, they announced that they will host the Big Knob Grange Maple Syrup Festival, taking place on April 18th-19th, 2026. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both of those days. More information about this event can be found on the picture below. PUSH Beaver County also stated via release that they fully support this transition fully and applauds the Grange’s leadership, dedication to local heritage, and commitment to bringing families together through agricultural celebration. In other business, the progress for the merger between Allegheny Health Network and Heritage Valley Health System is going well, as Commissioner Jack Manning talked about the Commissioners attending the recent public hearing regarding the merger at the Hilton Garden Inn in Center Township during the Commissioners’ report of the work session. If Allegheny Health Network and Heritage Valley Health System merge, the Heritage Valley Sewickley and Heritage Valley Beaver hospitals will be added to the network of Allegheny Health Network to expand its footprint into the Beaver County area. Manning also let the audience of the session know during the commissioners’ report of the work session that the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County event that will take place on Friday morning at The Fez in Hopewell. The Beaver County Commissioners, along with Pennsylvania State Representatives Josh Kail, Roman Kozak, and Rob Matzie, as well as Pennsylvania State Senators Elder Vogel Jr. and Camera Bartolotta, will discuss the present state of affairs in Beaver County at this event. Beaver County Treasurer Sandie Egley also talked about her outreach for collecting taxes during the department head report of the work session. Egley will be in Ambridge tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in North Sewickley on Thursday, February 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at the Beaver Falls Library on Wednesday, February 25th from 3-7 p.m. for this outreach in which people who are working can pay their taxes in person.

Patrick Sanders (1958-2026)

Patrick Sanders, 67, of Lake Worth, Florida, formally of Elrama, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 11th, 2026, following a very strong fight against cancer. He was born on November 8th, 1958, a son of the late Clemie “Rudy” and Joyce (Weir) Sanders. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Mark and Joseph Sanders, as well as the mother of his daughter, Shelly, whom he loved very much.

Patrick graduated from Reingold High School, where he was a wrestler and an art enthusiast. He also took private accordion lessons and had a passion for music. He worked for his father as a brick layer and went to drafting school. He later moved to Florida where he became an exterior/interior painter by trade. He worked in several places throughout West Palm Beach from large homes, condos and hotels on Palm Beach Island, as well as individual homes all over West Palm Beach. His painting business quickly grew as word got around of how beautiful his work was. He had a love of classic cars and could fix almost anything mechanical. He had a strong connection to the ocean and spent most of his retirement exercising, swimming and socializing along Lake Worth Beach. He formed many meaningful friendships and was very well known. He often made everyone laugh by comparing himself to the fish he would swim with. Pat enjoyed martial arts such as boxing, Karate and nun chucks.

He is survived by all who knew him including his life partner, Joan Ciotti, his daughter, Hayden Sanders, his sister, Lisa (Richard) Guthrie and his nephew, Christopher Guthrie.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 19th from 2–4 P.M. and 6–8 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Private interment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patrick Sanders, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Raymond S. Blazak (1947-2026)

Raymond S. Blazak, 78, of Chippewa Township, passed away on February 16th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Beaver Falls on April 6th, 1947, the son of the late Raymond Anthony and Naomi (Wickline) Blazak. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Goodwald. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Bonnie G. (Holzer) Blazak, his son, Raymond K. Blazak, his sisters: Conny (Lenny) Brown, Brenda (Jerry) Black, Roberta (Joe) Fleet, and Dianna (Mike) Shrum; as well as his grandchildren, Kayla (Eric) Angleton and Anthony (Tammy Gaydos) Blazak, two great-grandchildren, Abel and Owen, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Raymond was a member of the VFWs in New Galilee and West Mayfield. He was known as an avid golfer and bowler, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ray was a baseball coach for many years. He looked forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 19th from 2-6 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Friday, February 20th at 12 noon.

Entombment, with full military honors, will follow in Beaver Falls Cemetery & Mausoleum, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.