Author: Beaver County Radio

“This Winter Is Different”: PUC Chairman Shares Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude to Frontline Human Service Workers

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a recent release in Harrisburg from The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, (PUC), they recently released an open letter from Chairman Steve DeFrank, expressing his deep appreciation for the frontline staff of human service agencies, nonprofit organizations, community programs, faith-based groups, and local assistance networks across the Commonwealth. This message was issued ahead of Thanksgiving and Chairman DeFrank acknowledges the extraordinary challenges that families in Pennsylvania are facing this winter, following the weeks of disruptions of federal programs and household costs that are rising. DeFrank also highlights the essential role that advocates, caseworkers and partners in the community play in both connecting at-risk residents to utility assistance programs that are critical and assisting families in staying connected, warm and safe.

Robert E. Blake (1947-2025)

Robert E. Blake, 78, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at his home on November 21st, 2025. He was born in Glen Easton, West Virginia on July 26th, 1947, the son of the late Linduff E. and Imogene Crow Blake. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Michael and Louise Gerace. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Kathleen M. (Gerace) Blake, two daughters and a son-in-law, Michele R. Blake of Daughterty Township and Colleen M. and Damion Nickel of Florida, two grandsons, Dawson and Cody Nickel, one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia I. and Lonnie Vodenichar of New Sewickley Township, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joann and Bill Teets of Rochester, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, two great-great-nieces and his K-9 companion, Maddie.

Robert was a retired furnace operator with Horsehead Industry in Potter Township. He was baptized Lutheran through the Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Sewickley Township. He was a 1966 graduate of New Brighton High school and was a member of the Rochester Sportsman Club, the Unionville American Legion Post 512, the Center Township V.F.W Post 1821, the New Brighton Croatian Club and the Beaver Falls Turners Club. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, November 30th, from 4-8 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a service will be held Monday, December 1st, at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Slepecki, the Pastor of Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA 68, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 862 will provide full military honors for their fallen comrade following the service. The family wishes memorial contributions go to the Rochester Sportsman Club, Sportsman Lane, Rochester, PA 15074. The family would also like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for the care and comfort they provided.

Paul Nicholas Duraney, Jr. (1944-2025)

Paul Nicholas Duraney Jr., 81, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 27th, 2025. He was born in Rochester on May 21st, 1944, a son of the late Paul and Frances Duraney, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Brooke (Christina) Duraney, a brother, Richard (Rebecca) Duraney and two sisters, Carol (Gary) Nattersted and  Susan Duraney. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nepehws.

Paul was a U.S. Airforce Veteran. He also ran the Harmony Inn for Carl Beers, his best friend for many years. He previously had worked as a hot finisher at B&W. He also loved sports and enjoyed playing softball with the Palace Inn. He was also a loving and wonderful father.

In accordance with Paul’s wishes, all of his services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Madeline Lutz (1938-2025)

Madeline Lutz, 87, of Economy Borough, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver, on November 24th, 2025.  She was born in Ambridge on June 2, 1938, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Laura (Phillips) Matanick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lutz, a daughter, Renee Lutz, a special grandson, Nicholas Soltis, a brother, Robert Matanick and 2 sisters, Loretta Mickey and Kathleen Petcash. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Soltis, Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti and Rochelle (Randy) Hinzman, a combination of granddaughters/grandsons and great-granddaughters/great-grandsons, Chanda (Max) Fallecker and their children, Eli and Serena and Melinda (Andrew) Pisano and their children, Lucas and Cameron, Becky Hinzman (J.C. Reboton) and Breanna (Larry) Musgrave and their children, Eva and Larry, and soon-to-be expected, River: Laura Hinzman, Mitchel Lazzaretti, Ashton (David) Weatherly and their child, Margo and a sister, Roberta Kwiatanowsky.

Madeline was a graduate of St. Veronica’s High School in Ambridge. She and her husband owned the Pine Inn Lounge on Big Sewickley Creek Road.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, November 25th, from 3-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Wednesday, November 26th at 10:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M., in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue
Ambridge and interment will follow in Good Samaritan Cemetery there.

Sharon Kay Hendershot (1952-2025)

Sharon Kay Hendershot, 73, of Industry, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 26th, 1952, a daughter of the late Arthur Ray and Juanita “Bonnie” (Balser) Hendershot. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Tracy Brandao, her daughter, Tammy Lynn Elkins, her grandson, Mark “Allen” Shreaves Jr. and her brothers, Arthur “Ray” Hendershot and Kevin Hendershot. Sharon was a devoted mother to her surviving daughter, Virginia “Ginny” (Mark) Shreaves and her surviving pet, Lulu. She cherished her siblings, Clyde (Hilda) Hendershot, Lynn (Tony) Joseph and Cindy (Jerry) Kersey, her grandchildren: Dallion Elkins, Caitlyn Mata, Jessica Shreaves, Isaac Shreaves, and Kaylynne Shreaves; as well as her great-grandchildren, Devon, Emilio, Xander, and Elena, and she also held dear many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all survive her who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Sharon was the heart of her family and a constant source of connection and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. For the past 38 years, Sharon has shared her life with her beloved partner, Wayne Wilson, who also survives her. Their enduring bond was a testament to love’s strength and resilience. One of Sharon’s greatest joys was crocheting Afghans for family, friends, and disabled veterans, a labor of love that wrapped those she cared about in comfort and beauty. Her legacy is one of inclusion, kindness, and unwavering love. She was also a life member of the VFW post 8168 lady’s auxiliary. Her presence will be deeply missed. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 30th from 1 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. The funeral service will be officiated by Christy Knetsch, a niece with whom Sharon always shared a special bond.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Jesse, Renee, and Ashley for taking such great care of Sharon and her family.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon’s family requests donations be made in Sharon’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Three Pagans Motorcycle Club members connected to shooting in White Oak that killed a McKeesport man; suspects charged

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(White Oak, PA) Court documents that were unsealed until they were obtained yesterday have now revealed more details about the fatal shooting that occurred on October 12th, 2025 outside a Wendy’s located in White Oak of Allegheny County that killed thirty-three-year-old Kenneth Hayman of McKeesport that day. According to Allegheny County police, Hayman was on his motorcycle at Jacks Run Road and Lincoln Way the afternoon of October 12th, 2025 when a Chevrolet Silverado pulled up behind him and three men got out. Police confirm that gunfire was exchanged with one of the men in the truck as Hayman tried to run before Hayman was shot multiple times. Hayman was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Charges were announced on Friday against three men, who are members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, and investigators wrote that they were looking to retaliate against Hayman, a member of the War Dogs Motorcycle Club, who police note was involved in a fight with another Pagans Motorcycle Club member recently in Washington County. The truck owner and the president of the Irwin chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, twenty-seven-year-old Victor Cruz, along with the shooter, thirty-three-year-old Jacob Baker and thirty-six-year-old Albert Renchko, who were both in Cruz’s truck at the time of the shooting, all received charges. All three men are charged with aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy and Baker has an additional charge of homicide. Cruz was in jail, but he was released while he awaits his appearance in court, but Baker and Renchko remain in custody.

Moon Township Garden Club’s annual Holiday Greens Sale returns in December of 2025

(File Photo of a Cardinal in Snow)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Moon Township, PA) The Moon Township Garden Club’s annual Holiday Greens Sale will be hosted at Robin Hill in Coraopolis on December 6th, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This yearly tradition which has been going on since 2008 involved members offering a selection of items made from fresh evergreens in their gardens. The Holiday Greens Sale includes Christmas decorations and gifts like baked goods, gift baskets, gift items, artificial items and fresh evergreen items. The proceeds of this sale will be used to benefit the Moon Township community, including a scholarship that is annual to a resident of Moon who plans to major in or is presently enrolled in horticulture or courses of study related to the environment.

Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward becomes semi-finalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

(Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Posted on Facebook on November 25th, 2025)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was recently named as a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is the tenth time that Ward became a semi-finalist to get into the museum located in Canton, Ohio, and he becomes one of twenty-six players to be considered for its Class of 2026. Ward, who is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers, made the cut for this honor and three fellow Steelers players, kicker Gary Anderson, linebacker James Harrison and center Maurkice Pouncey did not make it to the semifinals for next year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The selection committee of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will reduce this list of twenty-six semi-finalists below to fifteen later this year:

  • Willie Anderson, T (Bengals, Ravens)
  • Drew Brees, QB (Chargers, Saints)
  • Lomas Brown, T (Lions, Cardinals, Browns, Giants, Buccaneers)
  • Jahri Evans, G (Saints, Packers)
  • Larry Fitzgerald, WR (Cardinals)
  • Frank Gore, RB (49ers, Colts, Dolphins, Bills, Jets)
  • Rodney Harrison, S (Chargers, Patriots)
  • Torry Holt, WR (Rams, Jaguars)
  • Luke Kuechly, LB (Panthers)
  • Eli Manning, QB (Giants)
  • Robert Mathis, DE/LB (Colts)
  • Philip Rivers, QB (Chargers, Colts)
  • Steve Smith Sr., WR (Panthers, Ravens)
  • Terrell Suggs, LB/DE (Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs)
  • Fred Taylor, RB (Jaguars, Patriots)
  • Earl Thomas, DB (Seahawks, Ravens)
  • Adam Vinatieri, K (Patriots, Colts)
  • Hines Ward, WR (Steelers)
  • Reggie Wayne, WR (Colts)
  • Richmond Webb, T (Dolphins, Bengals)
  • Vince Wilfork, DT (Patriots, Texans)
  • Kevin Williams, DT (Vikings, Seahawks, Saints)
  • Steve Wisniewski, G (Raiders)
  • Jason Witten, TE (Cowboys, Raiders)
  • Darren Woodson, S (Cowboys)
  • Marshal Yanda, G/T (Ravens)

Allegheny Health Network’s Wexford, Jefferson, Canonsburg, Allegheny Valley and Grove City Hospitals Lauded by Leapfrog Group for Health Care Safety Excellence

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a recent release in Pittsburgh from Allegheny Health Network, five Allegheny Health Network (AHN) hospitals have earned the highest possible “A” grades in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2025 safety rating survey. The hospitals that received this recognition were AHN Allegheny Valley, AHN Canonsburg, AHN Jefferson, AHN Grove City and AHN Wexford in the most recent national report from the Leapfrog Group. This report recognizes hospitals for both safety and patient care quality. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization that is committed to improving patient awareness of both safety and quality of health care, and their Safety Grade report that is updated and published each spring and fall and assigns hospitals across the country a grade of either A, B, C, D, or F based on their performance in preventing accidents, infections, injuries, medical errors and other harm to patients which are under their care with grades being assigned to almost 3,000 general acute-care hospitals. Allegheny Health Network Outpatient Center, Westmoreland Surgery also received the prestigious Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Award because of its commitment to both quality and safety of patients.

Monroeville woman dies in crash in Oakland causes outbound I-376 Parkway East to be temporarily closed

(File Photo of a Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Oakland, PA) Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a fatal crash and fire which led to massive delays on the outbound Parkway East during the morning rush hour yesterday. According to State Police, a car became disabled on the road early that morning. The crash occurred in Oakland on the ramp to I-376 in the area of mile marker 73. The driver, who was later identified as 40-year-old Keturah Griffin of Monroeville, had the four-way flasher of her vehicle on and remained in the vehicle. State Police stated Griffin was on the phone with dispatchers so she can get a tow truck sent out to her, and troopers were already on their way at that point to direct traffic around her when the crash happened. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi confirms that based on witnesses and the crash investigation, it appeared the pickup truck involved in this crash was traveling east and hit a sedan as it was changing lanes and moving into the lane nearest the car of Griffin from behind another car. Griffin was declared dead at the scene by medical staff. The driver of the truck was treated on the scene because of their minor injuries. Gagliardi said while the investigation is ongoing, it appears a lack of visibility was a factor in this crash. I-376 has since reopened and it was closed eastbound after the crash occurred. An investigation into this crash is ongoing.