Group of University of Pennsylvania students held study to help bridge the ideological divide

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Chester County, Pa. election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester on Nov. 4, 2020. Law enforcement agencies, civil defense officials and election administrators have begun meeting in Pennsylvania to coordinate how they will identify and fight election threats with the presidential contest just eight months away in the battleground state, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration said Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

(Reported by Mark Richardson of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) A group of University of Pennsylvania students got up close and personal with Keystone State voters recently as they studied solutions to bridging the ideological divide. Students with Penn’s Political Empathy Lab traveled across the state last summer and talked with people at parks, libraries and county fairs. The goal was to listen to Pennsylvanians as they discussed the issues in the 2024 campaign. Lab director Lia Howard says the students emphasized using critical listening skills to understand the voters better. Howard says the students recorded 45 hours of audio during their sessions, producing a podcast series and presenting what they learned on and off campus. Another statewide tour is scheduled for this spring, and Howard says she will eventually publish the students’ findings.

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. announces grant given to Seneca Valley School District to help teach studnets about agriculture

(File Photo of Seneca Valley School District logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from Senator Elder Vogel Jr.’s office, Vogel announced Friday that a grant of $7,500 was given to Seneca Valley School District to teach its students about agriculture. Vogel confirmed this money comes from the Ag and Youth Grant Program to go to the Living and Laboratory School Garden at Haine Middle School. Hands-on lessons in agriculture, life and nutrient cycles and ecological principles will be part of the program at Seneca Valley. 

Aliquippa woman charged after single-vehicle accident near the Monaca exit on I-376

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Center Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a single-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday off a ramp near the Monaca exit on I-376 West. At 4:01 p.m., twenty-eight-year-old Ella Bose of Aliquippa did not have control of her 2008 Hyundai Elantra down the snowy road and hit a traffic sign. Bose was wearing her seatbelt and had no injuries; however, she was given a citation after the crash for driving without insurance. 

Retail theft at Dollar General in Hookstown still being investigated by Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Beaver County Radio News

(Hookstown, PA) A retail theft is still under investigation after a suspect stole $100 worth of items from the Dollar General in Hookstown on January 3rd, 2025. Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that an unidentified white male left the store after using the self-checkout and did not scan all the items in his cart at 11:31 a.m. The investigation continues into this incident.

Joseph Anthony George (Passed on January 15th, 2025)

Joseph Anthony George, 86, a longtime resident of Hanover Township, passed away on January 15th, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Pittsburgh and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. George and Lena T. (Trabasso) George, as well as his step daughter Sheryl Marie Krizan, sister Flora George and brother, Robert E. George. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 26 years, Patricia Ann Antoline George, whom he married in the picturesque town of Covington, Virginia, on March 26th, 1999. He is survived by two sons, Joseph Anthony George and John Paul George, his wife, Deanna, three grandsons, Jacob, Brandon, and Justin George, a nephew, Robert and a niece, Karen.

Joseph was a man of many firsts, including being the first child to be born in a hospital in his family. He grew up in the vibrant neighborhoods of Hazelwood, Brookline, and later Baldwin, before finally setting roots in Hanover Township on July 14th, 1975.

His legacy of devotion to family, community, and country is a testament to his character.

Joseph’s dedication to his family was matched by his commitment to his career and civic duties. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator and a proud 60-year member of Operating Engineer Local Union 66. His service to his community was further exemplified by his tenure as a longtime Hanover Twp Supervisor.

A patriot through and through, Joseph served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. As a combat engineer, he was recognized as an honor graduate from military training courses, a reflection of his dedication and excellence.

Beyond his service and career, he was an entrepreneur at heart, founding George’s Enterprises and Follansbee Pawn. His passion for cars, heavy equipment, and all things mechanical was not just a hobby but a way of life that he enthusiastically embraced.

As those reflect on Joseph’s life, we remember a man of integrity, strength, and compassion.

Joseph’s remains will be interred with military honors in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies of Bridgeville. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services of Monaca.

Chad “Boogz” Michael Brown (1980-2025)

Chad “Boogz” Michael Brown, 44, passed away on January 16th, 2025 in New Brighton. He was born in Beaver on October 12th, 1980, a son of Joanne (Tice) Vrabel and the late Todd Brown. In addition to his father, Chad was preceded in death by his four grandparents Paul and Florence Brown, Joseph Lee Tice and Cherry (Rainer) Tice, and his brother-in-law Gregory Wiland. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife Amanda (Wiland) Brown, son, Cooper Todd Brown, mother, Joanne “Red” (Tice) Vrabel, two brothers, Ryan Brown and Zack Vrabel, father and mother-in-law, Gary and Nancy Wiland, sister-in-law, Leann Wiland and his beloved dog, Geno.

Chad grew up with a passion for sports, especially baseball, which led him to play at Mercyhurst University, where he played the sport, he loved. It was during his time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), however, that he met the love of his life, Amanda.

Chad worked as a lead clerk at the United States Postal Service. Beyond his career, Chad’s true passion was his family. He made every effort to create special moments and lasting memories with his loved ones. He had a tight-knit group of friends who were like family to him. Whether it was sharing a laugh, watching a game, or keeping long-standing traditions alive, Chad’s energetic personality always made him the life of the party.

He will be remembered for his amazing sense of humor, boundless energy, and the kindness that made him well-loved by all who knew him. His love for sports was matched only by his love for his family and friends.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, January 20th from 2 p.m. until the time of a Blessing Service at 6 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue New Brighton, with Father Howard Campbell officiating.

Snow Watch: Cancellations and Delays 01/20/2025

Snow Watch logo

The following school districts and businesses have either delayed or canceled for today: 01/20/25 (We will continue to update the list throughout the morning)

Bethel Christian School in Raccoon Township: Closed Monday

Blackhawk Meals on Wheels: Closed Monday

Life Family Church in New Brighton: Bible Study is Cancelled Monday

Snow watch is sponsored by Munroe Auto Body, the Lisa Lathom Team at EXP Realty, the Cornerstone of Beaver County, and Beaver County Radio. 

 

Joseph Jahoda (1960-2025)

Joseph Jahoda, 64, of Ambridge, passed away on January 17th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 19th, 1960, the son of the late Ruth (Hare) and Stephen Jahoda. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Robert “Bucky” Jahoda, Martin Jahoda, William “Bill” Jahoda and Stephen Jahoda Jr.; his sisters: Donna Sharek, Carol Jahoda, Kathy Prokurat, Mary Lou Jahoda, and Sandra “Pete” Jahoda; along with his brother-in-law, David Sharek.

He is survived by his sons, Brent (Mary Frances) Jahoda and Aaron (Allison) Jahoda, daughter, Lauren Jahoda, brothers, James Jahoda, Jerome Jahoda and Michael Jahoda, sisters: Karen (James) Prince, Susan Jahoda, Roxanne (Barry) Fitzgerald and Kim (Charles) Dworchak; brother-in-law, Michael Huppenthal, sister-in-law, Eva Jahoda and numerous nieces and nephews.

A man of many talents, Joseph was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands. He spent many years building houses in the Sewickley area. Joseph also coached baseball and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.

Services will be private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Thelma M. Kauffman (1942-2025)

Thelma M. Kauffman, 82, of Beaver, passed away on January 15th, 2025.

She was born in McKeesport on August 7th, 1942, the younger daughter of the late Albert and Felicia Cellerini. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Kovalyak.  She is survived by her husband George, her daughter Marie (John) Hellgoth of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, her son Matthew (Tandy) Kauffman of Apex, North Carolina, four grandsons: Nicholas and Christopher Hellgoth and Nathan and Michael Kauffman; a brother-in-law, Frederick Kovalyak of Ellicott City, Maryland, two nieces, Kimberley (Edward) Valaer of Ashburn, Virginia and Christine Kovalyak of Columbia, Maryland, a nephew, Gregory (Donna) Kovalyak of Leesburg, Virginia and two great-nieces, Julie and Amanda Kovalyak.

Their family moved to Beaver in 1948. She graduated from Beaver High School in 1960 and Geneva College in 1964. Thelma married her college sweetheart, George E. Kauffman of West Bridgewater on October 10th, 1964. Thelma was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

After leaving Beaver in 1965, the Kauffmans lived in Morgantown, West Virginia, Schwetzingen, Germany, Olean, New York, Pittsburgh, Tel Aviv, Israel and Columbia, Maryland. After retiring, they returned to Beaver in 2006.

The family is especially grateful to the Allegheny Heath Network Staff, who enabled Thelma to stay in her home during her later years.

In accordance with Thelma’s wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 20th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Burial will follow in Beaver Cemetery.

Judith “Judy” DeChicko (1957-2025)

Judith “Judy” DeChicko, 67, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 13th, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 9th, 1957, a daughter of the late Eugene and Jane (MacDonald) DeChicko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph DeChicko. She is survived by her sister, Joyce (Chester) Ciccozzi and her two nephews, Cole and Blake Ciccozzi.

Judith retired from Cigna Insurance as a transplant case manager. She also worked as an RN at the Medical Center in Beaver for many years. She enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets with her sister. She especially liked going to Mountaineer playing the slot machines, and hanging out at Pier 19 with her friends.

In accordance with Judith’s wishes, there will be no viewing or services.

The family would like to thank her neighbor, Mrs. Edie Boxen, for always looking out for her.

Arrangements were taken care of by Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.