The Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company is looking for more volunteers after 2024 broke a record for most calls from the community

(File Photo of Cranberry Tonwship Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) The Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company is looking for more people to join their team. 1,183 calls were responded to by the company in 2024 around or from the community, which was more than any other year. Chief Scott Garing of Cranberry Township Fire and Emergency Services confirms that the emergency calls are not going to decrease and that the company needs volunteers. The company also has an on-site training center. Volunteers also get paid through a stipend program for each shift. The link to start signing up to be a volunteer firefighter for the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company can be accessed using the link below:

Click here to sign up to volunteer for the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company – Allegheny PA

Deborah A. Ledford (1950-2025)

Deborah A. Ledford, 74, passed away on February 6th, 2025 at home after an extended illness with her loving and devoted husband, James, and two children, Rachel and James by her side. She was born on June 7th, 1950. She was the beloved daughter of the late Robert (Jack) and Lorraine (Romesburg) Hudson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Jack and Barb Hudson, brother-in-law, Robert Ledford and her infant son, Richard Ledford. She is survived by her husband, James Ledford, two brothers, Dave (Karen) Hudson and Lou (Janet) Hudson, four sisters-in-law: Nancy Tuck, Carol Lancia, Susan Arsevich and Jeannie (Mark) Devich; her children, Rachel (Mike) Whitlatch, James Ledford and Angela Day, her grandchildren: Melanie and Veronica Gullison, Desmond, Rocky and Eliza Ledford; Desirae, Sierra, Araya, Aiyana, Delmarco, Amon, Siu, Taheton Peake; as well as two great-grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Deborah attended Western Beaver High School and her heart found its forever love in James Ledford, whom she married March 18, 1972. They had a close-knit family and enjoyed raising their children in the custom home built by Jim.  Deborah (Dee) enjoyed life and loved being a wife and mother.  She was happiest when spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She loved planting and tending to her flowers. She was an excellent seamstress and canned the bounties of the vegetable garden that she and Jim planted. She enjoyed conversation, coffee and porch sitting on her swing. She hosted large family dinners and as the family grew, the table grew into the living room. There was always room for one more. Her home’s walls are adorned with all the children’s photos that she loved and cared for.  She was the mother of many children and her loss is immeasurable in their hearts.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home, 502 Adams Street, Rochester. Deborah requested no public viewing. A private family viewing was held on February 7th, 2025, followed by an intimate family gathering at their residence in Ohioville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest that you hug your loved ones and do something special for them.

Joanne Mattie (1937-2025)

Joanne Mattie, 87, of Economy, passed away on February 10th, 2025, in UPMC McCandless.  She was born in South Heights on March 10th, 1937, a son of the late John and Mary (Bachor) Slappo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Mattie, Sr., three brothers, John Slappo, Jr., Ernest “Ernie” Slappo and Gerald “Jerry” Slappo, two sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Cipolla and Antoinette “Toni” Bader and a brother-in-law, Vince Cipolla. She is survived by two daughters, Lori “Lo–Lo” Miller and Susan Nelson, a son, Joseph Mattie Jr., three grandsons, Charlie (Mehgan) Miller, Tyler Miller and Daniel Nelson, four great-grandsons, Jayce Miller, Jesse James Nelson and Bricyn and Carson Young, and two great-granddaughters, Addilyn Miller and Koi Psalm, two sisters, MaryRose (William) Slezak and Frances (the late Michael) Ciamacco, two brothers, Harry (Lynn) Slappo and Richard “Dickie” Slappo, a sister-in-law, Roxeen Slappo; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was the best authentic Polish cook and known for her stuffed cabbage.  She was also an incredible baker, with her apple pie coming in at #1. Joanne was strong in her faith, had a huge heart and handled everything with grace.  When faced with life’s challenges, her mantra was “Give it to the Lord.”  She truly believed and practiced her faith by taking care of the things she could and knowing when to trust and give the rest to God.  She loved her family, dearly, especially her three children.  Joanne will be loved and missed by all who knew her and had the privilege to share so many special times.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, February 13th from 3 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, with Father Joe Carr officiating.  Interment will be held at noon on Friday, February 14, in Good Samaritan Cemetery, Big Sewickley Creek Road, Bell Acres, Pennsylvania.  Everyone is asked to please meet at the cemetery.

James R. Chewning (1934-2025)

James R. Chewning, 90, of Conway, passed away on February 10th, 2025 in Sewickley Hospital. He was born in Cassity, West Virginia, on August 1, 1934, a son the late Orvil and Mamie (Pennington) Chewning. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death, by a daughter, Karen Durst, two brothers, Orvil C. Chewning and Robert Chewning and four sisters, Betty Herron, Arabelle Thomason, Colleen Husslein and Tomi Zickefoose.

He is survived by his loving wife, Olive (Blume) Chewning, two sons, James A. (Kandy) Chewning and Daniel R. (Connie Decker) Chewning, four grandsons: Jimmy Chewning, Daniel J. Chewning, Trevor Smith and R.J. Durst; four granddaughters: Dottie Bradel, Rebecca Gorman, Amanda Chewning and Courtney Durst; as well as a sister, Sheila Hodges.

James’ work life was spent as a Steel Worker, where he worked for J & L Steel for 35 years. James was a devoted member of the Sewickley United Methodist Church as his faith was important to him. He was an avid gardener and kept his lawn pristine.  James loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he was a collector of guns and cars; one being a 1978 Mercury, and another, a 1967 Ford Galaxy 500.

Local arrangements were entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. James will be laid to rest in West Virginia.

John C. Terosky, Jr. (1941-2025)

John C. Terosky, Jr., 83, a resident of Fair Oaks for over 60 years, passed away on February 11th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born on June 9th, 1941, the son of the late Frieda and John C. Terosky Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved furry companions, Chelsea and Sadie. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Kathryn Rose Terosky, his children, John C. (Sharalyn) Terosky III, Jason (Tammy) Terosky and Jeffrey (Aimee) Terosky, two stepchildren, John Holman and Kristen (Dennis) McClure, his sister, Frieda Dolde, grandchildren: Jack, Sonora, Cole, Rebecca, Justin, Ava, Caitlin, Kyle, Nicole, Katelyn and John; as well as his nephew, Keith.

John was a proud graduate of Quaker Valley High School with the class of 1959. Throughout his life, he dedicated much of his time to coaching youth baseball for various teams in the Quaker Valley community. Professionally, he worked as a mechanical draftsman for U.S. Steel and later at Maronda Homes until his retirement. In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. Above all, John loved his grandchildren.

Please consider a donation in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or Sewickley Valley YMCA Faith in Action program. In accordance with his wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jeffrey Shipley (1953-2025)

Jeffrey Lee Shipley, 71, of Beaver Falls, formerly of New Brighton, passed away on Monday, February 10th, 2025 after a battle with a lengthy illness.

He was born in Rochester on February 15th, 1953,  a son of the late James and Shirley Shipley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bernie Shipley. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, sons, James (Sharon) Shipley, John Shipley and Ryan Shipley, daughter, Megan (Kelly) Corak, sister, Chris (Larry) Seidler, grandchildren: Jordyn (Kevin) Pettigrew, Robert, Josef, Caris Shipley and Jaxson Corak; as well as his great-grandson, Carson Pettigrew. Jeffrey was a plumber and steelworker.

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

JoAnn M. Lako (1949-2025)

JoAnn M. Lako, 75, passed away on February 9th, 2025 surrounded by family.

She was born in Pittsburgh on June 24th, 1949, the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Fallucco) Lako. In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Faye Ann Lako; nephew, Jimmy Whitlatch; and her best friend, Lainey Mickail. She is survived by her brothers: Bill Lako, Mickey (Cheryl) Lako, Richard Lako and John (Lynn) Lako; sister, Terry Thomas, nieces, Marsha Whitlatch and Melissa (Mike) Koehler, nephew, Stevie (Steph) Siget, great-nephews: Jimmy and Chase Whitlatch, Sully Siget and Mason and Wyatt Koehler, step-nephew, Dave Freeman and step-niece, Mandy Kozora.

JoAnn was Catholic by faith and loved all things Christmas, especially cute snowmen that decorated her home year-round. She loved attending craft shows and taking fun vacations. Her generosity, positivity, and love for her family was beyond compare.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of Blessing Service at 2 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Man accused of allegedly killing Eric Mason in a Beaver Falls building appears in court for the first time

(Photo Courtesy of the United States Marshals Service)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Daniel Felo, the man who received an arrest warrant for allegedly killing Eric Mason in a Beaver Falls building, appeared in court on Tuesday for the first time. Felo’s defense attorney Nicole Nino commented that he is trying to confirm that he is innocent. Nino was trying to prove that no police reports showed that Felo said he shot Mason and the autopsy showed only a gunshot wound. Felo was brought back to the Beaver County Jail and his trial will be in July.

 

Fire in Cranberry Township hotel still under investigation

(File Photo of Cranberry Township Emergency Medical Services Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) A fire that took place in the Wingate by Wyndham hotel in Cranberry Township on Tuesday is still under investigation. At around 6 a.m., a report came in to 911 dispatchers of Butler County regarding a smoke alarm. One of the rooms in the hotel caught fire. The fire chief that was at the scene confirmed that nobody was injured and believes that the HVAC appeared to cause the fire. There was no word initially if anybody was transported to the hospital.