Author: Beaver County Radio

Geraldine “Gerri” Brennan (1942-2026)

Geraldine “Gerri” Brennan, 83, passed away on May 30th, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.

She was born on July 25th, 1942, the daughter of the late Regis C. and Mary Myrtle (McKelvey) Brennan, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Regis Canevin Brennan, Jr., and three infant brothers, Frances, Daniel and Edward. She is survived by her brother, Reverend John D. “Jack” Brennan, her sister-in-law Veronica (Stewart) Brennan, her nieces and nephews, Lori (Nevins) Parkinson, Matthew (Amy) Brennan, Megan (Michael) Apjok, her great nieces and great nephews: Kara (Dean), Emily, Amanda, Madison, Ava, Kendal, Auggie and Matilda; as well as a great, great nephew, Sebastian.

Geraldine was a devoted member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish and St. Frances Cabrini Church in Aliquippa, where she volunteered as an extraordinary minister of Communion, preschool aide, money counter, and extended her time to volunteer at Friendship Ridge. She studied in the pre-nursing program in Ambridge and continued her education at Point Park School of Nursing, earning her degree from St. Francis Hospital. She spent her nursing career working at Aliquippa Hospital from 1963 to 2007.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 3rd from 4-8 p.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geraldine “Gerri” Brennan, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Beaver Valley high school sports teams in baseball begin quest for gold in 2026 PIAA playoffs

PIAA logo

(File Photo of the PIAA Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The 2026 PIAA sports playoffs for several sports begins today.

A total of seven Beaver Valley high school programs (4 baseball, 2 softball, 1 girls lacrosse) will be aiming to punch their ticket to Penn State on June 11th-13th and compete for a state championship.

According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here is the schedule of games taking place:

Note: All first-round games are played on June 1 unless otherwise noted

Baseball

  • Riverside Vs Fairview, 1:30 p.m. at Mercyhurst University (3A)
  • Western Beaver Vs West Middlesex, 2 p.m. at Jack Critchfield Park (1A)
  • General McLane Vs Hopewell, 4 p.m. at Mercyhurst University (4A)
  • Philipsburg-Osceola at Ellwood City, 4 p.m. (3A)

Softball 

  • Ellwood City Vs Westmont Hilltop, 4 p.m. at Hiram G. Andrews Center (3A)
  • Blackhawk Vs Punxsutawney, 4 p.m. at Groundhog Field (4A)

Girls Lacrosse

  • Quaker Valley at Bellefonte, 4 p.m. (UPDATE: will be played on Tuesday, June 2nd)

PUC Reminds Consumers that Summer Electric Price Changes Begin Today

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is reminding consumers that updated electric generation rates for all PUC-regulated electric utilities take effect today as Pennsylvania enters the summer months, when electricity usage typically increases.

The commission is encouraging residents, particularly those struggling with utility costs, to review their energy usage and contact their utility providers about available assistance programs. Officials said options may include budget billing plans, payment arrangements, customer assistance programs and other forms of financial assistance.

The PUC noted that prolonged periods of hot weather and increased air-conditioning use can lead to higher electricity bills during the summer.

Lawsuit filed over “very strong chemical odor” at Rochester Sherwin-Williams plant

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) Sherwin-Williams’ Rochester plant is facing new legal action and ongoing complaints from nearby residents who say emissions from the facility are creating strong odors and impacting quality of life.

The plant formulates coatings that are transported by truck to distributors and blending facilities.

Residents living near the facility described a persistent chemical smell. “It’s a very strong chemical odor,” said neighbor Lynn Goettman. “It almost coats the back of your throat.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a violation notice in late January, stating the plant had not yet installed a thermal oxidizer — an air pollution control device designed to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

A Sherwin-Williams spokesperson previously said the company was working with DEP to address the issues.

A federal lawsuit filed May 14th alleges that 45 homeowners have expressed interest in joining the case, claiming the odors are hazardous and interfere with their ability to enjoy their homes. The complaint includes allegations of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and headaches.

Joe Negri, known as Mr. Rogers’ “Handyman,” dies at 99

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Iconic jazz guitarist Joe Negri performs during the guitar and bass workshop at Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music Saturday, July 21, 2018. (Nate Guidry, Post-Gazette)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Joe Negri, known to generations of Pittsburghers as Handyman Negri on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, has died at the age of 99, just days before his 100th birthday, Fred Rogers Productions confirmed to KDKA-TV yesterday evening.

Negri was a pioneering broadcaster, accomplished musician and beloved Pittsburgh television personality. For more than three decades, viewers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” watched him portray Handyman Negri, a friendly fixture in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

CCBC Foundation Announces $50,000 Leadership Gift to “Future Takes Flight” Aviation Capital Campaign

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Community College of Beaver County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) Community College of Beaver County Foundation has announced a $50,000 leadership gift supporting the college’s “Future Takes Flight” aviation capital campaign, marking the first public contribution toward the initiative.

The donation will fund the purchase of an air traffic control tabletop simulator designed to replicate real-world runway environments, including layouts modeled after Beaver County Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration training academy in Oklahoma City.

College officials said the simulator will provide hands-on training for students in CCBC’s James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences.

The “Future Takes Flight” campaign supports construction of a 30,000-square-foot Aviation Sciences Center at Beaver County Airport. The project is intended to expand training capacity and incorporate new aviation technologies to meet workforce demand.

Donald Joseph Regney, Sr. (Passed on May 30th, 2026)

Donald Joseph Regney, Sr., 87 of Monaca, passed away on May 30th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was a son of the late Frank and Julia Regney. He was married to Anita L. DeFelice Regney on June 20th, 1959, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, and together they shared a long and devoted marriage. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his three children, Donald J. Regney, Jr., and his wife, Suzanne, Frank R. “Rusty” Regney, and his wife, Sherry, and Julie Lynn DiMatteo, six grandchildren: Benjamin Regney and Samantha (Lambert) Strayer, Mary Angeline (Zack) Sherman and Russell (Justina) Regney, Sheena (Phil) Provencio, and Sammy DiMatteo; as well as his great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Andrew, and Luca Regney, Idabelle, Penelope, and Thea Sherman, William and Talia Provencio, and Harper Strayer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” G. DiMatteo, his sister, Francina Grab, and his brothers, John and Robert Regney.

Donald was a lifelong resident of Monaca and was a graduate of Monaca High School. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren and took great joy in hearing about their activities, sharing stories from his own childhood, and watching them grow. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, whether gathered together for a visit or simply sitting on the porch enjoying the day. He began his working life with Colonna Steel and later was employed by St. Joe Lead, also known as Zinc Corporation of America, which was where he retired after many years of service. He was also a man of faith and a member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting and spending time at the family camp in Clearfield County. He loved playing baseball and even tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, an experience he remembered with pride. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes for most of his life until he came down with COVID. As he got older, he and a group of friends began playing softball in a recreational league, and he enjoyed the fellowship and fun that came with the game. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching all of the Pittsburgh teams. He loved telling his grandchildren stories about what he did while growing up, and those stories became treasured memories for his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 3rd from 2- 4- p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Thursday, June 4th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Ave, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

To share online condolences, add photos, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable (1932-2026)

Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable, 93, a lifelong Aliquippa resident (Hopewell Township), passed away peacefully on May 27th, 2026. She was born on June 17th, 1932, a daughter of the late William and Bena (D’Orazio) Brooks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jay Grable, her son, William Grable, her son-in-law, Richard Hubbell, her grandson, Daniel Hubbell, her brothers, William Brooks and Robert Brooks, her brother-in-law, John “Jaggers” Ross and many loving aunts and uncles. She is survived by her devoted children: Katherine “Kathy” Hubbell, Jay Robert (Shanna) Grable and Deanna “Sissy” (Randy) Sabatini, her grandchildren, who brought her much joy and happiness: Amanda, Alex, Cameron, Matt and Brian Hubbell, Jackson, Holden and Savannah Grable, Isabelle, Zach and Zoe Sabatini, her loving sister, Deanna Ross, and many caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mary Helen was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish who attending Mass at St. Titus and St. Frances Cabrini Churches, both in Aliquippa. She worked as a cashier at the former C&L Supermarket and cleaned faithfully at J.W. Halls restaurant until her passing. She experienced deep heartache throughout her life, but she never let sorrow define her. Instead, she held firmly to her faith and remained grateful for her family and the people she loved. She had a special fondness not only for her grandchildren, but for all children she met. Deeply family-oriented, she cherished holidays and every moment spent with loved ones. She kept a meticulous home and was an exceptional cook whose specialty was angel food cake. She enjoyed sewing placemats and table runners for family and friends. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, whether visiting them at home or vacationing in Myrtle Beach, and she adored each one and was immensely proud of her family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd from 9:30 a.m., until the time of departing prayers at 11:15 a.m., at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. Mary Helen will be laid to rest with her husband at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Helen to the Beaver County Human Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Mars man charged after three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported that a 26-year-old Mars man was charged following a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Thursday. 

Police said Aidan Upton was traveling on I-79 South in Franklin Park Borough when he allegedly failed to stop in time and struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Carmen Dileo of Wexford as traffic slowed ahead. 

The impact of Upton swerving to the right caused a third vehicle driven by 69-year-old Thomas Sikora of Coraopolis to hit Upton’s vehicle, police said. 

No injuries were reported. 

Cranberry Township man charged for tailgating after three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported that a 57-year-old Cranberry Township man was charged for tailgating following a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Friday. 

Police said Werakul Laoworakiat was traveling on I-279 South in Marshall Township at about 6:04 p.m. when he allegedly struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Marcus Haswell of New Castle, who had slowed for traffic. 

The impact caused Haswell’s vehicle to strike the rear of a third vehicle driven by 48-year-old Stephen Casker of Sewickley, who was also stopped due to traffic, police said. 

No injuries were reported.