I-79 Traffic Shift Thursday Night in Robinson Township

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a traffic shift on southbound Interstate 79 in Robinson Township, Allegheny County will occur Thursday, September 19 weather permitting.

The southbound I-79 lanes at the Route 60 interchange will be shifted to the right into a new configuration of two 11-foot-wide lanes and a half-foot shoulder. The preparatory work, including line painting operations, will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday evening under the current overnight single-lane restrictions. The new traffic pattern will begin once line painting operations conclude and will remain in place continuously through mid-October. The shift will be implemented to accommodate bridge deck overlay work.

Work on this $14.97 million highway restoration project in Robinson and Kennedy townships began in early April 2024. The project begins at the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchange and continues approximately one-half mile north of the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange. The work includes concrete pavement patching, guide rail and cable barrier replacement, highway lighting and signing updates, drainage work, pavement markings and other miscellaneous construction activities on mainline I-79 and ten ramps (four at the I-376 interchange and six ramps at the Route 60 interchange). There will be bridge preservation work on six structures (northbound and southbound I-79 bridges over I-376, Route 60, and Campbells Run Road), including concrete deck overlays, replacement of seals at expansion dams and deck joints, substructure concrete repairs, cleaning of bridge bearings and spot painting of the northbound and southbound I-79 steel I-beam bridges over I-376. Additionally, there will be milling and paving operations on Route 60 between Lorish Road and Old Steubenville Pike, preservation work of six existing sign structures (one on northbound I-79 and five on southbound I-79) as well as concrete repairs and scour protection of two arch culverts underneath mainline I-79 and several ramps.  The project is anticipated to conclude in the late spring of 2025.

The prime contractor is Golden Triangle Construction Company, Inc. Work on this project will be coordinated with other projects in the area.

Aliquippa woman jailed on child endangerment charges

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 18, 2024 1:53 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) On Monday, September 16, 2024 police were called at 10pm to the 300 block of Washington Street in Plan 11 for a disturbance.  Police dispatch advised officers that there was a woman yelling in the background that if police responded she would harm her baby. When officers arrived, they observed Brittany Senior, 35, arguing with a male outside the residence, shoving him with the baby in her arms on a basement stairwell. According to the report, he was having difficulty breathing and wheezing the way she was carrying him.  Two other children were hiding in their bedrooms while the incident evolved.

Senior is lodged in the Beaver County Jail on a felony count of endangering the welfare of children, misdemeanors of terroristic threats, and endangering the welfare of another.

Governor Josh Shapiro will discuss budget in Monaca

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 18, 2024 at 11:17 A.M.)

(Monaca, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro will visit the Beaver County Career & Technology Center (BCCTC) in Monaca Wednesday to highlight investments in workforce development, job training, and career and technical education included in the bipartisan budget the Governor signed into law this year, as well as securing investments from the budget to help grow workforce and give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to succeed. 

Photo File Source: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his budget address for the 2024-25 fiscal year to a joint session of the Pennsylvania House and Senate in the Rotunda of the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Former President Trump returns to Western Pennsylvania for event in Indiana, Pennsylvania

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 18, 2024 at 11:14 A.M.) 

(Indiana, PA) Former President and Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump is returning to Western Pennsylvania for an event on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Former President Trump will speak on Monday, September 23rd at Ed Fry Arena, and this is Trump’s fifth time in Pennsylvania since the attempted assassination attempt on his life that happened in Butler in July. 

Cost of education rising for Beaver Valley School districts

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 18, 2024 at 11:10 A.M.) 

(Beaver County, PA) The 2024-2025 school year continues with expensive education costs in Beaver County. The cost of education is rising a little above 4% on average in public education expenses for the current school year in the Beaver Valley communities. Here are the budget changes from the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 school years for school districts in the Beaver Valley.

Aliquippa School District: Budget Change: +3.86%

Ambridge Area School District: Budget Change: +8.91%

Beaver Area School District: Budget Change: +4%

Big Beaver Falls Area School District: Budget Change: +2.38%

Blackhawk School District: Budget Change: +3.6%

Central Valley School District: Budget Change: +7.55%

Cornell Area School District: Budget Change: +3.15%

Ellwood City Area School District: Budget Change: +5.66%

Freedom Area School District: Budget Change: +3.44%

Hopewell Area School District: Budget Change: +3.5%

Midland Borough School District: Budget Change: +6%

Moon Area School District: Budget Change: +5.9%

New Brighton Area School District: Budget Change: +4.94%

Quaker Valley School District: Budget Change: +4.13%

Riverside Area School District: Budget Change: +2.15%

Rochester Area School District: Budget Change: +1.8%

South Side Area School District: Budget Change: +2.11%

West Allegheny School District: Budget Change: +5.59%

Western Beaver (County) School District: Budget Change: +0.57%

Nancy Marie Danylo (Passed on September 15, 2024)

Nancy Marie Danylo, 73, formerly of Monaca, passed away on September 15, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospice.

She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Jean Werthman, her brother Donn Kelley, and her niece Kristi Lewarchik. She is survived by her father, Charles Werthman, her children, Jennifer Healy and Susan Danylo-Musta, her husband, Patrick, and her siblings: Cindy (Geno) Symborski, Dody (Mike) Lewarchik, Chuck Werthman and Donna Jean Beaner Werthman. She was also survived by her cousin, Norma Jean Simpson whom she considered as a sister, and her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

Nancy’s role as a mother was paramount in her life. Her daughters, Jennifer and Susan were the pride of her existence and her grandchildren, Seth and Kaden, were the sparkle in her eye.

A trailblazer in her own right, Nancy was one of the first women laborers at J & L Steel.

Known for her down-to-earth nature and outspoken personality, Nancy never hesitated to express her genuine opinions. She was the heart and soul of family gatherings, often the one to organize events.

Nancy’s kind heartedness was as natural as her smile, and she never sought recognition for her good deeds. She was a great homemaker, always putting her family first and extending her love to her friends, who she cherished deeply.

Leisurely pursuits brought Nancy much joy, from playing cards with friends to catching the latest film at the cinema. She held a special fondness for spontaneous trips, whether it was a quick getaway to Florida or a visit to Erie.

She was also a member of the Monaca United Methodist Church.

The family has chosen a private memorial service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To share online condolences, view Nancy’s video tribute, add photos or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann (Psik) Snajd (1926-2024)

Mary Ann (Psik) Snajd, 98, of Kaysville, Utah, passed away on September 12, 2024, in Bountiful, Utah with family and friends by her side.

She was born on May 15, 1926, in Beaver Falls, the daughter of the late George and Mary (Hornacek) Psik. She was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Snajd, a son, Stanley F. Snajd and a brother, John G. Psik. She is survived by her son and his wife, Paul and Stephanie (Bodily) Snajd of Galena, Ohio and daughter and her husband, Vera and Mike McCloy and three grandsons, Connor McCloy, Matthew McCloy and Jake McCloy, all of Kaysville, Utah.

She married George Jaroslav Snajd in 1955 and was a homemaker, formerly employed at the B&W Tubular Products Company and John T. Reeves Insurance Agency. While in Pennsylvania, she was a member of St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, Czechoslovak Society of America (CSA), former Lodge Moravian #274, serving as secretary for 20 years, and the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Upon moving to Utah in 2011, she joined St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Mary Ann always loved music. She learned to play accordion, clarinet, and saxophone. She continued to play the accordion into her retirement years. She sang with two church choirs, St. Philomena, and Holy Trinity. She could whistle “Stars and Stripes Forever” expertly. It wasn’t unusual to have a car full of singing when we went on road trips.

Family gatherings were a special time for Mary Ann. She was an excellent cook and baker and hosted many family and friend gatherings. She was famous for pulling something out of the freezer when an unexpected guest came to visit.

Mary Ann spoke and wrote the Czech language which facilitated communication with relatives in the Czech Republic. She was able to travel to the Czech Republic and Slovakia and meet relatives during a visit there in 2008.

Mary Ann loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she would always ask about their whereabouts if they weren’t near. Mary Ann’s time around the table talking, eating, and playing games was the highlight.

A service will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Chapel, Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, at 12:30 P.M. on Friday, September 20.

A memorial service will be held in Utah at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, because Mary Ann loved family and service, please find time to spend with your family or provide a loving act of service.

Norma J. Ross (1933-2024)

Norma J. Ross, 91, of Beaver, passed away with her girls by her side on September 16, 2024.

She was born on May 29, 1933 in Irondale, Ohio, a daughter of the late Lewis and Blanche Glenn Crawford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Ross, Jr., whom she married on August 21, 1954.

She is survived by her daughters, Becky (Gene) Martucci, Betty (Rick) Michaels, and Brenda (Pete) Vojnovich; grandchildren, Katy (Rick) Kerr, Rachel (Antoine) Pharr, Lindsay (Erik) Staack Christensen, Thomas (Ashton) Catracchia, and Nicholas Vojnovich and his girlfriend, Brittany; along with great-grandchildren, Naima, Neveah, Ariana, Colin, Easton and Isabella.

Norma had a thirst for learning, obtaining her GED at the age of 40, going on to attend CCBC to earn her Licensed Practical Nursing degree and graduating in the top ten in her class. She began a long career working at Heritage Valley, Beaver and a few local nursing homes. In her spare time, Norma loved to read, garden, travel, especially to the beach, cheer on the Steelers, and listen to country music. She took great pride in her family, her grandchildren in particular, attending many picnics, family gatherings, and holidays.

Norma faithfully attended Christian Missionary Alliance Church, where she served as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher and choir leader. She read her Bible daily and enjoyed old gospel hymns.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 19 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a service will take place on Friday, September 20 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Gerard (Gerry) Gloekler (1960-2024)

Gerard (Gerry) Gloekler, 64, passed away on September 15, 2024 after a courageous 21-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Pittsburgh on February 3, 1960, the youngest child of the late John (Jack) and Elizebeth (Betty) Gloekler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Fred Heid and Jeff Murrin. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter, Catherine, sisters, Mary Kay (Ron) Hill and Ann Heid, sister-in-law Anita Prunty (Larry), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was born in Pittsburgh then spent most of his life living in Beaver. He graduated from Beaver Area High School in 1978 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Penn West University (formerly Clarion State College). Gerry began his career in sales before transitioning to banking. He spent the last 13 years of his professional life at First National Bank.
He was a dedicated member of his community. Gerry actively participated in various organizations over the years including, the Beaver Area Jaycees, the Rotary Club of Beaver, the Beaver Area Education Foundation, and more recently he served on the Board of Directors of the Beaver County Transit Authority. He was also a former student and instructor for the Dale Carnegie Course. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.
Friends will be received on Friday, September 20, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Beaver. Interment will be at Beaver Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Saints Peter and Paul School Angel Fund or a charity of choice.
A special thank you goes to his family and friends who showed much love and support. Thanks also go out to Hillman Cancer Center of Pittsburgh, the Beaver satellite location and Good Samaritan Hospice.