Author: Beaver County Radio

LaVerne Schraf (1931-2026)

LaVerne Schraf, 94, formerly of Beaver Falls and Columbiana, Ohio, passed away peacefully surronded  by family on February 3rd, 2026, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  LaVerne was the fifth of seven children and she was born on September 8th, 1931, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Leo and Pauline (Garrett) Criste. LaVerne was a member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded  in death by her husband of 70 years, Paul J. Schraf. Together they raised eight children: Karen (Bob) Botte of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Anita Miller of Gulfport, Florida, Dave (Karin) Schraf of Webster, New York,  Linda (Greg) Hildebrand  of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Betsy (Jim) Pence of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, Paula (Jim) Brown of Canfield, Ohio, Mike (Susan) Schraf of Harrisburg and Rick (Jody) Schraf  of State College. They were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. After graduating high school, LaVerne studied at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania where she earned her Associate Degree as a Laboratory Technician. She and Paul married on June 6, 1953, moved to Beaver Falls, and immediately started their family. Paul worked long hours as a flooring installer for over 40 years, while LaVerne raised the family, kept the house, made the meals, and always ensured that there were homemade desserts on hand. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children, their spouses and their children traveled to Ocean Isle Beach for a week-long vacation every July. So many wonderful memories were made during those beach trips, and LaVerne cherished the time spent together with her children and grandchildren. After her children were grown and out of the house, LaVerne continued to keep herself busy by doing various crafts. She made numerous hand painted ceramic pieces, including nativity sets and village houses, which are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She was also a prolific knitter, specializing in her famous dish rags. Several years ago she found a new “crafting” passion – Diamond Dotz. This meticulous craft involves applying variously colored tiny plastic beads to a sticky pattern to create breathtaking artwork. The results are truly amazing and beautiful. LaVerne was even featured in the local South Brunswick Magazine for her creations – imagine, a celebrity at age 94! To commemorate the second anniversary of Paul’s passing, all eight of LaVerne and Paul’s children gathered in Ocean Isle Beach on January 29th, 2026. LaVerne spent a wonderful weekend with her family, including a memorial Mass for Paul on January 31. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 3. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls,  who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery,  2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Hospice, who took such wonderful care of her beloved Paul. https://patriotathome.org/services/patriot-hospice.

Louise Carey Kylander (1932-2026)

Louise Carey Kylander, 93, of Lake Mary, Florida passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Sewickley on July 15th, 1932, a daughter of the late Claudia Heard Carey and Hampson Carey and was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, her sister, Catharine Murdock (“Petey” and her husband Jim) and her brother, James Carey and his wife, Florence (“Flossie”).

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Keith Lorenz of Lake Mary, FL, a son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Marcy Kylander of The Woodlands, Texas, and five grandchildren: Liz (Lew) Robbins, Ed (Jen) Lorenz, Chris (Jessica) Lorenz, Claire Kylander and Evelyn Kylander. She was also an adoring Gigi to six great grandchildren, Vivienne, Isaac, Jack, Chloe, Emmy and Brooke.

Louise then attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a BS in Psychology. She was married for 60 years to Dr. Walter C. Kylander Jr. She and Walt raised their two children in Beaver and then moved to Naples, Florida in retirement. He was active in the community and in her church, where she served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. When age would no longer let her play a competitive golf game, she pursued Duplicate Bridge and earned the level of Grand Master. Louise was a life-long learner and enjoyed technology and trying new things. After moving to Lake Mary, to be nearer to family and discovering that there wasn’t a competitive bridge game available, she moved to online bridge and then took up Pinochle to stay social.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 4-6 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Celebration of Life will follow on Thursday, February 12th at 11:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, College Avenue, Beaver. Interment will be in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Louise Kylander, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Marshall A. “Woody” Woods (1938-2026)

Marshall A. “Woody” Woods, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Rochester on December 20th, 1938, the son of the late Paul and Lavania (Dunlap) Woods. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Edgcomb. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie “Rose” (Lachapelle) Woods, his daughter, Michelle Frizzell and her partner, Justin Samol, his granddaughter, Kaza Ayersman and her husband, Casey Pastore, his nephew, Marshall Edgcomb and his wife, Ellen and his niece, Lynn Watson.

Marshall was an avid golfer and spent a lifetime mastering Rolling Acres Golf Course.  He proudly served in the Army, a true patriot, and spent 44 years working in the steel mill. He loved to feed the animals, especially his deer, never missed a day. Finally, he loved his wife, never missed a chance to dance in the kitchen or to tell her how much he loved her.

In accordance with Marshall’s wishes, no services are planned.

Inurnment will take place in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Arrangements were entrusted to GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS, INC- 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Glenna (West) Tomasula (1920-2026)

Glenna (West) Tomasula, 105, passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Cary, Kentucky on April 9th, 1920, a daughter of the late John and Nellie West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John (Hank) Tomasula and her siblings: Dallas West, Bill West, Bob West, and Marie Ohlinger.

Glenna is survived by her sons, Ronald Tomasula and Michael Tomasula, and her daughter, Mary (Art) Krepps. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Mathew Tomasula, Jason (April) Krepps, Joshua Krepps. Lauren (Rich) Palya, and John Tomasula, along with her great grandchildren: Taylor Krepps, Sydney Krepps, Jack Palya, Henry Palya, and Anthony Palya; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Glenna’s family of seven moved to the Beaver County area in the 1940’s as the steel mills were booming and work was plenty. She met the love of her life, John (Hank as most called him) Tomasula. They married and raised three children in the town of Beaver. She loved making her house a warm and inviting home where all were welcome. Neighborhood children would frequently gather around the kitchen table for her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her hobby of sewing grew as the years passed, and she lovingly hand stitched several beautiful quilts for her family. After Hank passed in 1984, she was invited, by her friend, Joan, to join a bowling league. There she spent most Tuesday evenings with her “bowling buddies” as she enjoyed the competition and the friendship… and her friends enjoyed her homemade fudge! Glenna wore many hats in her 105 years… but her favorite was being a loving and caring wife and mother. The family is eternally grateful to Glenna’s dear friend Ursula…. for the many wonderful and truly” special” times they shared together. Heartfelt thanks also go to Helen for her friendship and care. The family wishes to thank Nurse Jessica and Good Samaritan Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and the many services that were readily available. Often asked what her secret to her longevity was, Glenna always replied, “the love of God and family.” One of Glenna’s favorite hymns was “When the Roll is called up Yonder” and now she is happily and peacefully there.

In accordance with Glenna’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.

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

Online condolences my be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Glenna B. Tomasula, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

The Pirates are signing veteran DH Marcell Ozuna, AP source says

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file)

(PITTSBURGH, PA – AP) Veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna is heading to Pittsburgh.

The 35-year-old free agent has reached an agreement with the Pirates on a one-year deal worth $12 million, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending Ozuna passing a physical.

Ozuna would give the Pirates another experienced bat to potentially boost a lineup that was among the worst in the majors in 2025. The right-handed Ozuna hit .232 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs last season for Atlanta.

Pittsburgh previously acquired All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and signed All-Star first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn during an unusually busy offseason for the club as it tries to give a young pitching staff anchored by reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes some help.

Ozuna’s arrival could mean Pittsburgh is moving on from longtime franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen. The 39-year-old, five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP, who has spent 12 of his 17 seasons in the majors with the Pirates, remains unsigned after hitting .239 with 13 homers while serving primarily as the club’s designated hitter.

Ozuna is a three-time All-Star himself and a career .269 hitter in 13 seasons with Miami, St. Louis and Atlanta. The native of the Dominican Republic has batted over .300 three times, most recently in 2024.

One of the few places where Ozuna has struggled is PNC Park, his potential new home. Ozuna is a career .225 hitter with just one home run in 36 games at the ballpark that has been historically difficult for right-handed hitters.

The Pirates are banking on Ozuna figuring it out to give a left-handed dominant lineup a little balance. Lowe, O’Hearn and outfielder Oneil Cruz are lefties. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds is a switch-hitter.

The Pirates begin spring training when pitchers and catchers report to their complex in Bradenton, Florida, later this week.

Prosecutors drop most serious assault charge against Penn State hockey star McKenna

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Canada forward Gavin McKenna (9) controls the puck during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship bronze medal game against Finland, Jan. 5, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn, File)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped the most serious assault charge against Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna, considered a likely top pick in this year’s NHL draft, but he remains accused of less serious offenses.

The Centre County prosecutor said Friday that aggravated assault would have required proof McKenna acted with the intention of causing serious injury or that he showed an extreme indifference to the value of human life. McKenna was accused of injuring a man during an altercation last weekend.

Although the police complaint alleged the victim sustained injuries to both sides of his jaw and was missing a tooth as a result, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said subsequent investigation showed there were two fractures to the same side of his jaw and that no teeth were knocked out. He is recovering from surgery, Cantorna said.

Canadian McKenna, 18, is a freshman center from Whitehorse, Yukon. A phone message seeking comment was left late Friday for McKenna’s lawyer, Jason Dunkle. The incident occurred hours after Penn State lost to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.

Cantorna said video evidence led him and police to drop the felony charge.

McKenna remains charged with misdemeanor simple assault, along with harassment and disorderly conduct. Cantorna said the preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for March 11.

McKenna decided to play for Penn State after the NCAA lifted its ban on Canadian Hockey League players competing at the Division I level. A name, image and likeness deal with the Nittany Lions helped draw McKenna to join the program.

Late-night stabbing occurs in the Allegheny West neighborhood of Pittsburgh; man expected to survive

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man is expected to survive after a late-night stabbing in the Allegheny West neighborhood of Pittsburgh. According to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, officers were called to the 900 block of Western Avenue for a reported stabbing just before midnight. Once they arrived, they learned that a man who had been stabbed in the stomach had been taken to the hospital via a private vehicle and was last listed in stable condition. An early investigation has found that a fight occurred inside an establishment, and another man stabbed the victim before leaving the scene. Police do believe that the suspect and the victim do know one another. The name and description of the suspect have not been released and Pittsburgh police are investigating. 

Brad Arnold, lead singer of rock band 3 Doors Down, dies at 47

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of David A. Smith/ Getty Images)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Escatawpa, MS) Brad Arnold, who was the lead singer and the founding member of the band 3 Doors Down, died on Saturday in the United States of America after a battle with Stage-4 kidney cancer. He was 47 years old. 3 Doors Down is a rock band who is known for hits like “Kryptonite.” 

Pittsburgh police investigating shooting that killed woman in its Greenfield neighborhood

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh police are investigating a deadly shooting that took place in broad daylight in the city’s Greenfield neighborhood yesterday. Zone 4 officers were dispatched just before 2 p.m. to the 700 block of Montclair Street for a reported domestic dispute. Arriving officers entered an apartment complex and found a woman who was declared dead. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as 26-year-old Charlee Martin. Officers conducted a sweep of the residence and found a man inside a bedroom. Police state that he resisted officers as they tried to take him into custody. The man was subsequently transported to an area hospital, where he was last listed in stable condition. The Mobile Crime Unit responded to process the scene and found multiple shell casings. Homicide detectives are continuing to lead the active investigation. 

Massive vehicle pileup in Butler County kills a eighteen-year-old male Slippery Rock University student

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) An eighteen-year-old male Slippery Rock University student from Pittsburgh was killed and nine other people were injured after a massive vehicle pileup on Interstate 79 in Butler County on Friday morning. Authorities stated that at least 25 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes due to weather and 20 others got stuck on the interstate.