Author: Beaver County Radio

Holly A. (McGaffick) Gantz (Passed on March 30th, 2026)

Holly A. (McGaffick) Gantz, 72, of Center Township, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on March 30th, 2026, at Heritage Valley, Beaver. She was born in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Robert D. McGaffick and Olive Grace (Boyd) Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Wayne T. Eder, her brother, Robert James McGaffick, and her former fiancé, Raymond Maylone. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth (John) Hovan, Theresa Eder and Chris Maderia, and Amanda (Jeremy) Rodgers; as well as eight grandchildren: Elecia McGrantham (Dante), Jake and Joshua Hovan, Jeremy “JD” Rodgers, Jr., Roland Rodgers, Rylee and June Eder, and Carrie (Matt) Stumpf; along with three great-grandchildren, Decklan and Laiten Hawkins and Haven Stumpf. She is also survived by her former husband, Harry “Ted” Eder, her sisters, Linda Hall, Debbie Glass and Carol Armendariz and a brother, David McGaffick, along with many nieces, nephews, her “adopted” children such as her children’s stepsister, Ashley Lewandowski (Tim) and many special friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Holly was raised in Beaver County, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and loyalty and was known for her smiling face and always having a positive personality. She worked for a few years at the former Geriatric Center before moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1994. There, she began a new chapter in her life and started her career as a phlebotomist. After returning home, she continued her professional life with the American Red Cross, where she served with care and commitment. Above all, she was a mother to everyone. She welcomed people into her life with open arms and a loving heart, and she was known for having many “adopted” children who found comfort, guidance, and encouragement in her presence.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 2nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Friday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. with her nephew, LeRoy McGee, officiating.

A special thank you is extended for the care and dedication that was received from Heritage Valley, Beaver’s nurses Craig and Doug and the hospital staff from time she entered the ER to the CCU that saw her through to the end.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in Holly’s name to Suicide Prevention or the Beaver County Heart and Cancer Association, 3582 Brodhead Road #201, Monaca, PA 15061.

I-376 Parkway West Sweeping Operations This Week in Allegheny County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that daylight and overnight lane and shoulder restrictions on I-376 (Parkway West) between Findlay Township and the City of Pittsburgh will begin tonight, weather permitting, so PennDOT crews can conduct sweeping operations. A mobile single-lane and shoulder restriction will occur as needed on I-376, according to the following schedule:

·       Tuesday through Thursday nightly from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM each night – I-376 in each direction between the Fort Pitt Tunnel and the Erie/Washington/I-79 (Exit 64A) interchange

·       Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 AM to noon each day – I-376 in the westbound (outbound) direction between the Erie/Washington/I-79 (Exit 64A) interchange and the Beaver County line

·       Wednesday through Friday from noon to 8:00 PM each day – I-376 in the eastbound (inbound) direction between the Beaver County line and Erie/Washington/I-79 (Exit 64A) interchange.

 

Cindy Leigh Genevro (1959-2026)

Cindy Leigh Genevro, 66, of Gibsonia, formerly of Emporium, Pennsylvania, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on March 24th, 2026, at AHN Wexford Hospital. She was born in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania on October 25th, 1959, a daughter of the late William and Joanne Nellis Austin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Genevro, a brother, Timothy Austin, and her good friend, Jerry Moate. She is survived by her daughter, Alayna Genevro, her brothers, Scott and Mike Austin, her sisters, Lisa Augustine: Sue Jordan, Heather Johnson, Ashley Austin, Jennifer Austin, and Julie Smoker; along with numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved mini dachshund, Gucci.

Cindy was a small business owner early on, working at her shop called “Papa Grasshopper”. In her later years, she worked as a lunch room monitor and as a crossing guard. She was also a faithful member of Victory Family Church. Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Her doctors told her there wasn’t much they could do. She did not accept that, displaying tremendous strength, faith and courage, she achieved remission until 2025. Throughout Cindy’s battle, she fought with such determination and grace, inspiring everyone in with whom she came in contact. She touched so many lives with her radiant smile. In spite of the challenges of her illness, she remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her. Her selflessness, generosity, and legacy of love knew no bounds and will be cherished by all who had the privilege of sharing in her journey. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and her strength will come to inspire generations to come.

Friends will be received during a Celebration of Cindy’s Life on Saturday, April 4th, at 1 p.m. at the VFW located at 427 East 3rd Street, Emporium. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please bring a dish to pass along and a favorite memory of Cindy.

A special thank you goes out to Randy and Bev Cirelli, Jared Cirelli, and Caleb and Abbey Cirelli for always being a glimpse of Jesus’ love during the hardest season of her life.

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

Marion G. Tavernaris (1955-2026)

Marion G. Tavernaris, 70, of Pulaski Township, passed away at home on March 27th, 2026.

She was born in Rochester on June 5th, 1955, a daughter of the late Pete and Joanne (Clark) Tavernaris. She is survived by three children, Steven Smith of New Brighton, Gordon Duchene of New Brighton, and Barrett Duchene of Las Vegas, her grandchildren: Bella Gryck, Lewis, Ian, and Anna Duchene; as well as a brother, John Tavernaris and two sisters, Nikki Tavernaris and Jodie Tavernaris.

Marion was a self-employed butcher throughout Beaver County.

Marion’s family will celebrate her life with a memorial gathering at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marion G Tavernaris, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

CCBC Names Marcus Burrows Inaugural Head Coach of Men’s Soccer Program

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of CCBC)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) According to a release from the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), CCBC recently appointed Marcus Burrows as the inaugural head coach of its new men’s soccer program in Monaca, as the college prepares to kick off its first-ever intercollegiate soccer season in the fall of 2026. Burrows brings international coaching experience as well as a strong background in player development and deep local ties to Beaver County when he will lead the Titans Men’s Soccer team. Burrows holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Strength and Conditioning and has built his coaching career around high-performance environments, player development, and cultivating strong team culture and he is a UEFA B Licensed and UEFA B Youth Licensed coach. Burrows coached at Wexford Football Club before joining CCBC. He served as the head coach of the U15 and U17 men’s teams for Wexford Football Club. His squads reached three national finals at the League of Ireland academy level during his tenure, winning one national championship: a title that remains the only national championship in the club’s history. He has also worked closely with international-level players and helped
develop athletes who advanced to compete at the senior League of Ireland level.
Burrows has also served as Director of Soccer Operations at BC United, a
competitive youth soccer club in Beaver County, overseeing player development pathways, coaching support, programming, and overall club operations for the past four and a half years. CCBC announced earlier this year that men’s soccer will begin competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in the fall of 2026, with women’s soccer anticipated to follow in the fall of 2027. The addition of soccer to the CCBC sports line up represents a historic expansion of Titan Athletics and creates new pathways for student athletes across the region.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returns from injury in their most recent win; center Evgeni Malkin considered day-to-day

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) watches as New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) stops a shot during the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, March 30, 2026, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

NEW YORK (AP) — Sidney Crosby returned to the lineup for the Pittsburgh Penguins at the New York Islanders on Monday night after a brief injury absence and had a pair of assists in an 8-3 win.

Coach Dan Muse called the 38-year-old captain a game-time decision when asked following his team’s optional morning skate. Crosby and several other veteran players did not participate.

Crosby centered Pittsburgh’s top line between Bryan Rust and Egor Chinakhov and skated 21 shifts for just under 17 minutes of ice time. The Penguins erased a multigoal deficit to move into second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Crosby did not play Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars, scratched with what the team called a lower-body injury. He missed the first 11 games out of the Olympic break after hurting his right leg while representing Canada in Milan, an injury that does not appear to be the same as this one.

Longtime running mate Evgeni Malkin missed his fourth consecutive game because of injury and is considered day to day. Pittsburgh ruled Malkin out several hours before puck drop.

The Penguins are in the thick of a competitive race to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, going into Monday night holding a spot — third place in the Metropolitan Division — with nine games left. They have not made the playoffs the past three seasons and last advanced in 2018, the year after winning the second of back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

Crosby, Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang are the only players left with the organization who also hoisted the Cup in 2009.

Vocalist Chris Ruggiero performing “Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments” at Beaver Falls Middle School in April

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Leesa Richards)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Social media personality and vocalist Chris Ruggiero will perform his hit show called “Teenage Dreams & Magic Moments” at Beaver Falls Middle School at 7:30 p.m. on April 21st. The PBS-TV star will perform songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and he is backed by a four-piece band. His concert might feature songs that are iconic such as “California Dreamin’,” “Stand By Me,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Ruggiero, who is often described as an “old soul” despite his young age, performs pop-rock music which defines three decades with energy, style and soul. The doors will open at 6:45 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. They are worth $25 for adults and $5 for students. The event is sponsored by the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association and Live On Stage Inc.

The legendary plane “Miss Pittsburgh” may land at the Heinz History Center

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Allegheny County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) “Miss Pittsburgh,” the plane that hung for years above the security gates at Pittsburgh International Airport, may finally have a safe landing place. The historic plane didn’t make a move to the new terminal. However, Heinz History center director Andy Masich sent KDKA a statement saying the plane will be preserved as part of its collection and restored for the mail flight’s centennial next year. “Miss Pittsburgh” made the first mail flight from Pittsburgh to Cleveland and back a century ago. The Heinz History Center is putting in a 92,000-foot addition, and Masich also held out the possibility “Miss Pittsburgh” will be displayed at the center. 

Structure fire occurs in Butler County

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler County, PA) According to a source, Harmony Fire District were dispatched just after 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon to a large downtown commercial structure housing multiple businesses and at least one apartment. This occurred in Butler County and it was reported by multiple callers. Crews knocked out the fire very quickly and it was contained to the initial structure.  

NASA begins the countdown for Artemis II mission, humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years

(File Photo: Source for Photo: This photo provided by NASA shows NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, from left, Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist, right, in a group photograph as they visit NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft, Monday, March 30, 2026, at Launch Complex 39B of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA began the countdown Monday for humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years.

The 32-story Space Launch System rocket is poised to blast off Wednesday evening with four astronauts. After a day in orbit around Earth, their Orion capsule will propel them to the moon and back. There are no stops — just a quick U-turn around the moon. The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific.

“Our team has worked extremely hard to get us to this moment,” said launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. “Certainly all indications are right now we are in excellent, excellent shape.”

Managers said the rocket is doing well following the latest round of repairs. Forecasters said the weather should cooperate.

NASA’s Artemis II mission should have soared in February, but was grounded by hydrogen fuel leaks. The leaks were fixed, but then a helium pressurization line became clogged, forcing a return to the hangar late last month. The rocket returned to the pad 1 1/2 weeks ago, and its U.S.-Canadian crew arrived at the launch site on Friday.

Unlike Apollo, which sent only men to the moon from 1968 through 1972, Artemis’ debut crew includes a woman, person of color and a non-U.S. citizen.

Artemis II’s pilot Victor Glover said over the weekend that he wants young people to see them and think, “Girl power and that’s awesome, and that young brown boys and girls can look at me and go ‘Hey, he looks like me and he’s doing what???’”

At the same time, Glover, who is Black, looks forward to when ”one day we don’t have to talk about these firsts” and exploring the cosmos becomes an all-encompassing “human history.”

NASA has the first six days of April to launch Artemis II before standing down until the end of the month.