Author: Beaver County Radio

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. reappointed to several Senate committees

(File Photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from Senator Elder Vogel Jr’s office, Vogel has been reappointed to five Senate committees. Vogel is now the Agriculture and Rural Affairs chair and is on the Appropriations Committee as its vice chair. Vogel will look over issues in communities that are rural in Pennsylvania and make progress for the state budget. Vogel will also be a member of the Transportation, Environmental Resources and Energy, and Banking and Insurance committees. 

WPIAL announces 2025 Hall of Fame class

(File Photo of WPIAL logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The WPIAL announced their Hall of Fame class of 2025 this week. The list includes a former Beaver County athlete and a coach. Those two are Ty Law, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played for Aliquippa and Dori Oldaker, who coached for Blackhawk in basketball. According to the WPIAL, here is the full list of the fifteen members of their 2025 Hall of Fame Class.

Athletes:

  • Charel Allen
    Monessen basketball
  • Russ Grimm
    Southmoreland football, basketball, track
  • Ty Law
    Aliquippa football
  • Spencer Lee
    Franklin Regional wrestling
  • Ron Semkiw
    Baldwin track
  • Brooke Stewart
    East Allegheny basketball
  • Rodney Wilson
    West Greene football, track, wrestling

Coaches

  • Dori Oldaker
    Blackhawk and Mt. Lebanon basketball
  • Rich Saccani
    Upper St. Clair tennis

Courage

  • Aiden Hanna
    Hampton baseball and golf

Contributor

  • Terry Kushner

Official

  • Rick Locaitis
    football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball

Heritage

  • Trilby Busch
    Munhall rifle

Teams

  • 1984 Seton LaSalle girls’ basketball
  • 2012 North Allegheny football

AAA suggests tips to prepare your home for cold winter weather in Western Pennsylvania

(File Photo of AAA East Central logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) AAA is reminding Pennsylvanians to get your home ready for the cold temperatures coming up in Western Pennsylvania. According to a release from AAA, meeting with an insurance agent to review policies is crucial for liability purposes, even though most damages during winter are covered by insurance for homes.

According to AAA, here are some tips to protect and prepare your house from cold weather:

  • Remove hoses from exterior faucets.
  • Repair or replace weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners and electrical and gas lines.
  • Use caulk or insulation to seal all cracks, holes and other openings on exterior walls.
  • Let faucets drip a little bit to prevent freezing pipes.
  • Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will help protect pipes. Close foundation vents and windows to basements. Wrap vulnerable pipes with pipe insulation.
  • Know where water shutoff valves are located so water can be turned off in case of an emergency.
  • Air inside the walls, where pipes are, can be much colder than air in the room, so set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, even if no one is home.
  • Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
  • Close wood burning fireplace flue dampers when not in use. Follow all manufacturer instructions for gas fireplaces including those with pilot lights, which may require the flue to be always partially open.
  • Trim threatening trees.
  • Shut off water and drain pipes.
  • Clean gutters.

Snow Watch: Cancellations and Delays 1/16/2025

Snow Watch logo

The following school districts and businesses have either delayed or canceled for today: 01/16/25 (We will continue to update the list throughout the morning)

Ellwood City Area School District: Closed Thursday with a Flexible Instruction Day

Head Start Riverside: Closed Thursday

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School: Closed Thursday with a Flexible Instruction Day

North Catholic High School: Closed Thursday with a Flexible Instruction Day

Riverside Beaver School District in Ellwood City: Closed Thursday with a Flexible Instruction Day

Seneca Valley School District: 2 hour delay Thursday morning with a Modified Kindergarten

St. Killian Parish School in Cranberry: 2 hour delay Thursday morning

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Academy in Zelienople: 2 hour delay Thursday morning

Sto-Rox School District: 2 hour delay Thursday morning

Snow watch is sponsored by Munroe Auto Body, the Lisa Lathom Team at EXP Realty, the Cornerstone of Beaver County, and Beaver County Radio. 

Mary Angela Castelli (1930-2025)

Mary Angela Castelli, 94, of Hamilton, New Jersey, formerly of Midland, passed away on January 13, 2025 surrounded by her loving daughters.
She was born in Midland on July 6th, 1930, the daughter of the late Bianca and Joseph Pichelli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, (Herk), and her 2 brothers, Louie and Ovidio, (Vejo).Mary is survived by her dearest and loving sister and brother-in-Law, Lucy and Raymond Presutti whose love, support and assistance were always there through the years and appreciated far beyond words could express. She is also survived by her children and their spouses, Teresa and Daun Wells of Hamilton, New Jersey, Gina and John Zapicchi of Trenton, New Jersey, and Terrance and Denise Castelli of Indianapolis, Indiana, along with her grandchildren, Justin (Angela), Kristin (Devin), Jessica and Daniella, her five great-grandchildren: Roman, Leo, Trevin, Kaia and Silas; her dearest Neighbors from the “Hill,” Frances (Camaioni) and Goldie (Felekey) and all her dearest friends and her numerous special nieces and nephews.

Mary had been a faithful member of both Saint Blaise Church of Midland, part of St. Augustine Parish and the St. Anthony Club. Although Mary moved to be with her daughters Teresa and Gina in 2007, she never lost her love for her beloved home of Midland.

A thank you goes out to everyone at the Juniper Village of Hamilton, New Jersey and Serenity Hospice Care who provided exceptional care and attention to her during her time with them.
Friends will be received on Sunday, January 19th, from 3-6 P.M. in the Schwerha- Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Ave, Midland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 20th at 10:30 A.M. at St. Blaise Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to St. Blaise Church, St. Augustine Parish or The St. Anthony Club of Midland.

Roberta Jean “Jitters” Blackwood (1941-2025)

Roberta Jean “Jitters” Blackwood, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 12th, 2025 at Franciscan Manor. She was born in Beaver Falls on April 8th, 1941, a daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Koehler) Scranton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Michael Scranton and Patrick Scranton, who remained forever in her heart. She is survived by her sons, Richard Blackwood and Michael (Shelley) Blackwood, grandchildren: Zinnia Blackwood, Dahlia Blackwood, Brett (Heather) Blackwood, and Abigail (Derek) Kenniston; and great-grandchildren: Gianrocco Santucci, Giovanna Santucci, Olive Blackwood, Karter Kenniston, and Layton Kenniston; her brother, Robert (Gaye) Scranton, sisters, Lila (Wayne) Bober and Robin (Tim) McGraw, sisters-in-law, Sandra Scranton and Cheryl Scranton, her dear and lifelong friend Kathy Topper and the father of her sons, W. Richard Blackwood.

Roberta lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family.
Affectionately known as “Jitters” for her boundless energy and vibrant personality, Roberta was celebrated for her quick wit and clever comebacks, bringing laughter to every situation. Her humor was matched only by her kindness and resilience, making her an unforgettable presence in the lives of those who knew her. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of the Chippewa United Presbyterian Church and took comfort in the promise of being reunited with her loved ones and her Heavenly Father.
Roberta graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1959 and later attended the Community College of Beaver County, where she studied accounting and bookkeeping and was employed in that regard with various companies in the area.
She had a flair for decorating and a keen eye for antiques, hobbies that brought her great joy. She also enjoyed vacationing in Florida and in recent years, wintering in Las Vegas alongside her late companion, David Reda.
Roberta’s family will remember her for her unwavering tenacity, infectious laughter, and the joy she brought to their lives. In honor of her wishes, no formal services will be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date.
The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to assist Roberta’s family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Roberta’s memory, celebrating the compassion and warmth she shared with everyone she met.

Belva Herrmann (1932-2025)

Belva Herrmann, 92, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on January 12th, 2025 at Cambridge Village.

She was born in Economy Township on January 23rd, 1932, a daughter of the late Harry Paul and Ethel Pearl Stange. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Herrmann, grandson Arthur Herrmann, and sister Annabelle Kelley. She is survived by her son Fred (Patricia) Herrmann, daughters, Carol (Frank) Kunkel, and Sandy (Andrew) Sprankle, grandchildren: Katherine (David Tockman) Kunkel, Robert (Mickey) Kunkel, Samantha (Devin) Walsh, Joetta (Benjamin) Vroman, Tabitha (Travis) LeTourneau, Annette (Austin) Percy; along with nine great-grandchildren.

Belva spent her life taking care of her three children. She was a devoted mother and enjoyed quality time with her children as they grew up, making wonderful memories along the way.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16th, from 7-9 p.m. and Friday January 17th at 10 a.m. followed by services at 11 a.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, followed by a private interment at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester.

The family would like to thank Alyssa Crispeno and Beth Britton from Heartland Hospice for their compassion and care. The family would also like to express gratitude to the entire staff of the Cambridge Village Memory Care Unit during her time there.

 

Darryl Paul Zdenek (1942-2025)

Darryl Paul Zdenek, 82, passed away on January 7th, 2025.
He was born in Nyack, New York on May 18th, 1942, the son of the late Ola and Otto Zdenek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older sister Barbara Aventuro. He is survived by two sons, Eric (Lisa) Zdenek and Michael (Erika) Zdenek, two grandchildren, Miles and Ava, two younger sisters, Karen (Paul) Neilson and Melissa (Dennis) Danewalski and their spouses.
Darryl was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and received an Honorable Discharge from service in the United States Navy. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofransesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Virginia Ann Wolf (1963-2025)

Virginia Ann Wolf, 61, of New Castle, passed away on January 13th, 2025, at Edison Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of New Castle.

She was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 22nd, 1963, a daughter of the late Robert and Wilma (Wright) Coburn. She is survived by her children, Joshua and Cody Gault, Lynn Adams, Megan (Joseph) McGovern, her sister, Donna Gumpf, caregiver, Shawn Stimmill, many grandchildren, a great-grandchild and numerous cousins. Virginia was a wife, a loving mother and a devoted homemaker.

In accordance with Virginia’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Struggling Penguins place 2-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry on waivers

A shot by Seattle Kraken’s Chandler Stephenson gets past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins ran out of patience waiting for two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry to emerge from a slump, placing him on waivers Wednesday ahead of a pivotal seven-game road trip that could determine the course of the rest of their season.
The 29-year-old Jarry is 8-7-4 with a 3.32 goals against average and a .886 save percentage this season for Pittsburgh, which is on the fringe of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference due in large part to subpar play in net.
The Penguins have allowed an NHL-high 173 goals, with neither Jarry nor Alex Nedeljkovic establishing themselves behind a defense prone to lapses.
The Penguins will call up promising rookie Joel Blomqvist to join Nedeljkovic on the road trip, which starts on Friday in Buffalo. Blomqvist went 3-5 with a 3.60 goals against average and a .904 save percentage during a stint in Pittsburgh earlier in the season.
It seems unlikely a team would be willing to claim Jarry and pick up his salary, meaning Jarry will be reassigned to the Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton once he clears waivers.
“At this point, (I) just feel it’s best in the long run for the team and for Tristan to allow Joel to come up here,” Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas said Wednesday. “We think over the past year-and-a-half, with his play in Wilkes-Barre and when he’s been up here with us, he’s earned the right to have a go at it.”
The decision comes 18 months after Dubas signed Jarry to a five-year deal with an average annual value of $5.375 million. Jarry was an All-Star in 2020 and 2022 but has struggled most of the last two seasons.
“He’s continued to come in here, put the work in and that’s not been a question at all,” Dubas said. “That just hasn’t materialized the way we would like it to on the ice. At this level, you get to the point where you have to do what’s right … for him and for us.”
Jarry ceded the starting job to Nedeljkovic last spring. While he reclaimed his spot atop the depth chart coming out of training camp, he stumbled out of the gate and was sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a lengthy conditioning stint.
While there was a brief uptick in his play after he returned, Jarry has lost five straight starts and continues to struggle early in games. He’s allowed a goal on an opponent’s first shot six times this season and allowed a shorthanded goal on Seattle’s second shot in a 4-2 defeat to the Kraken on Tuesday.
“When you lose, this is the kind of stuff that can happen,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Wednesday. “A goaltender already has a ton of pressure, and it’s difficult for us because we feel like as a team we’re responsible if we don’t give our goalies enough help sometimes. I think that’s the tough part.”
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan, who took his team to task for defensive letdowns in the third period against the Kraken that opened up the door for Seattle’s comeback, believes there’s a chance Jarry will make his way back at some point.
“I don’t think you make the All-Star team twice if you don’t have a certain level of talent and you’re not capable of making timely saves,” Sullivan said. “So, I know that Tristan has it. I believe to my core that he’s an NHL goaltender.”
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL