Author: Beaver County Radio

Marjorie Ann Krisa (1948-2024)

Marjorie Ann Krisa, 75, of South Beaver Township, passed away on April 14, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice.

She was born on July 23, 1948 in New Brighton and was the daughter of the late Willard and Blanche (Schoder) Zeh, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, whom she married on July 18, 1970, Walter Krisa; children Stephanie & Jeff Christian of New Brighton; Michael Krisa and Stacey Barnes of East Palestine, Ohio; and Tim Krisa of East Palestine, Ohio, three grandchildren, Hollyn Christian, Grace Christian, and Owen Krisa, sister, Carol (Dave) Somerville; mother-in-law Helen Krisa; brother-in-law Michael Krisa; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was a longtime member of Pathway Church of Chippewa Township.  She loved playing cards, reading,  and antiquing.

Friends will be received Thursday, April 18 from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a funeral service will be held Friday, April 19 at 11:00 A.M. with her pastor John Westurn officiating.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery of Big Beaver Borough.

Memorial contributions may be made if desired to Pathway Church’s Clean Water Program, which is a program dedicated to building wells in third world countries.

Stephen L. Baker (1951-2024)

Stephen L. Baker, 73, of Ohioville, passed away on April 14, 2024, at Heratige Valley Health System of Beaver.

Born on March 12, 1951, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Kenny Baker and Charles and Elizabeth (Myers) Gillespie, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Bonnie (Allwine) Baker; children, Jason (Amy) Baker, Teri Jo (Jim) Kuroski, Sammy Jo (Mike) Watson, and Joshua (Autumn Hall) Baker; grandchildren, Shalimar Baker, Ashayla Baker, Arayah Baker, Cody Baker, Peyton (Dylan) Thellman, Brianna Baker, Garrett Gilbert, Nicholas Gilbert, Noah Haney, Tanner Haney, Kaylee Kuroski, and Alexis Kuroski; great-grandchildren, Liam Thellman and Bella Thellman; his sister, Lori (Bob) Ealy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Amber Baker, Jeff Allwine, Beth Deprano, Greg Allwine, and Kathy Ware; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve had worked for J&L Steel for several years before retiring from UPMC Passavant as a maintenance worker.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved to garden, paint, play golf, softball, and tennis.  Steve had a love for being a regular ol’ hillbilly.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 18th from 2 P.M. until time of services at 6 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

In accordance with Steve’s wishes, he will be cremated following services.

Stephen B. Knotts (1962-2024)

Stephen B. Knotts, 61, of Rochester Township, passed away on April 13, 2024, at his home. Stephen was born on June 22, 1962 in Rochester to the late Andrew D. and Sofie Lewchenko Knotts. Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Barbara Knotts, a niece, Rachel A. Warga-Ward and his K-9 Companions, Tater and Snowflake. Stephen is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joan C. “Bonzo” Knotts, his loving daughters, Kailey E. Knotts of Freedom, and Jessica S. [Steve Valent], of Tennessee, one granddaughter, Isla E. “Bean” Keane of Freedom. Steve is also survived by one brother and sister in law, William A. “Bill” and Suzi Knotts of Economy Borough, a sister, Carol D. Knotts of Canfield, Ohio, a beloved special friend, R.J. Ward of New Sewickley Township, cousin, Jerry Kello of Butler, Godfather to Steve’s daughters, and Danny Murphy of Emlenton. He is also survived by his K-9 companions, Pepsi and Spud, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was a retired Construction Coordinator with Columbia Gas of Pa, Rochester Township, and Monaca. Stephen attended The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester. Stephen loved his pet dogs, his family, and going to his camp with family and friends. He especially loved being a pappap to his granddaughter “Bean”.
Steve played semi-pro football for The Pittsburgh Maulers. He prided himself in lifting weights, being strong and his ability to protect the ones he loved. As tough as Steve may have been, he wore his heart on his sleeve. He was caring and compassionate and would give the shirt off his back to anyone.
Steve was always making sure everyone had a smile on their face with his unique sense of humor. His gift in life was being able to make people laugh and could make friends anywhere he went.
Friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 A.M. in The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating will be his Pastor, Reverend Gregory S. Clagg. Interment will follow in Beaver Falls Cemetery. The family wishes any memorial contributions be made to the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, 200 Darragh St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or Paws Across Pittsburgh Animal Rescue, 413 E 6th Avenue, Tarentum, PA 15084.

James R. Reid (1995-2024)

James R. Reid, 29, of McGuire Memorial, Daugherty Twp, passed away on April 13, 2024.

Born on April 3, 1995, in Philadelphia, he is the son of James L. Reid and Minyette Turner.

Friends will be received Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in McGuire Memorial, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton, from 9 a.m. until 10:45.   A Homegoing service will follow at 11 a.m. in McGuire Memorial.

James will be laid to rest in White Chapel Memorial Park of Philadelphia.

Penn State Beaver names new Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer

Photo Credit: Cathy Benscoter / Penn State Beaver. Obtained from Penn State Beaver Website.

(Monaca, Pa) Penn State Beaver has named a new chancellor and chief academic officer of the school. Carey McDougall, who has been serving as the campus’ interim chancellor since July 1, will fulfill the position.

McDougall previously served as the Director of Academic Affairs since 2014.

According to a news release, during her time at Penn State Beaver, McDougall has brought five additional degrees to the campus to align enrollment with industry growth and the changing career interests of prospective students both regionally and nationally. McDougall also designed and ran the campus’ first Campus Advisory Board Academic Excellence Mentoring Program to support students who would benefit from enriched career pathways.

McDougall also serves as the chair of the board of directors for the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, and as the chair of the Beaver Borough Planning Commission.

Barges break loose on Ohio River in Pittsburgh, damaging a marina and striking a bridge

PITTSBURGH (AP) — More than two dozen river barges broke loose from their moorings and floated down the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, striking one bridge that had already been preemptively closed and damaging a marina, officials said. The boats eventually were pinned to the riverbank or went over a dam downstream, officials said.

Pittsburgh police, fire and emergency medical services responded around 11:25 p.m. Friday to reports of the barges “floating uncontrolled” down the river, Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement. The area had been hit by flooding after heavy rains Thursday.

The Sewickley Bridge was struck by a barge a few minutes before 2 p.m. Saturday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said. It “was closed in advance of the strike and will remain closed until our crews complete an inspection,” spokesperson Steve Cowan said.

Officials in Moon Township, which is connected by the bridge to the community of Sewickley, earlier said the span would be temporarily closed “due to unmanned barge passing through.”

Eleven of the 26 barges that broke free were quickly contained to one side by another towing vessel just downstream, said Cmdr. Justin Jolley of the Coast Guard marine safety unit in Pittsburgh. Nine others were collected at the Emsworth lock and dam downstream.

Five or six barges went through the dam. Four ended up just downstream at a lock and dam, while another ended up on the bank of the river and was stabilized. Marine safety units were searching for one barge unaccounted for, Jolley said.

Pittsburgh public safety officials reported damage to Peggy’s Harbor, a marina on the river. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the McKees Rocks Bridge was also closed as a precaution but later reopened following inspection.

Twenty-three of the barges were carrying dry cargo, mostly coal, and at least one was loaded with fertilizer, according to the owner, Jolley said. Three were empty. There were no hazardous materials on any of the vessels, the city said.

The Coast Guard put out a broadcast notice to mariners to inform them about the potential hazard, but high water was preventing traffic on the river, Jolley said.

The barges were owned or operated by Campbell Transportation Co., the city’s statement said. Jolley said Coast Guard officials were working with the owner on a salvage plan. Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies were also alerted.

The vulnerability of bridges to strikes from barges and ships came into stark relief last month when a container ship rammed a support of the major Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing the span and leading to the deaths or presumptive deaths of six road workers.

McCormick gets Trump’s endorsement in Pennsylvania’s Senate race despite awkward history

FILE – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick shares his plan for combatting adverse Chinese influence on the U.S. economy and security during a speech at the Independence Visitor Center, Dec. 7, 2023, in Philadelphia. Former President Donald Trump endorsed McCormack of Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 13, 2024, urging his supporters in Pennsylvania to “go out and vote for him” in one of the year’s most hotly contested Senate races. (Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File)

Former President Donald Trump is endorsing U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick of Pennsylvania. Trump spoke during a rally in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Schnecksville on Saturday and urged his supporters in the state to vote for McCormick in one of the year’s most hotly contested Senate races. Trump’s endorsement came two years after he successfully helped sink McCormick in Pennsylvania’s Senate GOP primary, creating an awkward dynamic between the two men. McCormick didn’t attend the rally. McCormick responded on social media, saying: “Thank you, President Trump! Together we will deliver a big win for Pennsylvania and America in November.” McCormick is trying to unseat Democratic Sen. Bob Casey.

Arizona State hires former Steelers star Hines Ward as receivers coach

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State has hired former Pittsburgh Steelers star Hines Ward as wide receivers coach. Ward replaces Ra’Shaad Samples, who left to become associate head coach and wide receivers coach at Oregon. Ward played for the Steelers from 1998-2011, winning two Super Bowls. He was the MVP of the Super Bowl in 2005 after the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks. Ward had 12,083 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns during his career, earning four trips to the Pro Bowl. After his playing career, he had stints as Florida Atlantic’s receivers coach, was an offensive assistant for the New York Jets and the head coach of the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas last year.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Shares Safety Tips for Severe Weather Awareness Week

Canonsburg, PA – Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is reminding customers to prepare for the potential of severe weather during Severe Weather Awareness Week which runs Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19.

“From snowstorms and extreme cold in the winter to ice and rain in the spring and thunderstorms that could bring the potential for lightning, wind and flooding in the summer and fall, severe weather could happen at any time in Pennsylvania,” said Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time for our customers to learn about how they can keep themselves and their families safe while enjoying the many benefits that natural gas offers.”

Here’s what you need to know for severe weather:

  • Have an emergency plan and practice it with your family.
  • Label gas valves, water valves and electricity main switches. Teach responsible family members how and when to turn them off.
  • Store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint and cleaning products away from any natural gas appliance with a pilot light.
  • If your appliances have been impacted by severe weather, do not attempt to place natural gas appliances back in service yourself. A qualified professional should check, clean, repair and test all gas appliances and pipes.
  • If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas or think there may be a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately, and then call 911 and the Columbia Gas emergency line at 1-888-460-4332.

 

Flooding safety tips:

  • In the event of a flood, turn off electrical power to each appliance and leave it off.
  • If the natural gas is shut off at the meter, call Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania to turn it back on for you.
  • If water levels were high enough to cover the gas meter, call us to check your meter and regulator before using your gas appliances. Floodwaters may have shifted your home or caused other stresses, possibly resulting in a natural gas leak.
  • For more severe weather and flooding safety tips, visit ColumbiaGasPA.com/Safety/Weather-Safety.

Other safety tips:

  • Call 811 before you dig:  Big or small, call 811 before you dig, your local utilities will mark their lines so you can dig safely. It’s free to homeowners. It’s easy. It’s the law. Visit PA1Call.org or ColumbiaGasPA.com/811 for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.
  • Keep your meter clear: Don’t let debris build up on or around your natural gas meter. Take time to gently clear the meter with a broom, and never hang or place any objects on or around your natural gas meter or piping.
  • Avoiding encroachments: Encroachments within pipeline easements can be a safety hazard. It is important that property owners understand the importance of keeping these areas clear. Nothing should be placed within the limits of the easement area. More information can be found at ColumbiaGasPA.com/Encroachments.

For more home safety tips, visit ColumbiaGasPA.com/Safety/Home-Safety.

McDonald’s Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken Returning

(Pittsburgh, Pa) McDonald’s is turning up the heat with the return of the fan favorite Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken sandwich.

Featuring a crispy chicken, tender patty seasoned with a bold mix of spices, the sandwich is topped with shredded lettuce and mayonnaise and served on a perfectly toasted bun.

“Our customers told us they crave the audacious flavor of the Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator Toni Hower.  “Mickey D’s is bringing the heat!”

Like the McRib and Shamrock Shake, the Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken sandwich is available for a limited time onlyat participating restaurants,

The Hot ‘n Spicy chicken sandwich can be ordered at the front counter, drive-thru, and on the MyMcDonald’sRewards app.