Author: Beaver County Radio

Kathleen L. Matoic Rotuna (1942-2024)

Kathleen L. Matoic Rotuna, 82, of Brighton Township, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on April 11, 2024.

Born on March 5, 1942 in New Brighton, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Louise Matoic. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brother, Nicholas Matoic. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John J. Rotuna; son, James D. (Mary Kay) Rotuna of Baden; daughters, Terri L. (David) Cepicka of Fox Chapel, and Kathleen M. Rotuna of Vanport; and granddaughters, Jacqueline L. and Rachael S. Cepicka.

Kathleen was a long time Brighton Township resident and member of Saints Peter and Paul Church of Beaver, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She formerly ran the Saints Peter and Paul School cafeteria for 20 years, having later retired from First National Bank of Koppel.

Friends will be received Tuesday, April 16, 2024 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10 A.M., Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital.

Heath Dominic Vezza (1973-2024)

Heath D. Vezza, 50, of Harmony Township, passed away at home on April 8, 2024. He was born on September 23, 1973 and was the son of Dominic and Patricia Vezza. In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Kimberley Heitzenrater-Vezza, children, Sage Vezza, Tessa Vezza (Montrail Strozier), Kainen Vezza, siblings, Angel (Chris) Hayes, Rochele (Mike) Etzi, Tessie (Isaac) Irby, Kara (Ben) Vezza-Herring, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bonnie and Richard Heitzenrater, very special aunt, Amy Bortman, along with numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Kelly Heitzenrater. Heath was a graduate of Ambridge Area Highschool Class of 1992. He attended the University of Pittsburgh receiving and associates degree. He was employed for twenty years with Norfolk Southern Railroad where he became the Vice Chairman of the American Rail Federation. Heath was a loving and caring father and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until time of funeral service at 7:00 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

Large fire damages at least two homes in Rochester Sunday

Story By Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published April 14, 2024 6:19 P.M.

(Rochester Township, Pa) A fire broke out on East Washington Street in Rochester sometime around 5:15pm Sunday afternoon. Beaver County Radio was on scene as crews fought the blaze.

At least two homes were affected by the fire. Numerous departments responded. We currently do not have word on if there were any injuries or if anyone was inside the homes.

Witness reports indicate that a person and a dog came out of one of the homes, and possibly another dog was missing.

Large amounts of smoke filled the surrounding air, causing decreased visibilty. Power lines were also seen sparking next to the affected homes. Crews remained on scene after 6pm still working the fire.

We are currently working on gathering more details.

YANKEE TRADER LISTINGS 04-13-24

You can email bcr@beavercountyradio.com to add a listing or to let Diane Brosius know if your item has sold. You can also list items on the Website (Beavercountyradio.com) by clicking on the Yankee Trader logo. Snail mail can be sent to WBVP/WMBA 4301 Dutch Ridge Rd. Beaver, PA 15009

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04-13-24 LISTINGS

 

From: Dorothy
Item:  LTB      Looking for a flatscreen tv
Price:$ 40 – 100 at most

Phone number: 412-974-5131

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Ray   Passenger side electric mirror for a 2007-2011 Honda CRV.  It’s in good working shape.  PRCIE: $25.00   PHONE:  724-508-0111

 

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Bob (Economy Boro)  Under-cabinet Sears Best Range Hood.  Brand new, still in the box with all paperwork included.  Coppertone Color, but can easily be painted.  PRICE: $50.00

PHONE: 724-888-6518

 

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Mike (Beaver)  Brand new, never opened Comodita Piccola Rolling Walker with feet, adjustable handle height and seat with storage. Cost $249 new  PRICE: $75.00

 

Lasko Shop Fan on pedestal.  Industrial heavy-duty fan with metal blades.  Throws a lot of air.  Can even be used outdoors on hot days.  Approx 30” across and adjustable height up to 4 feet.  PRICE:  $50.00

 

Black & Decker Weed Wacker with charger & battery included.  Uses a 20V 1.5 AH Lithium battery.  PRICE: $10.00

 

2 PIECE Cherry wood hutch.  Has 3 drawers with flip down desk that has storage for papers & mail.  3 glass shelves behind glass doors. PRICE:  $100.00

 

PHONE:  724-506-2327

 

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Val (Beaver)

 

5 Cubic foot Wheelbarrow.  True Temper brand.  In good shape.  PRICE: $45.00

 

12 Qt. Vollrath Stainless Steel Cooking Pot.  Commercial grade.  PRICE:  $75.00

 

Autographed John Burkett Baseball trading card (ask about price) plus other Baseball and Football Trading Cards.  All kept in albums so they’re in terrific condition.  Purchase individually for $1.00 each or by the album.

 

Lovely Wooden Storage Chest/Toy Box with a lid. 31” in length.   PRICE: $45.00

 

PHONE:  724-513-9390

 

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Bob (South Beaver)

3 Log Chains.  2 are 14 feet and 1 is 12 feet with hooks on each end.  PRICE: $25.00 each

 

60” finish mower that attaches to a small tractor with a 3. Hitch.  PRICE: 750.00

 

2 Bicycles:  16” Black & Red Boys bike with training wheels available and a 20” Blue & white Girls Bike.  PRICE: $25.00 each.

 

A Big Wheel Tricycle in good shape.    PRICE:  $5.00

 

PHONE: 724-843-1132

 

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District 11 Road Closures and Restrictions Due to Flooding – Noon Update

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists that portions of the following state roadways are closed or restricted due to flooding as of noon on Friday:

Allegheny County

  • Route 8 (Washington Boulevard) between Route 130 (Allegheny River Boulevard) and Negley Run Road – Closed
  • Route 48 at Ripple Road in White Oak Borough – Closed
  • Route 1013 (Saxonburg Boulevard) between Reaghard Drive and Ramsey Road in West Deer Township – Closed
  • Route 1034 (Bull Creek Road) between Route 366 and Lardintown Road in Fawn Township – Closed
  • Route 2001 (Bunola River Road) between Cliff Mill Drive and Elkhorn Road in Forward Township – Closed
  • Route 2046 (Streets Run Road) between Glass Run Road and Brentwood Road in the City of Pittsburgh – Closed
  • Route 2058 (Verona Road) between Sandy Creek Road and Mt. Carmel Road – Closed
  • Route 3026 (Millers Run Road) between Crest Street and Morgan Hill Road in South Fayette Township – Closed
  • Route 3048 (Noblestown Road) between Gormley Avenue and Laurel Hill Road in North Fayette Township – lane restrictions
  • Route 3072 (Montour Run Road) between I-376 and Marketplace Boulevard in Moon Township – Closed
  • Route 3075 (Hookstown Grade Road) between Montour Run Road and FedEx Drive in Moon Township – Closed
  • Route 3103 (McKee Road) between Route 978 and Crossroads Drive in Oakdale Borough – Closed
  • Route 4036 (Big Sewickley Creek Road) between Hoenig Road and Turkeyfoot Road in Bell Acres Borough – lane restrictions
  • Route 4036 (Big Sewickley Creek Road) between Camp Meeting Road and Metz Road in Belle Acres Borough – lane restrictions
  • Route 4080 (Toms Run Road/Duff Road) between Ohio River Boulevard and Duff Road in Allepo and Kilbuck townships -Closed

Beaver County

  • Route 51 (Constitution Boulevard) between Cove Hill Road and Fallston Street in Fallston Borough – Lane Restriction
  • Route 65 between Mercer Road and Country Club Drive in North Sewickley Township – Closed
  • Route 588 between Veka Drive and Pine Run Road in Marion Township – Closed
  • Route 1005 (Celia Road) between Chapel Drive and Shady Rest Road in North Sewickley Township – Closed
  • Route 1006 (Mercer Road) between Route 65 and Route 288 in Franklin Township – Closed
  • Route 1008 (Shady Rest Road) between McKim Way and Celia Road in Franklin Township
  • Route 1015 (Hartzell Road) between Route 588 and Old Furnace Road in Marion Township – Closed
  • Route 1019 (Brush Creek Road) between Route 68 and Mellon Road in New Sewickley Township – Closed
  • Route 1019 (Brush Creed Road) between Wises Grove Road and Tulip Drive in New Sewickley Township – Closed
  • Route 2003 (Hoenig Road) between Big Sewickley Creek Road and Mason Road in Economy Borough – Closed
  • Route 3013 (Independence Road) between Village Road and Bryson Road in Hopewell Township – Closed
  • Route 3020 (Service Creek Road) between Parish Drive and Valley View Road in Independence Township – Closed
  • Route 3023 (Park Road) between Route 30 and Hookstown Grade Road in Independence Township – Closed
  • Route 4027 (Darlington Road) between 8th Street and Cove Hill Road – Closed (due to a slide)
  • Route 4037 (Barkley Hill Road) between Route 68 and Nicholas Drive in Industry Borough – Closed

Lawrence County

  • Route 1003 (Old Plank Road) between Mercer Road and Maitland Lane in Neshannock Township – Closed
  • Route 2013 (Mt Herman Church Road) between Route 422 to Frew Mill Road in Slippery Rock Township – Closed

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Kennywood’s 126th Season Kicks Off April 20 with New Additions & Experiences

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 12, 2024): Kennywood, a USA Today 10 Best Theme Park, will open its gate for its 126th season on Saturday, April 20. Guests are in store for the most exciting and appetizing Opening Weekend yet with the return of beloved attractions like Turtle and Aero 360, brand-new culinary additions, Jeeters’ Pub and Carousel Burger Co. plus several parkwide enhancements. The upcoming season will feature an all-new special event, thrilling entertainment and the all-new Potato Smash bumper cars.

“Final preparations are underway now for what is sure to be Kennywood’s most thrilling season yet, with brand-new elements and park improvements,” says Kennywood’s Assistant General Manager, Rick Spicuzza. “We are excited to kick off this season with tasty new dining options, Turtle and Aero 360 back in the ride lineup, a unique new summer event and action-packed entertainment to truly elevate the guest experience.”

Kennywood, continuing the multi-year park improvement project, is ready to delight guests with all-new park enhancements throughout, including:

  • Turtle – the last operating ride of its kind in the world, will again welcome riders after its ‘turt-al’ restoration, preserving this icon of Kennywood’s past, present and future;
  • Aero 360 – the park’s popular pendulum ride showcasing the iconic Kennywood arrows, is refreshed and rejoins the ride lineup with vibrantly painted seats and a completely updated control system;
  • Wacky Wheel – the Centurian miniature Ferris Wheel is ready to take the little ones for a birds-eye view of Kiddieland after its complete restoration;
  • Lost Kennywood Gift Shop – the largest retail space in the park, is completely remodeled and ready to offer delicious, sweet treats and park souvenirs;
  • Potato Smash – the total transformation of the park’s classic bumper car ride, themed to Kennywood’s iconic fresh-cut Potato Patch® fries, will feature 20 new ‘spud-tacular’ cars modeled after the park’s signature snack;
  • More days to play this season with extended hours, including 10 p.m. closes, and an expanded park operating schedule.

Hungry guests are in for a treat this season as Kennywood introduces two all-new dining experiences. In partnership with Penn Brewery, Jeeters’ Pub, a hometown bar themed to the popular pink mascot from the 1970s, will offer twelve different draft beers, pub snacks and other spirited beverages. Carousel Burger Co. joins the lineup in the park’s original Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. The new all-American restaurant, commemorating Kennywood’s past, will provide a bigger and better dining experience featuring juicy burgers, signature Carousel Shakes and much more.

The summer will be headlined by thrilling events. The fan-favorite Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival returns Memorial Day Weekend and will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June. The chef-inspired tasting event will feature international cuisine from eight different countries.  In July, the park will celebrate the Steel City every weekend with the all-new, Celebrate Pittsburgh featuring Pittsburgh arts, culture, sports and beer complete with the park’s first-ever drone show on Saturday, July 20.

Right now, Kennywood is offering its best deal of the season, guests can save up to 50% on tickets and Season Passes for a limited time. Those looking to enjoy a full season of thrills can upgrade to a 2024 Gold Season Pass and enjoy unlimited admission all year and unique perks like discounts on food and retail, Bring a Friend Day discounts and more.

To learn more about Kennywood and to purchase Season Passes and park tickets, visit kennywood.com.

PennDOT Welcomes Proposals for Innovative Projects to Improve Transportation in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through April 30.

The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects, infrastructure, and services. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 PM on April 30. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website.

PennDOT holds an unsolicited proposal period in April and October each year.

The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round.

The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, PennDOT would issue a Request for Proposals and start a competitive procurement as defined by the P3 law.

Pennsylvania flooded by applications for student-teacher stipends in bid to end teacher shortage

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania state agency has received thousands of applications for the state’s first-ever student-teacher stipends, many times more than the available stipends approved by lawmakers as a way to help end a teacher shortage. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency reported receiving more than 4,000 applications Thursday, the first day the window for applications opened. The $10 million approved by lawmakers for stipends last year, however, is only expected to serve about 650 student-teachers. Lawmakers created a program to give a stipend of at least $15,000 or $10,000, depending on the district. Stipend recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years.