Author: Beaver County Radio

David C. Couch (1952-2025)

David C. Couch, 73, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on December 29th, 2025, under the care of Gateway Hospice and Beaver Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Beaver Falls, the place he called home for over four years. He was born on January 31st, 1952, the eldest child of the late Carl and Juanita Couch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great niece, Addison Grace Gagliardi. He is survived by his siblings: Rebecca (Mark) Weatherly of Arizona, Tim Couch of Ohio, Mark Couch of Virginia, Tom (Judy) Couch of New Brighton and Mary Beth Burnsworth; as well as four nephews: Shane, Troy, and Brent Weatherly, and Tom (TJ) Couch; as well as four nieces: Shannon Blair, Christina Clark, Tiffany Gagliardi, and Rachel Burnsworth; along with numerous great nieces and nephews. David was a 1970 graduate of New Brighton High School, and he was an “Oak Hill boy”. He spent many years managing and owning gasoline/service stations with towing services and working on automobiles as a mechanic. He took great pride in the last station he had owned on Route 18 in Big Beaver, “Dave’s Sunoco”. He had also worked at B&W and was a long-haul truck driver before his health declined. He faithfully sent postcards home to his parents as he traveled around the country. He was a dedicated son and helped to provide care for his aging parents prior to their deaths. David was a lover of the sport of car racing and had, in the past, owned and raced his own cars. From an age before he even had his driver’s license, he began to purchase numerous vehicles, repair and repurpose them, and sell them only to purchase another one. He had more vehicles in his lifetime than anyone can remember or count. He was also an avid football and Steelers fan. David was an “old soul” and always had a penchant for being a father figure, doling out advice to his five younger siblings. In accordance with David’s wishes, there will be no visitation or viewing and his remains will be cremated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made, in his name, to a reputable charity organization that supports Parkinson’s disease or kidney disease, or another charitable organization of choice.

Richard H. Davies, Jr. (1947-2025)

Richard H. Davies, Jr., 78, a devoted husband, loving brother, and cherished friend, passed away after an extended illness on December 26th, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He was born in Rochester on December 3rd, 1947, the son of the late Richard Davies, Sr. and Bernice (Eaton) Mateer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Mary Harvan, his stepfather, John Mateer, two brothers-in-law, Larry Cramer and Ed Canning, and a niece and nephew, Kelly and Jamie Puwal.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Donna (Harvan) Davies, who was constantly by his side, two sisters, Susan Cramer and Beverly Davies, two stepbrothers, John (Lisa) Mateer and Jeff (Traci) Mateer, a sister-in-law, Fran Canning, a dear niece, Danielle (Justin) Ward, a special great niece and great nephew, Emma and Callan Ward, his aunt, Lynn Volk, his uncle, Keith Eaton, his cousins and a lifelong cherished friend, Jim Fedell. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and all those whose lives he brightened.
Richard retired from First Energy Corporation, where he worked as an electrician and was respected for his dedication and skill. He found comfort and strength in his faith throughout his life. He was a member of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and St. Catherine of Siena Church in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed spending his time watching football and western movies, a pastime that brought him much joy.
The family thanks AHN Health Network for years of dedicated care for Rick. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Matthew Lander, Dr. Amresh Raina, and nurse coordinators Erin, Laura, Patty, Maddy, and Alysa for always prioritizing Rick’s well-being. The Davies family remains grateful to all of you.
Richard requested that there would not be any services. Arrangements have been entrsuted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Joe Beretta Heart Foundation. For more information, please view thejoeberettafoundation.com
If you’d like to donate via check, please send to The Joe Beretta Heart Foundation P.O.Box 777, Mount Juliet, TN 37121

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard H. Davies Jr. please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

James V. Pursley (1942-2025)

James V. Pursley, 83, of Hopewell Township, passed away on December 30th, 2025 in Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford. He was born in Sewickley on August 14th, 1942, the only son of Vaughn and Margaret Pursley. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patty Pursley and his son and daughter in law, Jim & Renae Pursley, of Hopewell, his grandchildren, Marissa Shell and Ryan Gailey and his great grandchildren, Arionna, Amiya, and Prince Shell.

James worked as a Locomotive Engineer for the A&S Railroad. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to spend time hunting and fishing. He also loved riding his motorcycle.

All services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Private interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

Mantha scores 2 goals to help the Penguins beat the Hurricanes 5-1

 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Anthony Mantha (39) celebrates his second goal of the game during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Anthony Mantha scored twice and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on Tuesday night.

Mantha, who scored in his third straight game, had a power-play goal in the first period and added another goal in the second as Pittsburgh jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Justin Brazeau set a career high with his 12th goal and added an assist. Tommy Novak had a goal and an assist, and Sidney Crosby scored his 21st of the season.

Erik Karlsson had two assists and passed Brad Park for the 14th-most points by a defenseman in NHL history. Bryan Rust also added two assists for the Penguins, who have won three of four following an eight-game losing streak.

Stuart Skinner made 27 saves and improved to 1-3 with the Penguins since they acquired him Dec. 12 from Edmonton in a trade that sent goalie Tristan Jarry to the Oilers.

Mark Jankowski scored for the Hurricanes, who have lost four of six.

Frederik Andersen stopped 23 shots for Carolina. He is 0-6-2 in his last eight starts and hasn’t won since Nov. 6 against Minnesota.

Crosby and the Penguins took advantage of a turnover behind the net to open a 1-0 lead 3:46 into the game.

Brazeau and Mantha made it 3-0 later in the period with goals 1:05 apart. Brazeau chipped a shot behind Andersen at 16:07 while falling to the ice on a partial breakaway, and Mantha scored a power-play goal at 17:12 from the top of the crease. Brett Kulak set up Brazeau’s breakaway with his 100th NHL assist.

Novak and Mantha scored in the final five minutes of the second period to make it 5-0. Noel Acciari screened Andersen on Novak’s shot from the high slot, and Mantha scored his second goal after a give-and-go with Brazeau.

The Hurricanes played again without top defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who missed Monday’s game against the New York Rangers with a lower-body injury.

Up next

Hurricanes: Host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

Penguins: Host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.

 

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. Announces State Grants for Municipal Traffic Light Upgrades in Beaver and Butler Counties

(File Photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) According to a release in Rochester yesterday from Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.’s office, Vogel announced yesterday that several municipalities in Beaver and Butler counties will benefit from nearly $430,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) Green Light-Go Program, which is dedicated to enhancing local traffic signals and improving community traffic flow as a competitive state grant program. Center Township is receiving $132,024 for upgrading signal equipment at Pleasant Drive and Autumn Street in Beaver County. Cranberry Township is receiving $94,800 for upgrading detection and controller equipment at multiple intersections, as well as $83,350 for expansion of fiber-optic traffic signal communications, while Seven Fields Borough is receiving $117,520 for replacement of outdated sensors with radar detection, both in Butler County.

Former Pitt wide reciever Larry Fitzgerald among fifteen 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Larry Fitzgerald Jr. holds a ball on the field before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans on Nov. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert/File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Canton, OH) Former Pitt football and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is one of fifteen finalists to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 Class. People from the museum in Canton, Ohio recently selected Fitzgerald as a finalist for this honor because he is second all-time in NFL history in catches with 1,432 and receiving yards with 17,492 only behind Jerry Rice in those categories. Fitzgerald was drafted as the third overall pick in the first round in the 2004 NFL draft and he played all seventeen of his NFL seasons with the Cardinals. Fitzgerald joins Willie Anderson, Drew Brees, Jahri Evans, Frank Gore, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Jason Witten, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda as finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Fire breaks out in Jefferson Hills

(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Officials were on the scene last night after a fire broke out in Jefferson Hills. Allegheny County dispatchers confirmed to WTAE that crews were called to the 6600 block of Willem Drive for reports of a fire inside a structure. Both the cause of the fire and if anyone was inside the home at the time it occurred are unclear at this time. No injuries have been reported at this time. 

New Pennsylvania State Police Program Allows College Students to Finish Earning Degree by Completing State Trooper Training Academy

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced yesterday a new agreement which allows students in their senior year at participating colleges and universities to earn their remaining credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree by the successful completion of cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey. This new program awards academic credits much like a traditional internship completed during the final semester of a student, but instead of classroom time to earn their remaining credits, students will finish their training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy to earn the remaining credits needed to graduate, which  allows them to receive their degree and become a trooper at the same time. The program is not limited to majors of criminal justice and participating colleges may apply the credits toward any degree program that they choose. This initiative reflects the commitment that Governor Josh Shapiro has in investing in PSP and law enforcement fully across Pennsylvania. 

The number of colleges and universities that have partnered with the PSP, which is growing in number, includes: 

  • DeSales University 
  • Keystone College 
  • Saint Vincent College 
  • Mercyhurst University 
  • Luzerne County Community College 
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College 

Man from Mahopac, New York has charges withdrawn after causing two-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release yesterday that sixty-two-year-old Xiong Zheng of Mahopac, New York had charges withdrawn by police after he caused a two-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Saturday evening. At 5:52 p.m., Zheng was driving on I-376 East in Carnegie Borough and did not respond to stopped traffic ahead of him and the vehicle of sixty-six-year-old Mark Cipriani of McKees Rocks. Cipriani stopped because of the stopped traffic and Zheng hit his vehicle. There were no reported injuries. 

Alleged assault of man with mental disabilities occurs at Aliquippa apartment

(File Photo of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Police recently confirmed that an alleged assault of a man with mental disabilities happened at his apartment on Mill Street in Aliquippa on and around Christmas of this year. Police state that a neighbor who lives at the apartment called 911 on Sunday and told them an older man who lived there was assaulted by a woman identified by police as James-Lea Joann Glenn. The neighbor told police on Christmas that she saw Glenn press a lit cigarette into his face to extinguish it. Police also expressed that the victim told them Glenn punched the back of his head on Christmas, then the next day, said she hit him with what police said was a metal candle lid. Police have noted Glenn confessed to the assault. In addition to this incident, another man, Cody Perich, was taken to jail on drug charges. Glenn and Perich are both due in court on January 8th, 2026.