Author: Beaver County Radio

AHN Cancer Institute Hosts Fifth Cancer Screening of 2024 at West Penn Hospital

PITTSBURGH (April 16, 2024) – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute will host its fifth monthly cancer screening of 2024 on Saturday, May 4, at AHN West Penn Hospital’s Mellon Pavilion, Suite 322, 4800 Friendship Ave. in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood.

The event is open to both AHN and non-AHN patients. Registration for the event is now open and closes on April 26, or until all appointments are filled. Reservations must be made by calling 412-359-6665.

Screenings for the following cancers will be available: breast cancer (for ages 40+), cervical cancer (ages 21-65), colorectal cancers (age 45+), head and neck cancers (age 18+), lung cancer (ages 50-77 with a history of smoking), prostate cancer (ages 45+), and skin cancer (ages 18+).

In 2023, the cancer screening event at West Penn drew 98 participants who received a total of 202 screenings. Of those screenings, 158 yielded normal results while 44 were flagged as abnormal. Patients who receive abnormal test results are advised to undergo further investigational testing.

Doctors encourage those eligible for the screenings to attend the event regardless of whether they are experiencing medical symptoms or complications, as early detection is essential for the treatment of many cancers.

“Early detection is the strongest weapon we have against many forms of cancer,” said James Betler, DO, system director for the AHN Cancer Institute and director of AHN’s cancer screening program. “By providing these one-stop-shop screenings monthly across Western Pennsylvania, we’re empowering patients to proactively take their health into their own hands and be the frontline defense against this disease.”

The AHN Cancer Institute has been offering free, one-stop comprehensive cancer screenings since 2014. Because of the program’s success and the ongoing need for early detection, three years ago the program was expanded to offer monthly screenings on Saturdays across Western Pennsylvania.

AHN also holds weekday comprehensive cancer screening clinics for insured patients at Jefferson Hospital (Tuesdays) and Forbes Hospital (Wednesdays). Patients can call 412-325-9015 to schedule an appointment for the Jefferson and Forbes weekly screenings.

Following the West Penn event, a screening will be held on June 8 at Premier Medical Associates in Monroeville. For additional information about the AHN cancer screening program, visit https://www.ahn.org/lp/free-cancer-screenings.

Overnight Westbound I-376 Fort Pitt Bridge Lane Restriction Thursday Night in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a westbound I-376 (Fort Pitt Bridge) overnight lane restriction in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will occur Thursday night, April 18 weather permitting.

A single-lane restriction will occur on the Fort Pitt Bridge in the westbound direction from 10 p.m. Thursday night until 5 a.m. Friday morning. PennDOT crews will conduct deck spall repairs.

Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns. Please use caution when driving through the area.  Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Shapiro Administration Makes Record Amount of State Funding Available for Property Tax Relief, Saving Millions of Pennsylvanians Money by Reducing Property Tax Burden

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration formally certified that a record $900 million will be available for statewide property tax relief through the Department of Education and local school districts. As is required by Act 1 of 2006, Secretary of the Budget Uri Monson certified that this record amount of relief is sustainable for at least the next five years – and local districts will be required to pass this funding on to local taxpayers.

 

For the past several years, the Property Tax Relief Fund has been robust enough to provide $750 million in statewide property tax relief. However, thanks to strong revenues and conservative projections from the Office of the Budget, the Shapiro Administration is able to make available a historic amount of state funding for property tax relief. Today’s announcement means that an additional $150 million will be available per year, for each of the next 5 years to help cut taxes and lower costs for Pennsylvanians.

 

In accordance with Act 1 of 2006, school districts are required to pass 100 percent of this funding on to its taxpayers. Often, that is done by increasing the homestead exemption, which lowers property taxes by reducing the taxable assessed value of the home. For example, if a home is assessed at $50,000 and the homestead exclusion is $5,000, then the homeowner only pays taxes on an assessed value of $45,000. School districts often use the funding announced by the Shapiro Administration today to increase the homestead exclusion, which in effect, means homeowners have a smaller tax burden and are required to pay less in property taxes.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will notify each school district of its property tax reduction allocation no later than May 1, 2024, which will allow every school district to reduce the property tax burden on its citizens. The amount allocated to each school district will be available at education.pa.gov at that time.

 

“As I’ve traveled across Pennsylvania, I’ve heard from so many homeowners who are struggling with the burden of high property taxes – and that’s why I’ve been focused on cutting costs and delivering real relief for them,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Thanks to our smart, sound fiscal management, we are providing a record amount of property tax relief to millions of homeowners all across our Commonwealth, and I will continue working to bring people together in Harrisburg to cut costs and keep putting more money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets.”

 

In addition to $900 million for statewide property tax relief, the Shapiro Administration also certified that $175.6 million is available to support the historic expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Last year, Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders in both parties worked together to expand the program and pass the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades.

 

Today’s announcement builds on the Shapiro Administration’s strong record of sound fiscal management and work to cut costs and lower taxes for Pennsylvanians. Thanks in part to those policies, all three major credit rating agencies affirmed the Commonwealth’s responsible budgetary management. In December, Secretary Monson announced that the Commonwealth conducted a successful bond sale of approximately $1.3 billion in new GO Bonds, saving taxpayers nearly $100 million on debt service savings over the life of the bonds – and in January, Secretary Monson released the Commonwealth’s first-ever debt management policy, providing the Commonwealth and the public with predictable, consistent policies.

 

In addition to expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program in his first year, Governor Shapiro secured a major expansion of the Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, helping to make childcare more affordable for over 200,000 Pennsylvania families and increasing the maximum state credit from $630 to $2,100 for Pennsylvania families.

 

In his 2024-25 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro called for further action to deliver real relief for Pennsylvanians, including:

 

  • $50 million for the Whole Home Repairs program, to continue to provide direct assistance to homeowners and keep more families in their homes.

 

  • $4 million for medical debt relief for low-income Pennsylvanians and calls for healthcare providers to implement transparent practices to limit medical debt from being incurred in the first place.

Buddy L. Meade (1944-2024)

Buddy L. Meade, 80, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on April 14, 2024, at Heritage Valley, Sewickley Campus. He was born on January 3, 1944, in Sewickley, to the late Charles R. Meade, Sr. and M. Irene (Mauk) Meade, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Susan (Shearer) Meade, two children, Clifford (Anne) Meade of Gibsonia, Abigail Meade and Brian Ashman of Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, grandson, Charles Ryan Meade, two brothers, Charles (Marjorie) Meade, Jr., Dennis (Thelma) Meade of Industry and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He retired as a lead mechanic in the engine shop for US Airways, Greater Pittsburgh International Airport. Buddy was a long time active member of Baden Methodist Church where he enjoyed taking mission trips and participated in the We Care Food Pantry. He was an active life member of the Pine Run Volunteer Fire Department where he served as former fire chief. Buddy also was adjutant for the Freedom American Legion Post 348 and a member of the Beaver County Model A Club. He was a proud member of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. Friends will be received on Friday from 1-3 and 5-7 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge and Saturday from 10 AM until time of funeral services at 10:30 AM in the Baden Methodist Church, State Street and Dippold Avenue, Baden. His pastor, the Rev. James Young will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery of Freedom. Members of the Pine Run Volunteer Fire Department will hold a memorial service on Friday at 6:30 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Pine Run Volunteer Fire Department, 1395 Harvey Run Road, Freedom, PA 15042.

Lisa C. (LaRotonda) Flowers (1961-2024)

Lisa Carol (LaRotonda) Flowers, 63, of Robinson, passed away on April 14, 2024.

Born in Pittsburgh on January 10, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Albert LaRotonda Sr. and Carol LaRotonda. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Gabborin.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin; her children, Nicholas Drahusz of Youngwood; Noelle Lamar (Roderick) of McDonald; Katerina Flowers of Virginia; Kelcey Flowers of the Dominican Republic; and Andrew Flowers of Robinson; eight grandchildren, Kiana, Alyssa, Nichole, Lorenzo, Solomon, Riley, Isabella and Avi; two sisters and a brother; and multiple nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Plum High School in 1978 and Duquesne University in 1987. A journalist, Lisa worked for Gateway Publications in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, and later as a freelance writer. In 2001, she earned a first-place Keystone Press award for a feature story in the Oil City Derrick titled “Coming to Grips With Grief.”

She was a member of Christ Anglican Church in New Brighton. Friends will be received Friday from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon, at Christ Anglican Church, 1217 Third Ave., New Brighton.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

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.