Author: Beaver County Radio

Fire occurs inside of a shed in Beaver

(Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) The Brighton Township Volutneer Fire Department and their first alarm went to a residence on Grandvue Drive in Beaver just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday because of a shed that caught on fire. The fire inside the shed was handled very quickly after using tank water. The Brighton Township Police Department also assisted the three local fire departments of the Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department’s first alarm at the scene and the mutual aid companies were returned shortly after the incident occurred.

Beaver County athletes commit to colleges during the 2025 signing period

(File Photo of the Beaver County Radio Sports Report Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Yesterday was when the signing period was for most of the sports in NCAA Division I and Division II as some Beaver County athletes committed to their respective colleges to play certain sports. On November 19th, 2025, the early period signing for NCAA Division I basketball players closes, while the regular period for those players opens on April 15th, 2026. On Decmber 3rd, 2025, the early period opens for Division I football players and closes on December 5th, 2025, with the resuming of this period occurring on February 4th, 2026. According to the Beaver County Times, here are some Beaver County athletes that have already signed the pen and paper to commit to college athletics and which colleges that they will be playing their respective sports, along with their repesctive sports that they will be playing during their college careers:

Blackhawk

Carter Davis, Pittsburgh, baseball

Aubree Hupp, Canisius, women’s basketball

Central Valley

Nathan Angelo, University of Charleston, WV, baseball

Aubrey Grater, women’s soccer, Slippery Rock University

Jacob Hunter, baseball, Seton Hill University

Ellwood City

Aaron Lake, Pittsburgh, baseball

Jordan Keller, Fairmont State, baseball

Amber McQuistion, Slippery Rock, softball

Lincoln Park

Josh Pratt, Columbia, men’s basketball

Moon Area

Lillian Barr, Penn West California, flag football

Quinn Arnold, Westminster College, women’s soccer

Andrew Cross, Penn State, baseball

Ainslie Romasco, SUNY Morrisville, women’s soccer

Thad Longwell, Penn West California, baseball

Reese Keslar, Kent State, women’s lacrosse

Jackson Bauman, University of Rio Grande, men’s basketball

Shiri Kudratullaev, Frostburg State, rugby

Quaker Valley

Mimi Thiero, Maryland, women’s basketball

Rochester

Kamryn Newman, Penn West Clarion

Beaver Valley Community Concert Association and Live On Stage Inc. presents “How Sweet It Is!: Steve Leslie sings James Taylor” in Beaver Falls

(File Photo of a Radio Mic: Caption for Photo: cropped-Mic-icon-circle-logo-white-small-March-2021.png)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) The Beaver Valley Community Concert Association and Live On Stage Inc. will present a live concert at Beaver Falls Middle School on November 19th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Grammy-award winning songwriter Steve Leslie. Leslie will be performing some of the biggest hits by James Taylor. Tickets will be available in the Beaver Falls Middle School lobby for adults that are worth $25 and for students that are worth $5, and you need to pay for them only with either a check or cash.

Betty Louise Murphy (1934-2025)

Betty Louise Murphy, 91, formerly of Center Township, passed away peacefully in Martha’s Vineyard in Masschusetts on November 3rd, 2025, where she had made her home for the past six years.

She was born on October 19th, 1934, a daughter of the late Elsie R. (Engle) Patton and Phillip T. Patton Sr. of Center Township. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward T. Murphy Jr. and her siblings, Phillip Patton Jr. and Barbara Rishel. She is survived by her sons and families: Edward T. (and Roberta) Murphy III of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, John P. (and Randy Jardin) Murphy of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and Kevin D. (and Ronni) Murphy of Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Heather (and wife Ashley) of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts and Justin Murphy of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She is also survived by her siblings: William R. Patton, Terry Patton, Edward Patton, and Ellen Eberhardt; as well as their families.

Betty was a proud graduate of Monaca High School with the Class of 1952 who began her career at St. Jo Lead shortly after graduation. She was also a dedicated member of the Pennsylvania State Grange and a longtime member of North Branch United Presbyterian Church in Monaca. On September 28th, 1957, Betty married the love of her life, Edward Thomas Murphy, Jr. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their three sons. The family later settled in Barrington, Rhode Island, a community Betty cherished deeply. She worked for the Town of Barrington for nearly 30 years, all while being a devoted wife, mother and friend.

After retirement, Betty returned to her family homestead in Center Township, where she enjoyed reconnecting with her roots and spending time with family. In her later years, she found joy and comfort living on Martha’s Vineyard, a place where she had long spent much of her free time and held many fond memories, surrounded by the love of her family, friends and the island’s natural beauty. “Bound for the Island” was something you would famously hear Betty quote.

Family and friends will be received at 12 noon on Friday, November 21st, at North Branch United Presbyterian Church, 139 N Branch Rd, Monaca. Graveside service to follow in Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrsuted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to your local animal shelter, a cause close to her heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Brian Scott McNamara (1979-2025)

Brian Scott McNamara, 46, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 11th, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born in Rochester on April 17th, 1979, a son of Burt and Carol McNamara. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Ingrid, his children, Greta and Oscar, his brother, James (Amy) McNamara, his twin sister, Bridgit (Jay) Inman, his aunt, Carol Tanner, his mother-in-law, Karen Bersaas, his sister-in-law, Monique Albrecht and his beloved nieces and nephews: Josh (Ashley), Hunter, Dylan, Grace, Lennon, Sienna and Valentina. He will also be deeply missed by many friends and extended family members.

Brian was a 1997 graduate of Freedom Area High School who went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. His education led to a dedicated 20-year career with Hussey Copper, where he served as Director of IT. Brian was known for his charismatic personality and a laugh that could light up any room. On June 17th, 2013, Brian married the love of his life, Ingrid Natasha (Albrecht) McNamara, in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two wonderful children, Greta (12) and Oscar (9). Brian cherished watching his children play soccer, golfing with his dad, and spending weekends camping with family and friends.

To honor Brian’s legacy, donations may be made at: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/for-brians-bigmacs-cancer-treatments.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15th, from 2–4 P.M. and again from 5 P.M. until the time of service at 7 P.M., in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Diana Lynn (Stewart) DeMasso (1957-2025)

Diana Lynn (Stewart) DeMasso, 68, of Moon Township, passed on November 12th, 2025 in Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township. She was born in McKees Rocks on February 25th, 1957, a daughter of Betty Jane (Bruno) Stewart and the late William C. Stewart. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Maureen Luzik (Brian), her nieces, Alaina MacFarlane (Patrick), Kirsten Barton (Jeremy), her nephew, Brent Luzik (Madison), her great nieces & nephews, Vivian & Carina MacFarlane, Boyd Barton and Brooks Luzik, her special friend and bonus sister, Maureen Heilmann (Bud) and their son, Nick. In addition to her father, Diana was preceded in death by her husband David DeMasso in 2007.

Diana worked at Ohio Valley Hospital for over 42 years in the Respiratory Care & Sleep Center. She had a special love for dogs and was a strong advocate for pet adoptions. She volunteered at Animal Friends for over 10 years.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 14th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon Township. Please meet at the funeral home on Saturday, November 15th at 10 A.M. Committal and entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis.

Memorial contributions can be made to Animal Friends, at www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

Shirley L. Daniels (1935-2025)

Shirley L. Daniels, 90, of Negley, Ohio passed away on November 11th, 2025 in her home. She was born on Norton, West Virginia on April 16th, 1935, a beloved daughter of the late William “Willie” and Leta (Simmons) Bodkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bruce N. Daniels, her youngest son, Barry S. Daniels, and daughter-in-law, Donna Daniels. She is survived by her sons: Bruce C. Daniels, Brian L. (Eunice) Daniels, Bradley H. (Paula) Daniels and Blake W. (Patricia) Daniels; as well as her brother, Leonard Bodkins and her sister, Kaye F. (Bodkins) Bell, along with 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Shirley lived a life filled with faith, kindness, and devotion. She shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with her late husband, Bruce N. Daniels, together building a legacy of love and family. She was a faithful attender of New Brighton Free Methodist church and her faith was the foundation of her life. She could often be found with her Bible open.

Shirley had a passion for her home and garden. She took great joy in tending her garden and was well known for her canning and delicious homemade meals. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and the comforting aromas of her cooking. Above all, Shirley loved her family deeply. She cherished every moment, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them, and always giving them the reminder of love.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, November 17th, from 3-7 P.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, at 11 A.M. at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Rev. Steve Forsythe will officiate. A private burial will follow.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley L. Daniels, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Steelers activate rookie quarterback Will Howard from injured reserve and sign veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their practice squad

(File Photo: Source for Headline Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Aug. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

(File Photo: Source for Photo Below: FILE – Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sept. 22, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Asante Samuel Jr. spent the last few months recovering from spinal fusion surgery by doing some distance running in hopes of being ready whenever a team called looking for help in the secondary.

Now it’s time to sprint.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed the veteran cornerback to their practice squad on Wednesday in hopes the 26-year-old can eventually give the NFL’s worst pass defense a boost.

Samuel hadn’t been on the field in a team situation in more than a year until he jogged out for practice shortly after his signing was announced.

“It meant the world to me,” Samuel said. “Just being out there, putting on a helmet, putting on cleats, going at it, competing with other guys that’s trying to accomplish the same goal as me.”

Well, maybe not the exact same goal.

Samuel spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, who selected him in the second round of the 2021 draft. He collected six interceptions in 50 games, plus three in a playoff loss to Jacksonville in 2022.

Yet his time in Los Angeles was cut short last fall, when Samuel was limited to just four games as the series of “stinger” injuries that had been a constant for years became too much. He ended the year on injured reserve, then entered free agency in March before undergoing surgery in April.

“I just wanted to take my time and weigh all the options,” he said. “I didn’t want to rush anything and just let my body heal on its own and then get the surgery and let it heal again.”

The idea of the surgery was initially daunting for a player who had never been under the knife before. He knew, however, that plenty of others had faced the same procedure and successfully returned. So he kept the faith and now considers himself as healthy as he’s ever been.

Samuel had the surgery done in Pittsburgh. He was cleared to return to football activities in October and now finds himself back in the Steel City trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible for an injury-riddled and inconsistent secondary that will face another stiff test when Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) visit Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.

While Samuel declined to say whether he could be available by this weekend, he doesn’t have to look far to find someone who worked their way onto the field in short order. Safety Kyle Dugger started for the Steelers against Indianapolis earlier this month just days after being acquired in a trade with New England.

“I’m trying to maximize every day and do whatever the coach is telling me,” Samuel said.

That might be getting in the game this weekend.

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay remains in the concussion protocol and did not practice on Wednesday, leaving the Steelers thin behind Joey Porter Jr., Brandin Echols and James Pierre.

Pittsburgh was torched by Joe Flacco & Co. in Cincinnati a month ago. Chase set a Bengals single-game record with 16 receptions on a night Flacco lit up the Steelers for 342 yards and three scores, symbolic of a season in which Pittsburgh has allowed more yards passing than any other team in the league.

Pierre, in line to make the fourth start of his five-year career if Slay is unavailable, welcomes the help.

“Like Coach (Mike) T(omlin) says, just jump on a moving train, stick your hand in the pile,” Pierre said. “We know what he can do.”

NOTES: Pittsburgh activated rookie quarterback Will Howard from injured reserve on Wednesday. The sixth-round pick had been out with a hand injury. … The Steelers also released running back Trey Sermon from the active roster and cut defensive back Darrick Forest from the practice squad.

(File Photo: Source for Headline Photo and Photo Below: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers, Aug. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

Victor Frederick “Fred” Mannerino (1945-2025)

Victor Fredrick “Fred” Mannerino, 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2025, when his family surrounded him. He was born on April 5th, 1945, the devoted husband of Barbara (Forsythe) Mannerino, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He was also a son of the late Victor Joseph Mannarino and A. Jane (Brocious) Mannarino. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Mannerino, sisters, Thelma Mannerino and Anita Reese and his life friend, Jerry Cornecki. He is survived by his children: Christopher Mannerino (Jennifer), Colleen LaNeve (Brian), and Natalie Holewski (Richard). He was the proud grandfather: Nicholas Holewski (Jennifer), Brianna Jennings (Matthew), Christopher Mannerino (Leah), Tyler Mannerino (Paige), Lena Fox (Lee), Michaela Sutherland (Ian), Marissa Mannerino, Jonathan Mannerino and Andrew Scialdone. His legacy continues through 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jean Hessenaur (Bob), brother Daniel Mannerino (Ginger), brother-in-law Dennis Reese, sister-in-law Helen Bartholomew and many loving nieces and nephews. Cherished friends Sherry Cornecki, Lynwood Alford, Paul Popovich and Joe Namath. Victor dedicated 43 years of his career as a tooling engineer with Westinghouse/Cutler Hammer, where his precision, dedication, and work taught work ethic to his family. Beyond his professional life, he lived with passion and purpose. He had a love for photography, which he shared with all he photographed, capturing moments at banquets, graduations, weddings, and many political events. His eye for detail and genuine connection with people made his photos more than just pictures; they were reflections of the joy and spirit of those around him. He was an avid supporter and frequent visitor of Gettysburg, a place that held deep historical and personal meaning for him. He was a proud member of the Model Railroad Society, his lifelong interest in trains led him to partner with his dear friend Paul Popovich in running the Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad, a true labor of love that combined craftsmanship, friendship, and fun. He gave back to his community through years of coaching baseball at many levels in Beaver Falls, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. Together with Barbara, Fred enjoyed researching their family ancestry, uncovering stories that deepened their shared appreciation for family roots. The two loved traveling, especially to Berlin, Ohio, Myrtle Beach and Maine, creating countless memories along the way. Above all, he will be remembered for his kind heart, love of family, and generous spirit. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know him. There will be a private family burial for Victor. Professional Services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Senator Elder Vogel, Jr: Bipartisan Budget Bill Advances Key Investments in Our Schools, Our Workforce and Our Farmers

(File Photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. broke down some of the key investments made through the bipartisan $50.1 billion state budget approved by the General Assembly yesterday in Pennsylvania. According to Vogel, “Through these critical reforms, we have prevented Pennsylvanians from being affected by Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed plan which would have increased our spending by 7.5% and in turn set our state on the path toward mass broad-based tax increases next year. After months of intense negotiations, we were able to agree on a more reasonable, fiscally responsible solution that invests in our schools, our workforce and our farmers all while protecting Pennsylvania taxpayers.”