Kellen Stepler stories, Page 32
Lower Burrell, Highlands, Fox Chapel deal with threats at schools
Lower Burrell police are serving search warrants following threats made Monday against Burrell High School on social media platforms, Chief John Marhefka said. “We are conducting a thorough investigation, which takes time,” he said. Superintendent Shannon Wagner said students received and reported the social media posts Monday, and all district...
Allegheny County considers moving polling place from Chartiers Valley school building
Allegheny County elections officials might move a polling place from Chartiers Valley Intermediate School to another location in Scott Township, a county spokeswoman said Tuesday. Chartiers Valley School Board on Sept. 12 sent a letter to the county requesting that the Intermediate School, located off Swallow Hill Road in Scott,...
Burrell and Fox Chapel Area schools implement 2-hour delay, virtual learning after social media threats
Safety concerns have prompted a “flexible instruction day” Tuesday for students in the Fox Chapel Area and Burrell school districts. A delayed start for students will be in effect at both districts. A “concerning social media post” reported Monday by students prompted the virtual instruction and a 2-hour delay at...
Remediated industrial property in Springdale Township could make way for new municipal complex, educational opportunities
Former industrial land in Springdale Township has the potential to reconnect and help revitalize the area, political leaders and Duquesne Light officials said last week. Duquesne Light unveiled a natural wetland on industrial property near the former Cheswick Generating Station in Springdale. John Bigi, the company’s environmental lead, said the...
Lower Valley first responders get boost for infrastructure, vehicles
A new patrol vehicle for the Springdale Police Department is one of three upgrades coming to first responders in the lower Allegheny Valley. State funding will assist the police department, Springdale Volunteer Fire Department and Lower Valley Ambulance Service in obtaining equipment for their agencies. The police department was awarded...
Frazer sues Pittsburgh Mills mall owner over potholes, lack of maintenance
Pothole-riddled roads near the Pittsburgh Mills mall are the result of negligence by the mall’s owner and would cost Frazer $4.5 million to fix if the mall owner doesn’t. That’s according to a lawsuit filed by the township against the Mills’ property owner — identified in court records as Pitt...
Burrell requests specifications on potential construction projects at 3 district schools
Burrell School District is moving ahead with preparations to handle renovations at three of its schools should it go through with closing Stewart Elementary. The school board this week revised its agreement with HHSDR Inc. for the Pittsburgh-based architect to map out proposed construction projects that include renovations at Burrell...
With no agreement on use of Veterans Memorial Field, Allegheny Valley eyes converting soccer field on school grounds
The Allegheny Valley School District and Springdale officials can’t seem to come to an agreement over Veterans Memorial Field, so school officials are reviewing the possibility of having a football field on the district’s grounds. Superintendent Pat Graczyk said Tuesday that despite the district’s work with the borough “demonstrating the...
Surprising $404K bid approved for demolition of Colfax Elementary School in Springdale
Colfax Elementary School in Springdale will be coming down at a cost well below what district officials had anticipated. The Allegheny Valley School Board on Tuesday approved a $404,000 base bid from Pine-based Kane Specialty Group LLC to perform asbestos abatement and demolish the 99-year-old building, which sits off Colfax...
Chartiers Valley history digitized and made available by Scott Township native
A new website created by a Chartiers Valley alumnus is a one-stop shop for all things relating to district history. Austin Pilz, 29, of Pittsburgh, took on the project of scanning and digitizing district yearbooks last winter. The idea arose when he wanted to view records from his grandfather’s time...
Carnegie Elementary receives $10K from car dealership for school supplies
Carnegie Elementary teachers got a nice surprise when they returned to school this fall. The school accepted a $10,000 donation from Subaru of South Hills, sponsored by the Subaru Loves Learning Adopt a Classroom program. The donation will be used to purchase classroom supplies for teachers, said Principal Jenna Mozzocio....
Collier teen recognized as National Merit Scholarship semifinalist
A Chartiers Valley High School senior has been recognized for her outstanding academic efforts. Charlotte Kinslow, 17, of Collier, is a national merit scholarship semifinalist, placing her among the top 1% of students nationwide. She was selected based on her performance on the PSAT. Kinslow now has the opportunity to...
AHN Chill Project launches at Curtisville Primary School
Success of a behavioral wellness program at Deer Lakes’ East Union Intermediate School has led to it now being offered at Curtisville Primary School. Curtisville students were greeted Monday morning by Allegheny Health Network and Pittsburgh Pirates staff, which included two racing Pierogi mascots, the Pirate Parrot and announcer Joe...
N.Y.-based company acquires Lower Burrell’s Hillcrest Shopping Center for over $3.78 million
Nassimi Realty, a New York City-based real estate development company, is the new owner of the Hillcrest Shopping Center in Lower Burrell, and it’s an acquisition that excites local officials. Nassimi purchased the property, off Leechburg and Wildlife Lodge roads, after an auction this summer. Its starting bid was $1.14...
New SRO named at Chartiers Valley; predecessor promoted to sergeant in Collier
Kyle Kelsch is now patrolling the halls where he once was a student. Kelsch, 32, of Collier, started work as a school resource officer at Chartiers Valley’s High School and the district’s middle school in August. “The main thing is to keep the students and staff, everyone in this building,...
Burrell’s Elijah Goulet faces complex surgery for chronic pain, inspires community with resilience
Elijah Goulet excels at many things inside and outside the halls of Burrell High School. The 16-year-old from Lower Burrell shines in the school’s band, as a leader and mentor to many younger students. A junior, Goulet is an avid reader, a member of the reading team and aspires to...
Program gives local high school students a shot at landing a job before graduation
Seniors at three local high schools could have a full-time job lined up before they walk the graduation stage. Burrell, Valley and Kiski Area high schools this year are collaborating with PNC for its PartnerUp program, an initiative where educators join forces with employers from various industries to teach students...
Lower Burrell police, school district team up to help children who suffer traumatic experiences
A new, more formal program between Lower Burrell police and the Burrell School District aims to support a child after they have experienced a traumatic incident. The district and police are working with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Trauma Education and Response (TEAR) program for the initiative, called “Handle With Care.”...
New principals join Chartiers Valley at primary, middle schools
Chartiers Valley has welcomed two new principals at its primary and middle schools this year. Hannah Dziamniski was hired as assistant principal at the Primary School. James Pegher was named principal at the Middle School. Dziamniski, 28, always knew that she wanted to get into the education field to help...
Library lizard a celebrity at Chartiers Valley Primary School
An unexpected four-legged reptile has won the hearts of students at Chartiers Valley Primary School. Librarian Becky Forkner’s family pet, a 1-year-old bearded dragon affectionately known as “Library Lizzie,” has improved students’ behavior, taught youngsters social skills and empathy and gets them excited about school, she said. “She contributes to...
Local election officials confident mail-in ballots will be delivered on time despite national concerns
Nationwide concerns over the United States Postal Service’s ability to deliver election mail this fall don’t seem to worry local election officials. Abigail Gardner, spokeswoman for Allegheny County, said the county doesn’t have any concerns at the moment. “Allegheny County Elections has a very good relationship with USPS leadership at...
Renovations slated at Carnegie Elementary; state money spurs start
A comprehensive renovation is slated for Carnegie Elementary School. Carlynton School District officials recently were awarded a $197,761 grant from the state’s Public School Environmental Repairs Program, to support renovations at Carnegie Elementary. The funding will address removing environmental materials at the school, said Superintendent John Kreider. “This effort is...
Allegheny Valley eyes contract for demolition of Colfax
After years of discussion and deliberations, the end for Colfax Elementary in Springdale may be near. The Allegheny Valley School Board on Tuesday will consider hiring Kane Specialty Group of Pine to perform asbestos abatement and demolition of the shuttered building along Colfax Street. Kane submitted a $404,000 base bid...
Bridgeville prohibits ‘jake brakes’ on McLaughlin Run Road, eyes funding for projects
Jake brakes are now prohibited on Bridgeville’s McLaughlin Run Road, from Bower Hill Road to the Upper St. Clair border. Bridgeville Council ratified the decision Sept. 9. A jake brake is an engine brake in some diesel engines that creates a loud engine roar when used. Neighbors earlier this year...
Heroism, unity theme of Lower Burrell 9/11 service
When people gather to remember the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether others remember where they were when they heard the news. But the more appropriate question, said Lower Burrell No. 3 Fire Chief Brennan Sites, is if people...
