Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 24
Memorial bench for beloved ‘Snakeguy’ installed at James Sharp Landing in Sharpsburg
There was a gentle early afternoon breeze Sept. 28 in Sharpsburg. Lisa Strauss swore she felt the touch of her late brother as she and other friends gathered at James Sharp Landing. The occasion was to dedicate a memorial bench in memory of Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger. “It’s an emotional day,”...
Sharpsburg celebrates unveiling of sculpture James Sharp Landing, new mural
A steel sculpture crafted in appreciation of the riverfront and acknowledgement of the indigenous land in Sharpsburg was recently unveiled at James Sharp Landing. Two canoe ores leaning against one another in the shape of an X were installed near the kayak parklet of James Sharp Landing on Sept. 28....
Sharpsburg to create borough Facebook page to bolster official communication
Sharpsburg officials plan to launch a new borough social media page to better communicate with the public. Council wants to create what members referred to as a digital billboard via Facebook. Its development is in the very early stages. Among the things being mulled over were posting certain things on...
Fall in the Wall returns to Aspinwall on Oct. 12
Aspinwall resident Giuseppe Francioni believes family togetherness is the greatest thing in the world. It’s one of the reasons he’s so passionate about an upcoming event that he and his team at the Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce put together for borough residents year after year. “There’s nothing better than family,”...
Edgeworth assistant borough manager promoted to top administrator
Edgeworth officials welcomed a familiar face as their new borough manager. Ellen Politi was unanimously appointed top administrator Sept. 17. She joined Edgeworth as an administrative assistant nearly six years ago and worked as assistant borough manager since December. Politi, 29, of Ohio Township was scheduled to take over for...
Leet commissioners seek hillside stability, pedestrian access assurances for $100M Quaker Valley High School
After appeals, multiple revisions and public hearings, additional conditions are being imposed on the proposed Quaker Valley High School project. Leet commissioners want Quaker Valley School District to monitor the stability of the hillside along Camp Meeting Road where the district wants to build a new high school that could...
Pittsburgh Brewing’s Oktoberfest aims at being family friendly, ‘not a drink fest’
Gray skies and scattered showers could not dampen the spirits of hundreds of families that came out for the opening day of Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s second annual Oktoberfest. Libations were flowing and attendance was growing Friday afternoon and into the night for the start of the two-day celebration in East...
License plate readers, video cameras to be used in Leetsdale
License plate readers and surveillance cameras will soon be installed at two busy intersections in Leetsdale. Council recently authorized an agreement with Florida-based PlateSmart Technologies for the devices as part of a state grant-funded project through the Quaker Valley Council of Governments. Police Chief Dan Raible said they will be...
Sharpsburg begins 2025 budget planning
Sharpsburg officials have begun planning for next year’s budget. The timeline for crafting and passing the 2025 spending plan was announced Sept. 26. It is as follows: • Oct. 10: Council workshop meeting with heavy emphasis on the budget • Oct. 16: Special budget meeting • Oct. 22: Special budget...
Quaker Valley School District welcomes new police officer, other personnel
Quaker Valley School District officials have chosen a retired state trooper as Osborne Elementary’s newest protector. Cory Zelenak of Aliquippa was named new school resource officer. He was chosen out of eight candidates due to his extensive experience and previous work at Rochester Area School District, according to Quaker Valley...
First Missionary Baptist Church in Leetsdale celebrates 135th anniversary
Congregants of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Leetsdale are celebrating an impressive milestone. The house of worship along Beaver Street marked its 135th anniversary in August. About 15 to 20 people throughout Allegheny County make a weekly trek to the 1.1-square-mile borough, climb nearly 20 concrete steps and go...
Police: Elderly man critical after being struck by vehicle in West View
A 73 year-old man was hospitalized Wednesday night after being struck by a vehicle in West View. Allegheny County Police said they were notified of a pedestrian being near Perry Highway and Wellington Drive shortly before 8 p.m. First responders found the man suffering from severe injuries. He was transported...
Highlands School District used remote learning Thursday after another threat
Highlands School District students learned remotely Thursday following another threat, according to officials on the district’s Facebook page. Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said she was notified late Wednesday evening by Harrison police about another threat made to the district. “Although the threat is determined to be unfounded, out of an abundance...
Shared gym, lounge and other upgrades coming to Fox Chapel fire station
Upgrades are coming to the Fox Chapel fire station by the borough building. It’s part of a nearly $568,000 investment in the emergency response department along Fox Chapel Road. Council unanimously approved a contract with FMS Construction Co. of Sharpsburg in August. Work is expected to begin sometime in October...
Pittsburgh man charged in attack on parents in Crafton
A Crafton couple were taken to a hospital in critical condition Tuesday and their son was charged with attempted homicide, accused of of beating them, Allegheny County police said. Authorities found a man and woman hurt inside the home and police said witnesses reported seeing a man, later identified as...
Longtime Sewickley funeral home moving to Coraopolis
A longtime Sewickley funeral home is moving business a few miles away. Services at the R.D. Cole Funeral Home at 328 Beaver St. will cease Sept. 26 and the business will reopen under the same name at 1316 Fourth Ave. in Coraopolis the following day. The Beaver Street building is...
Penn Hills man charged with alleged assault in Frick Park
A Penn Hills man has been charged with indecent assault and other crimes in connection with an incident in Frick Park. Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz said Isaiah Rivers, 19, allegedly made inappropriate contact with a woman who was running along the park’s Tranquil Trail around 5:15 p.m. Sunday....
Pro wrestling coming to Greensburg fire station Saturday
The athletes of Pros of Wrestling, who are brought in from several neighboring states, will perform for the first time at Greensburg Hose Co. No. 1. The event, promoted by the Butler-based company, is scheduled for Saturday at the fire house at 6 McLaughlin Drive. Doors open at 6:30 p.m....
McCandless police find, return large snake
A large snake located by McCandless police has been returned to its rightful owner. Lt. Jeffrey Basl confirmed Friday morning someone has been reunited with their rather unconventional — and somewhat dangerous — pet. The township police department posted to Facebook on Thursday evening a photo of what appears to...
Rosedale Beach Club’s Fall Festival tradition continues with familiar feel, new leadership
An autumn tradition at a Penn Hills pool took place this year under new management but with the same community spirit. Thousands of people joined in the fun Sept. 12-14 at Rosedale Beach Club’s Fall Festival. It was organized by committee with about a dozen core members and many more...
New Sewickley councilwoman sworn in
Sewickley resident Linda Solecki was sworn in to her new council seat by Mayor George Shannon on Sept. 10. She fills the vacancy created when former councilman Brian Bozzo moved to nearby Glen Osborne. His term was set to expire at the end of 2025. Solecki was chosen from two...
New parklet outside The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center in Sewickley to open soon
A new small Sewickley park outside The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center will soon be open to the public. The lawn outside the main entrance to the renown entertainment and educational venue at 418 Walnut St. has been under construction since July. The borough owns the land and the lawn...
Leetsdale council has a vacancy
Leetsdale councilwoman Patricia Lee has resigned. The former council president tendered her resignation effective this month. Council unanimously voted to accept it and advertise the vacancy Sept. 12. Its remaining members commended Lee for her service to the borough. “She did a great job,” vice president Osman Awad said. Lee...
Leet to host special meeting for proposed Quaker Valley High School project
Leet commissioners have scheduled a special meeting to consider action on a proposed Quaker Valley High School. It is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at the township building, 194 Ambridge Ave. The proposed 167,000-square-foot school is on 150 acres of land off Camp Meeting Road. The district property straddles...
‘I hope to learn how a community government works,’ says new Fox Chapel junior council member
Shady Side Academy junior Kabeer Chopra is Fox Chapel’s latest junior council member. Mayor Alex Scott III swore in Chopra on Sept. 16 after council unanimously voted to appoint him. “I thought it would be a great experience because I feel like I’m doing something for this community that’s different...
