Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 72
Fox Chapel logo, street signs to remain as is
Fox Chapel officials have decided not to move forward with a new borough logo or revamped street signs. Resident and graphic designer Bill Kolando approached council at its April 18 meeting about changing its logo. The current image features two large trees on the left, a smaller one to the...
Jefferson Hills Council no longer legally recognizes Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company
Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company is no longer legally recognized as a fire department in Jefferson Hills. Council passed an ordinance May 9 solidifying the decertification of the near 74-year-old, 20-member department that has been idle for several years. The effect of the ordinance is something that the majority of...
Wilmington Area High School music teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student
A Wilmington Area High School music teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student. Olivia Ortz, 26, of Hermitage was charged Tuesday with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility and two counts of institutional sexual assault. Charges stem from an investigation that...
Indiana Township police chief remembered as ‘excellent leader’
Indiana Township residents are mourning the loss of the township’s police chief. Timothy Michael died Monday afternoon, May 16, 2022 in a hospital, according to a statement on the township’s website. Michael was 57. He served in the police department for 28 years. He was promoted from patrolman to sergeant...
Quaker Valley High School’s revamped robotics curriculum provides more student opportunities
When Matt Dado came to Quaker Valley High School last year he noticed something about its robotics and engineering curriculum. “I really don’t think anything was broken,” he said. “I would say we had a real solid foundation. The courses really didn’t change (in) name so far. “It was just...
Repairs to Crescent Avenue in Sewickley to take nearly all borough paving budget
A major wall reconstruction project along Crescent Avenue in Sewickley is expected to drain nearly all of the borough’s paving budget this year. Borough engineer Mike Galet said it has not reached the point of an emergency repair, but the slim and winding road could be significantly impacted by the...
Pittsburgh Fire Chief injured in crash while responding to fire
Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones was injured late Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision while responding to a fire in Edgebrook, according to a Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman. The crash occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Brookline Boulevard and Whited Street. The fire was nearby...
FBI, Pittsburgh police seek help identifying Brookline bank robber
The FBI and Pittsburgh police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man authorities said robbed a Community Bank earlier this week in Brookline. Police responded to the bank at 714 Brookline Blvd. around 2:20 p.m. on Monday. A robber handed a bank teller a note asking for...
Plum principal swaps ‘interim’ for official title
Since November, the principal of Plum’s Pivik Elementary School had been working with “interim” as part of his title. With the school board’s approval, Michael Gauntner now is the lead administrator minus the temporary connotation. “Really, I didn’t really think about that. The title doesn’t mean anything. It’s just having...
Restaurant official escorted from Aspinwall meeting as council considers limiting outdoor operations
A discussion about limiting outdoor hours of operation for Aspinwall businesses became heated when a man launched a slew of expletives while defending his restaurant. Luke and Mike’s Frontporch general manager Lou Curcio Jr. was escorted out of council chambers Wednesday night after cursing at council and resident Patti McCaffrey,...
Sewickley officials mull Chadwick Park upgrades, seek state grant
Pickleball may be coming to Chadwick Park in Sewickley. Council is considering the addition, as well as refurbishing the park’s tennis courts and basketball area, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve recreational amenities. “We have a backlog of needs in terms of refurbishing the parks, and we’re just...
Fire at Springdale plant under investigation, no injuries reported
PPG Industries’ safety department is investigating the cause of a fire Wednesday at its Springdale plant along Colfax Street. Firefighters from the borough as well as Arnold and East Deer responded to the call for smoke and fire in the vents at the industrial coating and resin facility around 3...
Edgeworth Elementary principal among Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation MVPs
Principal Carol Sprinker is just as important to Quaker Valley School District’s Edgeworth Elementary as Sidney Crosby is to the Pens, according to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Crosby was recently named team MVP – and so was Sprinker through the foundation’s Principal MVP program. “It’s very humbling,” Sprinker said. “I’m...
Fox Chapel Area School Board gives prelim approval to 1.5% property tax hike
The Fox Chapel Area School Board has given preliminary approval to a 2022-23 budget that contains a 1.5% tax increase. The spending plan would raise the millage rate by 0.3019 mills. The overall tax hike is expected to produce about $1.07 million in additional revenue for the district. The current...
Sharpsburg to have Local Government Academy do financial review
Sharpsburg officials are seeking a Pittsburgh nonprofit’s help in reviewing borough finances. Council on April 28 authorized an application to the Local Government Academy for a financial health assessment. A finance expert would spend between six to 10 months reviewing records, examining trends and make recommendations on how to modernize...
Memorial Day parade in Aspinwall to return after pandemic hiatus
A longtime tradition of honoring veterans and celebrating America is returning to Aspinwall. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Memorial Day parade and service is scheduled for May 30. Festivities begin with a ceremony at 11 a.m. outside the American Legion Post 77 along Commercial Avenue. Mayor Joseph Noro will...
‘Gospel Explosion’ felt in New Kensington as Alle-Kiski Valley, Pittsburgh churches singVideo
Halls of the Quality Inn in New Kensington were rocked by an explosion Saturday evening. It was the inaugural Gospel Explosion, featuring nearly a dozen churches from the Alle-Kiski Valley and Pittsburgh area. The event featured 10 singers and was hosted by Shiloh Baptist Church in Brackenridge. “We do this...
The Manos Gallery in Tarentum showcases student, professional artwork, benefits free hospital care
A Tarentum art house has partnered with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for a monthlong fundraiser benefiting the Free Care Fund. The Manos Gallery is presenting “Artist of Tomorrow,” an exhibit featuring pieces from 65 student artists from across Western Pennsylvania. Paintings, drawings, mixed media and other artistic creations from...
Legislation for proposed Sharpsburg parks and recreation commission moving forward
Sharpsburg officials are inching ever closer to forming a group dedicated to improving borough recreational opportunities and amenities. Council unanimously voted April 28 to advertise an ordinance establishing a parks and recreation commission. It is expected to be formally adopted at the May 26 voting session with members to be...
Candles lit, balloons released in memory of Azuree CharlesVideo
“Playful,” “friendly,” “polite” and “nice kid” were all common responses from people when asked about Azuree Charles. The 9-year-old boy was remembered by at least 200 people outside the East Ken Manor office building along Gardlock Court in New Kensington on Thursday evening, a day after his body was found...
Aspinwall officer recognized for helping save a man’s life in O’Hara
A man who attempted to end his life last month is alive thanks to the quick action of Aspinwall Police Officer Leann Heffley and other responding police. Mayor Joseph Noro commended Heffley for her service and presented her with a proclamation at the May 4 council meeting. “It’s nice,” she...
Fox Chapel Area senior named a Student of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
When a classmate and friend asked Hanna Essey to help raise money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last school year, the Fox Chapel Area High School student did not hesitate. She assisted with then junior Sarah Giuffre’s campaign and the team raised around $30,000. Now, both seniors,...
Police say Bethel Park officer struck by motorist, driver arrested for suspicion of DUI
A Bethel Park police officer was hospitalized after being struck by a motorist Tuesday night, according to police. Officers charged a man with driving under the influence and multiple traffic violations in connection with the incident around 8:40 p.m. along South Park road near Pennsylvania Avenue, police Chief Tim O’Connor...
Quaker Valley School District highlights mental health efforts
When Penny made her way into last month’s Quaker Valley school board meeting, board members smiled and some administrators took pictures. The 2-year-old purebred bulldog has that impact on everyone at the high school, Principal Deborah Riccobelli said at the April 26 voting session. Penny trained at Misty Pines Pet...
Michael Mullins named Sewickley emergency management coordinator
Army veteran and former Boy Scout Michael Mullins believes he is prepared for his next opportunity. The retired lieutenant colonel and certified registered nurse anesthetist was recently named Sewickley’s new emergency management coordinator. Hailing from Champaign, Ill., Mullins served in active duty from 1975 through 1978, and was in the...
