Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 29
New Harmar police cruiser, Penn Hills road work assisted by state grants
Harmar police will be patrolling in a new vehicle this year. The township was awarded $50,000 through U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio’s office for the purchase. Chief Jason Domaratz said the grant will be used to replace an outdated cruiser. “A reliable police vehicle is a very important in the protection...
State money for better roads at New Ken industrial park expected to draw more business
Since the launch of Re:Build Manufacturing at the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park last year, two more tenants have signed on — translating to more jobs. Now a $500,000 state grant to overhaul infrastructure at the park is expected to boost its ability to draw even more business. “The grant...
AT&T data breach impacts 70 million with unknown amounts of information leaked
The personal information of more than 70 million current and former AT&T customers was leaked after a data breach that occurred two weeks ago, the company announced Saturday. Information could have included names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, email addresses, mailing addresses and AT&T account numbers and passcodes, according to...
Grace Community’s Easter celebration in Lower Burrell is a big draw, and growing
Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell has unlocked the secret to drawing a hefty crowd to its annual kids’ Easter celebration – free candy. Hordes of families flowed into the social hall and sanctuary along Grant Street Saturday where craft stations, healthy snacks, tattoos and, of course, the Easter...
Tarentum animal rescue partners with O’Hara recovery center to tout benefit of pets, host public adoption
A Tarentum pet rescue is partnering with an O’Hara drug and alcohol recovery center to raise awareness of the emotional benefits of four-legged friends. Paws Across Pittsburgh and DreamLife Recovery are planning an adoption event open to the public. “From addiction rehabilitation to overcoming mental health challenges, we understand the...
Penn Hills man charged in connection to indecent assault of child in Sharpsburg
A Penn Hills man is charged with felonies that include unlawful contact and corruption of minors after, Allegheny County Police said, he sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl in Sharpsburg. Richard Sheets, 29, of Universal Road, is also charged with dissemination to minors and indecent assault stemming from a March 4...
Swing Into Spring event to benefit Fox Chapel Area children in need of clothes, food
Fox Families Care is swinging into spring with the goal of helping even more families in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The nonprofit is hosting its second annual fundraiser, filled with dancing, food and festive cocktails at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. “It will be a lighthearted evening, open...
Get ready to prep patios and lawns at Trillium Garden Club’s annual sale
Colorful Bougainvillea plants, hanging baskets and veggie starters will be the stars of the show when the Trillium Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale in May. Members expect big crowds to flock to the floral booths, pruned and prepped by many of the club’s 40 or so members. “We...
West Deer Fire Company No. 3 to feature indoor facility for firefighter training
Within the year, West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 will boast a rare new amenity to keep members in top condition. The department is reconfiguring its new station along Gibsonia Road to accommodate indoor fire training, complete with ladders, search-and-rescue stations and rappelling. “It’s a tremendous feature that we’ll...
Legends of Pittsburgh eyeing May 1 opening at former Holy Martyrs in Tarentum
The former Holy Martyrs Church in Tarentum that was closed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2022 is expected to be bustling again by May 1. Legends of Pittsburgh fitness center is scheduled to open its doors, drawing crowds for the gym equipment, sport court and soccer field. Legends is...
Lower Burrell woman held for court in West Deer drunken-driving crash
A Lower Burrell woman was held for court on felony charges of child endangerment in connection with a January crash. Police said she drove her vehicle with two children as passengers while her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Kierra Cooper, 24, was charged after a two-vehicle...
Faces of the Valley: Members of Parish Piecers provide comfort to people in need
After retiring from her job at the University of Pittsburgh, Fawn resident Pat Slobada said she needed a pastime with a purpose. The novice seamstress joined the Parish Piecers, a quilting group which meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to create warm handmade blankets and other treasures for...
Divers to inspect Tarentum Water Plant for algae, corrosion
Divers will make their way through the Tarentum water treatment plant in the coming weeks, vacuuming sediment and other debris from well walls and floors. Crews will inspect for algae and corrosion in the clear well, which is part of the drinking water purification system. “It’s a small chamber, and...
Tarentum Council eyes tech upgrades for Brackenridge police cruisers
Brackenridge police cruisers soon could be equipped with technology for e-ticketing, bringing the vehicles in line with the Tarentum fleet. Officers are part of a consolidated force that began last August. The technology is important for uniformity and public perception, said Tarentum Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf. “Having the same technology ensures...
Green thumbs are part of hands-on curriculum at new Harvest Baptist Academy greenhouse
Harvest Baptist Academy sixth grader Kate Blakeslee is feeling a summer vibe despite the lingering chill outside her Harrison school. The 12-year-old has spent recent class time plotting a garden with crops of oregano, cucumbers and tomatoes well on their way. “We got to put seeds in the pots, and...
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services advises people to come hungry to Good Friday fish fry
The Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services hopes to reel in a big crowd for its annual Good Friday fish fry — a tradition in the Lower Valley for more than 50 years. Chief Mike Daniher said the large cod fillet is the department’s No. 1 seller. “We sell over 750...
Dreshar Stadium promises to be jewel of Tarentum’s riverfront plans
Tarentum officials are promising Dreshar Stadium, or at least the property that houses the 85-year-old venue, will be the jewel of a newly designed borough riverfront. They’re so confident, in fact, the borough is passing on a chance at $250,000 to fix up the aging stadium and sports field. Instead...
‘Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike’ details economic, emotional toll of 2021 ATI strike
A bitter, three-month walkout by ATI employees in 2021 — and the impacts of sudden unemployment for families of striking steelworkers — will be the focus of a free documentary showing Thursday at Pittsburgh Mills. “Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike” will be offered at GQT Movies, featuring behind-the-scenes footage from...
Riverview School District latest to be hit with online security incident
Riverview School District may be the latest government or school website to be hacked. The district reported a security incident Monday that impacted teachers’ access to the internet and their district-issued devices, but the nature of the problem was unclear. “Right now, we can’t confirm a security breach,” Superintendent Neil...
Escape bags, protective wear to be upgraded at Citizens Hose
Personal escape bags with gear to rappel down buildings will be among the items upgraded at Citizens Hose in Harrison, the township’s primary rescue company. “If the guys are on the second or third floor and they have to go out the window, we have to have these in good...
Pirates Pierogies highlight Highlands engagement night
It was almost better than a ballgame at PNC Park when Highlands Middle School hosted its Parent Engagement Night on Tuesday, complete with a race against the Pittsburgh Pirates Pierogies. The district’s mascot, Rammie, gave Jalapeno Hannah and Sauerkraut Saul a run for their money on the track at Golden...
Beattie students advance to Hershey for SkillsUSA project that helps peers in need
Malea O’Neill was shocked to learn just how many of her fellow students at A.W. Beattie Career Center often lack basic necessities in their daily lives. “It was honestly sad to learn how much of a need there is for things that I have always taken for granted. Hearing that...
2 Highlands administrators named MVP — most valuable principals — by Pittsburgh Penguins
Students at Highlands Elementary School already thought of their principal, Stan Whiteman, as the building’s MVP. Now they have confirmation. Whiteman was among 15 Allegheny County school administrators named 2024 Pittsburgh Penguins Most Valuable Principal. “He’s super kind and nice,” said Silas Kemp, 9. “He’s a very big Pens fan,...
Highlands Early Childhood Center transforms library to boost critical thinking, student collaboration
Highlands Early Childhood Center kindergartner Aaliyah Hall picked her favorite book, “I Spy,” at the school library and skipped around while choosing a place to read it. The room recently was transformed with colorful couches, wobble chairs and other reading nooks, all in an effort to boost literacy. The furniture...
West Deer officials say new municipal building was necessary: ‘There is nowhere else to go’
Construction is ahead of schedule on the $10.6 million West Deer municipal building, which is expected to open by late October. People can watch daily progress through a livestream on the township’s website. “It looks great,” Supervisor John Hollibaugh said. “I’m happy with the progress, and I think everyone will...
