Natalie Miller stories
Andrew Carnegie Free Library’s new director started during the pandemic
Walker Evans was ready to step into his new role as director of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library when, on March 13, libraries were ordered to close. Ten days later, the state’s stay-at-home order was put in place. “It’s certainly a unique situation,” said Evans. “I was eager to start,...
Kay Wiegand’s impact on Sewickley community remains
When Kay Wiegand died at age 77 during the state-mandated shutdown, daughter Betsy Wentz knew a traditional funeral could not be held. In addition to her grief, Wentz was saddened that the many who loved her mother wouldn’t be able to say goodbye. Soon though, cards and letters began to...
New director at helm of Sewickley Valley Historical Society
Amanda Schaffer was poised to delve into Sewickley-area history when the state stay-at-home order was given. Now that restrictions have somewhat eased, Schaffer, the new executive director of the Sewickley Valley Historical Society (SVHS), has immersed herself in the society’s archives and been enthralled with what she has found. “When...
North Park Lounge in McCandless closes after employee tests positive for coronavirus
A restaurant employee in McCandless has tested positive for covid-19, prompting the business to temporarily close. North Park Lounge owner Mark Baranowski posted a letter to the restaurant’s Facebook page Friday, stating an employee tested positive Thursday. He said the last day the employee worked was Saturday, June 20. In...
Carlynton alum, Ross resident publishes first collection; poems focus on work in food service industry
By day, he’s a professor of literature. By night, he’s one of countless food service workers taking orders, delivering meals and clearing dishes. Fred Shaw merges those worlds in his first published poetry collection, “Scraping Away.” “It’s a focus on the physical world, letting readers … drop into the world...
Sewickley parking to include new rates, fines and time limits
There have been many changes to the Sewickley Parking Authority this year, the latest among them impacting rates, time limits and fines. But it’s not all bad news for Sewickley parkers. The three-hour time limit in Zone 1 has been lifted, and enforcement hours have been reduced to 9 a.m....
Sewickley’s Woodland Swim Club perseveres for 100 years, to open Friday
For 100 years, Sewickley-area families have gathered at Woodland Swim Club for swimming, sports and socialization. “It’s really as Mayberry as you can get,” said Rebecca Earlewine, Woodland board president. “It’s really laid back. Families tend to belong quite a long time. … The kids can walk or ride bikes...
Dan Cortese, Sewickley native and ‘Seinfeld’s Mimbo,’ pens new book
Dan Cortese likes to tell people that his success wasn’t overnight, it was more like 72 hours. That’s how long it took the Sewickley native to go from fetching for TV hosts to becoming one. “MTV Sports” gave Cortese a platform to engage in extreme sports — think running with...
Black bear spotted in Ohio Township, Sewickley Hills
Lifelong Ohio Township resident Jocelyn Smith had heard about bear sightings from neighbors, but she hadn’t seen one herself until Tuesday evening. “A neighbor saw it and called me, kind of yelling, like, ‘There’s a bear in your yard!’ So I ran. I had to go to the second floor...
Carnegie farmers market goes digital
Carnegie-area connoisseurs of fresh produce know to head to the East Main parking lot for a weekly fix. But this year, they won’t even have to leave their homes to buy locally. Carnegie’s Virtual Farmers Market is always open and allows patrons to deal directly with suppliers, said borough administrator...
Sewickley adopts disaster proclamation, extends business tax deadline
Sewickley Borough is among about 40 municipalities across Allegheny County so far to have adopted a proclamation of local disaster emergency as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. By unanimous vote, council on Tuesday extended the original proclamation made April 8 by Mayor Brian Jeffe. While Manager Marla Marcinko doesn’t...
Sewickley’s Studio B teams up with Santom Upholstery in Ross to make masks for those working through pandemic
For Betsy Wentz, it was watching Safran’s Supermarket employees assist shoppers. For Jason Le Viere, it was interacting with restaurant workers while picking up or having food delivered. They are the people who may not be on the front lines but are risking their health every shift they work during...
Damage reported throughout Sewickley from Tuesday night storms
Multiple Sewickley streets remained closed Wednesday morning and many were without power as a result of strong storms overnight. Cochran Hose Company firefighters worked through the night to clear debris from roadways, said Chief Shayne Quinn. “There’s a lot of damage from last night,” he said Wednesday morning. “Cleaning is...
Sewickley fire started in kitchen, chief says
No one was injured when a fire broke out Monday night in a Sewickley home. Cochran Hose Company Chief Shayne Quinn said the fire originated in the kitchen of an apartment at 220 Graham St., located near Quaker Valley Middle School, around 8:20 p.m. Quinn said it appeared as though...
Sewickley Community Center food pantry serving more families during outbreak
The second and fourth Wednesday of each month, a team of volunteers works in the Sewickley Community Center food pantry, distributing to about six or seven Quaker Valley-area families staples like cereal, diapers and toothpaste. Since the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent closure of businesses have caused lost wages, the number...
Sewickley’s popular Memorial Day parade canceled
This year’s Sewickley Memorial Day parade would have marked 129 years, making it one of the oldest in the commonwealth. But the group responsible for the event has decided to forgo the tradition this year. “As a country and community, we’re doing what we can do,” said Brian Jeffe, who,...
Sewickley’s Tull theater offering online screenings
The Tull Family Theater is thinking outside the box (office) and continues to provide cultural experiences despite social distancing. By going to the nonprofit’s website, www.thetullfamilytheater.org, cinefiles have access to new theatrical releases online. “The virtual programming is an effort to stay engaged with our audience and continue adding value...
Edgeworth manager, North Hampton fire chief charged in DUI crash
The Edgeworth Borough manager was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving after a crash earlier this month. John Schwend, who is also fire chief of the North Hampton fire department, was the driver in a crash that happened around 2 a.m. Dec. 15 in Gibsonia, according to...
Sewickley wine and spirits store to reopen in time for holidays
Those planning to stock up on holiday spirits should wait until Dec. 20, when the Sewickley Fine Wine and Good Spirits store reopens. A grand opening will be held at 4 p.m. at the 521 Beaver St. location, and customers who shop that day will receive 10% off in-store wines,...
Nonprofit with Sewickley roots holds annual train show in AmbridgeVideo
In an unassuming building along Merchant Street in Ambridge, the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania teem with activity. Among the oranges, reds and yellows of early autumn, farmers work in a field while nearby, a child glides through the air on a tree swing. Around the bend, patrons hurry in...
Retired Quaker Valley teacher, Rep. Gaydos travel to Serbia for World War II anniversary
Of World War II’s countless accounts of devastation and triumph — the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the Siege of Leningrad, the Battle of the Bulge — Operation Halyard is one of the more obscure. For Mim Bizic, though, the amazing-but-true account of a secret mission in which more than 500...
Quaker Valley’s Osborne to aid students in Uganda
The 387 students at Osborne Elementary are used to giving back through an annual service project that takes place the day before winter break. In recent years, they have collected and donated supplies to schools in need. But this year, students won’t take a day to give back — they’ll...
5 vie for 3 open Leet commissioner seats
Five names will appear on the ballot in the race for three open Leet Township commissioner seats. All are four-year terms. The Trib asked each candidate three questions. Below are their answers. Question 1: What are the two biggest challenges facing Leet Township and what ideas or policies will you...
4 in race for 3 open Bell Acres council seats
Voters in Bell Acres who go to the polls Nov. 5 to fill the three open council seats will see four candidates, including a Democrat, two Republicans and an Independent. Council members serve four-year terms in office. Following is information submitted by the candidates as well as their response to...
4 candidates running for 2 open Scott commissioner seats
Two candidates are competing for one Scott Township Ward 1 commissioner seat, a four-year term. Following is information submitted by the candidates as well as their response to questions posed by the Trib: Question 1: What are the two biggest challenges facing Scott Township and what ideas or policies will...
