Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 54
Fundraising group works to raise profile of Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Harrison resident Mary Lou Beck spends a lot of time in retirement brainstorming ways to work. A member of the Friends of the Community Library of Allegheny Valley, Beck keeps busy year-round raising money and awareness of the facility that serves 20,000 people in six municipalities. “We do fundraisers, and...
Braeburn Alloy workers’ vote for union representation upheld by National Labor Relations Board
Last month’s vote for a labor union to represent Braeburn Alloy Steel workers in Lower Burrell during contract negotiations has been upheld by the National Labor Relations Board. The vote Feb. 23 was held by secret ballot. Negotiations have not yet been scheduled. It was an unusual hoop for employees...
Harrison approves this year’s paving list
Nearly a dozen roads in Harrison are on tap to be repaved this year. Commissioners voted to spend about $311,000 for paving projects that include Broadview Boulevard, the busy street that runs parallel with Freeport Road. The contract was awarded to Shields Asphalt Paving of Richland. Work hasn’t been scheduled...
Fruit stand opens for season in Springdale Township
It would’ve been hard for motorists along Freeport Road in Springdale Township to miss Heidi Bair on Thursday. Dressed as a bright red strawberry, the owner of John & Gerry’s Quality Fruit Market danced along the roadside to alert people that the store is open for the season. The store...
Riverfront Theater Company opens season with dark comedy ‘True West’
A dark comedy about the complexities of family relationships will open the season for the Riverfront Theater Company. “True West” is the tale of two alienated brothers – one a well-educated screenwriter and the other a drifter – who might have more in common than they’d like to admit. “It’s...
Pastor at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Church in Arnold fundraising to help youth group in native country
In the midst of rebuilding his fire-ravaged church in Arnold, the Rev. Yaroslav Koval of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church also is trying to help revive parts of his native war-torn country. He’s raising money to benefit the Emmanuel Youth Group of the Blessed Martyr Josaphat Kotsylovsky in Stryi, Ukraine....
Springdale power plant property could be rezoned residential
Riverfront property in Springdale could look vastly different if council moves forward with a proposal to rezone a coveted piece of land. The partially dismantled Cheswick Generating Station, which is on 56 acres and includes an adjoining 27-acre parcel, will be the focus of discussion during a meeting Wednesday of...
Corbet Street demolition will disrupt traffic in Tarentum
Demolition of a building in the heart of the Tarentum business district will interrupt traffic for a few days this week. A three-story brick building at 215 Corbet St. is scheduled to come down, beginning Tuesday. The project is expected to last two to three days. Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf...
No injuries reported in Spring Hill fire
No injuries were reported in a fire Sunday in Pittsburgh’s Spring Hill neighborhood. Emergency crews were called not long after 5 p.m. to Radner Street, where smoke was coming from an abandoned building. Firefighters had the situation under control by about 6 p.m., according to an Allegheny County dispatcher. The...
Kings & Queens Restaurant in Stoystown a total loss after fire
A Stoystown staple is gone. The Kings & Queens Restaurant & Pub along Lincoln Highway was destroyed by fire Saturday. A Somerset 911 dispatcher said the building is a total loss. One person was transported to a hospital for minor smoke inhalation, according to the dispatcher. There were no other...
Building the Valley: Redefined @ 4th in Tarentum is a picker’s paradise
A self-described cross between a treasure-seeker and a scavenger, Meridith Ross has found the perfect profession. The owner of Tarentum’s newest second-hand store, Redefined @ 4th, Ross said the business allows her inner artist to shine. “I love to pick, and I’ve always loved to refurbish,” said Ross, a 1991...
Manufacturing apprenticeships a boon to students, employers
When his pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree at Penn State New Kensington was derailed, Cameron Fouse turned to Plan B. “I tried machining for the first time and learned everything I could online,” said Fouse, 29, of Ford City. An entry-level job at Metplas Inc. in Harrison landed Fouse...
Glass show at New Kensington Quality Inn draws hundreds for ‘treasure hunt’
Susan Conforti of Green Tree stopped counting her collection of Depression-era wine glasses at 120. As she gleefully perused the offerings Saturday at the 46th annual Depression Glass and Pottery Show at the Quality Inn in New Kensington, her husband tagged along behind and playfully shook his head. “I just...
Highlands administrators say focus on Workforce Readiness sets up all students for success
Curriculum changes in the Highlands School District are intended to expose students, as young as kindergartners, to options that will excite and prepare them for success after high school — whether that means college, trade school or employment. A Career and Workforce Readiness Program is moving forward for all grade...
Harrison emergency crews lauded for saving 2 lives
Though his crew is in the business of saving lives, Citizens Hose EMS Director Jim Erb was stunned when they had the chance to rescue two Harrison residents within a month. Quick action by Harrison police and Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS helped save a woman’s life during a cardiac incident at...
On one of region’s steepest roads, Aspinwall’s Run for the Hill of It benefits emergency services
An avid runner, Adam Janosko admits he was feeling the burn when he crossed the finish line at the top of Center Avenue in Aspinwall during last year’s Run for the Hill of It fundraiser. The Shady Side Academy track coach can’t wait to do it again. “That hill is...
Bayer grant boosts food access at Salvation Army in Brackenridge, Greensburg
Brackenridge Salvation Army chef Cheryl Bieranoski doesn’t mess around when it comes to good eats. The self-described lunch lady is gleeful scooping out whopping-sized servings of sloppy Joes and fruit salad to more than 100 people Thursdays at the free Community Lunch. “Everyone is so grateful,” said Bieranoski, who has...
Carolyn Saldari Bengel announces bid for 6th term
District Judge Carolyn Saldari Bengel has announced her re-election bid. Bengel’s court covers Brackenridge, East Deer, Fawn, Harrison and Tarentum. A resident of Harrison, Bengel is a full-time judge who said she “has always focused on the need for a fair judicial system that truly represents the people of our...
Proposed Cheswick trail taking steps toward reality
Plans for a proposed trail in Cheswick are expected to step off by April. Friends of the Riverfront will use input from a public hearing in early February to make final revisions to the borough’s trail segment. Designs are expected to be ready for review in April. About 40 people...
Police use distinctive clothes, car to ID suspect in Harrison Sheetz robbery
A distinct pair of Puma sweatpants has helped Harrison police identify the suspect of a January armed robbery at Sheetz. Officers were called to the Freeport Road convenience store about 4:20 a.m. Jan. 31 after a man demanded money from a clerk and showed what appeared to be a weapon...
Food drive to honor police part of 2023 Tarentum Recreation Board events
Tarentum continues to show its gratitude for those who protect and serve. A food drive this spring is among several area benefits planned to honor fallen Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire and wounded Tarentum Officer Jordan Schrecengost. Carrie Fox, president of the Tarentum Recreation Board, said a concert scheduled May...
Dollar General could open store along Route 908 in Fawn
People who live near the Route 908 corridor in Fawn will have a new store to shop for groceries, hardware and pharmacy items. A Dollar General is expected to be built at the intersection of the state road and Saxonburg Boulevard, across from Leisure Pools and Spas by Ronda. “This...
Morning Roundup: More demolition needed in wake of Elizabeth Forward fire
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023: Virtual learning continues at Elizabeth Forward after fire Fire damage to the Elizabeth Forward High School auditorium is more extensive than originally believed, district officials announced. Superintendent Keith Konyk sent a letter to families saying...
Tarentum considers bringing junior member on board
For the first time, Tarentum Council might have a junior member. Council in March will consider the idea of seeking a teen to participate in local government. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the junior councilperson program gives teens a chance to engage in local government and develop...
‘The clerk was in on it’: Harrison police nab accomplice in gas station robbery
Police say the robbery of a Harrison gas station earlier this month was staged. “The clerk was in on it,” police Chief Mike Klein said, without elaborating further. David Cousineau, 19, of Harrison is charged with criminal conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property. Police said he was party to a...
