Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 13
Fox Chapel, O’Hara councils approve joint paving project
Fox Chapel and O’Hara officials recently approved this year’s paving projects. Both communities authorized contracts with Bakerstown-based Shields Asphalt Paving. The company was the lowest of six bidders for a joint project that included Fox Chapel, O’Hara, Blawnox and the Fox Chapel Authority. Larry Kurpakus, director of public works for...
Indiana Township increases salt shed size to be better prepared for heavy winters
With summer and hot temperatures fast approaching, it is just the right time to prepare for snow and ice-covered roads. Indiana Township recently expanded its salt shed to near double capacity. The original shed was constructed in 1964 and consisted of three bays, each 32 feet wide by 40 feet...
Sewickley Public Library launches community survey to help build strategic plan
Sewickley Public Library officials are seeking the community’s input for a broad strategic plan that will help shape the future of patrons and staff at 500 Thorn St. They are launching a community survey through May 12. Everyone is welcome to take part in the free online survey. Executive Director...
Motorcyclists hurt in crash along Saxonburg Road in Harrison
Two people were hurt when a motorcycle the were riding crashed Monday in Harrison, authorities said. They were not identified, but were in stable condition as they were taken by ambulance to a hospital, said Harrison Hills fire Chief Jules Beer. Township police wouldn’t release information. Firefighters were chopping a...
Man shows up to Pittsburgh hospital in critical condition after North Side shooting, police say
Pittsburgh police said a man showed up to a hospital in critical condition after being shot in the neck Monday. Public Safety officials said officers responded to two ShotSpotter notifications totaling 12 rounds fired before 3:20 p.m. near the 100 block of Lafayette Avenue on the city’s North Side. A...
Verona police seek public help in finding wanted man
Verona police seek assistance in locating a man who failed to show up for court on drug charges and other crimes. Kristafher Fluharty, 35, was charged with resisting arrest, possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a trespassing incident at the Giant Eagle along Allegheny...
Verona police searching for burglary suspects
A search is underway for two people who Verona police say attempted burglarize a home along East Railroad Avenue on Friday afternoon. Police said no injuries were reported in connection with the incident shortly after 1:15 p.m. The suspects fled in a dark-colored vehicle that was parked along Diamond Way....
Sharpsburg water tower springs leak; resident water service reportedly not impacted
Hampton Shaler Water Authority officials said they are working with a vendor to repair a leak at the authority’s water tower in Sharpsburg. The leak occurred April 19 at the tower along the Allegheny River. The authority released a statement about the incident Wednesday . “HSWA is planning repairs to...
Aspinwall Council Democratic candidate race has 5 people seeking party nods for 4 seats
Editor’s note: The Herald is featuring candidate interviews in contested municipal and school board races only. Aspinwall Democrats have five candidates seeking party nods for four council seats in the May primary election. Candidates include current council President Jeff Harris, Councilwoman Lara Voytko, former councilwoman Patti McCaffrey and newcomers Andrew...
Leetsdale boat launch plans redesigned after Allegheny County response
Plans to restore a public boat launch in Leetsdale have hit some choppy waters. The borough had hoped to upgrade its recreation site along the Ohio River near the Hussey Copper property in the industrial park after approving a deal last month. The launch has been closed since the original...
‘Everything’ is on the table to close $4.2 million shortfall in Fox Chapel Area School District budget
Tax hikes, program cuts, increased class sizes and pulling from funding reserves are all on the table to help balance Fox Chapel Area School District’s proposed 2025-26 budget. “Everything is still on the table right now,” district Business Manager Kimberly Pawlishak said following a preliminary budget presentation at the school...
Quaker Valley School District officials hire construction manager
Quaker Valley School District officials have hired a construction manager for the proposed $105 million high school project. School directors voted 8-0 to select Pittsburgh-based construction firm PJ Dick to take the lead in project development and serve as a district liaison in day-to-day operations. The company will be paid...
Quaker Valley School District proposed 2025-26 budget includes 3.9% property tax hike
Quaker Valley School District property owners may be paying 3.9% more in real estate taxes next school year. Board members voted 8-0 to pass the proposed 2025-26 budget on April 15. Board Vice President Daniela Helkowski was absent. The budget is available for review on the district’s website as well...
Former East Deer man charged with animal cruelty and neglect of animals
A former East Deer man is facing multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect charges after he left three dogs to die, according to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. Christopher J. Edmunds, 30, was apprehended Tuesday evening at his workplace, about five minutes from the township house where the dogs...
Fox Chapel Area School District’s community safety event set in Aspinwall
Fox Chapel Area School District’s annual Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event is fast approaching. Its fourth installment will take place on April 26 at the Aspinwall municipal parking lot, 217 Commercial Ave. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It intends to create camaraderie among area residents, first responders and district...
Blawnox family preparing to provide recycling service to borough residents
A Blawnox family is preparing to launch a new recycling program in the borough. Recycling was eliminated in the garbage contract that council approved in September 2023. Simon Passerrello-Carnevali, 16, and his mother, Christine Carnevali, have been working most of this year to provide that service and reduce waste shipped...
Blawnox to create time capsule as part of centennial celebration
Blawnox officials hope to collect items from past and present residents as part of a historic celebration. The Centennial Committee is creating a time capsule with the size and shape to be determined. The goal is to pack it with mementos, news articles, old menus, photos, yearbooks, magazines, newsletters and...
Pittsburgh police charge 3 in connection with August 2021 shooting death of city resident
Three Pittsburgh resident are charged with homicide and other crimes in connection with the shooting death of another man in the city’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood. Ernest Adams, 39, was found dead in a home in the 1300 block of Malden Street on Aug. 17, 2021. Pittsburgh police on Tuesday filed homicide...
Sewickey approves developer’s agreement for a new Beaver Street property
An agreement has been reached between Sewickley officials and a developer to create a multi-use facility at the site of a former funeral home. Council unanimously voted to approve a deal with resident Bob Lewis, founder of Orbital Engineering, and his development team on April 8. Lewis plans to relocate...
Blawnox to convert old police station to office space
Blawnox officials plan to turn their former police station into office space. The shift will also allow the borough to move its food pantry from the second floor of the municipal building to the first floor, making it easier for deliveries and distribution. Council announced the changes on April 9....
Indiana Township adopts new rules for public comment at meetings
Indiana Township residents who want to address the board of supervisors at meetings will have some new rules to follow. Rule changes include a reduction from five minutes to three minutes per speaker. The board can vote to end public comment after 30 minutes. After that, people who wish to...
Quaker Valley School District considering new naming rights policy
Quaker Valley School District officials are considering a new policy that would regulate requests from businesses, organizations and individuals seeking naming rights to district facilities. Administrators have been working with legal counsel for many months to set criteria and procedures. The policy’s first reading and advertisement is set for this...
Sewickley man found with gun, ammo at Pittsburgh International Airport
Police detained a Sewickley man at Pittsburgh International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officers discovered his gun at a security checkpoint Wednesday. Authorities said the man, whose name was not released, told officials that he forgot he had his handgun with him. The 22-caliber pistol contained 30 bullets. Police confiscated...
Blawnox volunteers prepare for Good Friday fish fry
Blawnox fish fry fans have a few new menu items to get excited about. The volunteer fire company recently acquired a new fryer that will be dedicated to cooking jumbo shrimp. It will also introduce applesauce as a new side for dinners and a la carte selections. Rick Lee, fire...
Sewickley parks to be upgraded this summer
Sewickley officials are moving forward with plans to upgrade a pair of borough parks. Several council members and administrators discussed a new playground project at Maple Lane Park and the pending construction of the borough’s official public pickleball courts in Chadwick Street Park on April 8. Borough Manager Donna Kaib...
