Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 48
Verona Bike Derby returns with special attractions
For the first time in four years, youngsters were able to ride their two-wheelers, have them checked for safety and enjoy some special attractions at the annual Verona Bike Derby. The landing of Allegheny Health Network’s Life Flight helicopter, for example, drew families to explore and learn more about it....
North Hills Community Outreach returns to Blawnox for food giveaway
North Hills Community Outreach brings its free food distribution program back to Blawnox from 2-3 p.m. June 16 outside the borough building. Volunteers haul about 600 pounds of food to give away to people regardless of income or residency. They set up shop for about an hour at three different...
Relay for Life of Riverview in Oakmont races past fundraising goal
This year’s Relay for Life of Riverview in Oakmont ran past its fundraising goal, and donations are still being counted. The annual event to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society took place at Riverside Park May 20. There were at least a dozen teams at the event,...
Edgeworth officials hire former McCandless staffer to replace retiring public works director
Edgeworth officials have chosen a successor of a longtime public servant. Council recently hired James Vicheck of McCandless as its new assistant public works director. Borough Manager John Schwend said the position was created as a transition plan in preparation for the upcoming retirement of public works director and building...
Fox Chapel Area High School graduates Class of 2023 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland
Parents, family members and friends packed Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland June 4 to watch members of Fox Chapel Area High School’s Class of 2023 receive their diplomas. “You are sitting here today because of your successes,” Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac told the graduates. “Your...
New season of Plum’s Monday Market in Plum Creek Park has begun
Plum’s Monday Market kicked off its season at Plum Creek Park with a plethora of vendors and a variety of offerings. Opening day for the market, near the ball fields along New Texas Road, was Monday, June 5. It was sunny shopping for Cheryl Stezoski of Plum, who picked up...
O’Hara officials may allow residents to raise chickens; vote slated for June 13
O’Hara residents who want to raise chickens may soon be able to in their own backyards. Township officials plan to vote June 13 on a zoning ordinance amendment that would make “domestic chicken keeping” a permitted accessory use in residential and certain commercial districts. A $50 permit fee also would...
1 killed, 2 injured in Butler Township crash
One person has died and two others were injured Tuesday in a crash at the intersection of Route 8 and Litman Road in Butler Township. A Butler County 911 operator said the crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. The county coroner was called to the scene. One fatality was confirmed....
Sewickley Civic Garden Council’s May Mart made its return after a pandemic hiatus
Sewickley Civic Garden Council’s May Mart welcomed hundreds of people to the borough after a three-year pandemic hiatus. Wet weather did not dampen the spirits of participants and vendors at the May 13 event along Broad Street in Sewickley. “We were all so pleased — that after not having May...
Quaker Valley High School class of 2023 celebrates commencement
Quaker Valley High School commencement at Chuck Knox Stadium in Leetsdale marked the end of another school year and the start of a new chapter in young graduates’ lives. Teachers and administrators said congratulations and good luck to 135 seniors in the center of the football field June 1. The...
South Fayette man sentenced to 4 years for Capitol riot attack
A South Fayette man was sentenced to more than four years in prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss imposed the sentence Friday on Jorden Robert Mink, 29, who pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a...
Fire destroys 2 vacant houses near former Oakmont Auto Body
Two vacant houses next to the former Oakmont Auto Body were gutted by a fire Monday evening. Oakmont Fire Chief Joe Flanick said his department was dispatched about 5:50 p.m. for a fire at a house near the intersection of Plum Street and Dark Hollow Road. Before they arrived, firefighters...
Verona Farmers Market kicks off the new season at Railroad Park
Verona Farmers Market attendees can expect to see some new and familiar faces at Railroad Park every Thursday through mid-November. This year’s market season kicked off June 1 with a variety of vendors, entertainers and a taco food truck. Balloon artist Ray Lucas made animals and other creations for children...
Officials identify man fatally stabbed in Tarentum
A 26-year-old man died Sunday after being stabbed in Tarentum, Allegheny County Police reported. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Thomas Baczynski of Tarentum. County homicide detectives said borough police were notified of a stabbing around 6:25 p.m. along the 100 block of Davidson Street. Baczynski was...
Juneteenth celebration planned in Sewickley
A celebration of historical significance is about to mark its fifth anniversary. Sewickley’s annual Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. June 17 at the Sewickley Community Center, 12 Chadwick St. There will be performances by the Triumph Church Choir, the Bryan Nash Trio, youth poets and Pittsburgh...
Proclamation given to Penn Hills High School basketball team
State Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills, delivered a proclamation to the Penn Hills High School basketball team in celebration of their WPIAL championship this school year. Coach Chris Giles led his players to a 70-65 win over Peters Township for the Class 5A title at the Petersen Events Center in...
Fox Chapel Area High School robotics team named ‘grand champion’ in national competition
Fox Chapel Area High School teacher Ryan Siniawski knew his robotics students were winners. They now have the national hardware to prove it. The team of 15 students from freshmen to seniors was named the overall grand champion in the ’Burgh Bash National Championships hosted by the BotsIQ manufacturing workforce...
Sharpsburg passes rules for alcohol at special events
Restrictions on alcohol use during events in Sharpsburg are now formalized. Council approved the policy May 25. “We had restrictions on events with alcohol like requiring wristbands, but they weren’t in writing,” Councilwoman Sarah Ishman said. “This just solidifies best practices and makes it clear to everyone what we expect...
Penn Hills plans to pave 14 streets this summer
Penn Hills officials plan to spend about $1.8 million to repair 14 streets and other sections of the municipality. Council awarded contracts of about $1.35 million, $305,700 and $156,300 to Shields Asphalt Paving of Bakerstown at a special meeting May 25. Part of the street reconstruction will be paid for...
Penn Hills senior citizens to get 3% real estate tax break in 2024-25 school year, but tax hike expected then, too
Penn Hills School District officials want to give low-income senior citizens a slight break on their real estate taxes in 2024. The board unanimously voted May 31 to approve a 3% tax rebate program effective the 2024-25 school year. District chief financial officer John Zahorchak said 1,092 Penn Hills seniors...
Penn Hills School District to petition the state to lift financial recovery status
The Penn Hills School District may be on its way out of its “financial recovery” status. A petition to the state Department of Education is in the works, state-appointed chief recovery officer Dan Matsook announced at a board meeting Wednesday, May 31. He said there will be a lot of...
Part of Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell reopens after water main break is fixed
A portion of Leechburg Road was closed and several Lower Burrell residents went without water Wednesday as a result of a water main break the night before. The Lower Burrell Emergency Management Agency reported via Facebook the break occurred around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officials said there was damage to the...
Fox Chapel Police Department hosts annual bike rodeo
Fox Chapel Police Department welcomed about 90 people to its second annual Bicycle Rodeo, according to organizer Sgt. Craig Sorg. The event took place May 23 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church along Fox Chapel Road. Families had their bicycles inspected for free by mechanics from Pro Bike+Run in Monroeville. They...
Rosedale Beach Club dedicates lifeguard chair in memory of Nick Theofilis
The legacy of the late Nick Theofilis continues to grow as a new fixture memorializing the Penn Hills native was unveiled at the Rosedale Beach Club. He served as a lifeguard there for several summers. A member of the club’s swim team, Theofilis taught others how to swim and some...
Sewickley Valley YMCA Wellness Center reconstruction project underway
A reconstruction project at the Sewickley Valley YMCA Wellness Center is underway. Crews from McKeesport-based TBI Contracting are replacing the windows around its track and will be installing a new roof to prevent future leaks. The estimated $650,000 project began May 22. It’s expected to be completed in three to...
