Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 73
Quaker Valley High School’s revamped robotics curriculum provides more student opportunities
When Matt Dado came to Quaker Valley High School last year he noticed something about its robotics and engineering curriculum. “I really don’t think anything was broken,” he said. “I would say we had a real solid foundation. The courses really didn’t change (in) name so far. “It was just...
Repairs to Crescent Avenue in Sewickley to take nearly all borough paving budget
A major wall reconstruction project along Crescent Avenue in Sewickley is expected to drain nearly all of the borough’s paving budget this year. Borough engineer Mike Galet said it has not reached the point of an emergency repair, but the slim and winding road could be significantly impacted by the...
Pittsburgh Fire Chief injured in crash while responding to fire
Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones was injured late Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision while responding to a fire in Edgebrook, according to a Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman. The crash occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Brookline Boulevard and Whited Street. The fire was nearby...
FBI, Pittsburgh police seek help identifying Brookline bank robber
The FBI and Pittsburgh police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man authorities said robbed a Community Bank earlier this week in Brookline. Police responded to the bank at 714 Brookline Blvd. around 2:20 p.m. on Monday. A robber handed a bank teller a note asking for...
Plum principal swaps ‘interim’ for official title
Since November, the principal of Plum’s Pivik Elementary School had been working with “interim” as part of his title. With the school board’s approval, Michael Gauntner now is the lead administrator minus the temporary connotation. “Really, I didn’t really think about that. The title doesn’t mean anything. It’s just having...
Restaurant official escorted from Aspinwall meeting as council considers limiting outdoor operations
A discussion about limiting outdoor hours of operation for Aspinwall businesses became heated when a man launched a slew of expletives while defending his restaurant. Luke and Mike’s Frontporch general manager Lou Curcio Jr. was escorted out of council chambers Wednesday night after cursing at council and resident Patti McCaffrey,...
Sewickley officials mull Chadwick Park upgrades, seek state grant
Pickleball may be coming to Chadwick Park in Sewickley. Council is considering the addition, as well as refurbishing the park’s tennis courts and basketball area, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve recreational amenities. “We have a backlog of needs in terms of refurbishing the parks, and we’re just...
Fire at Springdale plant under investigation, no injuries reported
PPG Industries’ safety department is investigating the cause of a fire Wednesday at its Springdale plant along Colfax Street. Firefighters from the borough as well as Arnold and East Deer responded to the call for smoke and fire in the vents at the industrial coating and resin facility around 3...
Edgeworth Elementary principal among Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation MVPs
Principal Carol Sprinker is just as important to Quaker Valley School District’s Edgeworth Elementary as Sidney Crosby is to the Pens, according to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Crosby was recently named team MVP – and so was Sprinker through the foundation’s Principal MVP program. “It’s very humbling,” Sprinker said. “I’m...
Fox Chapel Area School Board gives prelim approval to 1.5% property tax hike
The Fox Chapel Area School Board has given preliminary approval to a 2022-23 budget that contains a 1.5% tax increase. The spending plan would raise the millage rate by 0.3019 mills. The overall tax hike is expected to produce about $1.07 million in additional revenue for the district. The current...
Sharpsburg to have Local Government Academy do financial review
Sharpsburg officials are seeking a Pittsburgh nonprofit’s help in reviewing borough finances. Council on April 28 authorized an application to the Local Government Academy for a financial health assessment. A finance expert would spend between six to 10 months reviewing records, examining trends and make recommendations on how to modernize...
Memorial Day parade in Aspinwall to return after pandemic hiatus
A longtime tradition of honoring veterans and celebrating America is returning to Aspinwall. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Memorial Day parade and service is scheduled for May 30. Festivities begin with a ceremony at 11 a.m. outside the American Legion Post 77 along Commercial Avenue. Mayor Joseph Noro will...
‘Gospel Explosion’ felt in New Kensington as Alle-Kiski Valley, Pittsburgh churches singVideo
Halls of the Quality Inn in New Kensington were rocked by an explosion Saturday evening. It was the inaugural Gospel Explosion, featuring nearly a dozen churches from the Alle-Kiski Valley and Pittsburgh area. The event featured 10 singers and was hosted by Shiloh Baptist Church in Brackenridge. “We do this...
The Manos Gallery in Tarentum showcases student, professional artwork, benefits free hospital care
A Tarentum art house has partnered with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for a monthlong fundraiser benefiting the Free Care Fund. The Manos Gallery is presenting “Artist of Tomorrow,” an exhibit featuring pieces from 65 student artists from across Western Pennsylvania. Paintings, drawings, mixed media and other artistic creations from...
Legislation for proposed Sharpsburg parks and recreation commission moving forward
Sharpsburg officials are inching ever closer to forming a group dedicated to improving borough recreational opportunities and amenities. Council unanimously voted April 28 to advertise an ordinance establishing a parks and recreation commission. It is expected to be formally adopted at the May 26 voting session with members to be...
Candles lit, balloons released in memory of Azuree CharlesVideo
“Playful,” “friendly,” “polite” and “nice kid” were all common responses from people when asked about Azuree Charles. The 9-year-old boy was remembered by at least 200 people outside the East Ken Manor office building along Gardlock Court in New Kensington on Thursday evening, a day after his body was found...
Aspinwall officer recognized for helping save a man’s life in O’Hara
A man who attempted to end his life last month is alive thanks to the quick action of Aspinwall Police Officer Leann Heffley and other responding police. Mayor Joseph Noro commended Heffley for her service and presented her with a proclamation at the May 4 council meeting. “It’s nice,” she...
Fox Chapel Area senior named a Student of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
When a classmate and friend asked Hanna Essey to help raise money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society last school year, the Fox Chapel Area High School student did not hesitate. She assisted with then junior Sarah Giuffre’s campaign and the team raised around $30,000. Now, both seniors,...
Police say Bethel Park officer struck by motorist, driver arrested for suspicion of DUI
A Bethel Park police officer was hospitalized after being struck by a motorist Tuesday night, according to police. Officers charged a man with driving under the influence and multiple traffic violations in connection with the incident around 8:40 p.m. along South Park road near Pennsylvania Avenue, police Chief Tim O’Connor...
Quaker Valley School District highlights mental health efforts
When Penny made her way into last month’s Quaker Valley school board meeting, board members smiled and some administrators took pictures. The 2-year-old purebred bulldog has that impact on everyone at the high school, Principal Deborah Riccobelli said at the April 26 voting session. Penny trained at Misty Pines Pet...
Michael Mullins named Sewickley emergency management coordinator
Army veteran and former Boy Scout Michael Mullins believes he is prepared for his next opportunity. The retired lieutenant colonel and certified registered nurse anesthetist was recently named Sewickley’s new emergency management coordinator. Hailing from Champaign, Ill., Mullins served in active duty from 1975 through 1978, and was in the...
Blawnox-Glenover Volunteer Fire Co. celebrates 100 years of operation
Pam Stephens can count on three fingers the members of the Blawnox-Glenover Volunteer Fire Co. back in the late 1980s. A simple, yet sobering task, considering that she, fire company Engineer Scott Krause and her brother, Chief Jeff Stephens were the members. The others, “just retired, moved away (and) quit,”...
Architects give presentation update on proposed Quaker Valley High SchoolVideo
Leaders of Quaker Valley School District’s project team have delivered a presentation and update on the proposed high school project. Architects at the April 26 school board highlighted community engagement that took place the past year or so, and showcased some conceptual drawings of an estimated 167,000-square-foot facility. Alternate plans...
Sharpsburg Community Library may add materials, increase hours through O’Hara donation
Sharpsburg Community Library officials are considering adding hours and to its collection courtesy of a $20,000 donation from O’Hara Township. The Sharpsburg library is a branch of Fox Chapel-based Cooper-Siegel Community Library. O’Hara Council approved the gift on April 12 provided it be used specifically for the Sharpburg library and...
Pittsburgh man federally indicted on charges related to several robberies in Allegheny County
A Pittsburgh man arrested in connection with four armed robberies in March, including two in which people were shot, now faces federal charges. Eric Jones, 32, of the city’s East Hills neighborhood has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery, attempted robbery and firearms violations, authorities...
