Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 19
Barred owl makes for exciting guest at Aspinwall home
Terry Nelson Taylor’s newest neighbor along Eastern Avenue in Aspinwall is making quite a ruckus. “It has caused a great sensation in the neighborhood,” Taylor said of the barred owl, which has taken up residence in the tree next to her house. “He seems to hoot at all hours.” Barred...
Crocs in crosshairs nationwide as schools cite safety risks
The chunky rubber-looking shoes called Crocs have been on the market since 2002. In recent years, as they have become the obsession of children and teens, they have caught the eye of school administrators nationwide — but not as fashion favorites. Some districts across the country are stepping up to...
After 40 years of searching and praying, Cherrie Mahan’s mother asks for closure
Cherrie Mahan’s favorite color was purple. The 8-year-old loved Cabbage Patch dolls, the movie “E.T.” and tuna fish sandwiches. She sang at church on Sundays with her grandma. It’s the happy details that her mother, Janice McKinney, remembers most about Cherrie. The Winfield Elementary third grader went missing Feb. 22,...
Missing 11-year-old East Allegheny girl found safe
An 11-year-old girl who was reported missing to Pittsburgh police has been found safe, according to authorities. The girl was reported missing Saturday after being last seen the day before at her home in the city’s East Allegheny neighborhood....
Then and Now: 1875 O’Hara home is among oldest in township
One of the oldest existing homes in O’Hara stands along Freeport Road overlooking the Allegheny River. According to township historian Tom Powers, the home was among the first built in the Montrose Plan and is at least 150 years old. It sits in an area of the township not far...
Former Fawn Primary Center could go back on the market
The former Fawn Primary Center in the Highlands School District could be going back on the market. The school board last week voted to hire Integra Realty Resources to prepare a valuation on the building at 5591 Ridge Road. The cost for the appraisal is $2,500. The board did not...
Harrison juveniles face charges for vape shop burglary
Two Harrison juveniles are facing charges after, police say, they broke into a vape shop along Freeport Road and made off with more than $3,000 in merchandise. Harrison police Chief Brian Turack said the teens face charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and flight to avoid apprehension. He credited a...
Fox Chapel, Shady Side Academy students part of Junior Achievement’s 18 Under Eighteen
Robotics, medical careers and baking have something in common at Fox Chapel Area High School and Shady Side Academy — students who are using each of these paths to promote change in their community. Shady Side Academy students Kiran Tevar and Özge Ada Uzman, along with Fox Chapel Area’s Laila...
Still no charges 6 months after 11-year-old killed by vehicle in Natrona
Amber Bonnoni is still unable to think straight six months after her daughter, 11-year-old Roxanne, was hit and killed by a vehicle near their Natrona home. “I am lost in my head,” she said. “The (person) who stole her life away will go on to have another day and is...
Sharpsburg’s 16th Street Park to get facelift
A facelift at the 16th Street Park in Sharpsburg is a sign of great things to come, according to borough officials. Arguably among the borough’s most popular recreation spots, the park sits along Main Street across from the municipal offices. Its official name is the Marion Gerardi Memorial Park. “It’s...
Faces of the Valley: Aspinwall Neighbors’ Sarah Shaffer works to make ‘great place to live even better’
From snow angels to soup delivery to sustainable rain gardens, Aspinwall Neighbors is just what the moniker says — a way to help connect people. “We’re guided by the mission of neighbors helping neighbors to build a thriving community,” said Sarah Shaffer, group president. A senior marketing manager for global...
As head of Aspinwall Neighbors, Sarah Shaffer works to make ‘great place to live even better’
From snow angels to soup delivery to sustainable rain gardens, Aspinwall Neighbors is just what the moniker says — a way to help connect people. “We’re guided by the mission of neighbors helping neighbors to build a thriving community,” said Sarah Shaffer, group president. A senior marketing manager for global...
Decreased barge traffic could impact river locks in Harmar, Highland Park
Lock service in Harmar and Highland Park could be on the chopping block pending a review of commercial barge traffic this year. “It could very well happen,” said Mike Ferris, president of the Allegheny River Development Corp. “We don’t know when it would happen, but it will be reviewed this...
Tarentum ministry aims to help people go from ‘surviving to thriving’
People with connections outside of their family tend to be healthier and more resilient. That’s the belief of a new initiative, Communities of Transformation, hosted nationally by the United Methodist Church. “People who have trust points — people you can rely on — are better able to reach their goals,”...
Natrona trailhead to provide town gateway, safe access to kayak launch
A trailhead project in the Natrona section of Harrison could begin moving forward if all goes smoothly with design and permit approvals. The township commissioners awarded a $30,000 contract to GAI Consultants in January to begin work on the project, which will create designated parking with safer access to the...
New rescue truck at Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services expands specialized response
While most fire departments across the state are struggling to stay afloat, Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is finding itself on solid ground. A merger of Aspinwall and Sharpsburg, the department is expected to purchase a $1.3 million heavy rescue truck that not only will respond to local emergencies but...
Brackenridge sewing group, Holy Scraps, uses skills for community good
When life gives you scraps, make a quilt. That’s the motto of a weekly sewing group, Holy Scraps, run from the Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Worship and Service Center in Brackenridge. “These ladies have a tremendous heart for serving the community,” Capt. Selah Bender said. “They really use their talents...
Blawnox VFC staying focused on emergency preparedness
When a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Harmar nearly three years ago, thousands of gallons of crude oil spilled into Guys Run headed for the Allegheny River. Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company was among the first to respond, helping to boom the area and keep the toxic materials contained. Chief Jeff...
Deer Lakes social worker says broad work experience readied her for the job
Logan Donahue didn’t envision a job as a school social worker, but she couldn’t be happier with her new role at Deer Lakes School District. Her job experience includes work with a forensic psychologist, the homeless and people suffering traumatic brain injuries. She said the breadth of work adds to...
Free energy audits can boost efficiency, lower costs
Home energy audits are being offered to property owners in Sharpsburg with the goal of boosting utility efficiency and lowering heating bills. But there’s also a chance the assessment could lead to free attic insulation or a hot water pump for qualifying residents. “We want to find out where the...
3rd grade students trying to collect Valentines cards from every state
Students at Mary Queen of Apostles School in New Kensington are feeling the love. Third graders are on a mission to collect Valentine’s Day cards from all 50 states by Friday. They’re more than halfway to their goal. With two days left, students are still hoping for cards from Alaska,...
Winning $600,000 lottery ticket sold in Upper Burrell
Someone who bought a lottery ticket in Upper Burrell is $600,000 richer today. A jackpot-winning Pennsylvania Lottery Cash 5 with Quick Cash ticket was sold at The Little Store along Seventh Street Road. It matched all five balls for the Monday drawing — 7-16-18-37-38. “I don’t know who it is...
Tarentum gets state boost to continue waterline upgrades
Tarentum taxpayers are getting a boost from the state to address waterline woes, putting the borough one step closer to remedying a severely aged system. The borough is set to receive about $51,000 to replace a waterline along Tripak Boulevard, which has been an area vulnerable to breaks. It is...
Developer proposes 55+ community in Frazer
Vacant property along Butler-Logan Road in Frazer might someday be filled with resort-style homes for an older crowd. Foxlane Homes, developers of upscale 55-plus housing, hopes to build there. They were expected to bring a proposal to the township’s planning commission Wednesday but have delayed it at least a month....
Then and Now: Former Sharpsburg High School still a place for students to thrive
The former Sharpsburg High School, an enormous red brick building along Linden Street, served the borough for decades. It sat along Linden Street, marked by white columns and ornate windows. The district merged in 1970 with Fox Chapel Area, sending students to a new school along Field Club Road in...
