Kellen Stepler stories, Page 44
Morning Roundup: Man shot in McKeesport; homes, vehicles shot at in Arnold
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Monday, March 25: Man in critical condition after shooting in McKeesport One person was taken to the hospital early Monday after a shooting in McKeesport, according to Allegheny County Police. At 3 a.m., McKeesport police were dispatched to the...
Allegheny Valley looks to boost mental health support for students
The Allegheny Valley School District soon will be able to provide behavioral and mental health support to students in a quicker way. The district is adding a part-time school psychologist and a behavioral specialist to its support team, said Melissa Holler, director of pupil services. “They would be working together...
Springdale officer promoted to detective after thorough work solving burglaries
A Springdale police officer was recognized — and promoted — thanks to his work solving burglaries in the borough. Officer Jon Koprivnikar was recognized by council during its meeting Tuesday, March 19. Council also promoted Koprivnikar to detective. “We had a rash of business burglaries within town,” police Chief Derek...
Jury convicts Ohio felon in connection to armed robberies at pharmacies including Bridgeville, Pittsburgh
A federal jury has convicted an Ohio man accused of armed robbery at one pharmacy in the Buckeye State and five in Western Pennsylvania, including in Pittsburgh and Bridgeville. Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea, 26 and formerly of Columbus, Ohio, was found guilty on three counts of conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy...
Springdale could start cracking down on ‘disorderly houses’
It could be three strikes and you’re out for Springdale residents whose behavior brings police or other first responders to their homes. The borough is considering revising its “disorderly house” ordinance to set the number of complaint calls to three per year before residents or landlords face charges. Common complaints...
Indiana County man accused of sexual assault in Allegheny Township
An Indiana County man is charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Allegheny Township police charged Daniel Travis Kinney, 30, of Washington Township, Indiana County, with four felony counts of aggravated indecent assault against a person under 16, five felony counts of corruption of minors and a misdemeanor count of...
2 appointed to Cheswick Council
Cheswick Council has two new faces. Adis Halimic and Frank Stanish were appointed to council seats vacated by Kathy Gillard and William Kuzmirek. The terms expire at the end of next year. Council made the appointments Tuesday. Halimic, 43, has lived in Cheswick for 16 years. He was born in...
Springdale looks for another football venue for this fall, but hopes to return to Vets Field in future
Springdale High School’s football team hopes to return to the borough’s Veterans Memorial Field in 2025, but it will be forced to play elsewhere for at least the upcoming season. Allegheny Valley School District’s lease to use the field expires at the end of the school year. District officials have...
Missing Springdale Township county tax bills could prompt extension of discount period
Some Springdale Township residents have not received their 2024 Allegheny County property tax bills. Township Manager William McElligott is advising residents to call the Allegheny County Treasurer’s Office at 412-350-4100 if they have not received their property tax bill. The deadline to pay a discounted rate is March 31. The...
Chartiers Valley Primary School Principal named Penguins’ MVP
Deidra Stepko wasn’t too sure of being an administrator when she became the interim principal of Marion Elementary School in the Belle Vernon Area School District in 2018. She had taught first and third grades at the school, and she was uncertain if she’d like being in the principal’s office...
South Park game preserve welcomes 2 baby bison; 3rd could be on the way
The bison herd at Allegheny County’s South Park has grown by two. County officials announced that two baby bison were born in South Park’s game preserve since Friday. The preserve is along Sesqui Drive, between Corrigan Drive and McConkey Road, in South Park. “We’re really glad to have them come...
Burrell middle school students learn how to be safe online through Google’s ‘Be Internet Awesome’
Charles A. Huston Middle School student Lily Liotta knew the basics of staying safe on the internet. But a visit from Google representatives to her school in Lower Burrell expanded her knowledge. “It’s really important stuff that’s useful for teens and tweens to know,” Lily said after the roughly half-hour...
East Deer amusement tax set to take effect April 13
A portion of admission fees for large, ticketed events in East Deer will soon go to the municipality. Commissioners on Thursday adopted a 5% tax on admission fees to large events hosted in the township. The tax becomes effective April 13. Event coordinators would be responsible for collecting the fees...
East Deer increases water rates
East Deer residents soon will feel the brunt of three previous water rate increases from the township’s bulk water provider. Township commissioners increased water rates by $1.80 per 1,000 gallons. East Deer previously charged its residents $15.50 for the first 1,500 gallons used. “Our wholesale provider, Tarentum Borough, increased us...
Building the Valley: Arnold woman fulfills dream by opening Lower Burrell bridal shop
Through all the ups and downs, fashion has always been a big part in Precious “GiGi” Jones’ life. And now, the time is right for her to open a bridal boutique in Lower Burrell. “This is my dream — to not only make people feel beautiful but to make them...
Springdale planners hear idea for possible Dollar General redevelopment
The Dollar General store in Springdale could be redeveloped in the future. Robert McCollim, an engineer with PennTex Ventures, spoke to Springdale’s planning commission Wednesday about an idea to redevelop the Dollar General site at 494 Pittsburgh St. The store is in a small strip shopping center, near the Springdale...
Stewart Elementary students get a look at the sky through portable planetarium experience
Students at Stewart Elementary School in Lower Burrell got a closer look at Stonehenge and Pittsburgh’s night sky — all from the “comfort” of the school’s gymnasium floor. On Thursday and Friday, members of the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh visited the school...
Public hearing for proposed Bridgeville comprehensive plan scheduled April 8
Bridgeville Council will hold a public hearing April 8 at 6:30 p.m. to hear comments on the borough’s proposed comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plans define a future vision for a municipality and are required under the state’s Municipalities Planning Code. Bridgeville’s Planning Commission recommended council schedule the public hearing so the...
Scott commissioners’ town hall attempts to answer residents’ concerns
A Scott commissioners’ town hall meeting earlier this month saw questions ranging from an update on the township’s pool and splash pad project to money management and transparency. Residents could submit questions online prior to the March 4 meeting and also ask questions during it. The meeting came on the...
Springdale looks for new football field, coach for upcoming season
The Allegheny Valley School Board is hoping to answer two key unknowns about the district’s football program at its meeting Tuesday — where the team will play and who will be its coach. The school directors will consider authorizing the administration to secure an off-site football field for the fall....
Chartiers Valley to offer early retirement incentive for teachers
The Chartiers Valley School District is offering teachers with 15 or more years of experience an early retirement package. The early retirement incentive, presented to the Chartiers Valley Federation of Teachers, was approved by the school board at its meeting Feb. 27, according to district spokeswoman Angela Conigliaro. Sixty-six percent...
Glen’s Frozen Custard production facility to open soon in Lower Burrell; stands reopen Thursday
A new Glen’s Frozen Custard production facility in Lower Burrell soon will be churning out products. The facility at the location of the former Clementine’s Family Restaurant at 2604 Leechburg Road is set to be operational in a few weeks, said Eli Wilson, Glen’s president and fourth-generation owner. The building...
Women of Pittsburgh event at Chartiers Valley highlights multiple career paths
Chartiers Valley High School junior Caelyn Murray figured some of her peers might be interested in learning more about future careers from accomplished, local women. But when 146 girls signed up to participate in the school’s Women of Pittsburgh event, she was a little bit surprised. “I like the fact...
Lower Burrell considers taking council meetings on the road to highlight fire departments
Two proposed Lower Burrell Council meetings aim to show, and not tell, the needs and operations of the city’s volunteer fire departments. Mayor Chris Fabry proposed the idea of taking two council meetings “on the road” this summer to the Lower Burrell No. 3 and Kinloch fire departments. “This would...
Lower Burrell to save 15% with new delinquent tax collector
Lower Burrell officials say the city will save 15% more in collections by switching to a new tax collector for delinquent local services and business privilege taxes. City council on Monday moved Lower Burrell’s collection of delinquent LST and business privilege taxes over to Berkheimer Tax Administrator. Mayor Chris Fabry...
