Kellen Stepler stories, Page 61
All 7 Deer Lakes School Board candidates find way on November ballot for 5 seats
The seven candidates seeking five seats on the Deer Lakes School Board will be on the November ballot one way or another, according to unofficial election results Tuesday. Newcomers James Calvert, Susan Claus, Pietro Porco, Leonard Verdetto III and Phillip Ziendarski, and incumbents Larry Neidig and Cristy McCloskey, sought nominations....
Lawmakers push for earlier presidential primary
The date of next year’s primary conflicts with a major religious holiday, and some state lawmakers have taken notice. The 2024 Pennsylvania primary is set for April 23. It conflicts with the Jewish holiday of Passover and takes place after many states already would have voted for a presidential nominee...
Garden club’s May Mart aims to raise money for upkeep of Lower Burrell gardens
A Lower Burrell tradition will come into bloom later this month. The Burrellton Garden Club’s May Mart is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Lower Burrell city garage, on Schreiber and Bethel streets. Among its offerings will be annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, herbs and...
Girardi, Karaica seek Lower Valley district judge seat
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Lower Valley magisterial district will have a new judge. Mitchell Karaica, 50, of Springdale, and Michael Girardi, 37, of Cheswick, are seeking the seat currently held by David Sosovicka. Sosovicka is not seeking reelection to instead pursue senior judge status....
Springdale planners recommend residential rezoning for former Cheswick Generating Station property
The Springdale Planning Commission on Wednesday recommended the former Cheswick Generating Station be rezoned for residential use, despite the property owner’s claims that doing so would make the property unusable. The three-member commission — which serves as an advisory board to borough council — recommended the parcels north of Pittsburgh...
‘Only getting busier’: Local RV dealers still see interest in camping
People who caught the travel bug during the covid-19 pandemic and purchased RVs are now returning to those dealerships. It’s not because they’re dissatisfied with their purchases, sales representatives said. Instead, many discovered a love for the outdoors and are seeking to upgrade their RVs. “The industry’s changed for the...
Acmetonia Elementary creates space for students to reset, refocus, return to learning
The room at the end of the hallway at Acmetonia Elementary School in Harmar doesn’t look like a traditional classroom. Its blue walls, dim lights, comfortable furniture, sensory toys and underwater- themed decor provide a space designed to promote and manage students’ social, emotional and physical health while supporting them in...
Thousands run city’s bridges, hills and streets for the Pittsburgh Marathon
Thousands of runners toured Pittsburgh’s bridges, hills and streets Sunday morning, all as part of the 2023 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. To the tune of fireworks, the full 26.2-mile race and 13.1-mile half-marathon kicked off at 7 a.m. Downtown. A slight rain greeted runners as the race began but...
Lower Burrell seeks more than $100,000 for park improvements
Two of Lower Burrell’s premier parks could look a little different in the future. According to City Councilman Chris Fabry, proposed improvements include cleaning and crack sealing the basketball courts at Burrell Lake Park and Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park, as well as installing a new acrylic sportsmaster coating and...
Lower Burrell eyes state program that aims to boost finances
The City of Lower Burrell isn’t in financial distress — nor is it headed that way — but city officials are considering applying for a program to stay proactive in their financial planning and management. Bethany Williams, a local government specialist from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development,...
Burrell educators work to improve students’ learning experiences
The Burrell School District is working to implement new concepts to improve students’ learning experiences and better prepare them for their future careers. Melinda Kulick, technology integration coach for the district, said educators are collaborating to learn more about computational thinking, project-based learning and other practices, including redesigning the senior...
Springdale alum Robert Turano talks to students about career as actor
Just last week, Robert Turano finished wrapping up a top guest star appearance on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” On Friday, the television and stage actor visited his alma mater, Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School, to talk about his career with seventh and eighth grade students. “Just to come back here...
Lower Burrell’s farmers market moving to larger space
The Joseph “Bud” Myers Lower Burrell Farmers Market is growing — and moving. The summer staple now will set up in the parking lot at Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road, after previously being held for years at the city hall parking lot. The market opens for the season...
