Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 163
Oakmont knitting group donates 1,000th sweater to worldwide charity
A group of knitters has given the gift of comfort and warmth a thousand times over to children around the world. That’s because they made and donated their 1,000th sweater for World Vision’s Knit for Kids program. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization that works with families worldwide to...
Bowling fundraiser set at Nesbit’s Lanes for Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
St. Patrick’s Day for most will be a time for celebration and merriment, but it can also be an opportunity to support local charities. Folks at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, a no-kill shelter in New Kensington, plan to achieve both at the 12th annual Pins for Pets fundraiser Sunday...
Rape, DUI cases among those recently handled by Judge Zucco in Plum
District Judge Linda Zucco recently handled the following cases. Charges were filed by Plum police unless otherwise noted. Waived preliminary hearingsJoseph Kibreab, 34, of McKees Rocks on charges of burglary, harassment and criminal trespass. Charges were filed Oct. 9, 2017.Jacob Marhefky, 31, of Export on charges of driving under the...
DUI, drug cases recently handled by Judge Herbst in Monroeville – Mar. 14, 2019
Monroeville District Court Judge Jeffrey Herbst handled these cases recently. Defendants will have court dates set in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Charges were filed by Monroeville police unless otherwise noted. Held for courtMichael Warnick, 51, of North Versailles on charges of possession of controlled substances and possession...
Zombie aliens, alligators created during puppet workshop at Plum library
Christopher Zapf of Plum recently made a new friend — a zombie alien. “He comes from a planet that looks like a circle called ‘Chompyland,’” said Christopher, 5. “He has a tongue sticking out. This is awesome.” The young space traveler was one of 10 children to make new friends...
West Mifflin Area School District officials fire superintendent Daniel Castagna
West Mifflin Area School District’s superintendent was fired by the school board Wednesday night, according to WPXI. Trib news partner WPXI reported the board voted 6-3 at a special meeting to terminate Daniel Castagna’s employment. District officials claim Castagna is guilty of multiple fireable offenses, including neglect of duties and...
Pittsburgh man accused of attempting to extort an undercover FBI officer
A Pittsburgh man allegedly attempted to extort an undercover FBI Task Force officer as part of a kidnapping hoax, federal authorities announced Wednesday. Kevin Harris, 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted extortion, robbery, brandishing a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of...
Homestead man charged with federal gun crimes
A Homestead man was indicted by a federal grand jury for firearms violations, authorities announced Wednesday. Michael William Horvwalt, 32, was accused of having a firearm and ammunition on Jan. 8, despite having prior felony convictions, authorities said. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The...
Pittsburgh man faces federal gun charges
A federal grand jury has indicted a Pittsburgh man for firearms violations, authorities announced Wednesday. The one-count indictment named James Robert Snyder, 27, as the sole defendant. Authorities said Snyder illegally possessed a 5.45 x 39mm caliber semi-automatic Saiga rifle on Feb. 15. He was previously convicted of a felony...
Plum officials counting on a new website, PR company to get more info to the public
Plum officials have updated their website and hired a public relations consultant in an effort to get more information out to residents. The new website, which has the same address — www.plumboro.com — launched earlier this month. Council voted 5-0 on March 11 to hire Carrie Lewis DelRosso LLC as...
Alcohol may be permitted in Verona parks for special occasions
Special events in Verona parks may have something extra this summer — alcohol. Borough officials are revisiting their long-time prohibition on adult beverages at the recreation sites and are considering allowing permits for such drinks, but only during major occasions. Those caught drinking in borough parks under the current law...
Pittsburgh man convicted of federal firearms violation sentenced to 4 years in prison
A Pittsburgh man was sentenced in federal court to four years in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on LaRon Hollaman, 29, federal authorities announced Tuesday. Bissoon also ordered the sentence to...
West Mifflin Area School Board could fire superintendent at special meeting Wednesday
West Mifflin Area school board members may remove district Superintendent Daniel Castagna at a special meeting Wednesday. The meeting notice was posted on the district’s website, wmasd.org. District officials claim Castagna is guilty of multiple fireable offenses, including neglect of duties and incompetence. He has denied the charges. Castagna was...
Annual Food Truck-a-Palooza in Monroeville has best year yet
The third annual Food Truck-a-Palooza at the Monroeville Convention Center brought in a record number of trucks and participants. At least 35 trucks and 3,000 people packed the venue at 209 Mall Blvd. on Saturday. It’s presented by GoodTaste! Pittsburgh and Steel City Media. GoodTaste! Owner Dee Weinberg said it’s...
Chicken fried rice meals being recalled
Pittston-based Choice Canning Co. is recalling approximately 35,500 pounds of chicken fried rice products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service officials made the announcement Monday night. The product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label....
Plum to spend almost $1.1 million to pave 26 streets
Plum officials approved a nearly $1.1 million contract with Wampum-based Youngblood Paving to repair 26 streets this year. Council awarded the project via a 5-0 vote at Monday night’s meeting. Vice President Dave Seitz and Councilman John Anderson were absent. Councilman Mike Pastor, roads, equipment and grounds committee chairman, said...
Activities going on in Plum and Oakmont this week
Want to do something fun in Oakmont and Plum this weekend? Here are some activities:The Oaks Theater hosts a St. Patrick’s Day party 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 310 Allegheny River Blvd. in Oakmont. The trio of David Granati, Crash McCracken and Drew Pinchotti will perform rock and roll favorites and...
East Hills DUI Task Force to conduct roving patrols this weekend – Mar. 11, 2019
East Hills DUI Task Force will conduct roving patrols and other educational enforcement activities this weekend. The task force consists of Plum, Monroeville, White Oak, North Versailles Township, Oakmont, Penn Hills and Edgewood police departments. Project coordinator is Plum officer Michael DeMarco. The enforcement/educational details will occur within the task...
Assault, drug cases among those recently handled in Judge DeLuca’s Penn Hills court – Mar. 11, 2019
Penn Hills District Judge Anthony L. DeLuca handled the following cases recently. Defendants will have court dates set in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. Charges were filed by Penn Hills police unless otherwise noted. Held for courtRaymond Crumby Jr., 56, of Pittsburgh on charges of possession of controlled substances, possession...
Breakfast Hero: Plum food service director honored for launching meal programs
Plum School District food service director Jessica Griggle is a School Breakfast Hero. She was one of 11 in southwestern Pennsylvania to receive the honor from Share Our Strength, a national organization focusing on child hunger. Griggle was recognized for bringing in Second Chance and Grab and Go, both grant-funded...
Post-graduation plans in jeopardy for some Plum High School seniors
Plum High School students hope they can work with administrators to resolve graduation scheduling conflicts. Senior Isabella Stoll noted that graduation originally was scheduled for June 6 but may be pushed to June 10. That, she said, would impact many district families’ plans. Multiple seniors joined Stoll at a recent...
Pitcairn man, 33, guilty of heroin and fentanyl distribution
A Pitcairn man accused of possessing heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute the drugs pleaded guilty to the crimes in federal court, authorities announced Thursday. William Kelly Penn, 33, entered his plea before U.S. District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Agents executed a search warrant at Penn’s home last...
Mount Oliver man sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for 2 bank robberies
A Mount Oliver man convicted of robbing two banks in Allegheny County has been sentenced in federal court to more than 10 years in prison, authorities announced Thursday. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on David Payo, 52. His prison time, 10 years and seven months, will...
Steel City Con, under new management, returns to the Monroeville Convention Center mid-April
Steel City Con, one of the largest pop culture and comic conventions in the nation and exclusive to the Monroeville Convention Center, is under new management. The event was recently taken over by Denise DeSimone of Uniontown and Bob Stein of Gibsonia. Stein is executive director of the University of...
Riverview School District presents ‘Shrek the Musical’ at Tenth Street Elementary
Riverview High School musical cast members and directors plan to deliver family fun mixed with a message of individuality and acceptance in this year’s production of “Shrek the Musical.” The show is based on the DreamWorks Animation motion picture and the book by William Steig. “Bringing this fairy tale with...
