Michael DiVittorio stories, Page 72
Penn Hills High School class of 2022 graduates
Sydelle Brown could not stop herself from dancing across the stage and waving to everyone after she received her Penn Hills High School diploma on June 10. She and about 240 other classmates strutted their stuff in the middle of the Yuhas-McGinley Stadium field. “I wanted to be lit for...
Police: Man hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in Pittsburgh’s Elliot neighborhood
A man was shot in the face and shoulder in Pittsburgh’s Elliot neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Spokesman Maurice Matthews said officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for the 700 block of Lorenz Avenue around 3:10 p.m. Officers found multiple shell casings along the street, but no...
Fox Chapel Area School Board approves budget with 1.5% tax hike
The Fox Chapel Area School Board adopted a budget for the 2022-23 school year that outlines $111 million in spending and enacts a 1.5% property tax increase. The board voted 7-0 on June 13 to approve the spending plan, which made no cuts to programs or staffing. Board President Marybeth...
Items being collected at O’Hara municipal building aid Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
O’Hara officials are collecting items for the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. People can drop off items through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at the township office, 325 Fox Chapel Rd. Items sought include deodorant, ChapStick, cleaning products, wipes, multicultural hair care products, dish soap, dish sponges, laundry...
News from the Fox Chapel Area School District
Fox Chapel Area School District’s Dorseyville Middle School eighth-grade language arts teacher Scott Vensel has been selected to attend the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Summer Institute for Teachers. The program is a high-level, intensive academic seminar in which participants examine the Holocaust from the precedents found in the history...
2nd annual Fox Chapel Day set for June 18 at McCahill Park
An opportunity to interact with Fox Chapel police, play games and take a train ride around a park is fast approaching. The second annual Fox Chapel Day is scheduled for June 18 from 1-5 p.m. at McCahill Park along Hemlock Hollow Road. Borough police, fire and Foxwall EMS will showcase...
Man accused of entering Gateway elementary school faces new charges in separate incident
A Monroeville man arrested in March for lying his way into Ramsey Elementary School in Monroeville and recording a child on his cellphone is facing new charges, according to Monroeville police. Brian Mintmier, 26, is charged with two counts each of terroristic threats and simple assault. Police filed the charges...
Introducing the Fox Chapel Area High School class of 2022
Olivia Poli and Madison Quince stood outside the seating area of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland adjusting their caps and gowns. They and about 340 other Fox Chapel Area High School students were anxiously awaiting commencement on June 5. “My favorite high school memory would probably...
First court date set in appeal of Leet zoning board denial of proposed high school
A status conference has been scheduled in Allegheny County Courts as legal teams both for and against a proposed Quaker Valley high school prepare for the next legal challenge. The school district wants to build an estimated 167,000-square-foot facility on about 150 acres of land off Camp Meeting Road. Project...
O’Hara police Officer Natalie Richards introduced at township council meeting
Recently hired O’Hara Officer Natalie Richards was introduced to the township at a council meeting Tuesday night. The Lower Burrell resident has been on the force for about a month. She previously worked as a police officer for Swissvale and Port Authority of Allegheny County. Richards’ addition brings the O’Hara...
Plum’s Monday Market opens for 5th season
Plum’s Monday Market opened its fifth season with some familiar vendors — but a new time. Jim and Kay Bridge, the husband and wife team behind Bridge’s Farm in Plum, had their tables full of produce and other plants on June 6. Penn Hills-based Pappy’s Gourmet Popcorn, Oakmont Olive Oil...
Murrysville Farmer’s Market along Sardis Road has opened for a new season
A new season for the Murrysville Farmer’s Market has begun. Opening day took place on a rainy Thursday, June 2. However, that didn’t stop a variety of vendors and customers from participating. Businesses and organizations with tents on opening day included the Murrysville Lions Club, Bayne’s Pies, Country Hammer Moonshine,...
New season of Verona Farmer’s Market begins
New vendors and opportunities helped mark Opening Day 2022 for the weekly Verona Farmer’s Market. People who visited the market along Railroad Avenue on June 2 were able to meet Jessica Fischoff of the Growing Hour, a plant business in Blackridge. She had pepper plants, flowers and more. Fischoff said...
O’Hara to dedicate historical markers, host community event Saturday at township park
A dedication ceremony more than a year in the making is set to take place Saturday in O’Hara. The township plans to dedicate its historical markers at 11 a.m. at the gazebo at O’Hara Township Community Park along Fox Chapel Road. Six permanent signs measuring 4-feet by 3-feet have been...
O’Hara’s Movies in the Park makes return
O’Hara Township’s Movies in the Park series is returning to the township’s Community Park. The following free movies are scheduled to start at dusk, weather permitting. June 7 — “Space Jam: A New Legacy” June 16 — “Back to the Future” June 21 — “Sing 2” July 5 — “Shang-Chi”...
Rockin’ Roosevelt brings bands, hundreds of spectators to Roosevelt Park in Arnold
Sounds of rock, blues and a little soul filled the air Sunday in Arnold for the annual Rockin’ Roosevelt fundraiser at Roosevelt Park. Hundreds of people flocked to the recreation site in the center of the city. Resident Wesslyn Owen watched her children and family friends have fun on the...
Turnpike to close at Cranberry, Butler Valley exits for 2 hours early Sunday
Officials announced the Turnpike will be closed in both directions Sunday from midnight to 2 a.m. for roadwork between the Cranberry and Butler Valley exits. They are Exits 78 and 39. Detour eastbound is as follows: • Take I-79 north to Exit 78; • Take Route 228 eastbound; • Take...
A New Kensington deacon has been ordained by the Diocese of Greensburg
A deacon who was born and raised in New Kensington was ordained into the priesthood Saturday. The Ordination Mass for the Rev. Christopher J. Pujol took place at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg. “Looking back, it seems like those six years (in seminary) have flown by, and to see all...
Harrison girl spends 10th birthday raising money for New Kensington Police K-9 unit
Kaley Bastine spent the better part of her 10th birthday party in companionship with New Kensington police. The Harrison girl wanted to celebrate the milestone with a benefit for the department’s second police dog and its handler. “I’ve been wanting to do another fundraiser, so I picked it on my...
Inaugural Art and History Stroll in Sharpsburg set for Saturday
Several organizations have come together to provide a unique experience in Sharpsburg. The inaugural Art and History Stroll is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday along Main Street between Fifth and 13th streets. It’s organized by officials from the Sharpsburg Business Group, Sharpsburg Neighborhood Association, Second Harvest, PGHPrint...
Allegheny County Volunteer Firemen’s Association convention coming to Oakmont, Verona
Verona and Oakmont residents should not be alarmed when seeing fire trucks from communities miles away motoring through town later this month. The 108th annual Allegheny County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association convention is set for June 11-18 with activities in both boroughs. Festivities begin with Night at the Races at the...
Penn Hills to spend more than $1 million on paving, largely through state grants
Penn Hills plans to spend about $1.2 million to pave 14 streets this year. Council recently awarded its paving program to Oakmont-based A. Folino Construction. Municipal manager Scott Andrejchak said the company was the lowest of three bidders. “Folino has completed similar work in Penn Hills previously, and the municipality...
Fox Chapel to crack down on speeders this summer
Fox Chapel police Chief Michael Stevens said his department plans to crack down on speeders this summer. “We’ve received calls from borough residents that they have witnessed more speeding than normal,” Stevens said after the May 16 council meeting. “We’re going to run speed enforcement checks to try and slow...
Harrison firefighters respond to electrical problem at Sheetz, no smoke or fire found
An electrical problem at the Sheetz along Freeport Road in Harrison resulted in a fire department response but no injuries. Hilltop Hose Co. No. 3 Chief Mike Krzeminski said crews from all three township departments responded to the gas station and convenience store for a commercial alarm around 5:30 p.m....
Plum High School seniors celebrate graduation on the field of Mustang Stadium
Plum Senior High School 12th-graders said goodbye to their borough classrooms and hello to the next chapter of life Wednesday night. Nearly 300 graduates celebrated commencement on the field of Mustang Stadium in front of hundreds of family members and friends. The high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as...

