Natalie Beneviat stories, Page 2
Deadline looms for North Allegheny students to apply for foundation scholarships
The deadline for North Allegheny graduating seniors to apply for one of eight scholarships offered through the North Allegheny Foundation is April 3. Students bound for post-secondary education — college, university or technical school — who are looking for extra financial support can pursue a scholarship of up to $2,000,...
Daisy Troop witnesses official swearing in of McCandless’ K-9, Leroy, while learning about government
Though Leroy has been working at the McCandless Police Department since 2025, the K-9 had an official swearing-in ceremony March 12 with his handler, Officer Shawn Davis, and local Daisy Troop 21955 in attendance. District Judge Matthew J. Brungo, serving Bradford Woods, McCandless, Marshall and Pine, conducted the ceremony in...
AARP teams up with McCandless for free paper-shredding event during Fraud Prevention Month
When someone throws away documents with personal data on it, whether bills, junk mail or private papers, they could be tossing away their identity as well. “Our paper documents contain a surprising amount of personal information. When they’re thrown away intact, they can become an easy target for fraud and...
North Allegheny promotes from within for new superintendent
Hiring a new superintendent from within proved to be the best move for the North Allegheny School District. Assistant Superintendent David Deramo was unanimously voted into the position at the March 11 school board meeting. That was the sentiment by board members, who also approved the retirement of Superintendent Brendan...
Runner in 1st Boston qualifier marathon at North Park returns for race’s 50th anniversary
Ken Balkey fondly recalls the local North Park race that qualified him to run the iconic Boston Marathon in 1977. The First Annual Boston Marathon Qualifier Marathon, later known as The Spring Thaw, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 28, where Balkey served as honorary starter. Even at age 75,...
McCandless celebrating 175th anniversary with big bash, giveaway of 175 trees
The first recorded property sale in McCandless involved 400 plots of land for a mare and a saddle. That was the purchase price made by the widow of the town’s first settler, James Duff, who initially purchased it in 1795. McCandless officially formed from Pine Township in 1851, according to...
6th annual Dyngus Dash returns to North Park
There are several possible reasons why Dyngus Day dashers join a 5K of the same name every year: They’re proud of their Polish heritage, are serious runners or just want to have lots of fun. Whatever it is, all of this is happening April 11 during the sixth annual Dyngus...
Volunteers needed for spring cleanup, Adopt-a-Road program in McCandless
The more, the merrier — and cleaner. That’s the goal of this year’s annual spring roadside cleanup in McCandless, being held April 25 throughout the town. The event marks six years since it began in 2018, collecting more than 2,600 bags of garbage along McCandless roads. Last year, 200 bags...
New executive director of Northland Public Library to start role March 23
A new executive director has been hired to take over Northland Public Library following the retirement of Amy Steele. The Northland Public Library Authority Board voted to approve Amanda DeKnight for the position at its Feb. 24 public meeting. DeKnight is set to begin March 23. “The board is eager...
Dozens of works by student artists on display at The Block Northway in Ross
A spotlight is shining on dozens of young artists at The Block Northway in Ross. The free art exhibit, located on the upper level of the mall, will be on display through March 22. It features works by students from several schools in the North Hills, including Blessed Trinity Academy...
School crossing signs, zone signals in McCandless area to be replaced, upgraded
Students in the North Allegheny School District should have a safer experience when waiting for the bus or walking to school. A grant of $134,415 from PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program was awarded to McCandless for replacing faded school crossing signage, installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons and upgrading all...
3rd annual barbecue benefiting North Hills Community Outreach returns April 12
Friendship and food are the key ingredients to the third annual North Hills Community Outreach neighborly barbecue set from noon to 2 p.m. April 12 at Memorial Park Church in McCandless. The Community BBQ fundraiser benefits the nonprofit outreach, which addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty...
North Allegheny thespians poised to stage Disney’s ‘Frozen’
Students are keeping it cool in “Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” set for the stage from Feb. 25-28 at North Allegheny Senior High School, 10375 Perry Highway in McCandless. All shows are at 7 p.m. The 2 p.m. show on March 1 is sold out. Tickets are $10, $14 and...
North Allegheny Superintendent Brendan Hyland announces plans to retire
Brendan Hyland, superintendent for the North Allegheny School District, is retiring at the end of the school year, pending approval from the school board. His retirement is expected to be included on the March 11 school board agenda. If approved, his last day as superintendent at North Allegheny will be...
Resolution to not aid ICE, CBP noncriminal activity passes in McCandless
A 5-2 vote at McCandless Council’s meeting on Feb. 23 approved a resolution that neither the town nor its police will aid federal agencies in enforcing noncriminal federal immigration laws. Resolution No. 2026-03 was first presented at the Feb. 9 meeting, where residents voiced opinions on whether or not McCandless,...
McCandless snags gold recertification for sustainable use of resources
McCandless is bringing home the gold. More specifically, that is a gold certification with the Sustainable Pennsylvania program. Sustainable Pennsylvania, managed by the Pennsylvania Municipal League and partnered with Sustainable Pittsburgh, is designed for municipalities working to save money, conserve resources and serve vibrant communities, according to an announcement from...
Year of the Fire Horse: Colorful performances ring in Chinese Lunar New Year in Ross
It’s the Year of the Fire Horse, and a celebration of traditional Chinese dancing, dress, and drumming helped ring in the Lunar New Year at The Block Northway in Ross. This was part of the scene Feb. 14 for shoppers and diners alike who were treated to performances by the...
Egg hunt for adults to benefit North Allegheny Women’s Association, North Hills Cares
The hunt is on. Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 North Allegheny Women’s Association Adult Egg Hunt, which is planned from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 27 at the North Park Lodge along North Ridge Drive. Each ticket costs $40, plus a $4.52 service fee, and will benefit...
Family Development Center in Marshall marking 50 years of preparing tots for kindergarten
First opening as a parent cooperative in January 1975 with just seven students, the Family Development Center preschool in Marshall has since grown in size while staying true to its traditional values. With its first home at the former St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in the North Hills, the center eventually...
North Allegheny School District approves 3 dozen retirements
The largest set of retirements in recent years at the North Allegheny School District was approved by the school board in February, opening up career opportunities for those looking to become a “Tiger.” Altogether, 36 retirements and two resignations were listed on the Feb. 11 school board agenda, all of...
Treats make walk benefiting North Hills Community Outreach worth the steps
It may not be a Golden Ticket, but it’s close enough. The opportunity to eat lots of chocolate treats returns with the third annual McCandless Crossing Chocolate Walk to benefit North Hills Community Outreach. This year’s event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. March 7. Tickets are $30...
VolunTOTs of Southwestern PA marking 5 years with free community party
When Cami Teacoach was 3, her mom took her volunteering. So, when Cami’s own son, Bennett, was the same age, she followed suit. But there weren’t any good opportunities for her toddler to learn the value of helping others. That’s when she took matters into her own hands, founding VolunTOTs...
McCandless named 96th designated Bird Town in Pennsylvania
McCandless is for the birds, literally. Recognized as the 96th Bird Town in Pennsylvania, McCandless was presented with a certificate and two Bird Town street signs by Nick Stahlman, community conservation adviser for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, during council’s Feb. 9 meeting. “This community is working to promote...
McCandless residents, council debate resolution on local law enforcement aiding immigration
Heated discussion and commentary from residents of McCandless lasted for more than three hours during a Feb. 9 council meeting over whether the town should adopt a resolution establishing an official policy for enforcement of noncriminal federal immigration laws. Resolution 2026-3 was presented only for discussion and to give council...
Tireless team effort: Crews from multiple North Allegheny departments work well in the snow
While North Allegheny students and staff experienced a weeklong closure recently due to the Winter Storm Fern and subzero temperatures, not everyone stayed home. North Allegheny’s fields and grounds department, in conjunction with the custodial department, maintained a 24/7 schedule from Sunday, Jan. 25, through Friday, Jan. 30, with the...
