Natalie Beneviat stories, Page 6
Sweet standoff: Tasters flock to strawberry dessert contest for charitable cause
This wasn’t your grandma’s Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad. Twelve purveyors teamed up with their favorite nonprofit to present their sweet twist to the iconic Pittsburgh dessert during the Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad Standoff presented by Ya Jagoff! on May 10 at The Block Northway in McCandless. “It is a Pittsburgh...
Brandt Trail in McCandless ready for use after partnering with Landforce for upgrades
Hikers looking for a new route can try out the recently improved Brandt Trail, a 1-mile hiking path next to Wall Park off Sloop Road in McCandless. Brandt Trail is an easy-to-moderate walk, with the trailhead located just beyond the entrance to the park along Sloop Road. McCandless partnered with...
8 cross-filed candidates seek 4 Democratic, 4 GOP spots on North Allegheny School Board
Eight candidates, all cross-filed, are running in the May 20 primary for eight seats, four Republican and four Democratic, on the North Allegheny School Board. All of the candidates will appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots. Here’s a look at the candidates voters will see on the ballot:...
Annual Dyngus Dash celebrates Polish roots
More than 300 registrants, 660 pierogies and one lively polka band helped to warm things up during the fifth annual Dyngus Dash 5K in North Park. Despite a cool drizzle, Polish and non-Polish people descended on the race course April 26 at the parking lot of the North Park’s boathouse...
North Allegheny team reaches top 8 in international debate competition
North Allegheny High School speech and debate team beat out hundreds of other schools to make it as one of the top eight competitors in the 24th annual International Public Policy Forum Finals held May 3 in New York City. The IPPF is the only worldwide debate competition that gives...
North Allegheny School District purchases property next to Peebles Elementary School
The North Allegheny School Board approved the purchase of property near Peebles Elementary School for $340,000 during its May 7 meeting as a special voting item. The approximately one-half acre of property is located at 8613 Peebles Road and is owned by two property owners, as listed on the Allegheny...
Fundraiser for American Association of University Women at La Roche University to feature 3 authors from region
When the pandemic led to lockdowns across the state and nation, JoAnne Klimovich Harrop was adamant about staying by the side of her 93-year-old mother, Evelyn, at her nursing home in Pittsburgh. Day and night, for 84 days, Harrop, a reporter for TribLive, lived with her mother in a 250-square-foot...
North Allegheny one step ahead with state’s personal financial literacy course requirement
Personal financial literacy classes will be mandated for Pennsylvania school districts beginning in the 2026-27 school year, but it’s nothing new for North Allegheny. The district already offers personal financial literacy as an elective in high school, according to a curriculum review of the Business, Computers and Information Technology (BCIT)...
Helping hands save North Allegheny teacher’s life during cardiac event
It was about 10:20 a.m., during fourth period on a recent Friday at North Allegheny Senior High School, and Rob Greenleaf was teaching his sociology class. He doesn’t remember what happened next. Nearby, Joy Manesiotis was teaching 11th grade mathematics that April 4 when students came in from Greenleaf’s room...
McCandless Council approves 17-acre green space purchase next to Potter Park
McCandless Council approved a combined purchase of 17 acres from property adjacent to Potter Park for $475,000 at its April 28 meeting, creating one of the largest town-owned properties. Potter Park, off Harmony Road, currently sits at approximately 11 acres but will be expanded with the acquisition of the additional...
Billboard effort focuses on firefighting recruitment in Western Pa.
“Ordinary people trained to do the extraordinary.” That’s the message on a billboard along Perry Highway in McCandless, and Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company Chief Greg Quatchak hopes it will pique some interest. “Hopefully, we get a lot of inquiries,” Quatchak said. Ingomar’s phone number and website also are listed on...
3 Republicans vying for 2 Marshall supervisor seats in May primary
Editor’s note: The North Allegheny Journal is featuring candidate interviews only in contested races. Three Republicans are vying for two supervisor seats in Marshall for the May 20 primary. Here is a look at the candidates: Nina Faber Age: 50 Political affiliation: Republican Political experience: Nothing recent Education: Bachelor’s degree...
Gala gowns showcase North Allegheny teen’s flair for fashion
A mother-daughter moment with a needle and thread has turned into a lifelong passion for North Allegheny sophomore Sidney Rice. On display during the Garden Gala 2025: Down the Rabbit Hole fundraiser April 26 at Northland Public Library were two dresses crafted from the pages of a book, each looking...
Garden Gala draws more than 300 guests to raise money for Northland programs, services
Hundreds of guests went “down the rabbit hole” on April 26 for the 2025 Garden Gala at Northland Public Library, themed after the beloved literary classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. “We welcomed more than 300 guests on Saturday night, in addition to 20 food and beverage vendors,...
North Allegheny School District holds taxes steady in proposed budget
North Allegheny School District’s 2025-26 proposed budget includes no increase in the millage rate, which would remain at 19.74 mills. A vote on the final general fund budget is scheduled for June 11 by the school board and will take effect July 1, according to Kermit Houser, finance director for...
Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company secures $500,000 grant fore reconfiguration of station
The Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company in McCandless will benefit from a $500,000 grant to expand and reconfigure its station. The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny authorized $34 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program projects for Allegheny County communities, including renovation and additions at the Peebles station, according to an announcement...
Bradford Woods to mark Founder’s Day, 110 years later, with community bash
Discover what has changed — and remained much the same — at the Bradford Woods Founder’s Day celebration on May 3, beginning at noon with a flag ceremony at Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Company along Wexford Run Road. The three-hour bash will include historical exhibits and activities that exemplify the...
Longvue Acres Garden Club celebrates 75 years with planting of 75 trees in North Park
The weather may have been cool and dreary, but that didn’t stop members of the Longvue Acres Garden Club from their goal of planting 75 trees April 11 in North Park to commemorate the group’s 75th anniversary. Members, family and friends met at the North Park Horse Show Ring on...
World War II veteran turns 100 in McCandless, says moderation is key to longevity
World War II veteran Raymond W. Bukauskas of McCandless celebrated his 100th birthday on April 14. To mark the milestone, his family surprised him with a party the day before. “I think he was surprised,” said his daughter, Clare Kalmbach of West View. Kalmbach’s daughter, Alli, stealthily set up a...
Northland Public Library selects Commonplace Coffee as cafe vendor for reimagined space
The cafe vendor for Northland Public Library’s much-anticipated renovation was announced April 16 as Commonplace Coffee. After an extensive request for proposals, Northland’s Authority Board unanimously approved a partnership with Commonplace Coffee during an April 10 special board meeting. The cafe will enhance the library experience for patrons, said Amy...
McCandless adopts ordinance requiring permit with $50 fee to consume alcohol in town’s parks
A $50 fee will be required to obtain a permit to consume alcoholic beverages in any McCandless park, according to a vote at the April 14 council meeting. Specifically, Ordinance 1556 states that “no person shall consume any alcoholic beverage in any quantity in the Parks or on the property...
New owner of McCandless Floral hopes to keep business blooming for another 50 years
Whether it’s a grandiose bloomy show for a wedding, a stately arrangement for a funeral or just a simple pop of color to brighten mom’s special day, flowers can say just the right thing. “Someone told me last week that flowers are for the emotions of the moment. They’re not...
Ingomar Middle School teacher leaves lasting legacy of inspiring and uplifting students
Students at Ingomar Middle School are learning how to connect to different communities and have healthy habits, thanks to Margo Hinton. Hinton, a physical education teacher at Ingomar, has organized and helped lead several programs at the middle school, including the Student Ambassador Program, which she started in 2019. “The...
McKnight kindergartners cheer on teacher’s son as his swim team captures gold at states
A teacher recently had a full-circle moment with her North Allegheny senior son when he visited her kindergarten class at McKnight Elementary School. Grant Regule, son of Diane Regule and a member of North Allegheny’s swimming and diving team, was preparing for the WPIALs in February. When Diane shared the...
Sponsorships, tickets available for Taste of NA bash, which benefits North Allegheny students
Rustic elegance may help describe the popular Taste of NA, a fundraiser of the North Allegheny Foundation returning May 21 to Soergel Orchards in Franklin Park. The annual event will feature tractor rides, farm-to-table bites, drink samplings, and artistic and musical performances by North Allegheny students, according to William Mascari,...
