Natalie Beneviat stories, Page 6
McCandless seeks residents to help plan 175th anniversary, provide input on parks study
There are two ways to help with planning in the Town of McCandless this month, including applying to be part of the committee for the upcoming 175th anniversary celebration and participating in an open house on the town’s parks on June 19. Residents have until June 15 to submit applications...
Marshall’s manager resigns to take same role in Fox Chapel
After seven years of serving Marshall as its township manager, Julie Bastianini is taking her expertise to serve the community of Fox Chapel. Her resignation was accepted at the June 2 supervisors meeting. “Our loss is Fox Chapel’s gain. We will miss you. You’ve done a wonderful job. The township...
Lawmakers suit up to learn about firefighting during Fire Ops 101 training in North Park
It’s not easy work to search for a person trapped in a smoke-filled basement or hallway, as local legislators recently discovered. But it’s something Pittsburgh firefighters are prepared to do on a daily basis. It was all part of a Fire Ops 101 training experience May 22 at the Allegheny...
11th annual Walk Like MADD 5K in North Park strives to raise awareness of impact of impaired driving
Impaired driving fatalities have increased by 7% in Pennsylvania since 2019, according to a statistic from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The national nonprofit, created in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed in a drunken-driving accident, is working to erase that number. “It is really something that is 100%...
McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority lauded for lifesaving work at open house
A former McCandless resident attended an open house of the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority on May 18 to publicly thank its crews for helping to save his life last year. The MFPAA invited the public to its headquarters along Grubbs Road in McCandless to tour the station, showcase its equipment...
Summer concerts return to McCandless Crossing
Let the good times roll as the outdoor Summer Concert Series returns to McCandless Crossing’s Town Green, kicking off the first show June 2 with singer and guitarist Shelley Duff at 6 p.m. McCandless Crossing, located at the intersection of McKnight Road and Duncan Avenue, holds free concerts from 6...
Memorial golf outing raises $20,000 for summer camp for young burn victims
The Balls of Fire golf fundraiser held on May 12 at Wildwood Golf Club in Hampton doubled its fundraising goal by raising $20,000. The event, held by the WWDD Foundation, will donate the funds to Kamp KOALA, a free five-day summer camp for children who have suffered burn injuries offered...
Going with the flow: Local businesses aren’t too concerned yet about impact of tariffs
As U.S. tariffs on foreign goods continue to fluctuate, local business owners are sharing their opinions and concerns. The tariffs are part of President Donald Trump’s “Fair and Reciprocal Plan.” The plan is designed to counter nonreciprocal trading arrangements with trading partners by determining the equivalent of a reciprocal tariff...
North Allegheny Foundation announces scholarship winners
The North Allegheny Foundation presented scholarships to 16 students at the May 7 school board meeting. The nonprofit received more than 120 applications for its 14 available scholarships, said Tiffany Thirkell, chair of the NA Foundation scholarship committee. “This year’s applicants exhibited high academic achievements, strong leadership skills, commitment to...
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...

