Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 106
Duquesne man shot, killed at West Mifflin apartment complex
A man was shot and killed just before midnight Monday in West Mifflin, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner. County officials identified the victim as Thomas Johnson, 45, of Duquesne. Police responded to reports of shots fired at about 11:15 p.m. at Mon View Heights Apartments. Officers found Johnson...
Small black bear spotted in Fox Chapel, O’Hara
A small black bear is making his way through Fox Chapel, O’Hara and other Lower Valley communities, according to local police. Residents of Wedgewood Lane in Fox Chapel got a glimpse of the animal, which officials are calling a cub, wandering across their lawns on Monday. “If it’s just a...
Shaler school district official: No tax hike for 2020-21
Shaler Area School District residents are not expected to see a tax hike in the 2020-21 school year, officials announced last week. The school board approved the district’s tentative $90 million budget with no millage increase. A final vote is expected during the board’s meeting on June 17. The current...
Primary voting impacted for Lower Valley residents by coronavirus
Coronavirus restrictions will impact polling locations for the June 2 primary election, Allegheny County officials have announced. Each municipality will have only one in-person site to cast their votes, rather than multiple locations at fire halls, schools and churches. Throughout the Lower Valley, residents can vote in-person at the following...
Police investigate shooting in Northview Heights
A man is in critical condition Monday after suffering multiple gunshot wounds in Northview Heights, Pittsburgh police said. Officers responded just after midnight to a ShotSpotter alert in the 400 block of Mt. Pleasant Road. Police said the victim is an adult male. He was taken to a local hospital....
Coronavirus pandemic causes shift in environmental, sustainability efforts
With its economic and health impacts unmistakable, the coronavirus pandemic is revealing environmental tradeoffs as it lingers on. From a spike in hand-sanitizing wipes to paper towels to personal protective equipment (PPE), sustainability has been moved to the back burner. “In the middle of a global health pandemic, you want...
Shaler’s Fawcett Field, Eagle Canyon Trail to get upgrades next year
Nearly $700,000 in upgrades are scheduled for Fawcett Field and Eagle Canyon Trail in Shaler, but work will be pushed to 2021 while commissioners try to secure money to cover the work. The project targets stream restoration, restrooms and trail widening. Commissioners in April approved a $500,000 grant application to...
Fox Chapel Area School District outdoor facilities reopening Friday
Most of the Fox Chapel Area School District’s outdoor facilities will open Friday for recreational use. District officials announced the reopening with the caveat that visitors follow CDC guidelines that include wearing a mask at all times. Visitors are typically a common site at each of the properties, whether for...
Eden Hall trout to be harvested, delivered to 412 Food Rescue in Millvale
Fish that were raised at Chatham University’s Eden Hall will be harvested today and Saturday to feed people across the Lower Valley. The coronavirus pandemic canceled usual operations at the Aquaculture Center in Richland Township, where fish are raised to feed students and fulfill other projects at the campus along...
Central Catholic High School celebrates class of 2020
It was a busy weekend for Central Catholic High School faculty and staff, many of whom visited 64 different ZIP codes to surprise the Class of 2020 with personalized gifts and send the seniors off in celebration. Brother Tony Baginski, Central Catholic principal, led the team to 218 homes where...
Online book club, virtual Blawnox meeting and more
Cooper-Siegel Community Library will offer an online book club from noon to 1 p.m. May 15. “Booked for Lunch” will be offered through Zoom. This month’s book is “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, available on Hoopla Digital. This free library resource is available online and through the App...
Fox Chapel is the first municipality in Pa. to ban the use of coal tar
Fox Chapel has become the first municipality in the state to ban coal tar, commonly used to seal asphalt driveways, along with other chemicals that are similarly toxic. “This is nasty stuff,” councilwoman Mandy Steele said. “I’m committed to exposing the worst chemical offenders and getting them out of our...
The Herald top stories for the week of May 3Video
Here are some of the top stories of the week from The Herald: - Aspinwall begins paving work early. - Sunken boat pulled from Fox Chapel Yacht Club. - Fox Chapel Area announces tentative graduation plans. - Frontline workers at UPMC St. Margaret surprised with flowers....
Shaler, Etna pool openings to be determined
Swimming pools in Etna and Shaler could open this summer, officials said, pending recommendations from the Allegheny County and state health departments. Decisions could come later this month, when both councils are scheduled to meet. “We are waiting for direction,” Tim Rogers, Shaler manager, said. Commissioners meet on May 12...
Fox Chapel Area High School switches annual talent show to virtual format
In lieu of its annual year-end talent show, Fox Chapel Area High School is moving forward with an online version to showcase singing, dancing, magic or other entertaining capabilities. Video production teacher Ryan Devlin is seeking submissions from students through May 31. The show will be called “FC’s At Home...
Shady Side Academy students, teacher using 3D printer to make PPE
Shady Side Academy students are using the school’s 3D printers to help battle covid-19. Teacher Jesse Robinson and four students have set a hefty goal of producing 5,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) for Pittsburgh’s frontline workers. Junior Nick Zana spearheaded the project after noticing people from the global...
St. Margaret Foundation honors frontline workers with sign
Passersby are likely to notice a colorful addition to the front lawn at UPMC St. Margaret along Freeport Road, near Aspinwall. The St. Margaret Foundation erected a block-letter sign that stood waist-high in rainbow colors and reads “Thank U UPMC St. Margaret Heroes,” “As the employees drive in and out...
Fox Chapel Area High School announces end of year plans
Fox Chapel Area seniors will have a prom and graduation, providing the CDC guidelines permit, district officials announced this week. “Ideas are constantly evolving,” High School Principal Michael Hower said. He emailed families to detail of flurry of school activities that are being rescheduled for summer, when coronavirus-related restrictions are...
Etna installing ADA-compliant curb ramps
Traffic delays in Etna will be sporadic through June after a project launched this week to install ADA-compliant curb ramps. Work will require single-lane alternating traffic, typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to PennDOT officials. Projects are being targeted in the following areas: - Freeport-Butler street from Washington...
Aspinwall beginning $200,000 worth of road work this week
Aspinwall is making up for last year’s postponed paving program by getting an early jump on $200,000 in work this week. Borough officials expect paving to start Monday and last through Friday, dependent on the weather. Residents are reminded to pay attention to the No Parking notices that will be...
Camp Guyasuta planning to hold summer sessions — with modifications
Summer STEM sessions at Camp Guyasuta in O’Hara are moving forward but will look a little different this year, with an eye toward coronavirus concerns, organizers said. Water fountains will be converted to bottle filling stations and touchless check-in will be instituted, among other changes at the Boy Scout-owned camp....
Fox Chapel Area School District move-up days being held virtually
As the school year begins to wind down, high school seniors aren’t the only students missing out on traditional year-end milestones. May lower classmen are waiting to hear how their “move-up” days or class-level graduations will be celebrated. At Fox Chapel Area, staff at the four elementary schools are working...
Fox Chapel area top stories from the week of April 26Video
Here are some of the week’s top stories from the Lower Valley: - St. Margaret Foundation spends $50,000 on gift cards for hospital staff. - Memorial Day parades canceled amid coronavirus. - Fox Chapel Area elects new superintendent. - Sharpsburg has buddy program for those in need....
Waste Management resuming collection of bulk items, yard waste
Waste Management will resume regular collections on Monday, about five weeks after halting some specialized pick-ups in an attempt to stem the spread of coronavirus. This means yard waste like grass clippings and tree limbs, as well as bulk items like furniture or appliances, can be set at the curb...
Etna police seek help locating woman, 20, missing since January
Etna police need help locating a 20-year-old woman missing since Jan. 9. Kaylene Oehling, 20, is about 5 feet, 2 inches and 110 pounds. She has dark brown hair and wears glasses. She sometimes goes by the name Kaylene Young. Police said Oehling last contacted her mother at about 1:30...
