Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 25

The former Holy Martyrs Church in Tarentum that was closed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2022 is expected to be bustling again by May 1. Legends of Pittsburgh fitness center is scheduled to open its doors, drawing crowds for the gym equipment, sport court and soccer field. Legends is...

A Lower Burrell woman was held for court on felony charges of child endangerment in connection with a January crash. Police said she drove her vehicle with two children as passengers while her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Kierra Cooper, 24, was charged after a two-vehicle...

After retiring from her job at the University of Pittsburgh, Fawn resident Pat Slobada said she needed a pastime with a purpose. The novice seamstress joined the Parish Piecers, a quilting group which meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to create warm handmade blankets and other treasures for...

Divers will make their way through the Tarentum water treatment plant in the coming weeks, vacuuming sediment and other debris from well walls and floors. Crews will inspect for algae and corrosion in the clear well, which is part of the drinking water purification system. “It’s a small chamber, and...

Brackenridge police cruisers soon could be equipped with technology for e-ticketing, bringing the vehicles in line with the Tarentum fleet. Officers are part of a consolidated force that began last August. The technology is important for uniformity and public perception, said Tarentum Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf. “Having the same technology ensures...

Harvest Baptist Academy sixth grader Kate Blakeslee is feeling a summer vibe despite the lingering chill outside her Harrison school. The 12-year-old has spent recent class time plotting a garden with crops of oregano, cucumbers and tomatoes well on their way. “We got to put seeds in the pots, and...

The Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services hopes to reel in a big crowd for its annual Good Friday fish fry — a tradition in the Lower Valley for more than 50 years. Chief Mike Daniher said the large cod fillet is the department’s No. 1 seller. “We sell over 750...

Tarentum officials are promising Dreshar Stadium, or at least the property that houses the 85-year-old venue, will be the jewel of a newly designed borough riverfront. They’re so confident, in fact, the borough is passing on a chance at $250,000 to fix up the aging stadium and sports field. Instead...

A bitter, three-month walkout by ATI employees in 2021 — and the impacts of sudden unemployment for families of striking steelworkers — will be the focus of a free documentary showing Thursday at Pittsburgh Mills. “Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike” will be offered at GQT Movies, featuring behind-the-scenes footage from...

Riverview School District may be the latest government or school website to be hacked. The district reported a security incident Monday that impacted teachers’ access to the internet and their district-issued devices, but the nature of the problem was unclear. “Right now, we can’t confirm a security breach,” Superintendent Neil...

Personal escape bags with gear to rappel down buildings will be among the items upgraded at Citizens Hose in Harrison, the township’s primary rescue company. “If the guys are on the second or third floor and they have to go out the window, we have to have these in good...

It was almost better than a ballgame at PNC Park when Highlands Middle School hosted its Parent Engagement Night on Tuesday, complete with a race against the Pittsburgh Pirates Pierogies. The district’s mascot, Rammie, gave Jalapeno Hannah and Sauerkraut Saul a run for their money on the track at Golden...

Malea O’Neill was shocked to learn just how many of her fellow students at A.W. Beattie Career Center often lack basic necessities in their daily lives. “It was honestly sad to learn how much of a need there is for things that I have always taken for granted. Hearing that...

Students at Highlands Elementary School already thought of their principal, Stan Whiteman, as the building’s MVP. Now they have confirmation. Whiteman was among 15 Allegheny County school administrators named 2024 Pittsburgh Penguins Most Valuable Principal. “He’s super kind and nice,” said Silas Kemp, 9. “He’s a very big Pens fan,...

Highlands Early Childhood Center kindergartner Aaliyah Hall picked her favorite book, “I Spy,” at the school library and skipped around while choosing a place to read it. The room recently was transformed with colorful couches, wobble chairs and other reading nooks, all in an effort to boost literacy. The furniture...

Construction is ahead of schedule on the $10.6 million West Deer municipal building, which is expected to open by late October. People can watch daily progress through a livestream on the township’s website. “It looks great,” Supervisor John Hollibaugh said. “I’m happy with the progress, and I think everyone will...

Friends are recalling the late Mark Vukelich as a “lifelong Lancer.” A native of West Deer, Vukelich grew up in the Russellton neighborhood. He graduated from Deer Lakes School District in 1989 and went on to teach for 28 years at his alma mater. Vukelich died March 2 at 52....

The Riverfront Theater Company opens its 2024 season with a dramatic production that is sure to spur the question, “What if?” The community theater group will present the Pittsburgh premiere of “If/Then,” a stirring and somewhat heart-wrenching show that follows a woman’s two possible life paths. “My character portrays two...

Allegheny County Police are investigating after a man was stabbed Tuesday evening in West Deer. The 60-year-old victim was taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison with multiple stab wounds. He was being treated in stable condition, according to Jim Madalinsky, county police public information officer. West Deer police were...

Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company is getting a new computer for its engine to aid with dispatch and pinpoint hydrant locations. Chief Jeff Stephens said some of his members also will receive upgraded bunker gear, fittings and adapters, all of which will boost protection at fire scenes. Purchases were assisted by...

Foxwall EMS will have better capabilities to care for cardiac patients and people with severe respiratory issues thanks to the purchase of a portable ventilator. Paramedic Jenifer Swab said the equipment allows for precise control of a patient’s respiratory rate and other measurements of ventilation. It is military grade, weight-based...

Two more wrongful death lawsuits were filed Tuesday against Lower Burrell’s Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in connection with allegations that a Harrison nurse administered fatal doses of insulin to patients there. The latest lawsuits were filed on behalf of the families of former Bel­air residents Jack Allen Rogers and...

Second grader Evi Thompson’s favorite letter is “S.” “I like how my pencil feels on the paper when I write it,” Evi said from her classroom at Mary Queen of Apostles in New Kensington. “It’s very loopy.” Evi and her classmates are learning the art of cursive writing, the old-school...

Bob Barrage recalls bringing home a flier in third-grade — nearly six decades ago — seeking students interested in Cub Scouts. “I told my mom I didn’t want to join and then I ended up going anyway,” said Barrage, who grew up in Harrison. “About halfway through the meeting, something...

Bob Hatajik has a good feeling about closing his Tarentum diner. That’s because in less than two months, Cindy’s Hometown Restaurant will reopen in what Hatajik feels will be its forever home — the former Parkview bar along First Avenue in Brackenridge. “God opened the door and we jumped in,”...