Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 32
New Vandergrift ATI line secures jobs, future for company
The son of a steelworker, Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini grew up in a house overlooking ATI’s Vandergrift plant. Back then, it was owned by U.S. Steel and was a major employer for the borough and surrounding area. Now, it continues to be a big piece of the borough’s economy and...
2-month road closure coming to East Deer near New Kensington Bridge
Another round of road closures is scheduled to begin Monday in East Deer near the New Kensington Bridge. The northbound lane of Freeport Road will be shut down at 9 a.m. so crews can continue painting and replacing fences. The road is expected to be closed through late June. The...
Job demand, good pay spur growth in nursing programs
Chelsey Strickland grew up watching her single mom work long shifts as a nurse at UPMC St. Margaret hospital to provide for her family. That’s what led the Tarentum resident to enroll in nursing school at 25, despite, two years earlier, having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the...
Slain Brackenridge police chief, McKeesport officer to be included on Washington, D.C., memorial
Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire will be memorialized this month in Washington, D.C., with a bittersweet honor for fallen officers. “We remember him and carry him in our hearts every day,” Mayor Lindsay Fraser said. “We memorialize Chief McIntire in how we can and do treat each other and in...
Fox Chapel Area School Board seeking member after Kimberly Andrews resigns
Fox Chapel Area School Board member Kimberly Andrews said she’ll take away nothing but pride from her nearly three years spent serving the district. The Aspinwall resident resigned Monday after announcing she would be returning to her native North Carolina. “I have been honored to sit on the board and...
Women’s Board hosts Safari Sunset to help underserved children
Sail into the Safari Sunset, all for a good cause, when the Women’s Board of Pittsburgh hosts its annual benefit to support children. “This exciting annual fundraiser, always a sold-out event, has enabled the Women’s Board to give more than $1.4 million to area nonprofits that support underserved children in...
Park for small dogs coming to off-leash area at Hartwood Acres
A daily walk through Hartwood Acres was Allison Burgan’s therapy during covid — for herself and her doodle puppy, Scruffy. The Indiana Township resident noticed a slew of walkers on the trails, many of whom were not making use of the park’s large off-leash space. “Scruffy and I started recognizing...
Former TribLive sales manager Gus Naccarato recalled for friendship, loyalty
Longtime TribLive Advertising Sales Manager Gus Naccarato is being recalled as a humble people-person and loyal friend who loved good conversation. Naccarato, 68, of Lower Burrell died Monday after a brief illness. A cause of death was not immediately available. “Working at the Valley News was a great job for...
Wrong-way detectors to be installed at 20 ramps to Route 28
After multiple wrong-way crashes along Route 28 in recent years, PennDOT is set to install large flashing signs to alert drivers who enter a ramp in the wrong direction. Detectors will be placed on 20 ramps, with work starting this summer and ending next year. The signs will be installed...
Stormwater upgrades at Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg expected to keep flooding at bay
Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg will undergo an overhaul that is expected to keep the popular recreation area from being swampy after a heavy storm. Borough officials said the stormwater management plan will transform the spot along North Canal Street. “This project is a game-changer,” Manager Christine DeRunk said. “It will...
2 teens killed in North Huntingdon dirt bike crash
Two teens were killed Sunday in a motor bike crash in North Huntingdon, according to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office. The victims were Adam J. Bilinsky, 19, of Coulterville Road, North Huntingdon, and a 16-year-old boy whose name has not been released, Coroner Tim Carson said. The wreck happened just...
Demolition starts on Century III Mall
Century III Mall is coming down. Demolition has officially begun on the site which was closed in 2019, according to TribLive news partners WTAE. The mall has since been the target of vandals and others sneaking into the property. It was condemned by West Mifflin Council in 2023. In January,...
New Harmar police cruiser, Penn Hills road work assisted by state grants
Harmar police will be patrolling in a new vehicle this year. The township was awarded $50,000 through U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio’s office for the purchase. Chief Jason Domaratz said the grant will be used to replace an outdated cruiser. “A reliable police vehicle is a very important in the protection...
State money for better roads at New Ken industrial park expected to draw more business
Since the launch of Re:Build Manufacturing at the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park last year, two more tenants have signed on — translating to more jobs. Now a $500,000 state grant to overhaul infrastructure at the park is expected to boost its ability to draw even more business. “The grant...
AT&T data breach impacts 70 million with unknown amounts of information leaked
The personal information of more than 70 million current and former AT&T customers was leaked after a data breach that occurred two weeks ago, the company announced Saturday. Information could have included names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, email addresses, mailing addresses and AT&T account numbers and passcodes, according to...
Grace Community’s Easter celebration in Lower Burrell is a big draw, and growing
Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell has unlocked the secret to drawing a hefty crowd to its annual kids’ Easter celebration – free candy. Hordes of families flowed into the social hall and sanctuary along Grant Street Saturday where craft stations, healthy snacks, tattoos and, of course, the Easter...
Tarentum animal rescue partners with O’Hara recovery center to tout benefit of pets, host public adoption
A Tarentum pet rescue is partnering with an O’Hara drug and alcohol recovery center to raise awareness of the emotional benefits of four-legged friends. Paws Across Pittsburgh and DreamLife Recovery are planning an adoption event open to the public. “From addiction rehabilitation to overcoming mental health challenges, we understand the...
Penn Hills man charged in connection to indecent assault of child in Sharpsburg
A Penn Hills man is charged with felonies that include unlawful contact and corruption of minors after, Allegheny County Police said, he sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl in Sharpsburg. Richard Sheets, 29, of Universal Road, is also charged with dissemination to minors and indecent assault stemming from a March 4...
Swing Into Spring event to benefit Fox Chapel Area children in need of clothes, food
Fox Families Care is swinging into spring with the goal of helping even more families in the Fox Chapel Area School District. The nonprofit is hosting its second annual fundraiser, filled with dancing, food and festive cocktails at the Fox Chapel Golf Club. “It will be a lighthearted evening, open...
Get ready to prep patios and lawns at Trillium Garden Club’s annual sale
Colorful Bougainvillea plants, hanging baskets and veggie starters will be the stars of the show when the Trillium Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale in May. Members expect big crowds to flock to the floral booths, pruned and prepped by many of the club’s 40 or so members. “We...
West Deer Fire Company No. 3 to feature indoor facility for firefighter training
Within the year, West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 will boast a rare new amenity to keep members in top condition. The department is reconfiguring its new station along Gibsonia Road to accommodate indoor fire training, complete with ladders, search-and-rescue stations and rappelling. “It’s a tremendous feature that we’ll...
Legends of Pittsburgh eyeing May 1 opening at former Holy Martyrs in Tarentum
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...
Lower Burrell woman held for court in West Deer drunken-driving crash
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...
Faces of the Valley: Members of Parish Piecers provide comfort to people in need
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 to inspect Tarentum Water Plant for algae, corrosion
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...
