Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 34
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...
Tarentum Council eyes tech upgrades for Brackenridge police cruisers
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...
Green thumbs are part of hands-on curriculum at new Harvest Baptist Academy greenhouse
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...
Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services advises people to come hungry to Good Friday fish fry
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...
Dreshar Stadium promises to be jewel of Tarentum’s riverfront plans
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...
‘Local 1196: A Steelworkers Strike’ details economic, emotional toll of 2021 ATI strike
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 latest to be hit with online security incident
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...
Escape bags, protective wear to be upgraded at Citizens Hose
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...
Pirates Pierogies highlight Highlands engagement night
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...
Beattie students advance to Hershey for SkillsUSA project that helps peers in need
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...
2 Highlands administrators named MVP — most valuable principals — by Pittsburgh Penguins
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 transforms library to boost critical thinking, student collaboration
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...
West Deer officials say new municipal building was necessary: ‘There is nowhere else to go’
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...
Deer Lakes teacher Mark Vukelich recalled as proud Lancer
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....
Riverfront Theater Company opens season with ‘If/Then’
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...
Police investigating after man stabbed in West Deer
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, Southern Allegheny Valley fire departments upgrade protective gear
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...
New equipment helps Foxwall EMS with lifesaving measures
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...
More lawsuits filed in connection with insulin deaths at Western Pa. nursing homes
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...
Cursive handwriting makes a comeback in elementary schools
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...
Faces of the Valley: Harrison’s Bob Barrage dedicates decades to Scouting
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...
Building the Valley: Cindy’s Hometown Restaurant finds new home in Brackenridge
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,”...
St. Joe’s girls basketball team makes history with trip to the Pete
During a pep rally Friday at St. Joseph High School, students called on a higher power to give the girls basketball team an edge in its history- making trip to the WPIAL championship game. On cue, one of the school’s mascots — Moses — entered the gym to Drake’s “God’s Plan”...
