Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 4
August Wilson Center raising funds with seat-naming opportunity
Theater-goers have a chance to make a visible investment in the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Downtown Pittsburgh through new seat-naming opportunities. The initiative is a legacy-giving chance to support the center, which is among the nation’s largest Black multidisciplinary arts facilities. “A seat dedication is both deeply...
Morning Roundup: Missing teen in Derry; stabbing in Carrick; break-in in Apollo
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, Dec. 23: _______________________________________ Teen missing in Derry Pennsylvania State Police are seeking help to find a missing teen from Westmoreland County. Officers were called at about 9:30 p.m. to Derry Township after Kia Schuler was reported missing. An...
Experts worry federal nursing designation could stifle professional pipeline
A move by the Trump administration to exclude nursing from a list of professional degrees for student loan purposes could have far-reaching impacts on the future of the profession, medical experts say. “Nursing is a serious profession that is about lifelong learning,” UPMC Chief Nurse Executive Maribeth McLaughlin said. “The...
Speed believed to be factor in Harrison crash that injured 1 person, police say
Speed is believed to be a factor in a two-vehicle crash Sunday in Harrison, authorities said. Police Chief Brian Turack said he expects charges to be filed against the driver of a pickup truck involved in the wreck, which happened about 3:30 p.m. along Freeport Road. The name of the...
Woman killed when tree falls on car in White Oak
A 45-year-old woman was killed after a tree fell on her car Sunday in White Oak, according to TribLive news partner WTAE. The crash happened at about 3:45 p.m. along the 3000 block of Jacks Run Road. The condition of a man inside the vehicle was not released. A witness...
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio on mission to investigate concession prices at sporting events
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio can’t stomach the prices fans are paying for hot dogs and other concessions at professional sporting events. Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel, introduced a bill directing the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a nationwide study of concession pricing practices. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York,...
Morning Roundup: Police pursuit in the South Side; serious fire in New Castle
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Monday, Dec. 22: _______________________________________ Juvenile accused of leading police on chase Pittsburgh police were led early Monday on a high-speed chase near East Carson Street in the South Side that ended with the suspect’s vehicle crashing into a home....
Steelers vs. Lions: What they’re saying in Detroit after loss
The Pittsburgh Steelers eked out a win Sunday against the Detroit Lions in a wild fashion that capped a chaotic game in the Motor City. The Steelers held the lead most of the game, but when it looked like they might sail to an easy win, the Lions roared back...
Wilmerding woman shot and killed in McKeesport
A Wilmerding woman was shot and killed late Sunday, according to Allegheny County Police. The victim was identified as Lisa Sharnell Epps, 50, by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Emergency crews were called at about 8:50 p.m. to the 500 block of Pirl Street in McKeesport. Responders found Epps,...
Aspinwall, Sharpsburg and neighboring fire departments team up to rebuild volunteer force
A coalition of fire departments serving Aspinwall, Sharpsburg and other Lower Valley communities will launch an intensive recruitment process to address the region’s volunteer shortage. The number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania has plummeted about 90% since 1970, according to the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute. It is estimated...
Harrison residents must use new recycling bins
Harrison residents will receive new recycling containers when the township’s new hauler, Noble Environmental, takes over recycling services in January. The company will distribute green carts with lids to all properties beginning the week of Jan. 5. Anyone with a pickup prior to that date can use their round red...
Sidewalk upgrades coming to RIDC Park in O’Hara
O’Hara is one step closer to its goal of improving pedestrian safety in RIDC Park. The township on Thursday was awarded $200,000 to install sidewalks along Alpha and Gamma drives. The phased project is expected to improve opportunities for people who work in the park and neighbors who live nearby...
Vote scheduled on paid ambulance authority for Harrison, Tarentum and Brackenridge
The proposal to create a paid ambulance authority for Harrison, Tarentum and Brackenridge could be formalized as soon as January. A special public hearing and joint meeting of the three municipalities is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Highlands High School. “This represents an important step in enabling a...
Multiple crews battle Fox Chapel house fire
Multiple rescue crews were called early Thursday to battle a fire at a $1.25 million Fox Chapel home that was recently sold to new owners. Emergency crews responded just before 5 a.m. to the 600 block of West Waldheim Road, which sits off Delafield Road above Aspinwall. No injuries were...
Fundraiser established for Tarentum fire victim
A fundraiser has been established to help the victims of Saturday’s fatal Tarentum fire. A GoFundMe was organized Tuesday to raise money for Paula Clever, whose son, Landen, was killed in a duplex fire at 912 Corbet St. More than $2,200 had been collected as of Wednesday afternoon. The goal...
Free shuttles across Alle-Kiski Valley among St. Margaret Foundation programs for the underserved
A free service will continue to shuttle people to doctor’s appointments across the Alle-Kiski Valley as an initiative of the St. Margaret Foundation. The nonprofit announced a $957,000 grant Friday that will pay for a dozen programs, including free shuttles, flu shots, adaptive food utensils and health screenings. The money...
Harrison Township Water Authority says rate increase necessary
Harrison water rates will increase in January to help offset inflation and newly government-mandated but unfunded regulations, officials said. Residents will see a 10% increase beginning with their first bills after the new year. Minimum quarterly bills of $58.08 will climb about $5.80 to $63.90. For a typical family using...
Public tribute planned for late Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire
A tribute to late Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire will be held Jan. 2, three years after he was shot and killed in the line of duty. McIntire was ambushed during a hunt for a fugitive on Third Avenue in Brackenridge, just four doors from the house where he grew...
Former Highlands teacher’s sex assault charges held for court
Charges of sexual assault against former Highlands School District teacher Sean Dicer were held for court during a preliminary hearing Monday. Dicer, 53, of Brackenridge, appeared before District Judge Michael J. Girardi in Harmar on charges that include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor...
Faces of the Valley: Harrison’s Bill Porter revels in connections made through Salvation Army kettle campaign
Bill Porter likes to talk. It’s a good thing, since he spends about seven hours a day chatting with strangers as a bell-ringer for the Brackenridge Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. He sets up outside Giant Eagle at The Waterworks five days a week and says he revels in making...
Indiana Township property taxes hold steady
Indiana Township will hold the line on taxes in 2026. Supervisors on Wednesday approved an $8.7 million budget that keeps the property tax rate at 3.47 mills: 2.99 mills for the township and 0.48 mills for the fire departments. The owner of a home assessed at the township’s median value...
Deer Lakes, Springdale students up for Prime Stage Theatre Drama Awards
Nominees for Prime Stage Theatre’s 6th Annual High School Drama Awards were announced Wednesday, with students from Deer Lakes, Springdale, Fox Chapel Area and Shady Side Academy in the running for top honors. Leading the pack are Fox Chapel Area and Shady Side Academy with eight nominations each, followed by...
Highlands welcomes 3 new board members
Highlands School Board this week held its annual reorganization meeting where they welcomed new members Clint Crowell, Jeff Thimons and Kelly Powell. Crowell will represent Region 3; Thimons was elected in Region 2; Powell will serve Region 1. During the meeting Tuesday, Deb Lehew was reelected to serve as board...
Sharpsburg/Aspinwall firefighters to get new tools to combat cancer-causing toxins
Soot-covered fire gear is no longer a badge of honor for emergency responders. Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows firefighters stand a higher chance of developing cancer even after minimal contact with smoke particles and fire toxins. Locally, emergency service personnel are taking steps to...
Local municipal managers rack up state, national awards
Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf credits much of his leadership ability to a mindset he learned in the Marine Corps — stay calm under pressure, focus on what matters and build systems that last. Over the past several years, he has applied that approach to revitalization efforts in the borough. On...
