Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 50
Construction of half-mile recreation trail kicks off in Brackenridge
Brackenridge Councilman Dino Lopreiato said a new half-mile walking trail through the borough will do more than create recreational opportunities. “It will showcase some of the nicest river views in Western Pennsylvania,” he said. “People will be able to walk or ride a bike, and, hopefully, it will encourage residents...
Plans to be revealed Tuesday for improved riverfront access and trail development in Tarentum
People have spoken, and they want better access to the Allegheny River in Tarentum. A public survey sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront revealed that people are eager to see public docks, fishing piers and other amenities along the borough’s stretch of shoreline. “Now is the time to...
Trailhead project in Natrona enhances safety, creates regional draw
A trailhead project that doubles as a gateway into the Natrona section of Harrison has gotten the green light from the township and is expected to draw people from across the region. Work will include designated parking and safer access to the kayak launch off River Avenue, along with landscaping...
AAUW honors Fox Chapel Area female academics
More than 30 teenage girls were honored for their academic prowess by the Fox Chapel affiliate of the American Association of University Women. A ceremony on March 20 recognized the future female leaders from Fox Chapel Area High School for their achievements in STEM fields. Each student was nominated by...
Energy-saving solar panels, improved trails among projects covered by state funding
Fox Chapel residents who live downstream from Hardie Valley Park will get help to stave off potential flooding thanks to a recent round of state funding. In O’Hara, state money will be used to stabilize trails at the township’s Community Park, providing renewed access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The improvements...
Recent high winds knock bricks from former Rite Aid in Tarentum
A portion of an East Fifth Avenue sidewalk in Tarentum is off limits after high winds loosened bricks on the adjacent building. The sidewalk near the old Rite Aid at Corbet Street is closed to walkers while the building is assessed for damage. “There were some bricks that came loose...
Faces of the Valley: Springdale High School musical director Anthony Martello makes theater a place where everyone feels welcome
Not too long after he learned to walk, Anthony Martello’s mother enrolled him in dance class. It was the start of something special for Martello, who discovered his passion for performance early in life. Now, as the head of the theater program at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School, he works to...
Free summer lunch program in Natrona at risk of cancellation
A summer lunch program that feeds up to 20 children in Natrona Community Park is in danger of being canceled after organizers claimed there is a lack of security at the concession stand, among other liability issues. The Building Block of Natrona, a nonprofit that runs the program through a...
Famous Alle-Kiski Valley women highlighted at Tarentum history museum
Women from the Alle-Kiski Valley have made their mark on the world through stardom, smarts and scandal. From the inventor of Kevlar to the focus of a deadly love triangle that became fodder for a Hollywood movie, famous females brought a spotlight to the Valley. Third Ward school teacher Julia...
$12 million expansion of Allegheny Valley Hospital radiology will combine services in one place
People who use a satellite radiology center on Freeport Road in Harrison will instead receive services at Allegheny Valley Hospital beginning this summer. A $12 million hospital expansion project is underway to enhance the imaging department and will feature a broader range of services under one roof. The project won’t...
Highlands students bring creepy, kooky ‘Addams Family’ to life
With ice in her veins and venom on her tongue, Highlands High School senior Helena Vasey perfected the soft-spoken but scathing wit of Morticia Addams. Sophomore Elliot Vunora, likewise, mastered his portrayal of the hairless and hunched Uncle Fester, a kooky, barrel-chested man forever wearing a full-length fur-lined coat. The...
Colorful community mural will serve as welcome to Tarentum
Tarentum artist Ernesto Camacho sketched a bright, cheerful mural that represents all the borough has to offer in hopes of producing a larger-than-life version this summer. It depicts churches, antique shops and the former Manos Theater where he now operates a gallery. There are building blocks with words like family,...
Goat Rodeo Farm in Indiana Township earns top cheese honors in national contest
Despite growing up on a farm in Buffalo Township, India Loevner didn’t expect to make a career in the dairy business. The Knoch High School alum took her passion with her, however, when she moved to a 130-acre farm in Indiana Township. “It was 2015 when we started milking the...
Recovering addicts give firsthand look at opioid crisis in documentary by Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation
Falling into a coma didn’t quell Brooke Damore’s craving for heroin. Neither did sitting in jail. “I was doing 10 bags a day at one point,” said Damore, 30, a Leechburg native who attended Kiski Area High School. “I had to learn to walk and talk again after I was...
Replace hard-to-read license plates at event in Harrison
A crumpled, peeling or otherwise unreadable license plate can earn drivers a $100 fine, but people can get a free replacement through a local program in April. Under state law, PennDOT will replace a license plate for free if it is verified as illegible by police or mechanics during the...
Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School students to stage wild and wacky ‘Seussical’
Oh, the places they’ll go on stage at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School! A student-driven production of the wildly colorful and comic “Seussical” will leave audiences marveling at the kooky costumes and toe-tapping tunes adapted from the stories of legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss. “I love making people laugh, and I...
At least $2.1 million in projects on tap for Alle-Kiski Valley communities
Safer crosswalks, energy-saving solar panels and improved sewer lines are planned for several Alle-Kiski Valley municipalities that will share in more than $2 million in state grants. From Harrison to Blawnox, communities along the Allegheny River will benefit from the funding announced last week by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox...
With eyesore razed, Tarentum focuses on Corbet Street beautification
Now that a blighted building has been demolished along Corbet Street in Tarentum, ideas are popping up about how to spruce up the business corridor. A raised deck, a gazebo and a grandstand are among plans being considered by council. “If there is built-in electricity, the borough can use it...
Major safety enhancements planned for busy Harrison intersection
When Harrison capped off more than $80,000 in repairs to the World War II Honor Roll at Freeport and Springhill roads in February, it was only the start to upgrades at the busy intersection. The township commissioners are eyeing a $2 million project to redo the five-way intersection, which, at...
Springdale teacher ‘couldn’t imagine life’ without his service dog
When Connor Green returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and was discharged from the Army in 2014, all he wanted was to live unnoticed. The transition to civilian life, coupled with a diagnosis of a seizure disorder, was more difficult than being deployed. Green couldn’t fathom his life...
Purse bash at Harrison VFW to benefit service dog nonprofit
A purse bash Saturday at the Harrison Veterans of Foreign Wars will send lucky participants out the door with a new bag, but the larger purpose will be sending veterans home with a service dog to help transform their lives. The fundraiser will benefit a Washington County group that helps...
Second Harvest, ‘more than a Sharpsburg thrift store,’ funds community programs
At Camp Guyasuta in O’Hara, visitors will have six new mountain bikes to hit the trails this summer along with a bevy of other supplies that include life jackets, helmets for the ropes course and eight new campfire rings. Camp Ranger Mike Daniher said there will be three new special...
Guyasuta Youth Football and Cheer hosts lunch with the Easter Bunny in O’Hara
The Easter Bunny will hop into town March 26 during an event by Guyasuta Youth Football and Cheer. Children can have lunch with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Comfort Inn at RIDC Park in O’Hara. The lunch is scheduled during a craft show that...
HomeGoods coming to The Waterworks
Home decor shoppers will likely be in their glory with the news that HomeGoods is coming to The Waterworks shopping center. The design and accessory retailer is expected to open later this year at shopping plaza along Freeport Road near Aspinwall. The store will fill the empty Bed Bath &...
Attorney Thomas Babinsack announces bid for Highlands area district judge’s seat
Attorney Thomas Babinsack has announced his bid for district justice in the office that serves Harrison, Tarentum, Brackenridge, Fawn and East Deer. A lifelong resident of Harrison, Babinsack has a private law practice. He also serves as part-time business manager for the Guardian Angels Parish, which is part of the...
