Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 7
Name of new Harrison restaurant at former Anchor Inn is nod to township’s history
A new Harrison restaurant will pay homage to the township’s past. Owners Corey Pistininzi and Sean Watson on Thursday revealed the name of the eatery — Salt and Steel – a nod to industrial giants Penn Salt and Allegheny Ludlum (now ATI). Both manufacturers were pivotal in the township’s growth,...
Human trafficking and how to help will be the subject of Fox Chapel presentation
It was a conversation with an Indian missionary that prompted the launch of Living in Liberty, a North Hills nonprofit dedicated to helping heal victims of human trafficking. Elizabeth Echevarria, CEO, founded the group in 2012 after hearing about conditions in Calcutta and subsequently learning that the U.S. leads the...
Proposal by Pa. Dems would provide $62M to help with SNAP fallout
Pennsylvania Democrats are making a push to help people who are set to lose SNAP benefits on Saturday, but the help won’t come immediately. Members of the state Senate Democratic Caucus introduced legislation this week to use reserve money to provide $50 million to 18 food banks, $10 million to...
Tips for Cops fundraiser has huge turnout; organizers set goal of $6,000 to help needy
Monroeville police Officer Robert Gowans said cops can sometimes get a bad rap. That wasn’t possible on Oct. 19, when off-duty officers turned out in force to help the less fortunate. Police from Penn Hills, Wilkins, Churchill and Monroeville traded in their uniforms for aprons to serve a hungry crowd...
Protesters rally against proposed data center in Springdale; 2nd event planned
Brown water, power outages and noise pollution. “The list goes on and on,” said Springdale resident Sharon Spirk, citing reasons she’s against a proposed data center to be built on 47 acres off Porter Street. Spirk was one of about 10 people who rallied Monday in opposition to a plan...
Schools working to keep children fed ahead of potential SNAP benefits shutdown
As the federal government shutdown lingers, food assistance is in jeopardy for about 2 million people across the state. With the largest anti-hunger program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, on course to shut down Saturday, school districts are ramping up efforts to make sure children continue to be...
Blawnox water rescue boat ramps up safety from Harrison to Pittsburgh
Catastrophe was averted during a Labor Day boat fire in Harmar, at least in part, because of a new water rescue boat at Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company. Marine 111, a 26-foot Stanley fire rescue landing craft, played a critical role after flames engulfed a boat below Lock 3 and forced...
Incumbent Brian Nolan challenged by former councilwoman Carrie Fox for Tarentum seat
Two familiar faces will vie for a four-year term on Tarentum Council. Carrie Fox, a Democrat who previously served eight years on council, came out of retirement to seek another term because she missed being involved in the day-to-day business of the borough. Brian Nolan, a Republican, is an incumbent...
Harrison woman treated after attack by her own dogs
A Harrison woman was treated late Tuesday after being attacked by her two dogs. Police Chief Brian Turack said no charges were filed in the incident. Emergency crews responded at about 8:50 p.m. to the 1100 block of Lane Avenue for a 45-year-old woman who suffered bite wounds and multiple...
Cherrie Mahan’s family, friends hopeful after property searches in South Buffalo
Friends and family of Cherrie Mahan believe law enforcement is zeroing in on the location of the young girl who disappeared in 1985 near a rural bus stop in Winfield. Hopes have skyrocketed one day after state police and FBI conducted a search along River Road in South Buffalo, about...
The case of Cherrie Mahan: What you need to know
The disappearance of Cherrie Mahan 40 years ago is making headlines again as authorities apparently run down leads and conduct searches related to the case. Cherrie’s is one of the longest running missing persons cases in state history. Here’s what you need to know about the case: • Cherrie Mahan,...
Blawnox voters have choice of 5 candidates for 4 seats
Blawnox voters will have their choice of five candidates for four seats. Democrats Matthew Stanczak, Deborah E. Laskey, Randall R. Stoddard and Christine Carnevali will compete against Republican Mark Lombardi. All terms are for four years. Here’s a look at the candidates: Matthew Stanczak Age: 52 Democrat Education: Bachelor’s degree...
Manos Gallery owners plan cultural hub in New Kensington
A historic New Kensington building that once housed a recreation center for manufacturing powerhouse Alcoa will become a hub for creative arts early next year. The vision by Tarentum businessmen Ernesto Camacho and Brian DeFelice, owners of The Manos Gallery, strives to provide inclusivity for all creative types. “It will...
Scott Zimmermann challenges Joe Noro for Aspinwall Mayor
The Aspinwall Mayor election will give voters the choice between Democrat Scott Zimmermann and Republican Joe Noro. Here’s a look at what the candidates had to say before election day. Scott Zimmermann Age: 56 Democrat Education: Bachelor of Science from Penn State University Occupation: Industrial/commercial electrical contracting Community Involvement/Volunteer work:...
Harrison, Plum need poll workers for election day
Harrison and Plum are among 13 Allegheny County municipalities in need of poll workers ahead of Election Day. The county is seeking workers for what is typically a 15-hour day spent helping people at the voting booths. Workers are paid $150 to $175 for the day and also receive paid...
Aspinwall voters choose among 7 candidates for 4 council seats
Aspinwall voters will choose between seven candidates for four council seats in the November general election. Democrats Patti McCaffrey, Andrew Corey-O’Connor, Jeff Harris and Lara Voytko will vie against Republicans Donald Mazreku, Terry Nelson Taylor and Aggie Lotz. All terms are four years. Here’s a look at the candidates: Patti...
Tarentum home damaged in fire deemed uninhabitable, council considers demolition
A Tarentum home damaged by fire in mid-September has been deemed unsafe and could be demolished, along with two neighboring properties. Fire crews battled a blaze at 917 Porter St. on Sept. 16. No one was injured but two dogs died. The cause of the fire was accidental, said Kasey...
Man found dead outside South Strabane strip mall
A man was found dead early Sunday on the sidewalk of a South Strabane strip mall, according to the Washington County Coroner’s Office. The victim was identified as Jude Cassidy, 62 of Washington, Pa. Coroner Tim Warco said it does not appear to be suspicious. Warco is investigating it as...
1 person treated after being trapped under wires in South Park Township
A person was taken to a trauma center Sunday after being trapped under wires at Evans Field in South Park Township, authorities said. Emergency crews were called mid-afternoon after a downed tree caused the wires to fall, according to a social media post by the Broughton Volunteer Fire Department. A...
Native American storytelling, dancers make for a vibrant day at Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Perry Ground spent Sunday afternoon telling stories at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. It was his way of educating people about his Native American culture — which is alive and well in Western Pennsylvania and across the country, he said. “People think we went away,” said Ground, of the...
Deadly collision on Route 30 in Unity
A motorcyclist was killed after a crash with a car in Unity Township on Saturday, authorities said. The victim was identified as Brandon Shea, 43, of Mt. Pleasant, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson. Emergency crews were called at about 6:20 p.m. to the intersection of Route 30 and...
Faces of the Valley: Tarentum pastor marks 50 years in ministry, counts puppets, baseball as passions
Pastor, puppeteer and avid Red Sox fan. That’s how the Rev. Bob Dayton describes himself. Parishioners at Central Presbyterian Church in Tarentum, however, go further in their descriptions: supportive, worldly and well-rounded. “I have nothing but good things to say about him,” Barb Diller said. “When he first came to...
Last piece of Community Supermarket removed from Harrison store
Crews removed a piece of Heights Plaza history on Saturday morning — the illuminated Community Supermarket sign came down. The store, in operation in Harrison since 2002, closed Wednesday. Plaza owners Benbrooke Realty said previously they would seek a replacement grocery store, but that plan appears up in the air...
Rankin wine lounge, Mary’s Vine, closing at end of October
A Rankin wine lounge and restaurant will close its doors at the end of the month. Mary’s Vine, which opened along Kenmawr Avenue in 2019, posted its farewell announcement to social media. “We are deeply grateful for your support, your friendship and the memories we’ve created together,” the post said....
Fox Chapel Area Rotary raises $70,000 for local charities at Lower Burrell golf classic
Funding from the Rotary Club of Fox Chapel Area will help a Sharpsburg nonprofit expand its programming for people in need. Roots of Faith, which offers food, clothes and employment assistance from its Main Street location, was named a beneficiary of this year’s Rotary Charity Golf Classic. Hosted at Hill...

