Tawnya Panizzi stories, Page 71

Kindergarten story times typically offered as part of the Fox Chapel Area orientation for new students will be hosted virtually, beginning this month. District leaders said they didn’t want to miss the opportunity to reach out to prospective students, despite the lingering pandemic and related social distancing guidelines. “The school...

When the Shaler Area varsity girls basketball team takes the court against North Allegheny on Feb. 15, hoops won’t be the only spotlight. Athletes on both teams plan to show a united front against racism. The Titans and Tigers will warm up before the 6 p.m. competition in black T-shirts...

Fox Chapel councilwoman Mandy Steele considered it a victory when the borough became the first in the state to ban coal tar, a toxic chemical used to seal asphalt driveways. But she’s not resting with that singular win. “I plan on going in front of all the councils in Allegheny...

There were no donuts with grandparents this year for Catholic Schools Week, nor was there a staff versus students kickball game. Still, Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (CDTCA) in Aspinwall found a way to mark each day with a special celebration of their faith. “The pandemic isn’t stopping us,”...

The Etna EcoPark is among several Lower Valley projects to get a boost from the Hillman Foundation this week, which announced $250,000 for sustainability programs in the borough, along with those in Millvale and Sharpsburg. Money was awarded to the Triboro Ecodistrict, a partnership between New Sun Rising, Etna Community...

As the Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company nears its 100th anniversary, members have elected a new chief — one who has served nearly half of the department’s existence. Jeff Stephens, a 42-year member, was elected in January to a two-year term after longtime head George McBriar retired. “I would like to...

Sharpsburg councilman Jon Jaso wants residents to walk the walk when it comes to keeping the borough clean. He is spearheading an Adopt-a-Street program where volunteers would pledge to rid litter from a section of borough roads. “They would have to do a cleanup once a quarter, or more if...

Giant Eagle was named tops in corporate policies related to LGBTQ workplace quality, in part for its equitable benefits and fostering an inclusive culture, according to a national benchmarking survey. The O’Hara-based company earned a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). “We...

Sharpsburg is seeking interested volunteers to fill a vacancy on council. Longtime member Greg Domian resigned, citing personal reasons. Manager Bill Rossey said the appointee would fill the term through Dec. 31. Anyone interested must be a registered voter and have lived in the borough for at least a year....

After a two-month hiatus, the Harvest Fair at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church is back up and running. The fleatique fundraiser remains by appointment only. The popular shopping event was shut down in late-November for covid-19-related concerns when numbers began to creep up prior to the holidays. “We finally have the...

A new portal sign erected in Blawnox will greet visitors and help boost curb appeal. Visitors entering the borough along Freeport Road from Harmar or Oakmont might notice the blue and gold greeting at the end of town just beyond the Sunoco station. “It’s a way to welcome people,” Manager...

Fox Chapel residents who live along some private lanes in the borough will be getting new street names this spring. Council’s move to rename Squaw Run and Squaw Run East will affect about 10 properties, in addition to those housed on the Heinz Estate. “Much of Squaw Run and Squaw...

Shaler commissioners were blindsided this week by the announcement that Shaler Area School District reached an agreement to sell the former Jeffery Primary building. The township believed it had a verbal agreement for the acquisition, Manager Tim Rogers said. “The district never advised us that they had retracted the offer...

From shoveling walkways to picking up trash and litter, a new volunteer group in Blawnox is pledging to showcase the borough through good deeds. Best of Blawnox was launched in January “to recognize the greatness in our community and that through working together we can bring programs to the residents,”...

A new council person was appointed in Etna to fill a vacancy that runs through 2021. Kendra Clarke, a four-year resident of the borough, will represent the 3rd Ward. She was among three applicants seeking to replace Bill O’Dell after his resignation in December. “I have developed a strong commitment...

Check your refrigerators. Bob Evans Farms Inc. is recalling packaged pork sausage that may be contaminated with thin blue rubber, according to the USDA. The sausage was produced in December 2020 and is packaged in one-pound containers labeled with lot code 0352. Packages have a use-by date of Jan. 31...

Blawnox officials are working with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to resolve violations at the borough’s water plant. Troubles stem from treatment techniques and have not impacted water quality, Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said. “There have been no issues with any of our bacteria samples and there is nothing residents...

Sharpsburg’s bustling Linden Gym is on tap for the final piece of more than $100,000 in renovations. A new gymnasium floor is expected to be installed this spring, capping off work that includes roof repairs, LED lighting, improved ventilation and new backboards, bleachers and a scoreboard. The existing hardwood floor...

Fox Chapel residents who are impacted by the impending name change of Squaw Run Road and Squaw Run East will get $250 from borough tax dollars to offset costs and compensate them for inconveniences. Council on Jan. 18 approved the stipend, saying anyone who can prove financial hardship will be...

Fox Chapel residents will no longer be able to dispose of mattresses in the dumpsters at the municipal complex. “We’re having a problem where we’re getting five or six a week,” Manager Gary Koehler told council during its Jan. 18 meeting. The borough supplies trash bins behind the municipal building...

Butler County Emergency Service experienced outage problems early Thursday, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV. Residents needed to call an alternate number for 911 — that is 724-287-7769. The phone outages began Wednesday afternoon and extended to emergency services in Clarion and Beaver, along with 10 other counties. Clarion County...

When a Fox Chapel Area student couldn’t afford to get senior photos, the new nonprofit Fox Families Care stepped in to provide them. The nonprofit also was there for a student who needed a new bed and hundreds of others who needed breakfast and lunch during the extended covid-19 remote...