‘Shale revolution’
A look back at 20 years of gas drilling in the region
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories reflecting on 20 years of gas drilling in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
By Rick Shrum
For the Observer-Reporter
rshrum@observer-reporter.com
Mount Pleasant Township is among the most appropriately named municipalities in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
It is pleasant, to be sure, a friendly, bucolic town of about 3,300 residents nestled in its gently rolling hills.
Shane Maga has lived there comfortably for a long while. Yet, when asked to reflect back nearly two decades, he recounted a time of discomfort and uncertainty over the anticipated arrival of a little-known entity.
“People were scared out of their wits about fracking,” said Maga, chairman of the township supervisors. “No one really knew how things would work out, but we tried to make the best of it.”
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, dates to the 1860s in the United States. But in the eastern part of the country, that process did not have a significant impact in the extraction of oil and natural gas from shale and other rock formations until near the turn of the 21st century.
In the early 2000s, it appeared the county, and the township, which were sitting atop the expansive Marcellus Shale formation, were destined to become familiar with fracking. “We started to see benefits and advantages,” Maga said.
Fame would be among Mount Pleasant’s benefits.
In early October 2004, high on a hill off Sabo Road, Range Resources Corp. successfully fracked a well on the Renz farm. In this 2011 file
SHALe PAGE A2
ment used
BP trio works to raise mental health awareness
By Paul Paterra Staff writer ppaterra@observer-reporter.com
Three Bethel Park High School students know firsthand the pressures their classmates face and the toll it can take on mental health. In response, seniors Jackson Friday and Max Lemessurier, along with sophomore Lily Yester, have formed a suicide prevention club. The club stems from the efforts of a Next Gen Board of High School Students created at the Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park. One of its members, recent Upper St. Club graduate Ben Seminov, was touched by a youth hockey player suicide, leading to the efforts of the Bethel Park students.
“We’re trying to get the word out about mental
awareness, mental health in young athletes,” Friday said.
“We’re just trying to get the word out and build on that. The statistics we’ve seen are pretty bad with young athletes. It takes a toll on them with their academics and athletics and everything else that goes with it.”
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among student athletes ages 15 to 24, trailing only accidents and homicide.
A study authored by researchers from the University of Washington, The University of Wisconsin at Madison and Oregon Health and Science University said suicide rates among college athletes have doubled during the last two
SF teacher chosen for 2024 Peace Teachers Program
By Paul Paterra Staff writer
A South Fayette High School teacher is one of 26 educators in the country to be accepted to the 2024 Peace Teachers Program of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).
Dr. Felix Yerace, in his 20th year with the district, was the lone Pennsylvanian selected to join this year’s cohort of Peace Teachers.
“This is a very prestigious organization, and knowing that I’m the only educator from Pennsylvania, it’s an honor,” he said. “Anytime I do something, it makes me a better educator and it’s something that I can apply with my students and my colleagues as well.”
USIP was established by Congress in 1984 as an independent institution devoted to the nonviolent prevention and mitigation of deadly conflict abroad.
“The idea for the USIP actually came from George Washington,” Yerace said.
“When George Washington was president he felt there needed to be an institute of war and an institute of peace. The institute of war was West Point. The institute of peace actually took another couple of hundred years and was signed into law by President (Ronald) Reagan.”
The Peace Teachers Program is a virtual professional development opportunity for
t H e pe AC e te ACH er S pr OG r A m
IS A VI rt UAL pr OF e SSIONAL D e V e LO pme N t O pp O rt UNI t Y
FO r m IDDL e AND HIGH SCHOOL
te ACH er S CO mm I tte D t O e DUCAt ING YOU t H ON IN ter NAt IONAL pe AC e
photo, a gas well worker with Universal Well Services uncouples equip-
in the fracking process at a site in German township, Fayette County.
SEE trIO
COURTESY OF THE SOUTH FAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Felix Yerace oversees student activities in recognition of the recent United Nations International Day of peace.
Bicycle ride honors fallen Mt. Lebanon FBI agent
Martha’s Ride, in honor of the late Martha Dixon, an FBI special agent, will be held Oct. 5. The cycling event offers a 15-mile or 30-mile ride beginning at 11 a.m. at Station Square.
Shale
Workers at Range extracted an estimated 300,000 cubic feet of natural gas that day. At the time, it was the largest fracking job executed east of the Mississippi River. The well site has been labeled, “The discovery well for the modern Marcellus Shale gas play.”
Marcellus is the second-largest natural gas field in the world, stretching 31,000 square miles from southern New York state to northern Kentucky, and west from the Catskills to Ohio.
The formation is five times the size of the bountiful Barnett Shale in Texas.
The success at Renz Well No. 1, and subsequent industry successes, helped to spark the Shale Revolution in the United States. The oil and natural gas industry, according to the American Petroleum Institute’s website, supports more than 11 million jobs nationwide.
Pennsylvania, in particular, has benefited from this revolution, rising to No. 2 gas producer in the U.S., behind Texas.
For making an indelible mark, Renz Well and everyone involved with the project will be honored at a date to be determined in October.
Range Resources, which declined to participate in this energy series, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on the placement of a marker on the well site.
Renz No. 1 is an exemplary example of that bromide, “third time’s a charm.” It was a once-failed well when Range Resources decided to frack there in 2003.
The well, according to an article written by Seamus McGraw in Pittsburgh Quarterly magazine, produced a small amount of gas after a few days of drilling, and increasing amounts over several days before the flow abruptly stopped.
Bill Zagorski, a Range Resources geologist, wasn’t deterred. A voracious reader, he studied old records from this region and histories of shale and other formations that could provide clues to unlocking the Marcellus.
Among his findings: there was a fair amount of drilling in the Mount Pleasant area in the 1940s, where there were reports of brief but strong showings of gas, including several blowouts. That was promising, and buoyed his hopes for Renz. (One blowout reportedly sent several hundreds of pounds of rigging 30 feet up a well bore.)
Range Resources had spent a lot on the 2003 project, and was about to spend more. Zagorski, according to McGraw, was still optimistic that Renz would prove to be bountiful, but less upbeat
Using the Three Rivers Heritage and GAP trails, the ride will end at the Martha Dixon bench at the Hot Metal Bridge. From there a police escort will marshal the riders to the Martha Dixon FBI Building for a photo, after
when he pitched a return to Renz to Jeff Ventura, the company’s chief operating officer. The COO said yes.
“People knew it was there,” said Terry Engelder, professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University and a consultant to oil and gas companies. “Zagorski talked to Range to not close the well, and because it was already drilled, not plugged, the company decided to try it.”
Try it and succeed beyond expectations. For his diligence and foresight, Zagorski, a Western Pennsylvania resident, was declared “Father of the Marcellus” by the Pittsburgh Association of Petroleum Geologists.
The Marcellus was unlocked and potentially prodigious. Engelder proposed that 50 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be recovered from the formation, or the same amount the entire country uses in about 2 1/2 years. He later revised that estimate upward to 489 trillion cubic feet, or enough for 20 years in the U.S. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that burns ethane, an issue the industry is striving to address. But what happened at the Renz Well 20 years ago has been huge – leading to a more plentiful energy source that would yield financial boons for landowners via royalties and municipalities from impact fees.
Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement: “Since Range Resources’ successful commercialization of the Renz No. 1 Well in 2004, natural gas has positioned itself as a transformative industry with wide-ranging positive impacts on our economy, community and country.
“The industry supports (many) jobs, creates significant local and state tax revenues, and generates billions in economic benefits. It also allows Washington County to be a leader in our nation’s energy independence – reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources.
“The (chamber) recognized the industry’s potential early on and concentrated our efforts on educating our business community on the opportunities available in the natural gas economy, and how our local businesses could work together with the energy industry in mutually beneficial ways.”
“We are proud that some of the leading companies in the energy industry – including producers, transportation, processing and secondary service providers – have selected Washington County as their home – where they are now our family, friends and neighbors.”
That includes Mount Pleasant.
“Overall,” Shane Maga said, “people are more relaxed now.”
which riders will be escorted by the Pittsburgh Motorcycle brigade down Carson Street returning to the start location at Station Square. Dixon, a Mount Lebanon native, was killed in the line of duty in 1994. She died while
confronting an armed criminal in an active shooter situation.
The ride is part of the Martha Fund’s continuing mission to raise funds for children’s causes, and augments its annual Martha’s Run, held annually in Mt. Lebanon
All funds raised go toward playgrounds constructed in the local area. To date, the Martha Fund has provided grants for 23 playgrounds and more are in development.
Board president and Martha’s brother, Kevin Dixon, expressed his “gratitude for the loyal and generous support of community members and law enforcement in particular over the years.” All ages and abilities can participate. Visit www.marthasride. com for more details.
Peace
FROM PAGE A1
middle and high school teachers committed to educating youth on international peace.
The USIP believes educators can be pivotal in bringing themes of good conflict and peace into their classrooms, schools and communities to help the youth obtain the skills, knowledge and perspectives to create a more peaceful world and shape ways to manage violent conflict.
The 2024 program runs through January, during which time Yerace will learn more about the American approach to peace and integrate
Trio
FROM PAGE A1
decades, making it the second most common cause of death among collegiate athletes behind accidents.
Friday, Lemessurier and Yester are involved in athletics at Bethel Park and, as the only three members of the group, would like to see their membership numbers grow. Friday, 17, is a member of the football and soccer teams; Lemessurier, 17, is on the football, soccer and lacrosse teams, and Yester, 15, runs cross country and track.
“There are a lot of pressures on kids when they’re young and athletic,” Yester said. “All those pressures can build. Athletics shouldn’t take over your life at such a young age ... If you need a break from things, you can take a break to take care of your mental health. We’re all athletes,
that theme into the subjects he teaches.
“We get some professional development and they ask us to do some programs in our school and our community during the year that we are working with them,” Yerace said.
Monthly virtual meetings are held, including a recent gathering that featured a representative of the United Nations discussing cybersecurity.
“I really wasn’t worried about cybersecurity before that meeting,” Yerace said. “Now I’m terrified because of all of the threats that are out there.”
Yerace said he’ll be able to implement what he learns into four classes he teaches:
so we know the pressures of sports and continuing with sports after high school. We just want to make sure everyone knows mental health comes first.”
The three said their support is not limited to student athletes but is available to any student who may be experiencing mental health issues.
“We don’t want to look at it from an athlete, sports-centered standpoint,” Friday said. “These athletes also take on many other extracurriculars. They’re in AP classes. They’re in college honors classes. They’re doing a lot after school. They also could have family problems that they’re dealing with.”
Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC director, visited the Spencer Family YMCA in August as part of a nationwide back to school tour. She was impressed by what she heard about the suicide prevention club.
AP government, U.S. history, positive psychology and leadership.
“USIP has some really great teacher tools,” Yerace said. “They have some really great activities and really great lessons.
“When you look at a conflict like the Ukraine or learn about cyber warfare, it can be so overwhelming, so heavy and so depressing,” he continued. “I think for some students, they almost become numb and don’t know how to respond. What I try to instill in my students is to think globally and act locally. Maybe you can’t bring peace to the Middle East, but what can you do here in the South Fayette community that can
“She gave us some tips on what we need to do moving forward and how we can make our project better,” Lemessurier said.
The students have produced a flier they hope will eventually be posted at every YMCA in the Pittsburgh area. It includes a QR code for phone numbers for suicide prevention or mental health awareness. If someone feeling the pressure comes to one of the students, they will refer that person to a professional who can help.
“It’s really important to not keep things bottled up,” Lemessurier said. “People feel like they’re going to get judged, but you’re really not. It’s always good to find help. Nobody should feel terrible about themselves or have any of those thoughts.”
Anyone who is interested in joining can contact any of the three club members. The group tries to meet monthly.
have an impact and can make a difference. I think this gives students a beginning point. I think it gives them the sense that they can have an impact, they can make a difference.”
Another responsibility for Yerace includes organizing activities to recognize the recent United Nations International Day of Peace. He said the opportunity will serve him, his fellow teachers and his students for years to come.
“The opportunity to incorporate some of their material into my lesson plans to share with my colleagues, some things that I was not aware of, is something that will remain with us well after I’m done with the program,” Yerace said.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time used to shift public perception, spread hope and share information. The mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is to ensure all who needs it have access to the resources to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. Friday said the group hoped to discuss possible initiatives to take, such as having a speaker talk at the YMCA.
“We just want to make sure people have a place to go to,” he said. “We want to make it our main focus to get as much out as we can and drive this forward. We just want people to have smiles on their face at the end of the day.”
Friday said he is in a prime spot to be helpful, as he is in the midst collegiate recruiting.
“It’s stressful going on all of these visits, talking to all of these coaches,” he said. “You have to make a decision and that decision can be stressful and lead to thoughts.”
COURTESY OF THE SOUTH FAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Felix Yerace, left, was one of 26 teachers across the country accepted to the 2024 Peace Teachers Program. With Yerace are students Mackenzie Schmitz, center, and Amelia Keller.
My Problem is Your Opportunity!
You could be one of the few to buy a furnace at 20% savings!
I have run into a problem I am not used to. October is normally our boom time for replacing residential furnaces. BUT the warmer temperatures have killed our replacement business.
Well, now it looks like my problem is your opportunity.
Last week I went to lunch with one of the furnace manufacturers. He is also laced with the same problem. I told him, “I have hired technicians for the Winter rush and I have got to keep them busy!” I told him that I agree to offer a big discount to my customers if he will help me out. He called his office and they agreed to give me an unbelievable price cut.
But their price cut ends once I make up for the furnaces I normally would have purchased in October.
So Here is My Offer: I am offering you the biggest discount I have ever offered. I hope I do not ever have to do this again.
You can save 20% off the average price for one of our energy efficient furnaces.
With this price it shouldn’t take any time to make up for the sales I have lost. At that time this offer will end.
So do not delay. Call JED Heating and Cooling, lnc. @ 724-379-9220 or 412-384-2844. I will send Rick to your home for your FREE Estimate!
3.
5.
0%
SOLO SHOT
Cami Fisher of Bethel Park reaches for a backhand during WPIAL Class 3A consolation action. Fisher defeated Brooke Henderson, 6-2, 6-1, to finish third in the singles tournament and gained a berth in the PIAA tournament, set for Nov. 1-2 at the Hershey Racquet Club.
BP’s Fisher takes third in WPIAL singles
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Cami Fisher wore her signature visor and was outfitted in her traditional Bethel Park uniform but something was missing when she stepped on the tennis courts to compete for a WPIAL championship.
Last year, Fisher combined with Lily Sierka to win the Class AAA doubles title. This year, she’s gone solo, competing in the singles competition.
“I was alone,” Fisher said. “I came here and thought, I don’t have Lily with me.
“It was very weird. Very different,” she continued. “Lily was my hype girl. Calming me down. It was so much fun to play with her.
“I feel though I’d done the doubles thing. While I miss doubles and it was fun, my goal was to do the singles thing this year.”
With only herself to settle her nerves, Fisher didn’t do too badly in her first foray on her own. She qualified for the PIAA tournament to be held Nov. 2-3 at the Hershey Racquet Club.
“I am very excited. This was my goal for the year. I wanted to go to states,” Fisher said. Fisher earned her spot in the state tournament by taking third place in the WPIAL. She defeated Shady Side Academy’s Brooke Henderson, 6-2, 6-1, in the consolation match played Sept. 19 on the Bethel Park High School tennis courts.
Fisher started shaky, dropping her first service game, but recovered to easily dispatch her opponent.
“I had some nerves playing on my home court,” she said. “The media and all your friends and family are here so it was a little nerve-wrecking. Once I settled in, I played my game and did what I do. I was good after that.”
Slivers of positivity
At the midway point of the football season, there has been little to celebrate at Mt. Lebanon.
After a disheartening overtime loss to Canon-McMillan, 17-14, the Blue Devils slumped to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in the Quad County Conference. The Blue Devils have been outscored, 17450, in their first five games.
However, there have been some bright spots during Greg Perry’s inaugural year at the helm.
Noah Schaerli (81) ranks No. 3 in the WPIAL in receiving. The senior had 29 receptions for 652 yards for the Blue Devils. He is averaging 19.2-yards per catch. Schaerli had 10 catches for 137 yards and one touchdown in the loss to the Big Macs.
Patrick Smith (shown breaking free of Big Mac defenders) ranks among the top quarterbacks in the district. The junior has completed 72 of 126 attempts for 720 yards. He has thrown three scoring strikes but the Blue Devils have been plagued by miscues, including an interception that contributed to the loss to Canon-Mac.
After Zach Barzd kicked his third field goal of the game in overtime, Ethan Campoli picked off a pass intended for Joe Malone to end the contest.
Smith leads Lebo in rushing with 147 yards while Kris Kambit-
Who is she: Bethel Park sophomore that qualified for the PIAA singles tournament
Age: 15
Birthday: Jan. 8
Parents: Stacy and Tony
Siblings: Colton, 15; Cayson, 13
Sports: Tennis, lacrosse
Achievements: WPIAL doubles champion and WPIAL team tennis champion.
Activities: Ways and Means (secretary); Best Buddies; DECA, Student Government Association, Homeroom representative
GPA: 4.35
Career plans: Attain a job in marketing or sales.
Class: History.
Color: Purple. “I really love lavender.”
Food: Quesadilla. “Emiliano’s has the best.”
Restaurant: BJ’s Restaurant & Brew-
house
Movie: It Ends With Us
Music: Kate McRae
Athlete: “There are so many of them but I will go with Coco Gauff since I play tennis.”
Dream destination: Italy or Greece
Person with whom you would like to have dinner: George Washington. “I think it’s cool he was the first president. So interesting.”
Fisher played well throughout the tournament until the semifinals. Seeded third, she breezed past Norwin’s Bayleigh Village, 10-1, and Cassandra Lapina from Pine-Richland, 10-2, in the opening rounds of play before squaring off against Amelia Williams from Penn-Trafford in the semifinals.
Cats or dogs: Both. “I have two cats named Nixon and Truman. Another cat passed. His name was Reagan. We had two dogs named Madison and Jackson.”
Why presidents: “Well, I love history and my dad’s a history teacher at the high school. Actually both of my parents teach. My mom’s a special education teacher. They met in college. She was a member of the dance team and he played baseball at Clarion.
Double trouble: Not only was Cami a doubles tennis champion with Lily Sierka last fall, she is also a twin. Her brother, Colton, is a wrestler. “I love being a twin. It’s so much fun. We are friends in school. We help each other with homework and other things but we have separate lives and friend groups. We are our own person but we have lots of things in common.”
People might be surprised to know this about you: I play lacrosse. “Playing midfield for the high school team helps with my endurance and keeps my fitness up for tennis but it also gives me a different perspective because of the team aspect of the game.”
Life lesson sports has taught you: “Never give up and that you can accomplish anything.”
Williams, who won the title in 2022, beat Fisher, 6-2, 6-3, to advance to the finals. In a rematch of last year’s final, Williams lost to Meriwether McCargo from Shady Side Academy, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (5). McCargo was also the 2023 WPIAL singles winner.
SEE FISHER PAGE B2
sis follows with 115. Kambitsis (15) scored Lebo’s only other touchdown against the Big Macs. The 2-yard plunge into the end zone occurred prior to Canon-Mac’s march downfield for the equalizer, a 1-yard TD run by Evan Morris coupled with a Morris 2-point conversion reception from Ty Jansma. Defensively, in the loss, Vincent Musial had three interceptions for the Blue Devils, who host North Allegheny at 7 p.m. Oct. 4.
After two road games at Penn Hills and Hempfield, Lebo completes the regular season with a pivotal conference clash at home against Norwin on Oct. 25.
PT’s Benson leads heading into finals
Ellie Benson headed into the WPIAL Class 3A individual golf championship match with a three-stroke lead after winning the first round of competition.
The WPIAL championship round will be played Sept. 30 at Butler Country Club. The top 36 finishers in the opening round of competition advanced to the finals.
This is the second time the Peters Township junior has taken the lead into the final round of the championships. Last year, she finished as the WPIAL runner-up. As a freshman, she placed third.
During the opener played Sept. 23 at Willowbrook Country Club in Apollo, Benson fired a 75 to finish three strokes ahead of Pine-Richland’s Siena Smith, who shot a 78.
Benson was even after six holes, but had bogeys on No. 7, 8 and 9. Backto-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes helped her to shoot par (36) on the back.
Benson’s teammate, Sophia Severns, sits in third place, having finished with an 80.
Defending WPIAL champion Mya Morgan enters the final round in fourth place. The Elizabeth-Forward senior carded an 81 along with North Allegheny’s Kayli Dings, Upper St. Clair’s Olivia Ziegler and Peters Township’s Brooke Vowcheck.
Among the other girls in The Almanac’s readership area to advance to the WPIAL championship round included: Betty Glyptis from Peters Township and USC’s Addy Schedd as well as Bethel Park’s Keylee Kreigline and Sarah Jakel. Lusk second Colton Lusk shot a 2-over 74 during the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A golf championships played Sept. 24 on the 6,637-yard course at the Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg. The Peters Township senior entered the championship round, set for Oct. 1 at Oakmont Country Club, in second place, one shot behind leader Carson Kittsely of Fox Chapel. Lusk was tied with William Hilton of Pine-Richland, Ravi Desai of North Allegheny and Michael
Quallich of Baldwin heading into the final round. Quallich was leading the first round of action until taking a triple-bogey on No. 18. Kittsely, Lusk, Desai and Hilton all shot par (4) on that final hole. Several other Almanac golfers made the cut and advanced to the championships. The top 36 firstround finishers – 44 in all – qualified.
Joining Lusk are his teammates: Griffin Hansberry and Ryan Watterson. They shot 83 scores as did nine others, including Upper St. Clair’s Connor McKenzie and South Fayette’s Brady Newman, to tie for the 34th and final spot. McKenzie was last year’s runner-up.
South Fayette’s Sam Bishop was tied for 10th place with a 78 heading into the finals while his teammate, Randy Fisher, was tied for 26th position.
Several other area golfers competed in the first round but did not make the cut. Among them were: PT’s Nick Haught and Shane Williams, Chartiers Valley’s Gavin Waldron and Jack Sexton, USC’s Samuel Rush and Beau Pirnat, Mt. Lebanon’s Max Pirain and Cooper Whalen as well as Bethel Park’s Joey Boff.
Soccer Peters Township picked up two more victories in boys’ soccer with triumphs over Woodland Hills, 4-0, and Central Catholic, 5-1. Against the Wolverines, Markus Bizyak and Aaron Peterson combined in the nets for the shutout. Anthony Maiello recorded a hat trick while Brett Martin completed the scoring. Against the Vikings, Maiello, Alex Parise, Jeven Kelly, Parker Weiss and Colin Froelich picked up the points.
The Lady Indians blanked Baldwin, 6-0, and North Allegheny, 3-0. Kaitlyn Strine and Kaylin Hoffman patrolled the nets against the Highlanders while Taylor McCullough (2), Julia Spergel, Cailin Martin and Milena Gill provided the offense. Against the Tigers, Marina Hajnosz. Natalie Faingnaert, and Paige Malley scored the goals. Molly Kubistek posted the shutout.
SF hosts USC in conference clash
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Action in the Allegheny Six Conference doesn’t get any easier this week, especially for Upper St. Clair.
After a confrontation with defending WPIAL Class 5A champion Peters Township, the Panthers take to the road and visit South Fayette for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Oct. 4.
“It will be a hostile environment on the road as there is a lot of excitement in the community about their football team,” said USC coach Mike Junko. “They have really improved as a team from last year and they are one of the top teams in Class 5A.
The Lions joined Peters Township, USC and Bethel Park in the top five after starting the season at 5-0. The Lions looked particularly impressive in toppling Belle Vernon, which had won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships in 2022 and 2023. Under first-year coach Marty Spieler and with Drew Welhorsky calling the signals, the Lions have shown marked improvement over last year’s 4-6 campaign.
A junior, Welhorsky ranked No. 4 in passing in the WPIAL after the win against the Leopards. He has
completed 67 of 94 attempts for nine scores and 1,047 yards. He has thrown only one interception. Additionally, Welhorsky is situated among the WPIAL’s rushing leaders with 511 yards on 91 carries. He averages 5.6 yards per carry. He has scored seven touchdowns.
In the win against Belle Vernon, Welhorsky rushed for 121 yards and completed 13 of 17 aerials for 192 yards. He tossed two TD passes of 14 and 30 yards to Evan Earley and Tyson Wright and scored once on a 7-yard scamper.
Luke Gillen tacked on two field goals and the extra points.
“(Welhorsky) is a true dual threat quarterback,” said Junko. “A real defensive coordinator’s nightmare.”
Junko recalled watching Welhorsky play junior varsity last year. He also saw limited varsity action as a freshman and sophomore, connecting on 22 of 32 passes for 233 yards and three scores.
“I knew they had a good one on their hands,” Junko said. “He has done a great job of learning a new offense and you can tell he is very comfortable in their system. He can beat you any number of ways.”
PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
CAMI FISHER
The Panthers won their first five games of the season with many players in multiple ways. Before tackling Peters Township in their opener, the Panthers used the one-two punch of Dante Coury and Julian Dahlem to dispatch McKeesport, 31-14.
Coury rolled up 187 yards rushing. He rushed for a 13yard touchdown. He leads the team with eight scores. Coury had 361 yards on 46 rushes after five games.
“Dante is really a self-made kid,” Junko said. “He realized last year that he had to get faster and he had to get stronger. He was one of our top performers in the weight room and he dedicated himself to developing the tools he would need to be a successful 5A running back.
“Dante is also a very humble young man that trusts his teammates. He just wants to do his job every Friday night for the team. He is the kind of kid you love to coach.”
According to Junko, running back was a question mark for the Panthers going
into the season but Coury and John Banbury, who scored a 21-yard touchdown against the Tigers, have stepped up. “They have done an excellent job of providing production out of that position,” he said. Dahlem has provided versatility. He leads the team in rushing with 403 yards on 27 carries for a 14.9-yard average. He ranks third in scoring with six TDs, behind Coury and placekicker Jacob Echeverria, who had 26 PATs and four field goals, including a 43-yarder against McKeesport.
In the win against the Tigers, Dahlem rushed for 104 yards. He gained half of those yards on a 54-yard touchdown run.
Banbury (21 yards) and Nico D’Orazio (17-yard TD pass from Ethan Hellmann), completed the scoring against McKeesport.
“Julian and Dante have great field vision and they do a great job of finishing runs. They do a great job falling forward and picking up those tough yards at the end of runs,” Junko said. “But, they both have been the benefactors of an offensive line that has really done
the job for us all season. Our guys up front really have an appreciation for the way those two run the football.”
The guys on both sides of the line will determine the outcome of the South Fayette-USC game. For the Panthers to win, Junko says it is imperative for them to “win the battle up front.”
Additionally they must continue to rely upon what has worked this fall.
“That includes protecting the football, playing with physicality up front, and limiting big plays from the other side,” he said.
Other games
On schedule in other Allegheny Six Conference battles set for Oct. 4 include Peters Township traveling to Moon while Bethel Park visits Baldwin.
The Indians improved to 5-0 overall and picked up their second shutout of the season when they blanked West Allegheny, 38-0.
In the win, Nolan DiLucia completed 14 of 23 passes for 352 yards. He tossed TD aerials to Nick McCullough (67 and 36 yards), Lucas Rost (17) and Lucas Shanafelt (28).
On the year, DiLucia already has 1,261 passing yards and 11 scoring strikes. He also has 223 rushing yards and two more touchdowns.
For the Indians, who ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in defense, allowing just six points per game, Cole Neupaver rushed for a 4-yard touchdown and Anthony Maiello added a 29yard field goal and five extra points to complete the scoring against West-A.
Bethel Park continued to be the top offensive club in the WPIAL as they thumped Trinity, 49-7. The Hawks were averaging 51.2 points per game while surrendering just 11 in their first five games.
JaVaughn Moore, who ranks second in the WPIAL with more than 900 rushing yards, rolled up five scores in the win against the Hillers. He rushed for touchdowns of 3, 10, 7, 2 and 51 yards.
Tanner Pfeuffer, who ranks second in the WPIAL in passing, tossed TD aerials to Santino Nowozeniuk (18 yards) and Clancy Orie (21 yards) against Trinity.
CV at BV
Chartiers Valley will visit Belle Vernon for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Oct. 4.
The Colts slipped to 2-2 overall after falling to Hampton.
In the loss, Tayshaun Lewis rushed for two scores while Jake Lewis and Justine Terhune caught scoring strikes from Luke Miranda and Michael Lawrence respectively.
Fisher FROM PAGE B1
“Amelia was my toughest match,” Fisher said. “We had some good rallies and shots but I think her power and her movement just overtook me. It was a really good match. She played well.” Fisher admitted that “winning the WPIAL would have been nice” but she was delighted to qualify for states. She will tap into her experience for the upcoming tournament.
“The composure part of it will help me at states,” she said. “The more rounds you are getting in, the more nerve-wrecking it can be. You just have to calm yourself and tame your nerves. Play free.”
Fisher noted that at states, she doesn’t have pressure on herself. She likely won’t earn a top seed due to being the third seed out of District VII.
“I just have to go out and play my game. Whatever happens, happens,” she said.
Tennis has been the happening sport for Fisher since she picked up a racket to play with her father, Tony, at the age of 3.
“Daddy-daughter time,” Fisher said with a laugh.. “Because he got into it, it was something for him and I to do together.
“He tries to play,” she added. “No one else in the family plays.”
So Fisher tapped into other avenues to improve her game. By age 6, she was training under Tom Gorman at the Glenn Creek Tennis Club in South Park.
“I have learned so much from him. Mostly be confident in myself” Fisher said. “I’m good enough to play anyone and beat anyone as long as I keep on my game.”
Fisher’s game was good enough to capture the Section 4 title. She became the fifth girl in Bethel Park school history to win a singles section banner. Nicole Reynolds (‘99), Kellie Schmitt (‘01 & ‘02), Lizzy Yetiskul (‘05 & ’08) and Mia Gorman (‘20 & ‘21) are the others.
“In sections, I feel like I played consistently. My mental game was great. I focused on each point instead of what if I win or lose. My serve was effective as well.”
A southpaw, Fisher’s serve throws opposing players off balance. “It’s such an advantage,” she admitted. “Girls don’t see it that often. The spin is different. A lefty serve can trip girls up.” Good footwork and solid ground strokes enable Fisher to keep opponents at bay, too. Additionally, her doubles experience made her a more aggressive player because she says that she loves coming to the net and volleying when the opportunity presents itself. Though she is just a 15-yearold sophomore, Fisher has no expectations of becoming a professional tennis player. Because of her extracurricular activities, which include many service organizations as well as political affiliations such as student government, not to mention her personality, Fisher prefers to pursue a career in marketing or sales.
“I do not aspire to play on the Pro Circuit. I feel like my goal is to make a big impact in high school and college. Maybe win a WPIAL title one of these years and play college tennis, but it’s not my whole career. I want to do things after tennis. I really enjoy tennis but there are other things I enjoy more. I never grew up with that (pro) dream, I have other goals I want to accomplish. But, I anticipate playing tennis until I am an old grandma.”
Cami Fisher finished third in the WPIAL Class 3A singles tennis tournament.
sights & sounds
GREENS BRING GREEN$
Walking trails provide healthy income source to local areas
By Zach Petroff For the Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-reporter.com
When Kathy Boff moved her restaurant from Weirton, W.Va., to Washington County last October, she thought it would be the perfect opportunity to relax and rest awhile.
“We were wrong,” laughed the owner of the Paradise on the Trail. “I didn’t realize how many people rode their bikes here.”
Boff said she credits the location for the success of her restaurant, located at the old Burgettstown Train Station, right next to the Panhandle Trail.
“It’s been so much better than what I expected it to be. I can’t believe how many people ride their bikes coming off the trail. It’s been amazing,” she said.
Nature trails like the Panhandle and Montour can offer obvious benefits such as a free place to exercise or a venue for community events; but, they can also provide an economic boost to the areas they run through. Local businesses near or along the have the potential for increased sales, and property values in trail areas can also increase, officials said.
An impact study conducted by WeConservePA, a nonprofit advocacy group for conservation in
Pennsylvania, found that, on average, owners of businesses near or along a trail indicated that one-quarter of their gross revenue was directly attributed to trail users and two-thirds reported that they experienced at least some increase in gross revenue because of their proximity to a trail.
Over one-quarter of all businesses surveyed said they “have expanded, or plan to expand, their operations” because of the revenue increases, according to the survey.
Similarly, the latest The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Economic Impact Study found that since the GAP was completed in 2013 an estimated $121 million dollars is spent annually on tourism benefiting Fayette, Allegheny, Westmoreland and Somerset counties.
Eric Snyder, director of outdoor recreation for the National Road Heritage Corridor said trails like the Panhandle, also located in West Virginia, and Montour trails in Washington County become a destination for people from all over the country, which means more money being brought in from outside the communities.
“(These trails) become the link that ties all these states together,” said Snyder.
what’s happening
IRISH FLING
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Anne’s Division 21, will host its annual Irish Fling card party and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 in Benedict Hall of South Hills Catholic Academy, 550 Sleepy Hollow Road. Tickets are $20. Call 412-892-9284 or email rafferty209@comcast.net to purchase tickets.
FOOD FEST
The Philoptochos Autumn Food Fair will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3 at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road in Mt. Lebanon. In addition to an array of Greek favorites, there will be YiaYia Joan’s Treasures and Market. No phone or online orders are available.
BP ART
The Bethel Art Guild will meet at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the community center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Marlene Boas, a self-taught artist, is the guest speaker. She is an abstract, encaustic and mixed media artist that has exhibited pieces at various venues throughout Pittsburgh and Ohio. She is a past president of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists.
BLESSING
A Blessing of the Animals will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Church of the Atonement, located at 618 Washington Ave. in Carnegie. In case of inclement weather, St. John’s
Lutheran’s undercroft across the street from Atonement will be used. All dogs must be on leashes or in carriers. Cats must be in carriers.
WOMAN’S CLUB
The Ruthfred Acres Woman’s Club will meet at noon Oct. 8 at the Bethel Park Historical Society Schoolhouse Arts & History Center, located at 2600 South Park Rd. In addition to lunch, networking and fellowship, Pennsylvania state police trooper Roco Gagliardi will speak on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud. The group will also discuss this year’s community service project with SHIM. New members are welcome. Email: rawc1946@cmail.com to confirm attendance.
RECYCLING
A glass recycling event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Carnegie Borough Building, located at One Veterans Way. Visit CarnegieBorough.com or call 412-2761414 for more details.
FLEA MARKET
The Friends of the Community Library of Castle Shannon will hold its fall flea market and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 in the lower level community room of the library at 3677 Myrtle Ave. In addition to 20 vendors, there will be a snack bar.
HAUNTED TRAIL
The Peters Township Haunted Trail will be held from
The 63-mile Montour Trail connects to the 26-mile Panhandle Trail near McDonald.
“The trails are a huge asset because they bring people all around the world and then come into these towns and spend money,” Snyder said.
Snyder also stated there are underlying factors that don’t necessarily show up on a budget sheet, like promoting healthier lifestyle and having better air quality due to the reduction of vehicles in the area.
According to a National Park Ser-
vice study, communities compared people who lead sedentary lifestyles to those who exercise regularly. The exercisers filed 14% fewer health care claims, spent 30% fewer days in the hospital, and had 41% fewer claims greater than $5,000.
“It makes a difference,” he said.
Scott Cavinee, founding broker for SWC Realty in Uniontown said it’s apparent that trails have become commodities to the surrounding community.
“The Sheepskin Trail ends right where my office is,” Cavinee said,
referring to the Fayette County trail.
“And I see every day how it brings people downtown. I see there’s people walking, jogging, running, strolling with their kids, and it’s something that we have not seen in a very long time.”
Cavinee said realtors view living next to a trail as an amenity, often highlighting the “next-to-trail” feature in their advertising.
“People love biking and strolling outside with their kids,” he said. “The trails invite them outside to be part of nature.”
7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 beginning in Peterswood Park at the community recreation center. The 24th annual event is titled “’80’s Horror Night.” There will be hayrides, a DJ and Auntie Anne’s food truck. Participants should wear proper footwear for weather and uneven terrain. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the event only. Call 724-942-5000 for more details.
COIN CLUB
The South Hills Coin Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Bethel Park municipal building located at 5100 W. Library Ave. All members and the general public can attend. A 50/50 will be held and children’s prizes awarded. Applications are being accepted for membership. Call 724-984-6611 for details.
MARIO KART
A Mario Kart Tournament will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Peters Township recreation center, located at 700 Meredith Drive. Ages 6 to 10 can participate. Visit www.peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
CHABAD
A presentation on how to navigate Medicare will be the topic for Seniors in the Sukkah at 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Chabad of the South Hills location in Mt. Lebanon. Suggested donation is $5. Pre-registration is required.
Contact barb@chabadsh. com or call 412-278-2658.
TRUNK TREAT
Peters Township will hold a trunk-or-treat Oct. 19 at Rolling Hills Park for ages 10 and under. There are four time slots: 1, 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. Registration is required. Deadline is Oct. 16 or until full. Children should come dressed in costume for trick-or-treat along the road from trunk to trunk. Visit www.peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 to reserve a time slot.
TRUNK-N-TREAT
Crossroads Ministries will hold a trunk-n-treat event, rain or shine, Oct. 30 at its facility located at 81 Walter Long Road in Finleyville. Church members will dress up, decorate their cars and hand out candy to children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for the three different time slots: 6:30 to 7 p.m.; 7 to 7:30 p.m.; and 7:30 to 8 p.m. Visit www.crsmin. com to sign up for tickets. Call 724-348-1620 for more details.
CHABAD SERVICES
Rosh Hashanah services at Chabad of the South HIlls will be held at the Mt. Lebanon Center, located at 1600 Bower Hill Road. Dates, times and events are:
■ Oct. 2 at 6:45 p.m., evening services
■ Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m., morning services; 11 a.m.
Torah and Shofar services; 5:30 p.m., outdoor 30-minute Shofar and Tashlich service; 7:30 p.m., evening services.
■ Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m., morning services, and 11 a.m., Torah and Shofar services. Yom Kippur Services at Chabad of the South HIlls Mt. Lebanon Center are as follows:
■ Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Kol Nidrei and evening service
■ Oct. 12 at 10 a.m., morning service; 11:45 a.m., Torah and Yizkor memorial service; 5:45 p.m., Minch and Neila closing service; 7:24 p.m., Yom Kippur ends. Services will be followed by buffet breakfast. No affiliation necessary. There will be a special children’s program and service. No tickets but RSVP is appreciated. Visit www. chabadsh.com for more information.
WOMEN’S CLUB
The South Hills Women’s Club will meet at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Vanadium Woods Lobby, 50 Vanadium Road in Bridgeville. A healthcare consultant, Scott Sheets, will discuss Medicare options and the changes coming to the program in 2025. New members and guests can attend. Call 412-965-4714 or 412-4141232 to attend or for further questions.
COLLEGE CLUB
SPIDERS
An event highlighting spiders will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Peters Township community recreation center. Ages 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult can attend. The program features spider webs and attendees can make spider-themed crafts and play Halloween games. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers). Sign-up deadline is Oct. 8. Visit www. peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 to register.
PT SAFETY
Peters Township will host a public safety day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at the police department, located at 200 Municipal Dr. Police, fire and EMS will present a day of learning along with emergency vehicles and equipment displays. There will be CPR demonstrations, mock crime scenes, crash reconstruction, police station tours as well as visits from the North Strabane K9 Unit and the Pittsburgh Police Mounted
The College Club of Carnegie will meet Oct. 5 at the Olive Garden Restaurant, located at 971 Greentree Road. The event begins with a social at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at noon. “The Cool Days of Autumn” will be the theme. A 50/50 raffle will be offered to benefit the scholarship fund. Women with a post-secondary education can attend. Call 412-279-4458 regarding membership or further information.
PHOTOS: MIKE JONES/OBSERVER-REPORTER
ABOVE: The Panhandle Trail stretches from Walkers Mill in Allegheny County through this section of Washington County near Midway to its terminus in Colliers, W.Va. RIGHT: Volunteers on the Montour Trail clear debris in the Bethel Park section during the 2018 spring cleanup day.
ZACH PETROFF/FOR THE OBSERVER-REPORTER
An american flag drapes over a ridge at the Panhandle Trail.
Wash. 724-250-2990 www.edwardjones.com
Insurance Great Rates on CDs Insurance Life, Home & Auto 329 E. Maiden St.Wash. 724-228-3448 dayinsurance.com Megan Chicone State Farm Agent 807 E. McMurray Road 724-731-0700 www.meganchicone.com
Tom Yakopin, Agent/Owner 1100 Washington Road, Washington 724-228-7187 westpennhealth.com
Cemetery Plots
CEMETERY PLOT - One, in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. Includes vault. Asking $2,500. 724-413-4062 Cemetery plots Jefferson Memorial (2) in sold out location Garden of the Cross $3,000 412-445-0730
CEMETERY PLOTS (4 plots) Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, located in “Garden
Hollick State Farm - Providing Insurance & Financial Services. 724-222-5600 www.bobhollick.com Britney Hollick State Farm - Providing Insurance & Financial Services. 412-833-4109 britney@hollickinsurance.com
SATURDAY,OCTOBER5th , 8 am - 4 pm
SUNDAY,OCTOBER6th, 9am-3pm
ContentsInclude: Sofa,SideTables,EndTable,Lamps, OrientalRugs,AreaRugs,AsianScreen,Console,Busts,AntiqueChairs,AsianDécor,EucalyptusTree,LightedWallCurios,FrenchCurios,HundredsofMiniatures,RoyalDoulton, Hummels,HummelBox,Goebel,RoyalAlbert,Lenox,ChristmasLenox,GreenDepressionGlass,DepressionStemware, PerfumeBottles,CuttoClear,Decanters,NudeStatue, Glassware,CloisonneVases,AngelCandles,Eggs,Brass WallSconces,AsianCabinet,PedestalPlantStand,Antique Mirror,Curios,FootStools,MetalWallArt,OilPaintings,Still Life,NeedlepointPicture,AsianPicture,PandaBearPicture, SantaPicture,FishermanPicture,Pictures,Table&4High BackChairs,HoosierCabinet,Dinnerware,CatTailPottery, AmberGlass,TurkeyCookieJar,Pots&Pans,StainlessPot, CanningPot,KitchenStool,AsianBench,OrangeWicker Stool,MarbleTopCabinet,CornerChair,RattanThrowRugs, RattanBasket,WhiteWickerRocker,QuiltRack,Antique Quilt,WickerChairsandRockers,WickerMirror,Wicker Lamp,WickerMiniatureFurniture,WickerChestandTables, WickerPeacockChair,AntiqueBrassBed,AntiqueWashstandwithMarbleTop,FigurineLamp,CornerStand,Small Lamps,PressedWoodChair,AntiqueWeddingGown,Amish Couple,Jewelry,JewelryBox,Coins,Luggage,OakWallCabinet,BrassLighthouseLamp,SethThomasClock,Cedar Cabinet,SailBoat,SailBoatDoorStop,AmberGlassLamp, BrassBookends,Books,Bookcase,Cards,Cabinets,Gone withtheWindLamp,GolferDoorStop,Binoculars,Cameras, AntiqueArmoire,Humidifier,Blankets,Afghans,Linens, RoundAntiqueChair,Dressers&Mirrors,AsianChest,AntiqueWickerRocker,RaggedyAnn,HallSeat,Bookcase, Baskets,KenmoreWasher&Dryer,IroningBoard&Iron,HooverVacuum,CanisterVacuum,AsianDropLeafTablewith GlassTrays,Crock,Cabinets,Table&4Chairs,CherryPedestalTable,AntiqueSlagLamps,SpindleLegTable,SchoolmasterDesk&Chair,StainedGlassWallHanging,Vintage DrugStoreTablewith2Benches,OakCurioCabinet,Art DecoLight,EntertainmentCenter,VCR,AntiqueSpoolCabinet,AntiqueSideboardwithMarbleTop,AntiquePhilcoRadio,ArgusSlideProjector,ProjectorScreen,KLHSpeakers, SoapstoneLighthouse,Sofa,CoffeeTable,OctagonEnd Table,HurricaneLamp,Floral,WhiteCabinet,Fireplace Tools,WoodenCoalHolder,MushroomStool,Magazine Rack,ElectricHeater,Wreaths,VintageSanta,Ceramic ChristmasTrees,AntiqueWind-UpSanta,ChristmasLights, HalloweenNutcracker,SteelerSign,Men’sBoots,Shoeshine Kit,PingGolfBag,MetalStool,MetalFileCabinet,Vintage DeskLamp,Vise,Hand&LawnTools,WetnDryVac,Trap, WheelBarrow,Snapper42”TractorwithBagger,Snapper Self-PropelledMowerwithBagger,ElectricChainSaw,24ft. ExtensionLadder,ToolBoxes,JigSaw,CircularSaw,B&D Drills,TreePruner,HedgeClipper,Spreader,GasCans, Blower,andSOMUCHMORE!!DON’TMISSIT!!
Directions: Route19toGatesheadDriveto235Gateshead Drive.
**CASHONLY!!PLEASEBRINGYOUROWNHELP!! MURDOCHESTATELIQUIDATION
Email your ad to: classifieds@thealmanac.net Email your ad to: classifieds@thealmanac.net
Prox) 7.8 amps, $20 or best offer 724-825-8395
SCHOOL DESK - Lift top and attached seat. Very good condition. $45 obo. 724-222-3612, leave message
SCOOTER - Jetson kick scooter with lights, elbow and knee pads. $15. 724-747-4004
SELLERS CABINET - Flour sifter, roll top. $850. 724-583-2713
SHOWBOOTH10x20foot,or 10x10 , in-cludes rolling carrying cases,lighting,bridge,frontpillar, sidedisplaytableswithlockable doors, $15,000new.Mustsell. $3,500412-310-0210
SHOWER SEAT Large, with handle. $25. 630-220-9155
SLEEPER SOFA - Dark blue, 80”L by 36”D by 30”H. Excellent. You haul. $10 or best offer. 724-263-3903
SNOWBLOWER - Craftsman, 3HP, 21-inch, electric start. $75. 724-942-4389
SNOW BLOWERMoving to Florida $100.00, Leave a message 724-941-7604
Spoiler for auto rear truck 55.5” long $40 724-225-3172
SUBWOOFER - Samsung wireless, 12-inch, model PS-WE450. $20. 724-263-3903
SUITCASE - Large, American Tourister, dark blue. $25. 412-922-7253 TABLE SAW Craftsman, with stand. New. $125. 724-942-4389 Table with 4 chairs on casters
$10 724-288-3383 Taylor Swift purple fur jacket Size s - m $20 724-255-0014
Tea Cup Collection 1 doz. tea cups $50 call or details or make offer 724-562-5065
Tea Pots Collection $10 each call or details or
724-809-5746
Tires - Cooper Winter tread (4) 245 x 75x16 $60 for all 724-228-7932
