the almanac J A N U A RY 28, 2024
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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Law-enhancing porch piracy penalties to take effect Local cases are few By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
A law making it possible for porch pirates to be charged with a felony for repeat offenses is due to take effect next month; however, local law enforcement gets few reports of these cases. METROCREATIVE Porch pirates – thieves Porch pirates – thieves who swipe packages from your who swipe packages from doorstep – have been an issue as Americans turn to the your doorstep – have been internet for much of their shopping. an issue as Americans turn to
the internet for much of their shopping. On Dec. 14, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 527, which targets this specific type of theft. “This bill focuses on repeat offenders by using a grading system that would increase the penalties if the thief had prior convictions for theft of mail,” said state Sen. Frank Farry (R-6), the bill’s sponsor, in a statement when Shapiro signed the bill. Previously, the crime would be graded based on the value of the item stolen. For an item less than $200, the offender would get a citation.
When the law takes effect on Feb. 12, the culprit can be charged with a third-degree felony if it is their third offense for stealing mail. “We definitely have it, but it’s not like a major issue,” said Detective Dan Eberman of the Washington Police Department. That also appears to be the case in other Washington County municipalities. In Canonsburg, police Chief Alex Coghill says reports of package thieves have been practically nonexistent. “We haven’t had any, as far as I can recall. If we had any, there have been very few.
Maybe it’s just our geography, with the houses so close together. We don’t seem to get the problem like a lot of other places get it,” Coghill said. It may be more common in neighboring North Strabane Township, but not by much. “It happens. It’s not as frequent as it is in other areas, but we do get some. The majority occur around the holiday season when there are more packages being delivered. It’s not too big of a problem for us,” said Capt. Matthew Mancini of North Strabane police. SEE PIRACY PAGE A2
5 teens named to esteemed JA list By Paul Paterra Staff writer
ppaterra@observer-reporter
made many jobs “less taxing and stressful.” He added, “There’s something that goes with age where we take a little more delight and pleasure in any job,” and feel less caught up in clawing up a career ladder. “At 70 years old, you don’t get too worked up anymore. … It is what it is,” Ola said. Some have also decided to take a gradual approach to retirement – slowing down to a part-time job, or a less demanding job – before calling it a day.
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania recently introduced its 18 Under Eighteen class of 2024, which includes two students from Washington County as well as three from South Fayette High School. They are among those honored for being some of the region’s most incredible young people. “Our honorees represent talent and leadership in the region,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “Each year, we highlight students who symbolize a brighter Buragadda future and challenge conventions with their fresh perspectives. It is truly motivating and inspiring to collaborate with students dedicated to enhancing our communities, country and the world.” Chakkingal Cassidy Griffith is a senior at Peters Township High School. The 17-year-old Venetia resident has been involved in a number of projects such as spearheading and impleGriffith menting her school’s recycling program and setting up houses for refugee families. She also attended the University of Pittsburgh Health Career Scholars Academy Neve where she took part in a poverty program simulation, a program she is working to bring to Peters Township High School for her peers to experience. Griffith also volunteers with In-Stride Weldon Therapeutic Riding and previously studied at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Sciences where she was introduced to sickle cell anemia and gene editing, an area she continues to research to help those suffering from the disease. Griffith plans to major in biomedical engineering, allowing her to continue to give back to others through health care. Pat Weldon attends Seton LaSalle High School. The 17-year-old junior funded his service project Art for Heart, a card-making initiative in which more
SEE OLDER PAGE A2
SEE JA PAGE A2
PHOTOS: METROCREATIVE
More adults who have reached retirement age are choosing to continue working – be it to remain active or because finances necessitate it.
STILL ON THE JOB
Older workers make up a growing share of the workforce By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
Next summer, the Rolling Stones are set to tour America again, fronted by Mick Jagger, who will be 81 in July. During the same season, 81-year-old President Biden will more than likely be campaigning for a second term, as will 78-yearold former President Donald Trump. There’s been no shortage of sound and fury over the fact that until 2029 the White House will probably be occupied by someone born in the 1940s. Both Biden and Trump are more than 40 years past the median age of Americans, which is 38. And the fact that the Stones are still packing stadiums is a source of both wonderment and humor – will the air be scented with arthritis cream rather than marijuana? But for all the attention paid to aged politicians and geriatric rockers, perhaps a less appreciated fact is that the likes of Biden, Trump and Jagger are hardly alone in working well past the age when many Americans once settled into retirement. The Pew Research Center reported last year that the number of Americans older than 65 who
Many of those who want to continue toiling in some form of employment find the work to be stimulating and appreciate the social opportunities that come in the workplace.
are still punching a clock, whether literally or metaphorically, has doubled since the late 1980s. According to the Quarterly Workforce Indicators provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area had 28,333 workers aged 65 to 99 in 1998. A quarter-century later, in 2023, that number stood at 82,298. Why is this happening? It’s the result of some good and not-sogood societal trends. On the plus side, Americans are largely living longer and healthier lives than they once did. The whole
SOUTHPOINTE Software company Ansys acquired PAGE A4 What’s happening, B3
notion of hanging it up in your early 60s when you still could have 20 or 30 years of decent health in front of you is a daunting prospect for many people. With no job to report to or no children underfoot, how do you fill your days? Many of those who want to continue toiling in some form of employment find the work to be stimulating and appreciate the social opportunities that come in the workplace. According to Christian Ola, an associate professor of finance at PennWest University’s California campus, technology has
SPORTS Bethel Park freshman makes splash PAGE B1 Real estate transactions, A6
SIGHTS & SOUNDS PSO celebrates Pink Floyd PAGE B3 Classifieds, B4