Local family fears immigrant detained at Moshannon will be deported
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
More than seven weeks have passed since Jesus Teran, a 35-year-old church member of St. Oscar Romero Parish and asylum seeker, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside the agency’s Pittsburgh field house.
Since his July 8 arrest, Teran, a Venezuelan immigrant, has been detained at Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately owned federal immigration detention center in Philipsburg, Clearfield County.
Last month, Teran’s attorney filed a court order for his release from detention, but a new ICE policy – implemented on the day the father of two was picked up – prevents judges from granting bond to anyone held in detention who entered the
Rare Honus Wagner autograph donated to historical society
By Brad Hundt Staff writer
bhundt@observer-reporter.com
CARNEGIE – On a Saturday morning, most likely in 1945, Jacob Schmitt was accompanying his father on a routine shopping expedition in downtown Carnegie when they saw an older man, about 70, walking down a street going about his own business. But the senior citizen wasn’t just any other retiree out for a stroll. It was Honus Wagner, the legendary player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who was then – and still is – considered to be one of the greatest players in baseball’s history. Wagner lived in Carnegie, the community where he was born, so it wasn’t all that unusual to see him at stores, at the Elks Club or any of the borough’s other establishments, and he was always friendly to anyone who wanted a handshake or an autograph. Schmitt’s father scrambled to find a piece of paper and pencil –ballpoint pens were still a couple of years away from being commonplace – and they approached Wagner and he wrote in careful cursive, “To Jake, with best wishes from Honus Wagner, Pirates 45.”
The Honus Wagner Museum is located in the Historical Society of Carnegie on West Main Street in Carnegie.
Schmitt held onto that precious scrap of paper as he grew into adulthood and became a dentist in Scott Township and a resident of Bethel Park. Before he died earlier this year, Schmitt said he wanted the autograph to be donated to the Historical Society of Carnegie, and in July it found a permanent home in the historical society’s Honus Wagner Museum. Schmitt’s daughter, Kim Miller, said that her father didn’t talk a whole lot to her about the encounter with Wagner, but brought it up to
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Bridge to Home Animal Rescue celebrates helping 5,000 dogs
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
When Bridge to Home Animal Rescue’s founders began the organization in 2017, they were content to help 50 dogs in a year. They ended up helping 100 within six months, and two weeks ago, they brought in their 5,000th dog – Todd the corgi mix.
“We were at another rescue, and we just thought that we could
ter,” said co-founder Tracey Crompton. Crompton and four other women decided to start the rescue while sitting around Crompton’s dining room table. Their focus has been on rescuing dogs at risk of being euthanized in West Virginia and Kentucky. “We help local dogs when they need it and when they fit into our program,” Crompton said.
Today, Bridge to Home has 30 foster homes in Washing-
ton County and the Pittsburgh area, including Crompton’s South Strabane Township home. Fred Crompton, her husband, is also very involved in the rescue. Crompton said they took in Todd last week from a shelter in West Virginia. Todd had been in a bad situation, in what Crompton described as a “drug house.” Todd is still being fostered, and still available for adoption.
COURTESY OF CHRIS MCANENY
Jesus Teran has been in ICE custody at Moshannon Valley Processing Center, Philipsburg, since early in July. Teran, left, is seen here with his wife, Liseth Carvajal, their two children, and members of St. Oscar Romero Parish, standing in front of the community garden at St. Patrick Church that Teran and his family helped to create.
COURTESY OF LISETH CARVAJAL
Jesus Teran with his wife, Liseth Carvajal, and their two children
United States without documentation, regardless of how long they’ve lived here.
That means Teran will not be able to leave ICE custody while he fights deportation proceedings in court.
“This is a dangerous shift away from due process and individualized assessments. People are being held indefinitely, and it goes so unbelievably against everything this country stands for,” said Linda Hamilton, an immigration attorney and adjunct professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Teran’s attorney has applied for a credible fear interview, where an asylum officer will determine if there is a reasonable possibility that Teran will suffer persecution if he returns to his home country. A credible fear hearing gives people a chance to present their story and seek protection under U.S. asylum laws, rather than being deported.
Generally, if a migrant fails to pass a credible fear screening, the individual is immediately deported. But if a person receives a favorable decision, an asylum claim will be heard before an immigration judge.
No date has been set for Teran’s interview.
Teran’s wife, Liseth Carvajal, said immigration lawyers have told her that even if Teran wins his credible fear hearing, he can still be deported.
“I feel very bad, and very sad, I am worried about the future of Jesus and my family,” said Carvajal, who also fears Teran will be deported to a third country to which he has no connection.
The Trump administration is expanding efforts to secure agreements with third-world countries to accept undocumented immigrants, with Uganda and Rwanda agreeing earlier this month to accept deported asylum seekers.
“The worst part is, we don’t even know which (country) he’d be sent to. Imagine if it was Africa,” a continent he’s never been to, said Carvajal.
Teran came to the U.S. in 2021 to escape Venezuela’s brutal dictatorship and economic collapse. A civil engineer, he was working as a carpenter and was checking in regularly with ICE before he was detained. He and his wife have a 14-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.
The family attends church every Sunday at St. Oscar Romero Parish’s Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Meadow Lands, and played a large role in installing a community garden at St. Patrick Church in Canonsburg.
Carvajal said Teran has considered self-deporting, something the Trump administration – which has set a goal of one million deportations a year – is encouraging immigrants to do.
“But that would kill all our hopes of him being able to stay,” she said. “But it’s worse if ICE decides to send him wherever they want. I don’t know what’s worse,” said Carvajal. The Catholic church community continues to rally around Teran’s family, providing aid and organizing a GoFundMe campaign. Nearly two dozen letters of support, including from religious and labor leaders, have been sent to authorities on Teran’s behalf.
Chris McAneny, director of housing for the nonprofit Wellness Collective, which partnered with St. Oscar Romero to install the community garden, is frustrated that immigrants like Teran –a well-respected family man with no criminal record, who works and pays taxes – are being arrested and held in detention centers as the idea of who is considered a “criminal” has expanded to include most undocumented people.
“This is awful. He could be home with his family and working and paying taxes while his case is going through. He was doing things the right way. He’s not a flight risk – he’s here on asylum and his family is here, his kids are going to school, and he was working with the carpenter’s union. Now, we’re spending tax dollars to a for-profit prison group to detain him indefinitely,” said McAneny. “There is no compassion in this process.”
On Aug. 24, hundreds of protestors gathered near the Moshannon facility, owned by the for-profit Geo Group. The facility, which receives about $3.4 million per month from ICE, has faced numerous allegations of civil and human rights violations.
“Immigration detention is a cruel and unnecessary part of our broken immigration system,” said Megan Guidi, a member of Pittsburgh Women for Democracy, who attended the protest. “Immigration detention serves two purposes: to create fear and division in our communities, and to line the pockets of for-profit prison operators like GEO Group and Core Civic who are incentivized to keep this system in place.”
The following day, U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, who is the ranking Democrat in the U.S. House Oversight subcommittee on federal law enforcement, including ICE, tried to visit the facility, but she was denied access.
Erenia Karamcheti, a friend of Teran’s family and a social worker at St. Oscar Romero, said Teran told her the detainees try to encourage each other and keep their spirits up, but she is worried that Teran is losing hope.
“It is a lot of stress. You can lose your hope over there because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Karamcheti. “He says he is getting tired. At this point, I don’t know what to expect. But we keep praying for him and hoping that he can be released as soon as possible. The family is still coming to church. They’re still watering the garden after Sunday Mass.”
Forcing people who have fled danger to await the outcome of their court proceedings while locked away in detention centers is a violation of their human rights, she believes.
The Rev. Jay Donahue, senior parochial vicar at St. Oscar Romero Parish, has led efforts to free Teran and has visited him at Moshannon.
He is advocating for the humane treatment of immigrants and reform of the immigration system.
“I am praying this week that overlooking the dignity of a human being like Jesus Teran stops,” Donahue, who was on a retreat last week, said in a text message. “Border control, arresting the felons, and growing our amazing country can be done with respect for the dignity of all. We are better than this.”
Wagner FROM PAGE A1
her husband. After Schmitt died, they found the autograph under a chair, carefully framed and wrapped in butcher paper. When Wagner autographs are offered for sale, they can be pricey –somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,000 to $5,000 – but Miller said she never considered putting it on the market.
“I had no intention of selling it,” Miller said. “All of my dad’s wishes, I tried to carry out to the letter.”
The autograph is now one of three Wagner signatures in the historical society’s collection, the other two being a postcard and an Elks Club sign-in sheet.
“We’re super excited that this is available,” said Jeffrey Keenan, president of the Historical Society of Carnegie. Keenan isn’t sure if Schmitt ever visited the Honus Wagner Museum but “we’re going to assume that he knew about us.”
Newspaper clippings, portraits and a bat that Wagner endorsed and actually touched are in the historical society’s collection. One thing that is not, Keenan pointed out, is a vintage 1909 Wagner baseball card, which is the
rarest and most sought-after of cards among collectors.
Should you discover one in a shoebox in an attic, you would probably be able to sell it for $7 million or more.
Keenan noted that the Honus Wagner Museum is one of only a handful of museums dedicated to the lives of careers of individual players.
Hours at the Historical Society of Carnegie are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, go online to carnegiehistorycenter.org.
Some of the others are the Clemente Museum, dedicated to the life and career of Roberto Clemente, in Pittsburgh; the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Little Falls, N.J.; the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore; and the Ty Cobb Museum in Royston, Ga. Admission is free to the Honus Wagner Museum. “We’re really proud of Honus and we’re really proud of the museum,” Keenan said. “We’re just chugging along.”
BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Jeffrey Keenan, president of the Historical Society of Carnegie, talks about items in the Honus Wagner Museum.
Honus Wagner is considered one of the greatest players in baseball history.
PHOTOS: BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER
ABOVE LEFT: A Honus Wagner autograph given to Jacob Schmitt has been given to the Historical Society of Carnegie. ABOVE RIGHT: A bat that was used and endorsed by Honus Wagner at the Historical Society of Carnegie.
Castle Shannon VFD receives grant
The Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department has been named a 2025 grant recipient by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, receiving $16,693 to increase lifesaving capabilities in Castle Shannon Borough and Baldwin Township. The grant will be used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for the department and will ensure the community is better prepared for emergencies.
“We are grateful to the foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in McMurray for awarding us this grant,” said Castle Shannon fire Chief William C. Reffner. “The three new sets of turnout gear will fulfill a critical need within our department and provide our first responders with protection from hazards while operating more safely, efficiently, and effectively in the pursuit of protecting lives and property”.
For the past 19 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supporting first
responders and public safety organizations nationwide.
The foundation has awarded 6,841 grants valued at over $96 million to public safety organizations since 2005.
This grant is one of 87 the foundation awarded during the most recent grant cycle. Visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org to donate or learn more about the program.
“I haven’t found the perfect home for him yet,” Crompton said.
Crompton described the feeling of helping 5,000 dogs as “unbelievable.”
“We never imagined that the rescue would grow like it has. It has grown crazy,” Crompton said.
In addition to fosters, Bridge to Home also has volunteers who come to Crompton’s home to help with the dogs.
She says these “fairy dog mothers” help socialize the dogs and put them to sleep at night.
“Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do all of this … We have single moms, we have older senior citizens. I have a single mom that comes here with two kids once a week. A lot of kids come with their grandparents,” Crompton said.
Crompton emphasized that for Bridge to Home it is not about finding any home for a dog, but finding the “right” home. One dog she fostered loved the swimming pool.
Those who foster for Bridge to Home are obligated to give the dogs up eventually. Crompton notes that sometimes that can be bittersweet, but it is part of the mission of the rescue.
“I wanted a home that had a pool or boat … And I was not going to sacrifice that for her,” Crompton said, adding that the dog ended up with both.
“Sometimes that dog just hits your heart a different way,” Crompton said. “We can’t keep them, because we have to focus on saving more.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Castle Shannon firefighters Tony Pellarin (left) and Matt Cichowicz model the PPE they were able to purchase, thanks to a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
COURTESY OF BRIDGE TO HOME ANIMAL RESCUE Bridge to Home founders Candice Bentz, Tracey Crompton and Bettalynn Myers
CUTESTPHOTOCONTEST BABY
USC freshman wins national dance title
Haylie King, a rising freshman at Upper St. Clair High School, was named the 2025 National Teen Miss Dance Educators of America (DEA) this summer after an eight-day national competition in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Students from around the world traveled to compete for the title in July. To be crowned champion, participants were required to earn top scores in multiple categories, including a solo stage routine, proficiency exams in five dance genres — tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and acrobatics — and an interview with a panel of judges and moderators.
Upper St. Clair students earn top honors
Two Upper St. Clair students achieved top national honors at the 2025 Middle & Elementary School National Championships held recently in Orlando, Florida, and hosted by International Academic Competitions.
Avik Pandey, a rising ninth-grader, captured first place in the National Physical Science Exam, becoming Pennsylvania’s first-ever national champion in the event. He also earned fourth place in the U.S. National Spelling Championship, reached the quarterfinals in the National Science Bee, and competed in both the National Biology and Earth Science Exams.
cased their knowledge on the national stage. They are:
■ Arjun Kairi (rising 9th-grader): National History Bee, National American History Exam, National World History Exam, U.S. Spelling Championships, U.S. History Bee, National Indian History, Geography & Culture Exam;
■ Bernard Huang (rising 9th grader): National Geography Bee, National History Bee, National Map & Flag Exam, National U.S. Military History Exam;
■ Benjamin Fang (rising 9th grader): National History Bee, National Science Bee
King not only delivered the highest-scoring performance of the competition with her solo routine, “You Can’t Catch Me Now,” choreographed by Sarah Georgiana, but also earned the highest proficiency scores in all five dance genres. As part of her title, King will tour with Dance Educators of America next season, assisting choreographers, demonstrating in classes, working backstage and performing her winning solo at exhibitions nationwide.
Lipi Kairi, a rising fifth-grader, placed second in the U.S. Spelling Championship and second in the National Crossword Championship. She also took part in the National Academic Bee and the National Science Bee.
Students earned their place at the national level by qualifying in the top 50% at regional competitions across the country. These tournaments challenge students in a range of academic subjects including history, geography, science, and more. In addition to Pandey and Kairi, several other Upper St. Clair students show-
■ Atharv Pandey (rising 5th grader): National Science Bee; ■ Aarav Sharan (rising 6th grader) qualified but did not compete at the National Science Bee and National History Bee.
King is a competitive dancer at Dance by Cami and a member of the Upper St. Clair Dance Team.
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Haylie King
Pandey Kairi
Two area students awarded Passavant scholarship
Two area students were the recipients of the Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation’s Community Service Scholarship.
The awards went to Nandana Menon of South Fayette High School and William Lemmon of Burgettstown Area Middle/High School.
The organization typically awards one $10,000 scholarship, but awarded two this year.
Lemmon has done community service work with the local ALS Chapter, the Live Like Lou Foundation, the Reading Under the Stars Literacy Program, and is on the student board of directors for Club H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday). He also volun-
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Homes Foun-
teers extensively at his church and is also a youth basketball and soccer coach and referee, and plays basketball, which he
will continue in college. He is attending St. Vincent College and plans to double major in health and physical
education, and special education. In collaboration with CGI and the University of Pitts-
burgh Autism Center, Menon developed Spark, an app designed to support children with autism and their fami-
lies. She also led the design and implementation of a sensory-modified program at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, supporting neurodiversity for zoo visitors. She was an advocate and workshop facilitator for the Blue Envelope Program, which supports safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism in Allegheny and Beaver counties by hosting training workshops and providing educational materials. Menon is attending the University of Pittsburgh this fall and plans to study neuroscience. This year, PMHF received 98 applications across 16 counties in western Pennsylvania.
real estate transactions
ABOVE LEFT: William Lemmon (center) was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from Passavant Memorial
dation. Lemmon is pictured with Zachary Senft (left) and Lewis Minett (right) of PMHF. ABOVE RIGHT: Nandana Menon, left, received a $10,000 scholarship from Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation. She is pictured with Michelle Capobianco of PMHF.
sports
WITHIN RANGE
USC kicker makes conversion to American football
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
In the short 18 years of his life, Jacobo Echeverria Lozano has encountered many twists and turns in life, but his kicks for the Upper St. Clair football team have always been straight and true.
Born in Colombia, Echeverria Lozano moved to America in 2012. He was four. He turned five on his first day of school and he knew no English. In fact, he said he had to repeat kindergarten twice because of the language barrier.
“Spanish was my first language of course,” he said. “I didn’t really get (English) until like third grade. There’s been a lot harder things I’ve gone through though but it was a struggle,” he said of learning the language.
Echeverria Lozano never grappled with athletics, especially soccer, which plays a vital part of Colombia’s national identity. The game is a unifying force and source of pride for the South American country.
“Jacobo’s dad (Jorge) is the biggest soccer fan on the planet,” noted USC head football coach Mike Junko. “He’s become a football fan though and I am so glad that his boys love football the way they do.”
Echeverria Lozano started playing soccer at age 3. He also picked up basketball and played three sports until he entered high school. His older brother, Jorge, is his “inspiration” as he served as a kicker for USC before heading to Penn State and becoming the equipment manager for the Nittany Lions. Currently, Jorge works in a similar capacity for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bethel
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Bethel Park entered a new era in girls soccer. The Lady Hawks started the season with a different face at the helm.
Bethel Park welcomed Sam Bellin as its head coach, replacing Rob Heller, who resigned last year.
Bellin brings an extensive background to the position. Previously, he coached the Allderdice boys varsity club. During his tenure, from 2009-22, with the Dragons
Additionally, Echeverria Lozano’s younger brother, Sebastian, is a freshman kicker and punter for the Panthers.
Echeverria Lozano’s life changed during his middle school years. In seventh grade, he nailed a 40-yard field goal while practicing. Somewhere between eight and ninth grade, he booted a 50-yarder.
“At first, I thought, whatever, I can kick. My brother can kick,” he rationalized. “But, that’s when it all started.”
Echeverria Lozano attempted to juggle both sports into his schedule, which included his academic classes in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. He is currently an honors student, carrying a 4.5 weighted GPA in his regular high school courses.
“My freshman year, I was going to play soccer and then football and see how the season developed but with all the games and practices I would have missed at least 70 percent of the soccer schedule so there was no point and it wouldn’t have been fair.”
Echeverria Lozano added he does “miss” soccer as well as basketball because he “likes running
around” but he’s good at football.
“When you’re good at something, of course, you’re going to love it. I still love other sports but football is what I am best at and I’m going to keep going at it. Hopefully, play at the next level.”
That’s a given because Echeverria Lozano is ranked 10th among placekickers and 82nd among punters in the country by Kohl’s Kicking Camps.
“He'll definitely be playing on Saturdays,” Junko predicted. “If Jacobo continues to grow and develop the way he has, I'm sure he's got the leg to one day kick on Sundays. That comes down to consistency and he’s really shown that consistency.”
Last fall, Echeverria Lozano earned all-conference, first-team honors as a punter and a kicker. He converted 8 of 13 field goals, with his longest being 46 yards. He connected on all 47 of his extra point attempts. Plus, 50 of his 71 kickoffs were touchbacks and he averaged 40 yards per punt, nailing 17 within the 20-yard line.
Echeverria Lozano started the season in similar fashion. In a 3514 win against Mt. Lebanon, he converted five extra points and all six of his kickoffs were touchbacks. He was particularly impressive in a 48-0 win against Canon-McMillan.
Echeverria Lozano booted four field goals, measuring 23, 24, 38 and 40 yards, added three PAT and had seven touchbacks, with two of his kickoffs measuring 76 and 69 yards.
“The biggest thing is how consistent Jacobo is. It doesn’t matter the distance,” Junko said. “He did a fantastic job against Canon-Mac. When we didn’t finish drives, he finished them for us.
“Jacobo is such a weapon, particularly on kickoffs. I think if you have to start on the 20-yard line, 80 yards is a long way to go in high school football. He gives you that ability to try to win the field position battle.”
As for field goals, Junko added that he’s watched Echeverria Lozano convert attempts from 60 yards and beyond in practice. “So, I trust him anywhere from 55 in (during a game),” Junko said.
Echeverria Lozano’s longest field goal was a 48-yard conversion but he says he probably could make attempts from 50 to 55 yards.
“Every time I break a new record or I go out and kick the ball farther, it just amps me up. I want to keep going,” he said.
Hence, Echeverria Lozano practices, but he does so methodically. To develop his accuracy, which he terms as consistency, he warms up and then proceeds to kick anywhere from 10 to 25 balls, but no more.
“Because it’s like a pitcher has a pitch count,” he said. “A kicker has a kick count, too. If I overdo it, then I can’t practice or I’ll get hurt. So I just have to be careful. You come out here, work left hash, middle, right hash and work on the contact. It’s just pretty much repetition and doing the same thing every time. Then you’re not going to miss.”
Echeverria Lozano is a can’t miss college recruit. Last year, he kicked in front of recruiters from Georgia, Ohio State and Penn State. The Bulldogs and Nittany Lions didn’t work out, he said, because he didn’t perform his best and those schools picked other players, including his “best friend in the kicking world.”
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Conference action in Class 6A of the WPIAL commences on Sept. 12 and Mt. Lebanon couldn’t have picked a tougher opponent to host than Central Catholic at 7 p.m.
The Vikings are favored to win their 10th WPIAL title in program history this autumn. They boast one of the biggest offensive lines, averaging 6-feet-6, 285 pounds with all positions having Power 4 offers, including juniors Jimmy Kalis and James Halter.
Additionally, linebacker Colsen Gatten is headed to Duke and defensive end Ashton Blatt is a North Carolina commit. And don’t forget about Roman Thompson. A PIAA bronze medalist at 215 pounds in wrestling last winter, the senior running back, who is also a middle linebacker on defense, scored three touchdowns and rushed for 130 yards in Central’s 34-20 win against Pine Richland on Aug. 29.
“Roman is an impressive football player on both sides,” said Lebo head coach Greg Perry.
“Looking at Central Catholic, they don’t have any weaknesses and have plenty of depth. They have a dozen kids with D1 offers so the task is monumental.”
Perry noted that LaSalle College made the Vikings “look human” in the season opener, a 26-3 Central loss, but they “came back strong” against Pine-Richland, which he predicts should win the Class 5A championship. Lebo, meanwhile, started the season by falling to Upper St. Clair, 35-14, and Penn-Trafford, 26-18. In the loss to the Warriors, Patrick Smith rushed for 276 yards and passed for 115 more on 10 completions. He scored all three of Lebo’s touchdowns, two in the final quarter.
he amassed over 150 wins and captured two City League championships. In 10 seasons in the WPIAL, they won two section titles and appeared seven times in the playoffs.
An Allderdice alum, Bellin set team records for goals and assists during his playing career, spanning 1977-1980. He was a three-time all-section and two-time all-WPIAL honoree.
Bellin was an all-conference performer while playing at Allegheny College. He later was a starting midfielder at the University of Georgia.
For the past 45 years, he has competed in Western Pennsylvania men’s soccer leagues.
“I continue playing today,” he said enthusiastically.
While coaches change at Bethel Park, Bellin brings the same expectations for the program.
“Our goals are to be competitive in every game, represent our school proudly as both athletes and human beings, have fun playing and being a member of the soccer team, and qualify for the playoffs,” he said.
“We can achieve these goals
by giving 100% commitment to the team and getting a little bit better every day.”
The Lady Hawks are looking to improve upon last year’s fourth-place showing in Section 2 and quarterfinal showing in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. Bethel Park finished 6-4-2 in the section and 10-73 overall after falling to eventual WPIAL champion South Fayette, 1-0, in overtime.
Bethel Park looks to challenge Moon, Montour, Chartiers Valley, Blackhawk, West Allegheny and Trinity for the Section 2 title with three
returning starters. They are Katelyn Coates, Mia Lancey and Riley Johnson. Of the three juniors, Bellin boasted of their talent and prospects.. “They are very fast and athletic players with the potential to develop into all-section players,” he said.
Bellin is equally enthusiastic about his newcomers filling vacancies in the lineup. Among them are Vivian Thieroff, Olivia Mooney and Abigail Stutzman. All are seniors. Thieroff scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory against Trinity. Johnson had the as-
sist for the Lady Hawks, who evened their season record to 1-1 overall. “Olivia and Vivian provide experience and leadership,” he said. “Abigail is a strong goalkeeper.” Juniors Samantha Mullner and Nora Welch join three promising underclassmen in pivotal roles in the lineup. Sophomores Charlotte Turka and Teagen McKown along with freshman Taylor Bruckner have earned starting positions.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC Ethan Hellmann (13) of Upper St. Clair maneuvers his way around Canon-McMillan defenders. During a 48-0 victory, Hellmann completed 14 of 18 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns.
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC
Jacobo Echeverria Lozano connects on one of his field goals during Upper St. Clair’s 48-0 win against Canon-McMillan. The senior booted four field goals, ranging in yards from 23 to 40.
Jacobo Echeverria Lozano
Lebo’s strategy against the Vikings is simple but not easy to implement.
“We need to try and control the ball and move the sticks to keep their offense off the field. Easier said than done,” Perry said.
Perry also noted the advantage Central Catholic has had in creating a dominant program in the WPIAL.
“They have done a good job of bringing in some really good players the past few years and built a quality roster which most of us can’t do. They are solid, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.”
Hampton at USC
After opening the season with back-to-back routs of Class 6A opponents, Mt. Lebanon and Canon-McMillan, as well as a visit to Franklin Regional on Sept 5 (results unavailable at presstime), Upper St. Clair returns home to Panthers Stadium to host Hampton at 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
Though it’s another non-conference clash, the contest is an important one for the future of the USC football program because it’s youth night.
“We want to make sure we entertain the young people in our community with sound football on both sides of the ball,” said USC coach Mike Junko.
The Panthers had done that to date.
“We have done a good job in the early going of getting fast starts,” Junko said. “We need to continue to get stops on defense and allow our offense to operate with positive field position.”
There were plenty of positives in USC’s 48-0 victory against Canon-McMillan.
Ethan Hellmann completed 14 of 18 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, a pair of 45- and 68-yard strikes to Drew Sanderson and a 19yard aerial to Logan Lapinski. Dante Coury and Josh Snyder rushed for touchdowns and Jacobo Echeverria kicked
four field goals, ranging from 23 to 39 yards. Nico D’Orazio, who had three receptions for 60 yards on offense, picked off the lone pass in the game while John Banbury spearheaded the defense with eight solo tackles.
One negative was the loss of Kenny Davis to a knee injury.
A senior, Davis had replaced Reese Pirain at tackle on the offensive line after he suffered an ACL tear and was lost for the season. Jamie Gardner moved into the position and played much of the game against the Big Macs.
“Losing Kenny was tough, especially after having lost Reese, but Jamie did a nice job for us,” Junko said. “He’s a senior. He’s been around a long time. So next man up. We’ve got to figure it out and stay healthy.”
In Hampton, the Panthers face an opponent with its own pedigree. The Talbots are coached by Steve Sciullo.
A Shaler High School Hall of Fame linemen, he started 52 consecutive games at Marshall University before being selected in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. An offensive lineman, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers. After retiring in 2007, he started working in the Hampton Township School District. He became the head football coach in 2022.
“Hampton has a great coach and a group of kids that play hard for him,” Junko said.
Last fall, USC defeated Hampton, 62-7. Despite the lopsided victory, Junko said he was “impressed” with how hard the Talbots played as well as with the community’s support.
“Hampton is a proud program that has a great foundation in Coach Sciullo,” he said. CV at Baldwin
Chartiers Valley visits Baldwin on Sept. 12.
The Colts are coming off a thrilling overtime win against West Allegheny, 29-28.
Owen Weagraff led the way in the triumph. Filling in for the injured Luke Miranda,
Weagraff passed for 260 yards and three touchdowns.
“Owen did a very nice job,” said CV skipper Steve Spence. “He’s an outstanding athlete, a baseball player and he has sharp intelligence.”
Weagraff completed backto-back scoring strikes to Julius Best then connected with Damien Holloway for the decisive two-point conversion that ended the game. Earlier, Weagraff hooked up with Justin Terhune for CV’s first score.
Tayshawn Lewis had the second touchdown on a 22yard scoring run.
Spence was pleased with his team’s fortitude and ability to battle back from a 14-0 halftime deficit.
“This was the first time this season we really dug deep and found what it meant to play hard and physical,” he said. “We hung tough. West-A is well coached and physical and we matched that physicality. This game showed our players that we can compete physically with teams we play down the road.”
The win marked the first triumph for Spence in his position as CV head coach.
“It’s nice to get that first W,” admitted Spence, “but the thing is I’m really happy for the coaches, school, community and especially the players and seniors. They deserved it and earned it every step of the way. They put the work in and they have been committed.”
While the focus is on the Highlanders this Friday, the Colts will not deviate from their plan for turning the program around under Spence.
“There is a ton of work to do and a lot of areas to improve but we can build on the West-A win,” he said. “We made mistakes and things need to be corrected but we are making progress.
“It’s the little steps you take, the doing the little things right that lead to success. Every week we preach to our guys about getting better. We are in a position to take nothing for granted.”
PT at Trinity
After hosting Mt. Lebanon on Sept. 5 (results unavailable
at presstime), Peters Township travels to Trinity for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 12.
The Indians are rolling behind Nolan DiLucia and their vaunted defense. The combination led to a 35-0 shutout against highly regarded McKeesport.
A Villanova recruit, DiLucia completed 15 of 18 passes for 212 yards and a pair of scoring strikes to Lucas Rost, measuring 8 and 14 yards. Rost finished with four receptions for 45 yards.
Reston Lehman ignited the Indians with a Pick-6 in the second quarter.
He rambled 54 yards into the end zone after the interception. He had a second interception that set up Cole Neupaver’s 2-yard scamper into the end zone that gave the Indians a 21-0 halftime advantage.
Mark Ripepi also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown for the Indians.
Bethel Park at West Mifflin
Bethel Park looks to recover from a 17-13 loss to Mars when the Black Hawks travel to West Mifflin on Sept. 12.
In the loss to the Planets, William Sabatos returned a fumble 12 yards for BP’s lone touchdown.
Xavier Jackson kicked field goals of 29 and 21 yards for the Black Hawks.
Dom DeBasi and Liam Corcoran rushed for touchdowns and Ethan Kresinski had a Pick 6 for 35 yards to account for Mars scores. Colin Yurisinec rushed for 176 yards for the Planets.
South Fayette hosts Elizabeth-Forward at 7 p.m. Sept. 12.
The Lions previously scored a 35-27 win against Shaler. Drew Welhorsky rushed for 169 yards. He tossed a 14-yard scoring strike to Alex Deanes.
Bo Stover scored twice on runs of 6 and 2 yards.
Special teams played a key role in the triumph. Aayden Wright managed two kickoff returns for touchdowns of 92 and 90 yards.
Jayden Conrad also returned a fumble 22 yards for another SF score.
Benefit run
The Joey Fabus Superhero 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 14 beginning at Bethel Park High School. Entry fees are: $30 for the run, $20 for the walk and $15 for ages 12 and under.
Rates increase Sept. 13.
This year’s race is dedicated to Jett Owsley, 5, of Mt. Lebanon who is battling DIPG. Last year, the organization recognized Sam Levine, 19, of Upper St. Clai,
Kicker
FROM PAGE B1
This year, Ohio State remains a top choice along with UCLA and Arkansas State. He’s also currently talking to coaches from Robert Morris University.
“I’m keeping my options open,” said Echeverria Lozano.
While he plans to major in business or finance, Echeverria Lozano knows his right leg is an option for earning his keep in life. He hopes to make a career out of kicking.
“That’s the thought, of course, but what’s propelling me is also I just like to go out there and kick. I’m
Bethel
FROM PAGE B1
“Samantha and Norah are tough and scrappy competitors,” Bellin said. “Charlotte and Teagen are highly skilled players. Taylor is a speed-burner and headlines a large class of talented freshmen.”
Among the other ninth graders on the varsity roster are Addison Mills, Camden Cekus, Cora Krchmar, Kassie Elkins and Ayla Sehic. Junior Mia Lancy captains the team along with Stutzman and Thieroff.
who was diagnosed with DIPG in the spring of 2024. “Jett and Sam and their families need support to be able to keep fighting,” said David Fabus, father of Joey. “They need help with paying medical bills, supporting their children and families.” Visit jfccf.org to learn more about the disease. Visit runsignup.com/ Race/PA/BethelPark/JoeyFabusRace to register. Call 412-758-1121 or email fabusangels6pgh@verizon.net with further questions.
passionate about it.” Echeverria Lozano is fervent about his expectations for his senior season. He wants to help the Panthers repeat as conference champions and advance to the WPIAL finals. Last year, USC won the Allegheny Six banner but lost to rival Peters Township, 7-3, in the Class 5A semifinals.
“The goal’s to go 10-0. Try to go to the WPIAL final and then the next step would be the state finals,” he said.
“I’m hyped up, especially after the Canon-Mac game, which was amazing,” he added of senior night.. “We’ve been getting great execution from all three sides of the game, offense, defense and special teams.”
Among the other juniors on the squad are Katelyn Coates, Riley Johnson, Nora Welch, and Daphne Mach. In addition to Turka and McKown, Annabelle Gaston, Abigail Kelly and Bridget Busalacchi are juniors, rounding out the varsity roster.
NOTES: The Lady Hawks suffered back-to-back shutouts during the Avonworth Tournament held over the Labor Day Weekend. Bethel Park dropped a 4-0 decision to South Fayette in the opener. The Lady Hawks lost to the host Antelopes, 3-0, in the second game of the event.
sights & sounds
7,
Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease on the rise
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
There has been an increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease across the region.
Cases are on the rise in schools, day cares, and playgrounds, said Dr. Michael Petrosky, a pediatrician at Allegheny Health Network.
“This is the typical time of year you see a lot of these cases, late summer and throughout the fall, but we are seeing more than we have in previous years,” said Petrosky.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is most common among young children and is characterized by a rash on the hands, feet, and ulcers in the mouth.
“The telltale signs are a small rash, or small blisters on the palms of hands, soles of feet or inside the mouth, which can be painful,” said Petrosky.
The common childhood virus is as contagious as it is uncomfortable. It most often affects young children, but older children and adults
can wind up with it, too.
Because hand, foot and mouth is a virus, antibiotics aren't effective. When it comes to treatment, the focus is on supportive care – treating the symptoms – while a child’s body fights the disease.
“Making sure they’re comfortable, giving a pain reliever and fever reducer like Tylenol or Motrin, pushing fluids to make sure they’re hydrated, and getting rest are important,” said Petrosky. “It’s especially important that they stay hydrated because the sores inside the mouth can make it painful to swallow.”
The mouth sores also can make it difficult to chew food, so soft foods like mashed potatoes and soups are better than crunchy or hard foods.
Petrosky said most times children recover in seven to 10 days. For returning to school or day care, children should be fever-free for about 24 hours.
When should a child see a doctor?
“If symptoms aren’t turning a corner after a couple of days – if fever is lasting more than three days or there are signs of dehydration or they’re
what’s happening
9/11 SERVICE
The 17th annual Prayer for Peace service will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Holy Child Church, 212 Station St. in Bridgeville. Sponsored by Corpus Christi Parish and the Knights of Columbus in cooperation with area fire departments, emergency teams, state and local police and the military, the event remembers those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as well as honors first responders. All can attend.
PT NEWCOMERS
The Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors Club will host a Ladies Night Out on Sept. 11 at Valleybrook Country Club. This is an opportunity for women to meet members and get to know the organization, which offers activities such as bunco, mahjong, pickleball, book clubs, couples social events, wine tastings, crafts, lunch and dinner outings as well as provides service and support to many local nonprofits. RSVP required. Visit www. ptnc.org or call 724-249-7668.
FOOD FEST
A food truck festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 at Rolling Hills Park, 150 Great Lawn Drive in McMurray. In addition to food, there will be face painting, games and a bounce house. Visit peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000 for more details.
GENAOLOGY
The Mt. Lebanon Genealogy Society will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 15 in the audio-visual Room of Mt. Lebanon Public Library.
Kate Townsend, a former professional investigator turned genealogist, will speak on the topic of "Court Records Research without the Law Degree." Attendees will discover how to explore courthouses to find records involving ancestors. New members can attend. Contact malcolm.andrews1949@gmail.com for more details.
OPEN HOUSE
Sept. 20 is the deadline for vendors to apply to participate
in the Christmas Shoppe Open House to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Landscape Center by Evanovich in Bethel Park. Tents and tables can be set up at the store, located at 2741 South Park Road. The Christmas Wonderland will feature lit villages and decorated trees. There will also be music, other craft vendors, food, free coffee and popcorn. Vendors are asked to provide a $20 downpayment via VENMO or cash to reserve a spot. For more information call 412-835-6699 or email: sales@landscapingbyevanovich.com
PT REC
The Peters Township Recreation Center is accepting registration for fall classes. Visit peterstownship.com or call 724-942-5000. The following will be offered:
■ Autumn Art Adventure for ages 6 to 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11. Participants create autumn-themed crafts using leaves and pumpkins. Fee is $5 ($8 nonmembers).
■ Dance Explorations on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 17. Ages 3 meet from 6 to 6:40 p.m. Ages 4 to 6 meet from 6:50 to 7:30 p.m. The class combines jazz and tumbling to develop a child’s self-confidence, musicality and body awareness. Fee is $40 ($60 nonmembers).
■ Pumpkin Nail String Art from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17. This ladies night workshop will guide participants through a step-by-step process to design pumpkin art using wood board nails, string and a hammer. Fee is $15 ($20 nonmembers).
■ Pickleball: a basic class teaching the basics will be offered for ages 18 and over from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays or Tuesdays beginning Sept. 22 and 23; a class building on skills and focused on situational practice and play from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and/ or Thursdays beginning Sept. 23 and 25; an improving player course for ages 18 and over offered Mondays beginning Sept. 22. Fee is $120 ($180 for nonmembers).
■ Morning Mash Up for ages 16 and older. Meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays.
not drinking fluids – then it’s time to come in,” said Petrosky.
To prevent hand, foot and mouth disease, the Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention recommends washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, it recommends
cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched toys and surfaces such as door knobs to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Class includes Tabata, boot camp stations, HIIT cardio/ strength drills. Fee is $45 ($68 nonmembers).
■ Burn and Sculpt for ages 18 and older blends low-impact cardio moves with strength exercises. Class meets Mondays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Cardio Combo for ages 18 and older meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Class incorporates step aerobics, kickboxing, HIIT, interval training with weights and resistance bands to improve strength, core, abs and cardio. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Dance with DnB Magnets for ages 5 to 17 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and for ages 18 and over from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Participants learn dance styles such as Bollywood, Hip-Hop fused with semiclassical folk and contemporary moves. Fee is $150 ($225 nonmembers) for the 8-week class.
■ Zumba Gold for ages 50 and over from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursdays. Fee is $55 ($83 non members). Zumba for ages 16 and older is offered 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Fee is $50 ($75 nonmembers).
■ Back to Basics - Keep Fit For Life for ages 18 and over from 11 to noon Wednesdays. Varied workouts combine low-impact cardio, strength, training, balance, core work and yoga. Fee is $55 ($83 nonmembers).
ARTS
South Arts Pittsburgh is hosting the following art shows at the Schoolhouse Art & History Center, located at 2600 South Park Road:
■ Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Bethel Park Historical Society’s open house, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. and includes tours of the schoolhouse and coincides with the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company open house across the street.
■ Oct. 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. is the Halloween Bash & Art Market. This adult event includes a costume contest and art market.
■ Nov. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This two-day artist market includes local vendors displaying/selling their works throughout the first and second floors and in one of the classrooms of the historic schoolhouse.
■ Artwork and photos are framed and ready to hang. Jewelry, cards, and matted prints are also available. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. Your support of local artists is greatly appreciated. Reginald’s Coffee will be open during all three events to purchase drinks and pastries.
Visit www.southartspittsburgh.org for more information. Email: southartspitt@ gmail.com with questions.
HARMONY SINGERS
The Harmony Singers are seeking new members. The new season begins with an open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Brightwood Christian Church, 5044 W. Library Ave. in Bethel Park. Singers should arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 pm for a meet-and-greet and music distribution.
All voice parts are needed for this volunteer choral group based in the South Hills for over 50 years. In addition to preparing for its annual holiday concert, the group performs a wide variety of music including Broadway, standard classics, oldies, patriotic and pop tunes. The group is available to perform for civic, social, church and business organizations. Visit www.harmonysingers.org. or email info@harmonysingers.org for more information about the group or to reserve the singers for an event.
AHN BBQ
The Allegheny Health Network’s Men with Cancer BBQ & Wellness Fair will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, Cafeteria & Dining Hall, located at 12311 Perry Highway. The free event will include BBQ-style foods, giveaways, networking opportunities for patients,
survivors, caregivers and experts and breakout sessions on managing side effects, nutrition, mental and physical health, and thriving in survivorship. AHN and nonAHN cancer patients and caregivers can attend. Call 412-330-4045 to register.
YOUTH CHORUS
The Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is offering free classes for those interested in joining. New singers for the 2025-26 season are needed. Grades 1 to 12 are eligible.
Open classes for the neighborhood training choirs for grades 1-2 will meet Mondays Sept. 15, 22 and 29 in Upper St. Clair. Classes are also offered in Coraopolis and Allison Park as well as Shadyside on Tuesdays or Wednesdays in September.
The talisman and bel canto singers offer introductory classes for grades 3-8 at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays on Sept. 16, 23 and 30 at the Duquesne University School of Music.
The headwaters and bridge city singers, grades 9-12, meet at 5:30 p.m. Sundays at the Duquesne University School of Music. Free introductory classes will be offered Sept. 16, 23 and 30.
Email jacqueline@pittsburghyouthchorus.org for more information.
LEBO REC
Mt. Lebanon is offering the following fall activities:
■ Dance classes: My Mini & Me is offered for ages 1-3; Creative Movement for ages 3-4; and dance for ages 4-12. Classes are held Thursday and Friday and begin Sept. 11.
■ Father-son campout Sept. 14-15 in Bird Park. Boys in kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible. Fee is $40 ($45 nonresident) per male adult and child. Additional children are charged $10 each.
■ Chess Class: Age 8 to 17 eligible and meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays beginning Oct. 4
■ Babysitting Class: Ages 9-15 can attend this parent helper training. Class runs from 9:15 a.m. to noon Oct. 18.
Visit https://mtlrec.activityreg. com/ to register for classes. Call 412-343-3409 for more information.
SH CHABAD
A Ladies Pre-High Holiday Fashion Show will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Grey Parrot, 320 Castle Shannon Blvd. Cover: $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Sign up at Chabadsh.com/ladies For more details or questions call 412-278-2658 or email barb@chabadsh.com
SHHS 1963
The South Hills High School Class of 1963 will hold an 80th birthday celebration at a buffet luncheon from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Salvatore’s Events & Catering, 5001 Curry Road. Cost is $40. Call 412-8542740 for details and to register. No walk-ins.
NURSES
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 am on Sept. 16 at Salvatores, 5001 Curry Road. Senior Olympian Jack Eckenrode, 97, will speak. He is the author of “Road to 100-10 Pillars for Strong and Happy Aging.” All registered nurses can attend. Visit www.swparnclub. weebly.com for more details.
MUSIC
PT
The Peters Township Music Boosters will hold a fundraising event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Panera located at 4127 Washington Road. The boosters receive 20% of all sales when the promo code FUND4U is applied at checkout for in-cafe, drive-thru, pick-up and delivery purchases.
AUP
The Association of University People (AUP) is seeking members. Singles 50-plus with a four-year college degree are eligible for enrollment and to participate in club activities, including picnics, monthly dinners, book group, Scrabble, games and outside concerts and trips such as to local wineries. Email Aupsingles@gmail. com or call 412-353-9088 to become a member or obtain more information.
METROCREATIVE
Cases of the highly contagious hand, foot and mouth disease are on the rise in day cares, schools and playgrounds.
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Norma Johnnette Price
Norma Johnnette Price, 93, of Waynesburg, formerly of Graysville, PA died at 10:35 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Evergreen Personal Care in Waynesburg, where she resided since 2009.
She was born on October 6, 1931 in Graysville, a daughter of the late Ralph Leroy McClelland, Sr. and Evelyn Eileen Welling McClelland.
Mrs. Price was a 1950 graduate of Richhill High School in Wind Ridge, PA. She enjoyed raising flowers, watching Westerns, her pets, shopping, and spending time with her family.
On December 24, 1950 in Friendsville, MD, she married Armin Ray Price; they were married for 58 years before he preceded her in death on April 14, 2008.
Surviving are a daughter, Armina (Minnie) Carpenter and her husband, Kevin of Holbrook, PA; two grandsons, Jason (Melissa) and Justin (Jessica) Carpenter; three great-grandchildren, Sydknee, Mack-
enzie, and Mason; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her two sons who died at birth, John Leonard and Stephen Randall; three sisters, one brother, and an infant sister; and her favorite dog, Teddy. Mrs. Price was the last of her immediate family.
All services are private. Donations can be made to the Humane Society of Washington County. Behm Funeral Home of Waynesburg entrusted with arrangements.
Kevin Harris
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Arthur Kevin “Kraft” Harris announce his peaceful passing Monday, September 1, 2025, at the age of 70. Born February 24, 1955, in Brownsville, Kevin was a cherished member of his family and community, known for his unwavering kindness and dedication.
Kraft retired as a production technician in the plastics industry, proudly serving at Rose Plastics, where he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality that his colleagues admired. Although he never obtained a formal degree, his hands-on experience and knowledge were a testament to his capabilities and passion for his work.
In addition to his parents, Kevin was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Whoolery; brothers, David “Pat” Harris, Larry “Pooker” Harris, John “Jack” Harris, and Alfred “Ken” Harris.
Left to cherish Kraft’s memory are his siblings, Carol Witmyer (Abbsy), Nancy Parkins (Byron), Kay Schrock (Richard), and Debbie Ging; nephew, Pete Harris and wife Pam;
and numerous other nieces and nephews. Kevin’s warmth and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He embodied a quiet strength and provided comfort and support to those around him, leaving an indelible mark on his family and friends.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 4, in the Mariscotti Funeral Home, Inc., Anthony N. Mariscotti, supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California.
Interment will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 14, in Highland Cemetery, California. May Kevin Harris rest in peace, eternally remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.
Leanna Jane Chapman
Leanna Jane Chapman, 76, of Fredericktown, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in UPMC Washington Hospital.
She was born February 24, 1949, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late William and Cleola Price Reynolds.
Leanna was a 1967 graduate of Carmichaels High School and was later employed as a home health aide for over 20 years with Community Care of Washington.
Mrs. Chapman was a people person who loved her friends, cooking and music.
Surviving are a son, Gary
L. Chapman; mother-in-law, Dorothy Jean Chapman, both of Fredericktown; two siblings, Gary Reynolds of Point Marion, and Donna Reynolds of Philadelphia.
Deceased are her husband, Gary D. Chapman, who died December 27, 2024; and two brothers, Bill and Dick Reynolds.
Funeral arrangements are private and under the direction of Greenlee’s Fredericktown Funeral Home, Ltd., 42 Bank Street, Fredericktown. A guest book is available at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
Vennie Mellott Mehl
Vennie Mellott Mehl, 88, of Hookstown, Beaver County, passed away Monday evening, September 1, 2025, in her home.
She was born January 26, 1937, in Frankfort Springs, a daughter of the late L. Wayne and Helen Arnold Lyons. She is survived by her husband, John Mehl; her four children, Randy Keener, Ron Keener, Lori Keener and Stephen Jacobs, all of Ohio; three grandchildren, Kayla Jacobs, Alex and Jesika Keener; a sister, Dorothy Lyons of Midland; a brother, Walter Lyons of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Howard L. Mellott, Sr., who passed away February 2, 2010; a sister, Nancy Brown; and two brothers, Leslie and Charles Lyons.
Vennie was a kind and caring soul, always helping anyone in need.
Family and friends will be received from 12 noon until the time of services officiated by Frederick Chapin at 1 p.m. Saturday September 6, in Slater Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. of Burgettstown, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, PA 15021. She will be laid to rest in the Grandview Cemetery, Florence. www.Burgettstown.SlaterFuneral.com
Canonsburg progresses on flood protection program
An inspection of the Chartiers Creek area conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined Canonsburg Borough is doing what is needed to protect the creek banks, council learned at its meeting Tuesday.
“For the last several years we have been in an unsatisfactory position, so the Corps of Engineers came in last week,” said Rich Russo, council president. “Prelimi-
nary results are good from our engineer, RVE. … If there is a flood, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) won’t come in and help us if we don’t do what we need to do as far as maintaining the creek. If we get a good result, FEMA will stand behind us if there is a flood."
In preparation for the inspection, council voted in August to approve a con-
tract for about $5,000 to A&S Landscaping for the removal of trees along the embankment. There also was a recent remediation of the weeds and chemical spraying of the banks. Also Tuesday, council announced it expects to hire a new borough administrator at its Sept. 8 meeting, to replace Billie Bilko, who died July 1. In the interim, Russo has been filling the role.
Canonsburg man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison
Darby pled guilty to sexually exploiting minors
A Canonsburg man who pleaded guilty in April to federal charges for sexually exploiting minors he was chatting with over social media apps will spend the next two decades in prison.
Justin Darby, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on Aug. 27 and ordered to serve 20 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Ranjan also ordered Darby to pay $28,000 in restitution to his victims.
PennDOT to reveal Layton Bridge replacement project at open house
By Mike Jones Staff writer mjones@observer-reporter.com
There might finally be a light at the end of the tunnel for the long-awaited project to permanently replace the 126-year-old Layton Bridge near Perryopolis.
After years of historical reviews and studies examining the local bat population, the state Department of Transportation later this month will release details about the new bridge being built to help local traffic cross the Youghiogheny River in Perry Township.
PennDOT officials announced Wednesday they would hold an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Perry Township Fire Department in Perryopolis to reveal information about the bridge that will be built to replace the single-lane span that has needed ongoing maintenance in recent years.
While no details of the exact location, design or cost of the new bridge have been released yet, PennDOT previously indicated it would be built nearly parallel and just a couple hundred feet to the southeast of the Layton Bridge. The project is expected to be put out to bid later this year with construction hopefully wrapping up in 2028.
In addition to building the two-lane bridge, the project will relocate Layton Road to the new span and reroute the entry away from the Layton Tunnel. The current bridge will remain open while the new bridge is un-
der construction, which will alleviate lengthy detours that have been in place while temporary repairs have been made on the Layton Bridge in recent years to extend its life until a new span can open.
“I’m excited, and I expect the people of Layton, Perryopolis and the surrounding areas will be equally excited to watch the new bridge being built as they continue to use the old bridge during construction,” said Jeremy Hughes, who is assistant district executive for design for PennDOT District 12.
The upcoming open house will allow the public to see the plans in person, ask questions to the project’s team members and offer feedback. There will also be information on the project’s final design plans, traffic control during construction and the anticipated design and construction schedule. Information will be posted on PennDOT District 12’s construction website to allow people who couldn’t attend the open house to review the project online.
Hughes said he was “extremely pleased” to be able get the project out to bid in the next couple of months after years of mandatory historical and environmental studies slowed its progress.
“This project site has numerous important resources that are regulated or protected in one way or another by various state and federal laws,” Hughes said. “Over
Darby pleaded guilty April 28 at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh to two counts for attempting to receive or distribute child sex-
ual abuse material on multiple occasions by persuading multiple juveniles to send him sexually explicit content of themselves in late 2023 through early 2024. As part of his guilty plea, Darby also acknowledged he altered and destroyed information on his cellphone to obstruct the investigation.
Darby was indicted on federal charges last October.
TOP: The Layton
has been deteriorating over the years, requiring regular inspections and repairs that have caused temporary closures with lengthy detours over the past five years.
The 126-year-old
Bridge that crosses the Youghiogheny River near Perryopolis will soon be replaced by a new bridge that will be built nearby.
the past several years, we have done the necessary planning and taken the appropriate actions to avoid or mitigate impacts to these resources.”
The Layton Bridge was built in 1899 and originally used as a railroad crossing, but it has been deteriorating over the years. Regular inspections and repairs have caused temporary closures
with lengthy detours over the past five years.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning PennDOT had to perform various studies to determine if it was possible to rehabilitate the span. They also investigated whether it was feasible to “market” the bridge in order to be sold to a private buyer or nonprofit and then relocated, although that does not appear to be an option and it will likely be demolished and dismantled.
PennDOT also had to perform studies on the nearby bat population and submit them to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state Game Commission for review in order to determine that the animals would not be adversely affected by the location of the new bridge.
For more information on the project’s plans or open house, go to PennDOT’s website at www.pa.gov/agencies/ penndot and type “Layton Bridge Improvement and Replacement” in the search bar on the top right corner of the page.
