Kellen Stepler

Pennsylvania

Reporter at Valley News Dispatch

Reporter at Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Reporter @Triblive @VNDNews

Articles

Western Pa. Catholics anticipate papal conclave to usher in new era

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler |Quincey Reese |Megan Swift |Joe Napsha

The late Pope Francis opened the way for women in the Roman Catholic Church to serve as readers and altar servers, and to assist priests during services or in administering Communion. But the church continues to bar women from the roles of deacon or priest, and debate over that issue doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.
H.D. Berkey students get bike-riding lesson: 'It's a fundamental life skill'

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

Seven-year-old Kai’ere King has a need for speed. “I like riding bikes that are fast,” said Kai’ere, a student at H.D. Berkey School in Arnold. “I like fast bikes. “It’s like the speed of light.”Kai’ere and his first and second grade peers at H.D. Berkey spent the past week either learning or continuing to learn how to ride bikes. The school obtained five bicycles through the United Way’s “Build A Bike” program last year, said building Principal Brian Heidenreich.
Carlynton students 'make something beautiful' with park mural

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

In 11-year-old Michaela Champion’s eyes, Carnegie is a small community with loads of talent. That talent will be exhibited, as Champion and 23 of her peers in the Carlynton School District spent two days this month painting a mural in Irishtown Tot Park with the guidance from California artist Amanda Lynn. “I honestly love painting,” said Champion, a student at Carnegie Elementary. “It’s very enjoyable, I love the experience, I love the culture of art.
Their brother left New Kensington to serve in Korea and never returned. 75 years later, they have closure

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

Marjorie Ann “Marjie” Mahar called her brother, Paul Bowser, one afternoon in March and told him to sit down. “I just got a call from Fort Knox,” she told him.
Kavan Markwood takes first steps since PNC Park fall, family reports

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

Kavan Markwood, the man who fell over the right field wall at PNC Park last week, took his first steps on Monday, according to an online fundraiser update posted by his girlfriend’s mother, Jennifer Phillips. The update, posted at 4:45 p.m. Monday by Phillips, said Markwood being up and moving is a “huge win and definitely lifted everyone’s spirits.”Phillips’ daughter, Alonna, is Markwood’s girlfriend.
New Kensington City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti to retire after 38-year career

1 week ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

New Kensington City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti — referred to as the city’s “go-to guy” by councilman Tim DiMaio — will retire this month after 38 years as the city’s top administrator. Council on Monday accepted Scarpiniti’s retirement letter, which is effective May 30. “I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and challenges that pushed me to grow, and the friendships that enriched my life,” said Scarpiniti, 71.
Starbucks renovation tied to overall layout change at New Kensington Giant Eagle

2 weeks ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

The Giant Eagle supermarket in New Kensington is undergoing some changes to its layout. A renovation of the store’s Starbucks is connected to a change in Giant Eagle’s overall layout, said store spokeswoman Jannah Drexler. The beer and wine department is being relocated to the middle of the store, and a new Starbucks kiosk will be move slightly — into the area where the beer and wine department was previously located, she said.
Clearer waters expected at Burrell Lake following last year’s algal bloom

2 weeks ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

Lower Burrell Councilman Mike Stanoski looks forward to taking his three grandsons fishing at Burrell Lake Park this summer — without harmful algae in the water. “Everything is good down at the lake,” Stanoski said. “People are using it, the weather’s breaking, everybody’s happy to get outside and head to Burrell Lake Park.”City officials don’t expect any problems with Burrell Lake this summer after an algal bloom plagued its water last summer.
Upper Burrell data center to use natural gas for more than 2 gigawatts of power generation

2 weeks ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

A data center planned at the former Alcoa Research Center in Upper Burrell plans to produce much of it’s own electricity via natural gas wells on the property, a company spokeswoman confirmed Monday. “Our goal is to not heavily pull from the grid, it’s to provide our own,” said Melissa Farney, spokeswoman for TECfusions. “And, if we have more than we need, it’s to give back.”There are roughly 6 natural gas well pads on the 1,400-acre Upper Burrell site TECfusions plans to tap into, Farney said.
Faces of the Valley: Burrell teen to represent Team USA in Junior Roller Derby World Cup

2 weeks ago | triblive.com | Kellen Stepler

From birth, Pippa Meyer was pretty much destined to thrive in the sport of roller derby. “Raygun is my middle name, and my derby nickname,” said Meyer, 18, of Lower Burrell, who goes by Pippa Raygun in roller derby circles. “My mom gave me a derby name at birth.”It fits.