PITTSBURGH — The Pitt Panthers suffered an early setback, as they will not have one of their incoming women’s basketball forwards for next season.

Kiara Willliams, a freshman forward, underwent successful surgery on a lower leg injury that will keep her out for the upcoming 2024-25 season, the program announced.

She played for Palm Bay High School in Palm Bay, Fla. and averaged 10.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a senior last season. She helped lead her team to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 4A Girls Basketball Playoffs.

Williams also had six double-doubles and averaged 0.8 blocks per game, ranking first and second in Florida 4A District 8, respectively.

She also had a great junior campaign in the 2022-23 season, where she averaged 13.1 points and 8.0 rebounds, along with 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game.

“We certainly wish Kiara well as she starts her recovery process,” Pitt head coach Tory Verdi said in a press release. “She will work hard with our training staff over the coming months, and we expect her to make a full recovery. Despite this setback, she has a bright future ahead.”

Williams was one of two recruits in the Class of 2024 for the Panthers, along with 6-foot guard Audrey Biggs, who played for Boyd County High School in Ashland, Ky.

Pitt added a number of players to their roster in the transfer portal, including guards in Amiya Jenkins and Brooklynn Miles from Kentucky and Mikayla Johnson from Colorado, plus forwards in Khadija Faye from Texas and Makayla Elmore from Clemson.

The Panthers also added an international wing in Jovana Spasovski from Serbia in early June, who rounded out their additions to two incoming freshman, five transfers and one international signing, for eight overall

There are also returners in guards, like senior Bella Perkins, juniors Raeven Boswell, Marley Washenitz and Aislin Malcolm and sophomore Aaryn Battle, plus sophomore forward Lauren Rust.

Pitt also had a few players depart the program after last season. This includes forwards in All-ACC First Team honoree and ACC Most Improved Player of the Year in Liatu King who transferred to Notre Dame, Rapuluchi Ayodele who transferred to Tennessee, Gabby Hutcherson who transferred to Duquesne and guard Jasmine Timmerson who transferred to Davidson.

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Rolfe Singerman, aged 87, of Upper Sandusky, OH, died June 29, 2024, at the Westbrook Assisted Living and Memory Center. Mr. Singerman was born March 27, 1937 in Cleveland, OH to Bernard and Ruth (Greetham) Singerman. He married Dona M. Fatibeno on January 30, 1960. They remained married for 24 years. Rolfe passed peacefully the same day after enjoying a nice luncheon and glass of wine at a local Upper restaurant with family. Mr. Singerman is survived by his children, Camille Swartz-Upper Sandusky, OH, and David Singerman-Jupiter, FL; grandchildren Connor Swartz-Upper Sandusky, Logan and Rylee Singerman-Jupiter, FL. Also surviving are his siblings; Ava Singerman-Brunswick, OH, Mike Singerman-Shaker Heights, OH, Charles (�Butch�) Necker-Phoenix, AZ, Tim Necker-Parma and Pam Bender-Brecksville, OH. Rolfe was a 1955 graduate of Cleveland Heights H.S. and subsequently attended Western Reserve University for both his Undergraduate and Master�s Degrees in Art Education and received his Teaching Certificate from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He was hired shortly thereafter by Painesville City Schools where he would spend the next 30 years and completing his career at Harvey High School. Teaching art may have been Rolfe�s primary profession early on, but it was his passion for photography and running that would really take him places. Rolfe took on the duties of the school yearbook and ensured quality productions every year which also led him to taking photos of local high school sports, and then acting on the advice of a friend took up wedding photography. Over the ensuing decades Rolfe would photograph over 800 weddings and in each one Rolfe usually managed to capture a singular, special moment that most wedding photos somehow miss; a spontaneous mix of action, affection, laughter, love and respect from those faces in the moment. Rolfe had an eye for inspiration and timing. Rolfe became a long-distance runner who participated in numerous 5 and 10K races and he ran in the 1979 Cleveland Marathon. Rolfe was the Cross-Country coach at Harvey High School and produced a pamphlet with illustrations teaching long-distance running techniques. In 2001, Rolfe moved to Cumberland, MD starting a new chapter in his life. In Cumberland, Rolfe soon began showcasing his talent displaying his new landscape photos at various art exhibits in picturesque Western Maryland, and right away received accolades and awards. In 2005, Rolfe was asked by a local author to collaborate on a cookbook, entitled the �Washington Street Cookbook� which featured the many of the beautiful and incredibly diverse architecturally designed homes lining the famous Washington Street in Cumberland, as photographed by Rolfe. The proceeds benefited the Washington Street Association. After completing this book, Rolfe studied residential architecture even more and would eventually write and illustrate his own Handbook of Washington Street Architecture in 2017 that provided the reader with a simple guidebook of the historic homes and descriptions of their particular architectural aspects, influences and time periods. Rolfe was an active member in his community always devoting as much volunteer time as he could for his church; the First Presbyterian Church; the Alleghany Arts Council; the Alleghany County Museum; the Washington Street Library and the American Red Cross. Rolfe helped out a local European pastry shoppe designing their menu and illustrating it. Rolfe generously opened his home up to traveling artists from around the world through the World Artists Experiences program and even designed their promotional posters. Rolfe will be fondly remembered for his endless curiosity, dry humor, respect for all things Art, Scottish dancing and never running on empty! A celebration of life service for Rolfe Singerman will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Cross, and or the Autism Foundation, and can be sent to Lucas Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 43351. Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and many Northeast Ohio counties, cities and organizations have different events planned to celebrate Independence Day.

This year, there are a wide variety of celebrations across Northeast Ohio. From wiffleball tournaments to cultural festivals to the classic barbecue and fireworks, Northeast Ohio has many unique festivities to offer this week.

See the list below for different celebrations planned across the region.

Ashland County:

Wifflefest XXV

Location: Southview Grace Brethren Church (810 Katherine Avenue, Ashland, OH)

Compete in a wiffleball tournament at the adult, high school, middle school or elementary level during July 4-6 (registration required).

Ashtabula County:

Red, White, & Boom Over Lake Erie

Location: Lakeview Park (340 Erie Street, Conneaut, OH).

Watch musical performances and participate in festive activities during July 4-6. A fireworks show over Lake Erie will begin at 10 p.m. on July 6th.

Carroll County:

Carroll County Fireworks Show

Location: Carroll County Fairgrounds (160 Kensington Road NE, Carrollton, OH).

Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors and kids activities on July 5 beginning at 4 p.m. A fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m.

Columbiana County:

East Palestine Firefighters Association Annual 4th of July Celebration

Location: East Palestine City Park (31 Park Avenue, East Palestine, OH).

Activities will begin at 8 a.m. on July 4, and there will be a fireworks display in the evening.

Coshocton County:

Coshocton Fireworks

Location: Coshocton County Fairgrounds (707 Kenilworth Avenue, Coshocton, OH).

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 3.

Cuyahoga County:

Grindstone Festival

Location: Coe Lake Park (Coe Lake, Berea, OH)

Spend July 4 participating in lake activities, enjoying live entertainment and watching a fireworks display later into the evening. This event runs from 4-10 p.m.

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks

Location: Clague Park (Clague Park, Westlake, OH)

Spend July 4 in Westlake with activities, including a car show, face-painting, and food vendors and a fireworks show at dusk.

Light Up the Lake: 4th of July Fireworks

Location: Multiple viewing locations throughout Cleveland.

Watch a 20-minute fireworks display launched from the Port of Cleveland at dusk on July 4.

Solon Community Band Concert and Fireworks

Location: Solon Community Park (6679 SOM Center Rd., Solon, OH).

Enjoy an evening of live music on July 3 beginning at 7:30 followed by a fireworks display.

Erie County:

Light Up the Point

Location: Cedar Point (1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH).

In addition to Cedar Point’s coasters and other activities, there will be a fireworks display at night on July 4 and July 5.

Geauga County:

Community Fourth of July Celebration

Location: Kenston High School (95000 Bainbridge Road, Chagrin Falls, OH).

This event will take place on July 5 from 6-10:30 p.m., and there will be a fireworks display at dusk.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Location: Geauga County Fairgrounds (14373 N. Cheshire St., Burton, OH)

Gates open for cars, motorcycles and walk ins at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin at dusk.

Holmes County:

Loudonville Fireworks

Location: Riverside Park (131 W. Main St., Loudonville, OH).

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 4.

Huron County:

4th of July Fireworks

Location: Huron County Fairgrounds (940 Fair Rd., Norwalk, OH)

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 4 at the county fairgrounds. A Fourth of July parade will run through the city of Norwalk at 10:30 a.m. that day.

Lake County:

Independence Day Celebration

Location: Mentor Civic Amphitheater (8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH).

Watch a free concert at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater at 7:45 p.m. on July 4, followed by a 25-minute fireworks display. There will also be food trucks and beverage sales in the surrounding area that evening.

Lorain County:

Avon Lake’s Fireworks Celebration

Location: Weiss Field (33401 Webber Rd., Avon Lake, OH)

Enjoy a variety of food trucks starting at 5 p.m. on July 3 followed by fireworks at 10.

Mahoning County:

Fireworks and Food Trucks

Location: Wean Park (201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH).

The city of Youngstown will host a variety of food trucks on July 4 from 6-10 p.m., and a fireworks display will be held immediately after.

Medina County:

Independence Day Parade, Music and Fireworks

Location: Mill Stream Park (1200 Maple St., Valley City, OH).

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, this event consists of a parade, a car show, food trucks and fireworks at dusk.

Portage County:

Hiram 4th of July Celebration

Location: Hiram College (11715 Garfield Rd., Hiram, OH).

Beginning in the evening of July 3 with food vendors, this celebration consists of a softball game, a potluck, a pie contest and much more through July 4. A fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3.

Richland County:

Charles Mill Red, White, and Blue Celebration

Location: Charles Mill Lake Park (1277A State Route 430, Mansfield, OH).

Various events, consisting of arts and crafts, parades and games during July 4-6. A fireworks show over Charles Mill Lake will begin at dusk on the 6th.

Stark County:

North Canton Chamber of Commerce July 4 Fireworks Show

Location: North Canton Hoover High School (525 7 St. NW, North Canton, OH).

This event will take place on July 4 and will consist of food trucks opening at 6 p.m. and a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Stark County Italian American Festival

Location: Cultural Center for the Arts (1001 Market Ave. N., Canton OH).

Enjoy a weekend of bocce, food and live entertainment from July 5 through July 7.

Summit County:

Rib White & Blue Festival

Location: Lock 3 (200 S. Main St., Akron, OH).

Enjoy plenty of barbecue food, as well as nightly concerts at 7 p.m., starting July 3 through July 6. A fireworks display will take place at 9:45 p.m. on July 6.

Trumbull County:

4th of July Homecoming and Parade

Location: Gustavus Township Park (8867 Youngstown Kingsville Rd., Farmdale, OH).

This festival includes food vendors, a parade, kids activities and more on July 4 beginning at 10 a.m.

Tuscarawas County:

City of New Philadelphia Gigantic Fireworks Display

Location: Tuscora Park Practice Field (161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, OH)

Enjoy a firework display beginning at 10 p.m. on July 6.

Wayne County:

Wooster 4th of July Fireworks

Location: Burbank/Oldman Road Soccer Field (100 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH).

This July 4th celebration begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday with food and family entertainment and concludes with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.