Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh-area PTO treasurer charged with stealing $46,000
A Hempfield woman is facing felony theft charges after detectives accuse her of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a parent-teacher organization fund to use for her own personal gain.
An investigation into the Fort Allen Elementary PTO began in early March after a complaint was filed that there was a shortage of funds within the group’s checking account.
Detectives say Darshanna Truss, the PTO treasurer, pocketed $46,000 from the organization over a span of nearly two years.
“Detectives reviewed the financial records and discovered that between July 1, 2023 to present, Truss was issued 48 checks totaling $28,400 and 30 checks issued to ‘cash’ totaling $17,600. The checks issued directly to Truss were deposited into her personal bank accounts via mobile deposit,” according to investigating Detective Ray Dupilka.
Truss has been the PTO treasurer since 2023, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.
“This is an isolated incident. This is not reflective of our school community, our school district, or anything pertaining to our children or staff,” said Dr. Mark Holtzman, the Hempfield Area School District superintendent.
Holtzman said while the district has no direct oversight over PTO groups, the board will ensure no student was affected by Truss’ actions.
“We’re going to supplement any changes financially that are any experiences that are necessary,” Holtzman said. “The experience for children in that school will remain the same until the PTO can kind of get back on their feet.”
The PTO provides support to students and teachers at Fort Allen Elementary by sponsoring and organizing events, field trips, enrichment programs and other educational activities.
Hotlzman said that despite the incident, students need support.
“We need people to rally around the children, the school, the principal, the district, to help right the wrong,” Holtzman said.
The Fort Allen PTO president released a statement to KDKA saying, “I’m grateful for those investigating this matter and trust the process will be handled thoroughly and fairly. Rebuilding trust within our community and strengthening this organization will take time and effort. That is where the focus is. I’m grateful for the many people who have offered to help in different ways and I believe the PTO’s best days are yet to come.”
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, “Prior to speaking to detectives about the allegations, Truss admitted to providing Fort Allen Elementary school with a $10,000 cashier’s check to be used toward ongoing PTO operations.”
Detectives issued a warrant for Truss’ arrest on Thursday.
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh files lawsuit against fire truck companies over alleged anticompetitive schemes
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a much-needed move ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game, bringing in another infielder and bullpen arm to improve the MLB lineup. Even with the addition of left-hander Brandon Eisert, the Buccos are still seeking further upgrades to their struggling bullpen.
The Pirates now have a few weeks until this year’s Trade Deadline, but they are expected to be active up until the final minutes.
That’s why the organization has to shoot for the stars and target San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. The Pittsburgh-native is one of the latest names to land on the trade rumor mill, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the Pirates to take their bullpen to the next level.
Why Miller Makes Sense for Pirates
There is a rising sense that the All-Star closer is heading out of San Diego. Despite being one of the top relievers in the MLB this season, toting an ERA of 0.91 and picking up 25 saves in 39 innings pitched, he’s on the trade block.
In a recent article for USA Today, Bob Nightengale noted that the MLB is paying close attention to the Padres, with many expecting them to be a selling team as they plummet further in the standings.
“Rival executives are intrigued to see whether A.J. Preller trades Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller at the deadline with their team spiraling downward,” he wrote. “But they laugh at the notion they will receive anything close to the package they surrendered to the Athletics to acquire him.”
That’s exactly what the Pirates need to hear. Yes, they have a solid closer right now in Gregory Soto. He’s been a wonderful replacement with Dennis Santana regressing, but it hasn’t solved the bullpen’s issues.
With Miller on board as the new closer, it gives the Pirates two shutdown arms. With Soto and Miller ready to close games, it brings their mediocre bullpen to suddenly playoff-worthy.
What Would Pirates Need to Give Up for Miller?
As Nightengale noted, the Padres gave up an arm and a leg to bring Miller in last year. They parted with their number two prospect at the time, but the sentiment is that there is not as strong a market for the bullpen arm in 2026.
That’s huge news for the Pirates as well, who have plenty of young players they consider expendable.
Would a package centered around a pitcher like Antwone Kelly or Thomas Harrington be enough to entice the struggling Padres? For the Pirates, it would be a loss to give up either young arm, but the return and hopeful playoff push is beyond worth it.
Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!
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Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Pirates Select Incoming Tennessee Baseball Transfer Outfielder In MLB Draft | Rocky Top Insider
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Tennessee baseball transfer commit Andrew Duncan with the 558th pick (19th round) in the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday afternoon. A Wright State outfielder, Duncan committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal last month.
Duncan is coming off a breakout junior season at Wright State where he slashed .367/.436/.577 with six home runs, 11 doubles, eight triples and 36 RBIs. As the eight triples indicate, speed is a key part of Duncan’s game with the outfielder stealing 19 bases on just 22 attempts.
The Dunedin, Florida native spent his freshman season at Florida State where he played in just 13 games before transferring to Wright State for his sophomore season. Duncan transferred to Tallahassee State College for his sophomore season before moving back up to the division one level at Wright State last season.
More From RTI: Elite Tennessee Baseball Catcher Signee Withdraws From MLB Draft, Will Play for Vols
Duncan played centerfield for the Raiders last season and will likely slide into that same spot at Tennessee next season if he does not sign with Pittsburgh. Outfield was a major point of emphasis for the Vols this offseason after losing Reese Chapman to graduation, Garrett Wright to the MLB Draft and both Jay Abernathy and Nate Eisfelder to the transfer portal.
Losing Duncan would be a real blow because of Tennessee’s need in centerfield for next season. A number of other Vols including Levi Clark, Blake Grimmer and Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey are capable of playing in the outfield but likely could not play centerfield at a high level defensively.
Duncan is one of 11 transfers to commit to Tennessee this offseason along with Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian, Cal Baptist shortstop Chris Ramirez, Baylor infielder Travis Sanders, FIU infielder Mario Trivella, Clemson right-handed pitcher Hayden Simmerson, Louisville right-handed pitcher Parker Detmers, South Carolina left-handed pitcher Jake McCoy, Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair, UC Irvine left-handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda and Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey.
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