YourWestNewton
Yough could see tax hike for 2013-14
By William S. ZirkleYough school directors have approved a proposed 2013-14 budget that raises taxes and uses the fund balance. Acting on the preliminary spending plan at last week’s regular meeting, the school board voted 7-1 to approve a 1.7-mill tax hike taking …
Primary Preview: South Huntingdon Township
By Stacey FederoffFour Democrats are vying for a chance to face off against a lone Republican in the race for a single South Huntingdon Township supervisor seat. …
Smithton councilwoman resigns seat
By William S. ZirkleSmithton Borough Council has accepted the resignation of Councilwoman Nancy Barthels Poland. In a letter read at Monday’s council meeting by council vice president Fred Foster, Poland stated, “It has been a pleasure to serve my community for the past …
West Newton fire chief blasted for son’s use of fire truck for prom
By Joe NapshaThe West Newton fire chief came under fire on Monday for permitting his son to be driven to the Yough High School prom last month in a borough fire truck. Borough council unanimously approved a resolution it will send to …
West Newton native Cyktor rises above challenges
By Stacey FederoffChristie Cyktor of West Newton, graduating from St. Vincent College Saturday with a degree in biochemistry, gave a piece of advice to graduates heading to …
Primary election preview: Sewickley Township supervisor
By Stacey FederoffOne Sewickley Township supervisor seat is open for the primary election on May 21. As the township decides how to spend money allocated by the state from drilling impact fees, also known as Act 13, a committee was formed to …
West Newton begins quest for free gauge money
By Stacey FederoffMuch like Lois Van Kirk, West Newton council is in favor of a river gauge to measure the water levels near the bridge, but with a dollar-sign caveat. Van Kirk, the only resident at a public work session to discuss …
Sutersville authority mulls its options
By Stacey FederoffA link between Sutersville-Sewickley Municipal Sewage Authority and a neighboring organization may be dissolved before the authority decides to terminate it. Rich Schimizzi, solicitor for the authority, told the board members Monday night that Elizabeth Township Sanitary Authority has been …
West Newton drummer Luzier puts on a clinic for fans
By Stacey FederoffJacob Cox remembered when he was in third grade five years ago and then-Yough administrator Sharon Luzier brought her son Ray into his classroom for …
West Newton hopes farmers market complements new square
By Stacey FederoffJust as Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh has become a center for events, dining and entertainment, Barb LaFace of Downtown West Newton Inc., hopes the corners of Main and Water streets can have a similar revitalization for the borough of …
New gauge will monitor Yough at West Newton
By Stacey FederoffAbout this time every year, residents along the Youghiogheny River wait to see if the winter’s snow will melt fast enough to combine with rain showers and cause the waterway to overflow its banks. Emergency management officials in West Newton …
Businesses receive tourism grants from Laurel Highlands bureau
By Stacey FederoffNorman and Linda Lachimia can meticulously describe how the bees buzzing around their property can find their way back to the hive. The owners of …
June 1 ribbon-cutting set for West Newton's Simeral Square
By George SamIn April, the inspection team held Job Conference #7. Dennis Fleeher Contracting is currently installing the remaining wall panels, caps, railings and chain-link fence. New …
Kenton Iwaniec memorial fundraiser in fourth year
By Deborah A. BrehunThe five-year anniversary of Kenton Iwaniec’s death has been a time for his family to reflect about the relatives, friends, law enforcement members and even strangers who, through the fallen trooper’s story, have strengthened their commitment to the fight against …
Yough grad named Mrs. Pennsylvania
By Stacey FederoffMary Brennan had a proud moment when she was awarded the title of Mrs. Pennsylvania earlier this month. It wasn’t the crown being placed on …
Smithton residents get some answers
By William S. ZirkleThe regular meeting of Smithton Council scheduled for April 8 was cancelled because there was not a quorum present. Only council members Carl Cathers, Fred Foster and Dan Barthels were in attendance. Also present were several Smithton residents and Robert …
Wyano teen author is published
By Stacey FederoffNatalie Kohuth was given a scholarship to spend three days at a writing seminar, but she wasn’t sure what she was going to write. Now, …
Yough School District enters into $1 million agreement for Act 39 projects
By William S. ZirkleThe Yough School Board has approved an agreement with Schneider Electric for five Act 39 (guaranteed energy savings) projects totalling just over $1 million. In January the board approved Schneider Electric conducting a program project and providing a preliminary proposal …
New sidewalks to provide fresh look for West Newton's Main Street
By Stacey FederoffAfter the sound of the jackhammer and the concrete dust has settled, West Newton will have an updated Main Street. A $127,200 project through the …
West Newton Council reduces payment to contractor
By Stacey FederoffWest Newton Council approved a deduction in payment to a contractor after fees from the railroad company started piling up as delinquent. A partial payment for work on the $2.5 million sewage upgrade to one of the contractors, Bella Enterprises …
