Julia Felton stories, Page 65
Pennsylvania 4-H virtual program to teach kids to curb carbon appetite
People may not always pay attention to how their daily actions impact the environment — but a statewide virtual 4-H program will aim to teach students about how activities as simple as packing a lunch can have environmental consequences. With a program dubbed Curbing Our Carbon Appetite, students will from...
Freeport Theatre Festival’s ‘The Rainmaker’ features sisters serving as director, actress
Freeport Theatre Festival’s production of “The Rainmaker” is a family project for the Bronder sisters. Kristy and Jen Bronder grew up watching local theater together with their parents. Now, for the first time, they’ll be working together in a local theater production at Freeport Theatre Festival this summer. Jen Bronder...
Alle-Kiski Valley restaurateurs contend with new challenges as they struggle to survive pandemic
Restaurants were hit hard by the pandemic and restrictions meant to curb the spread of covid-19 — and, for many restaurateurs, the struggles aren’t over yet. Navigating a pandemic — and the related rules and restrictions — has been a challenge April Platt never imagined she’d have to overcome. Platt...
Peace poles showcase youth artwork, inspiring messages in Freeport’s Hope Garden
Colorful mosaics and inspirational messages adorn a trio of decorative peace poles which will be dedicated in Freeport’s Hope Garden during a Celebrating Creativity Gala next week. The peace poles bear messages such as “be kind,” “have hope” and “inspire the world.” Jennifer Covey, a Freeport native who owns JLC...
Pitt recommending but not requiring covid-19 vaccine
The University of Pittsburgh is encouraging students and staff to be vaccinated against covid-19, but the school won’t require vaccination. In a Board of Trustees meeting Friday morning, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced the university will not mandate vaccines, also acknowledging having an unvaccinated population on campus “will complicate our responsibility...
Freeport business will hook up outdoorsmen with fishing gear, kayak rentals
If you’re in need of fishing rods, bait or kayak or paddleboard rentals, Jackie Lowes can hook you up. Her new business, The Hook Up, began selling fishing equipment in March. About two weeks ago, Lowes expanded the business to include paddleboard and kayak rentals. “I love what I do....
Thrift shop in Freeport offers clothing free of chargeVideo
Dresses, shorts, pants, purses, swimsuits and children’s clothing fill a room in Freeport United Methodist Church. And they’re all free. Lenora Hancock, 72, of South Buffalo launched the thrift shop at her church about three years ago. “I feel God inspired me to do this,” she said. A man she...
UPMC enrolling kids for Moderna covid vaccine trial
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is enrolling children for a covid-19 pediatric Moderna vaccine trial. Moderna is testing the safety and effectiveness of their covid-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 12 years old. “Certainly, even though we know the vaccines are working in adults and they are safe...
Cannabis dispensary opening in Gibsonia
The first cannabis dispensary in Gibsonia opened its doors on Monday. Ayr Wellness launched the new medical marijuana dispensary, which marks its third location in the state. Ayr Wellness also has locations in New Castle and Plymouth Meeting. The 8,000-square foot Gibsonia location — which includes 30 point-of-sale stations and...
National Weather Service confirms tornado hit near Cranberry
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado hit the Cranberry area during a round of strong storms Monday afternoon. The tornado struck near Mt. Pleasant Road and Dean Road in the Mars area of Allegheny County, National Weather Service Meteorologist Shannon Hefferan said Tuesday. The tornado brought 70 mph winds...
5 things to know about delta variant of coronavirus
Even as covid-19 vaccines become widely available and pandemic restrictions begin to relax, a new variant of the virus raises new worries. The delta variant, first identified in India, is classified as a “variant of concern,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the variant circulates in...
Sharpsburg businesses prepare for extra traffic during Highland Park Bridge ramp closure on Route 28
On Monday, PennDOT crews closed the ramp from northbound Route 28 to the Highland Park Bridge in Sharpsburg to begin a construction project expected to last about three months. As construction workers posted signs warning of closures and detours, Bonnie Demotte scouted spots to put up signs of her own....
Natrona Heights couple ‘crippled’ over daughter’s unsolved homicide as it hits 14th anniversary
When John and Karen Godfrey walk into their living room, they are greeted by photos of their beloved daughter, Kelly Nicole Godfrey Smith. The photos line their hallway and are prominently displayed throughout the home. But those pictures haven’t been updated in 14 years. There haven’t been many updates in...
Freeport resident to recite Declaration of Independence on July 3
For many, the Fourth of July is a day for parades, picnics and fireworks. But for Nick Triveri, it’s an opportunity to commemorate an important piece of history. Triveri, 67, of Freeport, recites the Declaration of Independence to mark the holiday every year. This year will mark the 11th time...
Pitt to purchase 2 Oakland properties for $25 million, expanding campus footprint
The University of Pittsburgh is expanding its Oakland campus with the purchase of two properties for more than $25 million. The first property is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Halket Street. The second consists of 12 parcels on Bates Street, the Boulevard of the Allies and Zulema Street...
Freeport Theatre Festival gears up for summer seasonVideo
At the Freeport Theatre Festival, the show must go on — even more so as the pandemic has produced new hardships for so many. “The arts are absolutely essential for the spirit of people,” said Marushka Steele, who owns and operates the theater with her husband of over 40 years,...
New Kensington community to celebrate Juneteenth
The New Kensington community will come together Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. An event featuring free food, activities, speakers and music will mark the holiday at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in New Kensington. “Juneteenth is a reminder that...
3 Freeport EMTs recognized for lifesaving work
Three Freeport emergency medical technicians are being recognized for their work to save a Freeport woman’s life. Daniel Kline, Kaylee Polena and John Zotter worked to save a Freeport woman after she went into cardiac arrest in her home in early April, according to Mike Greiser, Freeport’s fire marshal and...
Freeport Area School District property taxes to increase between 2.5% and 3%
Homeowners in the Freeport Area School District will pay more in property taxes next school year — either 2.5% or 3%, depending on which county they live in. The district’s final $36.8 million budget for 2021-22, which a divided school board passed Thursday in a 5-4 vote, includes different tax...
Giant Eagle employees honored for saving Buffalo Township shopper’s life
Eileen Harvey was running errands at the Giant Eagle in Buffalo Plaza around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 13. She was buying dog treats and a TV dinner. Then she collapsed in the checkout line. “Apparently, I got to the register and I paid for it, but I never got any...
Fan picks up breakfast tab for The Clarks’ Scott Blasey at Eat’n Park
Scott Blasey, lead vocalist for the Pittsburgh-based rock band The Clarks, was having the Breakfast Smile and an orange juice in a booth at the Eat’n Park in Kirwan Heights on Wednesday. “It’s my favorite meal at Eat’n Park,” said Blasey, who lives in Peters. As he finished his meal,...
Nearby getaways popular for Pennsylvania travelers this summer
After the pandemic forced many to scrap vacation plans last summer, a gaggle of travelers are gearing up for a getaway. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, 63% of people plan to leave their homes for more than two days to enjoy a summer getaway, according...
Cheswick Generating Station, Allegheny County’s only coal-fired power plant, to close
Allegheny County’s only coal-fired power plant is set to permanently close in September. Houston-based GenOn Holdings LLC said Thursday it plans to close Cheswick Generating Station in Springdale by Sept. 15. The company said it also plans to close coal-fired power plants in Avon Lake, Ohio, and Newburg, Md. In...
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood celebrates 2021 graduatesVideo
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood celebrated their 2021 graduates on Thursday. Graduates began their morning with a class photo and a graduation walk through the campus prior to a commencement ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Students, faculty and staff lined the halls to...
Carnegie Mellon alumna develops ‘Significant Otter’ app to help couples emote virtually
Communication is key to a romantic relationship — and an app developed by a Carnegie Mellon alumna is helping couples to communicate better by using their heart rate and animated otters. Fannie Liu is part of a team from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Washington and Snap, which owns...
