Patrick Varine stories, Page 6
Morning Roundup: Washington County barn lost in overnight fire; South Park police warn of scam
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Wednesday, Feb. 4: Washington County barn and livestock lost in fire A barn in New Bethlehem was destroyed by fire late Monday night, “All of our heritage and rare breed sheep were in the barn. They were due to...
Herminie man faces charges in multiple cases in Westmoreland, Fayette counties
A Herminie man is back in jail after, police said, he broke into a Mt. Pleasant Borough home and threatened a woman with a knife. Police were called to a home on the first block of Frick Avenue about 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 after a man called 911 and said...
Morning Roundup: 2 flown from high-rise fire in Washington County; North Versailles businesses reportedly damaged by gunfire
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, Feb. 3: 2 flown from Washington County fire Two people were transported by medical helicopter following a fire Monday evening at a high-rise apartment in Washington County, according to county 911 officials. More than half-dozen fire crews were...
Murrysville receives funds for Route 22 signal, bridge replacement projectsVideo
Murrysville officials have sizable projects to begin under their 2026 capital improvements plan, but having $1.4 million in state funding in hand will help smooth the way. The first is replacing the adaptive traffic signal system along the stretch of Route 22 that runs through Murrysville, along with the traffic...
Former youth football director charged with taking more than $227K in league funds
The former director for the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League who resigned suddenly a little more than a year ago is charged with taking more than $227,000 in league funds. Bill E. Spencer, 57, of Washington is accused of using the money to pay bills, make payments on a Honda...
TribLive Taste Taste: We venture off the beaten path to try some weird salsaVideo
We need to warm up, being that it’s minus-11 degrees out or whatever it happens to be today. And so the TribLive Taste Test team decided to try out some off-the-beaten-path salsa varieties from the American Spoon company. They’re made with some unique ingredients like cherries, peaches and even pumpkin...
Franklin Regional grad completes 1st short film through University of Pittsburgh fellowshipVideo
Gigi Vitolo has always loved storytelling. The Murrysville native has had an interest in theater and performing since middle school. But while she was majoring in business and literature at the University of Pittsburgh, she found herself searching for a creative outlet. When she was awarded the school’s David C....
Murrysville area: Super bingo, hot chocolate hike, cake decorating, more
Email news briefs and event listings to pvarine@triblive.com. Delmont VFD Auxiliary super bingo The Delmont Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will host a $6,000 super bingo night at 6:30 p.m. March 7. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. No one under age...
No injuries reported after gunshots fired toward police in Aliquippa
Police in Aliquippa are investigating after county emergency dispatchers said gunshots were fired at police Wednesday night. County dispatchers told TribLive news partner WTAE that multiple shots were fired along Superior Avenue in Aliquippa near the Valley Terrace Apartments. No injuries were reported....
Police shoot armed man outside Wilkins apartment complexVideo
A man is in critical but stable condition after being shot multiple times by police outside his Wilkins apartment building Wednesday afternoon. The shooting occurred after the man, identified by police as Khalil Collier, 31, of Wilkins, fired his handgun at officers who were responding to a 911 call at...
Murrysville athletic association takes on ‘Kids of Steel’ runnersVideo
Jasper Dawson was excited to see what he called “Pittsburgh City.” His mother, Megan, was excited for her 7-year-old son to join her on a run through the city. Both took part in last year’s Kids of Steel run, part of the annual Pittsburgh Marathon. “I’ve done the half-marathon a...
$250,000 winning Cash 5 ticket sold in Unity
A $250,000 prize-winning Cash 5 ticket was sold over the weekend in Westmoreland County. On Friday, Jan. 23, a Cash 5 with Quick Cash jackpot-winning ticket matched all five balls drawn, 2-18-22-38-43. The winning ticket was sold at Speedway on Village Drive in Unity. Store ownership will receive a $500...
Western Pa. wine, cheesemakers take top honors at 2026 PA Farm ShowVideo
Couples planning for Valentine’s Day could have themselves quite a fancy evening dining solely on some local wine and cheese, which has been judged among the best in Pennsylvania. Western Pennsylvania wine and cheesemakers once again came home with a good deal of accolades from the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show,...
‘Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy’ concert celebrating ‘Freedom House’ re-scheduled for March
The impending winter storm didn’t keep crowds away for Saturday’s debut of “Freedom House,” L.E. McCullough’s play about the country’s first ambulance service staffed by medically-trained paramedics, Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. A day later, with a massive winter storm having dumped more than a foot of...
How to become a National Weather Service reporter in Western Pa.Video
If you have a flat, elevated surface and a ruler, you can help the National Weather Service gather data and refine its forecasts this winter. “When we get snowfall reports, it helps us understand what’s going on and better predict weather in the future,” said NWS meteorologist Jason Frazier. He...
Western Pennsylvania musicians prove age is no barrier to playing liveVideo
It’s been said by many an aging musician that rock ’n’ roll is a young man’s game. Don’t tell that to Joe Grushecky. At 77, Grushecky is a long way from his first gig, where he sang “Woolly Bully” and “Gloria” at the Westmoreland City Fire Hall in the 1960s....
Q&A: Fox Chapel native’s film on human trafficking gets rereleaseVideo
Erin Galey was a long way from her hometown of Fox Chapel when she discovered the story that would inspire her short film, “Brave Girl.” She was a student at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in Singapore, pursuing her master’s degree in film production, when a friend...
Murrysville area: K-9 fundraiser dinner, dress donations, cheer clinic, more
Email news briefs and event listings to pvarine@triblive.com. Delmont K-9 fundraiser The Delmont Police Department will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for its K-9 program. Held from 2-6 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Delmont Volunteer Fire Department, 2360 Route 66, the meal will include an entree, salad, beverage and dessert....
Chilly forecast a boon for Ligonier Ice Fest sculptorsVideo
Even in the dead of winter, nature is the biggest challenge Jared McAlister faces when working with ice. “Rain will melt it. Sunlight will actually heat the ice from the inside and turn it an opaque white color, which we don’t want,” said McAlister, owner of Glacial Ice Works. On...
Esai Aliquo brings Lower Burrell family’s jazz tradition to 3rd generationVideo
Mention the name “Aliquo” to someone in the Alle-Kiski Valley or Pittsburgh, and you’ll likely find yourself in a conversation about jazz music. Don Aliquo Sr., a saxophone player and Lower Burrell resident, has been a fixture in Pittsburgh’s jazz scene for most of the 96 years he’s been alive....
Ruthie’s Diner in Ligonier Township damaged by fire
A fire broke out at Ruthie’s Diner Tuesday night, emergency officials said. Multiple companies were called around 8:10 p.m. for a report of fire coming through the roof at the longtime roadside diner. Route 30 in Ligonier Township was closed in both directions Tuesday night. As of 10:20 p.m., Mutual...
Asian jumping worm threatens U.S. forestsVideo
Some people call it a crazy worm. Some call it an Alabama jumper, although it’s not contained to that state. It’s Amynthas agrestis, one of three main species of earthworm native to southeast Asia that have found their way to North America. It can be distinguished from other earthworms by...
Murrysville area: Cheerleadering youth clinic, comedy night, upcoming meetings, more
Email news briefs and event listings to pvarine@triblive.com. FR Cheer youth clinic The Franklin Regional cheer team will host a Feb. 5 youth clinic, and participants will be able to join them to perform at the Feb. 6 Panther boys varsity basketball game. The clinic is for children ages 5-12....
Delmont the latest town to consider switching animal control provider
Delmont officials will consider changing their animal control provider next month. Councilman Chris Bigley invited representatives of Indiana County no-kill shelter Whiskey Acres Rescue and Sanctuary to council’s meeting Wednesday night to give a presentation on their services. Latrobe and Leechburg in recent weeks have opted to change from Salem-based...
Rutter’s opens 1st store in Westmoreland CountyVideo
Rutter’s, the convenience chain founded by members of the Rutter farm family in York, opened its first location in Westmoreland County on Tuesday. The convenience store, gas station and truck stop located at the corner of Interstate 70 and Waltz Mill Road in Sewickley Township also includes a small bar...
