Western PA Local News category, Page 1239
Toy drive, craft show planned at South Greensburg event center
Patrons can browse among craft vendors while participating in a Stuff A Truck toy drive Sunday in South Greensburg. The drive is set for noon to 4 p.m. at the recently opened Greensburg Event Center, 1700 Washington St. It is hosted by employees of the local office of Certasite, a...
All aboard! Bull Creek Model Railroad Association has holiday train display up and running
Bull Creek Model Railroad Association President Billy Atkinson and Vice President Rick Holsing look over a layout at the group’s display the Bull Creek United Presbyterian Church on Friday, Dec 9, 2022. The display has three layouts with different size trains. It’s capable of running 21 trains. The Holiday Train...
Fort Necessity battle discussion planned for Braddock battlefield site
A discussion of George Washington and his ill-fated battle July 1754 defeat at the hands of the French at Fort Necessity in present-day Fayette County, will be held Sunday. Braddock’s Battlefield History Center at 609 Sixth St., Braddock, will be host to an 18th century roundtable discussion of the Battle...
Irwin church plans St. Lucia’s Day event
St. Lucia’s Day, the festival of lights celebrated in Sweden and Norway, will be observed in Irwin at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 612 Chestnut St., with a children’s activity. Children will be able to do an art project at the church and will be given materials...
Proposed $15.5 million budget in Hampton includes no property tax increase
Property owners in Hampton likely won’t have to pay more in property taxes or in stormwater management fees next year. But they can expect a $5 per month increase in sewer fees for the next two years. Hampton Township Council discussed the township’s proposed $15.5 million budget for 2023 at...
Penguins to replace scoreboard, make other improvements at PPG Paints Arena
Pittsburgh Penguins fans will see a new and improved scoreboard at PPG Paints Arena next hockey season. Pittsburgh’s Sports & Exhibition Authority this week reached an agreement with the Penguins for a larger scoreboard in the Uptown arena. “The new, larger scoreboard allows for an improved fan experience, projection of...
Pitt basketball player Dior Johnson pleads guilty in domestic violence case
A University of Pittsburgh basketball player pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence and was ordered to serve one year of probation. Dior Johnson, 18, a freshman, has been prohibited from being on campus or participating in basketball activities since he was charged, according to defense attorney...
New Kensington man accused of dealing crystal meth, having illegal guns after home raided
Lower Burrell police accused a man of dealing crystal meth and having illegal guns after police raided a home in New Kensington. Daniel Allen Laws, 54, of the 1100 block of Constitution Boulevard was charged with two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and a count of possession of...
Real-world events, from Mars rover to covid-19 to Artemis rocket, are shaping future scientists
For Alison Bresnahan, there isn’t a better time to be a science teacher. From NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission to the James Webb Space Telescope to the Mars Perseverance rover to even the covid-19 pandemic, significant real-world events are inspiring the next generation of scientists — even if they don’t...
Gainey looks to revamp Art Commission after removing all prior commissioners
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Friday said he is looking to change how the city’s Art Commission functions, weeks after removing all prior commissioners from their posts. Gainey’s office and the Department of City Planning proposed to split the Art Commission into two separate committees — one that will review...
PennDOT to install signals on Route 30, shift southbound Route 119 lanes in Youngwood
PennDOT hopes to improve safety at key intersections along Route 30 in Westmoreland County by installing lighted signs to alert motorists about upcoming traffic signals. The work by contractor Bruce Merrilees Electric Co. is expected to trigger single-lane restrictions on the highway between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays, beginning...
Rachel Carson Bridge to close weeknights
The Rachel Carson Bridge is slated to close weeknights beginning Monday. The closures, which will not occur in inclement weather, will last from 8 p.m. till 6 a.m. The overnight closures are expected to last at least two months as crews install enhanced lighting on the span, according to Allegheny...
New Kensington-Arnold approves repairs, improvements at all schools
The New Kensington-Arnold School Board has approved several projects that will see improvements, upgrades and fixes touching on all of the district’s schools. At the high school, the board approved negotiating a contract with Pittsburgh Stage to renovate the auditorium stage’s rigging and tracks, electrical and lighting systems. Business Manager...
Leechburg Area first graders collaborate with high school students to create custom candles
Some Leechburg Area High School art students are on a melt mission, helping first graders create homemade candles for the holidays. Almost two dozen students at David Leech Elementary School participated in a Creation Candles workshop at the high school, hosted by the art marketing, design and technology class taught...
Murrysville holds public hearing for 2nd fracking well on Plum border
Work on a second fracking site in Murrysville could begin next summer if officials OK the project. Olympus Energy already owns and operates the Titan well pad off Bollinger Road. The company is proposing an eight-well pad off Logans Ferry Road near the northern tip of Murrysville. Olympus is seeking...
Some Pittsburgh council members befuddled by spending of parks tax revenue
Much of the money collected through Pittsburgh’s parks tax will go to maintenance and necessary equipment. However, none of the money is going to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the independent nonprofit that advocated for the tax, in the proposed 2023 budget. Some Pittsburgh City Council members on Thursday questioned whether...
Neighbors support Derry Township family after house fire
A Derry Township family that has supported the community in the past is grateful for the help they’ve received since a fire damaged their home this week. Cory Stile, his wife Anna and two children made it out of their Uschak Road home after it caught fire Monday night and...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County this weekend: Dec. 9-11
Cookies galore The annual Christmas Cookie Tour is set for 5 to 8 p.m. today in downtown Irwin. Local businesses, churches and restaurants will be open to offer cookie samples, while supplies last. The family-friendly festivities will include horse and carriage rides, Christmas karaoke, kids’ cookie decorating and a visit...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 9-11Video
Pop culture, vinyl records, artisan gift wares and holiday music take the stage this weekend in the Pittsburgh area. Comics and more Doors open at 10 a.m. Friday for Steel City Con, Pittsburgh’s premier comic book and pop culture convention, at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd. The convention...
Advent services, Torah yoga and more at Sewickley area places of worship
Beth Samuel Jewish Center Shabbat Morning Services are held every Saturday at 10 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Kabbalat Shabbat Services (via Zoom), 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Torah Yoga, 8:45 a.m. Dec. 17. Join Jennifer Ferris-Glick via Zoom for mindful yoga and meditation. Free for all ages. Annual Chanukah...
Short stack, short staff: Restaurant industry still hurting for workers
For Tracy Allison, a bartender who serves the dining room at Ligonier Tavern and Table while completing a host of other tasks, finding good employees has been an ongoing challenge. “I have no earthly idea why” it has been so hard to attract and retain workers, said Allison, a Ligonier...
Drug forfeitures, seizures fund police equipment purchases in Westmoreland County
The Allegheny Township Police Department is doing away with its “bring your own gun to work” routine with help from the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. The department used $9,300 it received from District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli to buy 15 department-issued 9 mm handguns and holsters for all of its...
Greensburg Rotary gives town clock face-lift during courthouse garage reconstruction
Greensburg’s town clock is getting a face-lift and update while the site it occupied since 1991 outside the Westmoreland County Courthouse is under construction. The four-sided clock had to be removed from the corner of Courthouse Square to make way for ongoing reconstruction of a county parking garage underneath the...
East Huntingdon man arrested after setting fire to Reservoir Street home
An East Huntingdon man is behind bars after state police said he started a fire Wednesday morning in the house where he lives with a relative, according to court papers. Joseph C. Bosas, 59, was charged with aggravated arson, reckless burning, risking catastrophe and related offenses. Police and firefighters were...
Greensburg rec department accepts Santa letters, entries for holiday decorating contest
Greensburg’s recreation department is initiating a holiday decorating contest for residents, with entries due by 4 p.m. next Friday, Dec. 16. “If you live in the city, you can send in a picture of your house or apartment that you have decorated,” said Lydia Kinkaid, recreation program manager. Photos of...
