Local category, Page 2049
A year later, Plum students return to school 5 days a week
For the first time in a year, Plum students have had a somewhat normal week. “The kids are excited,” said Matt Walling, a parent of two Plum students. He was waiting to pick up his fourth grader at Holiday Park Elementary on a warm Tuesday in March, exactly one year...
Penn Township woman arrested in connection with stabbing at Trafford tavern
A Penn Township woman is behind bars after, police say, she stabbed a man at a Trafford tavern early Wednesday. Brenda Renee Stitt, 45, was found by officers hiding in an upstairs room at Anthony’s Hotel & Tavern. She is charged with aggravated assault, hindering apprehension, conspiracy and related offenses....
Penn Hills hires Public Financial Management to appraise its sewer system
Penn Hills council hired a financial firm March 15 to appraise its sewer system despite concerns voiced by the mayor that the municipality is “on a frightening path.” Council voted 3-2 in favor of hiring Philadelphia-based Public Financial Management (PFM) to look into how much the municipality’s sewer system is...
Latrobe athletic director to retire, will continue role as wrestling coachVideo
Mark Mears’ days as an administrator at Latrobe are nearing an end, but not his involvement with the district’s wrestling program. The school board this week accepted Mears’ retirement as the district’s athletic director, a post he has held for about 11 years. The resignation will take effect Aug. 6....
Westmoreland DA candidate excused from jury duty after failing to show
Nicole Ziccarelli was excused from jury duty after not showing up Monday morning at the Westmoreland County courthouse, according to Nancy Murtland, jury board clerk. Ziccarelli, a lawyer from New Kensington, is a Republican candidate for county district attorney. She was one of 160 prospective jurors summoned to appear the...
IUP announces plans for in-person commencement
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Wednesday joined a growing chorus of universities announcing plans for in-person commencement this spring Officials said plans call for as many as six ceremonies May 7 and 8 for May and August 2021 graduates. Plans include a ceremony for graduates receiving master’s and doctoral degrees on...
Pitt, Carnegie Mellon launch joint center to combat extremist hate
Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh are joining forces in a new research center designed to study and seek ways to halt the proliferation of extremist hate. The announcement comes amid rising fears about ethnic violence against Asian Americans. On Tuesday night in Atlanta, a gunman killed eight people,...
New solar-powered LEDs to light the way along popular South Park walking trail
In a few weeks, strolling down a popular pedestrian trail in South Park will no longer just be a daytime affair. Work has begun on a project to illuminate a roughly 2-mile portion of the trail running along Corrigan Drive between Library and Brownsville roads with 122 energy-efficient solar-powered lights....
Zebra, camel OK’d for Victory Stables in Washington Township
Things are about to get exotic in Washington Township. Township supervisors on Thursday approved a request by Victory Stables on Camp Nancy Road to house two exotic animals. Victory Stables manager Jessica Corbin, 31, said she plans to acquire a zebra and a camel within the next few months and...
Families from several communities play at Plum park Tuesday afternoon
Families from Plum, Monroeville and other communities took advantage of the sun and mild weather by heading outdoors for a little fun. Some showed up at the O’Block Playground on Monroeville Trestle Road in Plum for swinging on swings and climbing on playground equipment on Tuesday afternoon....
Westmoreland news includes cash bash, March for Parks
Fundraisers • The Hop Into Spring Virtual Cash Bash to benefit Action for Animals Humane Society will be at 5 p.m. March 27 on Facebook. For tickets, 50/50 and raffle chances visit one.bidpal.net/afaspringcb. • A craft show will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20 and 21 at...
Beaver federal credit union head charged with embezzling $2 million
The former president and CEO for the credit union at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 712 in Beaver was charged in federal court this week with embezzling more than $2 million. Stacey Shaw, of Industry, is charged by criminal information with embezzlement and willful failure to file...
Yinz Citizen virtual concert to return in September with Pittsburgh musicians
On the heels of a successful event that raised $54,000 last November for 412 Food Rescue, the “Yinz Citizen” virtual concert is returning this year. The event will take place on Sept. 16. The inaugural virtual show brought together 25 local bands and artists including Wiz Khalifa, Joe Grushecky, The...
Group still trying to secure meeting with Bishop Zubik to argue closure of St. Philip School
A group fighting to keep St. Philip Catholic School in Crafton open is in a standoff with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as neither party can agree on the conditions of a meeting between attorneys and Bishop David Zubik. The Committee to Save St. Philip School in February appealed the bishop’s...
Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company to host annual Good Friday fish fry
More than 1,000 pieces of fish will hit the fryers at Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Good Friday fundraiser. The April 2 event will offer eat-in and takeout service in hopes of reeling in profits for the fire department. Sandwiches, dinners and a la carte items will be served from...
Indiana Co. man charged with shooting at woman at Taco Bell, indicted on federal gun charge
An Indiana County man was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday — months after police said he shot at a woman who had a protection from abuse order against him. Todd Matthew Jaksoh, 33, of Indiana, was indicted on one count of illegally possessing a weapon while subject...
Monessen man faces drug, gun charges after traffic stop
A Monessen man was arrested Saturday in Rostraver after state police said they found him in possession of a gun and drugs, according to court papers. Rashawn Ford, 25, is charged with drug possession, weapons violations and other offenses. State police said they pulled over a car with an expired...
Jeannette duplex damaged in fireVideo
A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a fire Wednesday morning at a duplex in Jeannette, according to fire Capt. Joe Matijevic. Firefighters were met with flames on the first floor of the Good Street home at 7:30 a.m. “The living room and dining room, the whole...
Pine splash pad getting new pavilion
People who take their kids to the splash pad at the Pine Community Center will now have a place to escape the summer heat with the addition of a pavilion for the upcoming season. Also new this year will be a user fee for people who live outside the township....
Despite pandemic, these Western Pa. lawmakers cashed in on taxpayers’ dime
Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Despite the coronavirus pandemic and a lengthy statewide shutdown, Pennsylvania state lawmakers — led by Democrats in the House — still...
Highlands to offer in-person instruction 4 days a week
Highlands School District will begin four day in-person instruction on March 29. The change, approved by the school board this week, was made after a district survey found that 80% of parents and caregivers were in favor of it. The survey did not provide respondents with the option of staying...
The Stroller, March 17, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Neighbors helping neighbors. Its all here in today’s Stroller: Drive-through food distribution set at Lernerville Speedway Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host a drive-through food distribution for anyone in need from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lernerville Speedway, 313 N. Pike Road, Buffalo Township. No cars are...
Riverview School District to offer all students full-time, in-school instruction starting in April
All Riverview School District students will have the option of full-time, in-person or virtual instruction starting next month. It is part of the district’s plan to eliminate its hybrid model where students are split into two groups with each having a couple of days of in-class instruction and virtual learning...
Verona, Oakmont planning to host Memorial Day parade
Oakmont and Verona officials are working to restore the twin boroughs’ Memorial Day parade. The annual event to honor the men and women who fought and died for this country was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Both borough councils recently gave approval to their respective committees to begin...
On verge of strike, United Steelworkers rally outside ATI’s Brackenridge facility
Leisa Brothers held up a rubber chicken in one hand, and in her other, a handwritten sign against the management of Allegheny Technologies Inc.: “Corporate greed is killing the American dream.” “We’re fighting for a fair contract,” said Brothers of Sarver, a United Steelworkers janitor who has worked at the...
