Western PA Local News category, Page 2119
Pittsburgh officials plan occupancy checks during St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Pittsburgh Public Safety officials on Thursday urged caution in weekend St. Patrick’s Day parties as warm weather moves in and the covid-19 vaccines offer a hope that gatherings and celebrations could return soon along with a sense of normalcy. “Now is not the time to let down our guard,” Public...
Monroeville designated as a 2021 Banner Community
Monroeville joined more than 70 other entities within Allegheny County when it was named recently as a Banner Community. Allegheny County announced March 8 that 68 municipalities and five municipal authorities earned the distinction for their “commitment to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability and proactive communications to engage...
Richland Elementary first grader reaches goal of collecting 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for Hampton Fields Village
Richland Elementary first-grader Brielle Connelly hasn’t been a Girl Scout all that long, but she takes the oath to heart. The 6-year-old set out recently to spread kindness in a big way by collecting 100 boxes of cookies for the residents at Hampton Fields Village, a UPMC independent living retirement...
2 firefighters hurt battling blaze on Tarentum’s East Ninth AvenueVideo
Two firefighters were injured battling a fire Thursday morning on Tarentum’s East Ninth Avenue, which left four residents homeless. Highland Hose fire Chief Terry Chambon said two firefighters from Citizens Hose suffered minor burns and were taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison. They were treated and released hours later....
Police investigate after swastika drawings found in Mt. Lebanon school
An investigation is underway after two swastika images were found inside a bathroom stall in Jefferson Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District. Principal Sarah Shaw sent a letter to families Tuesday alerting them to the second drawing. The first drawing had been found March 2, and an investigation...
Thomas Jefferson High School senior a finalist in Pittsburgh Public Theater monologue competitionVideo
A Thomas Jefferson High School senior was recently recognized for his performance of a monologue from Shakespeare’s “Richard III” play. Nathan Mutale, 17, finished as one of 25 finalists in this year’s Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare Monologue and Scene competition. Around 1,000 students from the region competed in this year’s...
Greensburg Salem moves to 4 days a week in April; district prepares to vaccinate staff
Greensburg Salem teachers will begin receiving covid vaccines Friday as the district prepares to bring students back to school four days a week. Hayden’s Pharmacy will administer the first of two doses of the Pfizer vaccine to district faculty and staff, according to Superintendent Gary Peiffer. The second dose likely...
Ex-Mutual Aid garage supervisor accused of theft by Greensburg police
A former Mutual Aid Ambulance supervisor is charged with theft after an audit indicated he acquired personal vehicle parts and tires for a himself and a relative last year that were purchased through the Greensburg-based service’s business account, according to court documents. Ben Malesky, 56, of Cook Township also instructed...
Jeannette officials look to pinch pennies to restore $278K to capital reserve account
Jeannette officials said they are hoping to come up with about $278,000 that was moved out of its capital reserve account last year and never replaced. Solicitor Tim Witt is examining a $1.9 trillion covid-19 relief bill passed by federal lawmakers to see if any funds would be available to...
How sweet it is: Ice cream, custard stands opening, including new one in Arnold
The harbingers of spring are here. Glen’s Frozen Custard, with locations in Lower Burrell and Springdale, opens Thursday. Della’s Frozen Custard opens Friday. And early Sunday, clocks will be turned ahead an hour for Daylight Saving Time. Mom-and-pop frozen custard and ice cream shops have been opening this month throughout...
Why pandemic challenges persist at Pennsylvania’s nursing homes
Covid-19 cases at nursing homes have fallen sharply in recent weeks, signaling hope for weary staffers and residents who yearn for visitors and fresh air after a year living in isolation and fear. “They’re tired, and they’re exhausted. … It’s just been a tragedy on every conceivable level,” said Mark...
Police: Body of woman reported missing in January found in Fayette County
A woman missing from Fayette County since January was found dead, according to state police. Melanie Prokop, 62, was found Wednesday evening in a wooded area off Kennedy Road in North Union Township, police said. Prokop, who was last seen Jan. 1 driving her white vehicle, was reported missing Jan....
CCAC student from Penn Hills named to All-USA Academic Team
Community College of Allegheny County student Kerry Katz of Penn Hills is one of 20 students nationwide named to the All-USA Academic Team. The All-USA academic honor is for students attending associate degree-granting institutions. Each college can nominate two students for demonstrating academic achievement, leadership and civic growth. Katz will...
Person taken to hospital after early morning fire in Elliott
One person was taken to the hospital following a house fire in Pittsburgh’s Elliott neighborhood early Thursday morning. Fire, police and EMS responded to the 900 block of Gibson Street shortly after 3 a.m., according to an Allegheny County emergency dispatcher. Crews found flames on the first floor of the...
The Stroller, March 11, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
The Valley News Dispatch will publish a list of community Easter egg hunts and activities. To have an event listed online and in the print edition, send the information as soon as possible to The Stroller, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Fourth Ave., Tarentum PA 15084 or email Carol Pinto-Smith; email...
Norwin-area charges filed, March 11, 2021
Charges filed with North Huntingdon District Judge Wayne Gongaware. All individuals have the right to a preliminary hearing and are innocent until proven guilty before a judge in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas. • Devon W. Anderson, 30, of Jeannette, by North Huntingdon police with receiving advancement payment...
Irwin OKs buying 75 refurbished meters; sets rates at 25 cents for half-hour
Irwin officials took steps this week to standardize parking rates in the borough at 25 cents for 30 minutes. It’s part of an ongoing process that will start with buying 75 refurbished digital parking meters that will replace mechanical ones. Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the standardized rate. It will...
Divine Mercy Academy in Monroeville on remote learning due to covid cases, staffing
Divine Mercy Academy in Monroeville switched to remote learning this week due to four positive covid cases and staffing concerns, Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh officials announced Wednesday. All athletic practices and games were also suspended until Monday, when in-person instruction is expected to resume. Officials said school families were notified...
Oakmont, Verona named banner communities by Allegheny League of Municipalities
Oakmont and Verona have been named banner communities by the Allegheny League of Municipalities. The program recognizes communities that show a commitment to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability, and proactive communications to engage community stakeholders. The two were among 68 communities and five municipal authorities recognized this year,...
Depreciation Lands Museum in Allison Park to host volunteer orientation, preparing for new season
Depreciation Lands Museum, a Colonial era living history settlement in Allison Park, is gearing up for a new season and welcoming new volunteers. Volunteers, also called interpreters, dress in 18th century garb and demonstrate what life was like during that time period. There are some hands-on activities such as spinning...
Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, Indiana, O’Hara and Sharpsburg named Banner Communities
Several Fox Chapel Area municipalities were named this week as Banner Communities for their prudent finances, transparency and proactive communications. A total of 71 communities and five municipal authorities were lauded by the Allegheny League of Municipalities and Allegheny County, among them Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, Indiana Township, O’Hara and Sharpsburg....
Classes at Leechburg Area Junior/Senior High School to be taught online Thursday, Friday due to covid
Classes at Leechburg Area Junior/Senior High School will be taught online Thursday and Friday after several cases of covid-19 were reported. However, elementary school students will continue to be taught in school, as will students attending Lenape Technical School. School buses will follow their normal schedule. Classes for grades six...
Verona finance director Jerry Kenna resigns; council hires new bookkeeper, payroll service
Verona finance director Jerry Kenna has resigned from the borough, again. The former borough manager turned money manager submitted his resignation via email, which was read by council President Nancy Carpenter at at council’s March 9 meeting. “Due to the growth of my business and my family, it is time...
Buffalo Township man died hours after being rescued from deep ravine
A Buffalo Township man was alive Tuesday night when authorities found him at the bottom of a deep ravine about a quarter-mile from his home following a six-hour search. But any relief that came from finding Dennis Fester, 74, was fleeting. He was flown by emergency helicopter to Pittsburgh’s Allegheny...
New fed relief plan saves aid for 925,000 Pennsylvanians, state says
Congress extended a lifeline to about 925,000 Pennsylvanians who get federal unemployment benefits by giving final approval Wednesday to a $1.9 trillion covid relief package. The House on Wednesday passed the American Rescue Plan, after the Senate approved its own version of the controversial stimulus bill on March 6. President...
