Politics from the pulpit now OK, IRS says
The Rev. Bob Ross’ weekly messages to parishioners at Heritage Baptist Church in Jeannette never tackle politics. It’s the way Ross views his role as a local faith leader. “I”m not political, so I’m not going to talk about politics from the pulpit,” Ross said. “My job is not to...
Green thumbs, novice plant growers welcome to annual Garden in the Park
The peak of the summer garden season is finally here. To celebrate, the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Allegheny County once again will host its free event for green thumbs and novice plant growers alike. Garden in the Park will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July...
In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area
McCandless looking to hire finance assistant McCandless is seeking applications for a well-rounded, experienced and self-motivated finance assistant. The full-time position performs duties as assigned by the finance director and town manager. Typical duties include, but are not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciling vendor statements and resolving purchase...
Fire-damaged vacant building in Jeannette back in city’s hands
The fate of a fire-damaged building on Clay Avenue in Jeannette is back in the hands of taxpayers. Council on Thursday unanimously approved rescinding the transfer of the property after a sale apparently fell through. In January 2024, council approved transferring 416-418 Clay Ave. to the Jeannette Redevelopment Authority and...
Making Strides: Westmoreland horse show blends competition with compassion
Jillian Masciantonio spent most of the weekend multitasking. She handed out ribbons to winning horse handlers in a show arena at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds under a blazing July sun. She listened for her name on a radio in between taking questions from a reporter to make sure the Summer Showcase...
Hot, muggy weather forecast to continue along with risk of excessive rainfall
Thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties on Sunday have expired, but the risk for more heavy rain along with oppressively muggy weather continues into the coming week, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service issued warnings for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding...
Plum fracking injection well battle continues as company appeals rejection
The years-long battle over a second injection well in Plum will continue. That’s because oil company Penneco Environmental Solutions filed an appeal in Allegheny County Court on Friday to the Plum Zoning Hearing Board’s rejection of the well last month. The Delmont-based firm has been attempting to convert a natural...
Curran Funeral Home prioritizes families, community during 50 years of business
Being a co-owner and funeral director at Curran Funeral Homes is a full-circle experience for James Kunkle, 48, of Vandergrift. Kunkle’s father, Arthur “Art” Kunkle, 70, of Apollo, purchased the funeral homes in 2002 after Gary Curran’s passing. Art Kunkle worked by Curran’s side for years before his death. Curran...
Westmoreland happenings: Golf ball drop, blood drive, parish festival, more
Fundraisers • Community Revitalization of West Newton will sponsor a golf ball drop at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, in Vine Street Park. Three hundred balls will be dropped from a bucket truck and the closest to the bull’s-eye will receive half of the take. Winner need not be present....
Burrell School Board to consider bids for Bon Air Elementary construction projects
The Burrell School Board will meet Tuesday to consider awarding contracts for construction at Bon Air Elementary School. The board will consider hiring contractors for a cafeteria addition, air conditioning and boiler repairs at Bon Air, said Superintendent Shannon Wagner. Bids haven’t yet been made public but architects previously estimated...
The Stroller, July 13, 2025: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. SpongeBob and pals to...
A year after their father’s death, Corey Comperatore’s daughters still looking for their new normal
Each Valentine’s Day, Allyson Comperatore said, her father brought home flowers for her and her sister. This February, the first without their dad, friends and neighbors came together to shower the daughters with flowers. “We’ve had people there for us every step of the way, whether it was shoulders to...
Golden lamp returns to top of Lamp Theatre marqueeVideo
The lamp above The Lamp Theatre marquee in downtown Irwin was returned to its rightful place Saturday morning after a lengthy refurbishing. “It was all coming apart. The finish was coming off of it,” said Mike Brady, an Irwin public works employee who took on the task of giving new...
Detours to begin during work on culvert in Ligonier Township, Sutersville rail crossing
Traffic detours will begin Monday in Sutersville and Tuesday in Ligonier Township as crews in the respective municipalities work on railroad crossing maintenance and replacement of a culvert. Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday and continuing through late Friday, First Street in Sutersville will be closed between First and Third avenues...
Here’s how weather alerts, warnings make it to the public in Western Pa.
The repercussions of fatal flooding on the Fourth of July in the sun-scorched Texas Hill Country are being felt more than a week later and 1,500 miles away in the similarly hilly terrain of Western Pennsylvania. Those reflecting on the tragedy are not just people shaken by the loss of...
Community comes together to remember Antwon Rose on his birthday
Antwon Rose Jr. would have turned 25 Saturday. He was fatally shot by police Officer Michael Rosfeld in East Pittsburgh on June 19, 2018, after being suspected of attempted murder by participating in a drive-by shooting. It was announced during the trial in March 2019 that Rose was unarmed when...
Police say ‘irate’ person stabbed, 2nd suffers cuts in McKeesport bus station incident
A man described as “irate” was stabbed and a second person suffered cuts during an incident at the McKeesport bus station Saturday morning. Port Authority Police charged Brayden Dixon, 21, of Indianapolis, Ind., with a felony count of aggravated assault, misdemeanor counts of simple assault, indecent exposure and open lewdness,...
With 911 working normally, investigation continues into cause of outages
Pennsylvania’s 911 system is again functioning normally. Late Friday, 911 calls resumed routing normally across the state, after what were described as “intermittent outages” earlier in the day. The root cause of the issue is under investigation, and an independent review will be performed to determine what can be done...
Nighttime traffic restrictions planned for Coxcomb Hill, Logans Ferry roads
Overnight work to repair Coxcomb Hill and Logans Ferry roads through Plum is scheduled to begin Monday night and continue through late November, PennDOT announced. Traffic will be restricted to a single, alternating lane between 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly on Coxcomb Hill Road between Hulton and Logans Ferry...
Ohio woman charged in Murrysville bank fraud scheme
An Ohio woman police believe is part of an organized crime group is accused of involvement in a check cashing scheme in Murrysville, according to authorities. State police released surveillance photos of the suspect last month, seeking help identifying her in connection with the theft of $5,400 in a fraud...
Jeannette police to patrol highrise
City police will begin patrolling Jeannette Manor after council approved an agreement with the Westmoreland County Housing Authority. Jeannette Police Chief Derek Manley said he thinks the move will boost relationships with residents and deter crime. “I feel that it’s a big benefit for the department and the residents both,”...
Norwin grad bounces back with Gold Glove season for Seton Hill
One way to put a substandard season behind you is to follow it with a more catchy year. That is what Jack Whalen did this spring with Seton Hill baseball. “Jumpin Jack” got his flash back, canvassing the outfield and delivering clutch hits from the leadoff spot. The rising senior...
AI-powered heart scans transform care at Allegheny Valley Hospital
Cardiovascular analysis that used to take hours can now be done with the click of a button at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison. As artificial intelligence seeps into almost every aspect of life, the technology is helping to revolutionize medical care at the Allegheny Health Network community hospital. “When you...
Researchers zero in on site where George Washington had brush with friendly fire, unveil artifacts
Four years of digging for artifacts in the Ligonier area have shed new light on a little-known “friendly fire” incident in George Washington’s military career and have put what turned out to be a pivotal episode in the French and Indian War on firmer ground. “We found it. I’m confident...
Construction of Valley High School pedestrian bridges continues
Plans are underway to complete construction of the two pedestrian bridges over Pucketa Creek at Valley High School. Initial school board approval occurred in October 2023. These bridges served as the main pedestrian access to the school from its student parking lot. Students have been using alternate building entrances during...
