5 candidates compete for 4 seats on Murrysville council
The five Republicans who will compete for four open seats on Murrysville council are all casting an eye toward the municipality’s future — in particular, how it will grow. “One of the biggest challenges is maintaining our infrastructure while thoughtfully and conservatively managing growth,” said incumbent Jason Lemak, 47. “I’ll...
Westmoreland historical society hires new leader; museum hires deputy director
A longtime executive director is leaving the Westmoreland County Historical Society’s top post and will be replaced by an experienced leader in nonprofits. Meanwhile, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art has a new fundraiser and external affairs representative. The historical society will have a change in leadership for the first...
When the land runs out, so does much of the money for cemeteries
In September, Jacquelyn Connell asked Oakmont officials for help. Connell, 39, of Glenshaw is the only paid employee of the Verona Cemetery in Oakmont, also known as the Oakmont Verona Cemetery, which is quickly running out of money. If nothing changes, the cemetery will be broke in three years, she...
New Ken veterinarian shocked by ‘callous,’ ‘two-faced’ funeral director accused of mishandling remains
Following the sudden death of her cat, CrackerJack, this year, Dr. Betsy Kennon said what she got back from the funeral home that cremated him was so lovely that she was moved to thank the man responsible in person. “I thought he was warm, he was friendly, he was sympathetic...
Hats off to PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Hat Luncheon, which raised a record amount
Marquerite Westinghouse hosted elaborate dinners and soirees at her and her husband George’s estate on what is now the grounds of Westinghouse Park. There are photographs of her wearing fancy headpieces. So the site became a fitting space for another big-time party Saturday — the annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy...
Fort Allen Farm Equipment Association continues event showcasing skills, trades and history
The Fort Allen Farm Equipment Association’s annual Hammer-In and Plow Days continues Sunday at the association’s demonstration site near West Overton Village in East Huntingdon. The event aims to educate visitors and give them a taste of skills, trades and history. There is old-fashioned farm equipment on display, including plows,...
Family says Pirates fan who fell over Clemente Wall at PNC Park is awake, alert, able to speak
The 20-year-old Pirates fan who fell from the stands onto the field at PNC Park on Wednesday is making progress toward recovering, friends and family said on social media Saturday. Kavan Markwood had been listed in critical condition after falling 21 feet from the Clemente Wall in the park’s right...
Crews continue making progress restoring power following destructive storms
Power outages across the Pittsburgh region stemming from Tuesday’s destructive storms had fallen to about 72,000, according to power utilities Duquesne Light and West Penn Power. Duquesne Light said it expects to restore power to all of its customers by 11 p.m. Tuesday, but that most customers are expected to...
Pittsburgh man sentenced for 2013 slaying of man who tried to stop a robbery
The man police say was responsible for killing a grocery store customer during a 2013 bank robbery in Washington County has been sentenced to 20 to 40 years in a state prison, according to Trib news partner WTAE. Keith D. Wilk, 41, of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and...
Julia Parsons, U.S. Navy code-breaker during World War II, dies
Julia Parsons, a U.S. Navy code-breaker during World War II who kept a military secret about her assignment for decades, including from her Army husband, Don, died April 18 A longtime resident of Forest Hills, she was 104. “Julia was a pioneer for women’s roles in American Society,” said Todd...
Private investigator to offer $100K reward in Cherrie Mahan case
A private investigator plans to offer a $100,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the discovery of Cherrie Mahan, who vanished 40 years ago from a school bus stop in Winfield. Steve Ridge, an Iowa-based private eye, took on Cherrie’s case pro-bono nearly three months ago. Backed by a...
The Stroller, May 3, 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. Tickets on sale for...
Greensburg Salem collecting dress clothes donations for 8th grade graduation event
Cleaning out your closets this spring? Greensburg Salem is collecting gently used dress clothes for eighth grade students in need of semi-formal attire for the middle school graduation dinner and dance. The dance was launched by then-assistant principal Joseph Nava in the 1970s to celebrate students’ transition from middle to...
7 candidates seek party nods to run for 4 seats in Leechburg Area School Board race
The May 20 primary ballot will feature some familiar faces vying for four open seats on the Leechburg Area School Board. Incumbents Darius Lovelace, 73; Candi Stewart, 68; Ashley Coudriet, 45; and Jimmy Feudale, 65, are seeking to keep their seats. They are being challenged by Neill Brady, 76, and...
Braddock man arrested in connection with slaying of Penn Hills man amid heavy gunfire
A Braddock man has been charged with homicide and other crimes in connection with a fatal shooting Thursday of a Penn Hills man during a gun battle. Allegheny County Police arrested William Thomas “Zeno” Hurst, 39, on Friday. Online court documents indicate Hurst was denied bail and remains in the...
WESA, WYEP, WQED will persist despite Trump’s executive order, their leaders say
President Donald Trump’s attempt to defund NPR and PBS may remove about 5% from the budgets of television and radio stations contributed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. All things considered, it also would represent a minuscule cut in the federal budget, said Terry O’Reilly, president and CEO of Pittsburgh...
Class action lawsuit filed against funeral director accused of dumping pet remains
Two of the thousands of pet owners allegedly defrauded by a local funeral director have filed a class action lawsuit in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. They’re seeking financial damages from Patrick Vereb, who ran funeral homes in Pittsburgh and Harrison until being hit with multiple felony charges earlier...
Fetterman’s ex-chief of staff warned doctor of mental health concerns, report says
The former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. John Fetterman grew so concerned about the Pennsylvania Democrat’s behavior last year he wrote a detailed letter to Fetterman’s doctor, warning that the politician appeared to be experiencing significant mental health challenges that could pose serious risks to his well-being, according to...
Ligonier Valley School Board member Joseph Vella dies suddenly at home
The Ligonier Valley School District community was shocked this week by the unexpected death of school board member Joseph Vella. Vella, 54, who was midway through his first term on the board, died Tuesday at his Ligonier Township home. The cause of death has yet to be determined, according to...
Prayers pour in for Pirates fan hurt in fall from PNC Park stands
A 20-year-old Pirates fan who fell 21 feet from the Clemente Wall in right field of PNC Park during Wednesday’s win against the Chicago Cubs remained in critical condition Friday. Friends and family of Kavan Markwood, who has ties to several Mon Valley towns including McKeesport and Liberty, didn’t respond...
Detour announced for Hulton Road in Oakmont
PennDOT officials have announced a detour implemented for Hulton Road, which is closed between Allegheny Avenue and Fifth Street in Oakmont. The state road was among many devastated by Tuesday’s storms. Police Chief Michael Ford said he anticipated the main thoroughfare to be closed for at least a few days...
Study highlights economic impact of Westmoreland Cultural Trust
The Westmoreland Cultural Trust, through its operation of the Palace Theatre in Greensburg and other real estate holdings and sponsored activities, had an economic impact to the county of nearly $13 million last year, according to a study released by the nonprofit agency. Executive Director Benjamin Luczak said the trust...
Days after devastating storm, thousands hold on without power
Rico, 71, and Chris Fontana, 68, were left trapped in their powerless Allegheny Township home after Tuesday’s violent storm downed a large pine tree across their driveway and scattered wires, trees and a transformer across the nearby road. Living on well water, the Fontanas were left with dry shower heads...
Ross offers municipal building for electronics charging; dumpster to be set up for spoiled food, storm debris
Ross officials are inviting residents who remain without power from Tuesday’s deadly storm to stop by the township municipal building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, to use its WiFi and charge electronic devices. As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, more than 2,300 Duquesne Light customers in the 15237 ZIP code were without...
Federal grand jury indicts man previously arrested for Trump assassination threats
A federal grand jury has indicted a Butler County man already in custody on charges of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and other federal officials. Shawn Monper, 32, of Butler Township was arrested last month and accused of posting threats to YouTube under the name “Mr Satan” between Jan....
