Local category, Page 3079
If convicted, Robert Bowers could face death penalty — but not necessarily executionVideo
Robert Bowers could become the only person from Western Pennsylvania on federal death row if he is convicted and sentenced to death for the mass shooting inside a Squirrel Hill synagogue last year. But with an attorney known for sparing the most notorious killers from the execution chamber, added to...
The menu continues to evolve at Buffalo Township’s Evolution GrilleVideo
Things are always evolving at Evolution Grille in Buffalo Township. Specifically the menu, which changes three times a year, corresponding to the seasons and clientele feedback, said co-owner and executive chef Michael Barbiaux. Barbiaux and wife, Courtney, originally opened Evolution in a smaller location in South Pike Square a decade...
Westmoreland County’s longest-serving public defender keeps giving clients his all
Greg Cecchetti knew from an early age he wanted to be a defense attorney. More than three decades later, he’s still at work defending low-income residents charged with crimes. “I always wanted to be a lawyer, since the sixth grade,” Cecchetti said. “In high school, I knew I wanted to...
Couple hopes to bowl over community by restoring Carrick Classic Lanes
In nearly every corner of Carrick Classic Lanes, dusty bowling balls peer out of the shadows like surprised faces. “If they could talk, they’d have one heck of a story to tell about this place,” said Lisa Casen, who has owned the alley with her husband, Jeff Jackson, since 2007....
P-R students excelling in academic, STEM competitions
Pine-Richland students continue to stand out in both area and state academic and STEM competitions. Tenth grader Shanna Peck, ninth grader Matt Farmar and seventh grader Ryan E. Scott will join teammates from North Allegheny and South Fayette to compete in the FIRST World Championships on April 23-27 in Detroit,...
Shaler Area students selected for All-State Chorus
Two Shaler Area High School students have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association as the top vocalists in the state by being selected for its All-State Chous. Sophomore Zoe Babbit (soprano 1) and junior Alex Almonte (bass 1) started this journey in November when they auditioned into PMEA...
North Huntingdon zoning board faced with issue of ‘what is a family’
Detra Pivirotto lives in Lindale Court, a housing plan in North Huntingdon zoned for single family homes. So when a group of about 10 men moved into a nearby house this year, she had questions. “This was not a familial relationship. It was pretty obvious. It was a commercial relationship,”...
Walmart looks for expansion into Pa. alcohol sales in Fayette
Walmart is looking to begin selling alcoholic beverages in Fayette County, a first for the retail giant in Pennsylvania. The chain submitted a winning bid of $65,000 for an expired restaurant liquor license in Redstone Township — one of 62 offers received from various bidders for 22 such licenses in...
Variety of activities going on in Plum and Oakmont this week
Looking for something to do besides eat and drink in Plum and Oakmont this week? Here are some suggestions:Add some extra style to your jeans at a craft workshop 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Plum Community Center, 499 Center-New Texas Road. Instructor Mary Helen Hough will show how...
Multiple injuries reported in crash along Route 66 in Washington Township
Multiple people were injured in a car crash Sunday morning on Route 66 in Washington Township, officials said. The wreck, which involved at least three vehicles near Route 819, happened shortly after 10 a.m., a Westmoreland County 911 dispatcher said. Murrysville Medic One ambulance service reported multiple injuries. Dispatchers said...
Car crashes into utility pole, overturns in Ross
One person was injured when a car crashed into a utility pole and overturned Sunday in Ross, officials said. The report of the crash on Babcock Boulevard near Tally Drive came in shortly before 6 p.m. Medics took one person to the hospital by ambulance, an Allegheny County 911 shift...
Leechburg Area OKs Gilpin temporary property tax break
The Leechburg Area School District is on board with Gilpin’s bid to implement a temporary property tax break for anyone who buys property in the area. The school board voted 9-0 Wednesday to approve a LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act) tax abatement, on both a five-year and 10-year...
Car plummets over Route 66 hillside, lands in creek in Washington Township
A car crashed over a Washington Township hillside, plummeted about 50 feet and landed on its roof in a creek Sunday morning, officials said. Dispatchers received a report of the crash along Route 66 at Greensburg Road shortly after 10 a.m., a Westmoreland County 911 shift commander said. One person...
New Kensington man retires from career that helped turn around troubled youthVideo
Editor’s note: This is part of an occasional series that features Alle-Kiski Valley residents and the notable things that they do. John McCloud leaves a legacy of mentorship in trying to help youth who have gotten into trouble to turn their lives around. McCloud, 65, has served as athletic director...
Woman injured Sunday when car crashes into billboard in Springdale Township
A car veered over a hillside along the Allegheny River in Springdale Township and crashed into a billboard Sunday afternoon, injuring the woman who was driving, officials said. Shortly before 6 p.m., officials received a report of a single-vehicle crash on Freeport Road just south of the New Kensington Bridge....
Things to remember when heading to the Pirates’ home opener Monday
The Pittsburgh Pirates are reminding fans to be vigilant of road work that may cause delays getting to games this season ahead of Monday’s home opener. Pirates officials said fans should allow for additional travel time when coming to and leaving PNC Park. The following PennDOT projects near Pittsburgh’s North...
Plum family of 3 left homeless by midday house fire SundayVideo
A resident suffered minor burns in a fire Sunday that caused heavy damage to a house in Plum. The homeowner, Debra Lilac, said she was at church when the fire started at her house on Pikeview Drive. Her oldest son, 23, was home at the time and her other son,...
WPXI warns DISH may drop the channel if new agreement isn’t reached
WPXI-TV is warning viewers who use DISH Network for their cable services they may lose the channel when the station’s contract expires Sunday . The station said on its website they are continuing to work on negotiations, but encouraged viewers to call DISH and share their concerns about potentially losing...
Temperatures plunge 30 degrees overnight, warm weather to return later this week
Saturday it looked like March would go out like a lamb, but that changed early Sunday morning as temperatures plunged about 30 degrees. Saturday’s high temperature was almost 70 degrees. Then a coldfront swept in from the Northwest shortly before dawn Sunday, dropping temps into the low 30s, according to...
Elected to serve: ‘Peacekeepers’ look for more work and to save the state constable system
There’s never a dull day for Adam Kujawa. Whether it’s talking to people in Pittsburgh neighborhoods or navigating the back roads of Fayette and Westmoreland counties, the Mt. Pleasant constable loves it all. “It’s basically a day-to-day adventure,” he said. He dons his vest with an embroidered patch identifying him...
Hempfield officials look to improve fire department ratings ahead of insurance assessment
Hempfield officials want to solve issues at several township fire stations after a national assessment company changed requirements for its rating system. The assessment has a direct correlation with homeowner’s insurance rates. Grapeville, Luxor and West Point — a quarter of Hempfield’s dozen volunteer fire departments — had a low...
Watercolor class at Latrobe Art CenterVideo
Each week aspiring artists gather at the Latrobe Art Center for instruction and friendship. On Thursday, the watercolor class led by instructor Elmer Knizner, 86, of Youngwood, worked on painting a scenic road leading to a farm. According to Knizner, the class typically works on one painting per week, but...
Motorcyclist dead after crash with vehicle in Elizabeth Township
The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office has identified the man killed after a crash between a motorcycle and a vehicle in Elizabeth Township. Douglas G. Vranish, 61, of Irwin, died of his injuries at UPMC Presbyterian hospital around 8:17 p.m. Saturday. Vranish was the motorcyclist. The crash happened shortly before...
Allegheny County homeowners have until Monday to pay property taxes at 2% discount
Allegheny County residents now have until the end of Monday to pay their property taxes at a 2 percent discount. County Treasurer John Weinstein said Saturday he was extending the discount window by an extra day because the original deadline, March 31, fell on a Sunday. Real estate taxes are...
Beaver County auto repair shop owner recounts surviving explosion Saturday evening
A Beaver County auto repair man said he is lucky to be alive after his garage exploded in flames Saturday evening while he was inside. Sam Botinovch, owner of Sam’s Auto Salvage and Repair in Pulaski Township said, “Honestly — I don’t know what happened. It just exploded. I pulled...
