Westmoreland juvenile detention center could double its capacity
Plans remain on course for the potential doubling of the number of teens confined at the Regional Youth Services Center in Hempfield, Westmoreland County’s juvenile detention board members said Monday. The facility closed in June 2023 following a series of state inspections that were critical of its operation. It reopened...
On release from Westmoreland jail, ex-inmates often have to hoof it
John Boettger says his automobile shop in South Greensburg has seen a number of unwanted visitors over the past year. Boettger on Monday told members of Westmoreland County’s prison board that released inmates have become a common sight walking along the roadways near his store. He asked officials to find...
Penn State breaks THON fundraising record with over $17 million
For the first time ever, Penn State’s THON fundraising total surpassed $17 million raised in the fight against pediatric cancer. The IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon’s exact total was $17,737,040.93 — beating THON 2024’s record-breaking total of $16,955,683.63 by more than $780,000, the university announced Sunday. View this post on Instagram A...
Burrell Unified Bocce team receives playoff-worthy departure
Burrell’s Unified Bocce team got a fine sendoff from first responders and Bon Air Elementary youngsters while en route to a playoff match Monday at North Allegheny High School. Their bus was escorted between Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell fire departments, and Lower Burrell police, as it made its way...
Oakmont restaurant owners speak up against food truck ordinance
A proposed ordinance meant to regulate food trucks in Oakmont, while not encouraging their use, could have a negative impact on borough restaurants. The operation of food trucks not affiliated with borough restaurants is what brought about the proposed ordinance. Borough Manager Scot Fodi said Oakmont officials have been contacted...
University of Pittsburgh reviews doctoral admissions amid federal funding cuts
After ceasing new doctoral offers of admission on Friday, the University of Pittsburgh has since confirmed it is in the early stages of developing new advanced degree admission offers within fiscal constraints caused by federal funding cuts. “The university is in the early stages of extending Ph.D. offers of admission...
In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of Feb. 24, 2025
Plum launches 2025 military banner program Plum is launching its 2025 military banner program to honor those who have served in the military or who are currently serving. Orders include a single-sided, 2-foot by 3-foot, 18-ounce vinyl banner to be displayed along Mike Thomas Way from Memorial Day through Veterans...
In brief: Bridgeville, Carnegie area news and events, week of Feb. 24, 2025 and beyond
Park grants awarded in Carnegie Carnegie was awarded $200,000 from state grant funding to make the Irishtown Tot Park and Carnegie Municipal Park more accessible to children with disabilities. It’s part of funding authorized by the Commonwealth Financing Authority in January to improve local parks and economic development projects. The...
Carlynton’s elementary schools have new leadership
New principals are taking the reins at Carlynton School District’s Carnegie and Crafton elementary schools. Tyler Roberto, 41, of Emsworth was named principal of Crafton Elementary. She started Feb. 11. “What brought me to Crafton was a desire to work closer to home and to return to elementary education,” Roberto...
In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of Feb. 24, 2025
Municipality seeks paving bids Penn Hills is seeking bids for its 2025 road work program. Between paving and associated work, the chosen contractor would cover about 54,400 square yards. Sealed proposals are due by 10:30 a.m. March 26. A mandatory prebid meeting is planned for 1:30 p.m. March 11. Contractors...
Paralyzed man narrowly escapes fire that killed 3 in Kittanning
One of the people who survived a massive duplex fire that killed three people in Kittanning said he was able to get out because a boy knocked on his door to alert him to the blaze. “We had just enough time to get out,” Robert Campbell said. Surveying the damage...
Morning Roundup: Crews battle fire in Port Vue; 2 injured in Whitehall crash
Here are some overnight and early-morning new items for Monday, Feb. 24: Port Vue home damaged in fire A fire in Port Vue caused heavy damage to a home Sunday on the 1000 block of Alquin Street. The fire was reported shortly before noon. Port Vue Fire Chief Brandon Hale...
The Stroller, Feb. 24, 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. Maple syrup to be...
Butler author considers William Trent among ‘founding fathers of Pittsburgh’
William Trent is not necessarily a name that would come up in the typical American history class. But Butler native, historian and author Jason Cherry knows better. He knows Trent was considered one of the most influential backcountry merchants of the 18th century and was among the men who cast...
Firearms meet varying fates after moving through law enforcement
From 2022 to the end of last year, Pittsburgh police took in more than 2,700 firearms used in crimes, some confiscated via court order and others simply turned in by people who didn’t want them anymore. But only a little more than 570 of those guns were destroyed. Almost 650...
Crocs in crosshairs nationwide as schools cite safety risks
The chunky rubber-looking shoes called Crocs have been on the market since 2002. In recent years, as they have become the obsession of children and teens, they have caught the eye of school administrators nationwide — but not as fashion favorites. Some districts across the country are stepping up to...
Franklin Regional kicks off 4th annual Kids of Steel program with over 250 studentsVideo
This month, Franklin Regional staff held a tug-of-war contest with students. It was part of the kickoff for the fourth annual Kids of Steel program at the district’s intermediate school. Kids of Steel was conceived by P3R, the nonprofit organization that manages the marathon and some 15 other running events...
College professors researching Black history in Westmoreland
Researching the experiences of Black people in Westmoreland County has been eye-opening for Margaret Power. A Greensburg native, Power said she grew up not knowing much about Black history in the county. She’s changing that now, joining forces with a Saint Vincent College history professor to pore through historical records...
Sheetz seeks Hempfield approval to build new Route 30 location at former Rite Aid
If Hempfield supervisors approve the site plan Monday, an old Rite Aid building on Route 30 will be demolished and a Sheetz convenience store and gas station constructed on the property. The proposed development would replace the vacant building at West Hills Drive across the highway from Greengate Centre. Route...
From farmland to Miracle Mile: Monroeville poised for change as it marks 75 years
N. Michael Marie had a front-row seat as Monroeville grew from a farming community into the hub of activity that it is today. Marie, 72, is the owner of Nick Marie’s Esta Esta, the restaurant his parents, Nick and Helen Marie, opened in 1955. Marie grew up above the space...
In brief: Happenings from the North Allegheny area
Community help sought to tidy up rain gardens, roadsides McCandless’ Environmental Advisory Committee is seeking the community’s help with two spring projects. The committee needs volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon March 29 to tidy up the town’s rain gardens at 830 Aufman Lane. The gardens, originally installed in 2010,...
Here are some upcoming programs at Penn Hills Library
The Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, offers a variety of programs for all ages. For a complete list of offerings, visit pennhillslibrary.org. Registration is required for the following programs unless otherwise indicated; however, the following teen programs do not require registration. To register for any of the programs, visit...
Burrell community festival to be bigger and better this spring
A one-stop shop for all things community and school is returning to Burrell’s Charles A. Huston Middle School this spring. The Community Connections event — which had nearly 64 organizations and businesses and 1,000 guests last year — will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. May 6. “The middle...
Leechburg Scouting America troop sees 1st girls cross over from Cub Scouts to newly co-ed troop
Lydia Cummings and Ivy McCollough on Sunday became the first girls in Leechburg to move from Cub Scouts to Scouting America, the official new name for Boy Scouts of America since early this month. The two became friends in Cub Scouts and were eager to participate in a ceremony officially...
Ligonier Valley fills assistant principal vacancy at high school; middle school principal resigns
Ligonier Valley School District has selected an educator at the neighboring Greater Latrobe school system to fill a high school administrative post that has been vacant since August. Rachel Faust will begin work March 3 as the new assistant principal at Ligonier Valley High School. Faust has worked at Greater...
