Shaler seeks residents’ thoughts on master plan for parks
After years of discussions about park improvements and the potential addition of a recreation center, Shaler is seeking resident input about the future of its dozen parks in a survey. The extensive questionnaire comes as a result of recommendations made by the Kiwanis Park Focus Group in May 2024, Shaler...
Lenten season fish fries scheduled in Westmoreland
The following Friday fish fries are scheduled through the lenten season: • St. Pius X Parish, 222 Summit St., Mt. Pleasant, from 4 to 7 p.m.. Dine in or takeout, cash only. Menu: $15 dinner includes baked or fried fish served with macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, breadstick, dessert...
Ross honors 9 police officers in inaugural awards ceremony
Ross recognized several police officers with awards and commendations March 3 in what Deputy Chief Brian Kohlhepp said he hopes is the first of many years of annual awards for its 46-officer staff. Though nine officers were recognized at a meeting of a township commissioners, two took home special honors....
Leadership vacuum: Ragland withdraws as Pittsburgh police chief candidate, plans to retire
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is 0 for 2. Christopher Ragland, the city’s acting chief for just over four months since his predecessor quit, announced Tuesday he is resigning, too. More than that, Ragland withdrew his name from consideration to be permanent chief, a job the 30-year veteran had once coveted....
Lower Burrell considers allowing alcohol in parks for events only
People who attend events at Lower Burrell city parks may be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage under a proposal from city council. Mayor Chris Fabry said the city will draft a proposal that would allow alcohol in city parks during events only. He intends for the proposed rules to...
Brother Andre’s Cafe opens 2nd location in Bellevue
Patrick Fitzgerald has the ingredients for “Patrick’s Famous Snickerdoodles” memorized. They’re famous because they are made with love at Brother Andre’s Café, a coffee shop that hires adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brother Andre’s Café opened a second location on Saturday at The Church of the Assumption in Bellevue,...
New security protocol implemented at Chartiers Valley
Chartiers Valley’s high and middle school campus will be staffed with security personnel. According to Superintendent Daniel Castagna, once students enter the buildings for normal morning arrival, the security booth’s arm — located on the driveway to the schools from Thoms Run Road — will be lowered, and all visitors...
Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization teams with VFW for winter markets
Pancakes and crafts are on the menu select Sundays at the Sharpsburg VFW. Chas Smith, organizer of the Sharpsburg Flea Market, is inviting people to check out the indoor event that is an extension of the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization’s popular outdoor summer series. “It’s a nice way to spend the...
After initial hesitation, Ross votes to approve former Steeler’s medical marijuana dispensary
While the Ross commissioners voted to table the approval of a medical marijuana dispensary on McKnight Road at its last meeting, the nine member board voted unanimously Monday to allow the facility to operate. The dispensary will sit at 7725 McKnight Road, where G&G Fitness Equipment currently resides. That will...
Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg seek applications for Hometown Hero banner installation
The Greensburg Community Development Corporation is accepting applications for its annual Hometown Hero banner installation. Launched in 2020, the installation honors Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg residents who have left a positive impact on the community — including military veterans, first responders and local officials. The municipalities added 43 new banners...
Trump points out Marc Fogel and his mother, Corey Comperatore’s family during his speech before joint session of Congress
During his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump acknowledged the former Oakmont teacher released from a Russian prison last month after three years in captivity and the widow and daughters of the Buffalo Township man killed in an assassination attempt last year at...
Mon/Yough Trail Council to host 11th annual fundraiser half marathon, 5K on Great Allegheny Passage
The Mon/Yough Trail Council will host its 11th annual Boston Trail Half Marathon and 5K along the Great Allegheny Passage on April 12. The half marathon run will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K run and walk at 9:15 a.m. Both races will begin at the Boston access...
Vandergrift holds off spike in rental licensing fee, seeks comments on proposal
Vandergrift will hold off on quadrupling the borough’s rental licensing fee after landlords and real estate representatives warned doing so would harm renters and homeowners while potentially costing the borough in legal costs. Council voted unanimously Monday night to table a proposed ordinance that would have increased the annual cost...
Penn State reports chicken pox outbreak at State College
Penn State University has confirmed three cases of chicken pox on its main campus in State College. Students and staff who were in Mifflin Hall between Feb. 17 and 24 or in the Thomas Building on Feb. 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. may have been exposed, the university said...
HOV lanes closed indefinitely as Route 28 repairs are made
PennDOT has indefinitely closed the I-279/I-579 HOV lanes after crews found significant deterioration of a concrete column supporting a ramp over Route 28. Route 28 northbound is under a long-term single-lane restriction starting just south of the I-279 North/East Ohio Street exit while crews make temporary repairs and prepare for...
Suspect shot last month in East Vandergrift police raid dies
The man shot and critically wounded by police last month during a raid on his East Vandergrift apartment has died. Lyle Cessna, 52, died Monday afternoon at UPMC Presbyterian hospital, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. He was awaiting a preliminary hearing in Armstrong County Court on a...
1 dead, 2 seriously injured in 2-vehicle crash in Fayette County
One person died and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash in Fayette County on Monday night. Pennsylvania State Police said a Chevy Cruze rolled past a stop sign at the intersection of Morgantown and Tent Church roads just after 9 p.m., when it collided with an oncoming...
The Stroller, March 4, 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. Resource center offers free...
Police say Pittsburgh interior designer bilked clients out of nearly $500K
A Pittsburgh interior designer is facing multiple charges after being accused of bilking clients of nearly half a million dollars. Lauren Piasecki, 44, of Morningside has been charged with various counts of theft by unlawful taking, home improvement fraud, receiving stolen property and deceptive business practices, the Allegheny County District...
Driver pleads guilty to killing motorcyclist in Dormont crash, faces deportation
Christian Sluka played multiple instruments in his band, adored his cats and spent much of his time caring for and mentoring his three younger brothers. When he was killed last year while riding his motorcycle in Dormont, it left an emotional and physical void for his loved ones. “I feel...
Lawyers argue whether woman who pleaded guilty in Oakmont child death meant to kill
Alexis Herrera clearly thought of the 3-year-old girl as less than human, the prosecutor said. Herrera withheld food and water. She tied the girl up. She made her sit on the potty for hours. She struck her. She let the other children in the house hurt the girl, too. All...
Police charge trucker in West Virginia crash that pushed SUV of Fayette man into Cheat Lake
An arrest warrant has been issued for a tractor-trailer driver who authorities said was driving recklessly during a January snowstorm when the rig collided with an SUV driven by a Fayette County man, propelling it into West Virginia’s Cheat Lake. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office charged Sukhjinder Singh of New...
Where is the top-selling liquor store in Pennsylvania?
The wine and liquor store atop the Eastside retail center at the border of Pittsburgh’s Shadyside and East Liberty neighborhoods has been in elite company for more than five years. But in the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection tallied the most sales in the...
Ukrainian supporters rally in Pittsburgh after Trump’s contentious meeting with Zelenskyy
Monday’s lunch hour in Downtown Pittsburgh featured a sea of blue and yellow as rallygoers gathered on Grant Street to support Ukraine in the wake of President Donald Trump’s contentious meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Chants of “Ukrainians and Zelenskyy proud and true, the...
Shaler Area student to be charged for allegedly assaulting basketball referee
Shaler police are in the process of charging a juvenile after they allegedly punched a referee on March 1 during a fourth grade basketball game at Shaler Area Elementary School. According to Lt. Josh Watkins, police likely will charge the suspect, a Shaler Area High School student, in juvenile court...
