Richland History Group hosts Soldiers and Sailors curator for Civil War retrospective
For the first two years of the American Civil War, supporters of the North seemed to hear almost solely about battle victories by the South. “You have to imagine how terrified people became when the Confederate army entered into Pennsylvania in June 1863,” historian Michael Kraus said. “So Pittsburgh is...
Growing pains: Boom towns battle strain on services, streets and schools
What’s happened in other fast-growing towns across Western Pennsylvania is now playing out in Buffalo Township: Farms are becoming homes, homes are attracting businesses and residents are worried their town is becoming “the next Cranberry.” “I always ask people who say that, ‘What do you mean by that?’” said Dan...
Reserve’s Light Up Event spreads holiday cheer
Quite a few Christmas trees in Reserve are sporting a special decoration this year. Folks who braved falling temperatures for the township’s Light Up Event on Dec. 5 received commemorative holiday ornaments as part of the night’s festivities. Plenty of them were given away, as turnout was good despite the...
Ex Peking Garden employee admits to using hidden iPhone to record women in Hempfield restroom
A former employee was ordered to serve at least 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to using a hidden cellphone to record videos in the women’s restroom of Peking Garden in Hempfield. Victor Perez, 39, admitted to recording the videos for his personal pleasure, according to court papers....
Nearly 10% tax hike finalized in Harrison
As expected, property owners in Harrison will pay more in real estate taxes next year. Township commissioners approved a $5.9 million budget that raises property taxes by 9.8%, or one-half of a mill, next year. The tax rate increases from 5.106 mills to 5.606 mills. The owner of a property...
Proposed Unity Township solar farm nixed by 3-2 zoning board vote
The developers of a proposed solar farm haven’t decided whether to appeal rejection of the plans by the Unity Township zoning hearing board. The board nixed the plans for the site along Charles Houck Road in Unity Township after the developer and township officials clashed on determining if the facility...
Proposed Plum church clears zoning hurdle
Plans for a new church in Plum, to be built very close to an existing house of worship, cleared a procedural hurdle with approval from the borough’s zoning hearing board. Jubilee International Ministry sought a variance to build an estimated 6,100-square-foot, single-story church on its property. It would seat 252...
Unique interior, hillside views highlight new A-frame Airbnb outside Ligonier
Facing east as it commands a hillside off Old Lincoln Highway in Ligonier Township, the new A-frame home that attracted considerable attention during its construction this summer is dubbed Diamond View for good reason. The use of exterior glass in the home allows unobstructed views of nearby picturesque Ligonier Borough...
Westmoreland happenings: Christmas Eve service, food drive, more
Church News • Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1120 Harvey Ave., Greensburg, will have a Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m. led by the Rev. Jennifer Frayer-Griggs. Details: 724-837-3540 or wpcgreensburg.org. Fundraiser • Protect PT is accepting donations of nonperishable food and personal items for the Westmoreland Food Bank through Jan. 2....
Wingstop headed to New Kensington
New Kensington soon will have a new place for wings. Mayor Tom Guzzo confirmed that a Wingstop will be coming to the city’s Riverview Plaza, 100 Tarentum Bridge Road. Signs for the business went up Wednesday. Wingstop officials did not respond to TribLive requests for comment. “We’re excited that Wingstop...
Input sought on vitality of downtown Jeannette
The Jeannette Initiative is seeking responses to a online community perception survey. The survey is an initial step in the nonprofit’s goal to seek a Main Street Matters program designation through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The program is aimed at supporting downtowns through targeted investment and...
Murryville artist among ‘Art of the State’ winners for 2nd time
A Murrysville artist has once again earned a spot in Pennsylvania’s “Art of the State” contest, and will have her work displayed in the state capitol. Patty Kennedy-Zafred, 72, of Murrysville took first place in the annual contest’s craft division in 2022, with a piece titled “American Portraits: Harvesting Hope,”...
Bargain shoppers in Harrison, Unity and beyond lament Big Lots closure, anticipate steeper discounts
Bargain shoppers across the region said they were disappointed that Big Lots is going out of business. Some were on the lookout for better bargains as the Columbus, Ohio-based chains liquidates its inventory. “We’ll be looking for the 90% sales,” Betty Ferringer said. She’s in the process of moving to...
Enter Northland Public Library’s Winter Bookmark Contest
Children of all ages — adults, too — are invited to create an original design reflecting the winter months and then enter their artwork in Northland’s Winter Bookmark Contest. Pick up an entry form at the Children and Teen Services or Ask A Librarian desk or download one from the...
Morning Roundup: Oakland intersection modified after fatal crash; 4 injured after school bus gets rear-ended
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Dec. 20: Oakland intersection modified after fatal crash Changes are coming to an Oakland intersection where a woman was hit and killed by a truck Dec. 5 while crossing the street. Pittsburgh’s Fatal Crash Response Team recently visited...
The Stroller, Dec. 20, 2024: 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. Christmas concert to benefit...
