Free veterinary clinic at Sharpsburg nonprofit helps pet owners in need
A newly launched pet clinic at Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg is working to boost the health of animals and their humans. In partnership with Allegheny Health Network and Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, a semiregular event will tend to the health of furry friends and their owners — all...
New housing development proposed in Indiana Township; public hearing scheduled
Indiana Township residents and property owners have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed residential development off Saxonburg Boulevard. Imperial-based developer Maronda Homes wants to build 32 single-family homes on a 22.47-acre property in a residential district. The housing plan, called Frederick Farms, is expected to feature similar homes...
Sharpsburg passes budget with no tax increase; Hall of Fame induction set at next council meeting
Sharpsburg property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes or borough sewage fees as part of next year’s budget. Council approved its 2025 spending plan Nov. 21. It maintains the millage and sewage rates at current levels. A draft of the budget was made available at...
Dorseyville or Whoville? Young thespians delight with ‘Seussical Jr.’ performance
Young thespians at Dorseyville Middle School recently wrapped up their fall musical run of “Seussical Jr.” Director Pamela Fiano chose the whimsical Dr. Seuss-themed musical to mark the theater program’s 20th anniversary. “I chose this show because it has a sweet message and it’s fun,” Fiano said. “It’s about sticking...
Vintage colonial in exclusive Fox Chapel plan melds classic, modern aesthetics
A 95-year-old colonial home boasting an outdoor sport court is on the market in Fox Chapel. Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Julie Rost, a Fox Chapel native, listed 143 North Drive for $2.4 million in October. The home was built in 1929, five years before Fox Chapel was incorporated in 1934 after...
Personal experience inspires Monroeville business owner to become author
Monroeville resident Shadia Garvin came up with the idea for her “Weekly Reflection Journal” when her youngest son, Ronnie III, was having open heart surgery. The mother of two recalled not sleeping for eight days. “Parents, and people in general, go through so many emotions when they’re watching a loved...
Westmoreland jury convicts Pike County man of sexual assault of teen at Keystone State Park
A Northeastern Pennsylvania man was convicted Wednesday of the sexual assault of a teenaged girl four years ago at Keystone State Park. David Stone, 62, of Dingmans Ferry in Pike County, was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges of indecent assault and corruption of a minor in connection with allegations...
With Pittsburgh EMS contract settled, union targets residency requirement
Two weeks after securing a new contract, the union representing Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services personnel said Wednesday it intends to sue the city to eliminate a residency requirement for its members as a way to address chronic staffing problems. If a lawsuit is successful, the bureau’s members will be able...
Unity residents concerned as recovery search for woman continues in abandoned mine
Chris Kondrich wasn’t shocked to learn a sinkhole had opened a street away from his Upper Marguerite home in Unity. A former firefighter and longtime hazardous materials volunteer, Kondrich said he has seen plenty of mine subsidence incidents. Kondrich lives on Lemmon Road, about a quarter-mile from where Elizabeth Pollard,...
Westmoreland commissioners, row officers to receive 3.4% raises in 2025
Westmoreland County’s elected officials will again receive raises in 2025. The commissioners and row officers are slated to see their paychecks jump next year by nearly 3.4%, nearly mirroring the hikes received this year and once again prompting one official to call for a cap on future raises. “This is...
North Apollo sticks with Kiski Township for police coverage, withdraws from proposed regional force
North Apollo is right back where it started with police coverage after months of haggling with different departments and infighting among officials. Kiski Township police got the nod Monday to provide protection for another two years. Kiski Township will be paid $68,000 in 2025 and $72,000 in 2026. The decision...
Owners of boutique in Ross, South Hills donate sweaters to honor loved one’s memory
When Julie Durbin was undergoing cancer treatment, she was always cold. She would bring a cardigan, a sweater that opens in the front and comes in various lengths, to her appointments. “Cardigans added a layer of warmth and comfort and protection for her,” said her sister Dione O’Dell. “She was...
Lawyers portray Jordan Brown as either innocent boy or perpetrator of ‘perfect crime’
Pennsylvania State Police must have believed Jordan Brown committed the perfect crime in 2009, his lawyer told a jury Tuesday. In just two minutes, according to the scenario described by attorney Alec Wright that he attributed to state police, the then-11-year-old went upstairs in his Lawrence County home, retrieved his...
Harrison seeking safety boost along Freeport Road
Harrison officials are seeking to boost safety along Freeport Road for vehicles and pedestrians. Police Chief Brian Turack said traffic signals along the business stretch are “pretty outdated.” “They were all added or designed at different times so none of them really work together,” he said. Commissioners have hired HRG...
Old Stone Church once again site of Monroeville’s holiday kickoff
“This time of the year is for faith, family and friends,” said Master of Ceremonies Mike Wargo as he kicked off the 55th annual tree lighting and holiday concert Nov. 26 at the Old Stone Church in Monroeville. Wargo, a financial adviser and previous master of ceremonies, went on to...
Attorneys for Springdale residents seek reargument over boiler house ruling
Attorneys representing 16 Springdale residents seeking to block an implosion of the former power plant’s boiler house say they weren’t required to go through other outlets to challenge the demolition and permitting, contrary to a recent state Superior Court decision that ruled they should have. That’s part of the argument...
Bethel Park club learns about service dogs for veterans
Members of the Bethel Park-based Ruthfred Acres Woman’s Club honored veterans during November meeting. The speaker was Brian DeLong, a U.S. Air Force veteran and regional coordinator for the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs program. He is an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 in Peters, where...
Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair Troop 4 Scout earns Eagle rank
Quinlan David Reynolds of Scout Troop 4, Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair, was recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony held this fall. The final hurdle in the quest for the highest rank for Boy Scouting is the Eagle Project, a community service challenge....
Harrison business delivers Christmas locally and in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina
Harrison real estate agent Cameron Yockey wants to work some holiday magic at home and more than 400 miles away in communities ravaged by Hurricane Helene. Through his company, Realty One, Yockey is spearheading a toy collection to provide a joyful Christmas for children in North Carolina towns that are...
Cheswick budget maintains property taxes, increases sewage, trash rates
Cheswick Council approved its 2025 budget on Tuesday with no tax increase, but residents will see increases in their trash and sewage rates. The fixed sewage rate for borough customers will increase 12%, or $10.68 per quarter, from $88.03 to $98.71. The increase is to cover the borough’s share of...
Dueling bills propose conflicting approaches to affordable housing in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods, but only four of them require large housing developments to include affordable units for lower-income people. Mayor Ed Gainey wants to expand that mandate, known as “inclusionary zoning,” to all parts of the city. Gainey’s administration is pushing for a blanket strategy, arguing that affordable housing...
Carrick man indicted for attempted murder of DEA agent
A federal grand jury has indicted a Pittsburgh man on charges of attempted murder and assaulting a federal officer nearly four months after authorities say he fired at least 18 shots at a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who later found a large stash of fentanyl at the man’s home. Drew...
Chartiers Valley hires assistant superintendent, high school principal
Chartiers Valley will have new leadership in key administrative positions when 2025 arrives. The board on Tuesday, Dec. 3 hired Michael Sable — who was appointed as high school principal this summer — to be the assistant superintendent for a 5-year term. Lesley McDonough, assistant principal at Woodland Hills High...
Plum residents to get new annual or quarterly bills for garbage, stormwater fees
Plum residents will pay two fees in a new way in 2025. Starting next year, current and delinquent charges for garbage collection and the borough’s flood prevention or stormwater fee will be billed by Keystone Collections, replacing the Plum Borough Municipal Authority. Keystone also collects the borough’s earned income tax....
Westmoreland happenings: Christmas programs, makers market, theater, more
Christmas events • Cook Township Community Center will host a free opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the center, 1698 State Route 711. There will be photo ops with Santa with backdrops, a cookie-decorating station, and free cookies and hot chocolate. • The...
