Local category, Page 765
Penn Hills-based nonprofit breaks ground on new community center
Kahlil Darden Jr. is a man who wants to make a difference. After experiencing loss multiple times throughout his life, he has decided to channel his grief into helping his community grow. The Penn Hills High School graduate is the founder and CEO of Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens...
3 men, including an ex-police detective, plead guilty to manufacturing ‘hit kits’ using untraceable ghost guns
A Bedford County man is the third person to plead guilty to involvement in the manufacturing and sale of “hit kits,” consisting of an untraceable “ghost gun” built from synthetic plastic polymer, along with a threaded barrel, silencer, ammunition and latex gloves. Wayne Farabaugh, 55, of New Paris, pleaded guilty...
Greensburg law firm gets $72K raise for Westmoreland water, sewer advice
A Greensburg law firm will be getting a 42% raise this year for the work it provides to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. Avolio Law, led by Scott Avolio, has been the authority’s attorney since 2013, and, for the past decade, was paid a flat fee of $170,000 annually...
Ross police ready to ‘ruff’ up criminals
During their Jan. 16 meeting, Ross Township commissioners welcomed three new police patrol officers. Chad Green, Alexandra Lizzi and Luke Lloyd were offered the positions on Jan. 2 after they were selected by the township’s Civil Service Commission. They officially accepted and were sworn into service by Judge Sabrina Korbel...
Westmoreland happenings: Art exhibit, comedy dinner night, pancake breakfast, more
Art • The annual free Members Show at Greensburg Art Center “A Sense of Awe” will open Jan. 20 and continue through March 1. A free opening reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 20 at the center, 230 Todd School Road, Hempfield. Exhibits will include paintings, photographs...
More than 122,000 water customers in region will see rates increase by 9%
Water and sewer rates will increase in April for Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County customers. Authority board members Wednesday unanimously approved 9% increases as part of a $117 million budget officials said was impacted by rising costs associated with the water and sewer service. “The board directed management to keep...
‘The colder, the better’ organizers of expanded Ligonier Ice Fest say
The deep freeze that has caused many of us to break out our knit caps is expected to continue through this weekend. Those frigid conditions will be ideal for crews creating sculptures for the annual Ligonier Ice Fest, and for those who come to admire the outdoor display of frozen...
‘It’s unconscionable’: Adda Coffee and Tea workers rally against Pittsburgh closures
Nearly a week after a local coffee chain abruptly closed all of its locations, former employees, union workers and supportive local politicians gathered Wednesday morning to demand severance pay and criticize ownership. Adda Coffee & Tea House abruptly closed all four of its locations Jan. 11, claiming it has been...
Ross commissioners ready to appoint municipal board members
Ross Township commissioners continued to hear interviews from residents for board and commission openings Tuesday night. Dwayne Allen addressed commissioners about his application for a six-year seat on the township’s Civil Service Commission. Dana Merlino fielded questions about her interest in a five-year seat on the Equal Opportunity Board, and...
Librarian Nicole Ruscitto takes aim at flipping pivotal South Hills state senate seat
One of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s most crucial state senate districts has a challenger, as school librarian and local basketball coach Nicole Ruscitto announced her candidacy Tuesday. Ruscitto, a Jefferson Hills Democrat who works in the South Park School District, is challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Devlin Robinson of Bridgeville for the 37th...
15 students perform in regional honors band festival
Fifteen Fox Chapel Area School District students performed with the 2024 Allegheny Valley honors bands Jan. 4 and 5. The Allegheny Valley Honors Band Festival included 208 musicians in seventh through 12th grades from the Avonworth, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton, North Allegheny, Northgate, North Hills, Pine-Richland, Riverview and Shaler Area...
Saint Vincent College introduces new aviation degree
A new major at Saint Vincent College will propel students to careers in aviation and help them earn a license to become a pilot. The unique partnership behind the offering has been in the works for about a year, said officials from the Unity college, Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Community...
West Leechburg Hill Road work to last another 3 months
Motorists will have to wait another three months for work to be complete on West Leechburg Hill Road. On Nov. 13, PennDOT closed a portion of the road in West Leechburg between South Leechburg Road and Pleasant Hill Road to make structural repairs to a large culvert. The $400,000 project...
Honor those who served: The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies participates in Wreaths Across America
The green wreaths with the red bows were more than just holiday decorations. They were placed near the white crosses as a way to honor those buried there. For the 14th consecutive year, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil hosted a wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 4,000 other participating...
Teen Space offers spot to socialize or chill at Sharpsburg Community Library
Teens now have their own place to hang out, learn something new or just chill at the Sharpsburg Community Library. The dedicated Teen Space will celebrate its grand opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 2. It boasts an extensive collection of technology and creative resources that kids can access...
Hempfield man accused in stabbing incident at off-campus apartment near Slippery Rock University
A Hempfield man is accused of stabbing another man during a party Monday at an apartment complex near Slippery Rock University. Brennan James Steeley, 23, is being held at the Butler County Prison on $25,000 bail on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment. State police were called...
What a new federal rule banning funny roadway signs means for Pennsylvania
Have you ever noticed the electronic sign “Don’t Drive Star Spangled Hammered” on the Parkway West and chuckled? Well, that and other similar quirky messages are going away in a couple years. They will be banned in 2026. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement...
Funding for Lower Burrell park projects ‘a nice win,’ mayor says
Walking the extra loop at Lower Burrell’s K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Park trail will take a little longer, but it will be paved. And basketball players at Burrell Lake Park soon will be able to enjoy a new surface on the courts. The work will be covered by a $108,757...
Springdale appoints injunction plaintiff to vacant council seat; demolition permit renewed
A man involved in litigation to block the implosion of the boiler house in Springdale has been appointed to a two-year term on borough council. Springdale Council on Tuesday appointed Joe Kern, 40, of Duquesne Court, to fill a vacancy left by former Councilwoman Eileen Miller. Kern said he sought...
Resident warming frozen pipes sparks fire at Hempfield mobile home
A resident using a heat gun Wednesday morning to thaw pipes in a Hempfield mobile home sparked a fire that heavily damaged the home, according to fire Chief Anthony Kovacic. The resident escaped unharmed and called 911 about 10:30 a.m. Firefighters extinguished the flames, leaving about half of the Flamingo...
Trib Lunch Box: Headlines to carry with you
Here are some noon headlines from the Trib, Wednesday, Jan. 17. • Tree of Life synagogue demolition begins A new design will be focused on a path of light that will illuminate the building. • The cold temperatures are holding on When will it break? •...
Holiday lighting winners announced in Bethel Park
During Bethel Park Council’s Jan. 8 meeting, Mayor Jack Allen announced the winners of the municipality’s Holiday Lighting Contest. “This recognition herein given to your home signifies that your holiday decorations were judged to be the best your ward,” he said, reading from a proclamation. “Bethel Park appreciates your efforts...
10 Fox Chapel Area students win awards in speech, debate tournaments
Ten Fox Chapel Area School District students won awards in speech and debate tournaments. • Dalmasse Sterner Steel City Invitational, Dec. 15-16: The team of senior Adhitya Thirumala and junior Moonyoung Hwang won first place in Policy Debate and earned a bid to the Pennsylvania High School Speech League State...
Gallagher sets big goals as new Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall executive director
Marlee Gallagher loves telling stories. She’ll now be telling the story of the historic Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall. Gallagher, 35, of Carnegie is stepping into the role of executive director for the Library and Music Hall. She started the position Jan. 2. “I’m most looking forward to...
Demolition of Tree of Life building begins, making way for memorial design
As contractors braved the bitter cold Wednesday and started demolishing parts of the Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha building, Carole Zawatsky grew nostalgic. The head of a nonprofit working to rebuild the Squirrel Hill synagogue where 11 Jewish congregants were killed during a Shabbat service Oct. 27, 2018, Zawatsky said her...
