Valley News Dispatch category
Judge denies bond for New Kensington teen accused of shooting
A Westmoreland County prosecutor told a judge a 17-year-old New Kensington youth coerced witnesses, concocted a plot to shank a corrections officer and made threats against police officers while in jail. Logan J. King was charged in connection with a September shooting outside the Valley Royal Court apartment complex in...
‘Buyers of last resort’: Experts weigh in on Namdar’s Macy’s purchase
Despite owing Frazer and Allegheny County millions of dollars in fines, the owner of the Pittsburgh Mills mall campus is purchasing real estate there. It’s a practice that experts say is uncommon but not prohibited. “In general, I mean, if real estate’s for sale, and you have a buyer and...
From shop class to 3D printing: transforming tech education at Valley High School
It was winter 2002 when Rick Shaner graduated from then-California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in technical education and was out job hunting. “I was thinking, nobody’s going to be hiring now,” Shaner said. “I stopped at Kiski, Burrell and Valley just to get substitute teaching packets.” When he...
Upper Burrell Supervisor Mike Conley was devoted to township, friends say
Upper Burrell Supervisor Mike Conley was devoted to the township his entire life, friends said Friday while remembering the lifelong resident. “He loved the community,” Supervisor Ken Slahtovsky said. “Being on the board is a thankless job, and it takes a special person. Mike was one of them.” Conley, 61,...
Plum Council to discuss resolution not to cooperate with ICE
Plum Council will be the latest local government discussing noncooperation with ICE on Monday. Councilman Ray Rall said council is hoping to solicit the community’s opinion ahead of any action. “Right now, it’s just a matter of putting it up for discussion,” Rall said. A newly elected Democrat, Rall said...
Allegheny Valley Regional Police looking to acquire river patrol boat
The Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department may soon be out on the water. That’s because the department — which serves Cheswick, Springdale Township and East Deer — is set to purchase a river patrol boat this spring. Despite the region’s three rivers, police boats are relatively rare, according to Allegheny...
Here’s where to satisfy your Lenten fish cravings in Western Pennsylvania
All menus are subject to change and availability. Events begin either Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday or Friday, Feb. 20. To have your nonprofit’s fish fry added to this listing send complete information as soon as possible to vndnews@triblive.com. Allegheny County Collier Township Rennerdale Volunteer Fire Department, 30 Suburban Ave., Carnegie,...
Valley and Deer Lakes high schools host suicide prevention speaker
Months after PJ Shell lost his stepson Maverick to suicide, he helped a distraught mother pay for her child’s equipment at a sporting goods store. The moment, Shell said in a speech at Valley High School, caused the first shared smile between him and his wife in months because it...
Vandergrift native rekindles childhood memories with book release
Mike Firek left his native Vandergrift in the 1980s for the bright lights of bigger cities like New Orleans; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles. The actor, playwright and vocal artist stayed away 45 years before returning to his roots in the small industrial town. “I feel like I never left,”...
The Stroller, Feb. 27, 2026: 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. 5K Shamrock Run planned...
New Kensington-Arnold implements security camera system that dispatchers can view in real time
Westmoreland County dispatchers will now have the ability to instantly view live campus security footage when a 911 call comes in from the New Kensington-Arnold School District. The district is implementing 911 camera sharing across district buildings in an effort to strengthen campus safety and speed emergency response. “We want...
Harrison hosts recycling bin drop-off Saturday
Harrison residents will have the chance to dispose of their old recycling bins at the municipal office Saturday. The collection is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at One Municipal Drive. Township residents received large, green carts with lids when Noble Environmental took over the garbage hauling contract in January....
Holy fish fries: Fish consumption skyrockets during Lent
Lent becomes a feeding frenzy when it comes to fish fries. Tons of breaded or beer-battered cod and haddock are consumed in Southwestern Pennsylvania during the 40-day holiday period in which Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays leading to Easter. Imperial-based wholesaler Nappies Food Service exports to churches and restaurants...
Beyond churches, Western Pa. restaurants are reeling in diners with fish frenzy
The Lenten season ushers in a dining fish sandwich frenzy at many restaurants in Western Pennsylvania. Whether it’s fried, broiled or baked, fish Lenten specials are popping up on most menus, offering an tasty and easy way to enjoy fish — and keep your kitchen clean. Turn Fridays into Fry-days...
Lower Burrell man charged with attempted stabbing and robbery at Tarentum gas station
A Lower Burrell man is in Allegheny County Jail after Tarentum police charged him with felony aggravated assault and robbery of a vehicle in connection with a Christmastime attack at the borough’s Marathon station. Robert Harmon, 35, also faces charges of theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats and simple assault....
Fox Chapel Rotary member Tom Benic remembered for charisma and compassion
Friends are recalling longtime Fox Chapel Rotary member Tom Benic as a kind and consummate professional. But by all accounts, the history buff and avid photographer was — above all else — a pure fun-loving guy. “Intelligence, wit and charm are rare commodities,” said friend Richard Wolf. “Tom had all...
Community rallies behind Buffalo Township family after house fire
After a fire gutted a Buffalo Township home earlier this month, neighbors and strangers alike have come together to support a local family. The Haberman family watched as firefighters battled a smoky blaze at their Edgewood Drive home for more than five hours on Feb. 19. Husband and wife Rob...
Here’s what students will perform during 2026 high school musical season
As spring approaches, high school theater kids all over the region are dusting off their tap shoes, doing vocal warm-ups and memorizing their lines. Here’s a look at which schools are doing which shows this spring musical season. Apollo-Ridge: “Mamma Mia!” March 12-14 Avonworth: “The Phantom of the Opera,” March...
New Kensington man accused of assaulting, fathering baby with teen waives criminal charges
A New Kensington man already in jail waived his preliminary hearing Thursday on charges stemming from an incident where, authorities say, he assaulted and fathered a child with a teenager. Burnell Johnson, 27, waived for court charges of statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person...
Brick House Chic Boutique moving from Tarentum to Oakmont
A Tarentum shop that specialized in plus-sized clothing has found a new home. Brick House Chic Boutique will open March 13 in Oakmont, at 436 Allegheny River Blvd. Owners and cousins Anna Mayhood and Kristen Farringer said moving was beyond their control but did not elaborate. The shop closed in...
Drunk driver who killed Harrison girl, 11, gets 3-6 months in jail
Her favorite color was blue. She enjoyed telling jokes to make people laugh. She was a devoted sister. She loved animals but especially her dog, Teddy. Roxanne Bonnoni was an 11-year-old girl whose life was cut short by a drunk driver. “God did not decide it was Roxanne’s time to...
Aspinwall Presbyterian Church members, friends say farewell to retired pastor
Members of Aspinwall Presbyterian Church celebrated the end of an era with the retirement of the Rev. Scott Hill. Hill, 65, has led the flock at the Center Avenue church for about 10 years; he was in his 36th year of ministry. His final service was Feb. 15. Hill plans...
Fire damages home in Plum’s Holiday Park neighborhood
A house fire that began in the bedroom of a Plum home has left the structure with extensive damage, according to Holiday Park VFD Chief Jim Sims. Sims said the home on the 4900 block of Havana Drive was unoccupied when the fire broke out just after 1 p.m. The...
Attorney pushing for ‘justice’ in Highlands teacher Sean Dicer’s misconduct case
Attorney Sean Logue believes Highlands School District should be held accountable for the alleged actions of a former teacher who police have charged with sexual assault against three students. Logue, a Carnegie-based lawyer, does not represent any of the alleged victims of former teacher Sean Dicer, 53, of Brackenridge. He...
Deer Lakes School District welcomes new assistant superintendent
The Deer Lakes School District added a new member to its administration team. On Feb. 17, the school board unanimously voted to hire Beth Hutson of Oakmont as the district’s assistant superintendent. According to her contract, posted on the board’s BoardDocs page, she will begin the position with a starting...
