Valley News Dispatch category, Page 166
Maryland man faces federal charges for alleged sexual exploitation of minors in the Kiski Township area
A Maryland man faces federal charges after he allegedly attempted to sexually exploit minors in the North Apollo and Kiski Township areas. George Luton, 49, of Annapolis was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh. Authorities said Luton persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the...
Dallas executive Kimberly Fields to take reins at ATI
ATI will have new leadership July 1. Kimberly Fields will assume the role of CEO to replace Robert Wetherbee, head of the specialty metals company since 2018. Fields of Dallas has served the past two years as chief operating officer and was named president in 2023. “I’m honored to succeed...
Hempfield man’s ‘nonstop criminal activity’ nets 3-to 6-year prison sentence
A Hempfield man was ordered to serve up to six years in prison for a series of crimes that included an assault against a police officer, two high-speed chases and possession of cocaine in his cell at the Westmoreland County Prison. As Antjuan Dewayne Smith, 41, pleaded guilty Thursday, his...
Government official asking for money on the phone? It’s a scam
Scammers increasingly are impersonating police and federal agents in an attempt to swindle unsuspecting victims by preying on their trust of law enforcement. According to John Breyault, a fraud expert with the National Consumers League, posing as government agents is a classic fraud tactic. “The appeal to fraudsters is that...
Sharpsburg Indie Girl Scout recognized as outstanding ‘super seller’
Sharpsburg resident Diana Oliver was filled with pride and joy when her daughter, Pamelah, was recognized by the state for setting a high bar in cookie sales. The Indie Girl Scout, meaning not affiliated with a particular troop, sold 2,200 boxes this year. State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, presented...
Highlands greenhouse aims to spur collaboration, instill ‘humanitarian heart’
Highlands School Director Eli Majocha believes a new outdoor classroom at the high school will help students flourish. A greenhouse spearheaded last year while Majocha was a high school senior will impact students through hands-on and project-based learning, he said. “I want these students to be engaged with the lessons...
The Stroller, May 2, 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. Red Cross to offer free smoke detector installations, safety information Volunteers...
Merle Norman boutique owner Olivia Grace thanks Tarentum for start, announces move to Oakmont
It’s been three years since Olivia Grace opened her Merle Norman Cosmetics store in the old Isaly’s building in Tarentum, helping to spark momentum for Corbet Street redevelopment. Now the Highlands graduate is taking another leap — she’s moving her growing business to Oakmont, where she hopes to capitalize on...
Fox Chapel Area School District’s community safety event set for May 11 in Aspinwall
Fox Chapel Area School District resource officers and local first responders are gearing up for the annual Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event in Aspinwall. The celebration features a bike rodeo with police, car seat checks, wellness screenings, numerous vendors, a touch-a-truck area, free bike helmets for children and other...
Former firefighter pleads guilty to arsons in Arnold, New Kensington
Marilyn Bischof said she still doesn’t understand why her grandson burned down her Arnold home last fall. “I just want my grandson to know I am fine and I will get through this. I want him to get help, and I am glad he came forward and took the blame...
Accused killer nurse Heather Pressdee expected to plead guilty Thursday
A Harrison nurse accused of intentionally administering insulin overdoses to 22 nursing home patients — including 17 who died — is expected to plead guilty Thursday in Butler County Common Pleas Court. A hearing in the case against Heather Pressdee is scheduled for two days before Judge Joseph E. Kubit....
Huge turnout for Aspinwall run raises $11,000 for Foxwall, Southern Allegheny emergency responders
This year’s Run for the Hill of It fundraiser in Aspinwall attracted 354 participants and raised about $11,000 to be shared with the area’s ambulance service and volunteer fire department. The race, although only 1 mile, treks up Center Avenue — one of the 10 steepest hills in Allegheny County....
The Stroller, May 1, 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. Environmental career panel planned May 11 The Armstrong Center for Community...
Kiski Township residents balk at merging police force with Southern Armstrong
Some Kiski Township residents are questioning the potential benefits of the township’s police force becoming part of the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department. At a community meeting this week, Southern Armstrong police Chief Chris Fabec told a crowd of about 50 people that Kiski Township would cut its police costs...
Plum volunteer firefighters begin training sessions at former borough building
Plum’s volunteer firefighters began using the borough’s former municipal building for training Tuesday night. Firefighters from the Holiday Park, Logans Ferry, Renton and Unity departments were expected to start by practicing forceful entry, wall breaching, large room searches and long hallway searches in the building. The building is slated for...
Vandergrift man sentenced to prison for sex assaults of children
A Vandergrift man will serve at least 16 years in prison for the sexual assault of two children. Timothy Johnson, 38, was convicted by a Westmoreland County jury in February in two separate cases in which he was convicted of 12 counts. Those included involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, conspiracy, indecent...
Frazer in no hurry to appoint police chief
It may be some time before Frazer has a new, permanent police chief. Supervisors will not vote at their meeting Tuesday to appoint a new chief, and there is no timeline for doing so, said Lori Ziencik, board member and township secretary. “That takes time,” she said. “We haven’t really...
Southern Armstrong Regional police add e-bikes for trail patrols, events
New trails in the Alle-Kiski Valley mean new areas for police to patrol. The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department added two electric bikes to its vehicle fleet in mid-April, weeks after the opening of a 10-mile trail section that runs through Ford City and Gilpin. The department purchased them from...
Upper Burrell teen developing Holocaust education patch for Girl Scouts
Lily Sassani learned about the Holocaust through her studies in the Burrell School District. But the 17-year-old Girl Scout from Upper Burrell never knew about the role of Girl Guides in World War II until her mother, Rachel, gave her a book on the topic. Now, she is expanding on...
Leechburg Area welcomes new middle and high school principal, a district graduate
Students in the Leechburg Area middle and high schools might be meeting their new principal for the first time, but, for Tyler Vargo, he’s coming home. The Leechburg Area alum not only graduated from the high school but taught social studies there for nine years before heading to Knoch School...
3 A-K Valley communities seek joint trash-hauling contract
Refuse-hauling contractors got an extra week to submit proposals for a joint contract covering Cheswick, Springdale and Springdale Township. Contractors have until 3 p.m. Thursday to submit bids, according to Springdale Township Solicitor Craig Alexander. Bids will be opened Monday. The communities have contracts that expire at the end of...
New location for 9th annual Spin Your Wheels fundraiser nets more participants, opportunities
Fox Chapel resident Gina Johnson knew when she walked through the doors of the Lauri Ann West Community Center the last Saturday in April that it was going to be for more than a routine workout. The fitness enthusiast took part in a circuit class and wellness activities that day...
The Stroller, April 30, 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. Vendor spaces available for Flea-tique season The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society’s...
Aldi adds to Allegheny Township’s business growth
Shoppers in Allegheny Township soon will have another option for groceries. Aldi has committed to opening a store later this year in Hyde Park Plaza, along with three other locations in Western Pennsylvania. Hyde Park Plaza owner Jeff Paul expects the opening to take place the last three months of...
Vandergrift woman to serve probation for theft from roommate
A Vandergrift woman was ordered to serve five years on probation for her role in the theft of more than $30,000 from a roommate over a two-year period that ended in April 2022. Rebecca Lynn Hubert, 56, pleaded guilty to charges of theft and receiving stolen property as part of...
