Valley News Dispatch category, Page 176
Get ready to prep patios and lawns at Trillium Garden Club’s annual sale
Colorful Bougainvillea plants, hanging baskets and veggie starters will be the stars of the show when the Trillium Garden Club hosts its annual plant sale in May. Members expect big crowds to flock to the floral booths, pruned and prepped by many of the club’s 40 or so members. “We...
Verona native, survivor of WWII’s Battle of the Bulge, feted on 102nd birthday
A Verona native who survived the Battle of the Bulge during World War II was honored by the community Monday as he marked his 102nd birthday. John Diamond Lewis was honored with an American flag, an American Legion hat and two celebratory gatherings at Logan Place, a senior living community...
Blawnox Council adds new member to quickly fill vacancy
An Aspinwall businessman and Fox Chapel Area graduate was named the newest member of Blawnox Council. Mark Lombardi recently was appointed as former Councilman John Simmons’ successor. Simmons resigned, effective Feb. 29, because he and his wife, Ellie, moved to his hometown of O’Hara. Simmons, 72, was appointed to council...
West Deer Fire Company No. 3 to feature indoor facility for firefighter training
Within the year, West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 will boast a rare new amenity to keep members in top condition. The department is reconfiguring its new station along Gibsonia Road to accommodate indoor fire training, complete with ladders, search-and-rescue stations and rappelling. “It’s a tremendous feature that we’ll...
Local Jewish history focus of project by Burrell students, Tri-City Historical Society and Heinz History Center
Tri-City Historical Society President James Sabulsky knew there’d be interest from students when he pitched an idea to start a history club at Burrell High School this school year. But he didn’t quite expect the high school club and his organization to work with the Heinz History Center on a...
West Deer police officers to get new body cameras
West Deer will be spending $68,700 to replace body cameras for its police officers, but without seeking competitive contract bids. The township supervisors approved the purchase of 20 new cameras from Digital Ally, the current supplier, upon the recommendation of police Chief Robert Loper. Township Manager Daniel Mator said the...
Legends of Pittsburgh eyeing May 1 opening at former Holy Martyrs in Tarentum
The former Holy Martyrs Church in Tarentum that was closed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2022 is expected to be bustling again by May 1. Legends of Pittsburgh fitness center is scheduled to open its doors, drawing crowds for the gym equipment, sport court and soccer field. Legends is...
Morning Roundup: Man shot in McKeesport; homes, vehicles shot at in Arnold
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Monday, March 25: Man in critical condition after shooting in McKeesport One person was taken to the hospital early Monday after a shooting in McKeesport, according to Allegheny County Police. At 3 a.m., McKeesport police were dispatched to the...
Area real estate agents await impact of $418 million settlement over structuring commission fees
The proposed settlement of a nationwide class-action lawsuit over the commissions that sellers pay in a real estate transaction could lead to more confusion for some when it comes time to sell property, said a veteran Westmoreland County real estate agent. “It will cause more problems for the public who...
The Stroller, March 25, 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. Donations welcome for Leechburg PATH program The Leechburg Food Bank and...
Leechburg business abruptly closes after reported burglary; owner offers reward for information
A specialty convenience market in Leechburg’s business district closed abruptly, after a reported burglary early Sunday that resulted in the theft of $200 from the register. Market on Second, open since 2022, was burglarized between 6:45 and 7:10 a.m., owner Jennifer Toney said. Toney, a well-established cook and caterer, owns...
Lower Burrell woman held for court in West Deer drunken-driving crash
A Lower Burrell woman was held for court on felony charges of child endangerment in connection with a January crash. Police said she drove her vehicle with two children as passengers while her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Kierra Cooper, 24, was charged after a two-vehicle...
Firefighters quickly knock down blaze at home in New Kensington
A home on the 400 block of 4th Avenue in New Kensington caught fire on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters had the blaze under control by 4:30 p.m. No injuries were reported. Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr. told TribLive news partner WTAE that the fire is likely to be ruled an accident...
Scenes from the Valley: Images captured in the Alle-Kiski Valley from March 14-20, 2024
Here is a weekly look at recent images captured throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. From major news events to routine gatherings, the Tribune-Review’s “Scenes from the Valley” photo package brings to life activities and moments happening in your backyard. To have a photo considered as a “Scenes from the Valley” candidate,...
Faces of the Valley: Members of Parish Piecers provide comfort to people in need
After retiring from her job at the University of Pittsburgh, Fawn resident Pat Slobada said she needed a pastime with a purpose. The novice seamstress joined the Parish Piecers, a quilting group which meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to create warm handmade blankets and other treasures for...
New Kensington-Arnold sees growing tax base, no tax rate increase in proposed 2024-25 budget
The New Kensington-Arnold School District expects tax revenues to increase next year despite having no plans to raise taxes. The district’s proposed $45.5 million budget keeps taxes flat and would not take advantage of one of the highest state Act 1 indexes in years — 8%. The inflation-based index is...
Allegheny Valley looks to boost mental health support for students
The Allegheny Valley School District soon will be able to provide behavioral and mental health support to students in a quicker way. The district is adding a part-time school psychologist and a behavioral specialist to its support team, said Melissa Holler, director of pupil services. “They would be working together...
The Stroller, March 24, 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. Wall of flags to be placed on Kittanning amphitheater The John...
Divers to inspect Tarentum Water Plant for algae, corrosion
Divers will make their way through the Tarentum water treatment plant in the coming weeks, vacuuming sediment and other debris from well walls and floors. Crews will inspect for algae and corrosion in the clear well, which is part of the drinking water purification system. “It’s a small chamber, and...
Springdale officer promoted to detective after thorough work solving burglaries
A Springdale police officer was recognized — and promoted — thanks to his work solving burglaries in the borough. Officer Jon Koprivnikar was recognized by council during its meeting Tuesday, March 19. Council also promoted Koprivnikar to detective. “We had a rash of business burglaries within town,” police Chief Derek...
Remember When: 1st plane crash in Alle-Kiski Valley took place in 1920
On Nov. 16, 1920, a Curtiss biplane crash-landed in the Allegheny River near the Brackenridge intake plant at River Avenue and Morgan Street. This was the first airplane crash to occur in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The plane was piloted by Lt. J.P. Morris, 24, a former Army aviator from Pittsburgh....
Alle-Kiski Realtors, Carnegie Mellon students volunteer to rehab 4 New Kensington houses for Habitat for Humanity
Wielding a pry bar, Nicole Tascarella knocked down the remains of the second-floor plaster wall. Shannon Doerr steered the mini circular saw through some foam board. And Sylvia Maxwell climbed a ladder to measure the wall for its insulation. The women, all part of the Greater Allegheny-Kiski Area Board of...
Tarentum Council eyes tech upgrades for Brackenridge police cruisers
Brackenridge police cruisers soon could be equipped with technology for e-ticketing, bringing the vehicles in line with the Tarentum fleet. Officers are part of a consolidated force that began last August. The technology is important for uniformity and public perception, said Tarentum Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf. “Having the same technology ensures...
Green thumbs are part of hands-on curriculum at new Harvest Baptist Academy greenhouse
Harvest Baptist Academy sixth grader Kate Blakeslee is feeling a summer vibe despite the lingering chill outside her Harrison school. The 12-year-old has spent recent class time plotting a garden with crops of oregano, cucumbers and tomatoes well on their way. “We got to put seeds in the pots, and...
Historic church bell tower restored in Leechburg, set to ring again on Easter Sunday
Church bells will ring out over Leechburg again this Easter. After more than a year and $30,000 in fundraising, the bells of First Evangelical Lutheran Church are fixed and set to ring again for the first time to welcome worshipers to Easter Sunday services. In addition, the church is planning...
