Valley News Dispatch category, Page 309
Police accuse Frazer woman of using heroin while caring for kids
A Frazer woman with a prior conviction for selling drugs was ordered to stand trial on charges she was using heroin while caring for two children. Brandy Marie Kralik, 38, of the 100 block of Snyder Lane was charged Jan. 27 with two felony counts of endangering the welfare of...
At least $2.1 million in projects on tap for Alle-Kiski Valley communities
Safer crosswalks, energy-saving solar panels and improved sewer lines are planned for several Alle-Kiski Valley municipalities that will share in more than $2 million in state grants. From Harrison to Blawnox, communities along the Allegheny River will benefit from the funding announced last week by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox...
With eyesore razed, Tarentum focuses on Corbet Street beautification
Now that a blighted building has been demolished along Corbet Street in Tarentum, ideas are popping up about how to spruce up the business corridor. A raised deck, a gazebo and a grandstand are among plans being considered by council. “If there is built-in electricity, the borough can use it...
Westmoreland water authority, CNX reach $600K settlement
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is set to receive more than $600,000 to settle a federal lawsuit it filed in 2016 against the energy company that operates dozens of gas wells at the Beaver Run Reservoir. Board members this week approved the settlement with CNX Resources. The lawsuit involved...
Major safety enhancements planned for busy Harrison intersection
When Harrison capped off more than $80,000 in repairs to the World War II Honor Roll at Freeport and Springhill roads in February, it was only the start to upgrades at the busy intersection. The township commissioners are eyeing a $2 million project to redo the five-way intersection, which, at...
Students offer raucous sendoff as Deer Lakes boys basketball team heads to Hershey for 1st state title game
Tina Cadamore couldn’t contain her pride as the Deer Lakes boys basketball team made the rounds Friday morning at the district’s four buildings. “I’m here to support my nephew, (player) Billy Schaeffer,” she said between hooting and hollering for the Lancers. Cheering students and faculty lined the hallways in a...
Tarentum man ordered to trial on charges he beat, burned woman
A Tarentum man was ordered to stand trial on charges that he beat a woman and repeatedly burned her while they were arguing. Brian Scott Schuller, 51, of West Seventh Avenue was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault and counts of simple assault and unlawful restraint. Schuller has...
The Stroller, March 24, 2023: 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. Back the Blue concert planned Sunday at Quality Inn The Back...
$267,000 grant steps up bridge replacement in Washington Township
Washington Township supervisors are grateful for state grants that make expensive bridge projects possible for small, rural communities like theirs. The township’s former Poke Run Church Road bridge was torn down this month to make way for a box culvert bridge. The new bridge is being paid for by a...
Former District Judge Suzanne Blaschak-Rogers remembered for fairness, professionalism
District judges in Pennsylvania aren’t required to be lawyers to serve on the bench. But Suzanne Blaschak-Rogers always made sure she understood the letter of the law before making decisions that affected the lives of the people who appeared in her courtroom during the three decades she served as a...
Bail denied for ‘shoeless’ man accused of setting fire at Harsco Metals building in Harrison
A district judge denied bail for a man accused of setting a fire inside a control room at the Harsco building in Harrison on Tuesday. Harrison police charged Mark Porter, 35, of the 800 block of Lardintown Road in Fawn with felony counts of arson and criminal trespass along with...
Springdale teacher ‘couldn’t imagine life’ without his service dog
When Connor Green returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and was discharged from the Army in 2014, all he wanted was to live unnoticed. The transition to civilian life, coupled with a diagnosis of a seizure disorder, was more difficult than being deployed. Green couldn’t fathom his life...
Purse bash at Harrison VFW to benefit service dog nonprofit
A purse bash Saturday at the Harrison Veterans of Foreign Wars will send lucky participants out the door with a new bag, but the larger purpose will be sending veterans home with a service dog to help transform their lives. The fundraiser will benefit a Washington County group that helps...
The Stroller, March 23, 2023: 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. Tickets on sale for benefit concert in Harmar Blue Force Foundation...
New Kensington robbery suspect accused of trying to crash into police cars with child on board
New Kensington police say a man who fled a traffic stop had a child in the car when he led officers on a high-speed chase during which he tried to crash into police vehicles. Benjamin Alexander Ploski, 34, of the 800 block of East Hills Drive in New Kensington faces...
Sharpsburg Community Library hosts resident’s inaugural art exhibit
Sharpsburg artist Hez Poole’s love of nature is on full display at her inaugural painting exhibit at the Sharpsburg Community Library. “Rewilding,” a compilation of animal paintings including charcoal, acrylics, water colors, collage and other media is showcased at 1212 Main St. through April 8. “I absolutely love this library,...
New paranormal group forms in Vandergrift, plans ‘investigations’
For anyone who has wondered how to explain something unexplainable, there’s a new group in Vandergrift that might be right up your alley. The 12 O’Clock Society for Paranormal Investigation is a public group for people looking to socialize, explore paranormal topics and conduct paranormal investigations. The group is based...
Workers to start some maintenance, construction at Parks Township nuclear waste dump
People near the nuclear waste dump in Parks Township will start to see some activity as the Army Corps of Engineers prepares to excavate the area. Over the next few months, the Army Corps’ Pittsburgh District said, more workers will be on hand performing maintenance such as repairing fencing, drainage,...
Vandergrift Council increases parking fines, eliminates free parking
Some motorists and pedestrians navigating the sidewalks and streets of Vandergrift are asking questions about the recent appearance of bagged parking meters throughout the borough. “I had a customer ask me what was going on,” said Allusion Brewing Co. co-owner Robert Buchanan. “The bags look trashy. That’s the first thing...
The Stroller, March 22, 2023: 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. Monarch Hospice seeking volunteers Monarch Hospice, Lower Burrell, is looking for...
Second Harvest, ‘more than a Sharpsburg thrift store,’ funds community programs
At Camp Guyasuta in O’Hara, visitors will have six new mountain bikes to hit the trails this summer along with a bevy of other supplies that include life jackets, helmets for the ropes course and eight new campfire rings. Camp Ranger Mike Daniher said there will be three new special...
Memory of Rep. Tony DeLuca recognized with new award at Rosedale Beach Club
Rosedale Beach Club officials have created an award in memory of a longtime public servant. The Tony DeLuca Community Impact Award was announced this month. It grants a free family membership to the Verona pool and swim club to “a person who dedicates their time to serving the community without...
Police find drugs after man flees New Kensington traffic stop; felony charges filed
A Penn Hills man was accused of being a drug dealer after heroin, cocaine and marijuana were found in his backpack after he fled from a traffic stop, according to New Kensington police. Tristen Kelly Pierre, 26, of the 100 block of Deerfield Drive was charged with three counts of...
Oakmont to use state grant for pedestrian upgrades
Oakmont officials plan to use state funds to make pedestrian safety upgrades near Tenth Street Elementary School. The borough is one of several communities to receive a part of nearly $400,000 in grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development, state officials announced this month....
Mothers embrace as Export man pleads guilty to Vandergrift woman’s murder
Two mothers embraced as they shared a moment of grief and understanding Monday morning in a Westmoreland County courtroom. Lisa Rodgers offered an apology for her son, who had just pleaded guilty for his role in the violent murder of Beverly Richason’s daughter nearly six years ago. “I know you...
