Valley News Dispatch category, Page 6
Oakmont looks into new technology for busy intersection
Travelers through Oakmont might be able to get to their destinations faster come 2027. The borough is beginning a project to update the traffic light system at the intersection of Allegheny River Boulevard, Allegheny Avenue and Hulton Road. Borough Manager Scot Fodi said the area has long been a headache...
The Stroller, Jan. 6, 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. Fund aids animals with...
Website aims to boost community involvement in plans for paid EMS authority
Officials trying to start a regional, paid EMS service are hoping a new website explaining the plans will bolster public involvement in the creation of the service. The authority will cover Brackenridge, Harrison and Tarentum and aims to continue 24/7 ambulance service by merging Eureka Community Ambulance in Tarentum and...
Children’s book inspired by Alle-Kiski Valley mother’s love for her son
As a little boy, Conor Sammartin was hesitant if he had to face something new. He often replied to his mother, Barbara Bedner, with the phrase, “Yeah, but…” in an attempt to avoid unfamiliar things. Bedner, who was born in New Kensington and grew up in Springdale, would encourage her...
Steelers fans revel in ‘nail-biter’ victory over Ravens, berth in NFL playoffs
Knicky Nelson was dressed head to toe in Pittsburgh Steelers gear, but that didn’t stop her from perusing the merchandise at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Waterworks on Monday in search of a deal. Nelson was still smiling from the Steelers’ improbable, heart-stopping 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on...
Sharpsburg manager recognized for distinguished service
Sharpsburg officials know they have something special in borough Manager Christine DeRunk. Other entities are starting to take notice. She was given the 2025’s Distinguished Public Service Award from the Keystone State Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration. It was bestowed to the borough’s top administrator by Keystone...
Burrell School Board seeking new member
Burrell School Board will start the new year with a new board member. Jean Schager submitted her letter of resignation effective Dec. 31, according to Superintendent Shannon Wagner. Schager was elected in 2021 and won reelection last year. Schager said her decision to leave the board came when her employer,...
Authorities unable to determine cause of fatal Tarentum fire
The cause of a Dec. 13 fatal fire in Tarentum remains unclear, authorities said. Kasey Reigner, spokesperson for the county’s Department of Emergency Services, said the fire was investigated by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office and the “origin and cause will remain undetermined.” The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office...
10 ‘unsafe’ structures could come down in Tarentum
Tarentum is targeting 10 homes for demolition this year, all of which are deemed unsafe by borough officials. The structures are abandoned and in such disrepair that it would be cost prohibitive to rehab them, according to a memo by Anthony Bruni, code enforcement officer. The list includes: • 913,...
ATV, UTV permit process streamlined for Gilpin, Bethel, Parks townships
Starting this year, ATV and UTV riders in Gilpin, Bethel and Parks townships will have to do a little less work to prep for riding. According to a Facebook post Saturday from Gilpin Supervisor Charles Stull, an ATV or UTV permit acquired in Parks, Bethel or Gilpin is now valid...
Newly elected Arnold Council members want to make a difference for the city
Two newly elected Arnold Council members hope to help move the city forward after winning an election race that didn’t garner much attention or competition. Frank Radeshak and Terrilyn Cheatham Prescott will be sworn-in Monday. Two four-year council seats were on the November ballot, but Radeshak was the only candidate...
Allegheny County DA drops charges against Cheswick man previously accused of raping child
Allegheny County prosecutors dropped more than a dozen charges — many of them felony sex crimes — against a Cheswick man previously accused of raping a child. Jeremiah Segan, 42, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple assault in December as part of a negotiated plea. He was sentenced to 30 months...
The Stroller, Jan. 5, 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. Harrison holiday concert rescheduled...
Burrell physical education teacher channels creative side with wooden ornaments
Rich Thome is an elementary physical education teacher by day and a talented wood carver by night. So talented, in fact, 18 of his wood-crafted Christmas ornaments raised about $760 for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh through a silent auction among Bon Air Elementary faculty this winter. “I get...
New Huston Middle School class to create radio advertisements for Burrell grads’ local businesses
Burrell graduates who own businesses in the area might be able to get some help with publicity from current students in a new class at Charles A. Huston Middle School. Teacher Brian Querry is seeking local businesses owned by Burrell grads to help with a project for seventh and eighth...
The Stroller, Jan. 4, 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. Annual quilt show planned...
Customers sad to see grocery staple leave West Deer’s Russellton community; manager explains closing
A going out of business sale is underway at the long-standing Shop ’n Save grocery in West Deer. The store in Deer Lakes Plaza off of Little Deer Creek Road is expected to remain open into February, with discounts gradually increasing from 10%, and will close when everything is gone,...
Informational meeting scheduled for Upper Burrell data center
People can learn more about a planned data center in Upper Burrell during a meeting this month. Florida-based data center developer TECfusions will host an informational meeting Jan. 26 at the township building, 3735 Seventh Street Road. “We’re planning to present the project and answer questions,” said Melissa Farney, TECfusions...
Western Pa. federal lawmakers speak out following capture of Venezuelan President Maduro
After Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized overnight from their home on a military base by the United States, members of the local Western Pennsylvania congressional delegation are weighing in about the stunning action. The Western Pennsylvania Republicans in Congress hailed the mission as justified and appropriate...
The Stroller, Jan. 3, 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. Project Lifesaver available to...
A less-deadly year: In 2025, Pittsburgh notched fewest killings in decades, mirroring national trend
The gunfire didn’t stop in 2025, but it quieted, more than it has in years. Pittsburgh recorded 35 homicides last year, the fewest since at least the turn of the century, part of a broader regional and national downturn in violent crime. From New York City and Los Angeles to...
Fix unclear for smashed Allegheny Township traffic light
It could be summer by the time the traffic light at the Route 356 and 56 split in Allegheny Township is replaced, officials said. A wreck at the intersection Dec. 20 took down the traffic light, and since then, stop signs have been put up in its place. Allegheny Township...
Another turnpike toll hike takes effect. Here’s why and what it will cost you
John Brady can’t figure out why the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission keeps raising tolls. “It’s just hard to justify the hike every single year. You would think they would do it every other year,” said Brady, of Hampton, who travels with his wife, Deb, from the Butler Valley exit to the...
Former Greensburg man receives 2 years in probationary program for 2013 assault
A former Greensburg man was sentenced Friday to two years in a probationary program in connection with the 2013 sexual assault of a child in New Kensington. Nicholas Thomas Sales, 27, now of Connellsville, was accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program for first-time, nonviolent offenders on aggravated indecent assault...
Harmar opts for minor bump in taxes in new budget
Harmar property owners will see a slight increase to their tax bills this year under the township’s 2026 budget. The budget includes a 0.25 mill — or 8% — increase. That means property owners with a home at Harmar’s median assessed value of $91,400 would see their yearly bill go...
