Valley News Dispatch category, Page 91
Death penalty trial remains on hold for New Kensington man charged with toddler’s murder
The lawyer for a New Kensington man facing a potential death sentence told a Westmoreland County judge Monday a defense-hired expert must review medical evidence before the case can proceed to trial. Keith Dale Lilly Jr., 35, has been in jail without bond since his arrest in 2020 on charges...
Vandergrift’s 2 fire departments, short on money and manpower, explore merging
When called upon, Vandergrift No. 2 firefighters almost always arrive at an emergency scene in short order. But, in just a couple of years, by Chief Albert Wells’ estimation, the dwindling department could have trouble getting its sole engine out the door. That’s part of why it’s exploring a merger...
Harmar, Norfolk Southern at odds over Denny Estates rail crossing
Harmar isn’t exactly buying what Norfolk Southern is pitching when it comes to an assignment at the rail crossing in Denny Estates. Solicitor Craig Alexander told Harmar supervisors during a recent meeting that negotiations with Norfolk Southern on the assignment of the crossing have hit a roadblock. “They are changing...
Tarentum gets state boost to continue waterline upgrades
Tarentum taxpayers are getting a boost from the state to address waterline woes, putting the borough one step closer to remedying a severely aged system. The borough is set to receive about $51,000 to replace a waterline along Tripak Boulevard, which has been an area vulnerable to breaks. It is...
Blawnox group seeks artist proposals for new borough mural
A Blawnox-based nonprofit wants to bring more art to the borough. Best of Blawnox is accepting artist proposals for a new mural at Blawnox Community Park. The canvas in question is a building at the main entrance. The project is to create an 8-foot by 15-foot image related to the...
The Stroller, Feb. 10, 2025: 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. Bingo to raise funds...
2 injured in mutual stabbing at Arnold apartment
Two men were injured in a stabbing at an Arnold apartment Sunday, according to officials. The stabbing happened around 7:30 a.m. along the 2000 block of Freeport Road. Officials said it was an isolated incident and the injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The men stabbed each other, said...
Scenes from the Valley: Images captured in the Alle-Kiski Valley from Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2025
Here is a weekly look at recent images captured throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. From major news events to routine gatherings, TribLive’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, please...
Plum’s John Anthony’s grows from a good-time bar to family restaurant over 40 years
For her 21st birthday, Gina D’Acierno’s parents bought her a bar. The next 40 years would see D’Acierno grow from a bartender into a business owner, and John Anthony’s evolve from a rowdy bar into an Italian restaurant with a focus on quality, consistency and treating diners like family. “In...
Alle-Kiski Valley Senior Citizen Center calendar – Feb. 9, 2025
Armstrong County Senior Centers Apollo Monday: 10 a.m., cards. Thursday: 10 a.m., bingo; Valentines party. Bring a covered dish. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Details: Charlotte at 800-368-1066 or Amy at 724-478-1410. The center is at 707A N. Fifth St., Apollo. Freeport Tuesday and Thursday: bingo. Friday: ice...
The Stroller, Feb. 9, 2025: 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. Ninth annual lock kickoff...
Developer proposes 55+ community in Frazer
Vacant property along Butler-Logan Road in Frazer might someday be filled with resort-style homes for an older crowd. Foxlane Homes, developers of upscale 55-plus housing, hopes to build there. They were expected to bring a proposal to the township’s planning commission Wednesday but have delayed it at least a month....
Buffalo Township church hosts Valentine’s-themed dance for young people with special needs
Buffalo Township’s John Hughes, clad in a red-and-white, heart-covered Hawaiian shirt, went to Zion Methodist Church with a mission Saturday night. “I’m just here to dance and have fun and hang out with my friends,” said Hughes, 25, a native of the township’s Sarver neighborhood and a Freeport Area High...
Public hearing rescheduled for ongoing legal battle between Oakmont businesses
A public hearing before the Oakmont Zoning Hearing Board was postponed and rescheduled Wednesday night after the hearing board questioned its own jurisdiction regarding a business’ occupancy permit. The hearing initially was scheduled after an ongoing legal battle involving various Oakmont businesses and the borough was to be brought in...
The Stroller, Feb. 8, 2025: 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. Observers welcome at Great...
New Kensington man awaits sentencing for his role in massive, nationwide drug ring
A New Kensington man who pleaded guilty in December of being a key figure in a nationwide drug ring that imported massive amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico faces more federal drug charges. In the latest case, James Pinkston, 35, of New Kensington is awaiting his sentence after...
2 men face charges in chaotic Vandergrift bar fight in which 3 people were shot
Vandergrift police have charged two men in connection with a December shooting at Anthony’s Bar on Longfellow Street, in which three people were shot. John Booker, 35, of Vandergrift and Brydon Williams-Chambers, 23, of Arnold face two counts each of aggravated assault as well as one count each of discharging...
Local ties to the Super Bowl: New Kensington’s Skyy Moore the Chiefs’ ‘good-luck charm’?
The question, presumably, was asked with tongue in cheek. But then again, facts are facts — and since the Kansas City Chiefs drafted New Kensington’s Skyy Moore, the team is 3 for 3 in advancing to the Super Bowl. Moore, appropriately, played along during media day festivities in New Orleans...
Vandergrift counting on volunteers and donations to get park project over the finish line by year’s end
Grass is just starting to sprout in thin turfs across Olmsted Commons, a half-acre plot in the heart of Vandergrift with winding sidewalks and carefully contoured soil. Calling it a park at this stage would be an overstatement. North Huntingdon-based contractor 3DMurin Construction finished pouring concrete, paving an event area...
Oakmont parking ordinance attracts negative attention
A revised parking ordinance in Oakmont has garnered some negative attention from a resident who owns multiple businesses in the borough. During the borough’s most recent public meeting, Solicitor Jacob Leyland presented a draft of an amended ordinance defining legal parking. The draft would update parking requirements in the borough’s...
Grist House opening taproom at Sprankle’s in Saxonburg, with Korean food from Pocha by Kye-Won
At the end of 2023, Grist House Craft Brewery held a temporary beer event at Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market. The pop-up has turned permanent. On Feb. 15, the Millvale-based brewery is opening a taproom from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Sprankle’s in Saxonburg, Butler County. The partnership also includes food...
‘Never Missed a Super Bowl’ Harrison native set to attend 59th championship
No one has been to more Super Bowls than Tom Henschel — he’s been to every one. At 83, the Harrison native will break his own record by attending his 59th Super Bowl on Sunday in New Orleans, a milestone he shares with just two other men. More people have...
Fox Chapel Area High School library named best school library in the state
Isabella Cheatham has found a home away from home at her school library. The Fox Chapel Area High School senior said she feels welcome in the educational and relaxed space overseen by librarian Laura Ward — so much so that she and several other students start the day there instead...
Fire tax floated to Upper Burrell voters
Upper Burrell voters may be asked if they are willing to pony up additional tax dollars to support the township’s volunteer firefighters. Township supervisors received a letter from the fire company announcing its intent to petition for a referendum on a 2-mill fire tax to be voted on during this...
The Stroller, Feb. 7, 2025: 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. Lower Burrell Citizen Police...
