Valley News Dispatch category, Page 95
O’Barto announces reelection bid for Westmoreland prothonotary
Republican Gina O’Barto will seek reelection as Westmoreland County prothonotary. O’Barto, 61, of Unity, was first elected in 2021. She replaced longtime prothonotary Christina O’Brien, a Democrat who served 12 years in office but did not seek reelection four years ago. O’Barto defeated O’Brien’s handpicked successor, former Recorder of Deeds...
Some districts turning to classic snow days after depleting virtual learning allowance
Old-fashioned snow days are no longer local superintendents’ first thought when the roads get slick, but they’re not quite a thing of the past, either. That’s mostly due to a code amended by the General Assembly in 2019 to allow public schools to develop a program to meet the 180-day...
Plans underway for transformation of 19th Street in Sharpsburg
A thriving community is possible only through engagement, according to Sharpsburg councilman Corey Ochai. He is urging residents to participate in a recently launched survey to help shape portions of the Main Street streetscape and access to the riverfront. “Community engagement is the best solution for us to find a...
The Stroller, Jan. 25, 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. Bishop Kulick to celebrate...
Steel-processing furnace confirmed as source of Lower Burrell explosion, but details remain scant
Few details have been released about a Lower Burrell steel plant explosion that killed a Tarentum man. Brennan Sites, chief of Lower Burrell No. 3 Fire Company, confirmed a steel-processing furnace was the source of the explosion. Daniel R. Vakulick, 20, died from injuries sustained in the blast just before...
Charges withdrawn against Arnold woman accused of shooting threat
Charges of burglary, terroristic threats and criminal mischief have been withdrawn in the case of an Arnold woman accused of trying to break into a New Kensington home. The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office withdrew the charges Thursday at what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing before District Judge...
Teen charged in connection with shooting into New Kensington home in 2022
Police filed charges Friday against a teenager accused of firing shots into a New Kensington home in November 2022. The teen, now 19, was 16 years old when police responded to a shots-fired incident at 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2022, in the 1200 block of Taylor Avenue. “The investigation...
Former Methodist church in Aspinwall sold to Fox Chapel businessman
A former church in Aspinwall may be converted to residential living spaces. Fox Chapel businessman Tony Pompeo Jr. recently acquired the closed Community Methodist Church at 400 Center Ave. The site is nearly 0.29 acres and includes a sanctuary and school building. The church property was listed by Coldwell Banker...
Fox Chapel Area School District 2025-26 calendar proposed, board members recognized
Fox Chapel Area School District families have an opportunity to weigh in on a proposed school calendar for the next school year. Administrators presented a draft of next school year’s schedule on Jan. 13. It is available for review on the district’s website and scheduled for formal approval on Feb....
Starbucks and Bealls coming to Allegheny Township’s Hyde Park Plaza
The rumors are true: Starbucks and Bealls are moving into Allegheny Township’s Hyde Park Plaza. Jeff Paul, owner of the once-beleaguered shopping center, confirmed the incoming tenants Thursday after months of online speculation. A Starbucks spokesperson, however, said the company has “no store opening plans to announce.” Even so, Paul...
Casa Del Sole a slice of life in Aspinwall
Located on First Street in Aspinwall, a family-owned pizza shop has been cooking pies in the original ovens since 1979 when Bob Cozza first opened the place. There is nothing fancy about Casa Del Sole, which is part of its charm. “Our ovens are seasoned,” said Nick Lombardi of O’Hara,...
Leechburg regionalization discussions terminated, officials discuss next steps for policing
Police regionalization conversations have halted in Leechburg. Borough council voted to “terminate any activities with regard to police regionalization with Parks Township.” The motion passed, 4-2, with council members DJ Zelczak, Robert Raypush, Chuck Pascal and Alan Tarr voting to stop such discussion, and council President Tom Foster and Lorrie...
The Stroller, Jan. 24, 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. Bowl-A-Thon to raise money...
Lower Burrell steel plant explosion claims Tarentum man’s life
One of three people injured Wednesday in a Lower Burrell steel plant explosion has died. Daniel R. Vakulick, 20, of Tarentum was identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday. He died after being injured in an explosion at Braeburn Alloy’s Steel Division. He was one of two...
New 5-year contract approved with Fox Chapel Area School District custodial, maintenance workers
Fox Chapel Area School District officials and their custodial and maintenance workers have approved a new five-year contract. The current contract, which was also a five-year deal, expires June 30. The new collective bargaining agreement runs July 1 through June 30, 2030. It impacts 50 workers who are represented by...
Some Cheswick residents could experience low water pressure in upcoming nights
Some Cheswick residents in the upper part of the borough could experience low water pressure in the overnight hours beginning Friday and lasting up to a few nights. On Friday, one of the borough’s booster pumps will be taken out of service for necessary repairs, borough officials said. The booster...
Aspinwall EV stations generating money for the borough
Aspinwall’s EV stations have turned a small profit since they were activated in September, according to a report by the borough manager. Melissa Lang O’Malley said charging station revenue was about $578 and electricity costs were $427, which equated to $151 in profit as of Jan. 7. Three charging stations,...
Then and Now: From farm stand to beer distributor to holistic health center, Aspinwall spot thrives
As mom and pop stores began to populate across the country in the early 1900s, Clover Farms made its name. By 1932, there were more than 150 Clover Farms stores in the Greater Pittsburgh area — with one situated along Commercial Avenue in Aspinwall. Samuel DiGregory and his daughter, Pauline,...
Fox Chapel Area School Board pledges to keep any potential tax hike for 2025-26 within state limits
Fox Chapel Area School District officials have pledged to keep any potential real estate tax hike for the 2025-26 school year to 4% or less. The board voted 8-0 on Jan. 13 to pass a resolution to hold the line on taxes to the Act 1 index — a state...
The Stroller, Jan. 23, 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. NK cat rescue asking...
‘Cat crusader’ works to keep feral cats warm in extreme cold
Cats are known for their independence, but when it gets as cold as it has been this week, even the most free-spirited of felines can use some help keeping warm. For a colony of feral cats in Allegheny Township, that help came this week in the form of Ruth Ann...
O’Hara collecting items for California wildfire victims
O’Hara officials have teamed up with the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Brother’s Brother Foundation to collect supplies for California wildfire victims. The township launched its collection for hygiene kits Jan. 22. The deadline to donate at the municipal building is Feb. 6. Items requested include toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes and...
Westmoreland-based water authority hikes rates, blames increase on inflation, upgrade needs
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County customers will be charged an additional 9.5% for water and sewer services starting in April. The authority board approved a $129 million budget that included the second rate hike in the past two years. The latest, officials said, is attributed to costs for energy, construction...
3 injured, 2 critically, in explosion at Lower Burrell steel plant
Two people were critically injured in an explosion Wednesday at Braeburn Alloy’s Steel Division in Lower Burrell, according to emergency officials. A Westmoreland County 911 public safety supervisor confirmed the incident at 11:57 a.m. at the site, 101 Braeburn Road. One of the critically injured people was flown to an...
New alert system coming to Allegheny Valley School District
Allegheny Valley School District officials hope a new alert system can provide a more effective way to respond to incidents. The school board approved purchasing badges to be worn by district staff members for the Centegix silent crisis alert system. “They are badges the staff can use in the event...
