Valley News Dispatch category, Page 18
Joe Kern reappointed to vacant seat on Springdale Council
Joe Kern is back on Springdale Council. The general contractor had previously served two years on council before losing the seat in last year’s election. The election saw four, four-year seats and one, two-year seat on the ballot. Michael Ziencik, who claimed victory in both races, opted to take the...
Leechburg to commence pollution reduction plan in summer
Leechburg is taking a step toward improving pollution mitigation in the borough. According to council Vice President Chuck Pascal, the borough will be installing two new stormceptors in the borough, which help separate and remove pollutants in stormwater. “This was identified as a weakness in our system, so we have...
O’Hara issues surprise merger of Pleasant Valley, Parkview fire departments
In a surprise move, O’Hara officials announced Wednesday that the township’s two longtime fire departments will merge. Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company and Parkview Volunteer Fire Department are in formal talks to join forces, township Manager Julie Jakubec said in a news release. The departments would operate under the Pleasant...
The Stroller, Jan. 23, 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. Bingo to raise funds...
New Kensington teen making efforts to improve Valley High culture with project, volunteerism
Trent Hicinbothem is well aware of the stereotype some have when it comes to the culture at Valley Jr.-Sr. High School in New Kensington. “There’s other students trying to make a change, but in our area, people write us off: ‘Oh, they’re the Valley kids,’” said Hicinbothem, 17. “That’s the...
Plum High School honored by Special Olympics for unified sports teams
Matt Aaron, president of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, said walking through the doors of Plum High School felt different. He was there Wednesday to present the students and staff with a banner recognizing the school’s unified sports teams, which is a joint program with the Special Olympics that integrates students with...
Late salt deliveries could hamper storm response in some towns
Some last-minute road salt deliveries Thursday will get a few Allegheny County towns through this weekend’s expected winter storm, but officials still may have to take a hard look at which roads get that salt and which may not. Until Thursday afternoon, Springdale was “critically low” on salt supplies, said...
Foxwall EMS, West Deer EMS announce new strategic partnership to boost efficiency, service
Foxwall EMS and West Deer EMS have entered into what officials are calling a strategic partnership to better serve area residents. For years, the companies have responded together to many calls as part of mutual aid. Foxwall’s main coverage areas are Fox Chapel and Aspinwall. West Deer’s main areas are...
1 injured in Fawn rollover crash
Police are investigating after a rollover crash in Fawn early Thursday sent one person to the hospital. Emergency crews responded at 11:40 a.m. to a section of Route 908, according to Allegheny County dispatchers. Police Chief Tim Mayberry said the driver was taken to Allegheny Valley Hospital. Their condition was...
Data center meeting postponed in Upper Burrell
An informational meeting on the data center project in Upper Burrell has been postponed because of expected inclement winter weather. Township Secretary Melissa Cortileso said the meeting with data center developer TECfusions was postponed at their request because of the possibility of a significant snow event this weekend. The meeting...
Hearing for Valley teacher accused of provoking student fight waived to court
A Valley Jr.-Sr. High School teacher accused by New Kensington police of provoking students to fight in a geometry class in October waived his preliminary hearing. Court records indicated Bradley Reiher, 46, of East Deer waived the hearing Thursday morning before District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. Reiher’s attorney, Brian...
O’Hara officials approve new 4-year deal with police department
O’Hara officials have approved a new four-year deal with their police department. Council unanimously voted on the contract Jan. 13. Township Manager Julie Jakubec said terms include 3.25% wage hikes each year. There are no changes to health care contributions or pensions. The new deal comes with new positions. The...
Building the Valley: Veteran-owned 12 Bravo BBQ seeks to spotlight Harrison VFW
Frank Frantz isn’t afraid of a little heat. The South Buffalo resident is becoming known locally for his tangy “Bravo” barbecue sauce and slow-cooked brisket, sold the past few years from a roving food truck. He has joined fellow chef James Palumbi of Saxonburg in opening an indoor version, 12...
Lower Burrell plans upgrade to Chartiers pump station
Lower Burrell officials will soon begin a massive, long-discussed sewage project officials say will further address concerns outlined by an environmental protection consent decree from the state. The city was awarded a $500,000 grant and a $15.8 million low-interest loan, both from the state, to be used toward aging sewage...
Freeport Council president resigns to take tax collector role
Former Freeport Council President Rick Fennell stepped down last week to take up a new role. He’ll serve as the borough’s tax collector after an unsuccessful search for an alternative candidate. No one ran for the post in last year’s general election, and no candidate emerged with more than five...
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County approves new budget that keeps water, sewer rates level
Water and sewer rates for Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County customers will remain unchanged for at least the next year. Authority board members this week approved a $129.7 million budget for the multi-county agency that keeps its current rate structure in place after two straight years of increases. “We always...
Lawmakers, pet advocates push bill spurred by pet cremation scandal
State Sen. Nick Pisciottano said the state’s framework for pet cremation oversight is “a little like the Wild West.” The legislator, whose district includes Plum, Monroeville and parts of the Mon Valley, proposed Senate Bill 950 to strengthen consumer protection and criminalize the mistreatment of pets after their deaths. “Pets...
The Stroller, Jan. 22, 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. Leechburg Elks to host...
Fox Chapel Area sophomore advocates for improved pedestrian safety in O’Hara, Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Siddarth Srinivasan of O’Hara used to walk to school on most days. His walking route was altered last year when he moved to a new home off Field Club Road in O’Hara from his old residence in the Falconhurst plan. He said he doesn’t...
Community feedback sought for proposed New Kensington-Arnold building realignment
New Kensington-Arnold Superintendent Christopher Sefcheck says a proposed realignment of the district’s buildings is “the most serious undertaking this district has taken in years” — and officials are seeking the public’s input for those plans. Sefcheck plans to send notifications to parents, staff and community members Thursday morning seeking volunteers...
There really is such thing as a free lunch: New Kensington church offers it once a month
Allegheny Valley Church of God serves a free lunch to the community every third Wednesday of the month. This month’s lunch was chili, perfect for a cold January day. The meals are served by congregation volunteers at the church hall in New Kensigton....
Highlands teachers seal 5-year, early-bird contract
Highlands School District teachers locked up a five-year contract that awards them a 3.5% average salary increase each year through 2030. The school board on Tuesday approved the contract with the Highlands Education Association, well ahead of the current agreement’s June 30 expiration. “The deal is the result of a...
Oakmont Council looks to improve, prioritize efficiency
An internal restructuring of Oakmont Council is being discussed among its members to find a way to keep up to date with borough boards, the school district, committees, projects and other happenings. Council President Nancy Ride credited the idea to fellow members Amanda Pagnotta and Jennifer Paris. Pagnotta took the...
Harrison Hills to host global Great Backyard Bird Count
Part of a global birding event is happening in Harrison. Harrison Hills Park is the place for birding enthusiasts, nature lovers and novices alike to gather Feb. 14 for the Great Backyard Bird Count. “This is a great way for anyone of any experience to participate in a fun, interesting...
Esai Aliquo brings Lower Burrell family’s jazz tradition to 3rd generationVideo
Mention the name “Aliquo” to someone in the Alle-Kiski Valley or Pittsburgh, and you’ll likely find yourself in a conversation about jazz music. Don Aliquo Sr., a saxophone player and Lower Burrell resident, has been a fixture in Pittsburgh’s jazz scene for most of the 96 years he’s been alive....
