Valley News Dispatch category, Page 188
Soup was the star at annual American Legion ladies auxiliary fundraiser benefiting veterans in Brackenridge
Just call him ham man. Jodie Deiseroth of Harrison has a special cooking technique with ham, so he decided to try his luck at the annual Soup Cook-Off sponsored Saturday by Brackenridge American Legion Auxiliary. “It’s ginger ale,” Deiseroth whispered when asked which secret ingredient makes his soup so special....
Free lunch outreach gains momentum in Arnold
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming at a free monthly luncheon in Arnold. Hosted by Real Life Church, Pastor Bill Richardson and a group of volunteers started organizing a monthly lunch and clothing and toiletries outreach for the public about a year ago. The effort is called SOUP — Serving...
New Kensington native David Girardi preps for Super Bowl as Patrick Mahomes’ position coach
An increasing number of people are beginning to wonder if Patrick Mahomes just might end up as the greatest quarterback of all time. And at present, Mahomes’ defined position coach hails from New Kensington. David Girardi has been part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive staff since Mahomes took over...
The Stroller, Feb. 10, 2024: 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. Oakmont and Verona to welcome spring with Daffodil Days Riverview Relay...
Missing gator defies winter odds, found near Roaring Run Trail near Apollo
Two friends on a evening biking excursion Friday had an unexpected encounter in Kiski Township: an alligator. Robert Perri and Dan Murray, both of Burrell Township, were cycling on the Roaring Run Trail near dusk when they both noticed an alligator ahead on the trail. “I thought it was fake....
Boy hospitalized in stable condition after being hit by vehicle in Arnold
A boy is recovering in a local hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Arnold. Arnold interim police Chief Rob Haus said the incident took place around 3 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Freeport Road and Rankin Street. Haus said the child was flown via medical helicopter for...
Accused killer nurse indicates she will plead guilty in Western Pa. insulin deaths
A Harrison nurse charged with killing two nursing home residents and attempting to kill 17 others by deliberately giving them lethal doses of insulin indicated her wish to plead guilty during a short court appearance Friday. Heather Pressdee, 41, appeared to be frustrated with her defense attorneys when they asked...
Vandergrift leaders address online criticism, urge residents to share concerns in person
Public criticism comes with being an elected official, but Vandergrift officials think it’s going too far. At this week’s council meeting, Mayor Lenny Collini brought up criticisms of the mayor and council appearing on social media. “I’m extremely uncomfortable with the social media going around about our town,” Collini said....
Diocese of Pittsburgh, Greensburg offer guidelines as Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day
Catholics celebrating Valentine’s Day might want to find a seafood restaurant or meatless dining option — or choose a different day to celebrate altogether. The Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Greensburg confirmed this week that they are adhering to fasting and no meat on Ash Wednesday, which is...
Highlands purse policy has parents angry over lack of privacy
Brackenridge resident Liz Myers says being a “girl mom” sometimes means having to stand up for certain rights. A Highlands School District policy that bans middle school students from carrying purses, belt bags and fanny packs around the school has Myers fighting for her daughter’s privacy, she said. As outlined...
A treat for your sweet: Chocolatiers across region pull out all the stops for Valentine’s Day
There’s more to Valentine’s Day than roses and a box of chocolates — although a sweet cocoa treat never disappoints. Businesses across the region have found clever ways to elevate their offerings and make gift-giving a unique experience. From brandy-soaked cherries to bacon dipped in dark chocolate, these sweets help...
The Stroller, Feb. 9, 2024: 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. Annual bird count event planned in Harrison Hills Park Friends of...
2024 fish fries in the Alle-Kiski Valley
To have your nonprofit’s fish fry added to this listing, send information as soon as possible to cpinto-smith@triblive.com. All menus are subject to change and availability. Events begin either Ash Wednesday or Friday, Feb. 16. Allegheny Township Markle Volunteer Fire Department, 470 Joyce St., 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through...
Potholes at Pittsburgh Mills are mall owners’ responsibility, not Frazer’s
Grant Becker had just left work at the Pittsburgh Mills shopping complex in Frazer when he heard a giant crunch. Becker’s car hit a pothole on Pittsburgh Mills Boulevard that he said was more like the size of a crater. “It was humongous,” said Becker of Springdale Township. “It had...
Lower Burrell looks to revamp old tax office into community space
Courtney Kobelenske is excited about the possibilities a new community center in Lower Burrell can provide. “I think it would work well for people that need it. We could use it, other individuals could use it,” said Kobelenske, who organizes the AK Inclusion Games and helps to coordinate work opportunities...
Vandergrift man convicted in sexual assaults of 2 children
A Westmoreland County jury deliberated more than five hours before returning guilty verdicts against a Vandergrift man for the sexual assaults of two children. Following a three-day trial that ended Wednesday night, Timothy Robert Johnson, 38, was found guilty of nine felony counts including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, conspiracy, indecent...
New Kensington officer injured, suspect Tased twice in warrant arrest
Police had to twice use a Taser on an Arnold man as officers struggled to arrest him in December, according to court records released this week. At least one police officer was injured. The incident began after New Kensington Officer Tyler Balla saw Anthony Marsalis Howell, 36, of Arnold walking...
New Sheetz expected to open on Plum’s Golden Mile Highway in May
A new Sheetz under construction in Plum is tentatively scheduled to open in May, a spokesman for the Altoona-based convenience store chain said. When the new convenience store and gas station on Golden Mile Highway at Presque Isle Drive opens, the existing smaller store nearby at Pine Valley Drive will...
Donations to Plum school lunch debt take small bites out of a big problem
An anonymous member of the Plum School District community recently gave the district $500 to cover student lunch debt at Holiday Park Intermediate School. While generous and appreciated, the donation took only a small bite out of what is routinely a big problem. The district is carrying more than $45,000...
Co-teaching program at Acmetonia boosts learning, test scores
The lesson in Scott Andrews’ fifth grade English Language Arts class Wednesday was about sentence structure. But as students worked through their assignments, it wasn’t just Andrews teaching. Chelsea Brody, a special education teacher, was working in tandem with Andrews and the students as part of a co-teaching program at...
The Stroller, Feb. 8, 2024: 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. Bowl-A-Thon to raise funds for Burrell Education Foundation The annual Burrell...
O’Hara, Blawnox officials in early talks about merging police departments
Preliminary discussions between O’Hara and Blawnox officials about merging police departments have begun. The plan so far is to have Blawnox officers become township police and serve under Superintendent Jay Davis, O’Hara Manager Julie Jakubec announced at a workshop meeting Feb. 6. She repeatedly stressed talks are in the very...
Sharpsburg library’s chili cook-off returns in new location, same spirit
A spicy way to honor a Sharpsburg man and support his hometown will take place later this month. The Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger Chili Cook-off is planned for Friday, Feb. 23, at the borough building, 1611 Main St. The event takes place the day after National Chili Day and is designed...
Highlands varsity band boosters fear online scammer stealing craft show fees
Members of Highlands varsity band boosters fear that someone is running an online scam to collect craft show registration fees and defraud the group from its profits. “I’ve had a couple people call to let me know they’ve received emails to pay with PayPal,” said Desirae Dunmire, the boosters’ vice...
Harbor Freight, Starbucks approved as latest additions to booming New Kensington corridor
Plans for more development along New Kensington’s Tarentum Bridge Road commercial district have been approved. City council on Monday unanimously approved three resolutions related to the construction of a Harbor Freight tools store and a Starbucks cafe in Riverview Plaza. Their construction follows a new Aldi grocery store, which opened...
