Valley News Dispatch category, Page 316
Vandergrift library director has big plans for $15K grant
The Vandergrift Public Library recently was awarded a $15,000 grant to offer additional tutoring to students beyond what they can get in school. Sarah Buzzard of Vandergrift started her job as director in September and immediately began her grant mission to secure funds for the library. She said she likes...
Vigil held to remember victim of fatal New Kensington shooting; pleas made for witnesses to ID killer
A small group gathered Wednesday near the scene of last week’s fatal shooting in New Kensington to remember the victim and call on the person who killed him to surrender to authorities. James Michael Hayes, 31, was found shot to death Friday in the parking lot behind Kensington Arms Apartments...
Demolition to begin this week on Corbet Street building in Tarentum
Tarentum Council President Scott Dadowski said Santa should have a prime spot to park his sleigh when he flies through the borough in a few weeks. Demolition of 215 Corbet St., a significant building in the heart of town, is expected to begin in days. “We’re hoping to begin this...
Washington Township police investigating crash that killed resident
Washington Township police don’t know what caused a man to lose control of his car, resulting in a crash that claimed his life Sunday. Nolan E. Young, 39, of Washington Township died after a one-vehicle crash on Route 366 at Francis Drive. Police Chief Scott Slagle said the crash happened...
Allegheny Township officials disagree on need for public information officer
Allegheny Township’s supervisors meeting Monday evening was routine, until it wasn’t. More than 20 residents showed up, and many of them spoke publicly against a proposal to appoint Township Manager Gregory Primm as public information officer. The resolution passed 2-1 Monday, with Supervisors Michael Korns and Ren Steele voting in...
Harrison man out of jail on bond accused of using crutch to assault hospital police officer
A Harrison man who was out of jail on bond after being accused of aggravated assault was accused of using a crutch to assault an Allegheny Valley Hospital officer who, police say, tried to stop him from driving while intoxicated. Brandon Heath Gregurich, 29, of the 900 block of Jefferson...
Respiratory virus surge impacting local schools
As respiratory viruses surge, schools and parents have differing opinions on how to handle sick students. With illness on the rise, particularly respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, some schools are sending students home on a daily basis — much to the frustration of some parents, nurses say. Meanwhile, as those...
The Stroller, Dec. 14, 2022: 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. Santa to visit Washington Township Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will...
Police: Woman seen on video with drinks stolen from Allegheny Township beer distributor
Police are trying to identify a woman caught on video surveillance allegedly stealing drinks Saturday from a beer distributor in Allegheny Township. In an image from video footage posted Monday to the Zamp’s Brew Thru Facebook page and later taken down, a woman is seen clutching three White Claw Surge...
Feasibility study underway as Leechburg officials aim to regionalize police department
Leechburg officials are forging ahead with organizational efforts to regionalize their police force with other local municipalities. Officials recently approved a free, state-run study with the Department of Community and Economic Development to determine whether regionalization could trim costs and ultimately ensure 24/7 coverage. The study includes North Apollo, Parks...
Harrison’s fire-ravaged Country Pools & Spas reopens in Freeport
A Harrison pool store that burned to the ground three weeks ago has reopened about a mile down the road in Freeport. Country Pools & Spas is up and running in a shop that formerly housed Classic Tent Rentals at 1179 Butler Road. “I didn’t know how long it would...
The Stroller, Dec. 13, 2022: 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. New Kensington church to host holiday lunch Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church...
Donors step up as Harrison police investigate theft of 20 bikes from Toys for Tots, Dick’s chips in 25 bikes
The Allegheny Valley Marine Corps Toys for Tots storage space in Harrison was buzzing Tuesday morning. At least a dozen bikes rolled in from donors hoping to lift spirits after thieves made off with 20 bikes overnight Sunday from the group’s storage pod at Heights Plaza. “People are absolutely stepping...
Leechburg Area High School students host hygiene drive to benefit school nurse and community
A new competition is helping to fill a need for personal care items at Leechburg Area High School and beyond. The Interact and BRAVE clubs have partnered to collect toiletry and hygiene items for the nurse’s office. Michelle Ferretti, coordinator for community service and the Interact Club, said the school...
Police: Ford City man faces 51 felony counts after child porn shows up on work computer synced to home laptop
A Ford City man previously convicted of distributing child pornography faces dozens of felony counts after, investigators say, a sexually explicit photo of an underage girl appeared on a work computer that was synced to a laptop in his home. Matthew J. Lightcap, 40, of the 300 block of Third...
Leechburg officials continue projects spearheaded by late mayor Wayne Dobos
Leechburg Mayor Tony Roppolo is back doing one of the things he enjoys most: serving the community. A Leechburg native, Roppolo returned to public life in March. Council appointed him mayor after the death of former Mayor Wayne Dobos on March 2. In 2009, Roppolo was elected mayor of the...
The Stroller, Dec. 12, 2022: 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. Leechburg Rotary to collect pajamas, children’s books The Rotary Club of...
Faces of the Valley: Vandergrift native opens neighborhood butcher shop in Lawrenceville
Having grown up in Vandergrift, Steve Dawson understands the heartbeat of a small town. Now, he is bringing that neighborhood vibe to an already-bustling area with his recently opened butcher concept in Lawrenceville. After years working as a corporate geologist, Dawson left his profession to pursue his passion for butchering,...
Remember When: Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington served the city well
For nearly 90 years, Citizens General Hospital served thousands in the New Kensington area. The facility — known simply as CGH to many — existed from 1912 until 2000. The hospital had a humble beginning, chartered on Dec. 12, 1912, when it was known as “Trinity Hospital.” It was located...
New Kensington-based group led by Lillie Leonardi helps disadvantaged people through ‘boxes of goodness’
A group of dedicated volunteers are giving back to those in need, one backpack at a time. Books Bridge Hope, a nonprofit based in New Kensington, was founded in 2017 by Arnold native and former FBI specialist Lillie Leonardi. Leonardi, of Oakmont, is a former Arnold police officer and retired...
Armstrong County fires 3 public defenders, they sue. County revamps department.
Three Armstrong County public defenders who were fired last month have filed a civil case against the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners in federal court in Pittsburgh. The lawsuit, filed Dec. 2, accused the county commissioners of wrongful discharge, breach of the terms and conditions of employment agreements and multiple...
Nearly 30 graduates nominated for New Kensington-Arnold ‘Distinguished Alumni’ honors
Nearly 30 graduates of Valley High School and its predecessors in New Kensington and Arnold have been nominated to be recognized as distinguished alumni. New Kensington-Arnold Assistant Superintendent Jon Banko and School Director Sarah Yurga announced earlier this year that the district would be bringing back a program to honor...
Free shopping event in New Kensington provides holiday goodies for those in need
April Bontempo of Arnold left her house Saturday morning intent on just buying dog food. She returned home with much more, thanks to the generosity of a regional nonprofit dedicated to providing freebies to anyone in need. Bontempo stumbled upon the Cuddles For Kids Annual Holiday Pop-Up Free Store at...
Kiski Township officers accuse woman of drunken driving with 2 toddlers, infant in vehicle; felony charges filed
Kiski Township police accused a woman of driving drunk with her three young children in the vehicle when she failed three field sobriety tests after jumping the curb. Officers responding to a report of a single-vehicle crash shortly after 8 p.m. Dec. 1 said they found a Nissan Juke SUV...
‘Peace on Earth’ holiday concert returns to Tarentum church
Local musicians will bring some holiday cheer to Tarentum this month by putting on a concert as part of a series that is returning after shuttering in 2020. The “Peace on Earth” concert featuring vocalist Daphne Alderson and the St. Michael Chamber Band will take place Dec. 18 at Central...
