Valley News Dispatch category, Page 457

Parallel parking is often the most difficult part of any driver training course — staying between the orange barrels, learning to use your side mirrors and hoping you don’t hit the curb. Now imagine doing it in a 40-ton fire rescue truck. “This is like a driving test, but way...

Police arrested an Indiana man this week after a traffic stop turned up drugs and guns, authorities said. Sahid Nasir-Evans, 27, faces charges related to firearms violations and possession of marijuana, said Kiski Township Police Sgt. Thomas Dessell. Officers stopped Nasir-Evans just after 1 a.m. Monday on Route 56 near...

Kiski Township police arrested an Apollo firefighter and charged him with disorderly conduct after they say he refused to abandon plans to burn rubbish with prohibited items. Police charged Lyle Rusz, 60, of Kiski Township with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and tampering with fire apparatus. Rusz’s attorney, Gregory Swank, disputed...

For the second time in two months, the Harmar supervisors appointed Karen Peconi-Biricocchi as the acting township manager. Peconi-Biricocchi was initially appointed acting manager at the end of May, succeeding Tony Rozzano. He was hired to fill the position full-time earlier in May but had to step down because he...

Robert Harvey Mills and his wife Caroel Mills watched a fire destroy their Vandergrift home of 51 years Thursday morning. They helplessly stood by as their their home on Holland Street burned — along with two neighboring houses. Still, the couple said they’re thankful to be alive, and determined not...

In the few weeks since Vitalant issued a call to replenish severe blood shortages across the region, the situation has improved — but not quite enough. “There is still a critical need for blood,” said Kristen Lane, Vitalant communications manager. “Donors are needed now to help prevent another shortage during...

A Leechburg woman diagnosed with cancer hasn’t let personal hardship diminish her passion for fundraising. Sherry Price, founder and organizer of Pink Day, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February during a routine mammogram. “Never in a million years did I think I’d get breast cancer,” said Price, 57. She...

A new monthly food truck event aims to showcase all the new and existing businesses in downtown New Kensington. Fridays on Fifth will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month from July through October on Fifth Avenue between Ninth and 10th Streets. The first...

Publicize your club meetings, community events and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number. Free concert planned at Concordia Lutheran Ministries Concordia Haven II at Concordia Lutheran Ministries will host a free outdoor concert featuring...

Publicize your club meetings, community events and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number. Operation Gratitude to benefit troops, first responders The fourth annual Operation Gratitude Collection drive will take place through July 31. The...

Students in Highlands School District will resume five-day, in-person classes when school resumes in August. In a 5-4 vote, the school board approved the plan at a special meeting Monday. Under the plan, wearing masks in the schools is voluntary for students and staff in school. But they are mandatory...

Paint, pesticides and other chemicals will be collected at Freeport Area Middle School during a July 24 event hosted by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school off Route 356. “This event is part of...

With the demise of the Kiski Junction Railroad in Gilpin and surrounding communities, Armstrong Trails wants to convert the corridor into a 14-mile recreational trail. The Kiski Junction Railroad was a 165-year-old short line used for commercial hauling and autumn leaf tours for tourists. The railroad’s owner, Rosebud Mining, ceased...

Plum School District officials plan to welcome all students back to school for full-time, in-person instruction for the coming school year. The announcement was recently made via letter to parents as well as posted on the district’s website. The first day of the 2021-22 school year is Thursday, Aug. 19....

Publicize your club meetings, community events and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number. Harrison church invites community to free picnic Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, Harrison, will host a free community picnic from 5...

Police have released details concerning the robbery of the Apollo Trust Bank in North Apollo on Monday and the arrest of Vandergrift man charged with the crime. Bradley James Mondi, 33, remains behind bars while awaiting a July 21 preliminary hearing at the Armstrong County Jail after failing to post...

New Kensington police are asking for the community’s help in finding a teenage runaway. Patience Daniella Lynn Johnson, 16, was last seen at her home in the city on July 6, police said. Police Det. Dino DiGiacobbe said police believe Johnson may still be in the New Kensington area, or...

Police said they used a Taser to subdue a Harrison woman who resisted arrest after a crash on First Avenue in Tarentum on Tuesday afternoon. In a criminal complaint, Tarentum police said Jennifer Leone Robare, 30, of Sycamore Street walked away after crashing her Jeep Liberty into the rear end...

Members of the United Steelworkers ratified a new, four-year contract with Allegheny Technologies, Inc., the specialty steelmaker announced Tuesday night. The agreement ends a strike by 1,300 union members at nine ATI locations that began March 30. ATI employees will begin returning to their jobs the week of July 19,...

Vandergrift Police Officer William Moore, who was suspended last month for unprofessional conduct, is back on duty. Council member Casimer Maszgay confirmed Tuesday that Moore returned to his beat last week. Vandergrift Police Chief Joe Caporali refused to comment on Moore’s return, citing a personnel matter. Moore also declined to...