Valley News Dispatch category, Page 488
Peoples Library in New Kensington and Lower Burrell expands access, hours to pre-pandemic levels
Peoples Library, with locations in New Kensington and Lower Burrell, is working its way back to pre-pandemic operations, but it doesn’t plan to scrap all of the practices it implemented during the pandemic. “We look forward to seeing everybody, and we welcome them back,” said David Hrivnak, director of Peoples...
Recently hired Harmar manager Rozzano resigns
Anthony Rozzano, who was hired May 7 as township manager of Harmar, has resigned after discovering that his hiring violated township rules. His last day was Tuesday. With Rozzano gone, the board is scheduled to vote Friday on hiring former Arnold Mayor Karen Peconi-Biricocchi as acting manager until a permanent...
Highlands High School community turns out in T-shirts to honor teacher battling cancerVideo
After the Highlands High School community was shocked by the news of a beloved teacher’s brain cancer diagnosis, they quickly took action. Students and teachers at Highlands have been dedicated to raising money for Kurt Landsberg, a longtime English teacher and soccer coach. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive...
Attorney General’s office says Arnold-based drug ring was active in Southwestern Pa., Ohio
The Pennsylvania Attorney’s General’s Office filed charges against six people who it said were involved in an Arnold-based drug trafficking organization that operated in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Armstrong counties and Cleveland. Those charged Wednesday and Thursday were Michael Terrance Scott, 45, and Melinda Tavarez, 42, of Arnold; Joseph Michael Cook,...
Allegheny Valley School Board passes preliminary budget with no tax hike
The Allegheny Valley School Board has approved a $22.9 million proposed budget for next school year that does not include a property tax increase. The board voted 6-3 in favor of the preliminary spending plan. It will vote next month on adoption of a final budget. “With this budget, there...
Summit Hose seeking donations for 4th of July fireworks in Tarentum
Summit Hose firefighters are asking for the community’s help as they work to bring Fourth of July fireworks back this year. The department is trying to raise $15,000 to pay for the display, scheduled for the evening of July 3 near Dreshar Stadium. The department has close to $5,000, said...
Traffic restrictions, delays expected on Route 356 in the Sarver area during milling work
Drivers can expect to see lane restrictions and delays as PennDOT begins milling work on Route 356 in the Sarver area on Friday. The milling work will begin on Route 356 in Jefferson, Winfield and Buffalo townships at 6 a.m. on Friday. Work may continue through Saturday, according to PennDOT....
Plum community chips in for new game at the community center
Plum seniors will soon have a new game to play at the borough’s community center thanks to the teamwork of a furniture shop and a high school art class. Mayor Harry Schlegel earlier this year proposed the idea of offering cornhole, a lawn game in which players take turns throwing...
The Stroller, May 27, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your club meetings, 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. Community welcome to place flags in Brackenridge Members of Brackenridge American Legion will place flags on veterans’ graves Saturday in Prospect Cemetery,...
Leechburg Area Pool improvements highlight return of swim season in Alle-Kiski ValleyVideo
Alle-Kiski Valley swimming pools will unveil a host of improvements and changes when they reopen Saturday, but one pool won’t be welcoming back swimmers. No pool has undergone more change than Leechburg Area Pool in Gilpin, where the pool and grounds have received more than a dozen upgrades over the...
Body of Punxsutawney man who had been missing in Gilpin found in Allegheny River
The body of a Punxsutawney man missing since Saturday in Gilpin was found Wednesday afternoon in the Allegheny River, according to the Armstrong County coroner. Coroner Brian Myers confirmed that the body of Nathan “Nate” Lauer, 38, of Punxsutawney, was found near the same area he was reported missing over...
Hometown Heroes banners to be displayed in O’Hara
O’Hara’s roads will be dotted with new banners saluting Hometown Heroes as the military program renews. The township will accept reservations for banners to honor those who have served the U.S. Armed Forces. “Council loves the banner program, as it honors true heroes of our community,” township Manager Julie Jakubec...
Grants pay for new basketball court in Blawnox
A new basketball court is on tap for Blawnox, thanks to two recently awarded state grants. The project will see a full-size court installed near the Blawnox Hi-Rise where the old tennis courts sat. The cost is about $105,000. “That area has not been used in quite a few years...
Over 500 Freeport students showcase their art in virtual art show
About 550 students, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, are showcasing their creative talents in Freeport Area School District’s virtual art show. The show, which features art from students taking classes in person and remotely, is being held online for the second year because of the covid-19 pandemic. Before covid-19...
The Stroller, May 26, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your club meetings, 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. Blue Star Memorial Marker to be dedicated in Lower Burrell Burrellton Garden Club will sponsor a dedication ceremony of the Blue Star...
New Kensington police searching for missing teen
Police in New Kensington are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing girl. Helen Bray, 15, was last seen when she left her home on Saturday, police said. She is believed to be in the McKeesport area. Bray is described as being 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighing...
Tarentum Bridge falcons a model of peregrine breeding success in Western Pa.
It’s been a good year for the state-endangered peregrine falcon in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with more nesting sites and chicks across the region. While there has been turbulence for the peregrines at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, with mates being ousted by stronger competitors and some falcons going missing,...
Plum School District Business Manager John Zahorchak leaving for new job in July
Plum School District’s chief financial officer will have a new job this summer. John Zahorchak announced at the May 25 school board meeting that he will be stepping down from his administrative post to become a financial consultant in another community. He declined to give further details about his next...
Springdale High School Class of 2021 celebrated at ‘reverse parade’
Springdale High School graduating seniors were celebrated during a “reverse parade” on Tuesday. During the event, members of the Class of 2021 lined each side of Lincoln Avenue near the stadium as decorated vehicles carrying their friends and family drove by honking their horns, cheering and tossing candy. Reverse parades...
Family business resurrected with Periwinkle’s Bakery & Cafe in O’HaraVideo
When the late business tycoon “Billy Kay” Kratsa would venture out, he always had a cigar in his mouth and armfuls of breads and pastries to distribute to friends and strangers. “If he was going to a doctor’s office, he would bring enough for all of the nurses and staff,”...
The Stroller, May 25, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your club meetings, 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. Boaters bash planned July 10 in New Kensington Lighthouse Marina, New Kensington, will host a Rockin’ For Lockin’ Boaters Bash from 1...
Harmar police urge residents not to take selfies with bears following rash of sightings
Harmar police are warning residents not to try to take photos or videos with black bears after a rash of sightings in the township. “We are asking that you enjoy viewing the bear from a safe distance. So that means please do not attempt to take a selfie with the...
Tarentum Bridge to close for improvements, affecting thousands of motorists
Motorists who use the Tarentum Bridge will need to find another way across the Allegheny River for roughly half of June. PennDOT said a 16-day closure of the bridge will begin at 7 a.m. June 9 and continue until late in the day June 25. About 30,000 vehicles use the...
Man last seen in Allegheny River near Gilpin remains missing, police say
State police provided no updates Monday on the disappearance of a Punxsutawney man who was last seen swimming in the Allegheny River in Gilpin over the weekend. Nathan “Nate” Lauer, 38, was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, according to one witness’ statement to police. That witness, identified only by...
Tarentum Dunkin’ shut down after health inspectors discover sewage leak
The Allegheny County Health Department shut down the Dunkin’ on East 10th Avenue in Tarentum after inspectors discovered what they said was sewage leaking from a grease trap and covering part of the floor. The May 21 inspection led inspectors to deem the coffee and doughnut shop an “imminent hazard,”...
