Valley News Dispatch category, Page 568
O’Hara resident’s upcoming book delves into history, science, Greek mythology
Oncology nurse-turned-author Danielle Ancona will take readers on an ethereal journey through history, science and Greek mythology in her upcoming release, “By Immortal Honor Bound.” It is the first book in the O’Hara resident’s “Of Alchemy & Angels” series and is due out Nov. 4. “My hope is this book...
The Stroller, Aug. 6, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Follow @VNDStroller on Twitter for a daily link to The Stroller. Small Acts of Kindness Did your neighbor call and check on you, or bring a face mask or groceries? The Stroller wants to recognize those around us who are performing small acts of kindness for others during this stressful...
Burrell parents to decide between in-school or virtual instruction
As Burrell School District parents decide whether their children will learn at home online or attend classes in person, the school board is hoping not too many will choose a cyber school outside of the district. That could potentially cost the district several hundred thousand dollars. During a special meeting...
O’Hara Council: Squaw Valley Park is now O’Hara Township Community Park
People watching the O’Hara Council meeting online via Zoom on Tuesday night erupted in cheers and applause following a vote to rename Squaw Valley Park. Council voted 6-1 to rename the site O’Hara Township Community Park, bringing a swift resolution to a two-month heated debate over removing the word Squaw...
Apollo man sentenced to federal prison on marijuana distribution charges
An Apollo man was sentenced to just over three years in prison following a conviction on marijuana distribution charges, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady announced Wednesday. Stephen Lerch, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV. Brady said Lerch was receiving packages of marijuana and THC vaping cartridges from...
Arnold man found guilty of intimidating witness before his son’s cop-killer trial last year
The father of the man sentenced to death for the murder of New Kensington police officer Brian Shaw was convicted Wednesday for the intimidation and retaliation of a potential witness at his son’s trial last year. After nearly six hours of deliberations, a Westmoreland County jury found Gregory Paul Baucum,...
New Kensington officials want local control over use of fireworks
New Kensington will urge its state representatives to repeal the law that legalized fireworks in Pennsylvania. In a resolution city council approved Monday, the city said it will make the request “since calls for more local control over the usage of commercial fireworks has been largely ignored by the Pennsylvania...
Fox Chapel Area School Board to vote Aug. 10 on back-to-school plan with options
Fox Chapel Area School Board will vote Aug. 10 on its back-to-school plan, with the outside chance that elementary students would return to classes full-time. Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac made a lengthy presentation during a special board meeting Monday, saying that plans currently include hybrid and online options for families...
Tarentum increases fine for excessive police calls to at least $300
Tarentum has increased by at least six times a penalty imposed on residents who have excessive calls for police and other emergency and public safety services. The ordinance council approved Tuesday replaces a 14-year-old ordinance, which had imposed a $50 “surtax” for each police response in excess of three every...
The Stroller, Aug. 5, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Follow @VNDStroller on Twitter for a daily link to The Stroller. Casino Theatre seeking donations The Casino Theater in Vandergrift is seeking donations to help with the upkeep and maintenance of the theater during the current pandemic. Since mid-March six shows at the theater have been canceled, but the costs...
O’Hara Council: Squaw Valley Park is now O’Hara Township Community Park
People watching the O’Hara Council meeting online via Zoom on Tuesday night erupted in cheers and applause following a vote to rename Squaw Valley Park. Council voted 6-1 to rename the site O’Hara Township Community Park, bringing a swift resolution to a two-month heated debate over removing the word Squaw...
High school bands eager to march on through pandemicVideo
The high school marching band’s drum line heralds the start of a fresh school year. Chris Snyder, band director at Deer Lakes High School, wasn’t going to let a pandemic kill that tradition. Since March, Deer Lakes students — like high schoolers nationwide — haven’t participated in school events, seen...
Police arrest Delaware County man for returning to North Apollo home from which he was banned after assault
A Delaware County man previously charged with domestic assault was arrested Tuesday after he was found hiding inside a North Apollo home where the assault occurred, according to police. Police said Devante Grant, 21, of Lansdowne isn’t allowed in the Allison Avenue home because he previously assaulted a woman who...
Roof project at New Kensington-Arnold elementary school more than doubles in size, cost
A project to replace part of the leaking roof at Roy A. Hunt Elementary has more than doubled in size and cost to include all of the school’s roof. New Kensington-Arnold School Board member Steven Sorch, who voted against the project’s enlargement, said he had no idea how the district...
Victim in New Kensington witness intimidation trial says she fears for her life
A New Kensington woman testified Tuesday she fears for her safety after her cooperation with investigators was publicly disclosed during the prosecution of a man sentenced to death for the murder of a police officer. Tasha Williams, 39, told a Westmoreland County jury her life may still be in jeopardy...
West Deer police to go forward with golf outing fundraiser despite pandemic
The West Deer Police Department plans to hold its annual golf outing this month despite the coronavirus pandemic that has prompted many organizations to cancel similar fundraising events. “We’re actually very excited,” police Chief Jon Lape said. “Whatever it takes and however we have to social distance and all that,...
The Stroller, Aug. 4, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Did your neighbor call and check on you, or bring a face mask or groceries? The Stroller wants to recognize those around us who are performing small acts of kindness for others during this stressful time. Send a short, one-paragraph note highlighting someone and how they helped you, your family...
Off-leash dogs and cyclists may be permanently allowed in Oakmont’s Dark Hollow Woods
Cycling and dogs running off-leash might be a permanent fixture in Dark Hollow Woods in Oakmont as the recreation board pushes for a change in borough policy. What was to be a six-month trial period to test the activities in the publicly owned park near Crystal Drive has now lasted...
New Kensington man sentenced in fatal heroin overdose
The mother of an Allegheny Township woman told a Westmoreland County judge Monday that her daughter finally had an opportunity to experience California, but it came after death when her ashes were cast into the Pacific Ocean. “She always had a love of California, and I finally took her there...
Vandergrift officer injured trying to subdue domestic abuse suspect
Allegheny Township Police say at least one officer was injured Friday evening during the arrest of a man on suspicion of domestic violence. According to police, officers responded to a domestic violence call along Hancock Avenue around 9 p.m. Friday. There, police say, a woman told them she was assaulted...
Westmoreland restarts criminal trials with case against Rahmael Holt’s father
After a four-month hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, jury trials resumed Monday in Westmoreland County. A 12-member jury and two alternates were selected to hear evidence in a witnesses intimidation case against the father of the man convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of New Kensington police...
Repaving Richmond Street tops Arnold’s plans for $300K in grant money
Arnold is proposing to spend nearly half of a federal grant to pay for resurfacing Richmond Street. City residents will get a chance to comment on that, and other proposed uses for the more than $300,000 grant, during a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the public...
The Stroller, Aug. 2, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Did your neighbor call and check on you, or bring a face mask or groceries? The Stroller wants to recognize those around us who are performing small acts of kindness for others during this stressful time. Send a short, one-paragraph note highlighting someone and how they helped you, your family...
The Stroller, Aug. 3, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Did your neighbor call and check on you, or bring a face mask or groceries? The Stroller wants to recognize those around us who are performing small acts of kindness for others during this stressful time. Send a short, one-paragraph note highlighting someone and how they helped you, your family...
Co-workers rally around New Kensington mom whose toddler drowned in Harrison
Cassius Saulsgiver was a happy kid who always woke up with a smile. He went to bed with one, too. “He just loved life,” said his mom, Dominique Kemp. “He just loved everything. Everybody. You could be a complete stranger and he’d warm up pretty quick.” Two-year-old Cassius tragically died...
