In the news this week 20 years ago:
• The Sewickley Herald Star, as it was then known, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The first issue of the paper was published on Sept. 19, 1903. Headlines from the front page included “$75 DIAMOND RING TO BE GIVEN AWAY,” in a Herald-sponsored raffle contest to encourage new subscriptions, as well as “A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE”—the possible use of street cars in Sewickley. The first editor was W.H. Robertson, with J.L. Kochenderfer and James Stinson as publishers.
• In more modern news that year, the Sewickley Borough council was in talks to amend the fire service contract with neighboring Sewickley Heights. Complicating the process was the Allegheny County real estate assessment, with which Sewickley Heights council was in disagreement. Real estate values determine the fees charged by Sewickley Borough for fire protection — the gap between the new and old fees amounted to $14,030.
• Volunteers for the Home and School Association at Sewickley Academy were preparing for their 50th annual Clothesline and Used Book Sale fundraiser. The previous year’s sale had brought in $78,000, with all profits going toward the school, mainly supporting its libraries. Unsold items were to be donated to local charitable organizations.
• Maura and Devin Lally of Sewickley Heights brought home a number of awards following a trip to Albuquerque to compete in the Youth National Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Horse Show. Maura, 13, and Devin, 11, each won two national top 10 rankings. The girls had been riding since “before they could walk,” according to their mother.
