As national test score reports generate concerns over student learning, an opposite pattern is unfolding at New Kensington-­Arnold School District, according to Superintendent Chris Sefcheck. After hitting an all-time low in 2020, the district’s math and science scores on state tests are gradually increasing, Sefcheck said. In just two years,...

Church news • St. James Church, New Alexandria, will have a pet blessing service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in the church parking lot, 306 St. James Lane. Details: 724-668-2829. Fundraisers • Mon Valley Paws will sponsor a golf ball drop at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Monessen...

A few property owners pleaded their cases Friday as Jeannette officials seek to have their blighted buildings torn down. But most did not show for a demolition hearing, leaving code enforcement officer Bill Whetzel to deem them public nuisances in need of razing. There were 19 properties addressed during a...

Furlough notices started going out Friday to 125 West­moreland County employees as leaders seek to reduce spending amid the ongoing state budget impasse. The furloughs will go into effect Oct. 13. Commissioner Ted Kopas said they are expected to save the county $100,000 weekly. “This is a sad day for...

The new traffic layout where Route 380 and Golden Mile Highway meet in Murrysville was intended to ease passage for trucks that must cross the highway on their way to a fracking well pad just up the road. And while it might be more accommodating to truck traffic, it appears...

Four deer hunters will get a chance to wait for their quarry in the confines of Delmont’s Shields Farm this fall. Council voted to begin a deer management program on the Shields Farm property, 145 acres that belongs to the borough but is technically in Salem. “A couple members of...

Despite public pleas, Westmore­land commissioners have yet to reach consensus on a plan to make video viewing an option for those who want to watch how county business is conducted. Commissioner Ted Kopas this month endorsed a plan to livestream public meetings that are conducted once or twice monthly at...

Plans for a pedestrian bridge to improve safety for students who walk to Ligonier Valley High School moved a step closer this past week as the Ligonier Township supervisors accepted additional funding for the project. Township Manager Michael Strelic expressed hope the $588,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation,...

The view and stream quality along Derry Township’s Atlantic Road have improved now that three abandoned mine refuse piles have been removed. As part of a Pennsylvania program, Latrobe-based Robindale Energy Services cleared the piles at no cost to the state and renewed the 6.2-acre site with vegetation. Some of...

Autumn is upon us — are you ready to enjoy cooler temperatures, spooky vibes and hot drinks? Here are a few fun events to kick back and enjoy this weekend. Mt. Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival The Mt. Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival celebrates the borough’s glass making tradition all...

Three weeks into the season, Penn-Trafford’s junior varsity hockey team disbanded because of low participation. Following tryouts in April, about 10 players were placed on the junior varsity roster, according to parent Michael Broker of Penn Township. “Having that few of kids, it’s really not ideal, because there’s injury, people...

Southmoreland Middle School was one of 13 Pennsylvania schools recognized by the state education department this week for academic performance. The initiative, Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools, was launched by the state after President Donald Trump ended the 40-year-old federal version of the program in August. Schools are recognized for their...

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Sept. 26: Officials search for game lands trash maker The Pennsylvania Game Commission is trying to figure out who dumped garbage in Westmoreland County game lands earlier this week. Operation Game Thief reported that drywall and building materials...

The state’s nearly three-month budget impasse has cost Pennsylvania school districts almost $4 billion. That’s how much districts, technical schools and intermediate units should have received in state funding since July 1 — the day a new budget was supposed to take effect. Without a budget, the state isn’t making...

A proposal to replace the 4-foot-by-8-foot message board on the “Irwin Inc. 1864” welcome sign with a new electronic version sparked a heated debate among Irwin Council members, with one member calling the proposed sign a “total eyesore.” At a recent council meeting, Councilman Tyler Baum was the sole dissenter...

Mt. Pleasant Area Historical Society will unveil a window into the past on Sunday, during the community’s annual Glass and Ethnic Festival. Visitors to the historical society’s headquarters at 422 Washington St. will be able to view a newly restored stained-glass window that hasn’t seen the light of day in...

A New Kensington man was charged Thursday with providing fatal doses of drugs investigators said killed two people two days apart: his girlfriend and a man who was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. Davi J. Roman, 29, was denied bail. The case was investigated by a grand jury...

A free medicare educational seminar informing people how to enroll in Medicare, who needs to enroll and what Medicare Parts A and B cost and cover will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin. The Norwin Rotary is sponsoring the event. For more...

Students from two area schools visited Seton Hill University and its National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education on Thursday for the dedication of the Anne Frank tree at the university. Christ the Divine Teacher School in Latrobe and St. Therese School in Munhall were represented for a reading of excerpts...

KGD Contracting, Inc. will handle the construction of the third phase of improvements at Hempfield Park. The firm submitted the lowest bid for the work, coming in at $334,090. Township supervisors awarded them the contract this week. There were three other bids ranging from $366,038 to $412,370. “They came in...