La Roche University gifted buildings, including motherhouse, from Sisters of Divine Providence
A property transfer from a Catholic organization to La Roche University sets the college up for long-term growth, officials say. The Sisters of Divine Providence has gifted the Providence Heights Motherhouse and about 15 acres of nearby property to La Roche, the university announced Tuesday, Dec. 16. The transfer includes...
Hampton woman accused of stealing $130K from Deer Lakes School District
A Hampton woman is facing multiple felony charges after being accused of stealing nearly $130,000 in student activity fees while serving as the Deer Lakes School District’s accounts receivable/payable clerk. Rachel Rominski, 53, is charged with theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted funds and receiving stolen property. Rominski was...
Realtor: North, South Hills real estate markets have more similarities than you’d think
Editor’s note: This is part of an occasional series on real estate market trends in Western Pennsylvania. Twenty-six years ago, Bob Topich broke the age-old social norm of Pittsburgh suburbanites — departing his native South Hills for a home north of the city. Topich, 65, of Franklin Park, has never...
At the library: News from Hampton Community Library
Hampton Community Library, 3200 Lochner Way, is open Mondays through Saturdays. Its September through May hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For details about upcoming programs or to register for...
Holiday performances, gingerbread house display keep things festive at The Block Northway
The shopping atmosphere at The Block Northway was kept seasonally festive thanks to a free concert performed by the Slippery Rock University Clarinet Choir on Nov. 30. The clarinetists were part of a free series of concerts and performances held during the holiday season at the mall off McKnight Road...
In brief: Happenings across the Hampton Journal area
Community invited to holiday Sparktacular Hampton will host its Santa’s Sparktacular holiday event from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Hampton Community Center, 3200 Lochner Way. There will be photos with Santa, compliments of the Rachael Schafer Team of Berkshire Hathaway, and a festive fireworks display. Food trucks,...
Long-time coach provides ‘GPS’ for youths in book detailing challenges from childhood
A McCandless resident, known to many in the North Hills as Coach Dave Gray, is celebrating the release of his debut book, “Next Point Wins: A Playbook for Future Champions.” The book details what it was like growing up as a foster child, finally being adopted, his challenges as a...
A.W. Beattie students turn Thanksgiving parade into schoolwide event benefiting North Hills Community Outreach
Giving thanks and giving back to those in need were the themes of a student-led Thanksgiving parade at A.W. Beattie Career Center in McCandless. It also was a special treat for the preschoolers of Beattie’s Kiddie Tech program, who got to march in the parade around the school. While the...
Hampton students take the reins for successful fall production of ‘Death by Chocolate’
On a stage drenched in blue light, a figure sits at a desk, struggling against their binds. A bookcase slides silently aside to reveal a hand holding a gun, protruding from the darkness of a secret room. A shot rings out and the struggling figure slumps over. Michael Petrucci, a...
Veterans and active-duty military members find a career fit with Postal Service
Two words: mail call. That may be one of the most welcoming phrases for deployed men and women in the U.S. military, said Ross resident Mark Wahl, a strategic communications specialist for the U.S. Postal Service. So, it’s rather fitting that the Postal Service also has been a rewarding career...
No property tax increase planned in Hampton’s $19.75 million proposed budget for 2026
Hampton’s property tax rate would remain unchanged under the township’s proposed 2026 budget. The total tax rate would stay at 2.9241 mills. The owner of a property at Hampton’s median value of $175,000 would continue to pay about $512 annually. The tax rate consists of three parts — 1.979 mills...
Shaler Hampton EMS gets grant to help replace problematic ambulance
A state grant will help Shaler Hampton EMS replace a problematic ambulance that had broken down six times in less than two weeks, its chief said. The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded a $213,041 grant to the ambulance authority that serves Shaler, Hampton and Etna. The grant comes from the Gaming...
Veterans touched by ceremony, parade at Holy Cross Academy in Ross
A time of reflection, reverence and recognition was part of the annual Veterans Day celebration and parade Nov. 7 at Holy Cross Academy in Ross. “It’s very emotional,” said Dave W. Graver of McCandless, who was visibly moved after coming out of the church service honoring the veterans. Graver served...
Cosmetology students at A.W. Beattie Career Center thank veterans with free haircuts
As a thank-you for veterans, cosmetology students at A.W. Beattie Career Center’s training salon provided free haircuts for all members of the military, past and present, on Veterans Day. The training salon, located at the school along Babcock Boulevard, is a full-service salon for students in the cosmetology program. This...
Allegheny County offices to close for Veterans Day
All Allegheny County offices, including the independently elected offices, courts and County Council, will be closed Tuesday for the Veterans Day holiday. The North Park and South Park golf courses will be open during their normal operating hours, from dawn to dusk. The offices will return to regular hours on...
Hampton School District inducts 8 veterans into Hampton Heroes program
The Hampton School District inducted eight local veterans into its 2025 Hampton Heroes program. The Nov. 3 event at Fridley Field included student speakers and performances by the chorus and band. Those inducted were: • Christopher Finnigan of Pittsburgh served in the Marine Corps for four years. He served on...
3 Hampton Council members win re-election
All three incumbent Hampton Council members were kept in office in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial Allegheny County election results. Council members Julie Fritsch, Carolynn Johnson, and Bethany Blackburn will keep their seats on the five-member council. All three were unopposed in the Democratic primary. Fritsch and Johnson also received...
3 of 4 Hampton School Board members re-elected; Democrat beats Republican for 4th seat
Three of four Hampton School Board members kept their seats in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial Allegheny County election results. The three board incumbents who won had received both the Democratic and Republican nominations — Larry Vasko, Denise Balason and Jill Hamlin. Incumbent Gregory Stein, who was on the ballot...
Smallsgrass jam session in Millvale brings together bluegrass aficionados of all skill levels
On Wednesday nights in Millvale, the sound of banjos, fiddles and mandolins drifts across the patio outside Mr. Smalls Cafe. That’s where the Smallsgrass Bluegrass Jam has become a weekly tradition, drawing pickers of all ages and skill levels. “It just feels like a group of friends hanging and playing...
3rd annual Diwali celebration shines light on Indian holiday, collects food for local pantries
LED tealights flickered between vibrant garlands and flowers Nov. 2 at the Baierl Family YMCA in Franklin Park. More than 300 guests, many clad in bright saris and kurtas, attended the third annual celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, hosted by state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless. Diwali —...
In brief: Happenings across the Hampton Journal area
5K to boost efforts of nonprofit for troops The 20th annual Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K Race will be held Nov. 9 in Hampton Community Park, 3101 McCully Road. The race helps Operation Troop Appreciation provide holiday care packages to deployed troops. It supplies comfort and support to those...
Hampton’s Rebekah Hall completes comeback with WPIAL cross country title
The Hampton girls didn’t repeat at the 2025 WPIAL Class 2A cross country championships, but they did rejoice. Junior Rebekah Hall, who last season helped the Talbots to their first-ever team title, became the first Hampton runner in 27 years to bring home a WPIAL individual cross country championship. One...
Mansions at Lake MacLeod in Pine to be featured in Symphony Splendor House Tour
For the first time, palatial mansions in Lake Macleod will welcome guests for an up-close look at these homes dressed for the holidays. Five one-of-a-kind residences in Pine are part of the Symphony Splendor 2025 Holiday House Tour North. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Symphony Association to benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony...
North Hills Community Outreach welcomes donations to help others during SNAP pause
With SNAP benefits on pause, North Hills Community Outreach is stepping up to help the people it serves and is asking the community for assistance. As of Oct. 15, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that SNAP, a supplemental nutrition assistance program, will not be issued because of the...
Hampton resident presses for action on intersection in need of stop control mechanism
The Hampton Council meeting began Oct. 22 as it always does, opening with concerns from any residents and property owners. One resident worried about a dangerous intersection stepped up to air her concerns for a second time. Lauren Scheiber addressed Hampton Council about Wildwood Road Extension and Middle Road. “Back...
