Western PA Local News category, Page 1032
Plum Food Pantry, after years of depressed demand, sees rise in clients
The number of families relying on the Plum Food Pantry is nearing pre-pandemic levels, though not in the way you might expect. Food banks across the country reported crushing demand at the height of covid-19, and again as pandemic-era federal benefits expired starting in mid-2021. To the contrary, the Plum...
Pittsburgh’s Junction Hollow formally designated as part of Schenley Park
Junction Hollow is now formally designated as part of Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. The 28-acre area has long been viewed as part of the park, said City Councilwoman Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield. Warwick, who sponsored legislation to designate the land as part of Schenley Park, said she wanted to ensure that Junction...
‘A staple’: Hampton’s annual Community Day scheduled for July 3
Hampton Township is hosting its annual Community Day on July 3, complete with fireworks, food vendors, music and more. “It’s a staple in the community. People look forward to it every year. It’s a great day to spend with your neighbors, your friends in the community park,” said Melanie Martino,...
Pittsburgh Public Schools to expand anti-violence, mentorship program with $2M grant
A program aimed at reducing youth violence in Pittsburgh Public Schools will use more than $2 million in state grant money to expand. The Safe Passages program, operated by Pittsburgh-based Operation Better Block, brings adult community leaders into schools to mentor students, help curb problematic behaviors and mediate potential conflicts,...
Interfaith Celebration of Women’s Ordination hosted by Temple David in Monroeville
The first woman in the United States to be ordained as a rabbi by a rabbinical seminary was Sally Jane Priesand, in 1972. A few years later, a middle school student at the time in Schenectady, N.Y., contemplated the possibility of joining those ranks. “I was aware that there were...
Pittsburgh pools offer free swimming for city children 15 and younger
Pittsburgh children 15 and under will be able to swim for free at any of the city’s 15 open pools this summer. “It’s all about … giving them opportunities for a safe, fun summer,” Mayor Ed Gainey said. Pittsburgh children had needed to have a recreation center membership tag to...
The Westmoreland names Silvia Filippini-Fantoni as new director and CEO
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art has named Silvia Filippini-Fantoni as its new Richard M. Scaife Director/CEO, effective in August. Filippini-Fantoni comes to The Westmoreland from The Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey, where she is deputy director of learning and engagement. “I am dedicated to ensuring that this...
Property owner: Don’t rezone former Springdale power plant from industrial use
The owner of the former Cheswick Generating Station is repeating its stance on the property: Springdale should not rezone it from industrial use. No action was taken at borough council’s meeting this week — the matter wasn’t even on the agenda — but representatives from Cheswick Plant Environmental Redevelopment Group...
Lower Burrell woman charged after traffic stop turns into drug bust at her home
Police have charged a Lower Burrell woman with drug possession following a May 2 traffic stop where, they said, it appeared she was under the influence of crack cocaine. Alicia Ann Bosman, 33, is charged with two counts of intentionally possessing a controlled substance and a count of use or...
Westmoreland happenings: Polka dances, fire department festival, car wash, more
Submissions from nonprofit organizations for Briefly Speaking can be emailed to cpinto-smith@triblive.com. Include a complete address and daytime phone number. Submissions are due at least two weeks prior to the event. Each announcement is printed once; there is no fee. Camps • Seton Arts Service Corps will have a music,...
Fire guts Irwin house
A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a fire that gutted an Irwin house Wednesday night, a fire official said. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire at 535 Carroll Drive, Irwin Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Stitely said Thursday morning. The property is owned...
The Stroller, June 22, 2023: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Allegheny Township to celebrate Community Day Allegheny Township Community Day will...
Morning Roundup: Pittsburgh man charged in connection to McKeesport hit-and-run fatal
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, June 22: Man arrested in fatal McKeesport hit-and-run Police arrested a 31-year-old man who they said fatally struck a woman in McKeesport with his vehicle early Thursday. Allegheny County Police said the suspect, Brandon Pendleton of Pittsburgh’s Sheraden...
Murrysville, Plum officials deal with injection well issues
There are multiple injection well operations and appeals of operations in the communities of Plum and neighboring Murrysville. Plum officials are appealing the decision of their own zoning hearing board, which approved a second injection well in the borough. The Sedat injection well has been in operation since late spring...
Injection rejection: Indiana County community pushes back against fracking residue well
When Judy Wanchisn was a few years into her fight to stop operation of a fracking injection well in her neighborhood, several people asked why she didn’t just move. “This is our family homestead,” she said, gesturing to the house and small building adjacent to her home on Sebring Road...
Healthy Food Center at Allegheny Valley Hospital helps connect people with nutritious food
Allegheny Valley Hospital patients who struggle with access to food will be able to shop at a free pantry at the Harrison facility. The Healthy Food Center, which opened Wednesday, will serve patients with financial or social barriers to nutritious grocery items. “The covid-19 pandemic has shown us just how...
Sheetz clears initial zoning hurdle in plans for new Greensburg store
Sheetz has passed the first hurdle in its plan to construct a new store on Greensburg’s East Pittsburgh Street. The city’s zoning hearing board on Wednesday granted a series of variances the convenience chain requested from normal landscaping, building and signage requirements for a store and gas station it wants...
New Kensington native honored for helping people recover from drug, alcohol addiction
A lifelong New Kensington resident has been recognized for helping people recover from drug and alcohol addiction. Pittsburgh-based Staunton Farm Foundation announced that VonZell Wade received its Albert B. Craig Jr. Award for this year. He was selected from seven nominees. Wade, a licensed professional counselor, co-founded Lost Dreams Awakening...
‘So satisfying’: Grueling Rachel Carson Trail Challenge entices hikers
There’s nothing about the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge that makes it a walk in the park. But once its hikers complete the hilly, scenic and physically demanding trail, the feeling is one of satisfaction and relief. “I think it’s so satisfying,” said Amy Nelson, a board member of the Rachel...
Programming changes could be coming to WESA, WYEP radio during ‘challenging times’
Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation plans to offer voluntary buyouts to two of its reporters and programming changes could be forthcoming along with staffing adjustments. PCBC owns WESA-FM, the local NPR affiliate, and WYEP. The employees are represented by SAG-AFTRA, a national union for broadcasters. In a letter sent to members,...
Bob Howard secures Republican nomination for Allegheny County Controller
Allegheny County will have a competitive General Election for the county’s top fiscal watchdog, thanks to a successful write-in effort by a Marshall Republican. Former PPG controller and accountant Bob Howard secured 10,097 write-in votes during the Republican primary election and has accepted the GOP nomination. He will face Corey...
Pine-Richland’s Eden Hall, Hance elementaries honored for creating healthy, sustainable environments
There’s always a chance that winning an award one time could be a fluke. But when the honors start piling up, there’s an even better chance that there’s something worthy of recognition. The district’s efforts to create a sustainable, healthy learning environment during the past several years has caught the...
Successful mock trial season for Aquinas Academy
In its third season, the Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh Mock Trial Team had a very successful year. Aquinas finished the Allegheny County competition as undefeated co-champion and was one of 14 district champions to advance to the state competition in Harrisburg on March 25. The team finished sixth in the...
Back the Blue parade, fundraiser set for Lower Burrell
The fourth annual Alle-Kiski Valley Back the Blue summer event is back and bigger than ever, its organizers say. The fundraiser for local police departments will be held Saturday, June 24, in Lower Burrell and will feature a law enforcement processional and live music and entertainment, said Lisa Ingle of...
MAWC officials say local water supply in good shape despite dry conditions
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County officials said Wednesday that, based on local conditions, there is no reason to implement a mandatory water conservation order. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection last week issued a drought watch and suggested residents enact voluntary efforts to reduce water usage by 5% to 10%....
