Western PA Local News category, Page 1527
Pittsburgh police: Mail carrier grazed by bullet in Stanton Heights
A mail carrier suffered a minor injury after being shot Friday afternoon in Pittsburgh’s Stanton Heights neighborhood, according to police. Officers and EMS were called to the 1300 block of Hawthorne Court around 3 p.m. and found a man who had walked to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire’s Engine No....
Trump fans flock to Westmoreland Fairgrounds to see former president, hear more about why to vote for Dr. Oz
Thousands of ardent Donald Trump supporters braved the rain and mud Friday for their chance to see the former president, who was returning to Westmoreland County to promote his endorsement of Republican senatorial candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz. The rally, which officially was to start at 8 p.m., transformed the Westmoreland...
Police: Landslide briefly blocks Route 993 in North Huntingdon
Route 993 in North Huntingdon is open after being closed for several hours Friday evening after a small landslide, one of a host of rain-related incidents across the region as more than 2 inches fell on Western Pennsylvania. Broadway Street (Route 993) between Irwin and Shafton was closed after a...
North Huntingdon singer Aubrey Burchell set for ‘America’s Got Talent’ stage
In 2018, Aubrey Burchell of North Huntingdon made it as far as the top 70 on “American Idol.” On May 31, the 21-year-old singer will get another shot at stardom on “America’s Got Talent.” There’s a big difference between those two experiences, said Jill Sorrels, who owned the former Keynote...
Rain doesn’t dampen Greensburg May Mart plant sale
As she walked around the Greensburg Garden Center’s May Mart sale in an almost steady downpour Friday, Elizabeth Pesci of Hempfield was undeterred by the rain from above or the mud around her feet. “Rain doesn’t bother gardeners. We are used to it,” said Pesci, one of organizers of the...
Pine Run, tributaries spill over near at Washington Township mobile home parkVideo
Thomas Bowers has lived at his home on Goldfinch Drive in Washington Township for nearly three decades and weathered storms plenty worse than the steady rain that fell across the region all day Friday. “I’ve had water all the way around the house before,” Bowers said. “But the houses around...
Former Avonmore secretary pleads guilty to theft of borough funds
Avonmore Borough’s former secretary pleaded guilty Friday to the theft of more than $54,000 in taxpayer funds. Rebecca E. Steele, 46, worked for more than a decade as the secretary for the tiny Kiski Valley town when an audit in 2019 revealed large amounts of money had disappeared from borough...
Washington Boulevard floodgates activated through Sunday
Washington Boulevard will remain closed for most of the weekend because of rising waters on the oft-flooded roadway. The floodgates that activate when the water reaches a certain level were lowered mid-afternoon Friday after hours of rainfall. Public safety officials said a few hours later that they would remain closed...
Work on West End Trolley Trail in Pittsburgh pushed back a year
Work on the West End Trolley Trail has been delayed, with construction now scheduled to begin next summer. The trail follows the former path of a public transit trolley and includes on-street shared lanes, as well as a path reserved only for pedestrians and bicyclists. Plans for the trail include...
Public input on rebuild of Fern Hollow Bridge will be limited, officials sayVideo
Work continues on the rebuild of the Fern Hollow Bridge, as Pittsburgh and community leaders gave an update Thursday night at a virtual townhall meeting Thursday to discuss wants, needs and the progress of the project. Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak cautioned residents that the urgent nature of the rebuild...
West Penn Power spending $47 million this year to trim trees to reduce power outages
West Penn Power Co. plans to spend about $47 million to trim trees that could impact power lines and other measures to control vegetation in Allegheny, Armstrong, Fayette, Westmoreland and 14 other counties in the state. “We trim and remove trees to help minimize power outages, particularly during severe weather,”...
Man awaiting trial for tossing hammer at Kiski Township officer arrested on drug charges in Tarentum
A man awaiting trial on charges that he threw a hammer and shards of glass at a police officer while fleeing from a Kiski Township home in January has been arrested on drug charges by Tarentum police. Tarentum police say Alfred Keith Steele, 42, called 911 shortly before midnight on...
Westinghouse Arts Academy receives grant to renovate Westinghouse Castle
Last November, folks gathered on the front lawn of the Westinghouse Castle, which once served as the general office of the Westinghouse Air Brake Co., to hear some good news. The grand building, which dates back to 1890 and had long been in disrepair, was being brought back to life...
Man accused of attempting to take officer’s gun at hospital accused of earlier police assault in South Greensburg
A 30-year-old burglary suspect, who injured his foot during a failed escape attempt as police arrested him Thursday in South Greensburg, is accused of attempting to grab an officer’s gun at a Greensburg hospital as he was discharged, according to court documents. Cory J. Lonsinger, who lists a Johnstown address,...
Hempfield Area suspends pay-to-participate, parking fees for next school year
For the third consecutive year, Hempfield Area School Board members have suspended pay-to-participate fees and costs associated with student parking. In a unanimous vote, school directors waived the fees for the 2022-23 school year. Both fees were suspended the past two years because of the covid-19 pandemic. Pay-to-participate originally cost...
‘Jeopardy!’ references collapsed Pittsburgh bridge during Thursday episode
Pittsburgh “Jeopardy!” fans likely knew the answer to at least one prompt on the popular game show Thursday night. One of the “Daily Double” questions referenced the city’s collapsed Fern Hollow Bridge, which carried Forbes Avenue over the north side of Frick Park. “You’ll have to wait to cross the...
Mask requirement reinstated at Woodland Hills High School
Face masks are once again required at Woodland Hills High School. Acting Superintendent Daniel Castagna announced this week that a mask mandate went into effect Thursday at the high school. The requirement is set to remain in place through the end of next week. The measure is meant to help...
Franklin Regional considers 2022-23 budget with 2.75 mill tax hike
Franklin Regional school board members will consider a final 2022-23 budget next month that calls for a 2.75-mill tax hike — roughly $95 more per year for the average district homeowner. This would be the first time in five years that the district has opted for a tax hike significantly...
Wall collapse sends bricks, bike parts tumbling at East End shop
A rear wall at an East End bike shop collapsed sometime overnight Friday, sending debris to the ground. The collapse happened at Kraynick’s Bike Shop on Penn Avenue in Garfield. The rear of the business on Gem Way was affected. That section of Gem Way was taped off late Friday...
Redevelopment sought for formerly blighted Scottdale property
A developer for a formerly blighted property in downtown Scottdale is wanted, Westmoreland redevelopment officials said. Two parcels at the intersection of Market Street and South Broadway that served as the home of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Scottdale for two decades are ready for a new owner to...
‘Stars on Ice’ coming to PPG Paints Arena this weekend
The stuffed animal’s name is Waddle — it’s a miniature penguin that travels with the “Stars on Ice” tour. So Waddle should feel right at home Sunday when the U.S. Olympic team ice skaters come to town for the 4 p.m. show at the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, PPG...
Inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books will bring stories to life
“Books take you to places you could never go. Books can also take you away from places where you don’t want to be. A book can be like a best friend.” That’s how Laurie Moser feels about the printed word — and what motivated her to serve as co-chair for...
3 charged in assault at North Shore bar
Social media tips helped Pittsburgh police identify three people accused in a violent assault last month in the bathroom of a North Shore bar, according to the criminal complaints against them. Seth Grier, 32, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault in connection with an attack on two women...
Father of New Kensington boy found dead arrested in connection with November incident
The father of Azuree Charles, the 9-year-old New Kensington boy who was found dead early Wednesday, was arrested Thursday in connection with assault and child endangerment charges from November. Jean J. Charles, 40, was arraigned Thursday on charges of simple assault and endangering the welfare of children regarding an incident...
Repairs done on water main break in Elizabeth that flooded homes and businesses, water back on for customers
Repairs to a 12-inch water main that burst in Elizabeth Borough early Friday morning have been completed and service has been restored for customers, according to Pennsylvania American Water. The break in the line, which is about 70 years old, was reported at 2:45 a.m., causing flooding for about a...
