Valley News Dispatch category, Page 311
Aspinwall Council fills vacancy; vice president position to be decided in March
Aspinwall has a new council member. Patti McCaffrey, a Realtor for RE/MAX Select Realty and member of several Realtor associations, was appointed to fill a vacancy Wednesday, Feb.8. She had been a part of the comprehensive plan committee, among numerous other borough activities, and wanted to be on the other...
Belle Vernon woman gives old cat a new home after 11 years at Apollo shelter
Courtney Scalzott was grieving the recent death of her cat when she saw a Facebook post that changed everything. The social media plea by Kiski Valley Cat & Kitten Rescue was made in hopes of finding an owner for an adult cat that had been waiting 11 years to be...
Harmar police seek public’s help finding suspect in business theft
Harmar police are seeking the public’s help in the search for a suspect in a theft last month. The theft occurred around 4 a.m. on Jan. 16 at a business along Freeport Road, police said. They declined to identify the name of the business or the street location. Investigators said...
New Kensington Arts Center celebrating Black History Month with special display
By displaying works from his private collection, Hollin “Tommy” West is hoping to inspire other Black artists to show their work. West, a New Kensington resident, is a painter, photographer and president of the New Kensington Arts Center on Fifth Avenue. The display, “BAM,” is meant to celebrate Black History...
Tarentum man on state sex offender list accused of fondling 12-year-old, sending inappropriate texts, photos
A Tarentum man who is a registered sex offender was charged by Allegheny County Police detectives with multiple felony counts after being accused of repeatedly sending text messages and photos to a 12-year-old and fondling the child. Scott James Mellon, 41, of the 500 block of Second Avenue was charged...
The Stroller, Feb. 9, 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. Used musical instruments wanted for children Non-profit organization the Play It...
Blawnox restaurant challenges people to eat clean — winner gets 3 months of free food
Interested in eating free for three months? A Blawnox eatery that specializes in healthy food and low-cal meals is offering that chance. Clean Eatz, at 175 Freeport Road, has launched its fifth annual WeChangeLivez Challenge through which patrons can win a bundle of food for sharing their healthy-eating journeys on...
The Stroller, Feb. 8, 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. Mardi Gras party planned Saturday in Harrison Guardian Angels Parish will...
Job fair targets workers as businesses boost wages to attract help
It’s the same mantra from many local employers looking for workers in the Alle-Kiski Valley: Where are they? However, some businesses, such as Filterbuy in New Kensington, have upped wages to attract new employees and make it easier for them to try different jobs and earn promotions. Filterbuy will be...
Democrats sweep all 3 state House special elections, party to control chamber
The Democrats handily won in all three state House special elections Tuesday night, which will give them a majority in the House for the first time since 2010. The margin of representation would be 102 Democrats to 101 Republicans. According to unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division, the...
Springdale Council President Mitchell Karaica announces candidacy for district judge
Springdale Council President Mitchell Karaica has announced his candidacy for Lower Valley district judge. “Having lived in the magisterial district for 48 of my 50 years, I have a personal stake in the safety and well-being of all five communities and strongly relate to the needs and concerns of the...
Friends of the Riverfront seeks public input on Cheswick trail
Plans to extend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail through Cheswick are inching closer to reality. The public can weigh in on potential designs during an open house Wednesday at the Cheswick Volunteer Fire Department. Friends of the Riverfront, the nonprofit that oversees the Heritage Trail, is seeking input on construction...
Bocce or pickleball anyone? Lower Burrell needs volunteers for new parks programs
While Lower Burrell boasts five parks with facilities, organized outdoor activities are lacking, Councilwoman Rosina Albanese said. The city is revamping its Parks & Recreation Commission, armed with a new parks study and a desire to regroup after a long pandemic hiatus. The commission will hold a meeting for residents...
The Stroller, Feb. 7, 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. Free photography workshops offered The New Kensington Camera Club and Focus...
‘You can see the changes’: At Plum event, Veterans attest to value of medical service dogs
As a sufferer of post-traumatic stress disorder, Army veteran Debbie Richey left her house only rarely. That changed with some constant canine companionship. “I finally started to be able to go out in public. At first, I was a little afraid. I wasn’t sure. I never had a dog before,”...
Dollar General withdraws parking variance application in Plum
Dollar General has withdrawn its application for a variance related to parking spaces for a proposed new store along Saltsburg Road in Plum, according to a notice from the borough. The borough’s zoning hearing board was scheduled to hold a hearing on the request at its meeting Wednesday, after the...
Supply drive for Pittsburgh homeless shelter underway at Fox Chapel Area High School
Fox Chapel Area High School students are collecting supplies for a Pittsburgh homeless shelter. The effort is organized by the student government’s community outreach committee. The drive began late January and runs through Feb. 17. People can make donations Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the...
Installation of new fire hydrants in West Deer continues to be delayed
The installation of new fire hydrants in West Deer continues to be delayed, but township officials insist the holdup is not because of inaction on their part. Township Manager Daniel Mator said the township has budgeted $140,000 this year for 10 hydrants in the area as fire officials express concerns...
Unspecified threat led to early dismissal at Highlands Middle School last week
Highlands Middle School students were dismissed early Friday after a threat was made to the school, district leaders said Monday. Details of the incident and the nature of the threat were not released by the district. A statement from Superintendent Monique Mawhinney did not disclose who made the threat or...
New food bank in Apollo overwhelmed with high turnout
A library is offering more than just books in Apollo. The Apollo Memorial Library opened the Fresh and Free Community Pantry last week, offering perishable foods such as eggs, vegetables and fruit to the public. In its first three days of operation, more than 260 people visited the library seeking...
The Stroller, Feb. 6, 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. Night at the races to aid police dog medical fund A...
Customers stunned as Kings in Allegheny Township permanently closes
For those who didn’t know, white sheets of paper taped Sunday to a glass front door told the story. “Attention Guests: Thank you for the opportunity to serve this community over the years,” one read. “Unfortunately, this location is now permanently closed.” Judging by surprised and annoyed customers arriving about...
Support for slain Brackenridge police chief, injured Tarentum officer continues with spaghetti dinner fundraiser
Zach Blume and Rebekka Schmid thought their VFW post in Tarentum should do something to express support for fallen Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire, wounded Tarentum police Officer Jordan Schrecengost and their families. So when the idea of holding a spaghetti fundraiser Sunday was settled on, they approached area businesses...
LED lights, other exterior upgrades to boost safety at UPMC St. Margaret hospital
Ongoing upgrades to the UPMC St. Margaret hospital campus near Aspinwall will boost safety for patients, staff and visitors, hospital leaders said. A switch to LED lights in the parking areas is a key component of the project. Work cost about $50,000 for 96 new lights in the parking and...
Leechburg resident combines passion for barbecue with helping people in need
A barbecue pitmaster from Leechburg uses his grill skills for charity. Joe “Big Joe” Felschow organizes barbecue benefits for anyone experiencing hardship in the Leechburg area. “It’s something I started and have a passion for. I love helping others in this crazy world we live in, even if it’s just...
