Western PA Local News category, Page 311
Hill District’s only grocery store pauses operations
The Hill District’s lone grocery store is closing its doors as it looks to rework its business model, Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority announced Wednesday. Salem’s Market opened on Centre Avenue about a year ago, bringing fresh food access to the city’s Hill District neighborhood. “We know community members are disappointed...
Morning Roundup: Break leaves part of Reserve Township without water
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, Feb. 12: Break leaves part of Reserve Township without water Water service will be cut off for the southern portion of Reserve Township Thursday morning as crews make emergency repairs. Township officials said water service will be turned...
The Stroller, Feb. 13, 2025: 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. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. Night at the Races...
Brackenridge sewing group, Holy Scraps, uses skills for community good
When life gives you scraps, make a quilt. That’s the motto of a weekly sewing group, Holy Scraps, run from the Salvation Army Allegheny Valley Worship and Service Center in Brackenridge. “These ladies have a tremendous heart for serving the community,” Capt. Selah Bender said. “They really use their talents...
HGTV names Latrobe among 50 ‘Most Charming Small Towns in America’
Latrobe was deemed one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2018,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, and it hasn’t lost its appeal, according to HGTV. The cable network recently named Latrobe among “50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America.” HGTV cited Latrobe’s features associated with one...
Expert, business opinions split over Trump tariffs on steel, aluminum
If the stock market is any indication, domestic steel and aluminum manufacturers can expect a boost from the 25% import tax on these materials imposed by President Donald Trump. U.S. Steel, Alcoa and a slew of other companies that stand to benefit from Monday’s executive order have seen their stock...
Franklin Regional cheer squad makes semifinals in state championships
When most people in the community see Franklin Regional cheerleaders, it’s in the context of supporting another athletic team. “They see our athletes under the Friday night lights, or during basketball season, when they’re there to engage the crowd, entertain and support the team,” said FR cheer coach Ashley Harmon....
Irwin Borough office redesign unveiled
Irwin residents should be able to walk into the borough’s new administrative offices and the police department next year without having to navigate a series of steps — making both accessible to those with handicaps. The proposed design for the new offices for the administration and police department were unveiled...
Monroeville area: Sportsmen’s show, mini golf, Italian buffet, more
Email news briefs and event listings to pvarine@triblive.com or bpoole@triblive.com. Convention center events The following events are coming up at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Plaza Blvd.: • Feb. 14-16: USA International Sportsmen’s Show and Outdoor Recreation RV and Boat Show • Feb. 18: 72.5 Promotions Wrestling Tournament •...
New Monroeville pastor hopes to mesh with the community
Parishioners at the 60-year-old Monroeville Church of the Brethren have a new pastor, Oyango Burney. The Philadelphia native accepted the position starting in January. “I’m simply excited to be the new pastor of Monroeville Church of the Brethren,” Burney said. “Everyone has been so hospitable and helpful.” The pastor brings...
Monroeville library uses food, fun for solar system lesson
Monroeville Public Library is holding a three-part children’s series on space, where participants learn fun facts about the sun, planets, stars and asteroid belt. The first session this month was conducted by the newest staff member of the children’s department, Allyson Wetherhold, who joined the library in October. Children made...
Stolen car in Shaler used in attempted gun shop burglary in Mercer County
One of the cars stolen in Shaler on the night of Feb. 8 or morning of Feb. 9 was used in the attempted burglary of a gun shop in Stoneboro, Mercer County, according to Shaler police Chief Sean Frank. On Feb. 9, Shaler police reported that two cars were stolen...
Investigation launched into Chartiers Valley transportation department; security firm hired
Chartiers Valley administrators launched an internal investigation into allegations of improper use of the district’s bus garage and have since hired a security firm to protect the district’s assets, they say. Superintendent Daniel Castagna said, in response to recent threats and to ensure student safety, the district is reviewing security...
Duolingo reveals owl mascot killed by cybertruck
After killing off its star mascot — Duo the owl — Duolingo provided answers Wednesday behind the sudden death. On Wednesday morning, Duolingo posted on social media that officials have identified Duo’s cause of death after singer Dua Lipa posted about the devastating news. UPDATE: Officials have identified cause of...
Special Olympics Winter Games returns to Seven Springs
Snowshoeing and alpine skiing were among the events Wednesday at the 46th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County. Athletes, coaches and volunteers were at the the resort for three days of activities and competition, which also includes snowboarding. Opening ceremonies were held...
Former Hempfield high school boys basketball coach to retire from guidance counselor job
After resigning from his coaching duties last month, former Hempfield Area High School boys basketball coach Bill Swan will retire from his job as a district guidance counselor. The move was announced at a Hempfield School Board meeting this week. Swan declined to comment when contacted by a reporter Wednesday....
Joann Fabrics and Crafts closing most Western Pa. stores
Fabric and crafts retailer Joann will close at least 30 stores in Pennsylvania, including most in the region. The embattled retailer, which declared bankruptcy in March 2024 and then again in January, said it would be closing around 500 stores nationwide. “This was a very difficult decision to make, given...
UPMC walks back mask requirements
Two days after issuing a mask mandate for its facilities, UPMC has softened its language, stating that masks are recommended, not required. On Monday, UPMC issued a statement that masks would be required for people at all its facilities in an attempt to curb the spread of respiratory viruses. On...
Fire causes extensive damage to home in Jeannette
No injuries were reported in a fire in Jeannette on Wednesday afternoon that left a home with extensive damage, according to fire Chief Bill Frye. When firefighters got to the home at the intersection of Chestnut and Lavelle streets around 12:30 p.m., there was fire in the back two rooms...
‘I’d like to know why’: Family seeks answers as Clairton killer is sent to prison
A day after the start of trial for a Clairton man accused of killing his friend’s father, Sabr Ellis decided to change his not guilty plea. The 25-year-old instead admitted Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter for the Jan. 21, 2021, stabbing death of Anthony Koontz. As part of the negotiated agreement,...
‘On top of the world’: Marc Fogel enjoys 1st breakfast back in the U.S.
Marc Fogel woke up Wednesday morning in a plush Washington, D.C., hotel and enjoyed a breakfast of bacon and eggs for the first time in more than 31⁄2 years. “He’s just grateful and on top of the world right now,” his mother, Malphine Fogel, told TribLive. “There’s only good things...
Horror author, former Oakmont resident, continues story he started in Netflix ‘Residue’ seriesVideo
Pittsburgh-area native John Harrison was in the midst of writing his first novel when he was approached by an English film company interested in turning his book into a Web series. But they had a request — could he start his story a little earlier? “They liked the idea for...
Westmoreland happenings: Pancake breakfast, bingo, more
Fundraisers • A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Greensburg Masonic Center, 349 Donohoe Road, Hempfield. Menu: buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes, waffles, sausage, fruit cup and beverage. Cost: $10; children 5 and older, $5; younger than 5, free. • Jeannette...
Federal funding availability, other concerns lead some schools to cancel electric bus plans
Uncertainty over the availability of previously promised federal funding has some local school districts rethinking their plans to buy electric buses. The unpredictability of the funding is among several reasons Plum Superintendent Rick Walsh cited for pulling the plug on the district’s plan to purchase 25 electric buses. “With the...
Pittsburgh’s CobblerWorld bakery offers sweet, made-from-scratch treats
Terina J. Hicks is serving up something sweet with her CobblerWorld bakery. Beyond just the taste of Hicks’ sought-after desserts, her personality and magnanimous spirit bring customers back. CobblerWorld was founded after a layoff from Carnegie Mellon University. “Something just said go back to baking,” she said. Baking came naturally...
