Here are some of the top stories for the week of Feb. 15:

• Local churches deliver Lenten messages

Ash Wednesday, with or without the black ashes, kicked off the Lenten season with many parishes across the Lower Valley opting for services or online programs in lieu of the traditional distribution of ashes.

As with most things in this pandemic year, Ash Wednesday was forced to play out differently because of covid-19 restrictions.

Precautions prompted area Catholic parishes to modify procedures, including eliminating direct contact with parishioners during the services.

• Portion of Kittanning Street closed through early March

A stormwater project that closed a portion of Kittanning Street is expected to be completed by early March.

The PennDOT project targets the section between Snyder and Greismere streets.

The closure impacts not only Etna residents but those in O’Hara who use Kittanning Street to connect with Dorseyville Road and beyond.

• Sharpsburg Community Library opening tiny food pantry

A new little pantry in Sharpsburg is expected to open by the end of February and be stocked 24/7 with canned soup, boxed meals, beverages and toiletries.

It will sit at the entrance to the Sharpsburg Community Library along Main Street.

It will be 24x18x20 inches and sit about 3 feet off the ground.

• St. Margaret Foundation doles out grants for medical shuttles, other services

Free Rides for Seniors was among services funded by $675,755 in grants distributed by the St. Margaret Foundation.

Money will target programs that help the underserved.

The shuttle will get $55,000 for operations. Senior citizens can use the bus to access grocery stores, pharmacies and other stops along Freeport Road in Blawnox, Aspinwall and Sharpsburg.

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