The top stories from across the Lower Valley from the week of May 2, 2021

Here are the top stories from across the Lower Valley for the week of May 2, 2021:

• Sharpsburg church closes after 134 years

First English Lutheran Church in Sharpsburg hosted its last service on Easter Sunday.

The church first opened its doors in 1887 but faced a dwindling congregation. Forced multiple closures during covid-19 also had a negative effect, leaders said.

• Aspinwall council considering tax credit for emergency volunteers

Aspinwall emergency responders could get a tax break if council approves a proposed ordinance in May.

Council is considering a special tax credit for fire and EMS volunteers that would provide a small break as a show of appreciation.

The credit is for nonpaid responders only, and responders would have to apply for it every year.

• O’Hara considers changes to home rule charter

The way vacant council seats are filled could change in O’Hara. Council is considering potential changes to the township’s home rule charter.

A referendum could be placed on the November General Election ballot that would ask voters to amend the charter to remove the political affiliation requirement for council vacancy appointments.

Another referendum under consideration would repeal gender references in the charter.

• Cooper-Siegel opens permanent StoryWalk in Aspinwall

Cooper-Siegel Community Library paired with Aspinwall to open a StoryWalk display in one of the borough’s parks.

Paid for with a $10,000 grant from the Fox Chapel Area Rotary, the StoryWalk encourages families to stroll through the park and stop to read the pages of a different children’s book each quarter.