Western PA Local News category, Page 2261
UPMC reports $17B revenue despite pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic does not appear to be threatening the financial strength nor slowing the growth of UPMC, according to the health giant’s executives and newly released documents. Buoyed by federal aid and insurance revenue gains, UPMC’s total revenue from January through October reached nearly $17 billion — 11% higher...
As covid cases rise, overwhelmed case investigators and contact tracers forced to adaptVideo
The rapid influx of new covid-19 cases in Allegheny County has resulted in changes to the health department’s case investigation procedure, as overwhelmed case investigators and contact tracers work to keep up with the pace of the virus. “They haven’t been able to reach every case, and they’re spending less...
American Legion in Lower Burrell closes after patron tests positive for covid
Lower Burrell’s American Legion, Post 868, along Wildlife Lodge Road is closed until at least Monday because of a verified covid-19 case. Legion officials found out that one of their patrons tested positive for covid-19 on Monday night, said Post 868 Commander Ed Zollinger. The Legion promptly closed its facilities,...
Allegheny County certifies 2,300 mail-in ballots without dated envelopes
The Allegheny County Board of Elections certified roughly 2,300 remaining ballots on Wednesday, the same day the state Supreme Court declined to reconsider its ruling that the votes be counted. The roughly 2,300 ballots at issue had been challenged by Republican state Senate candidate Nicole Ziccarelli of Lower Burrell, who...
Volunteers in Sewickley area stock 5 mini food pantriesVideo
A group of volunteers in the Sewickley area have come together to make sure people have exactly what they need as temperatures drop and a growing number of people grapple with difficulties brought on by the covid-19 pandemic. Anyone can go to the Free Mini Food Pantries — installed by...
Baldwin-Whitehall 5th-graders operating virtual business to showcase products at Handmade Arcade
A group of fifth-graders at Baldwin-Whitehall School District is moving its business online this year just in time for the holidays. BW Creations, a business selling gifts such as no-contact keychains, clip-on hand sanitizer cases, phone grips and other small items, will make their products available through the twice-yearly Handmade...
New Stanton man accused of being intoxicated while driving 60 mph in a 25 mph zone
A New Stanton man is behind bars after state police said he tried to flee a traffic stop Monday when troopers clocked him going 60 mph in a 25 mph zone, according to court papers. Anthony Michael Inks, 32, is charged with fleeing from police, driving under the influence, resisting...
Springdale animal rescue buys house in Tarentum to expand servicesVideo
A Springdale animal rescue has bought a house in Tarentum to help it expand its services. Paws Across Pittsburgh closed on the house in the 400 block of East Sixth Avenue on Nov. 19. It covered the $105,000 cost through a loan and donations. “We’re thrilled about the house,” said...
Norwin area happenings Dec. 4 and beyond
Boy Scout Troop 284 to sell trees Boy Scout Troop 284 of Irwin will sell Fraser fir Christmas trees the first two weekends in December at the Busy Beaver in North Huntingdon from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12;...
Norwin area fire, ambulance companies receive $210,000 in aid
Fire departments in North Huntingdon, Irwin and North Irwin were awarded almost $180,000 and ambulance services will receive about $30,000 in state grants to help compensate for revenue lost and expenses incurred during the covid-19 pandemic. The money the state has allocated from the federal CARES Act program must be...
Westmoreland sets new record for daily covid cases
With a total of 273 new coronavirus cases added Wednesday, Westmoreland County set a new daily record. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported the new cases included 206 that were confirmed with PCR tests and 67 were listed as probable. In the past 14 days, the county has seen more...
TSA agents catch 2 guns in 1 hour at Pittsburgh International
Security screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport caught two guns in one hour Tuesday, leading to charges against one woman for carrying a gun in her purse without a license, authorities said. Transportation Security Administration agents found the first firearm, a loaded .25-caliber handgun, about 5:30 p.m. in a woman’s purse...
Seneca Valley moving all students to online-only classes to help curb jump in covid-19 cases
Seneca Valley School District students in kindergarten through sixth grade will switch to online-only instruction on Tuesday and continue with remote learning until at least Jan. 4 to help tamp down the increase in covid-19 cases the region is experiencing. The southern Butler County school district previously announced that students...
West Virginia’s Republican governor blasts mask critics
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice blasted critics of his mask mandate Wednesday, saying he would not follow the lead of other Republican governors rejecting the advice of public health experts. “I don’t want to be South Dakota,” Justice said at a news conference. He then played a...
Forbes Road tech students build unorthodox snowmen for inaugural contest
How many different ways can you build a snowman? Students at Forbes Road Career and Technology Center have pushed the envelope on what defines a snowman in the school’s inaugural “Snowman Snow Down” competition. Each program’s students had the opportunity to compete in the schoolwide contest for the most Facebook...
Penn-Trafford area fire, ambulance services get state aid
Fire departments and an ambulance service in Penn Township, Manor and Trafford were awarded more than $143,000 in state grants to help compensate for revenue lost and expenses incurred during the covid-19 pandemic. The money the state has allocated from the federal CARES Act program must be used for operational...
Penn-Trafford area happenings Dec. 3 and beyond
Light Up Level Green event planned Light Up Level Green, like so many activities, will be different this year with a drive-through Promenade Pajama Party, from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Level Green Fire Hall, Route 130. Visitors are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Santa Claus will...
Rite Aid expands covid-19 testing program
WILKES-BARRE — Asymptomatic testing will now be available for individuals 13 and older at existing Rite Aid testing sites, the company announced Tuesday. To continue to provide its customers with an essential service during the pandemic, Rite Aid is updating its covid-19 testing program through its partnership with the U.S....
Allegheny County adds 555 new covid cases, 12 deaths
Allegheny County added 555 new cases of covid-19 Wednesday, according to the Health Department. The new cases include 480 cases confirmed from 2,420 new PCR tests conducted from Nov. 4-24; 10 of the tests are more than a week old. There were 75 cases listed as probable. Health officials define...
State police fire marshal to determine cause of Derry Borough fireVideo
A state police fire marshal will investigate the cause of a blaze that severely damaged a home in Derry Borough Wednesday. Fire Chief Josh Campbell said smoke and flames were showing when firefighters arrived at 720 East First Ave. The fire was reported at 8:39 a.m., according to county dispatchers....
2 Hempfield schools to resume remote learning following Thanksgiving break
Students at Hempfield Area High School and Harrold Middle School will resume remote learning following the Thanksgiving break. According to a letter from Superintendent Tammy Wolicki, students will continue with online learning from Dec. 1-4 because of the number of coronavirus cases in the schools and guidance from the state...
First piece in Penn-Trafford gallery commemorates masked Class of 2020
When art teacher Brenda Christeleit attended Greater Latrobe High School, she and other students had a chance to appreciate the district’s Art Conservation Trust. Established in 1991, the trust is a unique art collection, in that its 200 paintings are chosen by students. Today, Christeleit teaches in the Penn-Trafford School...
New equipment will filter air at Westmoreland Manor
Cleaner air soon will be circulating at Westmoreland Manor as confirmed cases of the coronavirus in residents and staff continue to slow after an outbreak that started in September. The Westmoreland County commissioners this week approved a $65,000 air quality project including installation of ionization units in the Hempfield nursing...
Revamped Gateway Middle School on the horizon, but no date set for construction
Gateway School District is moving along on a multimillion-dollar renovation project that is expected to lead to a hike in property taxes. Plans aimed at addressing an ever-decreasing student enrollment have for years landed the administration on two buildings: Gateway Middle School and Moss Side Middle School. Ideas have included...
Westmoreland doles out almost $800K in federal money to municipalitiesVideo
Forty municipalities in Westmoreland County are splitting about $780,000 in federal grant funds to offset expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic. But, for many, the money won’t cover every cost or alleviate all concerns about the pandemic’s impact on future revenue. In Hempfield, revenues for 2020 are $750,000 below where...
