Madison
GOVERNMENT
Kecksburg 'alien' hot dogs prove hard to swallow; Greensburg man downs competitors
A Greensburg man who has a stomach for quickly consuming hot dogs, beat 11 competitors Sunday at the Kecksburg UFO Festival’s Alien Hot Dog Eating Contest. The key to James David “J.D.” Gillis’s victory over 10 men and one woman was to break the hot dog and bun in half, dip it in water and then shove it in his mouth, he said after his four-minute sprint to gastronomy fame before a crowd of 50-some people at the Kecksburg Fire Department grounds.
Hempfield Area to spend $111K for 6 weapons detectors for random student screening
Hempfield Area School District plans to start this school year with a new weapons detection system. At a school board meeting Monday, the board decided on buying six OpenGate weapons detectors for a little under $111,300. The machines cost about $18,000 each and were tested by the district earlier this year.
Summerfest at Penn’s Landing fires up nightly through Labor Day Weekend
The double-decker carousel down at Penn’s Landing is a festival favorite during the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest going on through Labor Day Weekend. “It [double-decker carousel] is one of two in the state,” said Mike Skelly, owner of Skelly Amusements that provides all the rides, games, and food during the festival. “And I love riding the Zipper with my kids.”
Westmoreland County Advances with Demolition of Two Floodplain Properties Amidst Public Silence
Westmoreland County is pressing forward with demolition plans for two residential structures located within the 100-year floodplain, following a public notice seeking comments which resulted in silence from the community. The properties at 1862 Bethel Church Road in Unity Township and 110 Walnut Street in New Florence are poised for razing, a move funded by the FY2023 Community Development Block Grant Program, with the estimated costs standing at $19,500 and $5,500 respectively, according to Westmoreland County press release.
'Hillbilly Elegy' generates high interest at Westmoreland, Allegheny libraries
Jul. 23—Since former President Donald Trump announced Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate, Vance's memoir has generated attention at local libraries. The 2016 book, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," tells the story of Vance's family roots in Kentucky, his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, and the social and socioeconomic problems of the white working class. A ...
Latrobe garbage fees could skyrocket in next waste contract
Latrobe residents could see their garbage collection rates nearly double for bag collection and go up by more than 60% for others if the lone bid for waste removal is accepted, according to city manager Terry Carcella. County Hauling of Rostraver was the only company to submit an early bid...
Penn State Health CEO Massini to Retire
Steve Massini, chief executive officer of Penn State Health since 2019 and the first Penn State alumnus to lead the University’s health system, has announced he will retire effective Oct. 1, 2024. “Steve is an incredibly talented executive and wonderful individual who has served Penn State Health with great...
Courier’s Diane Daniels wins ‘Distinguished Neighbor Servant Leader’ award
DIANE DANIELS AND HER SUPPORTERS…(PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO) She’s written for the New Pittsburgh Courier for decades. She’s very, very, very well-respected in the Pittsburgh (and of course, McKeesport) communities. Her business acumen, her community service, and her tireless ability to be everywhere all the time has...
Latrobe begins to clear pests from Main Street apartment building declared unsafe
Latrobe officials have taken the initiative to begin ridding a condemned apartment building of pests, but they’ve ordered that the six-story structure remain uninhabited until other safety concerns are addressed. Local human service organizations helped tenants of the apartments at 333 Main St. find other accommodations after the city...
In brief: Bethel Park happenings, week of July 22, 2024
South Hills Church of the Nazarene, 5601 Library Road, Bethel Park, presents the next session of the Acting Up Club 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 28 through Dec. 11. The drama and music club for children in secnd through sixth grades features music, movement, and acting skills as they prepare for the musical “The Christmas County Spelling Bee.”
McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge Inspection this Week in Allegheny County
PennDOT District 11 is announcing inspection activities on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge, which carries Route 2114 over the Monongahela River in the cities of McKeesport and Duquesne, Allegheny County will occur Wednesday through Friday, July 24-26 weather permitting. Single-lane alternating traffic will occur on the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge 9 a.m. to 3...
In brief: National Night Out, high school reunion and more in the South Hills
Neighborhoods throughout Pleasant Hills are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 30th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. Residents are invited to join in the celebration with police, fire and medics by turning on their lights, locking their doors and coming outside to spend the evening with family members and neighbors. Residents are encouraged to host block parties, cookouts and youth activities. This is a great time for all age groups to get to know each other and build relationships. Emergency equipment from numerous public safety organizations will form a procession and travel throughout the borough, visiting neighborhoods. Groups or organizations from the area that wish to participate in the procession with their motorized units are invited to join public safety personnel in making this year’s event even bigger than those held in the past.
In brief: Penn Hills and Verona area happenings, week of July 22, 2024
Expand your horizons and learn about a new culture by bringing an exchange student into your family this fall. AFSUSA, one of the oldest exchange programs in the country, is looking for host families for the coming school year. Students can stay for a half-year or full year, or you...
In brief: Plum, Oakmont area news, events for the week of July 22, 2024
The Plum School Board approved new contracts with two unions representing district employees at a special voting meeting July 16. The contract with Teamsters Local Union No. 205 runs from July 1 through June 30, 2029. The union, representing district custodial, maintenance and supply employees, has accepted the agreement, district officials said.
State Announces $11.5M Afterschool Initiative
Lt. Gov. Davis calls afterschool programs crucial to reducing violence. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a native of McKeesport, talks to children playing Monday at the city’s LaRosa Youth Club. Also shown is state Rep. Nick Pisciottano of West Mifflin. (Photo courtesy Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Media Services) Pennsylvania Lt. Gov....
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.