Cause Shines On MIDDLESEX TWP — When Beverly Kurtzrock moved to Saxonburg in 2008, she and her husband were in need but didn't know where to turn.
Youth earns Eagle rank ZELIENOPLE — Patrick Coyne, 18, of Zelienople Boy Scout Troop 457 was presented the rank of Eagle Scout on Aug. 15 at English Lutheran Church in Zelienople.
Former sports stars help tourney WARRENDALE — Warrendale-based Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation raised $55,000 during its 18th annual golf outing on Aug. 9 at the Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City.
Recycling center opens in Marshall MARSHALL TWP, Allegheny County — An appliance recycling facility recently opened in the RIDC Thorn Hill Industrial Park, offering help to residents who want to dispose of their old appliances.
Man accused of terroristic threats FORWARD TWP — State police charged a man with several offenses after he allegedly fired three shots from an AK-47 rifle during a confrontation with two men who came to repossess his mother's car.
Company fined $75K for distributing porn PITTSBURGH — An Allegheny County company on Thursday was ordered to pay a $75,000 fine for distributing pornography.
Crash victim dies ERIE — A New Sewickley Township, Beaver County, man died Aug. 25 from injuries he suffered when his motorcycle collided Aug. 8 with a vehicle driven by a retired police officer who is accused of drunken driving.
HEAVEN SENT Balloon release helps say goodbye CRANBERRY TWP — More than 100 family, friends and Cranberry Village residents came together Sunday afternoon for a balloon release to remember two children who died Aug. 17 in a vehicle accident.
SILENT SALUTE Zelie's Mary Santoro fondly remembered ZELIENOPLE — The borough's first councilwoman and its first elected mayor Mary Santoro died Monday morning at the Evergreen Nursing Center, Harmony.
SUSPECT NABBED Police arrest driver after 75-mile chase A 75-mile police chase during which speeds reached 130 mph ended Sunday morning with an Allegheny County man locked up in the Butler County Prison.
PLAN PANNED Lawmakers line up against oil tax, fees HARRISBURG — Gov. Ed Rendell unveiled a plan last week that would raise $1 billion to help fund the state's depleted infrastructure and mass transit budgets, but it's a plan that won't get much support from Butler County legislators.
Cruising in Cranberry The Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company shows off its restored 1953 Dodge Power Wagon on Saturday during the Cranberry Emergency Services Cruise at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Township. More than 100 people attended the event, which is now in its second year, to see vehicles from 10 fire companies.
County moves ahead on jobs The Butler County commissioners on Aug. 18 moved forward on several projects, including renovation work at a borough park.
Organic Demand Confronted with two similar food products differentiated by only a small label, most grocery shoppers will spend little time worrying about which item to buy.
Stormwater regulations softened The Butler County commissioners on Aug. 18 granted the wishes of the northern municipalities by softening stormwater regulations.
County might alter employee raise rule The Butler County commissioners may revise a 25-year-old county resolution setting a minimum pay hike each year for elected officials.
FORGOTTEN HAITI Minister visits Zelie, says help still needed ZELIENOPLE — It has been eight months since the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12 struck Haiti, killing thousands and leaving hundreds of thousands without food and shelter.
Fired worker faces charges in shop thefts ZELIENOPLE — A fired employee is accused of breaking into a tire shop last week week and hauling away tires, wheels and rotors worth more than $5,000.
Contracts awarded for vo-tech project BUTLER TWP — The board of directors of the Butler County Vo-Tech Thursday night approved bids for an $11 million construction project.
EC man awaits hearing FORWARD TWP — A 20-year-old Evans City man will face a hearing next month on charges that he sexually assaulted a girl over a several-year period that started when she was in the second grade.
Raiders ready for football Members of the Seneca Valley High School football team work through drills Friday during a practice session at NexTier Stadium in Jackson Township. The Raiders, under the direction of second year head coach Don Holl, will open the season Sept. 3 against the Knights at Norwin.
I-79 FATALITY Cranberry woman killed in car crash JACKSON TWP — A Cranberry Township woman died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 79.
LEGAL COUNSEL Jackson hires lawyer to negotiate gas lease JACKSON TWP — Township supervisors Thursday evening voted to hire special legal counsel to begin potentially negotiating a Marcellus Shale lease for township-owned properties.
LEADING THE WAY Friendships bloom in garden club CRANBERRY TWP — Alice Krejdovsky might spend a lot of time engulfed in her duties as president of the Southern Butler County Garden Club, but it's more than flowers and gardening advice that keeps her enthralled in the club.
Mars band on parade The start of school is just around the corner, and that means band camp is under way in both the Mars and Seneca Valley school districts.
COUNCIL SEAT Seven Fields gets spot on police panel SEVEN FIELDS — The borough will gain a seat on Cranberry Township's police advisory council and will take part in the hiring of prospective officers seeking employment with Cranberry.
AUTUMN EVENT 26th fall festival set in Zelie, Harmony ZELIENOPLE — The Zelienople-Harmony Country Fall Festival will return for its 26th year on the weekend of Oct. 9 and 10.
LEADING THE WAY Beagles top dogs at Jackson club JACKSON TWP — The sound of baying beagles is music to the ears of hunting and gun dog trialing enthusiasts.
Clash occurs over policy with solicitor SEVEN FIELDS — Mayor Ed Bayne expressed his frustration last week with council regarding its policy on his interaction with the borough's solicitor.
SV drug testing program lauded JACKSON TWP — The drug testing program in the Seneca Valley School District is entering its seventh year with statistics that support its value.
DAYS & KNIGHTS SCA wages 'war' for fun WORTH TWP — Drivers on Interstate 79 see the tents arrive every summer — white canvas tents, some surrounded by heraldic flags.
Prison's Marx to retire When Art Marx retires as deputy warden of the Butler County Prison in a few weeks, he will leave behind a legacy of helping others.
Blood donors will receive free movie tickets, shirts CRANBERRY TWP — The Central Blood Bank will hold a Sharing Faith, Sharing Life blood drive to help meet the demands of hospitals and patients from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hyatt Place, 136 Emeryville Drive.
Some tasks for sheriff's office rise Although inmate transportation decreased this year because the new Butler County Prison opened last summer, other tasks handled by the sheriff's office increased.
Westinghouse names new VPs CRANBERRY TWP — Two new vice presidents took their place in Westinghouse Electric's Nuclear Automation product line as part of the company's recent restructuring.
Doctor will give talk on nutrition MCCANDLESS TWP — Dr. Ray Vactor of the Wexford Chiropractic Centre, will discuss and demonstrate "Nutrition Response Testing" and how it can correct and promote health and weight loss issues at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Northland Library, 300 Cumberland Road.
Decor goes old school JACKSON TWP — Jo-Ann Finch has no plans to sand over the initials carved into her house, or to bleach out the ink stains lingering in her hardwood floors.
SV lists final honor roll for 2009-10 school year JACKSON TWP — The following Seneca Valley School District students have been recognized for their academic achievement in the final term of the 2009-2010 school year.
Turning Corners HARMONY — The Bottlebrush Gallery & Shop will present a "3rd Friday Event" for "Turning Corners by Michael Flaherty" from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Zelie Rotary honors students The Zelienople Rotary Club on Aug. 10 honored seven outstanding Seneca Valley students and graduates during its annual Scholarship Night at the Park. Five graduates received $1,000 college and vocational scholarships, and two Seneca juniors were honored for their selection to the Rotary Youth and Leadership Awards, a weeklong leadership training program.
Mars schools offer Visitation Day MARS — Mars Primary Center, Mars Elementary School and Mars Centennial School will offer an opportunity for parents and students to check out the school buildings as part of special Visitation Day on Aug. 27. For more information and times, call 724-625-1588, 724-625-3161 or 724-625-2601, respectively.
Woman dies after Route 19 accident CRANBERRY TWP — A woman involved in a car accident Monday morning on Route 19 died after being taken to a Pittsburgh hospital.
2010 Cranberry CUP softball champions Hunter's Creek South defeated Timberline to win the Neighborhood Division of the Cranberry CUP softball tournament. The victory was Hunter's Creek South's first in the 11 years of the event.
CUP has expanded activities over years The Cranberry CUP (Community Uniting People) has a history of giving back to the community.
2010 Cranberry CUP softball champions Seven Fields defeated Quaker Steak and Lube to win the Open Division of the Cranberry CUP softball tournament. The annual event raised more than $130,000 to help families in need.
INSPIRATIONAL FAMILIES Surmans thankful for support CRANBERRY TWP — Eric Surman told Cranberry CUP (Community Uniting People) participants this past year has been a tough one for the family.
2009 recipients count blessings CRANBERRY TWP — A year after moving into a house built with the help of dozens of volunteers, Jimmy and Edie Barbarino count their blessings every day.
SCOUTING PERSPECTIVE Jamboree experience strongly encouraged The 2010 National Scout Jamboree was held at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., from July 26 through Aug. 4. Peter Gemperle, 12, of Cranberry Township, attended the 10-day festival. A member of Troop 403 in Cranberry, Gemperle is currently a First Class Scout. He is the son of Lyn and David Gemperle of Cranberry.
NEW TYPE OF TOURISM Agency looks to draw large events ZELIENOPLE — The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau has begun working with high schools and municipal parks and recreation departments for a new type of tourism.
Callery man charged with DUI for 8th time CALLERY — A borough man has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol for the eighth time following a traffic stop on Evans City Road.
Officials have tough call The Butler County commissioners are stuck between a rock and a hard place over proposed stormwater management regulations.
Boil water advisory has EC steamed EVANS CITY - A water line break in the borough last week disrupted service to residents for several hours and, despite a quick cleanup effort, officials are upset with the state Department of Environmental Protection because of a late boil water advisory.
Freedom Road to be discussed CRANBERRY TWP — Township supervisors Thursday night authorized a public hearing Aug. 26 to take testimony on proposed overlay zoning on three areas on Freedom Road.
County 911 set to expand Butler County is poised to hire two new 911 dispatchers to handle an increasing workload.
Regatta offers outdoor fun MUDDY CREEK TWP — Ray Roman of Emsworth navigated his 14-pound boat "Wee Zee" through treacherous 6-inch wakes Saturday afternoon at the Regatta at Lake Arthur.
Driver hurt in Route 19 crash CRANBERRY TWP — A car/truck accident Monday morning snarled rush hour traffic and blocked two northbound lanes on Route 19 near Rowan Road.
Life-saving heroics met with awards MARS — The Adams Area Fire District honored several firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel on Saturday for their actions in three separate emergencies, with one man receiving the department's highest award.
New school bus plan set EVANS CITY — Borough council members and police Chief Joe McCombs recently met with officials from the Evans City Elementary and Middle School to discuss traffic congestion around the school.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT Cranberry CUP raises $130,000 to help families CRANBERRY TWP — Perfect weather was the ticket all weekend as the Cranberry CUP, Community Uniting People, celebrated its 11th season.
LEGAL PURSUIT Psychologist alleges defamation, issues A civil lawsuit filed by a Cranberry Township psychologist against Butler County and Controller Jack McMillin apparently won't be going away anytime soon.
LEADING THE WAY Victory church continues growth CRANBERRY TWP — The Rev. John Nuzzo has watched his church grow from several dozen members meeting in a movie theater to more than 2,500 who make up Victory Family Church.
ENERGETIC OK Cranberry approves electrical substation CRANBERRY TWP — Township supervisors Thursday evening gave the final go-head for the construction of an electrical substation along Marshall Road.
Collector for countywide earned income tax chosen BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Tax Collection Committee chose Berkheimer Tax Administrator as the countywide earned income tax collector for the county's 71 taxing jurisdictions that include county boroughs, townships and school districts.
Power of 32 sessions get started Power of 32 kicked off its first day of information gathering last week with public meetings across the region, including a modest gathering in Butler.
Bottlebrush will show functional ceramic art HARMONY — The Bottlebrush Gallery and Shop will host "Turning Corners," a display of the functionality of art in everyday life by ceramic artist Michael Flaherty from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 20.
Many struggle to find low-income housing MARSHALL TWP — Professionals and advocates from as far away as Somerset County and Erie attended a Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania forum Thursday to discuss and learn about reshaping the state's housing market.
Jewelry store plans Strand fundraiser Mathew Jewelers is hosting a fashion-themed fundraiser for the Strand Theater on Friday.
PUTTER A-ROUND Put down the ball, pull out the putter.
Plane travels off runway at Zelie FRANKLIN TWP, Beaver County — No injuries were reported when a small, single engine airplane went off the runway as it was about to take off at noon Sunday from the Zelienople Municipal Airport.
Safe Treats CRANBERRY TWP — Families with children suffering from severe food allergies often see a bleak future, with constant sacrifices made to ensure safety.
FINANCIAL FEES Mars business owner says costs add up WASHINGTON, D.C. — A business owner from Mars testified at a congressional hearing Thursday about how the recently passed financial reform bill will affect his business.
CUP KICKOFF Event raises money for needy families CRANBERRY TWP — The Cranberry CUP (Community Uniting People), which has raised thousands of dollars for local families through its various events and community softball tournament, returns for its 11th season this weekend.
FATAL CRASH Victim is 77-year-old man from Callery ADAMS TWP — An elderly man from Callery died Friday morning in a vehicle accident on Route 228.
SIDE LINES JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley Athletic Hall of Fame will induct six new members during a banquet at the high school Sept. 11.
On the same page JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley's football players are much more familiar with the spread offense this season.
Mueller set for Mars Hall This is the second of a five-part series profiling the Mars Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2010. The five members will be honored at a dinner Sept. 10 at Mars Middle School.
WINGING IT Backs to carry Mars' hopes ADAMS TWP — In the Mars offense, the fullback gets most of the carries and yards.
Softball champions The Cranberry Township Athletic Association's 12-and-under traveling softball team won four of the five tournaments it played in this summer.
Football teams savvy about beating the heat Water, water everywhere — and that's just the beginning.
SIDE LINES EVANS CITY — The Evans City Community Athletic Association is holding fall baseball and softball sign-ups.
SV golf squads get started Seneca Valley girls golf coach Lynn Wagner's message to her team this season is "Believe and Achieve."
Trophy time The Mars Baseball Association's 8-year-old tournament team won two championships this summer. The squad won the Ingomar-Franklin Park Tournament and the Mars Baseball Association's Field of Dreams Tournament.
Golf outing aids Holben PENN TWP — Charlie Holben considers himself to be a regular guy.
SIDE LINES ADAMS TWP — Mars School District's 2010 fall sports season begins in August. Dates of the first practices and/or meetings are as follows:
CALL FROM THE HALL Service to Mars High rewarded This is the first of a five-part series profiling the Mars Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2010. The five members will be honored at a dinner Sept. 10 at Mars Middle School.
Lost appeal, game end Bears' 1st year KARNS CITY — Early last week, the Butler County Bears believed they were playing for a United States Football Alliance playoff berth.
Wojdyla snares golf award CRANBERRY TWP — Paige Wojdyla will carry a summer's worth of momentum into her senior season on the Seneca Valley girls golf team.
Knapp scores golf three-peat FRANKLIN TWP — Call it a three-peat, with an assist from the golfing gods.
EAGLE AMATEUR (top 10 by flight)
Tournament champs The Evans City 8-year old all-star baseball team has won five tournaments this summer, most recently in Cranberry Township in late July.
Bungo among best Running with some of the best junior track stars this country has to offer may seem like a daunting task.
SV girls key cogs in rowing It's been quite a summer for Samantha Potter and Abi Palmer.
SIDE LINES ADAMS TWP — The Mars Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2010 will be honored before the football game against Pine-Richland Sept. 10 at the Mars Athletic Complex.
3 to Division III JACKSON TWP — For three recent Seneca Valley graduates, basketball isn't only a part of their past, it will be a big part of their future as well.
WHIRLWIND TOUR Cranberry 13s fall at Pony national event FULLERTON, Calif. — The Cranberry Township Athletic Association 13-year-olds could have used a breather, but they wouldn't trade their experience for anything.
