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Articles by Jon Andreassi
Off-duty Greene Washington Regional Police officer charged
Monongahela police charged a former Greene Washington Regional Police officer Wednesday for evading police nearly a month ago. Nathanael Charles Ferree, 43, of McKeesport, faces a felony charge of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, and summary traffic violations of failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, reckless driving and driving at a safe speed.
‘Bee’ kind to your local honey bees
/Editor's Pick ‘Bee’ kind to your local honey bees 1 / 2 To help preserve honey bees, deliberately grow plants that flower early in the spring and later in the fall. This is when bees typically have less food. [MetroCreative] 2 / 2 Dr. Sarah Bashore is a professor of biology, fisheries and wildlife biology at Pennsylvania Western University.
Reward for information in honey bee arson up to $5,000
/Local news Reward for information in honey bee arson up to $5,000 Reward for information in honey bee arson up to $5,000 1 / 3 A fire destroyed trays, pallets and boxes at Bedillion Honey Farm's bee yard in Industry, Beaver County. [File photo] 2 / 3 Upwards of potentially one million bees died as a result of a fire at the bee yard in Beaver County, which is currently being investigated as arson.
North Franklin Township adopts ordinances regulating data centers, electric generation
North Franklin Township supervisors unanimously approved a pair of ordinances that aim to regulate the development of data centers in the municipality. The board of supervisors held public hearings on the ordinances – one that specifically targets data centers and another concerning facilities that generate electricity – at their meeting Tuesday.
Non-profit for veterans to hold 4th annual golf tournament
Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans (LCSDFV) will hold its fourth annual golf tournament fundraiser in Midway next month. LCSDFV is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that helps provide veterans with service dogs. The golf tournament will take place May 16 at Quicksilver Golf Club at 2000 Quicksilver Road, Midway. Check-in will be at 7 a.m., and the tee time is 8 a.m. The tournament will be a four-person scramble format. Participation is $150, which includes breakfast and lunch.
Uniontown man charged for DUI with child in back seat
Monongahela police charged a man Friday for driving under the influence with his 4-year-old child in the vehicle. Christopher Aaron Fisher, 35, of Uniontown, faces a felony charge of endangering the welfare of children, and misdemeanors of reckless endangerment and DUI. According to the criminal complaint, police were called shortly after 10 p.m. April 6 to the 100 block of Third Avenue in New Eagle.
South Strabane man arrested in road rage incident
South Strabane Township police arrested a man Friday after he was accused of assaulting a woman in a road rage incident. Krishnakumar Kandasamy, 38, of South Strabane, faces a felony aggravated assault charge. According to the criminal complaint, police officers were called at about 6:40 a.m. Friday to the intersection of East Beau Street and Trinity Point Drive.
High cost of child care a struggle for families
/Local news High cost of child care a struggle for families 1 / 6 Aaron Graytock and Mindy Kass with their daughter Lily Graytock. [Submitted] 2 / 6 Two youngsters enjoy a nice day at Hopwood Child Care.
Carmichaels man killed in motorcycle accident
A Carmichaels man died Saturday evening in a motorcycle accident. The office of Greene County Coroner Gene Rush identified the man as 30-year-old Joshua Michael Brown. According to a press release, Brown was involved in a motorcycle accident that occurred at about 5 p.m. Saturday on State Route 21 in Jefferson Township. More details were not immediately available. Brown was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m. His specific cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.
Skeletal remains identified as missing South Strabane Township man
The Washington County coroner has identified skeletal remains that were found in Washington last year as a man who had gone missing in 2020. According to Coroner Timothy Warco, the remains belonged to 30-year-old Robertson Wuyoch, of South Strabane Township and formerly of Micronesia. Wuyoch had been reported missing by family members on June 11, 2020 after he did not return to his home on North Main Street.
Family, friends pledge to ‘Live Like Lyv’
/Local news Family, friends pledge to ‘Live Like Lyv’ Canonsburg teen\\\'s unexpected death brings outpouring of support 1 / 2 Alyvia Kemis with one of her goats [Submitted] 2 / 2 Family and friends have been sharing their memories of Alyvia Kemis with the hashtag #LiveLikeLyv. [Submitted] [expand] close April 1 was a typical day for Alyvia Kemis.
No injuries reported in Franklin Township fire
/Local news No injuries reported in Franklin Township fire No one was injured in a house fire in Franklin Township on Friday. Firefighters were called to 2685 Pittsburgh Road shortly before 2 p.m., according to a Fayette County 911 supervisor. The supervisor said that an unspecified number of occupants were evacuated from the home. Flatwoods Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, South Brownsville Fire Company and Fayette EMS were called to the fire. [Ed Riedmann]
North Charleroi man charged in hospital assault
Carroll Township police arrested a man Saturday after he was accused of assaulting staff at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. Victor R. Tyree, 60, of North Charleroi, faces felony charges of aggravated assault, and misdemeanors of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the hospital at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Charging documents state that Tyree was livestreaming the emergency room, and became violent after he was asked to stop.
Child injured in North Strabane accident
A 3-year-old child was flown to Pittsburgh Friday afternoon after an accident in North Strabane Township. According to a Washington County 911 supervisor, the accident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on Trotwood Drive. The child was injured by a lawn tractor. According to the supervisor, the child suffered a leg injury and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Pittsburgh. North Strabane’s fire and police departments responded to the accident, as well as Ambulance and Chair.
Locust Avenue not reopening anytime soon, says PennDOT
Locust Avenue between Hudak Hill Road and I-79 has been closed since Friday due to a landslide. [Jon Andreassi] A stretch of Locust Avenue in South Strabane Township may remain closed for an extended period of time after it was damaged by a landslide last week. The state roadway is currently closed between Hudak Hill Road and Interstate 79.
Investigation underway after Donora man dies following police encounter
State police are handling an investigation into Donora’s police department after a man died last week following an encounter with an officer. According to a report from the office of the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, 57-year-old John F. Miller died at 10:55 p.m. March 22 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Miller had been hospitalized several days prior after he had become unresponsive, “while in police custody,” the report states.
South Strabane Township disbands parks and recreation commission
The South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance this week that will dissolve the parks and recreation commission. The supervisors voted 3-2 to do away with the commission at their meeting Tuesday. Supervisors Bob Weber and Russ Grego voted against it. Earlier this year supervisors had reopened the budget and developed a new spending plan that would have cut the $10,000 allocated to parks and recreation.
Setting the stage
/Local News Setting the stage Pittsburgh maps out plans to get around during NFL Draft 1 / 2 Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor speaks Wednesday about the NFL Draft. [Jon Andreassi] 2 / 2 Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato speaks about plans for the 2026 NFL Draft Wednesday. [Jon Andreassi] [expand] close The transportation authorities of Southwestern Pennsylvania counties will play a key role in helping the city of Pittsburgh in its plans to host the 2026 NFL Draft next month.
Washington Crown Center closing to mall walkers
/Local News Washington Crown Center closing to mall walkers 1 / 3 Lisa Levato, left, walks through the Washington Crown Center mall with her mother, Marge Prall, Tuesday morning. [Jon Andreassi] 2 / 3 One of the entrances to Washington Crown Center is already inaccessible during construction. [Jon Andreassi] 3 / 3 A portion of the mall is currently blocked off during its redevelopment.
Peters Township council moves forward with traffic calming plan
Peters Township council voted to begin implementing a traffic calming plan on a local road. Council members unanimously agreed to begin phase one of the plan to slow vehicles down on Hill Place Road, where the speed limit is 25 mph. Township Manager Paul Lauer explained prior to Monday’s vote that speeding has long been an issue on the roadway connecting Thomas and Springdale roads. “Back in 2009 we did an initial project there that involved putting in fog lines and rumble strips in the center.
Former Washington Co. attorney indicted
An attorney who used to work in Washington County was indicted by a grand jury this week on allegations that he embezzled more than $1.3 million from a Pittsburgh nonprofit. Christopher Furman, 53, of Pittsburgh, faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Furman was named the president of the Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline, which has operated the Duquesne Heights Incline since 1964.
Peters library hosts ‘Find your Revolutionary War Patriot’ event
The Washington County chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be helping people connect to their heritage this weekend at the Peters Township Public Library. “Find Your Revolutionary War Patriot” will be held at the library at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Donora police charge three with child endangerment
Donora police charged three people Tuesday after an unsupervised toddler was found near a firearm. Timothy Allen Pace, 37, Kaden Pace-Davis, 19, and McKenzie Rose Fisher, 18, all face a felony charge of endangering the welfare of children. According to the criminal complaint, Washington County Probation informed Donora police last week that Pace was in possession of a firearm despite being a convicted felon.
South Strabane Township to hold public hearing on data center ordinance
Following months of public discussion, the South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors will soon be holding a public hearing on an ordinance regulating data centers. The hearing will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 31 at the South Strabane Township Fire Department building at 172 Oak Spring Road.
Development of new Freedom Transit facility underway
Crews have been working on preparing the land at 375 Berry Road for construction of Freedom Transit's new operations facility. [Jon Andreassi] Those traveling along Berry Road have likely noticed plenty of activity at the former home of Tower Golf and Amish Touch. Since December, work has been underway preparing the land at 375 Berry Road, South Strabane Township, for Freedom Transit’s new operations facility.
Suspect arrested in North Strabane robbery
One person was arrested after an attempted robbery at the Marathon on Racetrack Road Friday morning. One person is in jail after a reported robbery at a North Strabane Township convenience store Friday morning. North Strabane police Capt. Matt Mancini identified the suspect as 33-year-old Randall Bell. According to Mancini, police were called to the Marathon at 461 Racetrack Road just before 4 a.m. Friday. “He brandished pepper spray, demanded money from the clerk, but the clerk refused.
Group protests data centers outside private event
/Local News Group protests data centers outside private event About a dozen people gathered on the sidewalk outside the George Washington Hotel on South Main Street in downtown Washington Thursday afternoon to voice their opposition to data centers as a private event was being held inside the hotel. The "Data Center Happy Hour" event was hosted by the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Institute, and was by invitation only.
Observer-Reporter
March 12, 2026 4 min read By Spencer Ripchik Contributing writer MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia true freshman Matt Sieg arrives at the practice building at 6:30 a.m. and is on the Jugs machine. He’s catching balls, preparing to play on offense. Later in the afternoon, when WVU has practice, Sieg is making ...
Coroner identifies man killed on I-70
The Washington County coroner identified the person who was killed on Interstate 70 over the weekend. According to Coroner Timothy Warco, 46-year-old Timothy Booker, of Avella, was found in the eastbound lanes of I-70 near the Chestnut Street ramp in North Franklin Township Sunday morning. A tractor-trailer driver called 911 at about 4:06 a.m. after noticing someone lying in the road. According to Warco, it appeared that Booker had been struck by cars multiple times.
One killed, two injured in Cecil Township crash
One person was killed Sunday night in a two-vehicle accident in Cecil Township that sent one car over a nearby hillside. According to a Washington County 911 supervisor, first responders were called at about 8:20 p.m. to the intersection of State Route 980 and Clover Lane. Cecil Township fire Chief Ted Wolford said the crash involved two cars that hit each other head-on. “We had one fatality. The police department is investigating,” Wolford said.
South Strabane planners again punt vote on data centers
South Strabane Township’s planning commission again tabled a vote on an ordinance regulating data centers. The seven-person commission, which only votes on whether or not to make recommendations to the board of supervisors, will meet again March 19. Solicitor Dennis Makel indicated at their Thursday meeting that the commission members should finally take the vote then. “I think we need to move on this this month,” Makel said.
Washington man charged in police chase
State police charged a man Tuesday for fleeing a traffic stop and then jumping out of his moving vehicle last month. Robert Steven Fuller, 32, of Washington, faces felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, escape and flight to avoid apprehension. Police also charged him with misdemeanors of evading arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless endangerment, obstruction and disorderly conduct.
Two more Charleroi parents charged for poor living conditions
Charleroi police charged two more parents who were living with their children in a building without running water or sewage. Lucner Joseph, 43, and Navilia Norazier, 40, were each charged last week with felonies of endangering the welfare of children. Joseph and Norazier were living at 515 McKean Ave. with their four children. It is the same building where 40-year-old Jackson Alexis and 27-year-old Roldy Noel were living with two children.
Bethel Park sewage rate increases go into effect
Residents in Bethel Park may have noticed their most recent sewage bill was higher than usual after the second of two rate increases went into effect at the start of the year. The borough’s council voted to approve an ordinance in June that raised rates on Aug.1 and Jan. 1. In August, the rate went from $9 per 1,000 gallons to $11 per 1,000 gallons. The service charge, a flat fee, increased from $15 to $17.
Peters Township council narrowly approves budget, tax increase
Peters Township council almost did not approve next year’s budget as elected officials were divided on a hike in taxes. Initially, an ordinance raising property taxes in Peters from 1.7 mills to 1.95 mills failed in a 3-3 vote. Gary Stiegel Jr., Frank Kosir Jr., and Frank Arcuri voted against the increase. Council member Matt Rost was absent. At that point, Township Manager Paul Lauer advised council to not adopt the budget, as the spending plan was predicated on the tax increase.
Peters Township votes to negotiate with EMS providers
Peters Township council voted Monday to negotiate potential contracts with two outside EMS providers, signaling the end of the longstanding local ambulance service. An initial motion to only negotiate with Allegheny Health Network, which operates Canonsburg EMS, failed after a 3-3 tie. Tom Pirosko, Gary Stiegel Jr. and Frank Kosir Jr. voted against the motion. Council member Matt Rost was absent from Monday’s meeting.
Peters Township considers changes to EMS service
At its next meeting, Peters Township council will likely decide what the future of ambulance services in the township will look like. Council held a special meeting on Monday where they voted to table a decision on whether to absorb the local EMS service or contract with an outside provider. Township Manager Paul Lauer said council will vote on the issue at its Dec. 8 meeting.
Aldi opens new Pittsburgh location
Aldi opened a new store in Pittsburgh earlier this month. The grocery chain opened its doors Nov. 20 at 2515 Banksville Road, near Banksville Road’s intersection with Wenzell Avenue. The store was previously a Staples, and is located near Dormont and Mt. Lebanon. Aldi operates more than 2,600 stores across the country.
Blood drive started by Peters Township woman continues for ninth year
After Nancy Tray’s newborn daughter needed dozens of blood transfusions, she has been dedicated to paying it forward. The day before Thanksgiving, Tray will host the ninth annual Maddalena Tray Blood Drive, named for her daughter, at the Peters Township Public Library. Maddalena was born Feb. 6, 2017, and needed 40 blood transfusions following her birth.
Peters Township council considers changes to recreational scheduling policy
At their next meeting, Peters Township council will consider a resolution to change the policy for scheduling recreational activities at the municipality’s facilities on Sunday mornings. Currently, Peters does not allow activities at its fields before noon on Sundays. Earlier this month the township’s parks and recreation board voted to recommend that council eliminate that policy due to increased participation in youth sports.
GoFundMe raises $50K for Claysville teacher after accident
Josh Hartman was not sure if it was his wife on the ground after a utility pole fell following their son’s soccer game last week. “As I took a couple more steps, I realized it was her,” Hartman said. Dezzarea Hartman, a kindergarten teacher at Claysville Elementary School in McGuffey School District, was struck by a utility pole broken by a downed tree on Oct. 19 at Evans Field in South Park. Josh Hartman said she suffered three vertebrate fractures.
Peters Township to host 25th annual haunted trail
Oct 1, 2025 By 2 min read 1 / 2 Volunteers from a previous Haunted Trail event. 2 / 2 The entrance for the Haunted Trail during a past event. As the Halloween season begins, those looking to get into the spooky spirit can get their frights in Peters Township this weekend at the 25th annual Haunted Trail event. The trail is hosted each year by the township department of parks and recreation.
Menallen Township man arrested in death of 2-year-old
State police arrested a man Tuesday morning in connection to the death of a 2-year-old girl in Menallen Township. Emmanuel Thomas Dennis, 33, of Menallen Township, is charged with criminal homicide, accused of abusing Margaret Nunn over a number of days. Police alleged he hit the toddler multiple times until she was unresponsive, kicked her across the floor, and refused to let the child’s mother take her for medical attention.
Ham radio Field Day events planned throughout Southwest PA
Amateur radio clubs across the country are getting ready to participate in the annual American Radio Relay League Field Day next weekend. The Washington Amateur Communications (WACOM) will be setting up June 22 and 23 at Mingo County Creek Park in Finleyville at the historic log cabin near the observatory. In Fayette County, the Uniontown Amateur Radio Club will operate off of the club’s property at 433 Old Pittsburgh Road, Uniontown.
Uniontown police investigating after local businesses vandalized
Jun 6, 2024 By 2 min read 1 / 2 Jamie Pikulsky cleans the windows of her Uniontown business From Scratch after it was vandalized Wednesday 2 / 2 From Scratch still opened for business Wednesday after vandals broke windows at the Uniontown eatery. Jamie Pikulsky, owner of the eatery From Scratch in Uniontown, woke up to a barrage of voicemails, text messages and Facebook notifications Wednesday morning.
Uniontown police investigating after local businesses vandalized
Jun 6, 2024 By 2 min read 1 / 2 Jamie Pikulsky cleans the windows of her Uniontown business From Scratch after it was vandalized Wednesday 2 / 2 From Scratch still opened for business Wednesday after vandals broke windows at the Uniontown eatery. Jamie Pikulsky, owner of the eatery From Scratch in Uniontown, woke up to a barrage of voicemails, text messages and Facebook notifications Wednesday morning.
Michigan man charged in 2021 overdose death of Georges Township woman
State police have charged a Michigan man in connection to the fatal overdose of a woman in Georges Township nearly two years ago. Franklin Donald Hiles, 40, of South Haven, Mich. faces felony charges of drug delivery resulting in death and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. According to the criminal complaint, the afternoon of Dec. 3, 2021, police found a 52-year-old woman who had overdosed at a home in the 200 block of 2nd Street. She was declared dead shortly after.
Saltlick Township man jailed for attempted homicide
State police arrested a Saltlick Township man Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly tried to run over his roommate with his car. David Kolarik, 59, faces felony charges of attempted homicide and criminal mischief. Police were called to the 200 block of Melcroft Road shortly before 2 p.m. after Kolarik crashed the car into his home. According to the criminal complaint, Kolarik told troopers he, “wants to murder Andy,” in reference to Andrew Graf, his roommate.
Peters Township presents 2024 budget with no tax increases
Though garbage collection rates are rising, Peters Township residents can expect their taxes to remain steady next year. Peters Township council held a public hearing on the preliminary 2024 budget Monday night. Township Manager Paul Lauer said the millage rate will stay at 1.7 mills. The budget is available for public review on Peters’ website. As it currently stands, the township budget anticipates spending more than $16.8 million next year, while collecting $18.6 million in revenues.
One hospitalized following Canton Township fire
A Canton Township woman was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital Monday night after a second-story bedroom caught fire. Canton Township Fire Department Chief Chuck LaBella said firefighters responded to 3 Elizabeth St. at about 10:40 p.m. and fire was showing in an upstairs window. Next-door neighbor Teresa Denman said she and her husband could smell something burning and warned their neighbors. “We told them their house was on fire,” Denman said.
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