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Articles by Karen Mansfield
Severe storm caused widespread damage, power outages in Washington County
Tuesday’s storm caused widespread damage across Washington County, with significant power outages, numerous fallen trees that damaged houses and even a pizza shop’s roof that was blown off from the high winds. Washington County Public Safety Director Gerry Coleman said the county’s 911 operations center was overloaded with calls, receiving 1,900 emergency requests for service in a 24-hour period, which is four times what a typical day would bring.
Suspected tornado rips roof off church
May 12, 2024 By 2 min read 1 / 3 The roof was ripped off this home at 550 McClelland Road in Finleyville Thursday evening. 2 / 3 A funnel cloud carves out a path of destruction through Finleyville Thursday evening. 3 / 3 Washington County Commissioners Nick Sherman and Electra Janis speak to the media after a suspected tornado swept through the county Thursday.
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Come rain or shine, Waynesburg will celebrate its 150th year of tracking precipitation next Saturday. Its residents are pulling for the former of those conditions. In fact, the Rain Day Festival, held annually on July 29, might be the only outdoor event in the country that’s considered a success if it rains. And the odds are, it will. It has rained on 117 out of the past 149 Rain Days, more than 78% of the time.
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Fireworks displays are a staple for Fourth of July celebrations, but more places are switching to a less flammable alternative: drones. Across the country – especially the hot and dry West – fireworks shows are being replaced, or supplemented, by large swarms of small drones with colorful lights. The benefits: the drones reduce wildfire risk, pollution, and loud noises that frighten veterans with PTSD and pets.
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A report released Wednesday by the American Lung Association finds that air quality in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region remains among the nation’s worst.
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Student meal debt is rising rapidly in many school districts across the country, including those in Southwestern Pennsylvania, after federal lawmakers in June ended funding that made school meals free for all students during the pandemic. The end of universal free meals comes at the same time that inflation and rising labor costs are driving up food prices for schools, forcing some to raise their meal prices. That means struggling families who were paying for meals before are now paying even more.
Suspicious packages prompt evacuations of Washington County Courthouse, office buildings Original
A suspicious substance found inside several packages mailed to the Washington County Courthouse and a neighboring office building prompted the evacuation and eventual closure of the entire campus Thursday. The courthouse and two neighboring county office buildings in Washington were evacuated shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday after the packages were delivered and discovered to be containing unknown substances and other unusual contents.
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The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) announced a fourth consecutive year of record-breaking donations in 2022. CORE saw 858 life-saving transplants made possible by 334 organ donors, a 23% increase in transplants over the previous year. Heart transplants rose 50% from 2021, and the nonprofit reported record numbers across transplant categories. Most notable were heart (89 total), kidney (454 total) and cornea (1,073 total) transplants.
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Fuel prices are on the rise, and Pennsylvanians will be paying considerably more to keep their homes warm this winter. U.S. consumers can expect to pay up to 28% more to heat their homes this winter than last year because of surging fuel costs and slightly colder weather, according to a forecast by the U.S. Energy Information Administration issued Wednesday.
Fayette escapes major storm damage; tornado confirmed in Greene
Fayette County dodged major damage Monday evening as a tornado and severe weather swept through Southwestern Pennsylvania and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. A team from the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh visited Washington and Greene counties Tuesday searching for possible tornado damage and found that two tornadoes were spawned by the storm. The weather service said it is considering sending a team to Fayette County today to survey storm damage in Ohiopyle.
Few Black teachers in county, but they make a difference
WASHINGTON, Pa. — “I always enjoyed school, and I enjoyed learning. I knew early on that academics was more of my route, and I was fortunate to have a family that encouraged me,” said Treg Campbell, an English teacher at Washington High School. Campbell’s passion for learning was also nurtured by his teachers.
Few Black Teachers in County, but They Make a Difference
By KAREN MANSFIELD, (Washington) Observer-Reporter WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) — “I always enjoyed school, and I enjoyed learning. I knew early on that academics was more of my route, and I was fortunate to have a family that encouraged me,” said Campbell, an English teacher at Washington High School. Campbell’s passion for learning was also nurtured by his teachers.
PSEA asking for clear direction as teachers, students head back to school
As tens of thousands of teachers prepare to head back to the classroom in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, PSEA President Rich Askey urged state policymakers to provide clear and consistent direction to education leaders. Testifying before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee on Wednesday, Askey noted that educators and support professionals want to return to the classroom and miss their students, but only if safety procedures are in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
California University of Pa announces classes online
California University of Pennsylvania’s announced classes will move to mostly online for the fall semester. Cal U. president Geraldine Jones cited the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Pennsylvania and across the country when she announced the decision on Friday. “Throughout the summer, my leadership team and many others planned for our return to on-campus operations ... in the sincere belief that we could reopen responsibly this fall,” Jones said in a video message to Cal U.
2000 Turkeys kicks off
‘Tis the season for giving and reaching out to those in need. 2000 Turkeys, the annual grassroots campaign that aims to provide Thanksgiving dinners for Washington County families in need, kicked off Thursday. It’s time once again for businesses, organizations and individuals to participate in the community fundraiser that helps the Greater Washington County Food Bank put a “turkey on every table” for Thanksgiving.
Growing number of Catholics question commitment to church
On a recent Sunday, Bill Mesler attended 10:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. The 76-year-old business owner has been a fixture at Sunday services for the past 21 years, since he became a member of the Catholic church. “I wouldn’t let anyone drive me out of my church,” said Mesler, who serves as a greeter and Eucharistic minister. “I know so many priests who love Christ and the church, and who serve faithfully.
Puppy born with deformity to get orthotics
Gia, an energetic, 4-month-old Siberian Husky mix, enthusiastically chased after a toy chicken in the front yard of Tracey Crompton’s Eighty Four home last week. But as the playful puppy pursued the toy, her short, deformed front paws got in the way. Gia was born with genetic deformities including a condition called ectrodactyly, or lobster claw, and her two defective front legs make normal walking impossible.
Puppy born with deformity to get orthotics
Gia, an energetic, 4-month-old Siberian Husky mix, enthusiastically chased after a toy chicken in the front yard of Tracey Crompton’s Eighty Four home last week. But as the playful puppy pursued the toy, her short, deformed front paws got in the way. Gia was born with genetic deformities including a condition called ectrodactyly, or lobster claw, and her two defective front legs make normal walking impossible.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
HOUSTON, Pa. The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds. "There's a lot of good pitchers here," said Bill Murray, who has been a member for nearly 40 years - the longest of any of the current players.
Horseshoes Still Ringing for Club Started in the Late 1940s
By KAREN MANSFIELD, (Washington) Observer-Reporter HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Horseshoes still ringing for club started in the late 1940s
By KAREN MANSFIELD, (Washington) Observer-Reporter Posted: May. 7, 2019 8:00 am Updated: May. 7, 2019 11:30 am HOUSTON, Pa. (AP) — The game of horseshoes might not be as popular as it once was in Washington County, but since the late 1940s, a horseshoe club in Chartiers Township has kept the sport alive. Four days a week, all year round, the nearly 40 members of the Washington County Horseshoe Club pitch at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
State Department of Health investigating potential cancer cluster in Washington County
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is looking into a possible cluster of cancer cases in Washington County. In the past 10 years, four people within Canon-McMillan School District have been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma. Each year, fewer than 200 cases of Ewing’s sarcoma are diagnosed in the United States.
Safe 2 Say Something anonymous tip program underway
Across Pennsylvania, a new school safety reporting system has gotten underway. In its first six weeks, Safe 2 Say Something fielded more than 7,070 tips, and almost a third of those were considered serious enough to report to local police and school officials, according to Joe Grace, director of communications with the state attorney general’s office.
Sole saver: Pennsylvania man stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in this town about 15 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Alcohol wellness checkups
Upcoming visits to your doctor might include a conversation about how much you drink. The United States Preventative Services Task Force has recommended that adults 18 and older, including pregnant women, be screened by their primary care providers for unhealthy alcohol use. “The task force is calling on clinicians to screen all adults and provide counseling to those who drink beyond recommended limits,” said USPSTF member Dr. Carol Mangione in a news release.
Woman injured in Nottingham Township fire
Dennis Leech was at his bar, Denny’s Roadhouse in Monongahela, when he received a text message from an acquaintance who told him his house was on fire. “Twenty-five years I’ve lived here, and it’s gone,” said Leech, standing in front of the two-story home at 168 Ginger Hill Road in Nottingham Township. Leech’s wife, Terry Dixon, was injured in the fire, but Leech said she was expected to recover.
Opioid Overdose Coalition reports drop in opioid deaths so far this year
A recent report from the National Safety Council that shows Americans are more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than in a vehicle crash reveals how U.S. towns and cities are struggling to manage the opioid crisis. But the Washington Opioid Overdose Coalition, which was formed in 2016 to fight the opioid epidemic, is showing progress is possible. Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone said at the coalition’s quarterly meeting on Wednesday that as of Feb.
Landslides, flooded roads a headache in area
Southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the most landslide-prone areas in the United States. Blame its topography: steep hillsides and layers of soft, slippery shales and claystones. But add in record rainfall and wildly fluctuating temperatures, and the result has been an onslaught of landslides. “We’ve got a lot of landslides, more than we’ve had in several years,” said Reed Kiger, a supervisor for Franklin Township, Greene County. “I couldn’t begin to tell you how many we’ve had.
Landslides, flooded roads a headache
Southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the most landslide-prone areas in the United States. Blame its topography: steep hillsides and layers of soft, slippery shales and claystones. But add in record rainfall and wildly fluctuating temperatures, and the result has been an onslaught of landslides. “We’ve got a lot of landslides, more than we’ve had in several years,” said Reed Kiger, a supervisor for Franklin Township, Greene County. “I couldn’t begin to tell you how many we’ve had.
Primary care providers urged to screen patients for unhealthy alcohol use
Visits to the doctor no longer only entail having a doctor hear your concerns and then prescribe the right action. Just recently the United States Preventative Services Task Force has recommended that adults 18 and older, including pregnant women, be screened by their primary care providers for unhealthy alcohol use.
Landslides, flooded roads a headache
Southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the most landslide-prone areas in the United States. Blame its topography: steep hillsides and layers of soft, slippery shales and claystones. But add in record rainfall and wildly fluctuating temperatures, and the result has been an onslaught of landslides. “We’ve got a lot of landslides, more than we’ve had in several years,” said Reed Kiger, a supervisor for Franklin Township, Greene County. “I couldn’t begin to tell you how many we’ve had.
ExtraORdinary People: Animal rescue gives Eighty Four woman purpose
Five years ago, Tracey Crompton volunteered for the first time at Angel Ridge Animal Rescue in Meadow Lands. Her assignment – to walk a three-legged dog – changed her life. “I cried all the way home because I found out who I was,” said Crompton, 49, of Eighty Four. “I found my purpose. I realized why I’m on this earth.” Over the next four years, Crompton, a former floral designer, volunteered with Angel Ridge and Pet Search.
Love in their hearts: Couple adopting child, years after losing their son
CANONSBURG – In the nearly 31/2 years since Paul and Laura Gillum’s 23-month-old son Dean died following an accident in the family’s backyard pool, their grief has been unrelenting. “It’s the little things that you don’t think are going to break you, those little things do,” said Laura. “The birthdays, you’re prepared for, the anniversary of their death, all of that.
Sole saver: One Pennsylvania county's last known cobbler
Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
Sole saver: Bill Wells stays busy as a cobbler
MCMURRAY, Pa. (AP) — Bill Wells has spent the past 33 years saving soles. Wells is a cobbler, and the 81-year-old works seven days a week to repair shoes at his shop, Charles the Cobbler, in Krebs Professional Center in Peters Township. He is, as far as he knows, the only cobbler left in Washington County, and the craftsman has his hands full.
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