The Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA) announced they have received $900,000 in federal funding to continue supporting a reentry program for inmates being released from the county jail. “This will go toward employing a state certified adult education instructor, so we’ll be able to offer GED classes at the jail,” said FCCAA Senior Resource Consultant Jessica Hajek-Bates. The funding, through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is $300,000 yearly for three years. The grant will also pay for two full-time career pathway counselors who will work with inmates on their re-entry plans. Those hired through the funding will help support the jail’s IGNITE program, ...
Homeowners and local businesses are opening their doors once again for the Crime Victims’ Center annual fundraiser. The Season’s Greetings Holiday Tour allows attendees to get a glimpse into some of the most beautifully decorated homes and businesses in Fayette County. “It’s an annual tradition,” said Andrea Hibbs, executive director of the Crime Victims Center of Fayette County. “We have homeowners and business owners within Fayette County who will open their homes and allow people to purchase tickets to tour their homes.” This year's tour, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, will include four homes, the Gates Funeral Home and the Crime Victim’s Center office. ...
The communities of Southwestern Pennsylvania started the Christmas season on a joyful note over the weekend. On Friday, Santa Claus took his seat in the newly restored Santa’s Workshop display at the Uniontown Mall, greeting children eager to tell him what is on their wish lists. Later in the day, he made an appearance at Christmas in the Square. Uniontown’s annual light-up night in Storey Square included a parade, food, music and craft vendors. “It’s a great time, and I’m glad to be out here supporting my community and the mayor,” said Joshua Nichelson of Connellsville. In Greene County, the annual Christmas on High Street brought some holiday cheer to the main ...
Tis the season for a ‘tree-mendous holiday experience! As live Christmas trees regain their sparkle, local Christmas tree farmers are dishing out their top tips to make finding the perfect tree a joyful, stress-free adventure! Amanda Leavitt, whose family owns Candle Tree Farm in Washington County, said the first thing she would tell buyers, especially those that may be shopping for the first time, is to wear the right attire. “Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy,” Leavitt said. “And I would also recommend checking out the website of the farm you’re going to to see if there’s anything else you need to bring with you.” ...
Defying the age-old adage that "money doesn't grow on trees," the Christmas tree industry is poised for a banner year, with the National Christmas Tree Association estimating sales of 25-30 million trees, generating a staggering $1.38 billion in revenue. For perspective, if the American Christmas tree market was a nation, it would have a higher Gross Domestic Product than 12 other countries, ranking it between Seychelles and Grenada, according to the World Bank. Pennsylvania is rated one of the highest producers of Christmas trees in the country, but given this year’s dry and extended summer, local farms are trying to stay in front of the challenges of the overall ...
For many, the sight of a model train racing around the base of a Christmas tree is an indelible holiday memory. As collecting and building model railways has become an increasingly niche hobby, however, it has become a less common sight for younger generations. The Train Gang of Washington ...
Supported by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging and The Albert Gallatin Human Services Agency Inc., the Masontown Senior Center is helping seniors by providing a variety of resources and offerings to enhance, improve or assist the lives of seniors in the area. Despite their ...
JEFFERSON – The Geibel Catholic girls controlled the opening tip, the first quarter and the entire game Saturday morning for a 63-21 victory against Carmichaels in the second day of the Donna M. Furnier Invitational Tournament hosted by Jefferson-Morgan. The Lady Gators’ fast start was ...
Over 650 runners and walkers braved the raw weather conditions on a chilly, rainy Thanksgiving morning to compete in the annual Salvation Army Turkey Trot. Former Uniontown teammates Hope Trimmer and Mason Stewart won the 5K run titles. Trimmer edged her younger sister Grace for the ...
Name: Morgan Gesinski School: Mount Pleasant Class: Junior Sport: Girls soccer Gesinski’s week: Gesinski was selected to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association’s all-state girls soccer team after scoring 36 goals this season and helping to lead Mount Pleasant to a 15-2 overall ...
The great misadventure began before the journey to Springfield, Mass., in a Pittsburgh parking garage. I shoved a blanket into my already-stuffed tote bag, breaking the handle. Both suitcases were brimming over with formal wear – to a wedding, we were heading – and other necessities and ...
I woke up this morning hearing Bruce Springsteen’s song, “Born in the USA”. My morning shower changed the tune from Born in the USA to Living in Southwest Pennsylvania. Checking the morning weather, I saw that July 23 was the warmest day ever recorded on the planet. Records go back ...