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Community Features

First Steps

Libraries reopen across the county

Benjamin Wentz, 3, of Valenica visits the Mars Area Public Library with his brother David, 1, and mother, Bethany Wentz, Wednesday.

County libraries are adjusting operations, and many are re-opening.

2/26/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Freezin' for a reason

Troopers switch to polar pops to support Special Olympics

State troopers at State Police Troop D Barracks in Butler Township replaced their annual polar plunge fundraiser for the Special Olympics with a polar pop event on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Pictured is Special Olympian Aiden Ace popping a balloon over the head of Sgt. Herold. Area Commander Major Fisher stands to Ace's left. To the right is Special Olympian Cory Brunck.

On a sunny but chilly Wednesday afternoon, one by one, a popper plunged a pin into a water balloon held over the head of a state police trooper in Butler Township.

2/25/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Going for the green

Three-year-old Shannon Bradley, of Mars, broke out his lawn mower Wednesday, as the grass was revealed by melting snow. Milder temperatures are expected over the weekend as well.

2/25/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Demand steady at food bank

Nick Glasser of Butler took a day off from work to volunteer to hand out food Tuesday at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank food distribution at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver.

2/25/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Community rallies for late child's family

The third-grade class, taught by Adam Mercer at Northwest Elementary, raised money for the family of Tristan Oesterling, the 2-year-old boy who died in the New Year's Eve fire. From left, first row, are Stevie Lesney, Luke Macko, Josh Fink, Cooper Stevenson and Kiarra Stanford. Back row, from left, are Principal Matt Martinez, Averie Henzler, Vayda Byers, Cullen Hutchison and third-grade teacher Adam Mercer, at Northwest Elementary School.

The Oesterling family, who lost their son and brother, Tristan, 2, in a tragic New Year's Eve fire in Butler, is overwhelmed at the generosity of county residents and a Northwest Elementary School class who have donated to them.

2/24/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Open for swimming, diving

New SV aquatic center an asset to community

A Seneca Valley swimmer warms up in the school district's new pool during the venue's inaugural event Thursday. The aquatic center had its official opening last Wednesday.

The Seneca Valley Aquatic Center had its official opening Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021.

2/24/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Signing in

Librarian, teacher use ASL to help kids learn

Tiffany Harkleroad, youth services librarian at the Butler Area Public Library, prerecords each story-time session by singing and using sign language to the song, “Hello Friend.” The library will post stories narrated by Harkleroad on the library's Facebook page during the next six weeks.

Local educators are incorporating sign language when teaching preschool-aged children.

2/23/2021 Community Features 0 comments

High school sweethearts

Knoch High School sweethearts Cody Johnston, 24, and Sarah Burkhart, 26, tied the knot at New Life Church outside of Saxonburg on Saturday. The couple had been planning a summer wedding but had to move up the ceremony to Feb. 20 in light of health concerns for Johnston.

2/23/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Paint with symphony fundraiser underway

The Butler County Symphony Association will offer "Paint with the Symphony" kits as a fundraiser.

2/23/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Seed sale to help Butler 4-H clubs

Amy Metrick, of the Penn State Extension office in Butler, fills a seed order for the Butler County 4-H.

Seeds are being gathered up and mailed out to people by the Butler County 4-H, with the Penn State Extension, to make some money after a summer of canceled fundraisers.

2/22/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Luxurious living a short flight away

SHARING THEIR SNAPSHOTS of their trip to the Riviera Maya coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico are Lorry and Bob Perkins of Forward Township. Their beach selfie accidentally caught a bird in midflight behind them.

February is the shortest month, but it's going to seem long for Lorry and Bob Perkins of Forward Township.

2/20/2021 Community Features 0 comments

IN BRIEF

Gov. Tom Wolf created the need-based Nellie Bly Scholarship Program for students at the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools, including Slippery Rock University.

2/20/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Snow much fun

Snowman-building brings back memories

Gabriella Lang and Madisyn McAfee, of St. Luke Lutheran School, put the final touches on their snowman they built on the campus of Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot on Thursday.

JEFFERSON TWP — The plan was to build snowmen.

2/19/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Annual Easter egg hunt is canceled

Children start their quest at a previous Saxonburg Area Business Association annual Easter Egg Hunt at Roebling Park.

The Saxonburg Business Association cancels the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

2/19/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Beginning of lent

The Rev. Ward Stakem sprinkles ashes on the head of Gary Toward of Sarver on Ash Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cabot. More photos on Page 5.

2/18/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Student service

The Rev. Kevin Fazio dusts ashes on the heads of kindergartners Olivia Black during a service at Butler Catholic School on Wednesday. Ashes were sprinkled this year, instead of being traced on the recipient's forehead, because of COVID-19.

2/18/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Houseplant care from novice to expert

Houseplants add greenery to the indoor landscape.

Houseplants are a welcome addition to your indoor landscape, especially during the winter. Houseplants are available in all shapes and sizes, from common to exotic and low to high maintenance requirements.

2/18/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Upcoming nature center expected to improve trails

Tim Eshenbaugh, of Tomlyn Construction, cuts a piece of siding for the new Babcock Nature Center, which is expected to open in May or June.

A new nature center is coming to a Buffalo Township trail head along the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.

2/17/2021 Community Features 0 comments

New director, jobs divided at humane society

Michelle Edinger Jamieson is the new director of development and small projects at the Butler County Humane Society.

The executive director at the Butler County Humane Society is leaving her post, and the job is being split into two positions.

2/17/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Barberry rejuvenated by late-winter pruning

Even healthy Japanese barberry bushes, above, can benefit from a seasonal pruning late in the dormant stage, at right.

Old and overgrown Japanese barberry shrubs (Berberis thunbergii) lose their landscape attractiveness over time, crowding out nearby bushes, blocking sidewalks and obscuring home entries.

2/16/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Cupid's Chase 5K

Runners brave cold temperatures and slick roads Saturday at Lake Arthur Golf Club for the annual Cupid's Chase 5K. The nationwide race benefits Community Options, a nonprofit for adults with intellectual disabilities.

2/16/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Six Points School lets visitors step back in time

The rehabilitated one-room Six Points school was built in 1875 and used as a school until 1948.

Veda McGinnis, 107, taught during the 1943-44 school year at the Six Points School No. 5 in Allegheny Township, and provided information on how furniture was arranged and what was stored in cupboards and drawers when the school was restored and reopened to the public in 2004.

2/13/2021 Community Features 0 comments

A CENTENARIAN'S JOURNEY

107-year-old takes life's changes in stride

Sisters Abbie Reader, left, and Karen Terwilliger, right, frame their mother, Veda McGinnis, who recently turned 107.

VENANGO TWP — In a home along McJunkin Road, a former teacher recites a poem she used to use to teach table manners to her students.

2/13/2021 Community Features 0 comments

Town & County

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Verse

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace, — Numbers 6:24-26