Tribune - Review / Pittsburgh Tribune - Review

Special Olympics Gold Puts Smile On Penn Township Teen's Face

As Robert Grolemund walks out of his room, several medals and ribbons adorn his neck. A big smile on his face, Robert shows off his latest win -- a gold medal in the state Special Olympics for freestyle swimming. Robert's mother, Cassandra, smiles and says, "You know how Mr. T wears all those chains around his neck? I always say Robert looks like Mr. T with all those medals."

Public Responding to Jeannette Public Library's Precarious Position

Offering the lightning speed of digital technology and the comfort that comes from cracking open a book, the public library stands alone. Located on the corner of Magee Avenue and 5th street, the City of Jeannette's public library has been a mainstay for decades. Once occupying only a small space in the City Hall, the institution has since grown into a cornerstone of the community where students and adults alike utilize its many services.

Export's Poles Throw a Lively 100th Anniversary Party

The Polish National Alliance in Export celebrated 100 years in operation on a summer Saturday night, and everyone in town knew it. One couldn't escape the sounds. The celebration was noisy and well-attended. Participants parked beside the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks along Kennedy Avenue and paid a $10 cover charge. Hands were stamped with bingo markers by event volunteers, distinguishable by their white shirts with red alliance emblems, the colors of the Polish flag.

Norwin Scout Pursues Eagle Rank with Perennial Project

Eagle Scout candidate Ryan Polidora put the "N" in Norwin Stadium -- literally. Polidora, 17, a junior at Norwin High School, designed and, along with several volunteers, built the giant "N," on the hillside behind the Norwin Knights Stadium's student section.

Manor House Tavern Owners Raise Glasses to New Start

When Kenneth Blatnica stepped into Manor House Tavern, it was like he was stepping into a new bar. He was.

Review: 'Steve' Nearly Misogynistic in Treatment of Leading Woman

It's bad enough that the usually enjoyable Sandra Bullock has found a way to star in not one but two flat romantic comedies this summer, between "The Proposal" in June and now "All About Steve." But what's truly baffling -- disheartening, really -- is the fact that this latest one was written by a woman. Kim Barker came up with the script in which Bullock's character, a crossword puzzle writer named Mary Horowitz, is singularly annoying from the first moment we meet her. It's almost misogynis...

Laurels & Lances

On the "Watch List": Luke Ravenstahl and Dan Onorato. Lost in their quibbling over how deep they'll have to dip into the taxpayers' pockets to cover costs associated with this month's Group of 20 economic summit is this: Should their respective campaigns for mayor and governor use any video of them at any G-20 functions, shouldn't they be forced to reimburse taxpayers for what will have every appearance of an involuntary campaign contribution?

Mr. Rice's Lesson: Hammer & Sickle 101

The message that Mt. Lebanon resident Scott Rice is sending by flying a Soviet flag outside his Cochran Road home isn't instantly clear to many who see it. And therein lies the real beauty of his dissenting display. Some who've seen his red banner with the yellow hammer and sickle in its corner -- which he first ran up his flagpole to mark President Obama's inauguration -- wrongly conclude that he's un- American, a racist, a Nazi, uninformed or worse.

Time to Leave Iraq

WASHINGTON Since U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq's cities, two months have passed, and so has the illusion that Iraq is smoothly transitioning to a normality free of sectarian violence. Recently, Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of U.S. troops there, "blanched" when asked if the war is "functionally over." According to The Washington Post's Greg Jaffe, Odierno said:

Not Just Troopers

In her letter "Hempfield: pro & con I" (Aug. 26 and TribLIVE.com), Mary Ann Badar of Hempfield stated: "Besides, many times I read about the state police going into other communities to help their police when necessary, but do those departments come into Hempfield to help if needed?" Answer: Yes. Pennsylvania State Police is not just Hempfield's police department. The troopers are paid with tax dollars and patrol all communities. They're also spread thin. They can't be everywhere at once and ...

Sick Days Not Same?

As a former employee of Allegheny Valley School, I read with keen interest "Allegheny Valley president: School's sale led to $3 million in deferred compensation" (Aug. 30 and TribLIVE.com), the story about the 2008 compensation package for Regis Champ, president and CEO. I'm willing to let the regulatory bodies that oversee AVS operations determine whether Mr. Champ's compensation is exorbitant. What really caught my eye was the information about sick days.

Bright Lines

Trib readers react to "Mt. Lebanon man says Obama turning United States into socialist nation" (Aug. 29 and TribLIVE.com), the story about resident Scott Rice flying a Soviet flag outside his home to protest changes the Obama administration is pushing: Carl C. Kosak, Greensburg -- When "Mr. Patriot" Rice drives, who exactly does he think built the streets? Procter & Gamble? And who does he think maintains them and the lights? General Electric, perhaps? When he calls 911, does he get a choice ...

Greensburg Laurels & Lances

On the "Watch List": A prudent funding shift for downtown beautification projects. State funding for things like fancy new store facades, brick sidewalks and ornate benches could be drastically reduced or cut from the state budget, local proponents warn. Good! It's about time these "streetscape" projects establish their worthiness through voluntary contributions instead of through involuntary public pocket-picking. As a fiscal priority, these downtown dress-up programs that cost taxpayers mil...

Newsmaker: Phil Hallen

Age: 79 Residence: Shadyside

Texts Not Just for Lol Anymore

Text messaging is popular with teens and adults. It's an easy way to send quick notes to others. But you can do so much more. Many Web sites offer tools for text messaging. You can also control gadgets via text messaging. You can even shop by texting. Here are some of the cooler uses.

Attention Parkers: You're On Your Own

The transaction usually is one of relative simplicity. You pay someone for a monthly parking lease. In return, they allow you to leave your vehicle in the appropriate lot or garage for extended periods -- typically until you decide to return.

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh to Vote On Provisional Bishop

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh wants to name a provisional bishop, the next step in remaking itself after a split last year, officials said. The church will vote on appointing the Right Rev. Kenneth L. Price Jr., an assisting bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, at its convention Oct. 17.

Projectile From Cannon Crashes Through Georges Township House

State police at Uniontown are investigating an incident in which a Georges Township man fired a metal cannon in his yard, propelling a projectile through a neighbor's house. Police said at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, a Tent Church Road resident fired the cannon, sending the projectile through the side of the neighboring home. It shattered a window and traveled through an interior wall before stopping.

Artists Can Showcase Their Works at 'Green' Fair

A Fair in the Park, the annual outdoor arts and crafts event in Mellon Park, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by going "as green as possible," according to event director Katie Horowitz. "We are working toward zero waste. Every small step helps. And if we all do just one small thing, then together we can make an impact," Horowitz says of the fair, which takes place from Friday to Sept. 13.

Two Cardale Men Charged in Break-Ins at North Union Church, Residence

Two Cardale men have been charged with burglarizing a North Union church and home in July. Harley Foster Lawver, 18, and Amnie Eugene Lawver, 20, both of 2031 Elm St., were charged Wednesday with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and criminal conspiracy. State police at Uniontown said the thefts occurred between July 17-20 at the Bread of Life Tabernacle Church and a Sylvania Avenue home.