Spring Means Seedlings, Sprouts and Sustainability at Local Farms

Whether they are in the city or country, there are places near home where you can find fresh produce—or get seedlings to grow your own.

To every thing there is a season—and we are in the season of planting. Despite the frost warnings this week, May is the time when many plants take root. And not far behind are the early harvests. There are a number of local farms that provide a variety of seedlings and sprouts, produce, and other products as the growing season progresses. Some are out in the country, while others are urban farms. (Check out the video in this article's media gallery of Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery in Wilkinsburg.) According to the LocalHarvest.org website, most produce in the United States is picked 4-7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves and is shipped for an average of 1,500 miles before being sold. Fortunately for Upper St. Clair folks…

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This Inspiring Story Brought to You by Grape-Nuts

Mom's Challenge Inspires Organization for CHD Support, Awareness

Danielle McKain lived at the hospital for a year while her son had several surgeries to treat his congenital heart disease. She started the organization Jameson's Army to help other families in similar situations. Sponsored by Post Grape-Nuts.

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains. Facing the Challenge In many ways, 2 1/2-year-old Jameson is a typical boy. He's a fan of just about all sports, and he loves cars. And he also loves to eat. But he was born with a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HPLS), which essentially means that little Jameson was missing the left side of his heart. He had his first open heart surgery at 5 days old. Four more surgeries and a successful heart transplant later—six operations total—Jameson will always need medical attention but has recovered …

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News Nearby: Longtime Police Sergeant Retires Amid Blue Ribbon Tribute

Sgt. Tom Weaver has completed his final shift as a member of the Cecil Township Police Department.

Tom Weaver admitted he has been “kind of at a loss.” The longtime Cecil Township police sergeant has ended his 34-year career, and while Weaver said he is ready to enjoy his retirement, he added it still feels odd knowing he’s no longer going to be a part of the police force. “It’s a weird feeling,” he said with a smile last week. But then, Cecil Township police Chief John T. Pushak said Weaver’s love for the force was evident from the moment he was hired. Weaver had initially worked in Canonsburg as an officer but was furloughed, forcing him to seek work in another field before approaching the Cecil department, Pushak said. “He said, ‘All I want to be is a policeman,’” Pushak recalled. And he added that the longtime member of the …

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Cecil Requests Same Judge To Hear Newest Proceedings

Senior Judge Keith B. Quigley has presided over much of the challenge to state Act 13.

In its latest round of court proceedings regarding state Act 13, Cecil Township seeks a familiar man behind the bench. On behalf of the township, attorney John Smith has filed an application asking that Senior Judge Keith B. Quigley be assigned to proceedings brought against Cecil by MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources LLC. MarkWest, citing mounting financial losses, wants the court to pave the way for construction of a natural gas compressor station under the provisions of Act 13, the new state law pertaining to the natural gas industry. Cecil Township, which has denied requests to build the station, is part of court action challenging the constitutionality of Act 13. Quigley is the judge who has heard those proceedings in Commonwealth…

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PatchCast: House Fire, Tunnel Construction & Dancing Celebrities

A roundup of the region's top local stories.

Here's a look at the top stories this week from Patch sites in your area: UPDATES: Fireman Falls Through Floor Fighting Churchview Avenue Blaze Cecil Township Exploring Legal Challenge to Marcellus Shale Law Liberty Tunnel Improvements, Restrictions Continue Wednesday Dancing With the Celebrities Will Feature Upper St. Clair Man New Shop Serves Up Cupcakes N'At Merante Brothers to Bring Neighborhood Market Back to Life

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PatchCast: Fans Attacked, Lucky Steeler Cheese & Cake Boss Fundraiser

A roundup of the region's top stories for Thursday, Sept. 29.

Pittsburgh Couple Attacked at WVU Game UPDATE: Service Restored Following Water Main Break on McMurray Road WATCH: Fedko Honors Baldwin's Brown with Football Player of the Week Award Lucky Steeler Cheese Peters Woman Turns Breast Cancer Diagnosis into Resource for Others Branding Brookline: The Brookline Community Arts Initiative

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Cecil Police: USC Man Charged With Burglarizing Auto Body Shop

Cecil Township police said arrest was made with the help of video surveillance.

Cecil police charged an Upper St. Clair man with burglary, theft by unlawful taking and criminal trespass Monday after investigators said he stole cash from Buggy's Auto Body. Cecil Township Police Lt. Shawn Bukovinsky said Eric W. Neil was video arraigned Monday night before District Judge Mark Wilson and placed in the Washington County Jail—where he remained Tuesday afternoon—in lieu of $10,000 straight bond. Bukovinsky said Ronald Abruzzi, owner of the body shop located at 3321 Millers Run Road, reported that Neil, a former employee, had entered the shop without authorization and stolen an unknown sum of cash. According to police, Abruzzi had set up surveillance equipment around the cash drawer and noted that Neil—who was let go from …

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