Allegheny County Adds Its First Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles

County officials unveiled the first two compressed natural gas trucks put into service for their public works department at an Earth Day press conference on Monday.

To most Upper St. Clair residents, the new, white Allegheny County trucks that they might pass on the roadways won't appear to be anything extraordinary. But they are a first step in the county going green with a cleaner-burning fuel for fleet vehicles. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and other officials unveiled the county's first two compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles at a press conference on Monday. Each vehicle cost $35,285. The Silverado 2500HD, four-wheel drive, extended cab pickup trucks contain specially designed 6.0-litre Vortec V8 engines and have a gross vehicle weight of 9,500 pounds. The trucks are factory-built with hardened valves and seals, which are critical for CNG vehicles, according to a news release from …

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Deadline for Voter Registration Is April 22

If you're new, if you've moved, if you've changed names or parties, you must register.

Pennsylvania residents who wish to vote in the upcoming May 21 primary elections must be registered by Monday, April 22. Registered voters who have moved or changed their names or party affiliations must also notify their counties' elections divisions of their changes by April 22. An individual must be registered in a political party in order to vote in that party's primary. In order to qualify to vote in Pennsylvania, one must be a U.S. citizen at least one month prior to the primary, a resident of the state and his or her election district at least 30 days prior to the primary, and 18 years of age on or before the day of the primary. Individuals needing to register in Allegheny County may apply in person between the hours of 8:30 a.m. …

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Top Five Dog Breeds in Upper St. Clair

Patch combed through the Allegheny County dog registrations.

The Labrador retriever is by far the most popular dog breed in Upper St. Clair. Upper St. Clair Patch dug (pun intended) through the 2012 Allegheny County dog registrations to find out the top pups of zip code 15241. Here is the township's top five: Are you surprised by this data? What kind of dog do you own? Tell us in the comments below.

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Upper St. Clair Selected as a 2013 Banner Community

Upper St. Clair is one of 21 municipalities highlighted.

Upper St. Clair Township has been selected as one of the 2013 Banner Communities. The honor from the Allegheny League of Municipalities officials, along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, indicates that the 21 municipalities implement best practices in all aspects of their operations and that govern in an inclusive, collaborative manner. Other 2013 Banner Communities are Collier Township, Etna Borough, Fawn Township, Hampton Township, Indiana Township, Leetsdale Borough, Town of McCandless, Moon Township, Munhall Borough, North Fayette Township, Ohio Township, Reserve Township, Richland Township, Ross Township, Sewickley Borough, Tarentum Borough, Whitehall Borough and Wilkins Township in Allegheny County and Butler Township …

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UPDATED: Rain Turns to Snow in Upper St. Clair

The temperature is significantly dropping.

After a short and severe thunderstorm in Upper St. Clair on Wednesday morning, and more rain Wednesday afternoon, there's snow on Thursday. Here is more detailed look at the forecast from the National Weather Service: What do you think about this odd January weather? Tell us in the comments below.

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Becky Brindle

11:50 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Less than 5 customers are without power in USC, according to West Penn Power.   more ›

Meet the Democratic Candidates Night Being Held in Upper St. Clair

A preview for the spring election.

Allegheny County Council Passes Budget, Reduces Millage Rate

The county's tax rate will be 4.73 mills in 2013.

Allegheny County Council passed a 2013 budget that includes a millage rate decrease. On Tuesday, county officials approved a a $799.4 million budget, reducing the millage rate to 4.73 mills, according to the Tribune Review. The millage was reduced from 2012's rate of 5.69 mills to offset the increase property values stemming from the county's reassessment. Under the reassessment, taxing bodies can't receive more than 5 percent in property tax revenue so as not to use the reassessment as a major tax increase. Under the new tax rate, a resident would pay $473 for every $100,000 of assessed property value. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said in a statement that he is happy with the approved budget. "(I) am glad that we are able to move into…

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Sunny Election Day Attracts Huge Turnout, Some Confused About Voter ID

Voters are being asked, but are not be required to show approved photo identification in order to cast their ballot.

There was a big turnout at the Upper St. Clair polling places Tuesday, with no major problems reported. The judge of elections at Westminster Presbyterian Church said she received some resistance from voters when she asked for their photo IDs for practice. "There has been a lot of misinformation in the public about Voter ID requirements and voting. While voters may be asked to show a photo ID when they arrive at their polling location, it is by no means required in order to vote, unless you are a first time voter," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Poll workers at Fort Couch Middle School said they barely had any time to ask voters for their IDs because of the huge turnout. "It's been very busy," said Preston Shimer, judge …

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Upper St. Clair Under a Flood Warning

The National Weather Service also issued a high wind warning.

Upper St. Clair is under flood and high wind warnings. "Rainfall of over an inch had fallen across the warning area. Heavy rainfall will continue through the overnight period as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy move west across southern Pennsylvania. General rainfally totals may reach 2 to 3 inches by daybreak Tuesday with locally higher amounts possible," the National Weather Service stated. The flood warning will expire at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle where the water covers the roadway. The high wind warning remains in effect until noon Tuesday. Gusts of up to 60 mph are expected. "Secure any lightweight outdoor furniture that could be blown away by strong wind. Try to remain indoors…

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Voter Registration Deadline is Today

Allegheny County residents must mail in their voter registration forms today or stop by the Allegheny County Office Building in downtown Pittsburgh.

To vote in next month's General Election, you must register to vote TODAY. Are you eligible to register to vote in Pennsylvania? You must be: To download a voter registration form, click here. Not sure if/where you're registered to vote? Click here to check your voter registration status. In the 2012 general election, voters will elect the president of the United States, one U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, U.S. Representative, PA Senator in odd numbered districts, and PA Representatives. In Allegheny County, you may register to vote at the Elections Division, Room 609 of the County Office Building, at the corner of Ross Street and Forbes Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. …

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