It's National Voter Registration Day—Here's What You Need to Know

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, we’re giving you all the information you need on how and where to register to vote in Washington County.

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, get it off your to-do list now. Today is National Voter Registration Day, and thousands of local, state and national organizations have mobilized to make sure millions of people don’t miss the chance to cast their vote in this year’s elections. Six million people didn’t vote in the 2008 elections because they either did not know how to register or because they missed the voter registration deadline. Remember: The voter registration deadline for Pennsylvania is Oct. 9. Here’s information on how you can register in time for the Nov. 6 elections:

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This Week: PennDOT Roadwork Scheduled for Washington County

Here's what you need to know about what the state Department of Transportation is doing in the county this week.

When you're traveling Washington County roads this week, you may encounter some road work by the state Department of Transportation. Wondering where? No worries. We have you covered. Here's what you need to know this week: PennDOT reminds motorists that all maintenance activities are conducted on a weather-permitting basis.  Motorists are asked drive with caution throughout all work areas and be alert for signed work zones requiring the usage of headlights.   Just as a reminder, PennDOT has a 24-hour toll free number for residents to call to report any road maintenance concern.  This number can also be used to report locations of dead deer on state highways. The number is 1-800-FIX ROAD. 

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Covered Bridge Festival Celebrations This Weekend

The 42nd annual event, hosted by Washington and Greene counties, will include crafts, home-style foods, historical reenactments and demonstrations.

Washington and Greene Counties are inviting Peters Township residents to the 42nd annual Covered Bridge Festival, a celebration of Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and beautiful countryside. The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday across 10 historic locations, offering an array of activities and events including handmade arts and crafts, home-style foods, historical reenactments and crafting demonstrations. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission and parking are free. “The covered bridges of Pennsylvania are a link to our past," said J.R. Shaw, executive director, Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. "The craftsmanship and artistry are a living testament to the very foundations our Commonwealth was built upon. …

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The Outdoor Classroom Provides Plenty of Experiential Learning

Textbooks are no substitute for the real thing, and the organization—which serves Peters residents—is helping young and old alike explore their world firsthand.

Let’s test your knowledge. What is the difference between a beetle and a true bug? (Volkswagen-related answers don’t count.) A head-scratcher, huh? Well, some folks who are a whole lot younger than you know the answer, thanks to the Outdoor Classroom in Upper St. Clair. More specifically, thanks to Amy Bianco, an Outdoor Classroom staff member who conducted a Talk ’n’ Walk program Sunday on the subject of insects. She provided plenty of information during the first half before taking participants on a hike to find examples from the animal kingdom’s most species-rich class of creatures. If you’re not familiar with the Outdoor Classroom, it’s near the Community and Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. In fact, the classroom predates the …

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Nearby: Montour Trail Bridges Open

Officials and Montour Trail fans gathered Saturday afternoon for the official opening of the two spans in Cecil Township.

Community leaders joined Montour Trail volunteers and enthusiasts Saturday for a ceremony celebrating the long-awaited opening of two connector bridges in Cecil Township. The two bridges were constructed as a single project with a total cost of about $1.9 million.  Funding came from the National Transportation Enhancement Program, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Allegheny Trail Alliance, Washington County Local Share Account, Washington County Tourist Promotion Agency, the Trail Volunteer Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation, the Montour Trail Council, and the Cecil Friends of the Montour Trail. Private donations and Montour’s Volunteer Construction crews completed the project. “These two bridges are of …

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UPDATE: Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect Until 10 p.m.

National Weather Service issues watch and West Penn Power prepares for outages.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect today (Thursday) until 10 p.m., the National Weather Service announced. The watch area covers about 50 counties including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland. The forecasted winds, in excess of 60 mph in some regions, have the potential to cause significant damage to the electrical system. For information on the West Penn Power's restoration efforts, current outages, FirstEnergy’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, go to firstenergycorp.com. To report an outage, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. "Hot and humid air can result in afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat indices possibly surpassing 100…

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Learning Institute Comes to Washington County

The independent assessment team determines a child's need for early intervention services.

For the first time in its 54-year history, The Early Learning Institute (TELI) is now serving children ages birth to three in Washington County through independent assessments in early intervention.  TELI is filling a need in assessment services in Washington County, especially in the area of physical therapy where there is a shortage. TELI’s independent assessment team provides comprehensive physical, occupational, speech and developmental evaluations and determines a child’s need for early intervention services.  Families in Washington County who have concerns about their child’s development must first contact Washington Communities at 724-225-6940 to begin the evaluation process.  TELI’s move into Washington County is a timely one as …

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Charges Made in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

Thirteen Pennsylvania residents—including 10 from Washington County—and four Ohio residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh.

Thirteen residents of Pennsylvania—including 10 from Washington County—and four Ohio residents, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug laws, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced Monday. The 18-count indictment, returned on June 12 and unsealed today, named the following individuals: According to the indictment, from in and around January 2011 through June 2012, the 17 defendants—and others—conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Additionally, Knox, Levy, Terrell Percy Williams, Wise, Malone and Wright are charged in separate instances of distributing less than 500 grams of cocaine. Worthey is charged with distributing more …

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Meet & Greet at the Trolley Museum

A new exhibit for 2013 is in development and the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington needs your help!

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington will be open seven days a week through Labor Day and the museum is searching for more volunteers. For those interested in getting involved, the PTM staff will hold an informational Volunteer Meet & Greet on Saturday, June 9, at 9:30 a.m. Museum staff said volunteers play a key role, with more than 27,000 hours contributed in 2011, filling many different roles at the museum. Volunteers are needed in the areas of: marketing; museum store; guided tours; archives; maintenance and restoration; administration; mobile equipment; buildings and grounds; special events and even trolley operations. The museum is always looking for new people to become involved, and this volunteer event will provide an …

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Peters Resident Advocate for Women's Health Literacy, Business

Amy Hancock represents Washington County as a new member of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.