Damar Hamlin, an NFL standout from McKees Rocks, is expanding his Chasing M’s Heroes Scholarship to benefit Pittsburgh high school students. Ten $1,000 scholarships will aid Central Catholic students, five more scholarships will go to other Pittsburgh students interested in attending trade or vocational school, promoting educational access and community support.
The A-Team, an alternative response program in Allegheny County, uses trained mental health professionals to address 911 calls involving crises rather than relying solely on police. It has expanded to serve 25 municipalities, receiving positive feedback for its effective support and follow-up services.
Crafton is forming a volunteer subcommittee to promote its Bird Town PA designation, focusing on bird education and habitat enhancement. A virtual meeting on March 21 will engage community interest, aiming to raise environmental awareness and involve local residents in conservation efforts.
A new Goodwill Store will open in West Hills, replacing a former Rite Aid in the Crafton Ingram Shopping Center. Set to open in August, the store will offer affordable items and create about 30 jobs, supporting local services and community needs.
More than a dozen fire and EMS companies in the West Hills received over $250,000 in state grants to enhance their facilities, equipment and training. Local representatives emphasized the importance of these funds in ensuring first responders are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
Crafton Elementary School will benefit from a federal grant of $1.33 million for a streetscaping and pedestrian safety project. This initiative aims to create a designated pull-off for school buses, improving traffic flow along Crafton Boulevard and safety for students and pedestrians, with completion expected by the start of the 2027-28 school year.
New comprehensive plan for Allegheny County is on the way
Southwestern Pennsylvania is developing comprehensive plans to help make decisions on housing, infrastructure and development through public input. Allegheny, Butler and Indiana counties aim for implementation by 2027-2028, addressing housing needs and infrastructure challenges identified by community engagement efforts.