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.
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.
Infrastructure projects in West Hills communities will receive funding through state grants, enhancing water, sewer and transportation systems. Key recipients include Lindy Paving Inc., Moon Township and McKees Rocks Borough, with a focus on improving safety and environmental health in the region.
Five West Hills communities will benefit from an $82 million investment for nearly 300 recreation and conservation projects across 58 counties. Local projects include pool rehabilitation in Crafton, park improvements in Ingram, planning in McKees Rocks, and land acquisitions for open space.
In its first full year of operation, the West Hills Gazette has built a sizable following among readers in the dozen or so communities that we serve. As 2025 winds to a close, the Gazette revisits the year's top stories and looks to continue serving the community in 2026.
The author reflects on a lifelong connection to newspapers, tracing their journey from a young reader of comics to a sports journalist, eventually leading to a role in reviving the West Hills Gazette as an online news source.