Human Services Hotline Connects Callers to Resources

The United Way-sponsored hotline that connects callers with human services resources now has another way to serve those in need.

PA 2-1-1 Southwest has launched a new website, www.pa211sw.org. Operated by a coalition of United Ways, PA 2-1-1 Southwest is a human services hotline that connects callers from Sewickley and throughout Pennsylvania with human services resources in their communities. The hotline's new website allows users to search the PA 2-1-1 Southwest database of more than 5,000 human service programs. Website users can search by need and county, or can do an advanced search by inputting search terms, specific agency names, and agency locations. “The new website is a great resource for Pennsylvanians in need of human services,” said Tricia Burmeister, PA 2-1-1 Southwest usability and data manager. “The site allows for users to conduct an independent …

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Sequestration Budget Cuts Data: Which PA Counties Have the Most Federal Employees?

More than 23,000 federal workers and retirees live in Allegheny County. How will sequestration affect them—and the economy to which they contribute?

Allegheny County is home to more than 23,000 federal employees and retirees who contribute to its economy and potentially could be affected if sequestration budget cuts are enacted today. The numbers shown here reflect the number of federal employees in each Pennsylvania by county in 2012, according to the latest figures from Eye on Washington, a DC-based lobbying firm that tracks federal employment. It compiles the data from the Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employment Statistics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the 23,229 federal employees and retirees who live in Allegheny County, the greatest number—9,818—are retirees, according to the data. While the cuts will affect veterans programs, they are not specifically …

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Project Prom Accepting Donations of Formal Attire and Accessories

Is that old prom gown simply taking up space in your closet?

Those Quaker Valley proms are a memory now, but what about the gowns and tuxes and accessories that went with them? Where are they now? Stuck in the back of a closet? Project Prom is looking for those fashionable duds. They could make another high schooler happy by helping him or her get to the prom dressed in style. The initiative of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services is accepting public donations of formal attire for girls and boys at downtown and Bethel Park locations. The Project Prom Shop at Century III Mall will begin accepting donations March 5. All donations must be undamaged, clean and currently styled. For girls the following items will be accepted: formal gowns (if worn, please dry clean); formal purses and shoes…

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Allegheny County Could Be Overcharging Taxpayers

County Controller Chelsa Wagner said Thursday the amount could be about $50 for the average household.

An analysis by Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner has revealed that the county could be on track to overcharge the average household by $50 in property taxes in 2013. “There is a strong possibility, from the data we have analyzed, that the county is on track to gain a windfall of as much as $38 million," Wagner said in a statement issued on Thursday. “I am calling on the administration to publicize every detail of their millage calculation to assure all taxpayers that no windfall will occur. No resident of Allegheny County should be overcharged one cent or $1, let alone $50 or more for the county’s failure to act.” She also expressed concern over the lack of transparency and available information surrounding the county’s current, …

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Allegheny County's Annual Tree Recycling Program Begins This Week

Is your Christmas tree dropping its needles or looking a little tired? Drop it off to be turned into mulch at a county park near your home.

Sheriff Sales: Sewickley, Leetsdale, Aleppo Homes on the Market

Several area properties are listed on Allegheny County's sheriff sale list for Dec. 3.

Several local properties are listed for sale at Monday’s monthly Allegheny County Sheriff Sale. The sale starts at 9 a.m. in the Gold Room on the fourth floor of the Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant St., Pittsburgh. The properties are listed as follows: 480 Washington Street, Leetsdale, PA 15056. Value: $4,431.82 930 Dickson Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. Value: $43,296.91 3 Davis Road, Leetsdale, PA 15056. Value: $$9,692.25 181 Ferndale Avenue, Aleppo Township, PA 15143. Value: $66,877.38 1235 Duff Road, Aleppo Township, PA 15143. Value: $404,553.78 135 Roosevelt Road, Emsworth, PA 15202. Value: $170,177.16 253 Hazelwood Avenue, Emsworth, PA 15202. Value: $120,122.49 249 Josephs Lane, Ohio Township, PA 15237. Value: $163,668.34 The …

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Allegheny County Plans Annual Gift Drive to Benefit Children & Youth

A new online list makes it easier to support Allegheny County's Holiday Project for children and youth.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald has kicked off the 2012 Holiday Project gift collection drive for children and youth who receive services through the county Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth & Families. The gift drive runs through Dec. 3. This year, DHS is seeking help with direct sponsorship of individual children in an effort to ensure the Holiday Project reaches its goal of providing each child with at least one meaningful gift.  “It is through the generosity of our community that gifts are collected for the thousands of children who receive services through CYF,” Fitzgerald said. “I encourage the business community, nonprofit organizations and individuals to sponsor as many children as possible.” Project…

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When is the Deadline to Apply for an Absentee Ballot in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvanians who intend to vote in the upcoming general election by filing absentee ballots must apply by Oct. 30.

Pennsylvania voters who intend to cast absentee ballots in the upcoming general election Nov. 6 must apply to obtain those ballots before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Absentee ballots are available to registered voters who will be away from their community or cannot vote due to illness or physical disability. In Allegheny County, voters may obtain absentee ballots by visiting or contacting the county elections division, 601 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Eligible voters may also obtain an application by visiting www.votespa.com or calling the elections divions at 412-350-4520. Registered voters are encouraged to request absentee ballot applications as soon as possible. Those voting by absentee ballot will be …

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National Weather Service Issues Flood Advisory; Funnel Clouds Spotted

Strong showers will affect Allegheny, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for central Allegheny County Thursday that is in effect until 7:45 p.m.  The weather service also stated funnel clouds have been reported, but did not state specifically where the spottings were. Flooding has been reported in Baldwin, Clarion and Wilkins townships, according to the National Weather Service. A flood advisory is in effect until 8:15 p.m. "At 6:02 p.m. showers and isolated thunderstorms with strong wind gusts were along a line from three miles south of Freeport to Monroeville, moving east at 20 mph," according to the weather service. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible with these lines of showers and heavy rain will pond quickly in poor drainage areas, NWS states…

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Watch Issued for Severe Thunderstorm

Watch area includes Allegheny, Butler, Beaver and other counties.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in western Pennsylvania. The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Washington counties. The weather service issues a severe thunderstorm watch when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop, according to the NWS website. "A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour," the website states. Keeping up with news in the Sewickley Patch is easy—simply like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter or get the Patch newsletter.

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