Tag: Pittsburgh

Man catches record-breaking pumpkinseed sunfish in West Virginia

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A West Virginia man caught a record-breaking pumpkinseed sunfish, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced.  Robert Glover caught a record-breaking pumpkinseed sunfish, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced. (Photo Credit: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources) Robert Glover of Morgantown reeled in the record-setting fish in Cheat Lake in Monongalia County on Aug. 6, the agency said in a news release.

The fish was 9.76 inches long and 0.75 pounds. The catch broke the previous record set on July 14 by Sierra Adamson of Beverly, who nabbed a 9.13-inch, 0.62-pound pumpkinseed sunfish from the Tygart Valley River in Randolph County, CBS affiliate WDTV reported. Glover used a nightcrawler on a 6-pound test line, the news release said. District 1 fisheries biologist Dustin Smith certified the record.  “The pumpkinseed state record category was established in 2024 along with redbreast, redear, black crappie and redhorse,” Paul Johansen, chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’s Wildlife Resources section, said.

“Until this year, a record pumpkinseed hadn’t been caught. However, amazingly this is the third record set in the last month for this beautiful sunfish.”   Anyone 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online.  

Source: Man catches record-breaking pumpkinseed sunfish in West Virginia – CBS Pittsburgh

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9

Hope in the dark

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Oakmont Borough moving forward with harvesting program to reduce deer population

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Multiple deer including a buck with antlers grazing on grass near trees with houses and streetlights in the background at dusk

The borough of Oakmont has voted to move forward with a harvesting program to bring down its deer population. This has been a wildlife management tool used to great effect by other places before, including the city of Pittsburgh. While Oakmont is known for its famous golf course and bakery, it is now also known for a large deer population that residents have been reporting are all over both private and public property in the town.

On Tuesday night, the borough council voted to retain the services of Suburban Wildlife Management LLC to harvest some of Oakmont’s deer population. “This coming hunting season, when archery starts, through their vetting process, we will have hunters on public or private property, public that we identify and private property that meets the safety requirements, to allow archers to hunt deer,” said borough manager Scot Fodi.

The borough says there was no other way to manage the deer population in town. While fine details are still being worked out with the wildlife management company, there is some information residents should be aware of:

  • Archers will be vetted by the wildlife management company and known to the community and borough police when they are working
  • Hunters will not come onto private property without prior authorization
  • There are provisions in the agreement to donate a portion of the harvested meat to food banks
  • Borough hunting will coincide with archery season, which runs from September through
  • February After the season, if needed, the borough can opt for a sharpshooting phase of management

While the borough recognizes that some may find this management method a bit harsh, council has stated that even environmental groups like the Sierra Club cite it as the most humane. “We may take out 20 deer this year,” said Fodi. “It may be 10 next year, then 10 the next year, and 10 the year after that. It is just going to be part of the process now. The deer will come back. There is always going to be a deer population in Oakmont; we’re just trying to thin that crowd down.”

Source: Oakmont Borough moving forward with harvesting program to reduce deer population – CBS Pittsburgh

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Revelation 22:21

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Beloved Westmoreland County roller rink rolling toward a comeback

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Group of people roller skating outdoors around rink at sunset

If you grew up around Delmont over the past 80 years, chances are you made a few memories at the Rock Springs Roller Rink. After sitting empty for more than a decade, those memories are getting a new chapter thanks to new owner and local entrepreneur, Greg Ventrice. “I originally kind of bought it for my kids to play in it,” Ventrice said. “Then I spent more time in it, it felt obvious that I needed to open it as a rink and some other things and try and start a viable business out of it.” Ventrice’s friend, Jenn Wier, runs the rink’s new Facebook page and is helping to spread the word that Rock Springs is making a comeback. She says that a place like this is just what the community needs.

“I grew up in a roller rink in Canonsburg when I was young; every Friday night we were at the roller rink,” said Wier. “There was definitely excitement for me personally just because I love roller skating. I think it’s just a great pastime. So I was excited to meet with (Greg) and talk about, ‘Hey, how can I help, how can I use some of my skills and background to make this place a little bit better?'” Together, along with contractor Hayden Schlotfeldt, they are tackling a long list of renovations. Right now, the biggest projects include new bathrooms and restoring the rink’s original maple skating floor. “What do you love so much about this project?” asked KDKA’s Chris DeRose. “The whole community background with this is awesome,” Schlotfeldt said. “Days when I am working here, people stop by, and almost every day, people stop by and peek their head in, see what’s going on or just having a conversation, so it’s pretty neat to be a part of something big that the whole town is excited to have back open.”

Every visit, every story and every memory reminds this team that they’re not just restoring a building: they’re bringing back a place that generations called their own and hopefully once again will. While there is no official opening date and this place is a work in progress, the team wants the community’s help to get old photos of the rink so that they can frame them and put them all over the complex once it reopens.

Source: Beloved Westmoreland County roller rink rolling toward a comeback – CBS Pittsburgh

Thoughts to Ponder

The renewed popularity of roller rinks highlights something people have always needed—places where families, friends, and neighbors can gather, build relationships, and enjoy life together. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of community, reminding believers that God created us to live in relationship with one another rather than in isolation. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages Christians to meet together and encourage one another, while Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 teaches that two are better than one because they can support each other through life’s challenges. Whether in a church, a neighborhood, or a local roller rink, healthy communities provide opportunities to strengthen friendships, encourage kindness, and create lasting memories across generations.

While recreation is valuable, Scripture reminds us that the greatest community is one centered on Christ. The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, sharing meals, prayer, and caring for one another’s needs (Acts 2:42–47), demonstrating that authentic relationships flourish when they are rooted in love and service. As roller rinks and other community gathering places experience a resurgence, Christians can view them as opportunities to be welcoming, show Christ’s love through everyday interactions, and build meaningful connections that reflect God’s desire for people to live in unity, encouragement, and genuine fellowship.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
John 15:10

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First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence

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Curved paved path through a green park with people walking and jogging and a city skyline in the background

It’s said you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. For some, barriers prevent them from getting the opportunity to work.  For the past two and a half months, Jack Hartley’s routine has followed a rhythm. “You do the liner, then the pads, then the bag, then the divider,” he said about his job task. He’ll go through that process dozens of times, getting boxes together at Grandpa Joe’s Robinson Township warehouse.  “It’s actually a very important job,” Hartley said while putting the boxes together. It’s his first time in the workforce. Hartley has disabilities and battled mental health problems, but he didn’t want that to define him. “I really, really wanted to find something purposeful,” he said. Through a partnership with Achieva, he’s now thriving in his job. It’s part of a broader program called Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team, or InVEST.

It’s funded by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry and supports people with disabilities getting meaningful jobs. Hartley works for Grandpa Joe’s and is paid a competitive wage. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to work at a competitive wage. Some of the individuals with disabilities are some of your best employees,” Achieva associate director of business services Amber Westwood said. According to Achieva, they have been partnering with businesses across western Pennsylvania for about 15 years. Hartley is the first employee in this program for Grandpa Joe’s. It hopes to expand with more people filling more roles. “This allowed us to meet those goals while providing meaningful opportunities to individuals,” Grandpa Joe’s vice president of marketing and brand development, Kate Speer, said. “It’s helped me out,” Hartley said about his job. In the program, Hartley has a job coach who helps with resumes, interviews and settling into the job. The goal is for him and others to be independent at the workplace.

“Seeing them take on independence, acclimate themselves to the workplace, and be motivated to be in the workforce is great, and Jack’s been a true success story here,” Achieva job coach Jack Doran said, who works with Hartley directly. With the confidence this job has given Hartley, he now has his eyes on even bigger goals. “This has just been excellent for me. I’m thinking about going back to school,” Hartley said.

Source: First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence – CBS Pittsburgh

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 10:2

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After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves Director: Bill McAdams Jr. Writer:…

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Non-traditional little free libraries popping up across Pittsburgh area

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close up of a pile of books

A woman in Dormont is making it her mission to map all of the little free libraries in her community.  Little free libraries are often placed by neighbors along sidewalks, allowing people to leave books they no longer need as well as encouraging them to take ones that interest them. Two years ago, Amy Constantine says she and her husband built a little free library for their ever-growing collection of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes. Constantine says they inherited records or were gifted them, and it was a good way for them to get rid of any duplicates. “Our music that we originally shared is long gone. This is all community music,” says Constantine.

“The neighborhood’s been really generous about turning it over for us, right? We have new inventory all the time.” Constantine says her little free library inspired her to create a map of as many as she could find in her neighborhood. She says she was stunned to learn there were multiple within blocks of her home.  “Dormont is 1 square mile, and we have 20 versions of free libraries,” says Constantine. “They’re everywhere. I was trying to document the cool ones or the different ones, like ours. We have a little free art gallery nearby. We have a little free plant stand nearby that has cut flowers, and so like there’s just like a community of generosity that’s happening sort of all the time with these.” Constantine says she also found one in Castle Shannon that offers Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars. She says since reaching out to community members for help on Facebook, she’s added a new little free library to her map each day. 

“I want to do this thing because I want to know where the libraries are, and then it turns out everybody wants to know where the libraries are,” says Constantine. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it that way.” Constantine’s list can be viewed through Google Maps.

Source: Non-traditional little free libraries popping up across Pittsburgh area – CBS Pittsburgh

All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.
Isaiah 28:29

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Scattered afternoon storms could bring more flood risks to the Pittsburgh area

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Scattered afternoon storms could bring more flood risks to the Pittsburgh area. Any Alert Days Ahead? None for now. Today could become one, depending on afternoon storm coverage and intensity. Thursday and Friday have a chance to become First Alert Weather Days. The chance is high that Friday will become one. Aware: Significant parts of our area are included in NOAAs WPC Excessive Rain report (where flash flooding could occur) every day over the next five days.  Here we go again. A number of small factors will come together this afternoon to bring a significant flash flood risk to our area.

At this point, I have our coverage area of rain today looking very similar to yesterday, with scattered slow-moving storms around for most of the afternoon. There will be a number of places that don’t see any rain, but more people will see rain today than won’t see rain. The issue is that any storms that develop will be slow movers, dumping big rain totals on areas. KDKA Weather Center The ingredients for flash flooding (high moisture, warmth, weak boundaries that cause lift, and weak steering winds) will remain in place through Saturday. Any thunderstorm activity you see will have the potential to cause flooding. Today’s highest rain chance will come southeast of Pittsburgh.

This is an area where some communities saw more than 4 inches of rain, according to radar estimates. That’s an impressive amount of rain. In most cases, that is equal to what you’d expect to see all month long.  Clearly, it won’t take much to see flooding in these communities over the next couple of days. Unfortunately, we will continue to have a risk of storms with the potential of flash flooding through Saturday. Yes, I can’t rule out flash flooding over the next five days across parts of our area. Flash flooding is flooding that occurs within six hours after rain comes to an end. 

It is one of the more dangerous weather events, with flooding being the number one killer of Americans each and every year. KDKA Weather Center When it comes to your temperature forecast, I have highs today hitting the mid to low 80s.  I have Pittsburgh’s high temperature hitting 83 degrees, with noon temperatures right at 80. Skies will be mostly cloudy to overcast. Highs remain in the mid to low 80s over the next couple of days, with morning lows barely dipping below 70 degrees. Humidity levels will briefly dip late Saturday into Sunday. 

Source: Scattered afternoon storms could bring more flood risks to the Pittsburgh area – CBS Pittsburgh

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

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South Park Game Preserve welcomes third baby bison of 2026

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African buffalo and calf standing by water in dry savannah

The South Park Game Preserve has welcomed its third baby bison of 2026. The Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve Facebook group announced on Sunday that 5-year-old Crimson, daughter of Violet, has become a first-time mom to a baby named Nova. The baby bison’s name was inspired by a sight captured by those who watch after the animals.  During Friday’s public feeding, a butterfly landed on one of the group members, whose mother had recently died.  After searching for a name for the new baby, the group said they settled on Nova, a name associated with the Hopi, meaning “chasing butterflies.”

The South Park Game Preserve has welcomed its third baby bison of 2026. Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve / Facebook

“Sometimes life has a way of placing little signs in front of us exactly when we need them most,” the Facebook post read. “Today, as we celebrate one life so beautifully lived and another just beginning, the name couldn’t feel more perfect.” Three generations of bison Just last month, the group said that there are now three generations of bison in South Park after another calf was born. The calf born in May to Alice also made fellow bison Rosie a grandma. “Rosie has now seen four of her offspring (Alice, Diane, Elu, and Denali) grow within the Preserve family, and now that family line stretches beautifully into the next generation. That is something truly special,” the group wrote on Facebook. The calf, named Jacobi, joined Denali, who was born in March.

Source: South Park Game Preserve welcomes third baby bison of 2026 – CBS Pittsburgh

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:15-16

Peace in the Storm

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New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns

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camping tents and chairs in the middle of a grassy area

Last October, Pennsylvania announced plans to bring “glamping,” or luxury camping, to several state parks, including Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County. But now, some of those plans have been put on hold.  A safety issue involving tents scheduled to be used at several parks has forced cancellations and refunds for people who had already booked reservations. According to Timberline Glamping, a recently manufactured batch of canvas tents was unable to meet both fireproofing and waterproofing requirements at the same time due to changes in federal environmental standards. The company says that because the tents did not meet safety expectations, it made the decision not to use them.

In a statement to KDKA, Timberline Glamping said, “Timberline Glamping prioritizes the safety of our guests over any profits or convenience. All reservations that had to be cancelled due to this safety recall have been refunded in full.” The issue comes as Pennsylvania state parks continue to see strong visitor numbers and growing interest in camping. State officials have promoted the glamping initiative as a way to expand overnight lodging options and attract new visitors to the parks. In a statement to KDKA, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said, “DCNR is committed to keeping visitors informed and ensuring all facilities meet strict safety standards.

Timberline Glamping identified an issue with a batch of canvas tents that prevent fireproofing and waterproofing treatments from working together, and glampsites using those tents will remain closed. Six sites at Hickory Run and Promised Land State Parks remain on track to open by July 4 using tents that meet safety requirements, and no issues have been reported at French Creek State Park. Timberline notified guests in advance, issued refunds, and has worked closely with DCNR to address the issue and meet the Commonwealth’s public safety standards.”

Source: New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns – CBS Pittsburgh

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12

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Over 50 pigs found at Pittsburgh-area home after complaints about rat infestation: “Pretty horrific”

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pigs in a pig pen

Police said they found over 50 pigs when they went to serve a search warrant at a home in Rostraver Township after neighbors complained rats from the property were overrunning their homes.  Last week, KDKA-TV captured video of a rat infestation that expanded into a local neighborhood in Westmoreland County. Rostraver Township police said the video helped officers file charges against Wendi Kraemer, who owns and operates an animal sanctuary at the property off Route 51 near Adams Drive. The township also issued several citations. Police said they served a search warrant at the property on Tuesday, where they found more than 50 pigs, with some even living inside Kraemer’s home.

“She admitted that the pig had been inside the night before and had urinated, but she said it was a one-time thing, but the conditions kind of were otherwise,” said Sergeant Richard Beranek with the Rostraver Township Police Department. The township condemned the property on Tuesday. KDKA-TV found a sign on Kraemer’s fence stating: “Danger. This structure is declared unsafe for human occupancy or use. It is unlawful for any person to use or occupy this building after 6-2-26.” Police shared pictures with KDKA-TV from that search, showing several pigs inside the home living in deplorable conditions. “Inside the house, there was a fly infestation that was pretty horrific. There were issues with water, potable water for the animals,” Beranek said. Beranek said some officers began to get sick due to the conditions inside. “It just wasn’t a good situation.

It was a hard one to take. I know they wanted to put something, anything on their face to go inside the house due to the smell. It smelled like ammonia pretty bad,” Beranek said. Police said a build-up of trash around the property, along with unsanitary conditions, are linked to the rat infestation now impacting those who live along Adams Drive. Humane officers and police went back to the home Thursday to serve another warrant to rescue the pigs, dogs and cats found on the property.

Source: Over 50 pigs found at Pittsburgh-area home after complaints about rat infestation: “Pretty horrific” – CBS Pittsburgh

In that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.
Deuteronomy 30:16

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“Rare” harpy eagle arrives at National Aviary

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close up of majestic harpy eagle in nature
harpy eagle perched on branch in natural habitat
Photo by Itiel Cd on Pexels.com

There’s a new “rare” raptor at the National Aviary, one that can’t be seen anywhere else in the Northeast.  The aviary on Wednesday introduced its new female juvenile harpy eagle named Dariéna, who hails from the Miami Zoo. She’s part of the aviary’s new summer theme, Remarkable Raptors.  Like most eagles, the aviary says the female harpy is significantly larger than the male — sometimes twice the size. And harpy eagles are already massive, weighing 17 to 20 pounds. Their rear talons can reach 4 to 5 inches in length, which the aviary says is comparable to the claws of a grizzly bear.  Dariéna will live in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall, and visitors will also get to see her during daily educational talks. As she grows up, her eggshell colored plumage will slowly turn shades of harpy gray. 

Source: “Rare” harpy eagle arrives at National Aviary – CBS Pittsburgh

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44

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