July 25, 2026 2:21 am
Libraries offer more than books on a shelf. Kathy Pienkowski, the operations manager at Citizens Library in Washington, says that libraries are the original data centers, and they promote digital literacy. The library offers access to Libby, which has audiobooks and e-books, free Wi-Fi, computer access, and multiple databases where patrons can receive accurate information. There are two study rooms that can be reserved for a quiet atmosphere. The library also hosts programs for all ages, including a Summer Reading program for children in the community. Pienkowksi says that the program is very popular this summer, thanks to the dinosaur theme and the free activities that are included. The library is keeping up with the times by promoting their programming and resources on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Pienkowski explains that the library is a safe and welcoming place, and she encourages residents to learn more about what the library offers and to take advantage of the free resources available.
July 25, 2026 4:21 am
It will be another busy week for PennDOT crews maintaining roadways in Washington County. PennDOT District 12 says crews will conduct base repair along Route 519 (Western Avenue) in Chartiers and Mount Pleasant Townships, as well as Houston borough. Bridge Replacement continues on Waterdam Road in Mt. Pleasant Township. Workers will be cleaning inlets along various routes in the county, while culvert pipe replacement will take place on Noblestown Road in Robinson Township. Crews will be mowing on Rt. 22 at the ramp in Hanover Township, Interstate 70 at the Jefferson Avenue ramp in the city of Washington, as well as Rt. 221 at South Bridge Road in Buffalo Township and Rt. 837 in Donora. There will be patching work at various sites in the county, and seal coating in Carroll Township, Charleroi Borough and Donora. And look for similar work in Allenport, Speers, Long Branch Borough and Fallowfield Township. And crews will continue with slide repair along Rt. 221 S Bridge Road in Buffalo Township. Motorists can expect detours, flaggers and single-lane restrictions. All work is weather permitting.
July 25, 2026 4:19 am
A favorite supermarket brand of chips was sold earlier this week. Hanover, PA’s Utz Brands has agreed to be acquired by Germany’s Intersnack Group in a $2.9 billion go-private transaction. Under terms of the deal, shareholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash, and the company will transition from a public trading entity to being owned equally (50/50) by Intersnack as well as Utz’s founders, the Rice and Lissette family. News of the acquisition sent stock prices up from $6.78 to $14.11 a share this week. Utz Brands will continue managing its core U.S. snack lines—including Utz, Zapp’s, On the Border, and Boulder Canyon. The new ownership plans to keep the brand in Hanover.
July 24, 2026 2:30 pm
WINDER, Ga. (AP) — A teenager has pleaded guilty to all 55 counts in a deadly shooting nearly two years ago at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Sixteen-year-old Colt Gray entered the plea Friday without having reached a deal with prosecutors. He had previously pleaded not guilty to charges in the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting that killed two students and two teachers, and left several others wounded, at the high school about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta. Because he pleaded guilty to murder, Gray faces a minimum sentence of life in prison. The judge must decide whether he should be eligible for parole.
July 24, 2026 2:28 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the United States will open a formal investigation into the European Union’s trade practices, claiming the bloc has unfairly levied billions of dollars of fines against Google, Apple and other U.S. tech giants. The Republican president made the announcement Friday. A day earlier, the EU hit Google with a fine of $1 billion after it said the technology behemoth broke digital antitrust regulations by setting up Google Play and its ubiquitous search engine to corral consumers toward its own services and apps to the detriment of competitors. Google says the fine have a negative impact on European businesses and consumers.
July 24, 2026 12:44 pm
East Washington saw extensive police action Friday afternoon. According to 9-1-1 Supervisors, Pennsylvania State Police called City of Washington and Washington County Sheriffs to assist in the apprehension of a person that has outstanding arrest warrants in Ohio. License plate readers located the woman, and she was pulled over at the intersection of North Avenue and Central Avenue in East Washington. No details on the identity of the woman or the what is contained in the outstanding warrants are available.
July 24, 2026 4:51 am
A man was transported to a local hospital after an incident Thursday night in North Franklin Township. Washington County 911 says two men were apparently moving a metal ladder when it came into contact with an overhead power line. It happened around 9 p.m. in the 13-hundred block of Gabby Avenue. There is no word on the identity or condition of the man injured.
July 24, 2026 2:13 am
August is around the corner and that means the Printscape PONY League World Series is about to begin. According to Abe Key, President and CEO of PONY Baseball and Softball, the PONY League organization is celebrating its 75th anniversary, from its humble beginnings of 6 teams in 1951, to now more than 30,000 teams in 50 countries with 500,000 players participating from ages 3 through 21. The World Series will have up to 18 games between the 10 teams before a champion is crowned on the final day of the tournament. Teams from Paderborn, Germany; Guaynabo, Puerto Rico; Navojoa, Mexico and Taichung, Chinese Taipei hold the four international slots. Bay County, Michigan will represent the US North Zone. The South Zone, East Zone and West Zone representatives will be decided over the next two weekends along with the Host Area champion coming out of that qualifying tournament this weekend. Finally, the host Washington County team hails from the Founders League, comprised of players from nearly every PONY program in Washington County. Activities begin August 1 with the Observer-Reporter Summer Concert Series presented by CNX at the downtown Washington community pavillion. The Washington County team and PONY Princess contestants will be on hand. August 6 will be the Fan Fest at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Washington. Baseball action gets underway Friday, August 7 with a skills competition at 11 am, and the first game is set for 4:30 pm that afternoon. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 at 7 pm between the two division winners. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online here.
July 24, 2026 2:11 am
Washington City Police have announced that W. Beau Street between Main Street and Franklin Street has officially reopened to traffic. It had been closed for nearly three months to allow for demolition work on the old Courthouse Square building. Police say they “appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents, businesses and visitors throughout the duration of this project. We know the closure created challenges and we thank everyone for their understanding”. As traffic returns, Police are asking motorists to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be mindful of any remaining work crews or equipment that may still be present.
July 24, 2026 4:52 am
Pennsylvania lawmakers have changed the rules for reporting lead in school drinking water. Schools are not required to test for lead as long as the topic is discussed at a public meeting. Previously, any lead detection had to be reported, but now only levels above five parts per billion need to be reported. This change came after school associations argued the previous requirements were unrealistic. Environmental groups criticize the move, saying it keeps parents uninformed about potential lead exposure. Critics also highlight flaws in the original law, such as the lack of mandatory testing and accountability for reporting elevated lead levels.
