Plum man waives right to preliminary hearing on attempted arson, other charges
A Plum homeowner accused of trying blow up his home with natural gas in November waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Michael J. Doyle on Jan. 8, according to court records.
Borough police charged Neil Andrew Yetsko, 39, with attempted arson, risking a catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person. He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail.
Police allege Yetsko left his home on Kathy Lynn Drive on Nov. 15 knowing natural gas was leaking from a line to his stove, which he told police he banged around in a fit of rage, and left two candles burning. He reported the leak to Peoples Gas the next morning while he was out of town.
Yetsko is scheduled for formal arraignment in county court on Feb. 24.
Oakmont boards have vacancies to fill
Oakmont is looking to fill vacancies on various boards in the new year.
With 14 vacancies across nine boards in the borough, council members are planning to pull applications officials have received in the past 36 months for current board members’ consideration.
Boards with vacancies include the boulevard project, civil service commission, emergency management, Kerr Museum, Municipal Authority Board of Governors (Oakmont Water Authority), planning commission, recreation, shade tree commission and the zoning hearing board.
Anti-litter award program offered for kids
Environmental nonprofit Keep America Beautiful is seeking entries from children in kindergarten through sixth grade for its Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.
Children are asked to complete a project sharing their hope, optimism and concerns about litter and inspire others through art, words or video.
The theme for the contest is “Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter-free for America’s 250th birthday.”
Children in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster; those in grade 5 are asked to write an essay; and those in grade 6 can create a video.
The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April as part of an awards ceremony at the state Capitol building in Harrisburg.
For an entry form, go to KeepPABeautiful.org/grants-awards/awards/litter-hawk, email slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121, ext. 104.
Rotary offering need-based scholarships
The Bob Williams Rotary Memorial Scholarship Program is accepting applications from current high school seniors and GED students for 2024-25.
This year, eight need-based scholarships at $5,000 each will be awarded.
The scholarships are open to students in Allegheny and Beaver counties, as well as those attending New Kensington- Arnold, Kiski Area and Burrell Area high schools and The Kiski School in Westmoreland County. Vocational students, GED students and those attending parochial, charter and private schools also are eligible.
Students must have a 2.5 or higher grade-point average and must complete an essay highlighting their community/school service.
Complete application and criteria materials are available on the website of Rotary District 7305 at rotarydistrict7305.org/scholarships.php or from area high school counselors.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Applications postmarked after that date will not be accepted.
For details, email Dr. Robert Arbuckle, chairperson of the scholarship committee, at rarbuckl@yahoo.com.
Group offers support for weight loss
All are welcome to join the men and women at Oakmont TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) who are learning how to lose weight.
With in-person meetings, rewards, support and encouragement, we gain knowledge of healthy eating and exercise.
You may visit with no obligation Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. in Oakmont. Weigh-in is private followed by a brief business meeting, sharing time, and educational program all ending by 7:15.
There is well-lit parking, wheelchair accessibility and security. For details, call 412-828-3854 or e-mail jmjkwj@gmail.com.