Latest news with #BelleVernon
CBS News
30-07-2025
- CBS News
Fayette County woman ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution for Social Security fraud
A Fayette County woman was ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution after being sentenced for Social Security fraud. According to the Department of Justice, 68-year-old Teresa Sabolek will have to pay $116,758 and serve one year of probation after she was convicted of Social Security fraud and theft of government property. The court was presented with information that in May 2009, Sabolek applied for Social Security benefits but alleged that her husband did not live with her at her Belle Vernon property. Years later, Sabolek applied for spousal benefits on her husband's Social Security benefits. That's when a clerk pulled her husband's file and saw that his file contained a sworn statement from her husband declaring that he shared a home with his wife in Belle Vernon. An investigation from the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General found that the husband's documents, including driver's license, mailing address, and registered vehicles, were all the same as Sabolek's, the home where she claimed she lived alone for more than 13 years. Agents visited the home in December 2024 and learned that the husband did live there, had a room, and paid the utility bills and mortgage. Sabolek's claim that she lived alone made her eligible for Social Security benefits, but had she indicated that her husband lived with her, she would not have been eligible for the benefits. In total, Sabolek received $116,758 in benefits between May 2009 and August 2022.
CBS News
21-07-2025
- CBS News
Belle Vernon Area School District implementing new cell phone policy
The cell phone has integrated itself into our everyday lives. Nationally and locally, there is a growing movement to limit distractions and keep cell phones out of students' hands while they are in the classroom. In a unanimous vote last week by the Belle Vernon Board of Education, a new cell phone policy was established for Belle Vernon Area High School students for the upcoming school year. The policy states that, "Students in grades 9-12 will be permitted to use their cell phones in the morning prior to the bell for homeroom. Students will also be permitted to access their electronic devices during their scheduled lunch period. The expectation for the remainder of the day is for all devices to be away, in a bag, and powered off." "This proactive measure aims to minimize distractions that impact academic focus and behavior. By prioritizing a distraction-free learning environment, we are committed to fostering the best possible educational experience for all our students across our schools," said Belle Vernon School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool in a statement. Dr. Glasspool also told KDKA-TV that for K-8 students, nothing has changed. Those children are required to keep their phones off and out of sight throughout the school day if they are not leaving them at home. The new policy for high schoolers, however, does lay out consequences for those who break the new rule. A first offense will result in the phone being taken away until the end of the day and a warning being issued. The second offense will see the phone being taken away, a second warning issued, and a phone call made to the parent or guardian. The third offense will result in the phone being confiscated, the student given a consequence, and the parent or guardian left to pick up the phone from the school. The school district warns that chronic offenders of this new policy may be required to turn their phones into the office before school and then pick them up at dismissal. The school board says that while phones are away from students during the day, any parent wishing to reach their child can call the main office line.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
C. Harper Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of the Mon Valley to Hold Grand Opening Celebration
Auto Group plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jeep show, facility tours, & more BELLE VERNON, Pa., July 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--C. Harper Auto Group is proud to announce the grand opening celebration of its newest dealership, C. Harper Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mon Valley, located in Belle Vernon. The community is invited to join us on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, for an exciting day featuring a Jeep Show, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a variety of local food and entertainment. The grand opening is made possible through generous support from ServiceMaster, the event's title sponsor. "We've built something really special here, and this event is about more than opening the doors. It's about welcoming our neighbors into the C. Harper family," said Casey Harper, Jr., Owner of C. Harper Auto Group. "Whether you're a Jeep enthusiast, a longtime customer, or just curious about what's new, we hope everyone comes out and celebrates with us." The day will quietly begin with a private youth wrestling clinic featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, two-time NCAA champion, and three-time world champion wrestler David Taylor, offering local athletes a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity. At the heart of the festivities will be a Jeep Show, where participants will showcase their vehicles and compete for a variety of prizes. Attendees will also have the chance to enter a raffle, with the grand prize, a side-by-side, awarded at the end of the evening. Jeep owners are encouraged to register in advance or check in on-site starting at 1:30 PM. Judging begins at 2:00 PM. Attendees will also enjoy guided tours of the newly constructed dealership, take part in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:00 p.m., and experience additional festivities happening throughout the afternoon. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a curated lineup of local food vendors will be on site throughout the day, including Juliet's Empanadas, Benvenuti's Pizza Factory, and From Scratch. "This store represents the next step in our commitment to the region," said Jim Bane, General Manager of C. Harper CDJR Mon Valley. "We've built a dealership that reflects the needs and passion of this community, from top-tier service to a strong selection of vehicles and events like this that bring people together." C. Harper CDJR Mon Valley is now open for sales, service, and parts, offering a full lineup of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, as well as certified pre-owned models and expert service support. For more information about the event or dealership, please visit or call (724) 395-7605. About C. Harper Auto Group C. Harper Auto Group is one of Western Pennsylvania's leading automotive retailers, proudly serving the region for over 35 years. With a growing family of dealerships representing trusted brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Honda, and Kia, C. Harper is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, and expert maintenance and repair services. With convenient locations across Western Pennsylvania, C. Harper Auto Group remains dedicated to putting customers first—on the road and in the community. Learn more at Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from the C. Harper Auto Group, journalists and analysts may call 724-395-7605. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may have changed. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica LaumanC. Harper Auto Group724-395-7605 Sign in to access your portfolio
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Some parents upset after Belle Vernon fires high school baseball coach
Some parents in the Belle Vernon Area School District are angry after the school board decided to let the high school's head baseball coach go. "I mean, my stomach just like sank, like I couldn't believe it," said Max Gauden, who was on Tony Watson's coaching staff the past season. "My whole entire household was shocked, with my three boys," said parent Lynn Matusik. There weren't many empty seats at the board meeting on Tuesday night. "Personnel is not an item that this board will discuss in public," one of the board members said Tuesday before public comment. Some parents said the board didn't give them many answers. "Some of them are on their phones, some of them are staring off into space," Gauden said. Watson said any sort of explanation he got was very vague. "Nothing other than potentially parental complaints," he said. "Nine out of 10 times, that boils down to playing time." Watson's ties to the Leopards run deep. "Five generations of my family have attended the school district," he said. It's been tough being fired from his alma mater. "The last week has been an emotional roller coaster for me," Watson said. He's been able to find strength in numbers. "The support he has from all levels, from the parents and his players, is just unreal," Matusik said. Watson says the board will let him reapply. He plans to do so. "I hope that good prevails here and I hope to be here for the kids," he said. KDKA-TV has reached out to the Belle Vernon Area School Board for comment but did not hear back by airtime.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Mother of Belle Vernon man shot and killed in 2015 not giving up quest to find killer
Mother of Belle Vernon man shot and killed in 2015 not giving up quest to find killer Mother of Belle Vernon man shot and killed in 2015 not giving up quest to find killer Mother of Belle Vernon man shot and killed in 2015 not giving up quest to find killer It's a murder that Westmoreland County law enforcement officials are still trying to solve. On May 11, 2015, someone shot and killed Drew Molinari in Belle Vernon while at his job. Molinari's mother has not given up on her quest to find the killer and find justice for her son. Roughly 10 years ago to the day, 34-year-old Drew Molinari went into what used to be an auto parts store to begin his work day. Within minutes, he'd be murdered, and now, a decade plus one day later, there is still no arrest, but there is hope from Drew's mother that whoever killed her son will be brought to justice soon. Dawn Dunlop says her Mother's Day this year was nice, but if there is one gift she'd love to receive next Mother's Day, it's the answer to two questions. "Who did it and why?" Dunlop asked. The only lead investigators released thus far is a video of a potential getaway vehicle. "I get frustrated, let's put it that way," Dunlop said. Dunlop, however, says one thing has changed for the better. The Westmoreland County District Attorney assigned a new detective to try to find Molinari's killer. "We have a new detective on the case. I'm hopeful with that. New eyes. Fresh young eyes." While the investigation drags into its second decade, Dunlop is left wondering what might have been for her and her son. "[I was] just thinking about that this morning. He'd be 44, may have had some grandbabies by now, he might have been married," Dunlop said. "I want [the case] to be answered before my passing. I'd like to have it solved before my mother's passing, but that may not be possible." If you know anything about Drew Molinari's homicide, you are asked to call the Westmoreland County detectives or the anonymous tip line set up at 800-472-8477. "Do it for Drew and the people who cared about Drew. Let's get this done," Dunlop said.
