Flash Flooding Leaves Widespread Damage In Pittsburgh

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Allegheny County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

People in Western Pennsylvania braced Wednesday night for a second round of potentially devastating storms following torrents that dropped as much as 3 inches of rain in some parts of the area during the day.

But all of the foreboding and warnings ended up as mostly just that as a string of storms that arrived shortly after the evening rush hour brought with them less rain than was expected.

“It moved through so quickly,” said meteorologist Brad Rehak, of the National Weather Service.  “It wasn’t as heavy.”

Rainfall that was expected to end just after midnight should be replaced throughout the next three days with drier, more comfortable weather — aiding in crews’ cleanup efforts.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/pittsburgh-area-roads-flooded-closed-as-heavy-storms-move-through-694893/#ixzz2Yktumgsi

Owners Of Small South Hills Grocers Accused Of Food-Stamp Fraud

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Allegheny County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editor’s note:  This same thing just happened in Pottstown.  Wondering if this is a more than a coincidence.  Looks like this could be a big problem.

Two Brentwood men who ran separate small grocery stores in the South Hills were indicted Wednesday for wire fraud and food stamp fraud, documents filed today in U.S. District Court show.

Samson Dweh, 30, ran Mariama African Store in Carrick, according to the indictment naming him.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture authorized him to begin accepting food stamps in February 2009.

Starting in August 2010, according to the indictment, Mr. Dweh started paying cash for food stamp benefits, paying around 50 cents on each dollar of benefit the customer sought to cash in.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/owners-of-small-south-hills-grocers-accused-of-food-stamp-fraud-681230/#ixzz2OqWtDubA

Upper St. Clair Couple Create A Christmas Wonderland

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“Everybody comes in and says that they just can’t believe it,” she said proudly.

The trees are a beautiful sight to behold. Every room has a tree that befits the traditional decor of their home. In the entry hall, a spiral topiary-style tree is festooned with red and gold tapestry ribbon, glazed fruit and more. Packaged gifts in red paper and gold foil ribbon surround a classic Santa who is busily checking his pocket watch for the countdown to the big day. Lush swags of dried fruit and ribbon adorn the staircase.

Mrs. Wilson explained that each tree offers a hint of what’s to come in the next room. On her carefully planned tour, the next stop is the family room, whose tree has a woodland theme. Burgundy poinsettias, mini-birdhouses, charming birds, bird nests and tapestry ribbon fill the branches. The creche takes center stage beneath the boughs and an old-fashioned sleigh sits close by, filled with presents. A grand oak mantel is swagged with more ribbon, pine cones and stockings while the fireplace burns brightly within. Even the artwork on the wall is changed out, with holiday scenes of sleighs and Santas.

Read the full article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11351/1197459-30-0.stm#ixzz1gr0nEICm

Pittsburgh’s “Christmas Lady”

Even though it was summertime, the living room and dining room were still decorated for Christmas. Ms. Vicini leaves her Christmas tree, village and Santa collection out year-round.

“I enjoy them so much, I never wanted to put them away,” she explained. “Why just enjoy them for one month when you can enjoy them all year?”

Ms. Vicini, who turned 61 this week, has been celebrating Christmas every day for at least 15 years. She says her family and friends understand perfectly.

“They figure this woman was born on St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) and she’s named Carol. Apparently she has the Christmas spirit, so let’s just let her go,” she said, laughing.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11344/1195943-55.stm#ixzz1gBvXxNL0