Latest news with #BelleVernon
CBS News
3 days ago
- 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.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Third case of whooping cough reported at Rostraver Elementary School
A third case of whooping cough has been reported at Rostraver Elementary School in the Belle Vernon Area district in Westmoreland County. Belle Vernon Area Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool notified the school community late last week of the newly reported case. Two cases at the school had previously been confirmed. In the letter to the community, Dr. Glasspool said that the Pennsylvania Department of Health isn't recommending any changes to school operations, but asking all staff members and families to closely monitor any symptoms. "We strongly encourage families to keep students home if they are showing signs of illness, especially if they are coughing," Dr. Glasspool said. Last year, cases of whooping cough spiked on the state and national level, and Allegheny County's newly released data shows the county was hit hard. Whooping cough is characterized by violent or prolonged coughing, and is highly contagious.
