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Warmer weather leaves Christmas trees ‘pining’ for water

Defying the age-old adage that "money doesn't grow on trees," the Christmas tree industry is poised for a banner year, with the National Christmas Tree Association estimating sales of 25-30 million trees, generating a staggering $1.38 billion in revenue. For perspective, if the American Christmas tree market was a nation, it would have a higher Gross Domestic Product than 12 other countries, ranking it between Seychelles and Grenada, according to the World Bank. Pennsylvania is rated one of the highest producers of Christmas trees in the country, but given this year’s dry and extended summer, local farms are trying to stay in front of the challenges of the overall ...

Picking the perfect tree

Tis the season for a ‘tree-mendous holiday experience! As live Christmas trees regain their sparkle, local Christmas tree farmers are dishing out their top tips to make finding the perfect tree a joyful, stress-free adventure! Amanda Leavitt, whose family owns Candle Tree Farm in Washington County, said the first thing she would tell buyers, especially those that may be shopping for the first time, is to wear the right attire. “Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy,” Leavitt said. “And I would also recommend checking out the website of the farm you’re going to to see if there’s anything else you need to bring with you.” ...

A Christmas pastime keeps chugging along

For many, the sight of a model train racing around the base of a Christmas tree is an indelible holiday memory. As collecting and building model railways has become an increasingly niche hobby, however, it has become a less common sight for younger generations. The Train Gang of Washington ...

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This daily email features the latest news for Washington County, Greene County, and the Mon Valley.

Sports

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Wilson shines in Steelers’ win over Bengals

CINCINNATI — Russell Wilson has been at the center of a quarterback controversy since he arrived in Pittsburgh, competing with Justin Fields for the starting job. There was no debate on Sunday. Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns, and the Steelers outlasted Joe ...

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W&J ousted in 2nd round of NCAA Division III playoffs

Washington & Jefferson came out swinging and scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, but Randolph-Macon answered with five straight trips to the end zone and a field goal en route to a 38-22 victory on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division III football playoffs at Day ...

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Trinity’s Robaugh to play close to home at WVU

Growing up in a family of West Virginia sports fans, Trinity senior Matthew Robaugh knows the lyrics to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” If he didn’t, the Mountaineer faithful would require him to learn the song very quickly, which is a staple in Morgantown after every ...

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Opinion

There’s nothing like a wedding

The great misadventure began before the journey to Springfield, Mass., in a Pittsburgh parking garage. I shoved a blanket into my already-stuffed tote bag, breaking the handle. Both suitcases were brimming over with formal wear – to a wedding, we were heading – and other necessities and ...

Living

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Preschoolers visit with seniors at The Waters of McMurray

Children who attend St. John’s Catholic Preschool in McMurray entertained residents of The Waters of McMurray Senior Living with a Thanksgiving skit recently. “One of our part-time resident aides, Anna Cooper, also works at the preschool and she thought the residents would enjoy getting ...

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