From the editor: can you help unravel the mystery?
Hello, and happy fall! As I write this, we’re in a stretch of a few 90° days, but by the time this lands in your hands, fall will officially begin. Fall has always been my favorite season, so I’m looking forward to cooler days, crunchy leaves and all the other accouterments of this time of year.
With that, if you’re in the mood to read something a little creepy, we have a graveyard mystery for you from Dave Zuchowski. Thanks to an old atlas, a Bentleyville Area Historical Society member found an unmarked, abandoned and seemingly forgotten cemetery on Main Street. The group is looking for help determining who may have been laid to rest in this plot of land. If you’ve got the expertise or know someone who does that would be willing to assist, please get in touch with the group. The historical society would like to install proper signage to memorialize and recognize the space.
Looking for something to do this fall? How about the Fall Fleatique on the Mon? The street sale returns Oct. 7 in Monongahela. Crafters, antiques, flea markets and food vendors will line the streets in open-air market fashion that stretches the length of town through New Eagle. Over 70 vendors participated in the last sale, so there will be plenty of variety to pick through.
Michele Gillis also brings us a story on The Steel Plate in Monessen. What type of food do Russell and Nicole Johnson serve? A little bit of everything, from homemade pasta sauce crafted from a family recipe to fried catfish.
“We don’t fit into an Italian, barbeque, Mexican or Caribbean. We have a little bit of everything,” Russell said. “If someone will want a rack of ribs and their spouse wants chicken parmesan, most barbeque places aren’t going to have chicken parmesan.”
The restaurant also aims to give back to the community, feeding the bellies and the hearts of anyone who eats there. Retired Captain Susan Thwaite of The Salvation Army partnered with the couple to provide meals to first responders.
As always, thank you so much for reading. Feel free to call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421 or email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com with ideas or suggestions.
Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.