Hits & Misses

Hit: A 9-year-old’s selfless act of charity moved many to open their wallets and chip in for a new small livestock barn for the Fayette County Fair. During the annual livestock sale last Friday night, Harper Diamond of Smithfield slipped a note to the announcer before taking to the ring to show her 270-pound pig, Cookie. The note said proceeds from the sale of the pig would be used to build the new barn. The news sparked a bidding frenzy, raising a whopping $27,000 for the project. Concerned about the pigs’ ability to move around in the nearly 60-year-old barn, Harper said, “I just wanted to help out. I feel good that everyone’s happy about how much money we raised.” The new barn should be ready in time for next year’s fair. Now that’s something to squeal about.
Miss: A recent rash of reckless behavior from youths riding electric bikes – or ebikes, as they are commonly called – prompted a crackdown on the vehicles in the borough of Canonsburg. Complaints about teens on the bikes weaving in and out of traffic, popping wheelies on roads and fleeing police prompted the move. “These ebikes were disregarding traffic laws, traveling in and out of traffic and pulling up onto the sidewalk and then back onto the roadway to get around traffic,” said Canonsburg’s Deputy Police Chief Don Cross. “We also were getting complaints that they were riding them throughout the town park and also being reckless.” Consequently, nearly a half-dozen citations were written to the offenders. The bikes, which are equipped with a battery-operated motor to provide extra “pedal power,” are permitted only on designated trails and roadways, and not on sidewalks. Cross noted many of the operators are not wearing helmets or proper safety gear. “If you’re going to operate an ebike on the roadway, you still have to abide by all traffic laws,” he said.
Hit: No Dog Left Behind is to be lauded for its commitment to rescuing animals – more specifically, 18,000 of them. This year, the nonprofit transported its 18,000th animal to safety since becoming a nonprofit in 2013. The group gives the unwanted creatures – mostly dogs and cats, and an occasional chicken or two – a second chance by transporting them from shelters that euthanize to those prioritizing adoption, at no cost to the shelters. Early on, the founders used their airplanes for rescues. Now they use vans, which can accommodate more animals. Tiffany DeCosmo, operations manager for No Dog Left Behind, which is based at the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, often goes on the road to help transport animals. She said, “It’s hard work, but after we’ve transported them, on the drive home, we talk about it. The van is so quiet. Everybody loves doing this … getting these dogs, who are amazing and would be euthanized, to where they can find homes. It’s very rewarding.” For more information or to volunteer, go to https://nodogleftbehind.org/.