A bid for upgrades to the South Birmingham Avenue “Tot Lot” playground was accepted by Avalon Council Tuesday.

The borough has received a grant of $27,800 for the project, which will be handled by Sports and Recreation Associations, LLC.

Bellevue has a chance to become home to a dek hockey rink at Memorial Park, the $267,000 cost paid completely by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

Although there is no definite decision on the opportunity, Mayor Emily Marburger said that the borough had been contacted by state Sen. Wayne Fontana to gauge Bellevue’s interest.

Director of Administrative Services Ron Borczyk said the rink, if built, likely would occupy the gravel lot along Bellevue Road, adjacent to the baseball field and the dog park.

Bellevue officials knew what they wanted in an employee to replace finance clerk Ann Moss, who recently resigned, but unfortunately the borough’s personnel code had never been updated to reflect the new job duties and skill requirements.

At their Jan. 12 meeting, the school board approved a number of Avonworth staff members to attend professional conferences.

Media center specialists Jennifer Gould and Sara Osborn will attend the PA School Librarians Association Conference March 28-30, in Hershey, PA, at a cost not to exceed $700 plus mileage. Title IV funds will be used to pay for the trip.

Certified school nurses Mara Aletio and Colleen Barcaskey will attend the PA Association of School Nurses and Practitioners' annual education conference, March 29-31, in State College, PA.

On Jan. 28, an individual reported credit fraud at a business on Ohio River Boulevard.

On Jan. 29, Avalon Police officers were dispatched to a house on Elizabeth concerning the report of a dead dog on the front porch. The dog was taken to a veterinarian. Police say the dog appeared to have died of natural causes.

No injuries were reported in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at Ohio River Boulevard and Locust Street on Jan. 29.

A motor vehicle accident involving three vehicles occurred on Ohio River Boulevard on Jan. 31. Police say that no injuries were reported.

A Waste Management employee was taken to the hospital and Forest Avenue in Bellevue was shut down to traffic Tuesday morning after something containing a hazardous material exploded in the garbage truck hopper.

Bellevue Volunteer Fire Company reported that the substance was muriatic acid, a form of hydrochloric acid sometimes used to clean masonry.Considered a very dangerous household chemical, its fumes can burn a person’s nose, throat and lungs.

Police say the explosion in the truck created a plume cloud that overwhelmed the Waste Management employee.

Bellevue Police arrested one man and seized a large quantity of suspected heroin during a recent traffic stop.

Damond F. Thomas, 40, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver on Jan. 24.

According to police, an officer was conducting survelliance on a house suspected of having drug deliveries and was able to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the home.

During the investigation, 11 bricks of heroin (550 stamp bags) were seized.

Thomas was delivered to the Allegheny County Jail for arraignment.

On Jan. 24, a resident of Nicholson Road in Ohio Township reported a disturbance.

On Jan. 26, a resident of Laurel Avenue in Ben Avon reported theft.

A business on Ben Avon Heights Road in Ohio Township reported retail theft on Jan. 26.

A resident of Buckingham Drive in Ohio Township reported a disturbance on Jan. 28.

On Jan. 28, a resident of Duff Road in Ohio Township reported fraud.

On Jan. 28, a business on Ben Avon Heights Road in Ohio Township reported retail theft.

A resident of Eicher Road in Kilbuck Township reported fraud on Jan. 28.

A sign on the door of Luigi’s Pizzaria on Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue says “Thank you for a great 42 years” and is signed by owner Luigi Della-Ragione, who served his last pizzas to hundreds of longtime customers who returned last weekend to say goodbye. The popular restaurant was a home away from home for many local youths who frequented its former location at the intersection of South Jackson Avenue to socialize and play video games. Luigi has decided to retire after 42 years in Bellevue, and a lifetime in the food service industry.

Bellevue Council will hold a public hearing on Feb. 12 to receive comments on whether council should allow the borough's state quota of bars to increase.

Bellevue is permitted to have two “R” or retail liquor licenses without input from the borough. Those licenses already are in place in the borough. A new restaurant scheduled to open at 407 Lincoln Avenue, “202 Hometown Tacos,” also wants to serve alcoholic beverages, and has asked council to approve a resolution allowing them to apply to the state Liquor Control Board (LCB) for a license.

A business located on Mt Nebo Pointe Drive in Ohio Township reported retail theft on Jan. 16.

A resident of Bear Run Drive in Ohio Township reported a disturbance on Jan. 16.

On Jan. 17, a business on Camp Horne Road in Ohio Township reported harassment.

On Jan. 17, a patron at a business on Mt. Nebo Road in Ohio Township reported money being stolen from their wallet after it was left at the checkout counter.

A driver on Camp Horne Road reported criminal mischief to an automobile after his car was hit with rocks on Jan. 18.

Bellevue could become the area’s first “Compassionate Community” if borough officials agree to enact some animal welfare policies and practices.

The program offered by Animal Friends primarily focuses on the treatment of feral, neighborhood and free-roaming cats. If you are a dog lover, do not fear: Humane Action Pittsburgh is asking Bellevue Council to adopt several ordinances that specifically target puppy mills.