Laurel: To out-of-the-box thinking. The cash-strapped city of Arnold needed police cruisers, but couldn't afford them. Police Chief Willie Weber learned some municipalities were getting rid of cop cars that were still in decent shape. All told, Arnold bought five used vehicles for $19,500 — less than the cost of one new one.
Laurel: To helping “stranded” students. Students of Oakbridge Academy of Arts and Newport Business Institute in Lower Burrell, which closed unexpectedly last week, are being offered a variety of options to continue their education. The Career Training Academy in New Kensington and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh are offering to take in the schools' students at no additional cost. And Penn State New Kensington, the Community College of Allegheny County and Westmoreland County Community College are providing free counseling services and financial aid advice.
