Author: Joe Levandosky

Joe Levandosky has been chronicling the highs, lows, and eyebrow-raising moments of Scottdale life since before the borough had Wi-Fi. When he's not chasing down town council drama or decoding zoning ordinances written in ancient bureaucratese, he's probably sipping lukewarm coffee and muttering about potholes. A lifelong resident with a sixth sense for spotting political nonsense from 50 yards, Joe believes in transparency, accountability, and the sacred right to complain about parking. His opinions blend investigative grit with just enough sarcasm to keep things spicy—because in small-town politics, truth is often stranger than fiction. He’s been called “the voice of reason,” “a thorn in someone’s side,” and once, “the guy who knows too much about sewer budgets.” He wears all titles proudly.

Why a Regional Police Force for Small Towns Is a Bad Idea

In an era of tightening budgets and calls for efficiency, the idea of consolidating small-town police departments into a regional force can seem appealing. Proponents argue it could save money, streamline resources, and standardize training. But beneath the surface, this shift threatens to unravel the very fabric that makes small-town policing effective. For rural communities, a regional police force isn’t a solution—it’s a step backward. The Loss of Local Connection Small towns aren’t just dots…

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The Sign Wars and the Small-Town Takeover

In small towns across the country, election season brings a familiar sight: a forest of campaign signs sprouting up on every corner, lawn, and roadside. But when it comes to incumbent politicians, this display often veers into overkill — especially in tight-knit communities where everyone already knows who’s who. Take a drive through any quaint Main Street during a local election, and you’re likely to see the same name plastered on dozens of signs, screaming…

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Are You Ready for the 250th?

In the spirit of independence and unity, we the residents of Scottdale, should prepare to honor this historic milestone. I’m making a public ‘call to action’ to all of our government, churches, non-profits, schools, and businesses to develop an event during 2026 to celebrate this once-in our-lifetime event. The vision is to make Scottdale the ‘most patriotic small town’ in America. All or our current town events (fall festival, concerts, picnic in the park, etc.)…

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2025 Fish Fries

Locations and menus for local fish fries that are being held in the Fay-West area. Schedules and dates subject to change.   ST. JOHN & ST. JOSEPH’S – SCOTTDALE, PA SCOTTDALE ELKS – SCOTTDALE, PA   SCOTTDALE FIREMEN’S CLUB – SCOTTDALE, PA MT. PLEASANT FIREMEN – MT. PLEASANT, PA   MT. PLEASANT VFW – MT. PLEASANT, PA KECKSBURG VFD – KECKSBURG, PA CONNELLSVILLE TOWNSHIP VFD   EAST HUNTINGTON VFC – TARRS, PA   HECLA VFD…

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