Megan Swift stories, Page 36
Fireworks, parades, festivities planned to celebrate Fourth of July
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, there are many local celebrations to choose from to spend the holiday with family and friends. Here’s a list of fireworks displays, parades and festivities: ALLEGHENY COUNTY Brentwood On July 3, Brentwood will hold its Street Fair and the Battle of the Barrel,...
Hempfield’s General Carbide tries creative approach for recruitment
Similar to countless other businesses that have been adversely affected by the pandemic, General Carbide is on the hunt for reliable employees to fill staffing shortages — specifically, recent high school graduates. Jessica Gardner, the human resources manager for the Hempfield-based manufacturer, said the lack of employees has made the...
North Huntingdon’s Korner Tavern looks back on 60 years of memories, family business
For 60 years in the North Huntingdon village of Hahntown, the Korner Tavern has served drinks and food to locals — from coal miners to everyday regulars who are considered family. Manager Victor Pilipovich, 74, grew up in the business. His family took over operations in 1962. “It’s hard to...
Westmoreland health care providers, employees combat staffing shortages from pandemic
The local health care industry had its challenges before a pandemic swept around the world two years ago. As summer 2022 approaches, human resources directors and department managers are finding it even more difficult to find the people who can provide basic services. It’s especially tough for small facilities such...
Volunteers brave heat to assemble bicycles for Westmoreland County kids in need
Maj. Scott Flanders, director of the Salvation Army location in New Kensington, knows having a bicycle on long summer days is one of the joys of growing up. Thanks to volunteers and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, 100 kids will be well-equipped to ride. About 50 volunteers braved the...
Employers, counselors see ‘huge need’ for summertime workers
Employers expecting to fill job vacancies with the traditional summertime influx of high school students have been left wondering where the workers have gone. Many employers are “literally begging for new employees” with little result, said Don Acker, program manager for Equus Workforce Solutions in New Kensington. “Right now, we...
Former congressman presents coping mechanisms for pandemic stress, anxiety in students
Empty classrooms, overworked health care employees, and communities divided over masking and vaccines became inescapable as Western Pennsylvania navigated its way through the covid-19 pandemic. Tim Murphy, a licensed psychologist specializing in psychological trauma, said the pandemic experience has had a “devastating effect” on people’s physical, mental and emotional health....
Westmoreland public pools prepare for summer season
Despite some setbacks over the past few years, public pools in the area are looking forward to opening this week. Making it to opening day amid the coronavirus pandemic and recent labor shortages hasn’t been easy, according to Glenn Moyer, arena and pool manager for Greensburg’s parks and recreation department....
Hepler’s Hardware celebrates 80 years of family business in New Stanton
After 80 years in business, a New Stanton hardware store has processed more than 3 million customer transactions. Multiple generations of the Hepler family have worked at Hepler’s Hardware on State Route 119 North since it opened in 1942. Megan Orient, co-owner and president, is part of the fourth generation...
Blackburn Center advocates to end sexual, domestic violence through ‘A Call to Men’ athlete program
Through a new partnership with the Greensburg-based Blackburn Center, Rickie Houston is set to speak with athletes at local colleges this fall regarding sexual and domestic violence, as well as mental health. Houston is the director of training for A Call to Men, a national organization that works with men...
Military veterans benefit from ‘therapeutic’ archaeological fieldwork at Fort Ligonier
Dr. Jonathan Burns has been attempting for around six years to uncover archaeological evidence of an artillery battery and line of communication supposedly buried near the back door of Fort Ligonier — all while impacting veterans’ post-war lives. Located along Route 30, the British fortification is a recreated 18th century...
Western Pa. among nationwide areas seeing dangerous rise in opioid epidemic
Throughout the height of the covid-19 pandemic, it seemed as if the opioid epidemic had come to a sudden halt — largely because coronavirus headlines dominated newsstands, television broadcasts and everyday conversation. The latest overdose death figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, convey a starkly opposite...
Yukon siblings’ lemonade stand raises more than $900 for fire department
The Yukon Volunteer Fire Department received $903 in donations over the weekend from six siblings who successfully held their third lemonade stand. Laken Cope’s children first sold lemonade at the end of May and used the inaugural profits to purchase additional lemonade and cups for a second sale in June....
‘It broke all our hearts’: Franklin Regional grad dies in Derry Township crash
Jackie Bearley said the support her family received after the death of her 18-year-old son, Damian, has been overwhelming. Damian Bearley died in a crash early Saturday morning after his car hit a deer in Derry Township, according to the Westmoreland County coroner. The Murrysville teen was driving south on...
Yukon siblings hope lemonade stand nets $500 for fire department
At the end of May, Laken Cope finally allowed her six children to create their own lemonade stand — something they’ve always wanted to do. Now, the kids are set to hold their third sale this weekend to benefit the local community. After selling their first batch of homemade lemonade,...
‘We’re thrilled’: Local summer library programs return for kids, adults following pandemic
After jumping over coronavirus-related hurdles, local library programs are back this summer — and there are offerings for all ages. Murrysville Community Library’s annual summer reading program, titled “Tails and Tales” this year, has begun and will last through Aug. 6. “We’re really grateful that we can be open,” said...
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra to offer free patriotic concert at Greensburg amphitheater
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra announced its free patriotic summer concert at St. Clair Park in Greensburg will return July 9. Titled “Summer Sparklers,” the annual outdoor concert will be conducted by WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer at 7 p.m. in the park’s Robertshaw Amphitheater. Program favorites will include “The Star-Spangled...
Family-run ‘Anything with Wheels’ show in Latrobe benefits local veteransVideo
Western Pennsylvania’s ninth Veterans Anything with Wheels Show was held Sunday at the Cooperstown Events Center grounds in Latrobe, drawing hundreds of showy vehicles amid the scorching heat. Ranging from vintage to modern-day, automobiles of all makes, shapes and sizes were on display for spectators, veterans and sponsors to judge...
No word on new Westmoreland election director while ‘restructuring’ presses on; last results certified
Westmoreland officials are pressing on with a restructuring of the county’s election bureau even though the fate of its director remains in limbo. Greg McCloskey, the county’s public works director, was appointed to oversee the election bureau while director JoAnn Sebastiani remains on a paid suspension. On Wednesday, he said...
Republicans condemn election reform bill as an ‘extreme power grab’
U.S. Senate Republicans used a filibuster to block the Democrat-backed “For the People Act” — an election reform bill — Tuesday in Washington. Pennsylvania lawmakers voiced opinions on the legislation ahead of a test vote needed to begin debate on the bill in the Senate. “This would be the most...
Republican National Committee lambastes VP Harris for visiting Pittsburgh instead of border
The Republican National Committee on Monday reacted to Vice President Kamala Harris’ Pittsburgh visit regarding “Child Tax Credit Awareness Day” and President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan. “Border facilities are critically overcrowded, but President Biden and his border manager — Vice President Harris — refuse to visit the scene,” Keith Rothfus,...
Scavenger hunters race through Greensburg for clues, puzzles at downtown businessesVideo
Through bursts of rain Saturday, 18 teams competed in 60 Minute Missions Escape Room’s Greensburg Scavenger Race by hunting for clues and solving puzzles. “We have 59 racers dashing through downtown Greensburg,” said Vandye Nelson, co-owner of the escape room. “They’re getting a list of clues that are pretty vague...
Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary awards scholarship to nurse Theresa MacBlane
A luncheon at the Greensburg Country Club hosted by the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary June 16 celebrated a new scholarship winner 一 its own Excela Health employee, Theresa MacBlane. “She just stood out,” said Darlene Delaini, auxiliary president. “She was a dynamo.” MacBlane, 52, of Home, Indiana County, who has worked...
Mystery note found in donated prom dress in Mt. Pleasant sparks viral TikTok search, new trend
As Jillian Nimick sorted through bags of prom dresses donated to Nimi Boutique in Mt. Pleasant, she didn’t expect to find anything out of the ordinary. But she did. Nimick, owner of the Main Street shop, has been accepting prom dress donations to give away since the spring. Sorting through...
Volunteers assemble 100 bikes for children during event in Mt. Pleasant TownshipVideo
A group of about 60 volunteers assembled bikes for children in need Wednesday at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township as part of United Way’s build-a-bike event. The volunteers came from five of United Way’s corporate partners, including Live! Casino Pittsburgh, Kennametal, UPS, Hefren-Tillotson and West Penn Power, according to...
