Quincey Reese stories, Page 2
Woman fatally stabbed in Latrobe apartment, image of ‘person of interest’ released
A woman was stabbed to death in her Latrobe apartment over the weekend, and investigators on Monday released a surveillance photo of a man they described as a person of interest. Latrobe police and Westmoreland County detectives are investigating the death of Pamela Puskar, 59. She was found dead inside...
Westmoreland developments: 6 new businesses open doors
Aaron Allen could have opened his cigar business anywhere in Southwestern Pennsylvania. But in the Greensburg Salem graduate’s eyes, Humidor Cigars & Lounge only made sense in his hometown — Jeannette. “I truly believe in Jeannette and I truly believe in the people,” said Allen, 37. “By us in the...
How one Southwestern Pa. school district is trying to improve test scores — while on a budget
Monessen City School Superintendent Robert Motte is faced with a dilemma. Motte admits the district’s state test scores could use some improvement. On the 2024 Keystone Exams, 3% of the district’s students achieved a proficient or higher score in algebra 1. Students hitting that proficient or higher mark in biology...
Increased school funding could lead to higher test scores — but it’s often more complicated
When it comes to education spending, more isn’t always better. At least that’s what the numbers — standardized test scores and per-student spending — suggest about Southwestern Pennsylvania’s school districts. School districts that spend the most per student do not always have the highest test scores, according to data from...
Independence hospital staffers ‘trying to piece everything together’ in aftermath of merger announcement
Butler Memorial Hospital staffer Tara Erskine is ready for change. Erskine, 30, of Kittanning has worked as a CT scan technologist at the Butler hospital for eight years. A member of the hospital’s technologists union, Erskine is optimistic about Butler Memorial being partnered with West Virginia University Health System. Officials...
Hempfield business owner gives back with 50 turkey donations this Thanksgiving
When Hempfield business owner Kris Wilkins was a child, holidays were a financially stressful time of year for his family. That’s why Wilkins, owner of Beautiful Kitchens along North Greengate Road, is donating 50 turkeys to local families in need — no questions asked. “I didn’t have much money growing...
Education leaders applaud state budget that adds $900M in new funding for school districts
Education is the centerpiece of Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget. At least that’s what Laura Boyce took away from the funding plan for the state’s 500 K-12 public schools, approved last week after a 4½-month impasse. “There were a lot of hard decisions that had to be made as the governor’s original...
‘Step into the painting’: Italian producers bring immersive, winter-themed exhibit to Westmoreland museum
If visitors lose themselves in the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s latest exhibit, Italian video producers Max De Ponti and Andrea Corti will know they have done their job. De Ponti and Corti launched a video production company, OLO Creative Farm, in Como, Italy, 20 years ago. It was their...
Former Greensburg Community Development Corp. leaders reflect on 50 years supporting city
As Greensburg Community Development Corp. celebrates its 50th anniversary, former board president Scott Brown cannot help but reflect on how the nonprofit’s challenges and scope have changed. When the development corporation formed in 1975, its purpose was to maintain the city’s business scene amid the success of Greengate and Westmoreland...
1st snow of season hits Seven Springs
The first snowflakes of the season landed on the slopes of Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County Monday morning. A thin layer of ice lined the tree branches across the 285-acre property, according to photos from the resort. Blades of grass poked through the light dusting of snow coating...
2 newcomers, 2 incumbents secure spots on Mt. Pleasant council
Two new faces will join Mt. Pleasant council, according to unofficial Westmoreland County election results. Newcomer Rudy Brnilovich, a Democrat, and incumbent Andy Davis, a Republican, are slated to represent council’s first ward. Newcomer Nicholas Lucia, a Republican, and incumbent Michael Barrick, a Democrat, will represent the third ward. Brnilovich...
3 incumbents, 1 new face slated for Derry Area School Board
One newcomer and three incumbents are slated to serve four-year terms on Derry Area School Board, according to unofficial Westmoreland County election results. Incumbents Josh Campbell, Nancy Findish and Steve Frye will return to the board alongside newcomer Chad McIntire. Campbell, who received enough write-in votes to capture both Democratic...
1 new face to join Youngwood council, 3 incumbents to return
One new face will join Youngwood council, according to unofficial Westmoreland County election results. Republican Irvin Shipley, a sergeant in the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, won a term on council alongside three incumbents — Democrats Charles Lutz and William “Billy” Cowherd and Republican Matthew Peoria. Lutz, a retired special education...
Longtime Penn-Trafford principal set to retire after 26 years in district
Longtime Penn-Trafford Principal Jim Simpson discovered his love of teaching while tutoring classmates in math at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to enrolling in the university’s computer science program, the New Kensington native never considered a career in education. “I had my (general education) math courses and I ended up...
3 compete for 2 spots on Mt. Pleasant Council
Three candidates are running for two spots to represent Mt. Pleasant’s 3rd Ward. Republican Cynthia “Cindy” Stevenson, who has served more than 15 years on borough council, and Democrat Michael Barrick, who is finishing his first term, are running for reelection. Republican Nicholas Lucia is seeking his first term. Updating...
West Newton mayoral election: Veteran Popovich faces off against 1st time candidate Kepics
About 30 years separate the two candidates vying for the West Newton mayoral office, as veteran Mary Popovich and newcomer Robert Kepics compete for residents’ votes. Popovich, 71, a Democrat, has served as mayor for 16 years. Kepics, 40, a Republican, is staging his first mayoral campaign. Improving parks, planning...
Somerset County sheriff charged with corruption of minors
Somerset County Sheriff Dustin Weir was charged Thursday with corruption of minors, according to court documents detailing an alleged incident at a Shop With a Cop event last December. Weir, 46, of Quemahoning, is accused of taking a 15-year-old girl to the condom aisle of a Walmart during the event...
6 Westmoreland karate athletes recognized at international competition
Six Westmoreland County karate athletes received medals at the International Combat Organization World Championships in Wales earlier this month. Norwin freshman Gabby Viola received nine gold medals, three silver and two bronze, as well as the “overall fighting grand champion” and “most decorated athlete titles.” Her 8-year-old brother, Will Viola,...
Man found dead near Loyalhanna golf course, state police rule death ‘suspicious’
A man was found dead Saturday morning on state game lands near Loyalhanna Township, according to state police. Robert Friend, 64, was found near Mannitto Golf Course, state police said. His death is being considered suspicious. His place of residence is unknown, said Trooper Steve Limani. Westmoreland County Coroner Tim...
‘Dawn of the Dead’ fans haunt Monroeville Mall, mourn film site’s proposed demolition
To fans of George Romero’s 1978 zombie movie “Dawn of the Dead,” Monroeville Mall is more than just a shopping center on its last legs. It’s a piece of history. Romero filmed parts of “Dawn of the Dead” at Monroeville Mall. As avid fans will notice, some elements of the...
Toddler in ‘serious but stable condition’ after being struck by vehicle in Homewood North
A toddler was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle in Pittsburgh’s Homewood North neighborhood Saturday night, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Pittsburgh Police, EMS and fire crews were dispatched around 9 p.m. to the 7400 block of Monticello Street. EMS took the toddler to a local hospital in serious...
Acrisure Stadium worker severely injured in 50-foot fall from scoreboard
A worker at Acrisure Stadium was hospitalized with severe injuries Saturday night after falling about 50 feet from the main scoreboard, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Pittsburgh Police, EMS and fire crews were dispatched to the North Shore stadium around 10 p.m. for calls of a male worker who fell...
Pitt-Greensburg cybersecurity program receives national recognition
Michael Pry is finally seeing the outcome of a goal he has worked toward for four years. The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg information technology instructor said the Hempfield campus cybersecurity program has been recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. Pitt-Greensburg joins at least 494...
Monessen pedestrian killed in Rostraver vehicle crash
A Monessen man died after being struck by a vehicle Saturday in Rostraver, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson. Darren C. Snyder, 52, was walking in the area of 845 Rostraver Road in Rostraver around 6:30 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle, Carson said. Rostraver police said...
Nearly 2,000 volunteers evaluate new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal
Renee Brawdy didn’t put a lot of thought into how she filled her suitcase before leaving her Baldwin home for Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday morning. She didn’t even know where she’d be flying. Brawdy, 49, was one of nearly 2,000 people selected to participate in the airport’s second public...
