Westmoreland category, Page 117
Glassport couple awarded medal for saving Hempfield native in 2022 at Yough River Lake outflow
Jim Harrold had been struggling for some time when Gayla Norelli spotted him in the Youghiogheny River Lake outflow. She pointed the fisherman out to her husband — it looked like he was in trouble. “He was just splashing, trying to push himself up,” Guy Norelli recalled Friday. He took...
‘Money well spent’ Westmoreland commissioner says of $450K sewage project in Sewickley Township
The Westmoreland County Housing Authority has stopped operating a small sewage plant in Sewickley Township in a move that will save the authority an estimated $45,000 annually, officials said. Michael Washowich, the authority’s director, said the tiny plant served about 16 units owned by the authority off Mars Hill Road....
Hempfield to reevaluate high school library following resignation of librarian
Hempfield Area High School is reevaluating how to use its library space, district officials said. The high school’s librarian submitted a letter of resignation a few weeks ago, working her last shift Friday. But the district is holding off on hiring a new full-time employee for the position. With sights...
Guardian Elder Care leases 10 facilities, sparks contract talks with SEIU, new owners
The transition from Guardian Elder Care to Oxford Valley Health has led to new contract talks at 10 regional nursing homes. So far, the transfer of ownership does not affect two local nursing homes: Belair in Lower Burrell and Oak Hill in Greensburg. Those remain, at least for now, under...
Latrobe church to host Air Force wind quintet concert
The Heritage Winds, a quintet of airmen-musicians, will visit Latrobe on Oct. 13 to present selections from the world of films and classical and military traditions. Tickets aren’t required to attend the free concert, set for 3 p.m. at Latrobe Presbyterian Church. The diverse program will include music from movies...
Seton Hill gallery showcases artist collaboration
Pittsburgh artist Centa Schumacher knew she hit upon something good in the early days of her collaboration with a friend whom she met at a Vermont art studio in 2018. Schumacher and artist Nicole Czapinski reunited in Pittsburgh in 2021. They formed a partnership where they exchanged and combined solo...
Ambulances gain nitrous oxide for pain relief as part of $2M Westmoreland opioid settlement fund
Patients in severe pain who are being transported by a Mutual Aid ambulance will have a nonnarcotic way to find relief during their ride to a hospital. Dr. Bill Jenkins said the Greensburg-based ambulance service will add nitrous oxide, a commonly used pain medicine, as an option for patients who...
Germanic lore will be studied, celebrated during West Overton program
German immigrants and their descendants have left deep roots in Southwestern Pennsylvania, a heritage that will be explored Sunday at West Overton Village and Museum in East Huntingdon. The hour-long program “Germans to America” will be presented at 12:30 p.m. in partnership with the Heinz History Center and will be...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Oct. 4-6
Welcome to October, when the weekends are full of football, pumpkin carving and Halloween costume-making. In between, there’s plenty of fun to be had at local events. Here are a few suggestions. Apple ’n Arts Festival This weekend will be jam-packed with live music and fun at the Delmont Apple...
Barefoot Dutchman visits Westmoreland on trek to support men’s mental health
The Barefoot Dutchman made his way through eastern Westmoreland County on Thursday, carefully placing one unshod foot in front of the other. Anton Nootenboom, a native of the Netherlands and veteran of its army, has adopted the nickname as he nears completion of a shoeless eastward trek across the United...
Latrobe man convicted of providing drugs that resulted in 2021 fatal overdose
A Latrobe man was convicted Thursday of providing drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose. Jurors found Zachary Dunlap, 30, guilty of drug delivery resulting in death, conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver in connection with the Jan. 8, 2021, death of Robert J. Verscharen. Prosecutors contended Dunlap provided...
Westmoreland purchases land along Loyalhanna Gorge
Access to a Westmoreland County park along the Loyalhanna Gorge will be expanded through the purchase of four parcels. County commissioners on Thursday approved the $74,000 acquisition from Donald E. Paxton. “This will provide a little bit more space for people to park and enjoy that vista,” said Commissioner Doug...
Some opposed to proposed North Huntingdon sports complex
Some North Huntingdon residents acknowledge a proposed $30 million sports complex would be an asset for the community, but they’re questioning whether it should go on public property. “I don’t think anyone is against building a sports complex,” Jesse Adkins of Maple Lane told the township commissioners Wednesday. But Adkins,...
Unity family’s organic dairy farm earns annual honor from conservation district
Todd Frescura has established a clear path for his cows to move through mud-prone areas of his family’s organic dairy farm in Unity. The cattle walkways help keep dirt out of the farm’s milking parlor and out of a stream on the 100-acre spread that is part of the Sewickley...
Hempfield, Greensburg fire prevention event aims to combine education, entertainment, recruitment
The Hempfield and Greensburg volunteer fire departments will display fire apparatus, talk to area residents about fire safety and recruit new members next week at the 28th annual Fire Prevention Night. The nearly 30-year tradition, held outside of the Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield, is meant to inform the community about...
Norwin failed to eliminate ‘racially hostile environment,’ Department of Education says
The Norwin School District violated federal civil rights laws when it allowed what the U.S. Department of Education called repeated, racially harassing conduct over 10 months in 2021. The district agreed to a seven-point plan to ensure it complies with the law. “The Norwin School District has now committed to...
Long-awaited infrastructure work funded, set to begin next year in Jeannette
Infrastructure improvements are crucial for rural communities like Jeannette, whose glass-making history is woven into American heritage, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said Wednesday. “In order for towns to continue thrive, investment is important with infrastructure,” she said. Two low-interest 40-year loans from the USDA to...
3 charged in bail scam that targeted North Huntingdon couple, Pittsburgh woman
Three men from New York City are accused of tricking a Pittsburgh woman out of $20,000 and trying to get $18,000 from a North Huntingdon couple through a bail scam, according to court papers. Township police this week charged Alfonso J. Camareno, 36, of Flushing; Jason Alvarez, 31, of Queens;...
Blairsville women charged in feline neglect case involving 87 sickened, 13 dead cats in Derry Township
Two women who authorities say are responsible for 87 sick cats at a Derry Township mobile home were arraigned Wednesday on dozens of animal cruelty charges. The abuse caused the deaths of 13 cats, according to investigators. Pamela Curry, 63, and Kimberly Rose, 44, both of Blairsville, are charged with...
More beers brewed with grain grown in Crabtree, Hempfield, New Alexandria and Unity
Vince Mangini’s goal in starting Allegheny Mountain Malt has always been to shorten the supply chain for local beer brewers and farmers. Now the company is looking to expand its offerings, bringing business development director Taiece Brooks on board. “Being able to shake hands with your malter, being able to...
Some Latrobe officials question recommendation for city to add more staff
A consultant hired to assess government operations in Latrobe has recommended two new supervisory positions and a more focused role for the finance director. City council members questioned the potential impact of the suggestions on the budget. Dormont-based Grass Root Solutions is expected to complete a five-year strategic management plan...
Westmoreland happenings: Walk in Penn’s Woods, pancake breakfast, craft show, more
Church News • St. James Church, New Alexandria, will screen season 4 of “The Chosen” at 6 p.m. Tuesdays in October at the church, 306 St. James Lane. A discussion will be after each episode. A pet blessing will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the church. Meet in...
Trial begins for suspected drug dealer in Latrobe man’s fatal 2021 overdose
The lawyer for a Latrobe man charged with selling the drugs used in a fatal overdose told a Westmoreland County jury that an incomplete police investigation left more questions than answers. Defense attorney Ken Noga said Tuesday an autopsy report suggested 39-year-old Robert J. Verscharen had seven different drugs in...
Wicked Witches Gala returns to Greensburg with cauldron of activities
A witch-themed event Saturday in Greensburg will have a cauldron full of spooky activities, contests and performances. The Greensburg Wicked Witches Gala will spread on South Pennsylvania Avenue between West Pittsburgh and West Fourth streets from 4-8 p.m. Hosted by the Greensburg Business & Professional Association, the event is expected...
Police dog’s kennel stay cost Jeannette $660, records show
Jeannette paid $660 to a kennel that housed the city’s police dog while the police department’s K9 unit was disbanded this summer, according to a bill obtained by the Trib through an open records request. Diesel, a Belgian malinois, was at the kennel from July 30 to Aug. 20, the...
