Westmoreland category, Page 128
Ohio man charged in fatal 2023 crash in Salem
An Ohio man was charged with homicide by vehicle in connection with a fatal 2023 crash in Salem, police said. Ricardo Hardy Jr., 23, of South Euclid, Ohio, was driving an sport utility vehicle that slammed into the back of a tri-axle truck, part of a three-vehicle crash July 25,...
Man charged in North Belle Vernon shooting botched by thrown soda can takes plea deal
An attempted homicide charge was dismissed against a Rostraver man accused of firing a shot in the parking lot of a North Belle Vernon gas station. Amire Rodrick Ganoung, 20, pleaded guilty Friday to felony counts of aggravated assault and possessing a firearm without a license and a misdemeanor charge...
Westmoreland County recognizes paraeducator as she pursues teaching certificate in pilot program
After more than three decades working as a paraeducator in Westmoreland County, Terri Pajak’s favorite part of the job is watching her students grow. Approaching her fourth year working at Greensburg’s partial mental health hospitalization program, Pajak fills in any needs her middle and high school students may have —...
Workplace diversity conference rescheduled for September at Hempfield casino
A workplace diversity conference originally slated for May at Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield has been rescheduled for next month. The “Make It Matter Regional Conference” — now scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20 at the casino’s Venue Live event space — will feature a variety of speakers and workshops...
Norwin honors former football players killed in crashes
A Norwin graduate who was on the football team and a student who was on the team, both of whom were killed in vehicle accidents this year, were honored in a ceremony before Friday night’s home football game against Penn-Trafford. A moment of silence was held for Josiah J. Pastories,...
‘I feel energized at 80 years old’: Hempfield condo community bonds over bocce
Before this summer, smack talk was not common among residents of Hempfield’s Alta Vita Drive. That changed when an eight-story condo community came together to build a boccie court. John Marsh often plays boccie when he and his wife travel to Florida to escape the cold Pennsylvania winters. He wanted...
5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Aug. 23-25
It’s a packed weekend in Westmoreland County with a little bit of something for everyone. From bands to banana splits, butterflies to Broadway, every member of your family has something to get excited about. Banana split celebration The banana split was invented in Latrobe, and after 120 years it is...
Manor mayor resigns, encourages borough to make changes
Ed Malinoski resigned as mayor of Manor Borough this week, citing a lack of support for his agenda. Malinoski, a Republican, was appointed to the post during a tumultuous council meeting in June 2022. He then ran for the office in 2023, securing a two-year term with nearly 700 votes....
Residents meet police and other first responders at Latrobe’s National Night Out event
Residents flocked to Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium on Thursday for the city’s National Night Out event, meeting first responders and learning about safety practices. Attendees met city police officers, K-9 officers and their dogs from across the county, the Greensburg Fire Department’s bloodhound team and the Hempfield-based Top Dog therapy dog...
Train, auto arteries play central role in Youngwood’s 125-year history
During much of the 20th century, most Youngwood residents worked either for the Pennsylvania Railroad, which gave rise to the town, or the Robertshaw thermostat plant. Native resident Eleanor Hamrock’s family was represented in both camps. Her father, Joseph Hamrock, was a railroad engineer while she and her three older...
Complaints mount against proposed North Huntingdon $30 million complex that would host Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Some North Huntingdon residents are concerned a proposed $30 million sports complex that would be built on township property would bring more traffic, noise and visitors to their neighborhood without guarantees the community will get what the developers are promising. Multipurpose fields would be constructed that would also be used...
Lawsuit claims Westmoreland failed to pay for cost overruns of courthouse parking garage
The construction company hired to rebuild an underground garage at the Westmoreland County Courthouse claims it still is owed nearly $1 million. Carl Walker Construction of Robinson filed a lawsuit this week seeking payment for its work on the project plagued by cost overruns and delays. The company was hired...
Former Rivertowne tavern to be razed in North Huntingdon
The former Rivertowne Pub & Grille building in North Huntingdon — which was condemned as unsafe and uninhabitable by the township in October 2021 — is going to be demolished after an almost three-year court battle with its owners. Township commissioners this week approved advertising for bids to raze the...
Turnpike commission cracks down on toll evaders, winning thousands in judgments
Ashley Emeigh of Salem recently was caught in the crosshairs of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s crackdown on people who don’t pay tolls. She owed $9,763 in tolls and fees when she appeared at an Aug. 12 court hearing and explained to a district judge how she plans to pay her...
Greensburg father pleads guilty for violent incident with autistic son
A Greensburg father pleaded guilty to charges filed in connection with an incident last summer in which, authorities said, he had a physical altercation with his autistic son for the second time since 2017. Finley Michael Steward, 66, was ordered to serve seven years on probation, which includes an 18-month...
National Night Out returns to Latrobe with safety simulations, first responder displays
Safety simulations, first responder vehicles and activities for kids await visitors to Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium Thursday during the community’s National Night Out event. Set for 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event is returning to the city for the first time since the arrival of the covid pandemic in 2020....
Municipal authority to install new billing system to accept more payment options
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County water and sewer customers will see enhanced payment options when a new billing system is implemented in early 2026. Authority board members on Wednesday approved a $350,000 contract with Blair County-based Muni-Link to modernize the system used to bill and communicate with customers, replacing outdated...
Performers on autism spectrum to make guest appearance at Greensburg Music Fest
Several guest stars from Band Together Pittsburgh will take over the microphone and drums during an autism-friendly performance Saturday at Greensburg Music Fest. Performers on the autism spectrum will provide three opening acts for The Nied’s Hotel Band at St. Clair Park. Members of the band plan to take a...
‘It’s a no-brainer,’ Irwin police chief says of joining Westmoreland SWAT team
Irwin police Chief Dan Wensel is asking borough officials to join the Westmoreland County SWAT team to bolster response to major emergencies. The county’s special weapons and tactics, or SWAT, team has members from eight police departments: Allegheny Township, Greensburg, Lower Burrell, Murrysville, New Kensington, North Huntingdon, Vandergrift and Washington...
Westmoreland happenings: Hot dog sale, reunion news, fundraisers, more
Fundraisers • St. John United Church of Christ, 1230 Brownstown Road, Larimer, will have a Dog Days of Summer hot dog sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at the church. Combo meals and drinks available. Details: Lil, 724-493-8982. • Feeding the Spirit will host a beach-themed fundraiser,...
Greensburg diocese’s Catholic schools start year with building upgrades, new programs
With air conditioning units installed, security upgrades completed and a plan in place to deepen students’ faith education, Greensburg Central Catholic High School is ready to welcome students back to its halls Wednesday. For Superintendent Nancy Rottler, there is no time like the present to be a student at Greensburg...
Cold temperatures cause Westmoreland Fair exhibitors to bundle up while bunking with animals
There is strength in numbers — and also warmth. That’s something Sophia Bankosh is grateful for this week as she and a handful of friends are camping out overnight together in a horse barn during unseasonably low temperatures at the Westmoreland Fair. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip into the...
Greensburg teen’s lawyer argues armed robbery prosecution endangers community
The attorney for a Greensburg teenager charged in connection with what police said was a violent armed robbery warned Tuesday that continued prosecution in adult court will only teach the juvenile to be a better criminal. Defense attorney Tim Andrews argued that robbery and other related offenses filed against Cayden...
Security review underway after Westmoreland inmate jammed lock with paper to escape cell
Westmoreland officials said a review of security protocols at the county jail is underway after an inmate used a piece of paper to escape from his cell and then assaulted a guard making early-morning rounds last week. Warden Steve Pelesky said the inmate — identified in court documents as John...
Refresh of Sherman tank on display in Monessen nears completion
A World War II-era tank in Monessen is being restored thanks to thousands of dollars in donations from businesses and residents in the tri-county area. Exposure to the elements at Monessen City Park over the years had left the Army Sherman tank looking shabby, said Ron Chromulak, Air Force veteran...
