Westmoreland category, Page 446
Westmoreland economic development marketing director retires after one last deal
Joe Sisley’s fingerprints are all over economic development in Westmoreland County. “Joe has sold or leased every property in Westmoreland County’s industrial park system,” said Jason Rigone, executive director of the county’s Industrial Development Corp. There are more than 170 companies occupying 1,200 acres of land and — until the...
Diversity, inclusivity topics in Westmoreland Community Action survey
A survey open through Feb. 22 will help Westmoreland Community Action determine how the agency can help with issues related to diversity and inclusiveness. Welcoming Westmoreland is a project the Greensburg-based agency and other groups are undertaking in an effort to foster growth and development through diverse cultures that exist...
Belle Vernon man accused of attempted Christmas burglary in Rostraver
A Belle Vernon man is behind bars after police said he attempted to break into a home in Rostraver on Christmas with his young child in tow, according to court papers. Scott Michael Shetter, 29, is charged with attempted burglary, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest and criminal mischief. He...
Greensburg resident publishes children’s book ‘We Are Different but a Lot Alike’
Linda Guest-Peters was driving home from her job in Youngwood one day when a thought kept popping into her head. “An assortment of flowers makes a better flower garden. May all your friendships blossom like a flower garden,” served as inspiration for her new children’s book, “We Are Different but...
Delmont police settling into new, expanded station
When Delmont police used to interview a victim or a witness, the cramped quarters in their previous department made it difficult. “You’d be talking to someone, and if we’d arrested a suspect, the suspect would be right there, basically able to hear everything,” Chief T.J. Klobucar said. “It wasn’t ideal.”...
Hempfield jiujitsu academy helps empower women, teaches self-defense
When Rebecca Blair decided to open a Brazilian jiujitsu academy in Westmoreland County last year, she knew she was making waves in a largely male-dominated sport. What she didn’t know was the impact her academy, Gracie Allegiance Jiu Jitsu Academy in Hempfield’s Westmoreland Mall, would have on women across the...
Penn-Trafford teacher helps Jamaican students with English, science
A Penn-Trafford High School science teacher has devoted time, energy and money to a humanitarian project helping students in Jamaica learn standard English while teaching them science. “It gives me the opportunities to share my abilities and knowledge. If I can give back to people who are less fortunate, then...
State grants approved for Route 30 intersection upgrades in Irwin, Unity
Fines generated through Pennsylvania’s automated red light enforcement program are set to fund two proposed intersection improvements on Route 30 in Westmoreland County. A $167,000 grant has been approved for proposed modifications to improve safety at Route 30 and Wimmerton Boulevard in Unity. In Irwin, the program also is providing...
Franklin Regional receives grant to expand annual Science Olympiad for elementary, middle-school students
Franklin Regional elementary teachers will be up-sizing their annual Science Olympiad in 2022 with the help of a $2,500 grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh. “We were able to establish an elementary and middle school Science Olympiad program in partnership with the SSP,” said fourth grade teacher Megan Melucci....
Bacha dynasty comes to an end in Westmoreland County coroner’s office
Ken Bacha’s father, Leo, served as Westmoreland County coroner for almost 24 years before he retired in 2001. At first, Ken Bacha didn’t consider going into the family business, which included ownership of two local funeral homes in addition to the elected coroner duties. “I am the fourth generation out...
Holiday Family Day planned at Hempfield’s Historic Hanna’s TownVideo
Guests visiting Historic Hanna’s Town in Hempfield this week will be transported back to the late 18th century, where they will learn how people celebrated the holidays. A variety of hands-on activities, crafts and history lessons are planned during the Holiday Family Day, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m....
Greensburg church spreads Christmas joy through meals
Carolyn Noel stood in the lobby of the Pershing Square apartment building in Greensburg, holding three bags of Christmas meals for herself and neighbors, courtesy of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Noel was thankful for the meal delivered by church volunteers Christmas morning for people who could not make...
Holiday delivery: Christmas baby for Unity family
Santa had a little something special on his sleigh when it passed over central Westmoreland County on Christmas morning: a baby girl for the Gorzelsky family of Unity. Iris Ann Gorzelsky, the daughter of Kaitlin and Adam Gorzelsky, came into the world two days earlier than anticipated — at 7:47...
After 27 years, John Peck walks away with long legacy as Westmoreland’s district attorney
John Peck stood before a Westmoreland County jury in early December and for the next 40 minutes argued for a conviction. It marked the last time Peck would do so as the county’s district attorney — a job he’s held since 1994. He leaves at year’s end after failing in...
Switched on Christmas: Collector exhibits vintage holiday lights at Ligonier libraryVideo
Tiny bubbles at the holiday season may bring New Year’s Eve champagne toasts to mind. Don Lachie delights in bubbles of a different type — ones that are enjoyed by viewing instead of imbibing. Christmas tree lights that bubble instead of twinkle came into vogue in the late 1940s and...
Overly’s open at Westmoreland Fairgrounds through Dec. 30
Started by businessman Harry Overly in 1956, Overly’s Country Christmas has been held at Westmoreland Fairgrounds since 1994. The annual holiday light display is closed Christmas Day but is open daily from 5:30-9 p.m. though Dec. 30. Visitors will be able to see a Nativity scene and Santa Claus, eat hot...
Motorcycle crash injures 1, restricts traffic on Route 30 in Hempfield
Eastbound traffic on Route 30 was reduced to one lane for about 45 minutes following a motorcycle crash Friday afternoon in the vicinity of Westmoreland Mall. One of two occupants on the motorcycle reportedly suffered a head injury in the 1:30 p.m wreck, according to a Westmoreland County 911 dispatch...
Probation period for West Point fire station in Hempfield extended
West Point Volunteer Fire Company in Hempfield will remain on probation through the end of January as retention and recruitment issues persist, township supervisors said. West Point has been on probation for almost six months as the company struggles with low response rates and a dwindling number of volunteer firefighters...
Holiday traditions remain strong in Westmoreland County, even if on pause during pandemic
A global pandemic has disrupted the routines of so many people at home, work, school and how they gather for family vacations, reunions and anniversaries. Now, for a second consecutive year, it is impacting how some will celebrate the holidays. “We used to always get together and sing Christmas carols....
School business manager set to move from McKeesport Area to Greensburg Salem
Greensburg Salem School District’s gain in its business office will be a loss for the McKeesport Area School District. The school board has hired McKeesport Area business manager Joan Wehner. The board this week unanimously approved a five-year contract for Wehner, extending through June 30, 2026, with a prorated starting...
10-year-old dons elf suit to spread Christmas cheer at Unity personal care home
A young beacon of the holiday spirit made sure residents at a Unity personal care home felt loved during a special visit Thursday. Dora Runyon, 86, exclaimed when William Gunther, 10, handed her a small elephant stuffed animal, one of 150 he purchased to hand out to those spending Christmas...
Make a New Year’s resolution to help your chubby pet lose weight
The new year is approaching and we’ve had our fill of cookies, egg nog and other high-calorie holiday treats. Our pants might be feeling a little tight. Jan. 1 is usually the day when we start on our New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more and lose a few...
North Huntingdon church helping those in need; covid increased demand for holiday aid
Some pews in the sanctuary at Calvary Church in North Huntingdon were occupied, though not by parishioners this Christmas week. Instead, they were filled with bags of toys, games and dolls, along with clothing and boxes of nonperishable food for a special meal on Christmas Day. “I really love it...
Things to do in Westmoreland County: Dec. 24-26
Christmas Eve services Churches across the area will open their doors for Christmas Eve services Friday. For those without a regular church home, there are plenty of ways to find a service to attend. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, which includes parishes in Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland counties,...
Feast of the Seven Fishes highlights Italian family tradition in Western Pa.
Dinnertime, for an Italian family, is sacred. It’s an opportunity to gather around the table, share a meal, drink some good wine and engage in great conversation. The spread on Christmas Eve represents the heart of this tradition. The Feast of the Seven Fishes — for which seven seafood items...
