Westmoreland category, Page 5
‘His stories live on through us now’ as Battle of the Bulge soldier dies
Joseph Folino was the last of a generation. Folino of Jeannette died Thursday at 103. He is believed to be among the last surviving veterans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the last German offensive during World War II. “He came from our greatest generation, and we should...
Greensburg Restaurant Week offers great values, unique menus
If your New Year’s resolution was to try different foods or to patronize local businesses, the upcoming Greensburg Restaurant Week has you covered. More than a dozen local eateries will be dishing up special menus at discounted prices Sunday to Jan. 24 throughout the Greensburg area. The event was organized...
Westmoreland happenings: Pizza fundraiser, blood drives, senior citizen news, more
Fundraiser A pizza fundraiser to benefit Parker’s Fly High Foundation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Rocco’s Pizza, 112 S. Third St., Youngwood. A percentage of each purchase will be donated to the foundation that honors the late Parker O’Shell. Dine in, takeout or...
Fire leaves Hempfield house with significant damage
A man was taken to a hospital Friday afternoon suffering from smoke inhalation caused by a fire in his house along Mt. Pleasant Road in Hempfield, a township fire official said. Hempfield Deputy Fire Chief Ben Rudd said he did not know the identity of the affllicted man, who was...
Frankie’s Friends in New Kensington helps rescue 40 cats from hoarding situation
Frankie’s Friends nonprofit veterinary clinic in New Kensington is seeking help from the public after saving a hoard of 40 cats from a Westmoreland rescue shelter. Officials declined to name the rescue organization because no charges have been filed against it. The investigation continues. “The cats are sick, skinny —...
Norwin library to create children’s story walk at Irwin Park
Children visiting Irwin Park this year may have the opportunity to read a book while walking along a path, engaging in activities that coincide with the book’s theme. The Norwin Public Library received approval from Irwin Borough Council this week to create a story walk. The experience will feature 15...
District attorney rules police shooting of Derry Township man as justified
The use of deadly force by police in fatally shooting a Derry Township man in November was ruled justified by Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli. State and Latrobe police faced an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death when they responded to a domestic disturbance and were met...
Video cameras to record unique presentation on history of the U.S. at Palace Theatre
The story of the birth of the United States will collide with Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra musicians in a unique performance that will include video cameras stationed around Greensburg’s Palace Theatre. Saturday will be a night of firsts: the first time “The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America” will have...
‘Everybody’s equal when they enter the show’: Greensburg Art Center holds annual member exhibit
Greeted by vibrant colors and soothing scenes, attendees of the Greensburg Art Center’s latest exhibit are sure to be put at ease, said Secretary Janice Decker. The art center, located at 230 Todd School Road in Hempfield, is holding its annual member show, which features 56 pieces — including paintings,...
Pitt, IUP launch initiatives to transform campus culture through dialogue
For the most part, students weren’t afraid to have difficult conversations on controversial topics when Gwen Torges started teaching at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1997. That’s no longer the case. “There has always been, and will always be, people who say ‘that’s not me,’ but there were always...
Man who brought carfentanil to Latrobe receives 4-8 years in prison
A man accused of bringing drugs into Westmoreland County by train last year was sentenced Thursday to four to eight years in a state prison. Brenden Fuentes, 23, who has had addresses in Latrobe and Philadelphia, pleaded guilty Thursday to possession with intent to deliver, drug possession and possession of...
Path that started at Norwin carries Indiana offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan to brink of national title
A former high school lacrosse coach turned millionaire playcaller for the No. 1 college football team in the country is a win away from a national championship. If Norwin alum Mike Shanahan tells you he is living the dream, he means it. The second-year offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach...
‘Sole venture’: Latrobe family takes reins of longtime Mancuso’s Shoe Repair shop
The whirr of sewing machines and light mist of the steam cleaner filled Ron Mancuso’s nearly 50-year-old shoe repair shop Thursday morning as he continued his family’s decades-old tradition: passing along the tricks of the trade. Earlier this month, Latrobe resident Christine Marquis took the reins of Mancuso’s Shoe Repair,...
Here are things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Jan. 16-19
With many observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, the upcoming long weekend offers an ideal opportunity to explore the diverse events happening throughout Westmoreland County. From orchestral history to community celebrations and outdoor adventures, here are the highlights for the days ahead. ‘The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony’...
Irwin bridge closed after hole opens in deck of structure
Irwin closed the Colony Drive Bridge off Route 30 on Wednesday following the discovery of a foot-wide hole in the deck. The closure has prompted a full evaluation of the structure to determine its integrity. Dan Schmitt, an engineer with Gibson-Thomas Engineering of Latrobe, could not provide council members with...
Judge sets bail for Murrysville man accused of burglary, indecent assault
A Westmoreland County judge on Wednesday set $5,000 bail for a man accused of breaking into a Murrysville home and groping a female resident. Gregory P. Schneider, 47, had been held at the Westmoreland County Prison without bail since his arrest Sept. 2 on two felony counts of burglary and...
Westmoreland makes 12 temporary layoffs permanent as part of restructuring
A dozen Westmoreland County employees who have been furloughed saw their positions abolished Thursday, resulting in permanent layoffs. Seven of the positions were in the human services department, which director Rob Hamilton called a restructuring. The move will free up a chunk of money at a time when, he said,...
Mt. Pleasant man receives mandatory sentence in sexual abuse of child
A Mt. Pleasant man was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison Thursday in connection with repeated sexual abuse of a teen. Joshua Jacob Tamblyn, 41, was convicted in July of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of a child less than 16, four counts of indecent assault and one...
Spirit to resume Arnold Palmer Regional flights to Myrtle Beach
If the bitter cold weather on Thursday got you down, maybe thinking about a beach vacation in April might lift your spirits. Spirit Airlines said Thursday it is resuming its seasonal, five flights weekly nonstop service from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe to Myrtle Beach, S.C., beginning April 15....
Delmont the latest town to consider switching animal control provider
Delmont officials will consider changing their animal control provider next month. Councilman Chris Bigley invited representatives of Indiana County no-kill shelter Whiskey Acres Rescue and Sanctuary to council’s meeting Wednesday night to give a presentation on their services. Latrobe and Leechburg in recent weeks have opted to change from Salem-based...
Penn Township to gather public input on latest rezoning proposal
Penn Township will host a meeting next month to gather feedback on a series of proposed zoning changes. The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 9 in the cafeteria of Penn-Trafford High School, 3381 Route 130, Penn Township. The rezoning plan is intended to diversify the township’s...
Environmental group protects 2,400 acres on Chestnut Ridge
A conservation organization has protected more than 2,400 acres of undeveloped forest land on Chestnut Ridge in eastern Westmoreland County. The land contains the headwaters for several wild trout streams. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy said agreements reached on land donations and a conservation easement on property owned by several families...
Officials worry for future as passenger levels at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport hit new lows
Air traffic through Arnold Palmer Regional Airport last year fell to its lowest level since 2011 even as local leaders brace for more decline while questions linger about the future of the facility’s lone commercial carrier. According to figures released this week, just 119,379 passengers went through the gates in...
Westmoreland happenings: MLK Jr. Day event, omelet breakfast, bird dog challenge, more
Art The Westmoreland Historical Society welcomes artists to participate in “Many Stories, One Place,” a commemoration of the county’s heritage. Original artwork inspired by the county’s history in all mediums is welcome. Entry is free. Selected works will be featured as part of the America 250 programming and cash prizes...
Sheetz in North Huntingdon sells $1.4 million winning lottery ticket
Someone who purchased a Match 6 Lotto game $2 ticket Wednesday at a Sheetz convenience store in North Huntingdon is a lot richer. The Pennsylvania Lottery said that a $1.42 million jackpot-winning Match 6 Lotto ticket was sold at the store at the intersection of Route 30 and Carpenter Lane....
