Westmoreland category, Page 741
Defense witness says Jeannette murder victim likely didn’t die from blood loss
A forensic pathologist testifying for the defense told jurors Wednesday there was not enough blood at a Jeannette murder scene for the victim to have died there from blood loss. “I don’t think, looking at those scene photographs, that there was nearly enough blood” to cause the death of Khalil...
Latrobe seeks new city manager, public works head as Michael Gray resigns
Latrobe is seeking applicants for two positions — city manager and public works director — as the man who holds both titles has tendered his resignation. Michael Gray said he submitted his resignation Monday for personal reasons. City council is expected to act on the resignation Tuesday , with Gray’s...
3 Westmoreland precincts get new polling places
Some voters in Hempfield, Monessen and Lower Burrell will travel to different polling places on Election Day, according to the Westmoreland Election Bureau. Three polling sites have been moved, according to the bureau:Hempfield Township Middletown precinct will now vote at Harold Zion Lutheran Church, 671 Baltzer Meyer Pike. The previous...
Westmoreland municipal authority approves $1 million worth of water line projects
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County on Wednesday approved nearly $1 million worth of projects to install, relocate or replace water lines in several communities. The board voted to move forward with a project to relocate the water lines near the Yukon Interstate 70 interchange in Sewickley and South Huntingdon...
Police serving warrant in Ligonier discover suspected methamphetamine
What started out as a routine bench warrant arrest this week turned into a drug bust. Police serving an arrest warrant on a Ligonier Township man Tuesday for failing to appear for hearings on charges of retail theft allegedly discovered an unspecified amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a stolen...
Greensburg seeks holiday parade participants
It’s time to prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. Greensburg is looking for bands and organizations to participate in the city’s 28th annual Holiday Parade, which will take place Nov. 23. Recreation program Manager Lydia Kinkaid said the city hopes to see plenty of participants sign up...
Greater Latrobe eyes $1M gym roof replacement
Greater Latrobe School Board on Tuesday will consider spending a little more than $1 million to replace the roof on the senior high school’s upper gym wing. The board also is expected to vote on replacement of the sound system in the school’s gym and swimming pool and on expansion...
Hempfield micro-hospital slated to open next monthVideo
Almost two years and $30 million since breaking ground, a new Allegheny Health Network hospital is set to open its doors in Hempfield. Known as a micro-hospital, AHN Hempfield Neighborhood Hospital will start admitting patients in November, said Dan Laurent, vice president of internal and external communications at Allegheny Health...
Rostraver woman, 86, identified as victim in Route 51 accident
A Rostraver woman was killed Wednesday when her car collided with a tri-axle truck on Route 51 in the township. Police identified the victim as Anna Mae Selembo, 86. Authorities said her 2004 Toyota Camry was struck by a tri-axle truck at the highway’s intersection with Gallitin Road about 10:45...
Census hosting 3 informational meetings for interested applicants
The Census Bureau is hiring, and those interested in applying can ask questions and learn about open positions during three informational meetings this month. At the meetings, being held in Derry and Latrobe, potential applicants can learn what the once-a-decade survey is and why it’s important and receive help filling...
Penn Township man accused of stalking ex-girlfriend after breakup
A Penn Township man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly telephoning and sending his ex-girlfriend dozens of unwanted text messages, stalking her and damaging her new boyfriend’s truck. Joshuwa Petrill, 38, was arrested by North Huntingdon Police on charges of retaliation against a witness, stalking and three counts of harassment related...
Greensburg Garden and Civic Center to celebrate 50th anniversary
A 50th anniversary open house is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. Hosted by the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, which manages and operates the facility, the event will offer visitors a chance to explore the center at 951 Old Salem Road, including its penthouse...
9 things no one will tell you about being a volunteer firefighter
It’s safe to say that no one plans on forgetting about dinner on the stovetop or crashing his car on the highway. On our very worst days, it’s a relief to know that firefighters have been trained to help. Firemen have been helping Americans since 1678, but most people don’t...
Unity Printing president earns honor from Westmoreland Chamber of CommerceVideo
Lisa Frederick would often fall asleep to the drum of used printing presses vibrating in the garage under her childhood bedroom. The presses were purchased by her father, James “Jay” Ernette, in 1979 when he started Unity Printing as a hobby. At the time, the garage was lined with shelves,...
Traffic-light control box damaged in Murrysville crash
Murrysville police are continuing to advise residents and motorists to avoid the intersection of Route 22 and Berlin Farm Road after a crash on Tuesday damaged a control box containing the operating equipment and power source for the intersection’s traffic light. “It is a very extensive repair,” department officials responded...
Fort Ligonier Days marks 60 years, bigger and better than ever
It’s hard to improve on a popular community event that draws more than 100,000 visitors to the region for three days every fall — but Jack McDowell, festival chairman of the 60th annual Fort Ligonier Days, says this year’s celebration Oct. 11-13 will be bigger and better than ever. “We’ve...
Greater Latrobe faces 2.7-mill tax-hike cap for 2020-21
Greater Latrobe School Board in December is expected to decide whether it intends to keep any potential tax increase for the 2020-21 school year within a 2.71-mill cap set by the state. District Business Administrator Dan Watson told the board Tuesday that Greater Latrobe will be limited to a 3.3%...
Florists plan to ‘Petal It Forward’ to spread positivityVideo
Generally speaking, the floral industry is invested in making people happy. On Oct. 23, a handful of flower shops in western Pennsylvania will open with the goal of making as many people happy as possible, helping the Society of American Florists to promote “Petal It Forward.” “We’ll give out two...
Another big turnout for Fire Prevention Day at Westmoreland Mall
More than 100 pieces of fire apparatus were available to the public during Tuesday’s 24th annual Fire Prevention Day. Hosted at Westmoreland Mall, families were able to see engine pumpers, ladder trucks, utility vehicles, command posts, rescue vehicles and 911 displays. Firefighters gave lessons about fire safety and live demonstrations....
Appeal denied for Latrobe man convicted for 2016 murder
A Westmoreland County judge on Tuesday rejected the appeal of a Latrobe man serving a 20-year prison sentence for the murder of a friend during a botched robbery. Common Pleas Court Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio in a 39-page opinion found there was sufficient evidence to support the third-degree murder conviction against...
North Huntingdon man acquitted of strangulation charge
A North Huntingdon man was found not guilty Tuesday of charges he tried to strangle his 13-year-old daughter during a confrontation last year at his former home in Latrobe. After two hours of deliberations, a Westmoreland County jury found Samuel Farrier, 46, guilty of one lesser, misdemeanor count of simple...
Jeannette murder victim had more than 100 wounds, pathologist says
Khalil Parker sustained more than 100 different injuries that caused him to bleed to death, a Westmoreland County jury was told Tuesday. Forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht testified in the fourth day of the first-degree murder trial of Crystal Belle, 39, that Parker, found dead June 11, 2016, in Belle’s...
Murrysville woman accused of making false abuse report to 911
A Murrysville woman who called 911 last month alleging her boyfriend was assaulting her was cited for making false reports. Tracey L. Meszaros, 53, was charged this week with two counts of making false reports and a single count of criminal mischief after the 3:45 a.m. Sept. 25 incident in...
Reduced police shifts approved to cut costs at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
Westmoreland County Park Police will roughly cut in half the hours they spend at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in a move that is expected to increase efficiency and save money. The police have officers assigned to the Unity airport for two 8-hour shifts per day, providing an extra layer of...
Greensburg to vote on fees for vacant property registry
Owners of vacant properties in Greensburg could be on the hook for up to $1,000 this year, with fees rising every year their buildings remain empty. According to an ordinance passed by council in August, owners will need to pay an annual fee to register their vacant properties with the...
