Judge denies motion to dismiss charges in 16-year-old Samantha Lang murder case
A Westmoreland County judge has cleared the way for a 16-year-old cold case murder trial to proceed, rejecting a Derry Township man’s argument that the charges were filed too late. In a ruling issued this week, Common Pleas Court Judge Tim Krieger denied a motion to dismiss homicide and burglary...
4 Yough students mourned at candlelight vigil
It was practically every day after school that neighbor Felicity Martini was knocking on Laura Fronczak’s Yukon door, asking if her daughters could come out to play when they were younger. Fronczak and daughter Brianna Brown, 14, remembered Martini, one of four teens killed in a fiery car crash last...
Greensburg officials pitch $70M plan to convert First Commonwealth Bank building into apartments
A century-old downtown Greensburg landmark could become a $70 million residential hub under a new proposal unveiled Friday. The project would transform the First Commonwealth Bank building into 111 apartments aimed at empty nesters, students and young families. City officials say the proposed redevelopment of the seven-story building on Main...
Jeannette property owner fined for violation of zoning rules
Jeannette officials had success Friday in their first attempt to seek civil penalties against property owners who they say are violating zoning rules by operating a salvage yard in their backyard. District Judge Rebecca C. Tyburski ordered Conway and Jennifer Heminger to pay a $10,000 fine to Jeannette during a...
Here’s where to satisfy your Lenten fish cravings in Western Pennsylvania
All menus are subject to change and availability. Events begin either Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday or Friday, Feb. 20. To have your nonprofit’s fish fry added to this listing send complete information as soon as possible to vndnews@triblive.com. Allegheny County Collier Township Rennerdale Volunteer Fire Department, 30 Suburban Ave., Carnegie,...
Nude woman arrested after assaulting customers in White Oak Giant Eagle, police say
A North Huntingdon woman faces multiple charges after she removed all of her clothes and was fighting inside a White Oak Giant Eagle, police said. On Thursday, White Oak police officers responded to a call from a Giant Eagle on Lincoln Way for a report of a disturbance in the...
Youth football teams leave former organization to form Western Pa. Football League
When rumors began swirling about hundreds of thousands of dollars missing from the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League account in 2025, parents and team representatives began to worry about what might happen to the league’s upcoming season. A police investigation resulted in the league’s former director being charged in January...
Guilty plea set for mother, daughter charged in Greensburg Beverage estate theftVideo
Lawyers for a Jeannette woman and her daughter, accused of stealing a $4 million estate from the former head of Greensburg Beverage, told a Westmoreland County judge Thursday the pair plans to liquidate assets to facilitate a plea deal. Lisa Anne Valesky, 52, of Jeannette, and Angela Lynne Valesky, 28,...
Westmoreland happenings: Holy Week services, blood drive, bus trip, more
Church News • Community Church of Hecla, 537 Hecla Road, Mt. Pleasant Township, will have a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. April 2. The Easter Vigil service will be at 5 p.m. April 4,
and Easter Sunday service will be at 10:30 a.m. April 5. • Living Word Congregational...
Youngwood war hero to be among 7 inducted into Hall of Valor at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall
Like so many World War II veterans, Martin D. Marvich Jr. was not one to talk about his exploits in combat, or what he did to earn the Silver Star for gallantry during the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal. “He never, ever spoke about any of the combat aspects of the...
Hempfield OKs zoning change for former fire department properties
Despite concerns from residents, Hempfield supervisors this week approved an adjustment to zoning rules that will allow for reuse of its fire station buildings. Barbara Vinkler, who lives across Edna Road from Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department, said she’s concerned about what the move could do to her property value and...
Feds accuse 3 of crime spree involving kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, gun and drug charges
Two men and a woman from Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and West Mifflin have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and breaking federal gun and postal laws, among others. The 14-count indictment names as defendants Armoni Burton, 25, of Greensburg; Ausaun Porter, 22,...
Community gathers to mourn teens killed in Sewickley Township crashVideo
Kylee Korber always had a smile on her face, according to classmate Malayna Keefer. “She was super-funny, and she was just a really happy person,” said Keefer, 17. “She liked hunting, and I always saw her with her cowgirl boots on.” Keefer was among more than 60 people who filled...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: March 27-29
Whether you love great music, seasonal activities with the kids, stretching your legs or just enjoying a nice cocktail over the weekend, Westmoreland’s got something for you. Here’s some events to check out: Art in Bloom Free Day Spring is gearing up, and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is...
Westmoreland museum presents annual Art in Bloom
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art exhibit Art in Bloom began Wednesday and will run through Sunday, and it includes a score of local floral designers creating displays inspired by art throughout the museum. On Sunday, admission to the exhibit will be free to the public for the last day...
Westmoreland commissioners reject requests for ballot drop boxes
Despite a full-court press from more than a dozen residents at Thursday’s public meeting, Westmoreland County’s Republican commissioners said they will not reinstate the use of drop boxes for upcoming elections. “I do appreciate the intense lobbying but my position has not changed,” said Commissioner Doug Chew. Chew and Commissioner...
Westmoreland commissioner warns sheriff’s deal with ICE could lead to ‘hellish territory’
Westmoreland County commissioners and Sheriff James Albert could be headed for a showdown over potential dealings with federal immigration officials. Albert on Thursday insisted he will deploy his deputies to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and provide crowd control during operations in Westmoreland County, despite claims from commissioners...
Funeral arrangements set for Yough High School students killed in crash
Felicity Martini was quite the prankster, one of her siblings remembered Wednesday. One time years ago, when older brother Lewie Martini was showing her some martial arts moves, she sneaked a ketchup packet up her sleeve and pretended to be hurt during the roughhousing, he remembered. The ruse was busted...
Westmoreland County LGBTQ+ proclamation request rejected again by commissioners
Westmoreland County commissioners are expected to approve seven proclamations at this week’s public meeting — including honors for an Olympic medalist and a retiring airport executive — while continuing to face criticism for their refusal to formally recognize the LGBTQ+ community. Ash Franzetti of Greensburg said she cannot understand why...
Hempfield seeks more information on potential easements related to Northmont flood control project
Hempfield supervisors for the second consecutive month opted to not take any action on a request from Greensburg to use eminent domain on two township properties for a planned flood control project. Supervisor Doug Weimer said after the meeting he wanted updated information about easement agreements and offers Greensburg has...
Hempfield updates zoning confining data centers to industrial zones
Hempfield hasn’t received any proposals for a data center, but the township is ready if it does. Supervisors this week approved updated zoning to permit data centers only in industrial zones, said planning manager Matthew Pernelli. “There are multiple concerns with data centers, but like with anything, there’s pros and...
Sprinkler leak closes 8 classrooms at Greater Latrobe Junior High
Some classrooms at the Greater Latrobe School District will be closed Thursday after a sprinkler system malfunctioned. All students should still report to school, Superintendent Kim Rieffannacht said in a letter to families. The problem affects the junior high building. Students and teachers from eight impacted classrooms will learn in...
Former Derry woman sentenced for sex with teen
A former Derry Borough woman was sentenced Tuesday to serve at least a year in prison for having sexual relations with a teenage boy. Kristen Locher, 34, now of Cambria County, pleaded guilty last summer to felony counts of statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and a weapons offense. Prosecutors...
Nonprofit will host annual inclusive open-mic night at Franklin Regional in Murrysville
Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that provides music-related programming and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum, will host its third annual open mic night at Franklin Regional Senior High School on April 1. It will take place at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at the high school, 3200 School...
Westmoreland happenings: Easter party, rummage sale, jazz festival, more
Easter Cook Township Community Center will host a free Easter party with an egg hunt and magic show at noon March 28 at the center, 1698 Route 711. All ages welcome. Bring a basket or bag. Rain or shine. There will be photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Fundraisers •...
