Westmoreland category, Page 281
Mothers embrace as Export man pleads guilty to Vandergrift woman’s murder
Two mothers embraced as they shared a moment of grief and understanding Monday morning in a Westmoreland County courtroom. Lisa Rodgers offered an apology for her son, who had just pleaded guilty for his role in the violent murder of Beverly Richason’s daughter nearly six years ago. “I know you...
Unity man who fired fatal shots into house pleads guilty
A Unity man who killed a Derry Township woman in her bed when he fired four shots into her home will serve up to 42 years in prison. Nathan J. Quidetto, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to a lesser charge of third-degree murder in connection with the July 20, 2020, shooting...
No damage to building after heat lamp damaged plastic at Baggaley elementary
There was no damage to Baggaley Elementary School Monday night after a heat lamp melted a piece of plastic in a classroom, according to Superintendent Michael Porembka. Firefighters vented smoke from the area after being called to the Unity building on Route 982 around 8:30 p.m. “Our fourth grade students...
Police seek Carmichaels man for robbery in Latrobe
Police are looking for a man who is accused of robbing and attacking a woman in an elevator last week in Latrobe. Heath Allen Rankin, 41, of Carmichaels, was identified by police based on security footage in which a man grabbed a woman’s neck in an elevator at an apartment...
Police: Hempfield man beat woman, stole her car after she refused to take him to work
A woman was hospitalized Friday after state police said a Hempfield man beat her, according to court papers. Troopers said the woman had three broken teeth and severe injuries to her mouth and face. Richard J. Lantzy, 22, was being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Prison in connection...
Strands of community: Fiber arts fans find friendship, fulfillment in crafting
When Toni Ritchey-Ridella first attended a large Pittsburgh-area fiber arts show in 2008, she found herself awestruck. “I walked in for the first time, and my mouth was open, I thought, where do you start?” she said. “There are so many different yarns, so many different bases. Everything mostly is...
Police accuse Greensburg woman of bruising 9-month-old
A Greensburg woman spent the weekend in jail on police accusations that she caused several bruises found on a 9-month-old boy. City police said the child had a few bruises on his forehead upon examination at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Anastasia Grigoryeva, 21, was arraigned Friday on charges of...
Greensburg Salem consultant tackles truancy; survey notes concern for bullying, substance abuse
Greensburg Salem School District is using a consultant to curb high school truancy. School officials also release results of a survey of families that revealed mixed feelings from parents about the district. Statistics indicate just under 76% of students at the high school had regular attendance during the 2021-22 school...
Peoples pays city $351K to repave Greensburg streets after gas line work
Greensburg’s public works department will take charge of repaving portions of 15 streets this spring and summer after Peoples completes work on its natural gas utility lines. Peoples is paying the city $351,782 for the paving work under an agreement approved this month. “It lets us pave the streets instead...
Outreach into community an important mission for churches, Presbyterian pastor says
A small Rostraver church just outside North Belle Vernon celebrated its connection to the community Sunday — “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Church” — and its mission to increasingly become part of its neighborhood. “The neighborhood is a wonderful community on the edge of three communities in three different...
Man wanted in Ohio faces drug, gun charges after traffic stop in Irwin
A traffic stop in Irwin last week resulted in state police finding multiple firearms, drugs and a man who was wanted in Ohio, according to troopers. Justin D. Grandison, 32, of White Oak was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison without bail. Police said they conducted a traffic stop...
Murrysville Medic One officials hope for strong response to subscription drive
Murrysville Medic One staff members responded to more than 15,000 calls in 2022, an average of more than 40 a day. To continue that level of service, they are hoping for a good response to their annual fundraising drive. “Many residents believe in a mistaken way that they may never...
Registration open for annual Race for Grace cancer fundraiser
The organizers of a 5K race and walk in memory of a North Huntingdon youngster who lost her life to brain cancer 15 years ago hope this year’s event April 22 will raise $165,000 to support research and families facing cancer. The Race for Grace, held at Norwin High School...
Westmoreland prison warden to get raise; 5 seasonal officers approved for park police force
The Westmoreland County salary board approved a $5,000 raise for Bryan Kline, warden at the county prison, because he recently earned a doctorate degree. He will now make $99,000. Kline said his degree is from St. Leo University in Florida in criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security. The...
Westmoreland prepares to welcome Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel Scott had said that she would die young. In 1999, 18-year-old Scott became the first fatality of the Columbine High School attack. With her death came the exposure of her writing, efforts to connect with those around her and a chain of events she started through her kindness. Rachel’s...
North Huntingdon property owner frustrated by stalled zoning change effort
Two couples who dreamed of building their houses on a 95-acre former North Huntingdon strip mine site they bought for $230,000 will have to wait several more months before they learn if they can live on the land. North Huntingdon commissioners recently tabled a request from Brett and Alyssa Arnold...
Excela CEO, Ohio entrepreneur join honored Greensburg Salem alumni; late coach gets new award
A hospital executive and an entrepreneur with an engineering background this year will join distinguished alumni honored at Greensburg Salem School District. John Sphon of Greensburg, a member of the graduating class of 1975, and Bill Lendl, a 1980 graduate who lives in West Chester, Ohio, will be recognized on...
Behind the art: Unusual mural spotlights perspectives on reality
What’s upside down is actually right side up in a curious multi-paneled mural on display at The Fred Rogers Center in Unity. Artist Roman Verostko’s pen and ink drawings from the early 1970s were repurposed on 11 panels that line the wall next to a staircase at the Saint Vincent...
Greensburg veteran of D-Day, Battle of the Bulge enjoyed creating art, model train layouts
Editor’s Note: This is part of a series about Westmoreland County residents who have been honored as Hometown Heroes. The program honors local military and non-military heroes by displaying photos on decorative banners in area communities. Elmer Klingler Greensburg Elmer Klingler didn’t talk much about his service in the Army...
West Newton man gets 7 years of probation for attempted sexual assault of a young girl
A West Newton man was sentenced to seven years of probation Thursday for trying to sexually assault a girl who was visiting an apartment complex where he lives after exposing himself. Eric Espinosa, 23, pleaded guilty to corruption of minors, unlawful contact and attempted indecent assault. He was ordered to...
Seven Springs ‘pond skim’ draws crowd
The annual “spring pond skim” at Seven Springs Mountain Resort near Champion drew a crowd of skiers and snowboarders Saturday who dared to go downhill and then jump — or try to jump — over a small pond at the bottom of the slope. With temperatures below freezing, those who...
Backyard workshop slated at Mammoth Park
Troublesome pests, pollinator-friendly plantings and low-maintenance gardening are among topics that will be explored during a free Sustainable Backyard Workshop April 22 at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township. Organized by the Lauglintown-based staff of Forbes State Forest, the event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Pavilions...
Delmont moves ahead to develop ‘jake brake’ ordinance; police say they can’t enforce it
Delmont officials will move ahead in developing a “jake-brake” ordinance, despite acknowledging that their police department will not be able to enforce it. Borough officials asked the state transportation department to study a stretch of Route 66 in order to post signs prohibiting the use of engine brake retarders, or...
Penn Township discusses adding beer garden to Fall Festival
Visitors to the Penn Township Fall Festival may have the chance to quench their thirst with an alcoholic beverage at this year’s event, if a proposal before the Penn Township board of commissioners is approved. At a meeting Wednesday, commissioners discussed the possibility of adding a fire department benefit beer...
Penn Township couple readies to open ice cream shop in Murrysville
A Penn Township couple is opening a franchise of a popular Pittsburgh-based ice cream maker. Brian and Lori McBarron will operate the 10th location of Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream at the Blue Spruce Shoppes in Murrysville. “It’s close to home,” said Lori McBarron of Harrison City. “With the traffic that...
