Westmoreland category, Page 357
Projects in Irwin, Manor, Derry Township aim to reduce stormwater runoff
The former asphalt-covered parking lot at the Manor municipal complex on Main Street, which houses borough offices and the public library, is becoming an environmentally friendly site. The new lot is designed to let stormwater soak into the ground rather than have it flow unchecked into storm sewers that empty...
Man convicted in I-70 crash that injured Good Samaritans on Belle Vernon-Speers Bridge
A Washington County man was convicted Friday of aggravated assault by vehicle and related charges in connection with a crash on the Belle Vernon-Speers Bridge that seriously injured two good Samaritans. Brian D. Keegan, 20, of California will face sentencing in about 30 days after Judge Christopher Feliciani found him...
Jeannette’s curfew ordinance update put on hold as officials fine-tune it
Jeannette officials are reworking a proposed update of a curfew ordinance to take into consideration a reduction of fine amounts, among other issues, according to solicitor Tim Witt. The proposal was rejected this week with Councilwomen Robin Mozley and Michelle Langdon and Councilman Chad Krawtz casting the dissenting votes. “It’s...
Greensburg man will spend life behind bars for child rape
A Greensburg man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a judge last week levied 22 consecutive sentences in connection with the rape of a 5-year-old child and recording videos of a woman engaged in sex acts with the boy. Charles Jason Hunter, 36, was sentenced to...
Latrobe police seek suspect in assault investigation
Latrobe police are asking the public’s help with an ongoing investigation into the assault of a woman near St. Clair Street Park Thursday. Police said the assault occurred 11:30 a.m. Chief John Sleasman said the woman required medical treatment at a Pittsburgh hospital. Her injuries are non-life threatening, police said....
Bonuses OK’d to help fill vacant Westmoreland Children’s Bureau caseworker posts
Worker recruitment has become a challenge for employers in many fields, and the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau is no exception. The county Salary Board has responded to that challenge by approving signing, recruitment and retention bonuses for union workers at the bureau, including caseworkers. There are 13 vacant caseworker positions...
Operation Dignity: More than 250 attend service in Hempfield for unclaimed cremains of 15 veterans
When U.S. Army veteran Randy Baker heard about Friday’s memorial service honoring the unclaimed cremains of 15 veterans stored at the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office — some for as long as 29 years — he felt compelled to be there. “I wanted to pay my respects. I don’t know what...
Armstrong County woman accused of stealing Trafford family’s dog
An Armstrong County woman is accused of stealing a Trafford family’s dog. Molly Bureau, of Cadogan, is charged with two counts of theft in a criminal complaint filed by Trafford police. Eva Hodgdon told police that Bureau never returned her 1-year-old black German shepherd — named Nani Nyx — after...
Greensburg Sunoco sells $1 million scratch-off
A Greensburg Sunoco store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling a $1 million scratch-off Pennsylvania Lottery ticket. The $1 million Cash Corner$ scratch-off was sold at the station on 311 W. Otterman St., according to the lottery. Store owner Sunny Patel said the winner has not come forward. He...
Penn State Extension will host master-gardener open house in Hempfield
On the “Pittsburgh Gardeners, Homesteaders and Farmers” Facebook page, people are regularly soliciting advice for issues ranging from blossom end rot on their tomatoes, to moles and voles digging holes in their strawberry patches. Natalie Sciulli, 24, of Plum, is thinking about planting garlic next fall. “I grow tomatoes, peppers,...
Victim of fatal fire at Mt. Pleasant Township mobile home has been identifiedVideo
A 66-year-old Mt. Pleasant Township woman died early Friday morning when her mobile home was destroyed by fire, according to the the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office. The victim, Victoria L. Garsteck, of 216 Thomas St., in the village of Calumet, was pronounced dead at the scene, the coroner’s office said....
Out & About: Excela Health Hospice celebrates ‘Christmas in July’
A festive holiday season was in the air with more than 200 people gathering for the Excela Health Hospice “Christmas in July” on Thursday7 evening at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree. Amid snowmen and brightly decorated trees, guests partook of hors d’oeuvres looking more like a Christmas feast than light...
Beer at St. Bart’s annual festival made with grain from the farmer next door
When folks grab a glass of beer this weekend at the Saint Bartholomew’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival, they’ll be able to shake hands with the farmers who grew the grains used to create it. “It doesn’t get more local than this,” said Alquin Heinnickel, who joined with Vince...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: July 15-17
Reelin’ in the years Brooklyn Charmers, a Chicago-based Steely Dan tribute band, will take the stage at 8 p.m. today in The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin. The group’s website says it “injects a new energy into the beloved catalogue; bridging the gap between new and lifelong fans alike,”...
2nd annual Damian Bearley car show will remember Franklin Regional grad
On Saturday, auto enthusiasts will gather starting about 5:30 p.m. at the new Busy Beaver near Delmont for the second annual car show to remember late Franklin Regional graduate Damian Bearley. Bearley was 18 when he died in an early morning crash July 10, 2021, after his car hit a...
Near drought conditions cause watering woes and halt some plantings
Backyard gardeners and nursery workers are watering like crazy, an area nursery halted tree installations and crop experts are on alert — all because of this summer’s unusually hot, dry weather. “We’re praying for rain,” said Justin Brackenrich, a Penn State Extension agronomist based in Butler County. He reports some...
Pitt students will pay more in tuition, housing, dining in coming year
University of Pittsburgh students can expect their tuition, housing and dining bills to go up next semester. On Thursday, the Pitt Board of Trustees budget and executive committees unanimously approved the university’s $2.7 billion operating budget and $667 million capital budget for the 2022-23 academic year. Highlights include:a 3.5% tuition...
Live! Casino Pittsburgh unveils new $2.5 million venue
Although The Venue Live! was just unveiled at Live! Casino Pittsburgh Thursday morning, it has already hosted its first event. Sean Sullivan, general manager of the casino, said the Hempfield venue was used for a diversity coalition dinner, and parties already are booking the space. “Last night, I came in...
Shooting victim’s father attends East Huntingdon woman’s sentencing: ‘There will never be a true normal’
Some days, Robert Pristas chooses to believe his son Andrew is on vacation or busy with his two brothers. It helps him escape the reality that Andrew Pristas, 33, of Greensburg was fatally shot Sept. 20, 2020 by his ex-girlfriend at her East Huntingdon home. “There will never be a...
‘Blight monster’ brewery site in West Jeannette to be torn down
The former Fort Pitt Brewery in West Jeannette is slated to be acquired by the Westmoreland County Land Bank at a judicial sale next month. Brian Lawrence, director of the land bank and county Redevelopment Authority, said the buildings will be demolished, calling it a “unique opportunity” with American Rescue...
Jeannette eyes 6 properties for demolition
Six properties in Jeannette are slated for demolition as the city continues its fight against blight. Council unanimously accepted the lowest bid Thursday for the project from Lutterman Excavating of Greensburg for $62,000. Chief fiscal officer Ethan Keedy said the money will come from the city’s 2019 and 2020 Community...
Mental health care a priority for Westmoreland County’s new human services director
Westmoreland County commissioners on Thursday hired a human services director, taking the first step in a effort to better coordinate local human services programs. To fill the post that has been vacant since 2018, the commissioners selected Robert Hamilton, a former Lower Burrell councilman and most recently executive director of...
UPMC opens specialty care center in MurrysvilleVideo
UPMC patients in western Westmoreland County now will have specialists closer to home, following the opening of a specialty center Wednesday afternoon on Old William Penn Highway in Murrysville. “I live two streets down, so it’s nice to know we’ll have these services so close,” said Dan DeBone, CEO of...
Woman sentenced to probation in Irwin stabbing
An Irwin woman was ordered Thursday to spend two years on probation in connection with a stabbing earlier this year. Lori Jo Olsen, 53, pleaded guilty to a count of simple assault. An attempted homicide charge previously was withdrawn. She completed a drug and alcohol evaluation and is continuing mental...
Plane goes off runway at Rostraver Airport
Firefighters and a hazardous materials team were called to Rostraver Airport Thursday for a report of a plane that went off the end of the runway, according to a county 911 dispatcher. The call for assistance went out about 3:50 p.m. Westmoreland County Airport Authority Executive Director Gabe Monzo said...
