Westmoreland category, Page 452
Greensburg bishop to bless ‘Raccoon Whisperer’s’ furry friends
A group of ring-tailed rascals that have enjoyed handouts from a Canadian man will experience a different kind of grace on Monday. Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, is set to make a Facebook appearance, blessing the furry co-stars of James Blackwood’s YouTube show, “Raccoon Whisperer.”...
Hempfield family celebrates Apple Fest with friends
When Pete and Linda Hillis built an apple press at least 25 years ago, it became a drawing point for their family. Now it’s the main attraction at the Hempfield couple’s home every October. “Everybody’s so busy, but they take time to come to the Apple Fest,” said daughter Timi...
Westmoreland Democrats prepare for last stand as Republicans seek full government takeover
It’s a last stand of sorts for Democrats in Westmoreland County. The once-dominant political party in November will try to hold on to its last vestiges of power as Republicans seek to claim every elected office at the courthouse. Four row office seats are up for grabs Nov. 2, including...
Doggone mail stoppage continues in Export
Residents on Tyler Avenue in Export say they understood postal workers’ concerns about a pair of neighborhood dogs that got loose late this summer, but they also say the dogs are gone and they want their mail delivery back. “This is the weirdest situation — no one seems to know...
Seton Hill sisters’ online stories provide window into regional history, Catholic women’s livesVideo
Sister Francis Louise Honeychuck helped her mother clean a casket factory in Scottdale and watched over the two youngest of her five siblings after her father died in the 1918 flu pandemic, just before she turned 4. “I recall picking up oodles of straight pins off the chairs, floor, anywhere,”...
Fayette man accused in utility vehicle theft from Westmoreland event venue
A Fayette County man is behind bars after police said they found him in possession of two stolen utility vehicles that had been repainted in an effort to conceal them, according to court papers. Brandon Allen Earnesty, 30, of Saltlick, is charged with burglary, theft and receiving stolen property filed...
West Newton postal clerk gets special send-off at funeral
This postal route didn’t have a mailbox or package to deliver. Instead, the mail truck, with black bows fluttering from their perches on the side mirrors, turned into the West Newton Cemetery on Saturday, leading a funeral procession of those mourning Edmund Minkus, a longtime employee of the West Newton...
Greensburg officials questioned over sale of parklet
Greensburg officials are facing push back from a former city mayor after they approved the sale of a parklet last year for $16,800 less than what the city paid for it in 1986. Scott Brown, who served as mayor in the 1980s, addressed council members in September, asking them to...
Diving dogs fly into competition at Mt. Pleasant indoor pool
Inside the spacious former L.E. Smith Glass Co. warehouse in Mt. Pleasant, the sound of barking dogs filled the air Friday as a variety of breeds jumped into a 45-foot-long pool of water, trying to catch a 6-inch yellow rubber “stick” that their owners tossed to get them to spring forward...
Hempfield propane terminal to begin testing alarm system next week
Neighbors of Enterprise Terminals & Storage in Hempfield are being advised the company will begin testing a new alarm system at its propane terminal next week. Along Route 136 near the former Shop ’n Save, the terminal’s alarm system will alert employees if there is a fire or gas release...
Out & About: Big Brothers Big Sisters go big for circus-themed gala
When it’s your first major in-person fundraiser after the pandemic intermission, you want to go big — especially if “big” is part of your organization’s name. So that’s what Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region did, presenting a Big Night Out Gala on Friday at Antonelli Event Center...
Reservoir section of Westmoreland Heritage Trail dedicated to longtime MAWC employeeVideo
Before the Westmoreland Heritage Trail even ran through the Beaver Run Reservoir property, Joe Mance was already enjoying the benefits it would one day offer and promoting its future creation. “We walked it numerous times,” said his wife Lynn Mance, a Delmont resident. “He had to ‘show off the water.’”...
West Penn Trail Triathlon returns with combo of paddling, biking, running near Saltsburg
Paddlers, runners and bicyclists are gearing up for the annual Conemaugh Valley Conservancy West Penn Trail Triathlon, set to return on Oct. 9. Now in its eighth year, the event attracted about 170 participants in 2019 and has at least 100 registered for the upcoming edition, including residents from neighboring...
Youngwood man charged a 2nd time with drug delivery resulting in death
A 69-year-old Youngwood man slated to stand trial on charges that he sold fentanyl-laced drugs to a West Virginia woman who died from an overdose was arrested this week after state police accused him of selling drugs that led to the death of a Mt. Pleasant man. Frank E. Bogley...
Apple’n Arts Festival returns to Delmont this weekendVideo
It’s tough to maintain the 114-year-old hydraulic press that squeezes out thousands of gallons of cherished apple cider each year. Add in more than a year of pandemic-related closures, including the cancellation of last year’s Apple’n Arts Festival in Delmont, and the problems compound. “The press hadn’t been in use...
GO Laurel Highlands fall micro-pour tour highlights seasonal beverages
In addition to fall foliage, now there’s another reason to plan a trip through the Laurel Highlands — and it’s aimed at fans of craft beverages like pumpkin beer, hard cider and spiced spirits. GO Laurel Highlands announced its new “Boos and Brews,” a seasonal micro-tour of participating locations on...
Westmoreland commissioners urged to spend ARP funds, public hearings set for Oct. 28
Westmoreland County commissioners will hold two public hearings in late October to receive input about how to spend $105 million in federal cash earmarked for covid-relief programs. The sessions will be held Oct. 28 at Science Hall on the Westmoreland County Community College campus near Youngwood, with one scheduled in...
Man arrested after high-speed pursuit from Cheswick to Hempfield
A homeless man accused of stealing a car in Hempfield led police on a 40-mile chase at speeds of more than 100 mph Wednesday before he abandoned the vehicle and was arrested near the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s New Stanton interchange, officers said. Thomas W. Lee, 38, whose last known address is...
Westmoreland commissioners oust airport authority board members over restaurant lease
Two members of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority board of directors, including the former right-hand man to Arnold Palmer, were replaced Thursday for supporting an extension of a restaurant lease at the Unity airport. Westmoreland Commissioners Doug Chew and Gina Cerilli Thrasher voted to install new members to the authority...
Troopers charge Hempfield man with possession of child pornography
A Hempfield man is in the county jail after his arrest Wednesday on charges of possessing 712 images of child pornography, according to state police. Scott J. Lynch, 59, of Clippinger Way was arrested after a six-month undercover investigation by the state police specialized computer crime unit. Officers allege Lynch...
Rob Ritson stepping down as Hempfield supervisor
Hempfield Supervisor Rob Ritson submitted a letter of resignation this week after serving four years on the board, township officials confirmed. According to George Reese, board chairman, Ritson submitted the letter following Monday’s meeting, citing increased demands from his job as chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward,...
Pitt-Greensburg 2020 grads to return for belated in-person commencement
Members of the Pitt-Greensburg Class of 2020 had a virtual graduation ceremony last year because of pandemic restrictions. Some of them will be taking advantage of an opportunity to return to the Hempfield campus for an in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday , in conjunction with the annual Homecoming Blue and...
PennDOT eyes construction on 1st section of Laurel Valley project, displays plans for another
PennDOT is preparing to begin work on the southern section of the Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project, between Mt. Pleasant and Norvelt. Meanwhile, the public will have a chance to view and comment on plans for the next section of the project — extending from Norvelt north to a point...
Excela Health limiting visitors at its 3 emergency departments
Excela Health is asking visitors to the emergency departments at its three hospitals to stay in their vehicles until their loved one is discharged. Visitors to the emergency departments will be limited effective immediately. Hospital systems around the country have made similar restrictions in recent weeks and months. Exceptions will...
Westmoreland polling place changes for Nov. 2 election
Westmoreland County officials announced Wednesday that polling places in three precincts will be moved for the upcoming Nov. 2 election. North Huntingdon’s 1-1 precinct will be moved from the Westmoreland City Volunteer Fire Department to the Westmoreland City Primitive Methodist Church at 1246 5th St. Officials said the church will...
