Westmoreland category, Page 75
Chief: North Huntingdon fire department working to improve insurance ratings, community confidence
After being slapped with the worst possible fire insurance score in July, the Strawpump fire department in North Huntingdon has added members and continues to respond to calls as it works to regain an acceptable rating, the department’s new chief said. Township commissioners in November approved a plan from the...
Safer schools: Pa. program has intercepted over 120 weapons in schools before they could be used
Thirty-five weapons were intercepted before they could be used to commit acts of violence in Pennsylvania schools last school year, as officials credited the anonymous safety reporting system Safe2Say Something for preventing catastrophes. Since the program’s inception six years ago, at least 123 weapons — including guns and knives —...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: March 7-9
Ready to spring forward? Even if this weekend is an hour shorter than last weekend, you can still have just as much fun with these events. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Fall down the rabbit hole and join Keystone Contemporary Ballet on the adventure of a lifetime with “Alice in Wonderland” this...
Greensburg teen’s Eagle Scout project revitalizes gazebo at Unity’s St. Xavier preserve
A gazebo at the St. Xavier Nature Preserve in Unity no longer has a roof covered in moss and filled with gaping holes. That’s thanks to the work of Greensburg teen Ty Schlesman, who gathered materials and recruited helpers to renovate the structure as his Eagle Scout project. The gazebo...
Western Pa. wood carver recalls special gifts he made for President Carter and first lady Rosalyn
It’s not every day that a person gets to give a work of art to a former U.S. president and first lady who also were fellow trout anglers, but that is what happened to a member of the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited. With the death of 100-year-old former...
Jury finds Greensburg man guilty of child rape
A Westmoreland County jury on Thursday convicted a Greensburg man of the sexual assault of a young child. James A. Swanson, 48, was found guilty of two felony offenses, rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, in connection with allegations of improper conduct with a 3-year-old boy in 2019 and 2020....
Longtime Westmoreland transit board chairman Frank Tosto Jr. passed over for reappointment
Republican Westmoreland County commissioners on Thursday replaced longtime Westmoreland County Transit Authority board member Frank Tosto Jr., saying it was time for change on the board that oversees public transportation. “Nobody is to be on a board forever. Yes, he has knowledge and experience, but the board, as a recommendation,...
Ross tabbed as new Westmoreland County Election Bureau director
The Westmoreland County commissioners on Thursday tabbed the county’s head of information technology to serve as the new election bureau director. Scott Ross of Youngwood was formally appointed to run the courthouse office that oversees elections as part of a newly created position that combines election functions with the job...
Forum will include updates on control of Hempfield fire stations
A forum for firefighters Saturday will provide updates on the progress of fire stations in Hempfield coming under the township’s control, as well as what officials see as successes over the past year as they prepare for the future. The forum is planned for 9 a.m. at the Hempfield municipal...
Impaired driving campaign begins in advance of St. Patrick’s Day
With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, authorities are reminding drivers to not get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. They also are reminding motorists to be aware of how prescription medication, which includes medical marijuana, can interact with alcohol. “More than half of our DUI arrests now are...
Man struck in January by truck plowing snow in Hempfield dies
A man who was hit by a pickup truck that was clearing snow in Hempfield died Sunday in a Pittsburgh hospital. Paul Tucci, 73, of Southwest Greensburg, died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and torso, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner. State police said...
‘Fireside Chats’ lecture series returns to Compass Inn Museum
A new season for the Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Compass Inn Museum kicks off with the “Fireside Chats” lecture series at the historic inn and tavern located on Route 30 in Laughlintown. “I am excited to be a part of the ‘Fireside Chats’ lecture series this year,” says Kacey...
Murrysville mobile home park residents left without consistent water since January
Betty Pusateri has taken just one shower in her home since Jan. 20. Melanie Leggens has been able to take three. “My sister lives in Delmont, but I’m not driving out there every day to take a shower,” Leggens said. “I have a bucket of water and a bar of...
Greensburg area Catholics observe Ash Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral
Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that marks the start of the six weeks of penitence before Easter, known as Lent. For many Christians, its start is noted by receiving cross-shaped ashes on their forehead. That was the case Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in...
Prosecutors refute defense claims, say there’s no doubt Unity woman was murdered
Westmoreland County prosecutors on Wednesday issued a stern rebuke of claims made by the lawyer of a Unity man charged with killing his former girlfriend. Prosecutors said the lawyer for Thomas Stanko in court documents filed last month falsely claimed it was accepted as fact that no evidence supports claims...
Porch pirate steals packages in Greensburg, Fox Chapel, Plum; Indiana County man charged
An Indiana County man is accused by state police of taking packages delivered to porches in Greensburg, Fox Chapel and Plum and then putting the stolen goods up for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Troopers said they found numerous stolen packages at John D. Manning’s home in Armstrong Township, just outside...
Scottdale man charged in death of passenger in 2021 crash
A Scottdale man was arrested Wednesday on state police accusations that he was driving a pickup truck that crashed, causing the death of his passenger. Earl Brooks Gilbert IV, 38, is charged with homicide by vehicle, reckless endangerment and related offenses in connection with the 2021 death of Brandalyn Pomaibo,...
Westmoreland happenings: Basket fundraiser, Cubcake Wars, turkey dinner, more
Church news • Zion Lutheran Church, Greensburg, will host Lenten worship services and luncheons Thursdays during Lent through Maundy Thursday at the church, 140 S. Pennsylvania Ave. The service will be at 12:05 p.m. and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. No lunch reservations required. Lunch cost: $5. •...
Ash Wednesday: Tradition meets convenience when it comes to buying ashes
Online shopping has become a way of life — even for the Catholic Church. In preparation for Ash Wednesday, a rising number of religious leaders are forgoing the tradition of burning palms and instead buying ashes on the web. “Actually, the manufactured ones stick better and are darker,” said Joan...
Greensburg man on trial for rape of young child
Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of a Greensburg man accused of raping a 3-year-old child in 2019. James Swanson, 48, is charged with three felony counts of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse in connection with allegations that he had repeated sexual contact...
Suicide, accidental deaths in Westmoreland dropped in 2024, coroner says
Westmoreland community relations and prevention Director Tim Phillips knows the county is doing something right in its efforts to reduce accidental drug overdose deaths. There was a nearly 15% decrease in those deaths in 2024, according to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office annual report released Tuesday — which also noted...
Lenten season fish fries scheduled in Westmoreland
The following Friday fish fries are scheduled through the lenten season: • St. Pius X Parish, 222 Summit St., Mt. Pleasant, from 4 to 7 p.m.. Dine in or takeout, cash only. Menu: $15 dinner includes baked or fried fish served with macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, breadstick, dessert...
Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg seek applications for Hometown Hero banner installation
The Greensburg Community Development Corporation is accepting applications for its annual Hometown Hero banner installation. Launched in 2020, the installation honors Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg residents who have left a positive impact on the community — including military veterans, first responders and local officials. The municipalities added 43 new banners...
Tennessee man pleads guilty to indecent assault of 3 North Huntingdon children
A Tennessee man will serve 10 years on probation for the indecent assault of three young children more than four years ago in North Huntingdon. Joseph Aaron Smith, 40, pleaded guilty Monday to three misdemeanor counts of indecent assault based on allegations that he had improper sexual contact with the...
Derry farmer joins board of directors at food-centered nonprofit
Derry Township farmer Rick Ebert has joined the board of directors at Food21, a Pittsburgh-area nonprofit that works to create sustainable jobs, economic opportunity and access to nutrition by converting undervalued community assets into food-centered ventures. The group has partnered with the Larimer Consensus Group to renovate the gymnasium of...
