Norwin area: Chocolate tour in Irwin; North Huntingdon hires public works director

Chocolate tour planned in Irwin

An afternoon and evening of chocolate tasting and music is planned in downtown Irwin from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 10.

Several participating businesses will have complimentary chocolate treats and special offerings. A chocolate fountain will be featured at the Gift Basket World and Candy at 419 Main St., where Willy Wonka will make a visit.

McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate on Fourth Street will host a Make Your Own Candy Bar activity for $10 at Feathers Gift Shop at Feathers Artist & Gifts at 102 Fourth St.

Customers making a purchase at any participating business can receive an entry form for a chance to win a chocolate basket from Gift Basket World and Candy, featuring gourmet chocolates from Sarris Candy and McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate.

The Lamp Theatre at 222 Main St., will have a free screening of the classic movie, “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theatre and several businesses in downtown Irwin.

For more information, contact The Lamp Theatre at 724-367-4000 or go to the theatre.

North Huntingdon hires public works director

North Huntingdon has a new public works director.

The township commissioners on Dec. 18 appointed John Hochlinski as the director of public works, effective last month.

Hochlinski will receive $85,000 for 2025 and his assistant, Tab Fyock, will be paid $82,644.

Hochlinski succeeds Rich Albert, who resigned in November after serving in the public works department for 30 years.

The commissioners also hired Ryan Krause as a police officer, contingent upon successfully completing the physical, psychological and drug screening tests.

North Huntingdon sets salaries for 2025

North Huntingdon approved raises for township administrators for 2025.

Police Chief Robert Rizzo will be the highest paid salaried employee at $146,601, an increase from $139,620 in 2024.

Township manager Harry R. Faulk will be paid $127,500, an increase from $113,785 in 2024.

Ryan Fonzi, assistant manager, $102,000. Kody Grabiak, engineer technician, will receive $78,950.

Lydia Kinkaid, parks and recreation coordinator, will receive $63,240. Kinkaid was hired in August, to replace Daniel Miller, who retired from the position.