Westmoreland courthouse reopens after bomb threat

A bomb threat closed the Westmoreland County courthouse for nearly three hours Monday, the first day for new administration in the commissioner’s office and sheriff’s department.

The Greensburg courthouse was evacuated after a threat was received shortly after 9 a.m., Sheriff Jim Albert said. Explosive-sniffing dogs from police agencies in Westmoreland, Washington and Allegheny counties swept the building, which was cleared just before noon.

The threat was made via a phone call to Westmoreland 911, said Bud Mertz, public safety director. A male caller used a phone that was not traceable, Mertz said. County detectives are investigating.

A number of employees were fired at the sheriff’s department and other row offices Monday morning. It was Albert’s first day in his post, having won the November election over Jonathan Held.

A reorganization meeting for the new board of commissioners was rescheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Newcomers Doug Chew and Sean Kertes, both Republicans, were elected in November to join Democrat Gina Cerilli on the board. Former commissioner Ted Kopas lost re-election, and Charles Anderson retired.

There was a full slate of hearings scheduled in criminal court and a sheriff’s sale was rescheduled to the afternoon.

Employees were directed to various spots around Greensburg during the evacuation.