Laurels & lances: Making changes

Laurel: To a new shepherd. After 18 years leading the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik announced his retirement this week. In his place, Pope Leo XIV appointed another Allegheny County native to lead the Catholic flock.

The new bishop is Mark A. Eckman, a product of South Hills Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon, Duquesne University and Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe. An auxiliary bishop since 2022, his work in the diocese as a pastor and an administrator was praised by his predecessor.

“Truly an exemplary priest,” Zubik wrote in a letter to clergy and staff.

The appointment will be formalized with an installation Mass in July.

Zubik’s departure is not unexpected. Bishops are intended to retire at 75, according to a 1983 Vatican law, though a pope can allow some leeway. Zubik turned 75 in September.

Eckman’s appointment is a new start for the diocese under the leadership of a newly named pontiff. Pope Leo was just elected three weeks ago.

Lance: To a sad ending. Last week, attorney Robert C. Klingensmith, 61, of Murrysville was charged in Westmoreland County with theft and financial exploitation of an older adult. An arrest warrant was issued. Police actively sought him.

On Saturday, the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office fugitive apprehension unit responded to Klingensmith’s office. A single gunshot was heard. After a standoff, the attorney came out, covered in blood. He was brought down using a Taser and taken to the hospital. Police said he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Wednesday, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Klingensmith’s death.

It’s a tragic conclusion that didn’t have to end this way. Criminal charges are a process, which a lawyer should understand. The outcome is never certain, and, if there are consequences, they should not be so final. While the accusations against Klingensmith were serious, his death did not mitigate them.

Laurel: To a sweet story. Hershey chocolate was not born in Ligonier. You wouldn’t know that if you visit the town right now.

Ligonier is being transformed into a representation of the Central Pennsylvania location for a movie about the king of America’s chocolate industry, Milton Hershey. Vintage signs will direct to the trolley and point toward Caramel Court and Chocolate Avenue. Extras in 1900s attire mingle with camera crews and antique cars.

“Hershey” is just the latest movie to film in the region, but it’s always entertaining to see a familiar locale take a starring role.