Megan Tomasic stories, Page 66

A 96-year-old man has been identified as the victim of a February house fire near Champion. Clare Geary of Champion died Feb. 10 of thermal and inhalation injuries after being flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital, the Allegheny County coroner said. According to a news release, the fire broke out in...

Here is a list of the 2019 graduates from Southmoreland High School: Quay Alan Akins Dalton Cole Anderson Garrett Russell Ansell Nicholas Arrotti Hanna Grace Artice Jacob William Askey Joel Edward Askey Richard Dylan Babick Anthony Gauge Baird Destanie Elizabeth Ballew Arizona Destiny Baranski Justin David Basinger Ryan Leigh Beistel...

Here is a list of the 2019 graduates from Hempfield Area High School: Lauren Nicole Ackinclose Caitlyn Marie Akarman Jasmine Al Rasheed Logan Michael Ali Jacob Davis Allison Megan Day Ambrose Megan Amber Ammons Sierra Love Ammons Jacob Tyler Ansell Robert Charles Ansell Jr. Joseph Patrick Antonucci Nicholas Michael Antonucci...

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has honored Indiana County-based S&T Bank and Achieva, a Southwestern Pennsylvania organization, with its United in Service Volunteer award. The award is given to an individual or group who shows “excellence in volunteerism within its local community,” according to a news release. “S&T Bank is...

A vehicle fire along Interstate 70 shut down eastbound lanes in a portion of the interstate Wednesday evening, PennDOT officials said. All eastbound lanes between the Belle Vernon/Monessen exit and the Donora/Fayette City were closed around 10 p.m., officials said. State police confirmed the road was reopened around 11:15 p.m....

The Westmoreland Cultural Trust appointed a new chief executive officer Tuesday after a three-month search. April Kopas, 50, of Hempfield Township, was hired after the board voted unanimously during their June 4 meeting. “I’m more than thrilled,” Kopas told the Tribune-Review. “It’s a wonderful countywide organization that’s going to lead...

It’s a … kitten? Wayward Whiskers, a Greensburg animal rescue, is hosting a fundraiser based around popular baby shower games and activities as a way to accept donations and introduce foster kittens to the public. “This time of year is often very challenging, known as ‘kitten season,’ due to the...

Several area swimming spots failed water-quality tests because of strands of E. coli, according to a Melcroft environmental organization. The Mountain Watershed Association, which tests popular swimming spots in the region, found 11 out of 14 tested locations failed the test. Swimming, wading and paddling should be avoided to reduce...

Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania is building their outdoor programs thanks to a $845,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Girl Scout officials plan to use the money for research and training, hoping to encourage girls to get outdoors and experience new things, spokesperson Stefanie Marshall said. Troops in...

The proposed mini-casino in Hempfield is expected to bring millions of dollars to the community, piggybacking off similar projects across the state. While a timeline has not been set for construction of the casino in the former Bon-Ton store at Westmoreland Mall, and a final meeting with the Pennsylvania Gaming...

His name might not be up in lights, but Jacián Marquez is well on his way. The 17-year-old Hempfield Area High School student is just getting familiar with Greensburg’s music scene. He recently released his first extended play — a choice he hopes is a stepping stone into a music...

As Westmoreland County municipalities continue the battle against declining populations, a single locale basks in the riches of growth. Since 2010, Manor has grown by almost 120 residents — to a population of nearly 3,360, according to 2018 estimates released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 75%...

Wondering how to keep your kids safe on the Internet during summer vacation? Safewise, a home security and safety advising company, has released a guide to help parents identify threats and ways to protect kids from online predators. Major threats include cyberbullying, online predators and exposure to inappropriate content ranging...

James Barchesky, also known as Big Jim, was very proud of the corner lot where his dealership, Superior Motors of Latrobe, sits. And he made it known, taking rides by it on Sunday drives so he knew what was going on. “That was his corner,” said grandson Tomas Barchesky, who...

Hempfield Township will soon be in the spotlight as part of “Manhunt: Lone Wolf,” the second season of an American true-crime miniseries. Filming for the Discovery Channel show, which will focus on Richard Jewell, a security guard who was accused of a bombing at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, will...

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has vowed to veto any anti-choice bill that crosses his desk as a wave of new laws limiting abortions floods the country, but his pledge is not stopping state Republicans from working to pass stricter laws. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill this month...

Hempfield officials are taking initial steps toward implementing a single reporting number for 12 fire stations — a move that could help improve results in an upcoming review. Supervisors this week voted unanimously to move forward with an application that would make the stations fall under one department in the...

Hempfield and Sewickley townships are receiving funds as part of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Automated Red Light Enforcement funding, money that will go toward 50 safety projects across the state. The $15.4 million project impacts 38 municipalities across the state, aimed at improving safety at intersections by upgrading traffic signals and...

Ready to retire? Westmoreland County is a good place to do it, according to SmartAsset, a company that provides online advice on personal finances. According to the company, Westmoreland County ranks among the top 10 Pennsylvania places to retire based on Social Security income, cost of living and taxes. SmartAsset...

Greensburg-area kids have the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a firefighter while getting a glimpse into different areas of the first responder profession. The Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department will partner with the Greensburg Police Department and Mutual Aid Ambulance to hold the second annual Chief John Edward...

Regional grocery chains Giant Eagle and Shop ’n Save are starting to get their feet wet in the anti-plastic bag movement — an initiative Kroger recently took by storm after vowing to eliminate the single-use plastic from their stores by 2025. Each year, more than 380 billion plastic bags and...

On the night James Hook and his soon-to-be wife, Sarah, started dating, they didn’t know it would lead to 80 years of him walking her home. “He asked if he could walk her home, and he asked if he could take her hand, and he’s been walking her home ever...

Under the fluorescent lights of the Monessen Fire Department Social Hall, Jason Zubovic’s bright orange shawl and high, curly wig rivet the eye. Add to that a floor-length gown, oversized jewelry and full makeup, and the 6-foot-4-inch tall man in heels, going by the name Miss Thea Trix, is a...

Hempfield Area School District officials are using a pilot program to help keep coaches and athletic trainers up to date on athlete information. FamilyID, an online registration tool, is being used for all middle and high school athletes as a place for parents to submit athletic physicals. Board members will...

Two Hempfield schools were on lockdown at the request of state police Friday morning, according to the district’s website. Officers were looking for Mark Eugene Ray, 59, of Hempfield, who fled from police who tried to arrest him around 10:30 a.m. on ethnic intimidation and related charges, Penn Township Police...