Westmoreland category, Page 19
Lawnmower explosion suspect used fishing line to rig bomb, police sayVideo
It took more than two hours of interrogation before James M. Sever began to share information about the explosion of a riding lawnmower at a Salem property from which he had been evicted, Trooper Jacob Feryus testified Monday. “He had said that he had rigged up the bomb with fishing...
Pittsburgh forecast: Sunshine Monday, rain and frost ahead
If you’re planning to get outside this week, Monday might be the best day to do it. Pittsburgh is in for a taste of summer sunshine even as rain and cooler temperatures loom in the forecast the next few days. Temperatures are expected to reach into the mid-80s Monday —...
Indiana County woman charged in fatal stabbing
An Indiana County woman who state police said is responsible for a fatal stabbing was charged Sunday with criminal homicide and aggravated assault. Jessica Lynn Morelli, 36, of Burrell Township is accused of stabbing a 66-year-old man, who Morelli lived with, multiple times Sunday, according to state police. Troopers and...
Mt. Pleasant Township home damaged in vehicle collision
A vehicle crashed into a Mt. Pleasant Township home Sunday evening, piercing a gaping hole next to the home’s front door, according to the Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department was dispatched to a home in the 2400 block of School Street around 7:20 p.m. The driver, who...
Monessen to celebrate local graduates with 3rd annual ‘Wall of Fame’ induction
Being inducted into the local hall of fame is not new for Monessen native Charel Allen. She was inducted into the Mid Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, after a career that saw her playing professional basketball with the WNBA and multiple teams overseas. “My mom signed me...
Otter, eagle sightings along Loyalhanna bode well for healthy creek habitat
Hempfield photographer Kyle Rose enjoyed a double dose of excitement on the Fourth of July. On a trip to the Ligonier area with his family to see a later fireworks display, he came upon another amazing sight: an otter swimming in nearby Loyalhanna Creek. “It was awesome,” said Rose, who...
At ceremony for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, grieving families find hope in ‘The White Pumpkin’
White pumpkins were everywhere Sunday at Independence Health System’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month ceremony. The pale gourd serves as a symbol for babies who die during infancy or pregnancy, inspired by “The White Pumpkin,” a poem written by a mother who suffered such a loss. Children whose brothers...
Flash tattoos becoming Western Pa.’s new social bonding experience
Planning a day out with friends? You could catch a movie, get some lunch or head to a game of mini golf. But a new option is becoming increasingly popular, according to Diane McQuade, part-owner of Pittsburgh Tattoo Co.: getting flash tattoos together. “It seems like more of a bonding...
Detours prompted by I-70 ramp patching in Hempfield, weight limit in Allegheny Township
Westbound motorists on Interstate 70 will encounter a lane restriction and a ramp closure and detour beginning Monday in Hempfield. Meanwhile, vehicles that exceed a new weight limit on a bridge in Allegheny Township also are being directed to follow a detour, according to PennDOT. Westbound I-70 drivers will not...
Westmoreland happenings: Doggy Halloween celebrations, grief workshop for children, genealogy programs, more
Art • Latrobe Art Center will host the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society’s Aqueous Open International Exhibition through Oct. 31 at the center, 819 Ligonier St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Free admission. Details: 724-537-7011 or latrobeartcenter.org. Church news • Greensburg Church of the...
Jeannette junior will debut, direct original composition at community band concert
When Joanne Bortz gets home, there’s no telling what instrument her son Logan might be playing. “There’s at least 20 different instruments in our house,” she said. “When he’s not with one of several bands he plays in, there’s just constantly music in the house.” Logan, 16, is a junior...
Baby Apple Cheeks competition steals the show at bustling festival
The amphitheater stage at a Salem farm felt familiar to Courtney Juliano on Saturday as the Murrysville native paraded her infant son in front of three judges at the Apple ’n Arts Festival. Cameron, just 6 months old, didn’t seem upset to go home without a prize in the annual...
Western Pa. hunters face new rules as state tries to manage chronic wasting disease in deer
Chronic wasting disease used to be something that was far away for most Western Pennsylvania deer hunters, centered in the south-central region of the state. No longer. In 2024, parts of southern Armstrong County and eastern Westmoreland County became part of a management area after wild deer in each area...
Ghost hunters investigate paranormal tales at house on Pitt-Greensburg campus
Joyce Eger, assistant director of admissions at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, had a spooky experience involving a light with an apparent mind of its own at the Hempfield campus building where she works. “I reached in and totally overshot the light switch, wasn’t anywhere near it, and the...
Missing Scottdale woman, alleged kidnapper found in Kentucky
A Westmoreland County woman is returning home after she and her husband were found in Kentucky, Scottdale police announced Saturday. Lydia Prince, 48, who was reported missing Thursday, was found after authorities took Shawn Michael Prince into custody early Saturday, police said. He is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Authorities had...
South Huntingdon man arraigned on indecent assault charges
A South Huntingdon man was jailed Friday on $250,000 bail on state police accusations that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl. Thomas Howard Sherbondy, 45, was arraigned Friday on charges including rape of a child, indecent assault and corruption of minors. Troopers said in court papers that the accusations were...
Spirit Airlines to cut nearly 100 aircraft from its fleet, CFO says
NEW YORK — Spirit Airlines plans to shrink its fleet by nearly 100 aircraft and exit different U.S. markets as part of a sweeping restructuring under Chapter 11, CFO Scott Cramer said on Friday during a virtual meeting with creditors. The low-cost carrier, which he said currently operates 214 aircraft,...
Norwin student to run long distance trail race alongside uncle, grandfather
There aren’t many middle school students who can say they’ve completed a marathon. But by the end of this weekend, that is precisely what Norwin eighth grader Isabella Verdin hopes to accomplish. Verdin, 13, of Irwin will toe the start line of a six-hour trail race in Lykens, Dauphin County,...
Latrobe woman, 2 dogs staying with family after fire ravaged her home
A woman and her two German Shepherds are staying with relatives after a fire nearly destroyed her Latrobe home Thursday evening. Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 7 p.m. at 315 Chambers St. Fire Chief John Brasile said initial investigation indicates it started from a grill on a porch...
Late Trafford Elementary teacher prioritized connection with students
Shannon Dornauer recalls how Trafford Elementary School teacher Mike Martinelli knew how to make all of his students feel welcome in his classroom. “I just remember him being very friendly and outgoing. He always made everybody feel very included and comfortable,” said Dornauer, 37, of Latrobe. “Back in elementary school,...
Scottdale man sought in alleged kidnapping
Police are looking for a Scottdale man who they said kidnapped a woman and kept her in a wooded area for about two days, according to court papers. An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for Shawn Prince, 29. He is charged with kidnapping, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment. Borough...
Unity fire departments to host safety event at plaza
Visitors to the Latrobe 30 Shoppes plaza in Unity will have an opportunity Saturday to learn about fire prevention while meeting local first responders and checking out their emergency vehicles. The Unity Township Bureau of Fire is hosting a Safety Saturday event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the...
Norwin Art League exhibits 100 pieces of artwork
The Norwin Art League has more than 100 pieces of artwork on display at its its 49th Annual Art Exhibition from noon to 5 p.m. Fridayat the social hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin, 617 Main St., Irwin. The art exhibit features oils, watercolor, acrylic, drawings, mixed media,...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Oct. 3-5
There might not be Steelers football this weekend, but there will still be plenty of chances to shop, listen, eat, play and enjoy the nice weather. Here are a few things to try out on your free days. Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival Fall into this autumn tradition with a...
Murrysville family hard at work on ‘Igor’s Fright Shack’
Last year, the Moore family of Murrysville revived “Igor’s Fright Shack,” the homemade haunted house that family patriarch Michael Moore created in his younger years. “My garage still bears the scars from when he started it,” said Moore’s father, Charles. “As a matter of fact, when they decided to start...
