Westmoreland category, Page 4
Norwin student recovers from serious injuries to win martial arts crown
River Pendergrass could be considered the Norwin area’s comeback kid. Less than two years after suffering severe injuries when he was hit by a vehicle, Pendergrass has become a national martial arts champion. Pendergrass was an 11-year-old sixth grader when he was hit by an SUV on Nov. 10, 2023,...
Greensburg man sentenced to jail for child porn possession
A Greensburg man was ordered to serve time in jail for possessing child pornography. Trent E. Sullivan, 26, formerly of Salem, pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts in March after police found multiple images of child pornography on his home computer and cell phone in March 2021. According to court...
Former Ligonier Valley police chief John Berger faces drug, theft charges after grand jury probe
Former Ligonier Valley police Chief John Berger is accused of using his position to acquire prescription pills from an alleged dealer and pocket narcotics from the department’s drug take-back box while on duty. Berger, 53, of Ligonier Borough, and a second defendant, Michael D. Hootman, 42, of Ligonier Township, turned...
Borings at Donohoe Road intersection to restrict traffic in Hempfield
Single-lane restrictions will be in place beginning Monday on Donohoe Road and Georges Station Road in Hempfield, as preparatory work begins for PennDOT’s plan to reconstruct those roads’ four-way-stop intersection as a roundabout. The restrictions are expected to continue throughout December, with flaggers controlling traffic. Traffic will be affected on...
Westmoreland happenings: Breakfast with Santa, live Nativity, art exhibit, more
Art • You Are Here in Jeannette is hosting an exhibit of expressionist paintings by local artist Tony Naponic at the gallery, 406 Clay Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Other hours available by appointment. Details: yah504clay.org. Christmas • St....
North Huntingdon police Chief Rizzo to retire in January
North Huntingdon’s police chief will be retiring in January. Robert A. Rizzo II, who has served as the township’s police chief since September 2018, will be leaving the force on Jan. 2, said Harry Faulk, township manager. “Chief Rizzo is the gold standard for chiefs in Westmoreland County. He is...
Jeannette City School District paves way for $2M in upgrades at McKee Elementary
Jeannette City School District directors this week approved a $2.04 million agreement for the first two phases of renovations at McKee Elementary School. The first phase of improvements is set to start in June at the building that houses students in kindergarten through sixth grade, said Superintendent Matt Jones. Directors...
Greensburg begins public survey to improve downtown safety, walkability and business mix
If you live, work or shop in downtown Greensburg, Nancy Ligus wants to hear about your experience in the city. The Greensburg Community Development Corp., led by Ligus, is seeking survey responses regarding the public perception of the city — specifically its downtown district. It’s part of a program the...
Even in digital era, in-person shopping is still a part of the holiday experience
In an era when people can buy gifts with the click of a mouse or push of a button, in-person retail shopping is still an important part of the American holiday shopping experience. A study from JLL, a real estate services company, found that only 16.3% of consumers plan to...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Dec. 5-7
There’s no getting around it, this has been a cold week. You may be tempted to stay inside away from the wind all weekend. But you could warm up with some of these events instead. Irwin Cookie Tour Delicious cookies are a hallmark of the holiday season, and Irwin is...
Seton Hill’s $30 million indoor athletic facility moves forward with bond approval
Seton Hill University on Thursday completed the first step in its plan for financing a new indoor athletic facility as the Latrobe Industrial Development Authority approved a bond issue of up to $37.5 million for the project. On Monday, the bond financing will come before Latrobe City Council for approval,...
Ex-NBA player shares story of drug addiction, recovery to Westmoreland County high school students
As a McDonald’s All-American basketball player, Chris Herren remembers blowing off assemblies in high school about drug and alcohol abuse, thinking that negative impact would never happen to him. But years down the line, Herren’s professional basketball career — which included stints with the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics —...
The Palace Theatre to welcome The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
Take a spin back in time with this Friday night’s show at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters and The Platters will perform for a night full of classic tunes and amazing vocals. The three groups boast dozens of hits between them, and all three have...
Treatment of Jewish inmate improving at Westmoreland jail, attorney claims
A Mt. Pleasant man awaiting trial for allegedly trying to kill his mother has recently been granted access to some kosher foods necessary for his religious beliefs while jailed in Westmoreland County, his lawyer said Thursday. Attorney Amy Levenson Jones said Westmoreland County prison officials have improved conditions for her...
Acquisition, not merger: WVU Health System moves to take control of Independence Health’s workers, debt
WVU Health System will acquire the facilities, employees — and debt load — from Independence Health when the two entities are officially joined in the second half of next year, according to hospital officials. It also will gain access to what Independence Health has touted as more than 750,000 people...
French countryside inspired latest mural installation in downtown Latrobe
An echo of the French countryside soon will greet visitors to downtown Latrobe, with the debut of a new mural on the historic Danceland building. The enlarged image of “Le Lutin pres du Loing,” a 1940 work by French painter Pierre Eugène Montézin, is set to be unveiled about 6:50...
Grapeville Volunteer Fire Department to dissolve charter
Hempfield’s oldest fire department will formally dissolve its charter in about two weeks, handing over its finances to be managed by the township. Supervisors in March approved Grapeville Volunteer Fire Department’s declaration of intent to dissolve its charter. The 107-year-old station’s finances will be paid and managed by the township...
Westmoreland happenings: Cookie sale, breakfast with Santa, holiday bingo, more
Christmas events • The annual Trafford Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 6. A craft show will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the American Legion, 216 Cavitt Ave.; food vendors will be available from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Cavitt Avenue and in the Manchester Room lot, and...
Export proposes ’26 budget with no property tax hike
Export officials expect to pass a $1.1 million 2026 budget that keeps the tax rate at 14 mills. Council plans a special meeting Dec. 16 for budget approval. “We have about $230,000 that we’re carrying over from this year, and we allotted a little more money for paving and street...
Norwin Holiday House Tour slated
Seven houses in North Huntingdon and Irwin decorated for the holidays will be on display at the Norwin Historical Society’s annual Holiday House Tour from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at Norwin Public Library at 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin; the Norwin Chamber of Commerce office at...
Greensburg bloodhound team mourns loss of 12-year veteran, Lucy
A solemn procession of law enforcement officers, first responders and public safety officials on Wednesday marked the final journey of Lucy, a beloved veteran bloodhound with the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Bloodhound Team. Having dedicated more than a decade to searches for missing persons and fleeing suspects, Lucy retired from...
South Huntingdon couple charged with child endangerment after North Huntingdon drug stop
Two South Huntingdon residents were behind bars Wednesday after police said they took two children to a drug transaction in North Huntingdon, according to court papers. Gregory Carvallis Jr., 34, and Chelsey Palko, 35, were arrested Tuesday evening after a North Huntingdon officer reported seeing a Ford Bronco tailgating another...
Penn-Trafford area: Live Nativities, decorating contest, light recycling, more
Live Nativities planned Level Green Presbyterian Church and St. Barbara Parish in Penn Township will host live outdoor Nativity events on Dec. 19 and Dec. 13, respectively. The Mon Yough Chorale community choir will kick off the Level Green Presbyterian event with a performance inside the church at 6 p.m....
Seton Hill unveils plans for indoor athletic center on Greensburg campus
Seton Hill University is looking to develop a new indoor athletic facility on its Greensburg campus and is planning to partner with the Latrobe Industrial Development Authority to help finance the project. The authority has scheduled a special meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday at Latrobe City Hall to review the project...
New Kensington man held on charges in 2 fentanyl deaths
Four men who were incarcerated at the time of a drug overdose death at the Westmoreland County Prison had varying degrees of memories from that time in September 2023. Two of the men testified Tuesday they were treated for drug overdoses before learning Terry L. Brumley Jr., 33, was found...
