Westmoreland category, Page 626
Franklin Regional campus sees 2nd waterline rupture in 6 months
Franklin Regional facilities manager Jim Heck will seek school board approval later this month to replace a fire hydrant near the district’s high school after a six-inch waterline on the campus recently ruptured, the second line to do so in the past six months. “One was the main waterline to...
Westmoreland sheriff uses antibody tests to screen deputies for coronavirusVideo
Westmoreland County deputy sheriffs won’t have week-long waits to determine if they’ve been infected with the coronavirus. Sheriff James Albert said Tuesday his office secured up to 50 rapid antibody tests that his staff will use as a diagnostic tool to determine the likelihood of exposure to the virus. “As...
Victim in New Kensington witness intimidation trial says she fears for her life
A New Kensington woman testified Tuesday she fears for her safety after her cooperation with investigators was publicly disclosed during the prosecution of a man sentenced to death for the murder of a police officer. Tasha Williams, 39, told a Westmoreland County jury her life may still be in jeopardy...
Greensburg plans 5 Star Trail renovations
Greensburg is planning a $389,000 project to improve the Five Star Trail, making the popular running and biking destination more accessible to city residents. “We’re basically trying to improve the connections between the neighborhoods that are adjacent to the Five Star Trail,” said Jeff Richards, Westmoreland County parks planning coordinator...
Teen pens musical adaptation for Diamond Theatre of Ligonier
While some teens have been busy during the pandemic shutdown recording TikTok videos, a 15-year-old from Laughlintown has gone a big step further. Lanigan McCulty created “Greece Lightning the Musical,” which will be staged this weekend at the Diamond Theatre of Ligonier. Granted, he might have an advantage over the...
New slides at Mammoth Park temporarily shut down amid claims of injuriesVideo
Jamie Crise was happy to hear Tuesday that Westmoreland County officials temporarily shut down new slides at Mammoth Park after her 10-year-old daughter was hurt there last month. The girl ended up with a brush burn on her shoulder and bruises, leaving the Mt. Pleasant Township mother with concerns about...
Westmoreland County has smallest increase in new covid-19 cases since June
Westmoreland County had less than 10 new covid-19 cases Tuesday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This is the first time since June 30 that the county had a single-digit case count. The seven new coronavirus cases are all confirmed and bring the county’s case total to 1,464. Westmoreland...
West Newton woman charged with assault on police after apparent weeklong meth use
A West Newton woman waived her right to a preliminary hearing Monday on charges she used a racial slur and assaulted an officer after apparently using methamphetamine for seven days. Amanda Hornfeck is charged with aggravated assault, escape, resisting arrest and other offenses in connection with a July 18 incident...
Hempfield releases additional details before next week’s vote on reopening plans
Hempfield Area School District officials laid out additional details regarding a proposed reopening plan that will be voted on next week. During a special meeting Monday, district officials discussed ways to handle positive coronavirus cases that may occur if classes begin through a blended approach starting Aug. 27. According to...
Forbes State Forest interns clear trails, put finishing touch on arboretumVideo
When Jeff Ashley of Bala Cynwyd arrived at the Forbes State Forest office in Laughlintown, he quickly gravitated to an informational kiosk just installed by a group of college interns. “That’s exactly what we wanted to happen,” said Ed Callahan, district forester at the office. “We’re hopeful that people will...
Shoe drive meant to help small businesses in Latrobe area, developing countries
Surplus or outgrown footwear may find a second life while supporting businesses in the Latrobe area and abroad. The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is collecting gently worn or new shoes in a drive to raise money for chamber programs and services while offering opportunities for micro-business entrepreneurs...
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library reopens with covid-19 restrictions
Patrons browsed the shelves Monday at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library for the first time in months. “It’s been going very well, people are happy to be back in, and everybody has been very pleasant,” said Diane Ciabottoni, assistant to the library director. The Greensburg Hempfield Area Library and the...
New Kensington man sentenced in fatal heroin overdose
The mother of an Allegheny Township woman told a Westmoreland County judge Monday that her daughter finally had an opportunity to experience California, but it came after death when her ashes were cast into the Pacific Ocean. “She always had a love of California, and I finally took her there...
Jailed Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez again seeks bail, this time over covid-19 fears
The lawyer for Felipe Vazquez on Monday filed an emergency request to secure bond for the suspended Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who claimed he was exposed to the coronavirus last week in a Westmoreland County courthouse holding cell. According to court documents, Vazquez, 29, contends he is at risk for covid-19...
Westmoreland election director resigns 3 months out from election day
Westmoreland County officials Monday confirmed the resignation of the elections bureau director, a move that comes as preparations continue for the presidential general election just three months away. Commissioner Doug Chew said Beth Lechman last week notified county leaders of her decision to exit the job she has held since...
Export’s annual summer festival will feature flyover by World War II planes
There will be several unique aspects to this year’s Export Ethnic Food & Music Festival, set for Aug. 15, including something high in the sky. The festival, which will take place just prior to the 75th anniversary of World War II’s end, plans to feature two WWII-era planes that will...
Westmoreland restarts criminal trials with case against Rahmael Holt’s father
After a four-month hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, jury trials resumed Monday in Westmoreland County. A 12-member jury and two alternates were selected to hear evidence in a witnesses intimidation case against the father of the man convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of New Kensington police...
Manor Lions to host chicken BBQ
The Manor Lions Club will host a chicken barbecue on Aug. 8. Sales will begin at 11 a.m. and go until the food runs out in the parking lot across from the Manor American Legion on Manor-Harrison City Road. Meals include a half-chicken, applesauce, roll, cookie and drink for $8....
Police: 2 arrested after Sewickley Township boy tests positive for cocaine
A Sewickley Township couple were jailed after a child tested positive for cocaine, according to court papers. Channing Fitzgerald Flanigan, 30, and Arrica Ann Howell, 32, of Hutchinson, are charged with aggravated assault, child endangerment and reckless endangerment. Troopers said they were called to the home in May after a...
Suspect in fatal Derry Township shooting to face trial as details emerge during closed hearing
Nathan Quidetto wasn’t gone long from a Unity home early July 20, said Triston M. Clawson. In the hours after Quidetto returned to Dorothy Patch, he was “hysterically crying” and Clawson learned he had a gun. “‘I know we have a hit list, but I think I killed an innocent...
500 nonprofits, small businesses seek pandemic grants in Westmoreland County
About 500 applications for Westmoreland County’s coronavirus-relief grants started being evaluated Monday, and the first awards from a pool of $10 million could be approved this week. County commissioners last month announced the first phase of its grant program that uses $31.5 million in federal funds to assist small businesses,...
Boil water advisory continues for residents in parts of Jeannette, Penn Township
Repairs to a water main break that affected service in parts of Jeannette and Penn Township have been completed, but residents should continue to boil their water before drinking as a precaution. The break was reported at 7:30 a.m. on Monday in a 6-inch concrete line on Green Street, Municipal...
Westmoreland County adds 19 new cases to covid-19 list
Westmoreland County saw 19 new coronavirus cases added on Monday, according to a report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It is the county’s third straight day new cases have been below 20, the first time that’s happened since June 24-26. No new deaths were announced Monday, leaving the county’s...
Norwin director ripped over controversial posts; some call for resignation
A Norwin School Board director was roundly criticized amid residents’ calls for his resignation for his posts on a private Facebook account. They included messages such as “Gold Star of David coming to the mask wearers,” Democrats are not Christians and the nation should be plunged into war if President...
Live! Casino Pittsburgh betting on dealer school to fill positionsVideo
An empty storefront in Westmoreland Mall is beginning to look like a casino for the start of Westmoreland County Community College’s dealer school. Eight blackjack tables that can be converted for games such as Texas Hold ’em, Let it Ride and Criss Cross poker fill the space. A roulette wheel...
