Laurels & lances: Sworn in & pleading out

Laurel: To a new start. The Westmoreland County Register of Wills Office has been in chaos for over a year. In January, as Sherry Magretti Hamilton started her third term, the extent of problems in her office began to unfold. County adoptions were months behind in processing. So were filings for estates.

Court orders were filed. Hearings were held. Hamilton was found in contempt and had a conservator put in charge of her duties while other county officials encouraged her to step down. She finally did so Sept. 3.

On Monday, Katie Pecarchik, 56, of Hempfield was sworn in as acting register of wills. She will serve in that capacity until Gov. Josh Shapiro nominates a replacement and that person is confirmed by the state Senate. The governor should consider making Pecarchik that nominee if for no other reason than stability in an office that needs it. The last thing Westmoreland County needs is a fourth person in charge of the vital department in one year.

A former employee in the office, Pecarchik is a Republican now but ran as a Democrat against Hamilton in 2019, when she warned about mismanagement. Now it is on her to make sure she maintains the standards that have been lacking.

Lance: To a tragic end. The story of a 3-month-old baby’s death was resolved Wednesday when his mother pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault, simple assault and criminal mischief.

Alisha Parker, 26, of Duquesne will serve 20 to 60 years in prison as part of the plea for killing her son, Dai’von Means, in January.

Parker, who has since been diagnosed with postpartum depression and PTSD, initially blamed her 3-year-old daughter for the murder, even encouraging police to “evaluate that girl.” Investigators found that not only had Means died of blunt force injuries but the 3-year-old also had injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.

It is good that Parker finally took responsibility, but there is no charge in the criminal code that covers not only murdering a newborn but laying the blame on an abused preschooler.

Laurel: To participating. Fox Chapel has a new voice at meetings. Shady Side Academy student Kabeer Chopra was sworn in this week as a junior council member.

“I hope to learn how a community government works,” he said.

That’s exactly the attitude everyone in public service should have. Let’s hope others can learn a little something from him, too.