Westmoreland category, Page 426
Derry man awaiting sentencing for attacks against 2 women named suspect in Florida sexual assault
A warrant was issued Friday for the arrest of a Derry Township man who had been free on bail while awaiting sentencing for the sexual assaults of two women. Westmoreland County prosecutors said in court documents Khachek Hamerski is being investigated in Florida in an alleged sexual assault that occurred...
Jeannette officials ready to start American Rescue Plan allocations
Another American Rescue Plan funding expenditure could be up for a vote by Jeannette council later this month, and the city could begin allocating its $900,000 as final rules regarding spending recently were released. Solicitor Tim Witt asked council to approve setting aside $130,000 for the repair of a manhole...
Jeannette officials eye doubling fines for quality-of-life violations
The cost of quality-of-life violations in Jeannette could double, depending on how city council votes later this month. A motion to increase the fines from $25 to $50 could be on the Jan. 25 agenda after Fire Chief Bill Frye said $25 wasn’t enough. “It was barely covering costs” to...
State police warn of counterfeit $100 bills circulating in Westmoreland
Pennsylvania State Police are warning area businesses that some counterfeit $100 bills have been circulated in the area that appear to defy rapid detection using the standard counterfeit detector pens. “We’ve had two reports in the past few days of the counterfeits being passed locally. In over 20 years as...
Unity woman’s angel food cake snags red ribbon at Pa. Farm Show
A Greater Latrobe teacher brought home a second-place award from the Pennsylvania Farm Show this week with a specialty that has been a mainstay in her family — angel food cake. Abigail Mehalic, 36, of Unity said she picked up the light and fluffy dessert after her father would make...
Jeannette reports to be added to city’s website, but council balks at broadcasts of meetings
Jeannette officials plan to increase government transparency by adding reports to the city’s website, but a councilwoman’s bid to have public meetings broadcast by video was met with disinterest. City clerk Nathan Bish said he plans to begin adding communications received by the city and reports from department heads to...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Jan. 14-16
Songs for Sondheim Six area theater companies are joining forces to celebrate the life and work of the renowned musical theater composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who died in November. “For Stephen: A Review in Remembrance of Stephen Sondheim” is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday at The Lamp Theatre in Irwin. The...
Salem teen displays 4-H leadership, square dancing skills at Pennsylvania Farm Show
Pennsylvania’s 4-H program has broadened Olivia Jumper’s horizons throughout her childhood. Now, as president of the 4-H State Council, the Salem teen is dedicated to making others aware of the program’s benefits. That included delivering a speech during last weekend’s opening of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. “I talked about how...
Former Ligonier Borough building set for auction block; firefighters plan to bid
Those who attend the Jan. 29 auction of the former Ligonier borough building on Fairfield Street can expect to see members of Ligonier Volunteer Hose Company No. 1 on hand. “Our hope at this point is to try to buy the building at that auction,” Ligonier fire Chief Corey Blystone...
State audit raps North Huntingdon fireman’s relief group
State auditors reprimanded the North Huntingdon Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association for incorrectly titling the ownership of two rescue vehicles to North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue and not to the association, as well as for not having someone serve as vice president. The auditor general’s review of the relief association’s finances for January...
12 cats die in Rostraver fire; foster homes needed for rescued pets
A dozen cats are dead after a fire Friday morning at a Rostraver home that also served as an animal shelter, a Westmoreland County 911 supervisor said. Emergency responders reported that the house was engulfed in flames when they arrived on scene shortly after 3:45 a.m., the supervisor said. The...
Wrong-way crash closes Route 30 bridge over Route 119
A multiple-vehicle crash on the Route 30 bridge over Route 119 in Southwest Greensburg on Thursday night closed the westbound lanes of Route 30 at the Cedar Street exit, according to a Westmoreland County Public Safety supervisor. The crash occurred when a motorist who was traveling east got onto the...
Staffing problems expected at Westmoreland Manor from federal vaccine mandate
Westmoreland Manor could have a growing staffing problem before the end of January after the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the federally imposed covid-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers. Manor administrator Abby Testa said this week that about 77% of staffers at the county-owned nursing home have been...
Vote scheduled for final report of deadly 2020 Pa. turnpike crash in Mt. Pleasant Township
The National Transportation Safety Board is set to consider a draft of the final report detailing a January 2020 bus crash that killed five people and injured dozens of others along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Westmoreland County. The report, which will include details on what caused the wreck as well...
New Kensington police charge lawyer from Murrysville with DUI, fleeing from traffic stop
A lawyer from Murrysville is accused by New Kensington police of driving while intoxicated and leading them on a high-speed chase when they tried to pull him over. Robert Dishington Monsour, 69, of Saltsburg Road, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. and...
Ligonier Ice Fest plans new designs, old favorites for 31st year
Organizers of the Ligonier Ice Fest are keeping a weather eye out, so to speak, for the Jan. 22-23 forecast. So far, conditions look to be favorable for the 31st annual event, with highs hovering around 30 degrees, some clouds and maybe a snow shower, according to weather.com. “I say...
Area residents peruse potential job opportunities at Latrobe job fair
“Help Wanted” signs were displayed en masse Thursday at the Westmoreland County Community College Latrobe Education Center. “This is great,” said Rebecca Davis of New Alexandria. “And it came at a perfect time for me.” In the past year, Davis said she lost her job as an administrative assistant, where...
Prosecutors drop strangulation, assault charges against Arona man
Strangulation and assault charges against an Arona man were dismissed Wednesday by Westmoreland County prosecutors after his accuser said she would not testify against him at trial. Shawn Grbach, 43, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of harassment and disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to serve one year on probation...
Westmoreland Commissioner Doug Chew tests positive for coronavirus for 2nd time
Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew said Wednesday he again has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chew, a first-term Republican, said he has been at home this week and is experiencing symptoms from the virus. “Today is the worst day of congestion and breathing,” Chew wrote in an email. “It’s expected...
Youngwood man arrested on multiple criminal complaints after confrontation with trooper
A 35-year-old Youngwood man who is accused of physically confronting a state trooper as he was questioned about trespassing outside a New Stanton woman’s apartment Tuesday was arrested on multiple criminal charges, according to court documents. David W. Rundle was arrested on charges of criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia,...
Delmont Police receive $30,000 donation for new vehicle
The Delmont Police Department received a sizable donation that will allow them to pay off one vehicle and lease a new one. The donor, who Chief T.J. Klobucar did not name, gave $30,000. That will allow the borough to pay the remaining cost on an existing Dodge Durango and lease...
Downtown Greensburg Project accepting vendor applications for night, holiday markets
Vendors are being sought for this year’s night and holiday markets in Greensburg. The monthly Greensburg Night Market runs from April through September. The Greensburg Holiday Market is scheduled for Oct. 30, Nov. 27 and Dec. 18. The Downtown Greensburg Project is accepting applications through Feb. 25. “We’ve had really...
Norwin school board member wants to bar CNN news show for studentsVideo
At least one Norwin School Board member wants the district to stop showing a CNN-produced news program to middle schoolers during homeroom. During a workshop meeting this week, Alex Detschelt — a self-described conservative Republican — asked fellow board members to consider eliminating CNN 10 along with any other live...
Westmoreland happenings: spaghetti dinner, winter breakfast and Vera Bradley bingo
Fundraisers • A spaghetti dinner in memory of Holly Anne Weber will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at First United Church of Christ, Hitchman Street, Mt. Pleasant. Menu: spaghetti and sauce, with or without meat, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost: 10; children, $7. Takeout or dine...
Hempfield woman accused of leaving dog, cat behind in abandoned home
A Hempfield woman is accused of leaving a dog and cat in an abandoned home, according to court papers. Michele Ann Kelly, 36, was charged this week with two counts of animal cruelty. Troopers said they were notified Nov. 12 by a home health nurse working in a neighborhood off...
