Quincey Reese stories, Page 21
‘Liability’ to ‘tremendous asset’: How Johnstown’s Stonycreek River has gone from toxic mine drainage to recreational hub
For Jason Albert, whitewater kayaking is a form of therapy. Albert, 38, of Oak Ridge, N.J., has been kayaking since 2017. This is his first season back on the water following a two-year recovery from a car accident that hurt his back. “There’s a lot of people that have come...
‘She fought until the very last day’: Youngwood organ donor helps save 3 after overdose death
From the printer to the sweeper to the decorations on the wall, almost everything in Anna Vukovich’s Youngwood home reminds her of her daughter Jennifer. Jennifer’s comforter is still on the bed in her childhood bedroom, her purse still hangs on a hook on the wall. “Everytime I pull something...
Greensburg to outfit its police with body cameras
Greensburg council this week approved buying body cameras for its police force. It also will be developing a policy for how they will be used. When the city receives the cameras, the police department will work with Motorola to install them and expand the computer server that holds police vehicle...
Penn-Trafford eyes property tax increase, but some board members opposed
Property taxes will jump about 2% in Penn-Trafford School District unless school board members revise a preliminary 2024-2025 budget approved last week. The proposed $68.9 million spending plan is supported by a 91.75 mill tax levy in Westmoreland County, a 2-mill increase over the current tax rate of 89.75 mills....
Penn Township to vote on expanding volunteer service tax program to include Manor firefighters
Penn Township commissioners will vote this next week on a proposal to expand its volunteer service credit program to include residents who serve in neighboring Manor Borough Volunteer Fire Department. Enacted by the township commissioners in 2018, the program gives real estate and earned income tax credits to Penn Township...
‘I put five years of my life into this’: Seton Hill graduates first class of doctor of physical therapy students amid open job market
As Morgan Simkovic watched her brother receive treatment following a brain tumor diagnosis in 2010, she knew she wanted to be a physical therapist one day. Simkovic sat in on some of her brother’s physical therapy treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He completed seven months of...
Records: Former Greensburg cop received $5K pension payment on day she pleaded guilty to drug charges
Retired Greensburg police Officer Regina McAtee collected a $5,160 pension payment the day she pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in a methamphetamine distribution operation with the former city police chief. McAtee, 51, of New Kensington has received about $51,400 in pension payments from the city since Aug. 1,...
$2.6 million winning lottery ticket sold at Murrysville Shop ‘n Save
A $2.6 million jackpot-winning lottery ticket was sold Wednesday at the Shop ‘n Save store on Route 22 in Murrysville. The jackpot winner purchased a Quick Cash ticket through the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Cash 5 program, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery. The Shop ‘n Save store will receive $10,000 for selling...
Hempfield school board must close $3M deficit in next year’s budget
The Hempfield School Board will vote next week to adopt a preliminary 2024-2025 general fund budget, which includes a $3 million deficit. The proposed budget includes nearly $106.6 million in total revenues and about $109.6 million in expenditures, according to district business manager Paul Schott. This is a 0.36% decrease...
Greensburg council to vote on body-worn camera grant, event approval process
Greensburg is expected to outfit its police force with its first set of body-worn cameras. City council will vote next week to accept a $140,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to purchase 27 body-worn cameras — one for each of its police officers, said Chief...
Hempfield: Demolition plans advancing for former state prison
Nearly a year after purchasing the SCI Greensburg property, Hempfield is securing funding and establishing a timeline on demolition of the former state prison. “We are basically wrapping up demolition plans currently,” township manager Aaron Siko said. The 350,000-square-foot prison was built to hold 900 inmates and employed about 360...
Greensburg officials mum on ex-police officer’s pension after guilty plea in drug case
Retired city police Officer Regina McAtee collected at least $46,280 in pension payments before admitting her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation with the disgraced former Greensburg police chief. Now that McAtee, 51, of New Kensington pleaded guilty in federal court this week to engaging in a drug conspiracy, it’s...
‘We’re always hoping to sell out’: Greensburg Garden Center prepares annual May Mart plant sale
Every year, the Greenridge Garden Club arrives at the Greensburg Garden Center’s May Mart plant sale with hundreds of heirloom tomato plants. By the end of the sale, most — if not all — of them are gone, said club member Janet Bentz. Bentz, of Irwin, has been a member...
Hempfield sets opening date for Weatherwood Park bids
After meeting with about 12 contractors to discuss the first phase of the township’s Weatherwood Park and municipal complex projects, Hempfield plans to open construction bids May 16. Supervisors may vote on the contractors for the projects during their May 20 meeting, township Manager Aaron Siko said. “(It was) a...
4 new businesses to check out in downtown Greensburg
Downtown Greensburg has some new neighbors. Four businesses have opened along South Pennsylvania Avenue and Otterman Street in recent months, selling gift items, wellness services, baked goods and upscale bar food. The Greensburg Community Development Corporation — a nonprofit focused on revitalizing the city — received 15 occupancy permits from...
Video shows car speed through intersection during police pursuit of Pittsburgh man on Route 22Video
Nina Hamm was driving Wednesday through the intersection of Cline Hollow Road and Route 22 in Murrysville after a stop at the Milkshake Factory when another car sped through a red light, missing her vehicle by inches. Hamm, 30, of Murrysville, said she was driving slower than usual, enjoying her...
Diocese of Greensburg bishop outlines 3-year plan aimed at supporting children, young families
When parishioners said they wanted increased support for children and young families in the Diocese of Greensburg, Bishop Larry Kulick took notice. Kulick, who was ordained as bishop in 2021, shared his three-year vision for the diocese recently in a pastoral letter. The plan was formed through 18 listening sessions...
Man caught with 9 pounds of heroin in 2016 sentenced to 6½ years in prison
A native of the Dominican Republic who was caught with 9 pounds of heroin in 2016 but escaped back to his homeland only to be extradited was sentenced this week for his crimes. Habys Omar Meran, 38, was sentenced to 6½ years in federal prison for possession of drugs with...
Principals: 2 kids brought 6 small knives to Kiski Area Intermediate School; no threats made
Two Kiski Area Intermediate School students brought six small knives to school with them “in order to show them off to one another” on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement released by the school’s principals. “The investigation, thus far, has not uncovered any threat — either in person or through...
‘You never think something you are doing is going to take off’: Greensburg Night Market returns for 6th season
When Jessica Hickey launched the Greensburg Night Market in 2019, 28 vendors lined half a block of South Pennsylvania Avenue. Starting its sixth season Thursday, the night market series has expanded to feature food trucks, live music and more than 150 food, beverage, art and craft vendors. Each market —...
Greensburg nonprofit hosts workplace diversity conference to boost Westmoreland businesses, create welcoming community
Carlotta Paige wants people to feel welcome in Westmoreland County. Paige of Unity grew up in Greensburg. Apart from a 20-year stint in New York, she has lived in Westmoreland County her entire life. When Paige heard complaints from Westmoreland residents and business owners about population decline, she took action....
‘It’s life-changing’: Collegiate, high school esports programs on the rise
Brayden Seech has been playing video games since he was in elementary school. He started with Nintendo’s Wii and DS devices, shifting into Xbox and PC games as he got older. Now, as a 17-year-old senior at Penn-Trafford High School, Seech has earned a college scholarship to continue his hobby...
‘It means everything to me’: Penn-Trafford track athlete raises money for elementary school playground
After breaking Penn-Trafford’s discus record and placing third in the state last year, Matthew Sarnowski returns to the throwing circle this track and field season with lofty goals. But that is not Sarnwoski’s only reason for throwing well this spring. The Penn-Trafford senior’s performance is driving a fundraiser for his...
FBI investigates violent threats to Pittsburgh Diocese, Jewish community
The FBI’s Pittsburgh office is investigating violent threats made this week against religious schools and places of worship in Western Pennsylvania. They included two threatening emails sent to a Catholic school and a handful of antisemitic online messages sent to members of the Jewish community in the city. The Jewish...
Morning Roundup: Human remains found in Aliquippa; Pittsburgh Zoo collects electronics
Here are some of the latest news items from Friday, April 19. Human remains found in Aliquippa Human remains were found in a building in Aliquippa Thursday, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The remains were located in the area of 5th Avenue in the city. The scene has been secured...
