Renatta Signorini stories, Page 70
Former Fort Pitt Brewery in Jeannette recommended for demolition
The former Fort Pitt Brewery in Jeannette and seven other structures in the city were deemed public nuisances Tuesday and recommended for demolition. It was a formality for the crumbling multibuilding brewery complex in West Jeannette that has been acquired by the Westmoreland County Land Bank in preparation for redevelopment....
Hempfield woman told police she was going to sell 40 bricks of heroin to raise cash for son’s attorney
A Hempfield woman told police she bought 40 bricks of heroin to earn money and was going to sell the drugs to pay for her son’s defense attorney, according to court papers. Misty D. Giron, 46, was arrested last week on drug charges. She is accused of talking with her...
Westmoreland sheriff warns new round of scam calls are posing as department
Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert is warning residents that more scam calls are apparently making the rounds claiming to be originating from his department. In the latest one, the caller identifies themselves as “Officer Chris Hawkins” from the sheriff’s department calling from 724-484-6211, he said. It has been reported that...
Hard work pays off: Jeannette couple enjoys new Habitat for Humanity home
It was a big day for Liz Blazowich and her fiancee Alan Beech. The Jeannette couple officially took ownership Monday of their new house thanks to Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity. And they immediately started moving in while mixed breed dog Luna enjoyed checking out her new place. “It’s still...
Hempfield man in clown wig carrying loaded gun arrested at Delmont Dairy Queen
Three loaded handguns and 62 rounds of ammunition were seized from a Hempfield man Saturday after Delmont police said he took one of the weapons into the Route 66 Dairy Queen. Officers were responding to the area about 1:30 p.m. after a motorist reported an erratic driver wearing a bright...
Herminie man accused of witness intimidation
A Herminie man is accused of intimidating a witness during a July revocation hearing in a 2021 case against him, according to court papers. Michael Wichelmann, 59, was denied bond during his arraignment Friday. Westmoreland County detectives said several witnesses were subpoenaed for a July 7 revocation hearing for Wichelmann...
Jeannette’s new curfew ordinance goes into effect Sept. 18
Jeannette’s new curfew ordinance will be enforceable starting Sept. 18 after council updated fines Thursday, solicitor Tim Witt said. The update passed unanimously. The city’s revised curfew ordinance carries fines ranging from $25 to $300 for violations. The fines could be assessed to a minor or parent. The ordinance, which...
About $1M worth of suspected cocaine seized in turnpike traffic stop in Mt. Pleasant Township
A man who police said took a cross-country flight was found Thursday with 26 pounds of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Westmoreland County, according to court papers. The cocaine would have an street value of about $1 million, according to Trooper Steve Limani. Troopers...
Employees hold man accused in robbery at Jeannette beer distributor until police arrive
Two employees of a Jeannette beer distributor on Thursday stopped a robbery suspect who fled the store with $219 until police could arrive, according to court papers. One of the employees chased Martell A. Crosby, 27, of Jeannette into the parking lot and pulled him to the ground while the...
Jeannette firefighters may administer naloxone to overdose victims
Jeannette firefighters have a new tool in their arsenal to help save lives — naloxone. Fire Chief Bill Frye said a program being undertaken by the department allows firefighters to carry and administer the drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. Each truck will have at least two doses. “We’re always...
Former Westmoreland prison guard charged in August assault at jail
A former Westmoreland County Prison guard was arrested Thursday on police accusations that he opened a cell door and permitted two men housed there to attack a third, according to court papers. County detectives said Brian J. Prinkey, 25, of Connellsville was seen on surveillance video walking away from a...
New Kensington man, former Arnold shooting suspect charged in jailhouse assault
A New Kensington man and a man acquitted of a shooting in Arnold face charges in what authorities say was a planned jailhouse assault. A former guard at the Westmoreland County Prison was fired and also faces charges in the incident. According to county detectives, the attack occurred last month...
Derry man jailed after police chase
A Derry man remained at the Indiana County Jail after state police said he led them on a chase on Route 22 in Indiana County last week. Johnathon A. Checca, 33, is charged with fleeing from police and 28 summary traffic violations, including driving without a license. Troopers said they...
State police: 23 people hurt in 90 crashes in region over Labor Day weekend
State troopers in the region investigated 90 crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend, including one fatality, according to statistics released this week. There were 23 people hurt and alcohol was a factor in seven of the crashes, according to data for Troops A and B which cover Westmoreland, Allegheny...
State police: Youngwood man accused of chasing women with sword, knives
A Youngwood man was jailed Tuesday after, state police said, he attacked two women with a sword and attempted to stab them, according to court papers. Zackary K. Wentling, 29, is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon and related offenses. Troopers said they were called to...
Westmoreland County Prison inmate accused of trying to grab nurse, attacking guard
An inmate at the Westmoreland County Prison is accused of trying to grab a female nurse inappropriately and attacking a jail guard on the same day last month, according to court papers. Joe Paul Biller, 37, of Mt. Pleasant, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and indecent assault. A...
First lady Jill Biden to speak Sunday at Flight 93 memorial service
The public once again will be able to attend the annual Service of Remembrance at Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County. First lady Jill Biden will make her third visit in as many years to the site that honors 40 passengers and crew who were aboard United Flight 93...
Across from Jeannette City Hall, bell is relic of Clay Avenue School
Editor’s note: ‘What’s That?’ is a recurring feature in the Tribune-Review’s Westmoreland Plus edition. If there’s something you’d like to see explored here, send an email to gtrcity@triblive.com A bell that no longer rings remains at the site of a Jeannette school that is no longer there. The large bell,...
30 rounds fired in McKeesport neighborhood, bystander hurt
Allegheny County Police are investigating after they said 30 rounds were fired in a McKeesport neighborhood Sunday, injuring a woman who was sitting on her porch. Police and paramedics responded to Craig Street at 5:30 p.m. and found that two homes and three vehicles had been damaged by gunfire. The...
Family Fun Ride added to Yough-N-Roll event along the Great Allegheny Passage
In an effort to encourage interest from the younger generation, a Family Fun Ride is being added to the Mon/Yough Trail Council’s annual Yough-N-Roll event along the Great Allegheny Passage. Volunteer event coordinator Ken Medved said the Sept. 17 ride will be 4 miles for families, and will include longer...
Wilkinsburg man wanted in connection with police seizure of more than $120,000 worth of drugs
Police are looking for a Wilkinsburg man who they say had more than $120,000 worth of drugs at his home during a search of his house Friday. An arrest warrant was issued that day for Douglas Curry, 58, on charges of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, possession with intent...
Man hospitalized after North Side shooting
A man was hospitalized Saturday night with a gunshot wound to the arm, according to Pittsburgh Police. Officers were sent to the area of 100 South Commons around 10:15 p.m. on Pittsburgh’s North Side after two ShotSpotter notifications. Around the same time officers arrived on scene, dispatch notified first responders...
Police say guns discharged during fight at East Huntingdon home
A Verona woman who is on parole for stabbing a man outside a Westmoreland County strip club in 2018 is back behind bars on attempted homicide charges stemming from a fight in East Huntingdon, according to court papers. State police said Kristin M. Kruel, 26, of Verona, handed a pistol...
Child car seat safety check scheduled for Youngwood, Hyde Park
Six child car seat safety checks by Pennsylvania State Police, including events in Youngwood and Hyde Park later this month, will help motorists keep young passengers safe. Troopers who are certified as child passenger safety technicians will examine car seats and share guidance for proper installation and how to prevent...
Moon Township teenager killed in ATV crash in Robinson
A Moon Township man died late Friday after authorities said he crashed into a fixed object while driving an ATV along railroad tracks. Shane Wardropper, 18, was pronounced dead at a hospital after the 9 p.m. incident in the area of Elizabeth Street in Robinson, according to the Allegheny County...
