Jacob Tierney stories, Page 3

George Yonek sees coins as both an art form and a glimpse into a nation’s culture. “What people put on coins is indicative of the country’s pride, what’s important to them,” said Yonek, a Penn Township resident who serves as president of the Greensburg Coin Club. “That’s why I collect...

The Diocese of Greensburg welcomed its new bishop Thursday with worship, prayer and pageantry — but without the crowds of parishioners usually present to celebrate such an event. “Like so many things we have done differently during the pandemic, this liturgy is no exception,” said Monsignor Raymond Riffle, rector of...

Cameron Lehman, bar manager for Muddy Waters Oyster Bar in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood, knows how far whiskey-lovers will travel for a sip of a rare spirit. He often sees visitors from out of state, who come to sample one of about 75 whiskeys Muddy Waters has on offer. “When...

The number of new confirmed covid cases in the Penn-Trafford-Jeannette area remained nearly level, with 30 new cases in the seven-day period ending Feb. 9 — up 3 from the week prior — according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Since the pandemic began in March, the six...

The Lions Club in West Newton will give out boxes of food to anyone who asks while supplies last Tuesday, part of a regional initiative that will see thousands of pounds of food distributed weekly across Westmoreland County. “People are hungry, and we’re trying to fill the gap,” said the...

Martin Delany could have described himself by many titles: doctor, publisher, activist and diplomat, to name a few. But when he was being feted by British society at an 1860 event featuring many of the nation’s top scientists, he kept his introduction simple. “I am a man,” he said. The...

Two Greensburg city councilmen are getting an early start in their campaigns to keep their seats, this week announcing a joint re-election bid. Gregory Mertz and Donnie Zappone — both Republicans — are in the final year of their first term on council. The pair plan to start circulating petitions...

Work is nearly ready to begin on Greensburg’s new public works garage, and city officials hope to move in by this fall. By then, it will have been about two years since the fire that destroyed the city’s old garage. “It’ll be two years in October from when the fire...

Harrison Park Elementary School in the Penn-Trafford School District will be closed until Monday due to two active covid cases in the building, according to a statement from Superintendent Matthew Harris. Students will learn from home Thursday and Friday. One student and one staff member tested positive for coronavirus within...

Editor’s note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve “15 minutes of fame.” If you would...

Local lawmakers’ early reactions to Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget fell along party lines Wednesday, with Republicans condemning the proposed personal income tax increase, while Democrats praised the increase in school funding and proposed minimum wage hike. Here’s what they had to say: Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny): “I’m happy that...

Two Greensburg police officers are up for promotions as the city continues to fill gaps left by the resignation of Chief Chad Zucco last year. City council will vote next week on promotions for Sgt. Donald Cole to lieutenant, and patrolman Reginald Harbarger Jr. to sergeant. The department has had...

Covid cases in the Penn-Trafford-Jeannette area continued to drop over the last week, with 27 new cases in the seven-day period ending Feb. 2, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Since the pandemic began in March, the six ZIP codes covering most of the three communities have...

When Pennsylvania partially abolished slavery in 1780, it established the Pittsburgh region — between the Southern slave states and Northern free states — as a destination for Black Americans looking for liberty. “It set Western Pennsylvania up as the crossroads between slavery and freedom,” said Samuel Black, director of African-American...

A Pittsburgh man has been charged with heading a gun and drug trafficking operation, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Friday. Dennis Alexander, 28, allegedly oversaw the sale of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, Oxycodone and stolen guns. The Office of the Attorney General worked with the New Brighton Police Department and...

Angela Reese said she hopes to carry on her late husband’s legacy by running for his former seat in the state House. Mike Reese, 42, a Republican, died of an apparent brain aneurysm Jan. 2. He was reelected in November to a seventh term representing the 59th Legislative District after...

Students at Penn-Trafford High School got a little celebrity business advice this week thanks to a video chat visit with Mark Cuban. The Mt. Lebanon native, Dallas Mavericks owner and “Shark Tank” investor met virtually with students Tuesday in the school’s administration and management class. “It’s the chatter of the...

Pavilion rental season has returned in Greensburg. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting Feb. 1. The city saw its income from pavilion rentals dip a bit in 2020 due to the pandemic, but many renters chose to hold their events anyway, particularly in late summer when case...

The Penn-Trafford-Jeannette area had 44 confirmed new covid cases in the last week, continuing a downward trend after the holiday surge, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Since the pandemic began in March, the six ZIP codes covering most of the three communities have seen a total of 1,593...

Volunteers will have an easier time maintaining and expanding a network of ATV trails in Fayette County thanks to a $54,900 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Indian Creek Valley ATV Club will use the money to buy a Bobcat Toolcat, a utility work machine,...

Joseph E. Pellis taught many life lessons to his children and his students. “When you get knocked down, you get back up until you can’t get up anymore,” recalled his son, Mark Pellis. The longtime athletic director at Norwin High School, Pellis also coached football and wrestling. He was an...

Warrior Stadium at Penn-Trafford High School is temporarily closed to the public due to recent incidents in which visitors took snow shovels to the field, potentially damaging the turf, according to Athletic Director Kerry Hetrick. “We’ve never had an issue like this before,” he said. It’s unclear who attempted to...

Allegheny County police detectives have arrested a man suspected in a Saturday night shooting in Turtle Creek that left another man in critical condition. Turtle Creek police were called to the 300 block of Mercer Street around 8:15 p.m. for the shooting. First responders found a man with gunshot wounds,...

The Greater Latrobe School District staff members who lined up Saturday to get covid vaccines said the shots gave them a glimmer of hope that the pandemic could be nearing its end. “I was thrilled,” said Renee Gyory, a secretary and one of the first district employees to be vaccinated....

The 30th annual Ligonier Ice Fest was a happy occasion for business owners who have seen many of the borough’s other signature events canceled or curtailed due to the coronavirus, but this weekend’s rare live event attracted people to see dozens of ice sculptures, ride a horse-drawn carriage and pop...