Jeff Himler stories, Page 105
Grant will create videos to explain Westmoreland Cleanways recycling effortsVideo
Area residents soon will be able to learn more about Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling’s programs by watching videos on the organization’s website. Filming is set for this week at the Westmoreland Cleanways headquarters near Pleasant Unity to produce online videos about the recycling process at the nonprofit. “Our goal is...
Unity supervisors propose $7M budget, hold line on township taxes
Unity residents will see no increase in their property taxes next year. The township supervisors approved a proposed 2021 budget totaling $7 million. They’re expected to vote on a final version Dec. 10 . “The budget was pretty easy to do,” said Supervisor Mike O’Barto. “We are in a very...
Blue Angels training in Super Hornet jets for 2021 Westmoreland airshowVideo
The Blue Angels’ next airshow appearance at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport promises to have a bigger impact, literally, than any of the Navy jet team’s past local aerial demonstrations. The Westmoreland County Airport Authority canceled this year’s show because no major aerial team was available. But the Florida-based Blue Angels...
Local coronavirus surge triggers virtual learning for Avonworth students
The Avonworth School District is switching to full-time virtual learning for all students Thursday through at least Tuesday, Nov. 24. Superintendent Thomas W. Ralston indicated that decision was driven by rising coronavirus cases among district students and staff and in communities the district serves. In a letter and video message...
Greater Latrobe School Board eyes bond refinancing, $200K savings
Greater Latrobe School District could save more than $200,000 by refinancing bonds issued in 2016 to help build the new Latrobe Elementary School. The school board this week set parameters for refinancing no more than $10 million of the bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates. “To be considering...
Adelphoi moves educational support programs to larger space at former Latrobe ElementaryVideo
Area students who need extra help with mental health or behavioral issues can get that additional support, along with their lessons, at a new, larger Adelphoi facility in Latrobe. This week, Adelphoi unveiled its new emotional support and partial hospitalization education programs on the second floor of the former Latrobe...
Greater Latrobe students heading back to classrooms after 2 weeks learning at home
Students at Greater Latrobe School District will head back to the classroom Monday after completing two weeks of full-time remote instruction. The school board voted unanimously to return to a blended instructional model, where students may choose either to receive in-person lessons five days per week or to continue with...
Gibsonia veteran, Unity in-law hop on crop trend to supply craft brewers
Devin Winklosky was the black sheep of his Derry Township farming family. While his three siblings all carried on the family’s agricultural legacy, Winklosky served in the Marines for two decades and has since lived in Gibsonia, specializing in commercial litigation as a Pittsburgh attorney. This year, he’s returning to...
Latrobe to hold line on taxes in 2021 while assessing new stormwater fee
Latrobe residents face a new stormwater management fee, but no property tax increase, under the proposed 2021 city budget. Council is expected at its Dec. 14 meeting to finalize the $6.5 million spending plan, which reflects an increase of about $500,000 from the 2020 budget. City Manager Michael Gray said...
Former Navy officer starts veterans support group at East Huntingdon counseling center
Keith Medley knew where he was going when he retired from the Navy in 2010. The native of Orange County, N.Y., moved to Scottdale to be close to his mother. But, like many veterans, the chief petty officer and aircraft electrician with more than 23 years of experience found adjusting...
Incumbent Warner enjoys commanding lead in 52nd District House race
Three-term incumbent Ryan Warner holds a strong lead in the race for the 52nd District in the state House, holding off a challenge from Harry Young Cochran, according to unofficial voting results Thursday morning. Warner, a three-term incumbent, captured nearly 71% of the vote, leading by more than 12,000 votes.....
Local filmmaker teams with Greater Latrobe cast, crew for virtual fall playVideo
Characters in the Greater Latrobe Senior High fall play find ways to connect despite the separations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. The play’s cast, crew and authors also are looking for a new way to connect with their audience — with a filmed performance that will be presented online. Director...
VP Mike Pence cites jobs, energy policy in push for Trump votes at Unity airportVideo
Vice President Mike Pence cited job creation and support for law enforcement and the military among strengths of the current White House administration in a last-minute plea Monday for Westmoreland County voters to help elect him and President Trump to second terms. Pence stopped at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in...
Heaven’s view: Pilot explores Latrobe landmarks from aboveVideo
Two Tribune-Review journalists last month gained a bird’s-eye view of Latrobe, the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport and the Route 981 corridor stretching between them, thanks to clear skies and a helicopter piloted by Anthony Ferrante. The trip over Latrobe and environs occured about 1,000 feet above ground level. According to...
Westmoreland pandemic panel: Technology presents solutions, challenges
Technology is a lifeline for many during the social separation that is part of the coronavirus pandemic. But the increased virtual connections people are making aren’t without pitfalls. As screen time for children has grown, so have concerns about what they may be viewing between online lessons and what face-to-face...
Greater Latrobe set to revert to full-time online instruction
Greater Latrobe School District will step back to full-time remote instruction for all students beginning Monday, prompted by a surge of coronavirus cases in Westmoreland County. In a letter to district parents, Superintendent Georgia Teppert said the district will finish the current week with in-person classroom instruction “in order for...
Latrobe Council majority objects to members participating remotely after pandemicVideo
A majority of Latrobe council members spoke out against a proposed ordinance that would establish guidelines for participating in meetings remotely, once the current coronavirus pandemic has receded. For much of 2020, social distancing has limited the number of people who can be safely be accommodated in council chambers. Under...
Dairy Queen owner honored with Greater Latrobe chamber’s annual community service award
The coronavirus pandemic and the new world of social distancing it created haven’t frozen out drive-in customers seeking ice cream treats at the Dairy Queen in Unity. Unlike many other eating establishments that focused on dine-in service, “we were fortunate to be able to run our business,” said owner Dean...
Westmoreland officials: Lax health precautions likely contributor to coronavirus surge
Westmoreland County officials cannot attribute an ongoing surge in coronavirus cases to any specific activity, but some suggest a major factor could be people being lax in following recommended health guidelines to mitigate the pandemic. On Friday, the county recorded 64 new cases of the disease — after adding 133...
Westmoreland County coronavirus transmission remains ‘substantial’ for 2nd week
Westmoreland County ended the week with a “substantial” level of coronavirus cases, which means local school officials will have to decide whether to follow state recommendations to switch to virtual learning for all students. Data released Friday by the state Department of Health lists about 124 cases of the virus...
Cochran returns to challenge Warner for 52nd state House District seat
Former state legislator Harry Young Cochran, a Democrat, is looking to return to Harrisburg by challenging incumbent Ryan Warner, a Republican seeking his fourth term in the 52nd state House district. The race will be decided on Nov. 3 in part by Westmoreland County voters in Scottdale and the Bessemer...
6th Westmoreland Manor resident dies from covid-19
Westmoreland County officials on Thursday reported the coronavirus-related death of a Westmoreland Manor resident, the sixth resident to die from the disease. The announcement came on a day when new cases throughout the county totaled 133, Westmoreland’s second highest daily increase since the pandemic began. The number of coronavirus cases...
Veteran state House member Petrarca challenged by Silvis, a longtime film stuntman, in 55th District
Democrat Joe Petrarca is asking voters on Nov. 3 to return him to Harrisburg for a 14th term representing residents of the 55th District in the state House. Republican challenger Jason Silvis is hoping those voters instead will help him end that long run. “I think people are ready for...
Greater Latrobe School District eyes bond refinancing, notes dip in tax receipts
Greater Latrobe School District is looking into refinancing some outstanding bonds for potential savings while experiencing a drop in tax revenues during the pandemic. The school board this week authorized business administrator Dan Watson to confer with Solicitor Ned Nakles and with district financial consultants to consider whether Greater Latrobe...
Greater Latrobe spends $443K to boost air filtration at 5 schools amid pandemic
Greater Latrobe School Board has agreed to invest $443,000 in an ionization system to enhance filtration of interior air at its five schools during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Installation of 147 bipolar ionization units among the schools is expected to begin in early November, according to Superintendent Georgia Teppert....
