As population continues to decline, the fate of some communities could be in jeopardy

John Ivanac, 73, of Herminie adds letters to spell out “Pray for Peace” to the sign outside St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Arona on March 17. Ivanac said he has been a member of the church for more than 40 years.

Louise Biddle, 98, sits for a portrait in her West Elizabeth home April 22. Biddle, who is a council member, has lived in the town for more than 70 years.

A visitor speaks during the Arona council meeting in the basement of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on May 2.

A view of East Vandergrift as photographed on May 3.

A customer exits the Adamsburg Post Office on May 2.

Rob Timm, owner of West E Diner along with wife Perity (right), washes cookware in the kitchen of the West Elizabeth restaurant April 22. The restaurant, which opened two years ago on the ground floor of an old school, features a number of historical photos and other memorabilia donated by area residents in the waiting area.

An industrial site is seen from Fourth Street in West Elizabeth on April 22.

A photo showing Snee Farm hangs on the wall in the waiting area of the West E Diner as photographed April 22. Snee Farm was located in the same spot of the building the currently houses the restaurant.

A vehicle travels along Arona Road in Arona on May 2.

Lois Stobert of Kiski Township has some fun with a photo booth set up with other carnival games at the senior center in East Vandergrift on May 19.

Tammy Boyd of Apollo tries to toss a chip into a cup as she and others play carnival games at the senior center in East Vandergrift on May 19.

Ben Blair of Vandergrift has some fun with a photo booth set up with other carnival games at the senior center in East Vandergrift on May 19.

In this Feb. 14, 1981, file photo, Todd Domboski, 12, of Centralia looks over a barricade at the hole he fell through just hours before this photo was taken in Centralia, Pa. The hole was cause by a mine fire that had been burning since 1962.