Megan Tomasic stories, Page 40
Pa. has record-breaking sportsbook wagers in August
August was Pennsylvania’s best month yet in sportsbook revenues, making the state a contender for the second largest legal sports betting market in the country. The state generated almost $365 million in sports betting wagers, up from $109 million recorded during the same period last year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control...
Trib Total Media CEO Jennifer Bertetto named to international board
Trib Total Media President and CEO Jennifer Bertetto has been named to the board of directors of the World Association of News Publishers, an organization representing media organizations internationally. The World Association of News Publishers, or WAN-IFRA, is headquartered in Paris and Frankfurt, Germany. The organization, founded in 1948, is...
Hempfield band sub sales on hold as officials weed through pandemic ordersVideo
A popular fundraiser in the Hempfield community and a major fundraiser for the high school marching band is on hold, waiting for approval from school leaders. Sub sales have been suspended after Hempfield Area officials said proposed health and safety plans to make the subs did not adhere to Gov....
Eagle Scout project proposed for Hempfield elementary school
A Hempfield student is hoping to redo a pavilion at West Point Elementary School as part of an Eagle Scout project. Justin Finfrock, a 10th grade student who is part of Boy Scout Troop 416 in Greensburg, pitched the project to Hempfield school board members during a meeting this week....
Hempfield school leaders must wait for state OK before moving to second phase of reopening
Hempfield Area school leaders are waiting on an OK from the state before they move into the second phase of their reopening plan that brings students back in a more traditional manner. Students, who returned to classes Aug. 27, have been attending in a hybrid setting, meaning that students alternate...
Police say driver was under the influence in fatal New Stanton crash
A Uniontown woman who was killed last week was struck by a vehicle driven backwards on a New Stanton roundabout, police found. According to state police, the driver, who was not identified, was under the influence at the time of the crash, which occurred around 1 a.m. Thursday in the...
Schools allowed to extend free meals to students for rest of the year
Students across the country will continue to receive free meals throughout the remainder of the year in an attempt to help families struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Several local school districts are taking advantage of programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing students from age 2 to 18...
Heritage question on census could help delve into Southwestern Pennsylvania history
Tucked into the bustle of day-to-day life are hints of cultures that once dominated Southwestern Pennsylvania, brought by immigrants looking for work and new opportunities. Details come in the form of ethnic social halls, proud churches parishioners loyally attend on Sundays, and neighbors who have known each other for generations...
Single-lane closures scheduled for part of Findlay Connector
Single-lane closures will begin along part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Findlay Connector starting next week. The restrictions will only be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Monday and running through Oct. 16, turnpike officials said. Work will be conducted along the connector between exits two and...
West Mifflin recalling student computers for ‘urgent security updates’
The West Mifflin Area School District is recalling student devices for “urgent security updates,” according to a post on the district’s website. The recall will begin Monday and will run through the week. Members of the technology department will work to resolve issues reported by students during the first week...
New VP of gaming operations hired for Hempfield casinoVideo
A 27-year gaming veteran is joining the ranks of those working to open a new casino at Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield. Brent Colston was named vice president of gaming operations at Live! Casino Pittsburgh, which is set to open before Thanksgiving. In his position, Colston will manage and direct table...
Bushy Run Lions Club to host chicken barbecue dinner
After being canceled this spring due to coronavirus, the Bushy Run Lions Club is hosting its annual chicken barbecue dinner. The event is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Bushy Run Lions Community building in Claridge. Dinners will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until sell-out. Boy...
Hempfield high school student tests positive for covid-19
A Hempfield Area High School student recently tested positive for the coronavirus, the district announced. The student, who was not identified, was last in school Sept. 1, according to a letter from Superintendent Tammy Wolicki. The district was notified Tuesday of the positive test results. District officials worked with the...
Proposed Senate bill could toughen, revamp Pa.’s ‘steer clear’ law
Revisions to the state’s steer clear law could make it safer for first responders assisting at calls along roadways, two Republican senators said. State Sen. Kim Ward, R-Hempfield, and Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Adams County, propose changes to the law that will clarify how drivers should act when passing emergency response...
Sheetz named a top company that cares by People magazineVideo
Sheetz ranked among top businesses in the country as a company that cares. The Altoona-based firm ranked 11th out of 50 companies that received the designation based on their demonstration of respect, care and concern for employees, communities and the environment during the coronavirus pandemic. It was the only convenience...
Trump, Biden expected to visit Flight 93 National Memorial for 9/11 anniversary
President Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden both plan to visit Shanksville to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, according to the White House and a Biden campaign spokesman. The president — who will be in Westmoreland County on Thursday — and first lady Melania Trump...
Police: McKees Rocks man arrested in connection to shooting that injured teen
A McKees Rocks man was arrested Tuesday in connection to a shooting in Sheraden that left a teen wounded last week, said Pittsburgh Bureau of Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz. Andrew Johnson, 23, is charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument...
Greensburg duplex damaged in blaze
The cause of a fire that left a Greensburg home damaged is under investigation, according to Lou Battistella, assistant chief with the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department. Crews responded to the fire at a duplex in the 300 block of George Street around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, a Westmoreland 911 dispatcher said....
Census takers visit homes that already completed survey as part of assurance programVideo
Those who have responded to the census may still receive a visit from a census worker. According to the Census Bureau, a worker may visit the home of someone who has already responded as part of the department’s quality assurance program. A visit may be conducted for a variety of...
Several projects slated for Hempfield Park
Changes are coming to Hempfield Park, with a grand opening planned for next year. According to Aaron Siko, director of parks and recreation for the township, projects including a rehabilitation and a new dog park are slated to be completed early next year. The dog park is under construction across...
Open house for proposed Hempfield parks set for September
Hempfield residents again will have an opportunity to view conceptual plans for two proposed parks. A public meeting is scheduled Sept. 16, when community members can view plans for parks slated for Walden Court Drive and at a property along Route 136 near Hempfield Area High School. Township staff and...
Bankruptcy looming for parent company of Westmoreland, Monroeville malls
After months of struggling to regain lost revenues after foot traffic was essentially choked off at malls across the country, mall owner CBL Properties announced a restructuring plan that could lead to a bankruptcy filing in the coming months. The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company, which owns Monroeville and Westmoreland malls, is...
Hempfield paves way for Menards home improvement store
Hempfield supervisors cleared the way for a new home improvement store in the township. Menards, a Wisconsin-based chain, is slated to occupy the site where the Ramada by Wyndham Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center stands near Westmoreland Mall. While specific details for the project were not available, Patrick Karnash, director...
Friends, family remember Salem teen as passionate, always smiling
When people think of Kenneth W. Miller Jr., two things tend to come to mind — his dirt bike and a smile that could make any bad day good again. “He had such a magnetic personality,” his mom, Deann Miller, said. “You couldn’t look at him without smiling. … He...
Hempfield Area students return to school
After finishing last school year virtually, several students headed back to Hempfield Area schools Thursday morning ready for a small piece of normalcy. “Our first day is off to a great start. … As half of the students attend physically today and the other half tomorrow, our teachers are using...
