Renatta Signorini stories, Page 23
Passengers describe events surrounding 2022 New Year’s shooting in Rostraver
A group of four people heading to a Rostraver bar to continue ringing in 2022 was irritated to come upon a red SUV traveling slowly on Rostraver Road, Shaquala Poole testified in Westmoreland County court Wednesday. Her boyfriend at the time — Anthony Hairston — was behind the wheel of...
Prosecutors say Rostraver woman was ‘killed because she was driving too slow’ as trial opens
Holly Vadella insisted on going to her Rostraver home after ringing in 2022 with her mother. The pair spent New Year’s Eve together, along with their dogs, at Dolores Coulson’s Fayette County home. Coulson testified in Westmoreland County court Tuesday she repeatedly asked her daughter to spend the night instead...
Greensburg property owners might see 3.3% tax hike in 2025
Property owners in Greensburg might see a 3.3% real estate tax increase next year. City council is set for an initial vote next week on a proposed $13 million budget that carries a 0.9-mill property tax increase. Councilman Randy Finfrock said the increase would amount to $20 more annually for...
Toys for Tots railcars November tour adds a stop in South Greensburg
A new stop has been added for this year’s caravan of railcars that collect donations for Toys for Tots around Westmoreland County. Organizer John Gonder said the railcars will take a spur on the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad line to stop near Huff Avenue in South Greensburg about 12:45 p.m. “It’s...
With temps near 80, PennDOT drivers polish their snow plowing skills
About 13 equipment operators hit a PennDOT training course Thursday in Unity to practice their snow plow skills on a day when the region broke the temperature record, hitting 80 degrees. The previous record, 79 degrees, was set in 1950, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. The equipment...
Blackburn Center employee accused of obstructing custody order won’t be prosecuted
Criminal charges were withdrawn Wednesday against a fourth Blackburn Center employee that police said obstructed efforts by state troopers to enforce an emergency custody order issued by a county judge. The case against Eleonora M. Marsili, 65, will not be prosecuted. “We support the actions of the Pennsylvania State Police...
Mt. Pleasant fire department apologizes for Halloween parade entry with VP Harris tied to golf cartVideo
A Halloween parade display in Westmoreland County depicting Vice President Kamala Harris handcuffed and leashed to the back of a golf cart drew outrage from bystanders and the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP, which denounced it as a symbol of racism and hatred. “It had no place in any parade...
‘Life changing’: At-home dialysis allows assistant DA to focus on work while she awaits kidney
By day, Jennifer Dupilka fights for justice for crime victims as an assistant district attorney at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. At home, she has a different kind of battle — against her own body. Four days a week, her husband, Ray Dupilka, leaves his job as a county detective and...
Hempfield residents share concerns about Fosterville Road, where speeds reach triple the posted limit
Terri Wolfinger didn’t hold back when asked about safety issues on her Hempfield street. She says cars and trucks routinely speed down Fosterville Road, residents can’t walk or bicycle along the street and motorists come close to rear-ending vehicles pulling out of driveways. Wolfinger said she’s yelled at drivers to...
Hempfield gets green light to explore possible new fire station
Hempfield officials got the OK this week to negotiate a potential land partnership with the school district to possibly build a new fire station. Township supervisors approved the measure that could bring the new station to Hempfield Area School District property near West Hempfield elementary school. That location is ideal,...
Vacancy emerges on Jeannette council after member resigns
Jeannette City Council is in need of a new member. Chad Krawtz submitted his resignation, which was effective immediately, on Sunday, said city solicitor Tim Witt. Letters of interest are being accepted until Nov. 13 by city manager Ethan Keedy. Council likely will vote on Krawtz’s resignation during its Nov....
Steelers vs. Giants: What they’re saying in New York after loss
There was one word New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones repeated numerous times during his postgame interview after losing “Monday Night Football” to the Pittsburgh Steelers: frustrating. It’s no wonder — his team dropped to 2-6 on the season, special teams players allowed a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown...
Hempfield supervisors nix tax hike, but some warn fire funding issues remain
Hempfield supervisors on Monday narrowly rejected a 3-mill property tax increase for 2025. But they hinted that the proposal could return when it comes time to prepare the 2026 budget. “Guess what, you’re kicking the can down the road,” said Supervisor George Reese, who voted in favor of the 3...
‘It was just too special’ son says of Model T McKee family donated to Lincoln Highway Experience
The 1927 Model T Touring chugged to life, just like David McKee remembered. After the car slowly was backed out of his late father’s Ligonier Borough garage Friday afternoon, it was time for some fun on a sunny fall day. “This is my last ride, so I’m going to …...
Charges amended for Greensburg hospital nurses accused of taking, sharing patient photos
Attorney Samuel Cordes got emotional Thursday while discussing how a woman in her 90s became an unknowing subject in a video recording while she was a patient at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. Her nude body was visible in the video that, police say, was taken without her consent by a...
Police raid 3 vape shops in Westmoreland, confiscate drug-related items
Police raided three vape shops in Westmoreland County Thursday, confiscating illegal drug-related items, authorities said. The raids took place at EZ Tobacco & Vape in Delmont, Vape & Smoke City in Hempfield and The Vape EXcape in Latrobe. It was a joint effort by local and state police, as well...
Jeannette students join effort to educate on dangers of distracted driving
Drivers entering the Jeannette Junior/Senior High School grounds will get some messages about how to stay safe behind the wheel. A group of students on Monday put up yard signs encouraging drivers to slow down, wear their seat belts and never drive impaired. Police Chief Derek Manley said distracted driving...
Former investigator at state AG’s North Huntingdon office could lose pension if convicted
A North Versailles woman accused of taking money from the Pennsylvania attorney general’s North Huntingdon office while she was an employee there could lose her pension if she’s convicted. The Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act requires a Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System member or participant who commits certain crimes related...
State police seek return of suspect in stolen car case related to missing dog, Lucky
Lucky the dog has been missing for a month, but his owner’s heartbreak is still as fresh as when he first disappeared. “We’re just basically still hoping that we can find Lucky,” said Linda Folino, whose 87-year-old father, Willard Martz, is the dog’s owner. “He’s such a big part of...
Jeannette property tax rate expected to hold, future reduction of earned-income rate discussed
Property taxes in Jeannette are not expected to rise in 2025 under a tentative spending plan. “For now, we’re not anticipating a tax increase,” said city manager Ethan Keedy. Council members and Keedy on Tuesday discussed the proposed budget that would hold the line on property taxes at 35.62 mills....
Greensburg among police departments targeting drivers along school bus routes
A few problem areas for Greensburg Salem School District buses will be among those targeted Wednesday for enforcement and driver education, said city police Sgt. Reginald Harbarger. Greensburg officers are assigned to follow bus routes and sit at bus stops while paying special attention to the area of East Pittsburgh...
Hempfield man charged with stalking, solicitation of girl at bus stop
Michael D. Thomas appeared confused Friday morning when no one was at the school bus stop as usual in his Hempfield neighborhood, state police said. A state trooper parked in an unmarked car nearby watched as Thomas visited the intersection just outside Greensburg, but didn’t find the 13-year-old girl to...
Hearing set for Jeannette police officer accused of falsifying reports
A Jeannette police officer is free on $1,500 unsecured bail after his arraignment Monday on accusations that he was falsifying reports related to traffic stops. District Judge Joseph DeMarchis read details of the 18 misdemeanor counts of tampering with records to Matthew S. Painter, 40, of Penn Township during the...
Jeannette whittles list of properties targeted for demolotion
John Gelsdorf was glad to hear Friday a rundown home on property he owns in Jeannette is slated for demolition. He said he is “totally in favor, the place is a disaster and that’s being kind. It needs to come down.” City officials agree. Gelsdorf’s property at 901 Zimmerman St....
Sewickley Township man accused of dousing neighbor, houses and vehicles with flammable liquid
A Sewickley Township man ordered last month to be released from jail to inpatient treatment in connection with an incident involving his neighbor was arrested Thursday night after state police said he lit a fire outside of a home in his neighborhood, according to court papers. Kurtis C. Baker, 33,...
