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"Arctic Blast Hits Western PA: Manufacturing Renaissance & Free Radon Testing in Westmoreland County!"
"Arctic Blast Hits Western PA: Manufacturing Renaissance & Free Radon Testing in Westmoreland County!"
"Arctic Blast Hits Western PA: Manufacturing Renaissance & Free Radon Testing in Westmoreland County!"
"Winter storms hit hard, manufacturing makes a comeback in PA, libraries tackle radon threat - all in this week's newsletter!"
Charles Sisk
Jan 27, 2026
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Trivia Question❓Westmoreland County, PA is home to the birthplace of which iconic American food product? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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After a historic winter storm buried the region, Western Pennsylvania is now bracing for a dangerous and life-threatening deep freeze.
The weekend blizzard shattered records, dumping over a foot of snow across much of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties and causing widespread closures.
The primary threat has now shifted from heavy snow to an extreme arctic blast.
Meteorologists have issued warnings for dangerously low wind chills, expected to plunge to between -15 and -25 degrees.
Officials caution that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in mere minutes at these temperatures.
While PennDOT crews continue working to clear the immense snowfall from roadways, residents are strongly urged to avoid any non-essential travel.
This frigid weather is expected to keep the area in an icy grip for the rest of the week. Read More... |
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Westmoreland County is charting a new course for its high-tech industrial future, with average manufacturing jobs now paying over $90,000 annually.
The main challenge has been connecting local residents in towns like New Kensington to these highly skilled opportunities.
At the heart of the solution is Westmoreland County Community College, which is embedding training programs directly into the communities that need them most.
Its new composites technology program is intentionally based in New Kensington, directly supporting the arrival of Re:Build Manufacturing.
The company is investing tens of millions to revitalize a former Alcoa Works site, creating a powerful local partnership.
This strategy flips the old model by bringing advanced, employer-aligned education to neighborhoods with deep industrial roots, creating a truly local economic ecosystem. Read More... |
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Westmoreland County Libraries are now offering a crucial new tool to combat an invisible threat lurking in local homes: free digital radon testing kits.
This initiative directly addresses a serious regional health concern.
Pennsylvania is known for having some of the highest radon concentrations in the nation, and data shows over 40% of homes in Westmoreland County have unsafe levels.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas and the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Through a partnership with the tech company Airthings, forty digital testing kits have been distributed across the county’s 26 library branches.
Diana Falk, director of the Norwin Public Library, noted the process is designed for ease.
Residents can simply check out a kit with their library card, just like borrowing a book.
This pioneering program provides an accessible, no-cost way for homeowners to monitor their indoor air quality and protect their families. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." |
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Introducing our "Every Snack You Make" t-shirt, the ultimate must-have for all Dog lovers! |
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Here’s a verified, family-friendly event list for Westmoreland County, PA from January 27 – February 2, 2026. Each listing includes date/time, location, brief description, age notes, cost, and source links when available.
🆓 Free Events (Family & Community Friendly)1️⃣ Toddler Story Time📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 2️⃣ Babies-N-Books📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 3️⃣ Toddler Story Time (Youngwood)📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM 4️⃣ Wee Read📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5️⃣ Lapsit📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 6️⃣ Preschool Story Time📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 7️⃣ Family Storytime (New Kensington)📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 8️⃣ Family Storytime (Ligonier Valley)📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 9️⃣ Sphero Coding Challenge Showcase📅 Tue, Jan 27, 2026 — 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 💲 Paid or Ticketed Events (Fun for Families & Tourists)10️⃣ Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Market📅 Sun, Feb 1, 2026 — 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 11️⃣ 2nd Annual Chili Challenge📅 Sun, Feb 1, 2026 — 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 12️⃣ Lee Brice – Acoustic (Concert)📅 Sat, Jan 31, 2026 — 7:30 PM 🌲 Outdoor & Self-Guided Activities (Free Anytime)These are great for exploring Westmoreland County any day in the period: 13️⃣ Five Star Trail Walk/Ride📍 Trailheads: Greensburg → Youngwood 14️⃣ Hempfield Park Play + Walk📍 Hempfield Park, Greensburg (220 Forbes Trail Rd)
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Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Greensburg, PA: Tuesday, January 27, 2026: High 16°F, Low 3°F. Partly sunny, very cold, and breezy. |
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The Eyes are Here! |
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Put Your Business Where the Eyes Are! |
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Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! westmorelandbuzz@gmail.com |
Interesting Facts |
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Local Shoutouts, Local Heroes, Local Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities
Hello, Westmoreland County! As your local community journalist, I’ve been out and about (and digging through the snow!) to bring you the most heartwarming and helpful news from around the county this week. Despite the chilly January weather and a historic courthouse closure, our community spirit is staying toasty warm. Here is what’s happening in our neck of the woods for the week of January 26, 2026:
Local ShoutoutsAAA Honors Our Local Road HeroesIt’s no secret that our local police departments have been working overtime lately, and AAA East Central is making sure they get their flowers! This week, we’re celebrating Plum and Oakmont Police Departments for receiving Platinum Awards for their outstanding road safety efforts. They were joined by several other local departments in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties recognized for keeping our streets safe for our families.
Local HeroesWater Authority Workers Awarded the Carnegie MedalWe are incredibly proud of Michael Johnson and Frederick “Rick” Palmer Jr., two Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County workers who were recently honored with the prestigious Carnegie Medal. In a true display of bravery, these men risked their lives to save a fellow co-worker trapped in a flooded underground vault. Their quick thinking and level-headedness represent the very best of Westmoreland County!
Local CausesKeeping Westmoreland Warm This WinterWith temperatures dipping and the snow piling up, the Westmoreland County Cold Weather Emergency Shelters are officially active. These shelters provide a safe, warm space for anyone in need when temperatures fall below 25°F. If you know a neighbor who might be struggling with the cold, please help us spread the word about these life-saving resources.
FundraisersNorwin "Cubcake" Sweet Treats for a CauseWho says doing good can't be delicious? The Norwin area is currently buzzing about the Cubcake Fundraiser, a sweet initiative helping to support local students and school programs. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a treat and help our local kids reach their goals.
Volunteer OpportunitiesLend a Hand (and a Heart) at Westmoreland ManorIf you have an hour or two to spare each week, Westmoreland Manor is looking for friendly faces to brighten the days of our local seniors. Whether you enjoy chatting over a cup of coffee, helping out in the snack bar, or escorting residents to activities, your time makes a massive difference in preventing loneliness among our older neighbors.
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Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! westmorelandbuzz@gmail.com |
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If you apply to adopt , please let Tails of the Rescued know that you saw the listing in The Westmoreland Buzz Newsletter!
Hazel 's StoryHazel was found as a stray on a back road. She is a very sweet dog to people but not animals. Her favorite toys are tennis balls and nylabones. She is crate trained and walks good on a leash. She’s about 2 years old and ready for her next chapter in life. Hazel is always down for a walk or a car ride. She’s a character for sure. She’s funny and adventurous. Poor Hazel was diagnosed with hip dysplasia but she doesn’t let it stop her one bit! Please contact organization for hours
Visits by appointment only
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The banana split was invented at Tassel's Pharmacy in Latrobe, Westmoreland County. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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