"Delmont Fiber Fair Sparks Creativity & Pheasants Invade Westmoreland County!"

Trivia Question❓

In which now-quiet Westmoreland County site—once the last county created in Pennsylvania before the Revolutionary War, home to the first English courts held west of the Allegheny Mountains, and dramatically destroyed in a 1782 raid by British soldiers and Native Americans—would you be walking today if you were exploring reconstructed frontier buildings and viewing an authentic 1790s Conestoga wagon along the old Forbes Road?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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Solar Power Farm Opportunities in Westmoreland County, PA

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity may soon lead Pennsylvania’s mid-sized airports in solar innovation, as plans surface for a large-scale solar power farm on airport grounds.

Solar company representatives outlined a proposal to the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, emphasizing substantial energy cost reductions and new revenue through solar generation.

The project envisions a solar array across 650 parking spots, covering all airport energy needs, or a smaller option powering both the airport and Rostraver Airport with 5.2 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Savings could reach $1.7 million by cutting electricity purchases, but the board is weighing a 1% opt-out fee if they halt the project after signing a letter of intent.

Nearby, the Westmoreland County Housing Authority and Pittsburgh International Airport are also expanding solar projects, signaling a shift toward sustainable, cost-efficient energy in the region.

Local momentum continues to grow for solar energy adoption.

Free Events

Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Workshop

Date/Time: February 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 6:55 PM
Location: Adams Memorial Library, 1112 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA
Description: A family-friendly workshop featuring storyteller Huan Li. Participants will hear the story "The Lost Horse" and create horse-themed paper-cuts and decorative red envelopes.
Age Appropriateness: Children and families.
Source: Westmoreland County Libraries

"Books & Blocks" Early Literacy Play

Date/Time: February 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Penn Area Library, 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, PA
Description: An active session for toddlers featuring singing, dancing, and storytelling designed to build motor skills and early literacy.
Age Appropriateness: Ages 6–36 months.
Source: Westmoreland County Libraries

STEM Night: Monthly Stations

Date/Time: February 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ligonier Valley Library (Children's Wing), 120 West Main St, Ligonier, PA
Description: A drop-in program where kids can explore various hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math stations at their own pace.
Age Appropriateness: Ages 3 and up.
Source: Ligonier Valley Library

"Love of Reading" Phonics Fun

Date/Time: February 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Norwin Public Library, 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin, PA
Description: A family-oriented event focused on phonics-themed games and activities to help young readers boost their skills.
Age Appropriateness: Beginning readers and their families.
Source: Westmoreland County Libraries

History Speaks: "Bushy Run in Film"

Date/Time: February 21, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Location: Bushy Run Battlefield Museum, 1253 Route 993, Penn Township, PA
Description: A historical lecture part of the "History Speaks" series, focusing on how the famous local battlefield has been portrayed in cinema over the years.
Age Appropriateness: Older children, teens, and adults.
Source: TribLIVE Local - Norwin Area

Paid Events

Tea Talk: "Being George's Mom" (Mary Washington Story)

Date/Time: February 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fort Ligonier, 200 S Market St, Ligonier, PA
Description: Celebrate George Washington’s 294th birthday with a delightful tea and program about his mother, Mary Washington.
Cost: Check website for current tea service pricing; registration typically required.
Age Appropriateness: All ages (best for school-age children and adults).
Source: Fort Ligonier Events

St. Agnes Drive-Through Fish Fry

Date/Time: February 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: St. Agnes Church, St. Agnes Lane, North Huntingdon, PA
Description: A local tradition starting on the first Friday of Lent. Families can pick up fresh fish dinners via a convenient drive-through.
Cost: Varies per meal (A la carte and dinner options).
Age Appropriateness: All ages.
Source: TribLIVE Local

Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Greensburg, PA:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026: High 57°F, Low 37°F, Cloudy

Wednesday, February 18, 2026: High 55°F, Low 46°F, Rain

Thursday, February 19, 2026: High 59°F, Low 46°F, Light rain

Friday, February 20, 2026: High 61°F, Low 33°F, Partly sunny

Saturday, February 21, 2026: High 42°F, Low 33°F, Light rain

Sunday, February 22, 2026: High 41°F, Low 24°F, Cloudy

Monday, February 23, 2026: High 24°F, Low 15°F, Snow showers

Community Corner: Fresh Faces in Westmoreland County

It is a busy season for our local entrepreneurs! From the revitalization of long-standing Greensburg staples to fresh artisanal flavors arriving in Murrysville, there is plenty to celebrate. Here are a few new and "newly-reborn" small businesses that are putting their heart into Westmoreland County this month.

Henry’s Hoagies

Location: 16 West 2nd Street, Greensburg, PA

Reopened: January 2026

If you’ve walked past the corner of Second Street lately, you might have noticed a familiar "Hometown Hero" banner featuring a local veteran. That hero is the father of Michelle Maxson, the new owner of Henry’s Hoagies. A Greensburg native with 35 years in the food industry, Michelle fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking over the shop from original owners Henry Johnson and Holly Hull. Along with her boyfriend, Zack Dreskler (who many of you know from DV8 Espresso Bar), Michelle is keeping the local spirit alive while adding her own personal touch.

The shop is sticking to the hearty, handcrafted hoagies that made it a local favorite, but Michelle is elevating the menu with Boar's Head deli meats and her own homemade soups and side salads. She’s even bringing back a bit of local history by adding a special coleslaw recipe she learned as a teenager at the old Lincoln Inn.

"You can throw anything together, but if it’s not with good intention, it’s probably not that good," Michelle says of her commitment to quality. She chose to invest here because Greensburg is home, and she wants to provide a space where "good intention" is served in every bite.

Support them: Visit them Monday through Saturday for a lunch that feels like home. You can follow their updates on the Downtown Greensburg Project or give them a ring at (724) 221-6999.

Pizzaiolo Primo

Location: 4869 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA

Opening: Early March 2026

Murrysville residents won't have to travel far for authentic Neapolitan cuisine much longer. Pizzaiolo Primo, led by entrepreneur Ron Sofranko, is set to open its third regional location in the space formerly occupied by Atria’s. This isn't just another pizza joint; it’s an artisan experience featuring wood-fired pies, handmade pastas, and Italian entrees like branzino and chicken parmigiana.

Ron Sofranko has a track record of breathing life into the local dining scene, having successfully expanded the brand from its original Market Square roots. By choosing Murrysville, the group is filling the void left by recent closures along the William Penn Highway corridor, bringing a high-end yet welcoming atmosphere back to the neighborhood.

"We are thrilled to bring the Pizzaiolo Primo experience to Murrysville," the team shared ahead of the opening. "This community has a deep appreciation for authentic, quality dining, and we’re excited to become a staple of your Friday nights and family celebrations."

Support them: Keep an eye on murrysville.pizzaioloprimo.com for the official ribbon-cutting date in early March. They are expected to offer full-service dining, catering, and a curated wine list.

Scotty G’s Pizzeria

Location: Ligonier Street, Downtown Latrobe, PA

New Ownership: January 2026

In a heartwarming "passing of the torch," longtime employee Stephanie Nolan officially took the reins of Scotty G’s Pizzeria from founder Scott Goodlin this year. Stephanie, a Latrobe native and mother of three, has worked at the pizzeria for seven years, starting as a delivery driver. When Scott decided to step back from management, he knew the 30-year-old local landmark was in good hands with Stephanie.

While the name and the classic recipes aren't changing (Scott is actually staying on to help make the pizzas!), Stephanie is looking to revitalize the dining room. Look forward to upcoming "Spaghetti Nights," "Wing Nights," and special half-off pizza deals designed to bring neighbors back together in person.

"Owning a building in downtown Latrobe—it’s just a dream to be a part of the community in that way," Stephanie says. She sees the pizzeria as a legacy she can one day pass down to her sons, keeping the Latrobe business community strong for another generation.

Support them: Stop by the dining room on Ligonier Street to say hi to Stephanie and grab a slice. Watch for their storefront updates this spring as they work with the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program!

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

Greensburg, PA is home to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, which houses a diverse collection of American art spanning over three centuries.

Local Shoutouts, Local Heroes, Local Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities

Hello, Westmoreland County! It is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and I’m your local community journalist here to bring you the heart and soul of our county. From life-saving bravery to local pancake dinners, we have a lot to be proud of this week.

Here is your community update:

🌟 Local Shoutouts

Our First Responders Get a Major Tech Boost

Exciting things are happening at the Westmoreland County Industrial Park! Construction has officially begun on PennSTART, a state-of-the-art testing facility for autonomous technology. This isn't just about cool robots; it's going to provide game-changing, real-world incident management training for our local police, fire, and medical personnel to keep them safer on the job.

Key Details: The facility is being built within the county's industrial park system to support both economic growth and emergency responder safety.
Source: Westmoreland County News Flash

🦸 Local Heroes

Celebrating the Brave Among Us

A massive round of applause for Michael Johnson of Ligonier and Frederick “Rick” Palmer Jr. of New Alexandria! These two Westmoreland water authority workers were recently recognized with the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Heroism. They jumped into action to save a co-worker who was trapped and injured while repairing an underground tank—true examples of what it means to look out for your neighbor.

Key Details: The duo was honored for their life-saving emergency care during a dangerous pipe break incident in Mt. Pleasant.
Source: TribLIVE

🤝 Local Causes

Shaping the Future of Westmoreland

The County is currently preparing its 2026 Annual Action Plan for community development and housing. They are looking for your voice to help decide how to use federal funds for local housing and infrastructure needs. It’s a great way to make sure our community’s specific needs are heard at the top level.

Key Details: A public hearing will be held on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Department of Planning and Development (40 N. Pennsylvania Ave, Greensburg).
Source: Westmoreland County Official Website

🎟️ Fundraisers

Bingo for a Big Cause

Ready to yell "Bingo!" for a great reason? Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region is hosting a bingo night next weekend. It’s going to be a full house with a basket raffle, 50-50 drawings, and mystery envelopes, all to support mentorship for kids in our area.

Date/Time: February 21, 2026. Doors open at 4:30 PM; games start at 6:00 PM.
Location: Youngwood Firehall, 104 S. Second St.
Tickets: $35 each (includes bingo cards and specials).
Source: TribLIVE Westmoreland Happenings

🙋 Volunteer Opportunities

Share Your Time and Talents

If you're looking to give back, there are plenty of spots open right now! The VITA program is searching for volunteers to help local seniors and low-income residents with their tax returns. If you prefer something more active, the WestCoFire departments are always looking for new volunteer firefighters—no experience is necessary to start your journey!

VITA Program: Contact 724-430-6426 or email maston@fccaa.org.
Firefighting: Contact your local Westmoreland County fire department to learn about the "WestCoFire" initiative.
Source: Westmoreland County Volunteer Portal

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

If you apply to adopt , please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Westmoreland Buzz Newsletter!

About: Gerald

Gerald is a wonderful nearly 2 year old Catahoula boy who is full of energy and curiosity. He is a smart dog who loves to play, explore and take walks. Gerald loves people and he is a very loving and loyal companion. Gerald doesn't always give off the best first impression, if you walk past his "room" he will probably be jumping and barking his head off like you're a burglar. He's all bark.... once he gets to know you, he's a big softie who gives the best hugs!

**Gerald is an escape artist. No fence will be able to contain this guy. It is very important to know that Gerald will always need to be on a leash or lead when outside. If he is left to run, he will find a way out of the yard.**

It’s easy to fall in love with this sweet and handsome guy, but please be aware that the Catahoula breed is a very energetic and intelligent breed. They also have strong herding instincts. Gerald is going to need a home that will keep him stimulated and will get him out being active.
If you think you can give Gerald the loving home he deserves, come to the shelter today and meet this sweetheart!

**Gerald requires a home with NO children**

Interested in adopting? Please review our Adoption Procedures:

Adoption/Visiting Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-4pm
You may visit our cats, kittens, dogs and puppies over the age of 4 months old during adoption hours prior to completing an adoption application.

Action For Animals Inc. Humane Society

Adoption Policy

afahs@aol.com

(724) 539-2544

Location

386 Route 217 Latrobe, PA, 15650

Get Directions

Please give Gerald the forever home he deserves!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Historic Hanna’s Town, the original county seat of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor