Charles Sisk
Aug 4, 2026
📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Royal Hearts Unveiled * Pet of the week: Meet Poppy - Adopt me! |
Trivia Question❓Which country has both the lowest and highest natural points on land in the world, due to containing the shores of the Dead Sea and the mountains above sea level? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Looking for incredible barbecue that will impress your guests? BBG Catering serves up Pittsburgh’s finest pulled pork, baby back ribs, hot sausage, and barbecue chicken, all roasted to perfection on the biggest mobile grills in the Tri-State Area. Whether you're planning an extravagant wedding, a casual get-together, or a major event, BBG’s experienced team is committed to making your meal memorable, no matter the size. From movie sets to mountaintop celebrations, they’ve done it all—and always with a warm, professional touch. Book BBG Catering for your next occasion, and experience how their passion delivers an exceptional dining experience every single time. |
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A Washington County couple sealed their love story Thursday in the same spot where it began: the ticket booth at Greensburg’s historic Palace Theatre. Dorothy Vega, 70, and Joseph Gawlik, 68, both of Finleyville, exchanged vows in a self-uniting ceremony before a small gathering of family and friends. Their wedding added a personal touch to the theater’s centennial celebration, transforming a meaningful meeting place into the backdrop for their marriage. Five years earlier, the couple had met there by chance on July 30, 2021, after a delayed showing of the Happy Together Tour, a nostalgic concert featuring music from the 1960s and ’70s. Vega said the performance would not have brought them together if it had taken place as originally scheduled Read More... |
Rita Franczyk’s visit to the Giant Eagle on Towne Center Drive turned unforgettable after a simple suggestion from a store clerk led her to a $1.5 million scratch-off win. Franczyk said the timing could not have been better. After dealing with a recent rent increase and a burst pipe in her apartment building, she had been staying with her daughter. She now hopes to buy a small home of her own. A regular shopper at the store, Franczyk said she usually buys an occasional $5 Lottery ticket “just for fun.” That changed when a clerk encouraged her to try one of the store’s new $30 tickets. Her first ticket paid off with a $50 win, and she jokingly thanked the clerk for the advice. Read More... |
Westmoreland County motorists are navigating a season of heightened road maintenance, with crews active nearly every weekday across the region.
Drivers should prepare for intermittent delays along major routes as projects like base repairs on Rushwood Road and Main Street, plus essential pipe replacements on Kecksburg and Buttermore roads, intensify.
Short-term inconvenience now promises improved safety and smoother commutes in the future, local officials emphasize.
Ongoing efforts—ditch cleaning, patching, and sign upgrades—span Derry, Mt. Pleasant, and Unity townships, with Route 30 and Waltz Mill Road seeing frequent flaggers and lane restrictions. Read More... |
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Gene & Boots Candies |
Fine Chocolates since 1930 plus now we have 20 different varieties of our own homemade hard ice-cream. |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, Aug. 4 – Aug. 10, 2026 |
Summer Sounds Concert Series |
📅 Friday, August 7, 2026 | Preshow 6:15 PM, main show 7:00 PM |
LIGONIER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES |
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Join us for a delightful evening as the Penn-Trafford Community Band takes part in the Ligonier Summer Concert Series! Experience a fantastic outdoor concert and enjoy impressive music performed by talented musicians, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ligonier Diamond. With plenty of on-street and nearby parking, it’s easy for guests to attend. Bring your friends or family, and treat yourself to a memorable night of live music and community spirit. |
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Idlewild & SoakZone — Kids Fest (Opening Weekend) |
📅 Saturday–Sunday, August 8–9, 2026 (Kids Fest runs weekends Aug 8–30) |
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park |
Experience an up-close adventure with over 300 animals across 70 species at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park. This family-owned destination is dedicated to providing hands-on, interactive fun in a safe and welcoming environment. Guests can enjoy animal feedings, encounters with ambassador animals like sloths and otters, and access to the engaging Rainforest Room. Perfect for families and animal lovers looking for an educational and memorable outing in the Laurel Highlands. |
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📚 Westmoreland County Public Library EventsThe Westmoreland County Library System has 26 member libraries. Click the link below to the main library finder where you can get their calendars. Be sure to check library calendars for all confirmed events during Aug. 4 – Aug. 10. |
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Moonlight Inn has been a beloved hometown favorite since 1984, delighting guests with its signature dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're craving wings, burgers, or their famous Franco's Ribeye Hoagie, you'll always find something to love on the menu. The views at sunset are as wonderful as the food and service, making every visit special. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, the Moonlight Inn is the perfect spot for a cozy dinner or your next celebration. From parties to catering, their friendly team makes hosting easy and memorable. Experience the comfort of true local hospitality at Moonlight Inn. |
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Here’s a look at some of the fresh energy arriving in Westmoreland County right now. From a homegrown embroidery shop putting down permanent roots to a local family restaurant chain expanding and a big experiential sports destination opening its doors, neighbors have plenty of new places to explore and support this summer. **KP Threads Boutique** has made the jump from home-based operation to a full brick-and-mortar shop at 646 South Urania Avenue in Greensburg. Owner Kelly, a Western Pennsylvania native who launched the business in her 50s after careers in winery management and landscaping operations, specializes in custom embroidery, heat transfers, patches, and branded apparel for local companies, organizations, and individuals. Everything is done in-house with no subcontracting, fast turnaround, and a focus on helping other small businesses look sharp. The Westmoreland County Chamber is hosting an official ribbon-cutting celebration on Tuesday, August 18, from 4–5 p.m.—a perfect chance to stop by, meet Kelly (and her friendly sidekick dog), and see the samples. Current hours are generally 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday (with a midday break), and appointments are happily made outside those times to fit busy schedules. Call or text 724-244-8611 or visit kpthreadsboutique.com to get a quote or show your support. Just down the road at Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield, **Dick’s House of Sport** held its soft opening at the end of July and will celebrate a full grand opening weekend August 7–9. The more than 100,000-square-foot interactive store (in the former Sears space) lets shoppers try gear on a climbing wall, in multi-sport cages, and at golf simulator bays before buying. Appearances by Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin and Steelers guard Gennings Dunker are planned during the grand-opening festivities. It’s a destination-style addition that should draw families and athletes from across the county. Check the mall directory or dickssportinggoods.com for current hours and event details. Looking a little further ahead, **Valley Dairy Restaurants**—the longtime Latrobe-based family chain known for classic comfort food and its famous ice cream—is remodeling space at Norwin Hills Plaza along Route 30 in North Huntingdon for a September opening. The 14th location will create about 75 full- and part-time jobs and sits near housing developments and medical offices. President Melissa Blystone and the team emphasize building a positive workplace with competitive pay and flexibility. Keep an eye on valleydairy.net for the exact grand-opening date and hiring updates so you can be among the first to welcome them (and grab a banana split). These openings reflect the steady, neighborly growth happening all over Westmoreland County. Stop in, say hello, and help these new spots thrive—they’re counting on local support just like the rest of us. If you’ve spotted another new business worth a shout-out, drop me a note! |
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Positive Trends in Westmoreland County Westmoreland County is buzzing with easy, family-friendly ways to enjoy the season. From Greensburg to Irwin and Latrobe, the late-summer calendar is full of community events that mix music, food, history, and outdoor fun. 1. Free or low-cost concerts are a big draw, especially SummerSounds in Greensburg and other live shows that keep weekends lively. For all my newsletter readers, the big story is simple: Westmoreland is leaning into local pride, outdoor gathering spaces, and affordable fun that works for residents and visitors alike. |
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Welcome to this week’s edition of the Westmoreland Buzz! Grab a cup of coffee and settle in—we’ve gathered some of the most inspiring, heart-warming, and actionable local news happening right here in our backyards this week. 🌟 Local ShoutoutsCast Your Votes: TribLIVE’s 2026 Best of the Best Awards Are Wrapping Up!It’s time to show some extra love to the local shops, restaurants, and hardworking business owners who make Westmoreland County feel like home! The annual Community Choice Awards nomination period is wrapping up right now, giving us all a chance to give our favorite neighborhood spots a well-deserved spotlight before the main voting round begins.
🦸 Local HeroesOperation Vet NOW Rallies Bikers for the 8th Annual Fallen Heroes RideThis Saturday, local veterans and community members are taking to two wheels to honor Westmoreland County's fallen service members. Organized by Operation Vet NOW, this year’s ride travels an 80-mile route directly through the hometowns of military heroes from Operation Desert Storm and the Afghanistan War, bringing the community together to remember their sacrifices and support Gold Star families.
💚 Local CausesBridging the Gap: $500,000 Awarded to Local Basic Needs NonprofitsThe Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC) recently announced $500,000 in Impact Grants distributed among 11 regional nonprofit organizations! These funds support critical community infrastructure, helping local groups provide housing assistance, affordable child care, food security, and job assistance to families working hard to build a brighter future.
🎟️ Fundraisers31st Annual August Fun Fest at Cedar Creek ParkLooking for an affordable, fun-filled Sunday with the family that also supports our local park programs? The 31st Annual August Fun Fest is taking over Cedar Creek Park! While admission and parking are completely free, proceeds from activity passes directly benefit Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation events and local community groups.
🤝 Volunteer & Community OpportunitiesConnect with First Responders at Local National Night Out EventsNational Night Out is kicking off across Westmoreland County this coming week! It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to meet our local police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel in a fun, relaxed environment featuring games, safety demos, and community-building activities.
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Fletcher's Outdoor Power Equipment is your friendly, family-owned destination for all things lawn and garden. Their knowledgeable staff delivers truly personal service, making sure every customer finds just the right equipment—whether you're after a new mower or essential repairs. Representing industry-leading brands like STIHL, Walker, Exmark, Toro, Honda, and Ventrac, Fletcher's offers not just great products but also authorized service for top engine lines. The team’s commitment to integrity and attention to individual needs has earned them a long list of satisfied customers. Stop by or give them a call for friendly advice, expert repairs, or your next equipment upgrade—you won’t be disappointed. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Israel |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |