Pennsylvania’s waterways are confronting new dangers as fracking waste combines with historic pollution, threatening both drinking water and recreation.

Near Belle Vernon, a tributary flowing by the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill shows visible signs of contamination, including unusual foam and discolored water. Environmental scientist Yvonne Sorovacu and watershed advocate Hannah Hohman attribute these changes to oil and gas waste containing toxic and radioactive substances like radium, uranium, and arsenic.

Across Pennsylvania, at least 22 landfills accept such waste, often with scant oversight. Nearly 8.8 million tons of solid oil and gas waste were reported since 2017, though the real total may be higher. Elevated radium has already been found downstream from multiple sites.

Many landfills, including Westmoreland, sit atop old coal mines, compounding risks with overlapping pollutants. State action remains limited despite a grand jury’s call for reform, leaving locals and advocates pushing for stricter protections for precious water resources.

On December 9, 1965, a dazzling fireball blazed through the evening sky from Detroit to Pittsburgh, stopping residents in their tracks.

In Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, startled locals heard a mysterious thud in the woods, sparking widespread curiosity and speculation.

Authorities searched the area extensively, but no crash debris was ever found, fueling rumors of an unidentified flying object rather than the official explanation of a meteor.

Over the decades, this enigma evolved into Kecksburg’s famed UFO Festival, now a major summer tradition drawing thousands each July.

Festivalgoers enjoy parades, craft vendors, bed races, and new attractions like expanded parking and Shriners entertaining kids in 2024.

Festival president Ronnie Struble highlights rising attendance and the event’s key role in supporting the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department.

The festival’s iconic acorn-shaped UFO replica remains a symbol of community spirit, keeping Kecksburg’s cosmic legend alive for generations.

A troubling new report confirms the number of uninsured children in Pennsylvania has surged to its highest point in a decade.

More than 153,000 children across the commonwealth are now without health coverage.

The impact is hitting our local communities hard, with counties like Greene and Indiana seeing uninsured rates climb above the state average.

Even in Allegheny County, where rates are lower, public health officials are sounding the alarm.

They warn that a lack of insurance leads to delayed care, which puts a greater strain on the entire public health system.

Families are being squeezed by rising costs, shifting government policies, and the expiration of critical federal supports.

The situation could get worse before it gets better.

Upcoming changes to Medicaid threaten to push even more Pennsylvanians off their health plans, a crisis that affects the long-term stability of our communities.

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

Looking for that Special Coffee shirt? Get it now!

🗓️ Upcoming Westmoreland County, PA Events (December 23 - 29, 2025)

          Holiday Artist Market – December 23, 2025 – Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe. (Free admission to browse). Source: Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.

          Overly’s Country Christmas – December 23, 2025 (Open 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM) – Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg. (Paid/Admission fee). Source: Visit PA.

          Penn Township Planning Commission December Meeting – December 23, 2025 (6:00 PM) – Penn Township Municipal Building. (Free/Civic). Source: Penn Township Official Website.

          WW Studio Workshop – December 24, 2025 (10:00 AM) – Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, Greensburg. (Paid/Membership). Source: Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

          Christmas Eve with Santa Claus: Neighborhood Rounds – December 24, 2025 (Starts 10:00 AM) – Various Neighborhoods, Rostraver Township. (Free/Civic). Source: Rostraver Central Fire Department.

          Daily Mass at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral – December 24, 2025 (11:45 AM) – Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. (Free). Source: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.

          Children's Christmas Eve Service – December 24, 2025 (5:00 PM) – First Presbyterian Church Greensburg, Sanctuary. (Free). Source: First Presbyterian Church.

          Christmas Eve Family Mass – December 24, 2025 (5:00 PM) – St. Anne Parish, Rostraver. (Free). Source: St. Anne Parish.

          Christmas Eve Communion Service – December 24, 2025 (9:00 PM) – First Presbyterian Church Greensburg, Chapel. (Free). Source: First Presbyterian Church.

         Christmas Midnight Mass – December 24, 2025 (10:30 PM) – St. Anne Church, Rostraver. (Free). Source: St. Anne Parish.

         Festival of Lessons and Carols – December 24, 2025 (11:00 PM) – First Presbyterian Church Greensburg, Sanctuary. (Free). Source: First Presbyterian Church.

         WW Studio Workshop – December 25, 2025 (9:00 AM) – Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, Greensburg. (Paid/Membership). Source: Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

         Christmas Day Mass – December 25, 2025 (11:45 AM) – Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. (Free). Source: Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.

         Christmas Day Community Dinner – December 25, 2025 (Check for scheduled seating) – First Presbyterian Church Greensburg. (Free/Civic). Source: First Presbyterian Church.

         Overly’s Country Christmas – December 26, 2025 (Open 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM) – Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg. (Paid/Admission fee). Source: Visit PA.

         Winter Nights at The Westmoreland – December 26, 2025 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) – The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg. (Free). Source: The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

         WW Studio Workshop – December 27, 2025 (8:30 AM) – Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, Greensburg. (Paid/Membership). Source: Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

         Candy Cane Cocktails Event – December 27, 2025 – Live! Casino Pittsburgh, Greensburg. (Paid/Event). Source: Live! Casino Pittsburgh.

         Overly’s Country Christmas – December 27, 2025 (Open 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM) – Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg. (Paid/Admission fee). Source: Visit PA.

         Home for the Holidays Comedy Showcase – December 27, 2025 (7:00 PM) – Colombino Coffee, Greensburg. (Paid/$10). Source: AllEvents.in Greensburg.

         Overly’s Country Christmas – December 28, 2025 (Open 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM) – Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg. (Paid/Admission fee). Source: Visit PA.

         Westmoreland Garden Council Meeting – December 29, 2025 (8:00 AM) – Greensburg Garden & Civic Center. (Free/Civic). Source: Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

         Library Knitters Club – December 29, 2025 – Rostraver Public Library, Belle Vernon. (Free). Source: Westmoreland County Libraries.
North Huntingdon Snowman Building Contest – Ongoing December 23–29, 2025 – Town-wide, North Huntingdon Township. (Free to enter). Source: North Huntingdon Township Official Website.

Need a Pet Sitter for your next out of town visit or vacation? Find one now!

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2025
High: 46°F, Low: 33°F
Conditions: Light rain during the day, becoming mostly cloudy at night.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025
High: 43°F, Low: 31°F
Conditions: Cloudy throughout the day and night with a slight chance of evening snow.

Thursday, December 25, 2025
High: 53°F, Low: 44°F
Conditions: Periods of rain throughout Christmas Day with heavier showers overnight.

Friday, December 26, 2025
High: 54°F, Low: 38°F
Conditions: Continued rain showers during the day tapering off to light rain at night.

Saturday, December 27, 2025
High: 47°F, Low: 36°F
Conditions: Primarily cloudy skies for both the day and night.

Sunday, December 28, 2025
High: 39°F, Low: 23°F
Conditions: Much colder with light snow during the day followed by snow showers at night.

Monday, December 29, 2025
High: 32°F, Low: 22°F
Conditions: Light snow in the morning, remaining mostly cloudy through the evening.

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

Iron Bridge Antique Shop

Pinnacle Auto

2019 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4L

Year: 2019

Make: Hyundai

Model: Sonata

Trim: SE 2.4L

Mileage: 62,428

Trans: Automatic

Vin: 5NPE24AFXKH812860

A surge of economic energy is sweeping through Westmoreland County, bringing new businesses and expanded services to the area in early 2026.

This welcome trend signals growing confidence in our local market.

In North Huntingdon, Bluebird Counseling of Western PA is expanding to a larger location to meet the rising demand for mental health services, with a ribbon-cutting set for January 21.

The bustling Route 30 corridor in Unity Township is also seeing significant activity.

A new 7 Brew Coffee is preparing to open, offering a convenient drive-thru option for commuters.

Nearby in the Latrobe 30 Plaza, discount retailer Five Below is moving into the former Rite Aid space.

Additionally, industrial cornerstone Kennametal Inc. is reaffirming its local commitment with a special showcase in Latrobe on January 13.

These developments point to a period of vibrant economic growth for our community.

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

         Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Luca Butera and Torrie Destefano — Local sports shoutouts are in order for Norwin’s Luca Butera and Penn-Trafford’s Torrie Destefano, who were recently recognized for their outstanding performances during the winter sports season. These student-athletes continue to represent Westmoreland County with excellence on and off the field.

         Local Hero Priscella Layne’s 80th Birthday Charity Stocking Drive — In a heartwarming local hero story from this past week, Priscella Layne celebrated her 80th birthday by forgoing gifts and instead organizing the donation of 80 stuffed holiday stockings for students in need within the McGuffey School District. The project provided hygiene items and toys to under-resourced children in the local community.

         Saint Vincent College “Wraps for Kids” Community Service Success — A major shoutout goes to the Saint Vincent College community for their successful "Wraps for Kids" service project this week. Students and faculty gathered to wrap hundreds of gifts for local children, ensuring that families across Westmoreland County have presents to open this holiday season.

         Westmoreland Juror Donation Program Surpasses $100,000 Milestone — A significant community cause was highlighted this week as the Westmoreland County juror donation program officially surpassed $100,000 in total donations. Over the last decade, local jurors have opted to donate their daily pay to various county nonprofits, providing vital support for local human services and charitable organizations.

       WW Studio Community Wellness Workshops at Greensburg Garden & Civic Center — For those looking for local community engagement, the WW Studio at the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center will host in-person wellness workshops on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. These sessions provide local residents with health strategies and motivation as they head into the new year.

         Biesecker Library “Blind Date With a Book” Community Program — The Mary S. Biesecker Public Library is hosting a unique community literacy event through Dec. 29, 2025. Local residents can participate in a "Blind Date With a Book," where books are wrapped in brown paper with only a few clues provided, encouraging community members to discover new authors and genres during the holiday break.

         NYE Live! New Year’s Eve Fundraiser & Celebration at Live! Casino Pittsburgh — Residents in Greensburg can ring in 2026 at the "NYE Live!" event on Dec. 31, 2025. While the event is a celebration, it often serves as a major driver for local hospitality and community business engagement in Westmoreland County, featuring live entertainment and a countdown at the Westmoreland Mall complex.

         Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Final Week Push — This week marks the final push for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign in Westmoreland County. Local volunteers are being sought to ring bells through Dec. 24, 2025, to help the organization reach its million-dollar fundraising goal for housing and food assistance programs that support local families in need.

         New Year’s Eve Community Celebration at Bella Terra Vineyards — Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker/Latrobe will host a community New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2025. This event supports local agribusiness and provides a festive gathering space for Westmoreland residents to celebrate the arrival of 2026.

         Early Bird New Year’s Eve Community Gathering at Greenhouse Winery — For those looking for an earlier celebration, Greenhouse Winery in Westmoreland County is hosting an "Early Bird" New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM. The event is open to the public and fosters local fellowship among residents and small business supporters.

         Volunteer Opportunities at Westmoreland Food Bank Warehouse — The Westmoreland Food Bank is seeking volunteers for ongoing warehouse shifts starting the week of Dec. 23, 2025. Volunteers are needed to help sort and box non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local pantries across the county throughout the winter months.

         Saint Vincent College “Star of Bethlehem” Planetarium Community Shows — The Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium at Saint Vincent College continues its traditional "Star of Bethlehem" shows through the final week of December. This community-facing educational program explores the historical and scientific theories behind the star, providing a unique local cultural experience for families.

About Skelly:

• Age: estimated age 3 to 8 years
• Gender: male

• Weight: 26 to 60 lbs.

• Adoption Fee: 

• Why Skelly Needs You: "Like so many animals at the shelter, Skelly is patiently waiting for a loving family to call his own. He dreams of a family to love, a comfy bed and toys to play with!"

How to Adopt Skelly:

If Skelly sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!

• Visit the Humane Society: Skelly is currently staying at the Humane Society of Westmoreland County located at 139 Humane Society Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601.

• Learn More & Apply: You can view Skelly's full profile and learn more about the adoption process by visiting the Humane Society's website: 
  Humane Society of Westmoreland County

• Contact Information: For questions about Skelly or the adoption process, you can call the Humane Society of Westmoreland County at (724) 837-3779.

Give Skelly the forever home he deserves!

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor