Charles Sisk
Jul 14, 2026
📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Westmoreland County Declares War * Community Engagement: Summer Concert Series Benefits Westmoreland County Parks & Trails * Pet of the week: Meet Rex - Don't Shop, Adopt! |
Trivia Question❓Which country was the first in the world to grant women the right to vote in national elections, doing so in 1893 and beating every other nation by decades? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Flat Tire Co Bike Shop |
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An anonymous donor has given $100,000 to save Wesley Family Services' "Open Your Heart to a Senior" program in Westmoreland County, which faced shutdown after losing federal funding.
The donation came shortly after senior participant Diana Holcomb shared her story on Pittsburgh's Action News 4, fearing the program's closure would leave her without food and basic support.
Holcomb said the news brought her to tears and renewed her faith in the community's compassion.
Wesley Family Services CEO Doug Muetzel called the gift both unexpected and deeply moving, saying the organization was humbled by such generosity at a critical moment.
The funds will sustain the Westmoreland program for approximately one year, but challenges remain — a similar program in Allegheny County still faces closure without additional support.
The anonymous donor hopes their contribution will inspire others to help vulnerable seniors across the region. Read More... |
PennDOT and law enforcement agencies have launched a six-week aggressive driving crackdown across Westmoreland County, running from July 6 through August 16.
The campaign targets dangerous behaviors — including speeding, tailgating, and running red lights — that are consistently linked to serious and fatal crashes.
Multiple agencies are involved, including Pennsylvania State Police, the Highway Safety Network, and several local police departments.
A press event on July 8 highlighted regional crash data and emphasized the role of both education and visible enforcement in changing driver behavior.
Officers from Washington Township, Murrysville, Delmont Borough, and Allegheny Township joined State Police for a coordinated enforcement operation along Route 66 following the briefing.
Officials say enforcement will remain active throughout the campaign as part of a broader effort to reduce preventable crashes on Westmoreland County roads. Read More... |
Southwestern Pennsylvania is set for a major infrastructure overhaul under a newly approved $4.7 billion transportation plan covering a 10-county region over the next five years.
Developed by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the plan dedicates roughly $2 billion to roads and bridges and $2.7 billion to public transit improvements.
Key projects include modernizing Route 30 in Westmoreland County with median barriers and jughandle turnarounds, upgrading critical corridors like Campbells Run Road, and launching a rapid bus transit line connecting Oakland to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Transit investments will fund new bus fleets, station upgrades, and long-term busway extensions to Pittsburgh International Airport.
Bridge repairs are also prioritized, with $238 million earmarked for structures including the Homestead Grays Bridge and Layton Bridge in Fayette County.
Local officials praise the plan's ambition, though funding constraints may limit how quickly projects advance. Read More... |
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Bella Terra Vineyards |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, July 14 – July 20, 2026 |
Main Street Greensburg Farmers Market |
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Family Fun on the Lawn |
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Headline |
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Idlewild & SoakZone — Neighbor Days |
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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 July 14 – July 20. |
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
DeNunzio's Italian Chophouse & Sinatra Bar |
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Summer is in full swing across Westmoreland County, and the local community is buzzing with outdoor music, recreational events, and local achievements. Here are 5 positive, highly localized things trending right now in the area: 1. The Peak of Summer Park Concerts & Food Truck CultureOutdoor music series are drawing massive crowds across the county's beautiful park spaces.
2. Post-Festival Momentum at Twin LakesThe region is still riding the high from the massive Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, which just wrapped up its annual July run at Twin Lakes Park. Featuring over 200 craft exhibitors, multi-stage live performances, and cultural food booths, the event successfully brought tens of thousands of neighbors together to kick off the month. 3. Trail Poker Runs & Active Outdoor RecreationWestmoreland's exceptional trail systems are seeing a major surge in engagement through hybrid fitness-community events. Coming up next weekend (July 18), the Five Star Trail Poker Run kicks off at Lynch Field in Greensburg. Participants can walk 4 miles or bike 12 miles, collecting a playing card at various checkpoints to assemble a winning poker hand for trophies and prizes. It's a massive hit for families and local outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the scenery without the pressure of a formal race. 4. Saint Vincent College's Local Accolades & Summer Theatre (Latrobe)Latrobe is celebrating a wave of positive recognition centered around Saint Vincent College. The institution recently took home top honors in the 2026 Latrobe Bulletin Community Choice Awards. Simultaneously, the historic Saint Vincent Summer Theatre is drawing theatergoers from all over the county for its current production of Honky Tonk Angels, keeping Latrobe's rich cultural tradition alive and well. 5. Main Street Revitalization & Community Milestones in IrwinDowntown Irwin is keeping spirits high with direct support for local commerce and long-standing community traditions.
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Westmoreland Buzz Community Newsletter 🐝Your Weekly Snapshot of Community, Connection, and Good News Across Westmoreland County, PA Welcome to this week's edition of the Westmoreland Buzz! Whether you are grabbing a morning coffee in Greensburg, strolling through Latrobe, or catching the breeze down in Delmont, we’ve gathered the latest inspiring local news, achievements, and opportunities to give back right here in our home county. 1. Local Shoutouts 👏Greensburg Favorite Named Westmoreland Chamber Champion!Big local applause goes out to Baldy's Original Pizza in Greensburg! The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized this neighborhood staple with the Chamber Champion Award. Serving up delicious pies, cozy family dining, and generous local support since 2001, Baldy's continues to prove why local small businesses are the beating heart of our community. Next time you drop in for a slice, be sure to offer them a big congratulations!
2. Local Heroes 🎖️Honoring Our Hometown Heroes: 8th Annual OVN Fallen Heroes RideOperation Vet NOW Inc. (OVN) is revving up its engines to honor Westmoreland County service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Organizers and volunteer riders are preparing a county-wide honor ride passing through the hometowns of our fallen heroes, culminating in a community Freedom Festival and veteran outreach event. It’s a powerful movement driven by local residents dedicated to making sure our military heroes are never forgotten.
3. Local Causes 💚Shining a Light on Community & Men's Mental Health at Twin Lakes ParkMental health advocates and local health leaders joined together at Twin Lakes Park for the Men of Impact: Men's Mental Health Master Mind initiative. This vital community gathering brings local residents and families together to break down stigmas, foster open communication, and connect individuals with wellness and substance-use recovery resources across Westmoreland County. It’s an essential initiative reminding every resident that help is always within reach in our community.
4. Fundraisers 🎟️Summer Concert Series Benefits Westmoreland County Parks & TrailsLooking for great music while supporting local public spaces? The 2026 Summer Concert Series at Twin Lakes Park and Cedar Creek Park is officially under way! While admission is completely free to the public, local vendor sales, concessions, and community donations from these concert nights directly fund maintenance and enhancements for Westmoreland County's trails, playgrounds, and nature preserves. Enjoy a wonderful night out with family while keeping our public parks beautiful!
5. Volunteer Opportunities 🤝Lend a Helping Hand: Animal Protectors & Westmoreland Food Bank DriveIf you've been looking for a meaningful way to give back this month, two wonderful local organizations are looking for extra hands! Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley in New Kensington is calling on volunteers to help set up and pack merchandise for their shelter fundraiser sales. Meanwhile, the Westmoreland County Food Bank in Delmont is scheduling volunteer shifts to sort and pack essential grocery boxes for local families and seniors across our county.
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Burgher Burger |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: New Zealand |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |