"The Hidden Stories of Greensburg, PA: Uncovering the City's History and Architecture"

Trivia Question❓

In 2015, Greensburg, PA made headlines when a gas station converted an old, unused feature into a unique attraction for customers. What was the feature and what did they turn it into?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Getting in the holiday spirit with Overly’s Christmas Village

Exploring the Historic City of Greensburg, PA: A Journey Through Time and Architecture

Greensburg, a city in Westmoreland County with a population of nearly 15,000, has a rich history dating back to the late 1700s.

This article provides a historical journey through the city, highlighting its downtown area, historic buildings, landmarks such as the Westmoreland County Courthouse, and the transformation of businesses over the years.

Despite the impact of local malls on downtown stores in the 1960s and 70s, small shops along Pennsylvania Avenue continue to thrive.

The article also touches on significant structures like the Palace Theatre, Westmoreland Hospital, and the West Penn Power site.

Westmoreland County is set for major improvements as FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, operating as West Penn Power, announces a sweeping modernization of the local power grid.

Beginning in August 2025, the upgrades will bolster service reliability for approximately 5,000 customers in New Kensington, Arnold, and Lower Burrell.

The project includes reinforcing key power lines on 7th Street Road and near Drey Street, with crews installing over a mile of stronger, weather-resistant wire.

More than 50 utility poles, nearly 100 crossarms, new transformers, fuses, and lightning-protection devices are also being added to safeguard the system.

Tree trimming along the lines aims to minimize outages, while the installation of remote-controlled reclosing switches allows automatic fault isolation and faster restoration.

A new tie line will transfer customers to backup lines during repairs, ensuring smoother maintenance.

These upgrades promise stronger, more responsive service, reflecting a major investment in the local community’s future.

This newsletter sponsored by

The Headkeeper "600+ Craft and Import Beers & Tapas Menu"

The Headkeeper has been a beloved fixture in Greensburg for years, known for its inviting atmosphere and unique culinary approach.

This local favorite specializes in an eclectic, seasonal tapas menu, perfect for sharing with friends and family, featuring everything from savory flatbreads to pan-seared shrimp. The cozy dining areas and a much-loved patio make it a perfect spot to gather and enjoy the community vibe. This spotlight is presented by The Headkeeper.

Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner or a special occasion, their diverse menu has something to delight every palate. Explore the menu and see what makes this spot a true Greensburg gem.

Westmoreland County Embraces Digital Transformation Across Sectors

Westmoreland County is undergoing a wave of digital innovation, with major investments advancing its economy, public safety, and education sectors.

Powerex Inc. is leading the charge, committing over $14 million to upgrade its Youngwood facility.

This expansion is set to double assembly capacity, create at least 25 new manufacturing jobs, and support 215 current workers, giving the local job market a strong boost.

On the safety front, the District Attorney’s Office is launching a digital forensic lab, backed by a $500,000 grant.

This cutting-edge facility will speed up digital evidence analysis and save the county significant costs each year.

Education is evolving too, as county schools debut a Digital Literacy program for the 2024-2025 year, preparing students for an increasingly tech-driven world.

Broadband expansion, in partnership with Verizon, will soon bring high-speed internet to over 400 rural locations—bridging the digital divide and connecting more residents than ever before.