Townships across the U.S. are taking a more active role in regulating solar farm development, carefully weighing renewable energy goals against local priorities.

In Covington Township, Pennsylvania, new zoning laws now confine large solar facilities to select districts, aiming to protect residential neighborhoods and preserve the township’s distinctive character.

Polk Township has similarly adjusted its zoning, fully banning commercial solar farms in moderate-density zones following community calls to safeguard farmland and rural views.

Meanwhile in Ohio, Columbiana County commissioners have blocked large solar and wind projects in several townships, responding to concerns about property values and local quality of life.

These decisions highlight a clear trend: local governments are increasingly shaping renewable energy development to better reflect community values and preserve local landscapes.

Construction is underway on the Church View Senior Residences in Mt. Pleasant Township, a major step forward for senior housing in the region.

This $5.6 million project will offer 20 new units for seniors aged 62 and above, helping meet a critical need.

Situated beside St. Florian Parish on land donated by the Diocese of Greensburg, the effort was championed by the late state Rep. Mike Reese, whose family and local officials recently gathered to honor his vision at a groundbreaking ceremony.

The Westmoreland County Housing Authority is leading the fully funded development, boosted by grants and local investments totaling over $4 million, including support from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and county programs.

The residences are set to open by fall 2026, allowing local seniors to stay connected to their community and church roots.

Dayton Freight has purchased 31.5 acres in South Huntingdon Township’s I-70 Industrial Park, a move that signals continued growth in Westmoreland County.

The company will build a 36,000-square-foot cross-dock shipping facility, a project estimated to bring around 50 new jobs for drivers, forklift operators, and office support.

Based in Dayton, Ohio, the freight carrier has over 6,000 employees and already has sites in McKees Rocks and Bedford.

This upcoming location features easy access to major highways and is situated near other large employers, boosting regional logistics capabilities.

Construction is slated for spring 2026, with completion in early 2027.

The project joins other significant investments in the county, including major expansions by Hitachi Energy and Premier Automation, highlighting Westmoreland’s robust economic momentum.

"May your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and joy, just like a warm hug from a cozy blanket on a cold winter day."

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🗓️ Upcoming Westmoreland County, PA Events (December 16 - 22, 2025)

Dec. 16, 2025 — Teen Time: Keychains, Bag Charms and More (Greensburg Hempfield Area Library) (free)

Dec. 16, 2025 — Lower Burrell Municipal Authority Meeting (Lower Burrell official calendar) (free / municipal meeting)

Dec. 16, 2025 — Council of the Municipality of Murrysville — Council Meeting (Murrysville calendar) (free / municipal meeting)

Dec. 17, 2025 — Middle School Meet-Up: Candy Making (Greensburg Hempfield Area Library) (free)

Dec. 18, 2025 — Greensburg Salem High School Holiday Band Concert (Greensburg Salem calendar entry) (free)

Dec. 18, 2025 — A CHRISTMAS CAROL — Palace Theatre (Thu performance) (paid)

Dec. 19, 2025 — A CHRISTMAS CAROL — Palace Theatre (Fri performance) (paid)

Dec. 19, 2025 — Winter Nights — The Westmoreland Museum of American Art (free admission)

Dec. 20, 2025 — HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS — Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra at The Palace Theatre (paid)

Dec. 20, 2025 — SHU Dance Academy presents THE JAZZY NUTCRACKER — Seton Hill University (paid)

Dec. 21, 2025 — SHU Dance Academy presents THE JAZZY NUTCRACKER — Seton Hill University (Matinee) (paid)

Dec. 21, 2025 — Christmas Lights Stroll at Seton Hill (free)

Dec. 22, 2025 — Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors — Combined Work Session & Public Meeting (free)

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 — High: 36°F, Low: 28°F, Variable cloudiness / partly cloudy conditions.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 — High: 41°F, Low: 28°F, Windy with clouds and sun / mostly cloudy.

Thursday, December 18, 2025 — High: 51°F, Low: 27°F, Cloudy and warmer / rain likely later.

Friday, December 19, 2025 — High: 31°F, Low: 22°F, Very windy with cold clouds (rain/snow mix possible).

Saturday, December 20, 2025 — High: 47°F, Low: 38°F, Clouds followed by brightening skies.

Sunday, December 21, 2025 — High: 46°F, Low: 32°F, Morning showers possible / more clouds than sun.

Monday, December 22, 2025 — High: 49°F, Low: 35°F, Mostly sunny.

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

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A surge of entrepreneurial energy is sweeping across Westmoreland County, with six new businesses opening their doors.

This wave signals a powerful vote of confidence in the region's future.

In Jeannette, the Humidor Cigars & Lounge has opened, representing a local owner's investment in his hometown.

Meanwhile, Unity welcomes two new spots: Popsy's Golf Center and a new location for the popular Coffee Tree Roasters.

The creative scene in Greensburg is also growing with the addition of the sleek Lounge Barbershop and the soon-to-open Tough Love Tattoo.

Rounding out the list is Good Life Wine & Spirits in Hempfield, offering a curated selection for shoppers.

Each new opening is a testament to the community's potential and a new reason to shop local.

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

1. Local “Gift Wrapping Fundraiser by St. Joseph High School Students – Students at St. Joseph High School in Harrison are hosting a gift-wrapping service fundraiser to benefit the school art department; community members can bring gifts to have them wrapped for a small donation on Dec. 13, 2025 with supplies and tag donations also accepted.

2. Toy Drive with Local Volunteer Fire Departments & Ambulance Service – The Hyde Park and Markle Volunteer Fire Departments and Lower Kiski Ambulance Service are collecting toys for the Toys for Kiski Cavs drive on Dec. 13, 2025, supporting local children in need.


3. Holiday Concert Fundraisers Supporting Community Missions – Two holiday music events on Dec. 14, 2025: a holiday concert in Brackenridge with donations accepted afterward and a Christmas music festival in Harrison with proceeds benefiting the food bank and
local missions.

4. Volunteer with the Westmoreland Food Bank (Current Opportunities) – Ongoing warehouse volunteer shifts are available (sorting and boxing food) to support food distribution across Westmoreland County; great for community service or holiday season volunteering.
5. Volunteer with Independence Health System Hospitals – Volunteer roles at Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals (and other campuses) are currently open, with positions for teens (16+) and adults in patient support, administrative roles, community outreach, and hospice care.

6. Westmoreland County Operation Christmas Child Tea Party Fundraiser – A tea party fundraiser to support Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing efforts is currently seeking participants in Westmoreland; proceeds directly benefit this holiday giving cause.

7. Lower Burrell Christmas in the Woods — Donations for Toys for Tots & Food Items — This community holiday event includes hayrides, petting zoo, crafts, caroling, and more — donations accepted for Toys for Tots and non-perishable food items for a local pantry.
 

8. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Volunteer Call — Volunteer Recruitment for Tax Prep Support — Volunteers are being sought for roles including tax return preparers and document facilitators, supporting low-income and underserved residents; training offered at Westmoreland County Community College.

9. East End Kids Annual Pancake Breakfast & Holiday Performance — The nonprofit teen song & dance ensemble hosts its annual Christmas with the East End Kids: Santa Breakfast with food, performances, basket raffles, Santa visits, and community fellowship scheduled for Dec. 13, 2025.

10. Westmoreland Happenings — Cookie Sale, Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Bingo Fundraisers — Multiple holiday-themed community fundraisers including cookie sales, Breakfast with Santa, and holiday bingo across Westmoreland County that benefit various local organizations and causes.

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