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Articles by Barbara Miller
Author Correction: TRPM2 deficiency in mice protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting TRPM2–CD36 inflammatory axis in macrophages - Nature Cardiovascular Research
Correction to: Nature Cardiovascular Research https://doi.org/10.1038/s44161-022-00027-7. Published online 28 March 2022. In the version of this article initially published, a preparation error led to the bands in Figure 5i becoming duplicates of Figure 4g. Figure 5i has been updated in the HTML and PDF versions of the article, while the source data remain correct.
Letter: Mental health facility for children needed at Bradford School site
Talk to any teacher. Even an honest parent or two. A period of depression or the long-standing pain of anxiety can cripple a young person. Acting out behavior can often be a smoke screen for similar suffering in a young child. Repeated disciplinary incidents are an indication of something wrong. This affects an entire family. Can threaten the strongest of marriages. Isolate people from participating in community activities which could provide some small semblance of support.
Opinion: Ehardt vs. Marquit: A contrast of candidates
On Sept. 19 the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee hosted a debate between the candidates for Legislative District 33 Seat A: Republican Barbara Ehardt and Democrat Miranda Marquit. The following is a synopsis of their positions: On education, Marquit believes Idahoans want a better education system. She would spend more money on it by funding mental health programs, teachers and our public schools.
Pennsylvania State House 51st District: A guide to the 2022 general election and candidates
What's at stake: Voters in the 51st State House District in Fayette and Somerset counties will choose a new member following state Rep. Matthew Dowling's decision to step aside after being arrested for driving under the influence. Republican Party committee members in August chose attorney Charity Grimm Krupa of Springhill Township to replace Dowling on the Nov. 8 ballot.
BYFORD (Munroe), Jacqueline Marie
Date of death: March 17, 2022 Date of birth: March 16, 1925 Age: 97 Family Spouse:Colonel Arthur Byford (Ret.) Children:Barbara Miller (Michael), Lynne Byford, and Dr. Larry Byford (Tammy) Grandchildren:David, Shayna, Amy, Jonathan, Katie, Laura, Stephen, and Sarah; step-grandchildren, Hayward and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Nico, Ellie, Winston, and Wyatt Parents:Alphonse Munroe and Jeanne Vaillant Siblings: Predeceased by five brothers and four sisters Visitation:Family and friends...
Pa. town claims only statue of Washington dressed in British uniform
Americans may not realize the first president of the United States once served in the army of England’s King George III, the monarch the Revolutionary War overthrew. Southwestern Pennsylvanians within an easy drive of Fayette County’s Fort Necessity are perhaps well-acquainted with Washington’s role in the French and Indian War when the officer fought on behalf of the British in a contest to determine which colonial power would dominate North America.
Emery retiring as Washington County president judge, but seeking to remain as senior judge
Katherine B. Emery will end her tenure as Washington County’s president judge, but without skipping a beat, she expects to return in January as a senior judge retaining her current caseload. Emery, who turned 65 in late November, wrote of her intention to Gov. Tom Wolf early that month, receiving an acknowledgement from his office last week. The novel coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in judicial emergencies and played havoc with court schedules, had no bearing on her decision, Emery said.
Federal auction aims to increase broadband availability in rural areas
Residents of Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Fayette and Westmoreland County who don’t have access to high-speed internet service should eventually be seeing more availability. The change is related to the Federal Communications Commission’s auction for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
Federal auction aims to increase broadband availability in rural areas
Residents of Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Fayette and Westmoreland County who don't have access to high-speed internet service should eventually be seeing more availability. The change is related to the Federal Communications Commission's auction for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
State Ethics Commission: Belle Vernon supt. used school district equipment for personal use
The state Ethics Commission required a former superintendent of the Belle Vernon Area School District to pay $1,250 after an investigation showed he borrowed district equipment and a power tool for personal use in violation of district policy. John D. Wilkinson, who began working as the top administrative official in Belle Vernon in 2012, voluntarily resigned from his post May 7, 2018.
Come here, Fido: Annual dog licenses expire Dec. 31
Annual dog licenses in Pennsylvania expire at the end of December, but Washington County Treasurer Tom Flickinger, whose office sells licenses for local canines on behalf of the state, said sometimes it seems the tail is wagging the dog. Washington County hoped to give owners renewing or purchasing new dog licenses the option of simultaneously donating to an animal welfare charity.
Defendant in criminal case sues Washington County, claims his arrest was illegal
A Peters Township resident who was arrested by local police for allegedly violating conditions of his bond in a criminal case has sued Washington County and its chief adult probation and parole officer, claiming the action violated his rights. James Carlo Quisenberry, 48, of McMurray, filed suit Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh, claiming the use of a “pre-signed” arrest warrant with no involvement or discretion exercised by a judge.
Certifying vote totals makes unofficial results official in hotly contested presidential race
Kerry Roberts of Washington Township didn’t plan to sit out the Nov. 3 election, but he said the absentee ballot he requested through a state representative’s office in late October didn’t arrive on time. “It didn’t come in until after the fourth so I couldn’t do anything with it,” he said last week in a phone conversation. Postmarked Nov. 4, the absentee ballot was among the pieces of mail he found after returning to his Fayette County home Nov.
Levine discusses precautions to take when voting in person
Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania secretary of health, wants anyone worried about voting in person Tuesday and potential exposure to the novel coronavirus to know there’s an app for that. To learn if one has been exposed, the Google Play or Apple App stores offer a free download of the “COVID Alert PA” app for smartphones. The app provides automatic contact tracing to nearby phones if someone who also has the app is diagnosed with COVID-19.
State Department of Health won't say if anyone contracted COVID-19 at polls during primary
One visitor to the second floor described a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd that gathered this week outside the Washington County elections office to vote early in person, drop off ballots or apply for the mail-in version before today’s 5 p.m. deadline. “They may as well go to the polls,” she said. Masks are required in the Courthouse Square office building, and signs are posted to inform the public.
Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday
Tuesday is the last day to request a regular absentee or no-excuse mail-in ballot, and Washington County Elections Director Melanie Ostrander said Friday, “We anticipate Monday and Tuesday being a little bit crazy because of the deadline.” When Washington County moved its ballot drop box a few yards from a hallway to behind the counter inside the elections office on the second floor of the Courthouse Square office building for security purposes, some voters were irritated that, instead of...
Homeland security director addresses safety at polling places
During the general election of 2018, a man threatened to shoot everyone at a South Franklin Township polling place after he was informed he was not registered to vote there or anywhere in Washington County. Earlier this month, a Waynesburg councilwoman discussed with the election board her security concerns about voting precincts during the upcoming Nov.
Voter registration deadline looms Monday
Any Pennsylvanian planning to vote in the upcoming Nov. 3 presidential election must be registered or update residence information by no later than Monday. The Commonwealth’s Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said this week total voter registrations are approaching 9 million, a target that she hopes to see residents reach.
Businesses, politicians want $135,000 for legal fees in federal case
Business owners and politicians who prevailed in a federal case against Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine, secretary of health, did not seek monetary damages, but they have asked that the court order the losers to pay a $135,000 legal bill. The Butler County firm of lead attorney Thomas W. King III spent 776 hours preparing the case between May and September in U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh. Paralegals also worked on it.
Mail-in ballot requests near 2.5 million statewide; 13,000 in Fayette County
Pennsylvanians are voting by mail in unprecedented numbers, with nearly 2.5 million applying, according to figures released this week by the commonwealth’s secretary of state. In the wake of the novel coronavirus statewide, the number of Democrats and others applying for absentee and no-excuse mail-in ballots is slightly more than triple requests from Republicans.
Businesses, politicians want $135,000 for legal fees in federal case
Business owners and politicians who prevailed in a federal case against Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine, secretary of health, did not seek monetary damages, but this week they’ve asked that the court order the losers to pay a $135,000 legal bill. The Butler County firm of lead attorney Thomas W. King III spent 776 hours preparing the case between May and September in U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh. Paralegals also worked on it.
Attorney general's office will prosecute theater shooting case
The prosecution of a Greene County man in connection with a shooting in a suburban Washington theater last year is now being handled by the state attorney general's office. Because of that recent development, the scheduling of a trial date is still unknown for the man accused of shooting a teenager in in what has been described as a racial confrontation.
With 42 days until election, Trump touches down in swing state
MOON TOWNSHIP – President Donald Trump predicted Tuesday that in 42 days, he will repeat his performance of 2016 and win Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes. “I’m all for fracking,” he told the crowd.” My opponent is against oil, guns and God.” The Republican incumbent in the Nov.
Federal judge rules gathering limits, closures unconstitutional
In a 66-page opinion released Monday morning, a U.S. District Court judge based in Pittsburgh declared the actions of Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine unconstitutional, although "undertaken with good intention of addressing a public health emergency." Judge William S.
Census workers going door-to-door
As the Sept. 30 deadline to complete the 2020 U.S. Census approaches, workers are going door-to-door, both for quality assurance checks on those who have responded, to verify an address, and to gather information from those who have not filled out a questionnaire. Addresses are important to the census so that everyone is counted in the right place and that the response matches an assigned identification number.
Judicial Conduct Board rules against diversionary program for Toothman
In a recent ruling, the state Court of Judicial Discipline declined to allow Greene County President Judge Farley Toothman to enter a diversion program. The court, which hears allegations of judicial misconduct, noted the opposing views on the value of a program in Toothman’s case. “The court will not order judicial diversion unless both” the Judicial Conduct Board, which brought the charges against Toothman, and the judge waive their constitutional right to a hearing.
Judicial Conduct Board rules against diversionary program for Toothman
In a ruling last week, the state Court of Judicial Discipline declined to allow Greene County President Judge Farley Toothman to enter a diversion program. The court, which hears allegations of judicial misconduct, noted the opposing views on the value of a program in Toothman’s case. “The court will not order judicial diversion unless both” the Judicial Conduct Board, which brought the charges against Toothman, and the judge waive their constitutional right to a hearing.
Attorney for counties suing Wolf, Levine, obtains confidential document to bolster case
An attorney representing four counties in federal court obtained a copy of a confidential settlement between the state Department of Health and the operator of a car show that allowed crowds of people to attend the event during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Attorney Thomas W.
Defense seeks dismissal of Clarksville child-luring charge
Was it a case of child-luring or a tragic mistake? Before the decision is placed in the hands of a jury, a Washington area man was in court Monday asking a judge to dismiss a child-luring charge filed against him last year. Jack Connor of Uniontown, attorney for Jan Ondra, 67, of South Strabane Township, noted that the alleged victim had not testified at a preliminary hearing convened before a district judge last year when the charge was sent for further consideration to Washington County Court.
Where are the wipes?
First it was toilet paper. Then baking supplies, followed by canning supplies. Also running short on supermarket shelves are disinfecting wipes, causing some who happen upon a restocking to snap them up, despite posted warnings on empty shelves not to hoard. Here’s an example: One Westmoreland County resident regularly goes from store to store during morning shopping hours reserved for senior citizens and those at higher risk for complications if they contract the novel coronavirus.
Judicial Conduct Board opposes Toothman's entry into diversion program
Attorneys for the state Judicial Conduct Board took a hard line last week in the case of a Greene County judge, opposing a diversion program and saying the issues surrounding his alleged misconduct are too serious for this option. In a document filed on Aug. 5 with the Court of Judicial Discipline, Chief Counsel Richard W. Long and Deputy Counsel Melissa L.
Judicial Conduct Board opposes Toothman's entry into diversion program
Attorneys for the state Judicial Conduct Board took a hard line this week in the case of a Greene County judge, opposing a diversion program and saying the issues surrounding his alleged misconduct are too serious for this option. In a document filed Wednesday with the Court of Judicial Discipline, Chief Counsel Richard W. Long and Deputy Counsel Melissa L.
Judge issues bench warrant for woman accused of caging dependent sister
Washington County Judge Gary Gilman issued a bench warrant for Leona Mae Biser for failing to come to court as scheduled to enter a plea in a case in which she was charged with abusing her care-dependent sister. Biser, 51, according to court records, has addresses on Sixth Street in Vestaburg, Centerville Borough, and Filbert Heights Road in Republic, Fayette County. Gilman’s bench warrant allows law enforcement to take her into custody and confine her in the Washington County jail.
Washington County commissioner volunteers for vaccine trial
As a lad, Larry Maggi volunteered for the Marine Corps. In the spirit of “We did it before, and we can do it again,” he signed up a few weeks ago for another stint, not in the military, but as part of a vaccine trial.
The Case of the Counterfeit Cookware; All Clad asserts trademark infringement in federal suit
All-Clad cookware is famous among cooks and bakers, and also for its popular “seconds” sales that have been held over the years at the factory in Cecil Township, The Meadows Racetrack, and, most recently, the Washington County Fairgrounds and Expo Center.
Court witnesses tell of hardships brought about by coronavirus pandemic and point at Wolf
The Adios Pace for the Orchids, billed by The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association as the biggest event of the year at the harness racing track, will limit the number of spectators in the grandstand Aug. 1 to just 250, under current state-imposed rules about outdoor venues.
Victim of 2019 theater shooting testifies in court for first time
The victim of a shooting last year at the Regal Crown Center theater in North Franklin Township described a racial confrontation at a pre-trial hearing in Washington County Court Wednesday. Requesting the hearing was the defense attorney for Chris Allan Williams, 53, of Waynesburg, who has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and harassment.
Center for Coalfield Justice focuses on renewing former coal communities, November election
How can the residents of a coal town find work when mining operations wind down or shut down? Saying that rejuvenating communities in and around mines and coal-fired power plants is its priority, the Center for Coalfield Justice and others this week urged federal leaders and policymakers to invest in a national effort to support the people and places hit hardest by changes in the coal industry.
Commissioners, Greene Cove Yacht Club at odds over trail access
The Greene River Trail isn’t long as rails-to-trails conversions go, measuring just 5.2 miles. But it’s gotten even shorter since the recent closure of the trail’s northern entrance at Greene Cove Yacht Club in Clarksville, and access from the south. Newly posted signs direct walkers, joggers and bicyclists to stay off the approximately one mile of crushed stone path on Greene Cove’s property.
Greene Cove Yacht Club, county commissioners at odds over trail access
The Greene River Trail isn’t long as rails-to-trails conversions go, measuring just 5.2 miles. But it’s gotten even shorter since the recent closure of the trail’s northern entrance at Greene Cove Yacht Club, Clarksville, and access from the south. Newly posted signs direct walkers, joggers and bicyclists to stay off the approximately one mile of crushed stone path on Greene Cove’s property.
Cook threatens legal action, asks 2 Washington commissioners to step aside from election oversight
Citing an ongoing clash over the Local Share Account allocation from casino gambling, his razor-thin margin two years ago, and their support of his opponent in the June 2 primary, state Rep. Bud Cook asked two Washington County Elections Board members to step aside from their duties. Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, who was elected in 2016 from the 49th District in parts of Washington and Fayette counties, is seeking a third, two-year term.
California Area board nixes tax referendum; district names new superintendent
After reconsidering an earlier vote, the California Area School Board decided against having a referendum on raising taxes on the June 2 ballot. The reason, as stated in a letter to the Washington County elections office, was “due to economic uncertainties and difficulties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.” The change, however, occurred after paper ballots had been printed, and some had already been mailed, voted upon, and sent back to the Washington County elections office.
Pa. board: Internet gaming soars
People may not have been able to walk into Pennsylvania casinos during April due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but it doesn’t mean they’ve given up legal gambling. April 2020 revenue for online casino-type games – which include slot machines, table games and poker – jumped 73% above that of March of this year, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Counties requesting injunction against governor, health secretary, also mention contact testing
Counties requesting injunction also mention contact testing When leaders of Washington, Greene, Fayette and Butler counties filed suit in federal court, Pittsburgh, last week against Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine, state secretary of health, most of their 25-page filing dealt with statewide orders to shut down businesses deemed non-essential.
Some legislators ask DAs not to prosecute businesses for opening
Calling Gov. Tom Wolf's shutdown of businesses "unconstitutional and illegitimate" during the novel coronavirus pandemic, state Rep. Tim O'Neal (R-South Strabane) was among a group of legislators who signed a letter to the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association urging that violators not be prosecuted.
Judge sentences Pagans to 20-40 years
For a few hours Monday, two members of the Pagans motorcycle club had identical sentences of 20 to 40 years in prison Monday for their convictions on charges of aggravated assault and conspiracy. But when Matthew James Vasquez left the Washington County courthouse, he had an additional 1½ to 3 years incarceration tacked onto his original penalty for violating Judge John DiSalle’s order that he have no contact with anyone who testified at his trial and that of a co-defendant in February.
Redevelopment Authority appeals Open Records’ decision on Rep. Bud Cook, Local Share
/Mon Valley Redevelopment Authority appeals Open Records’ decision on Rep. Bud Cook, Local Share The Washington County Redevelopment Authority has appealed the decision that requires it to provide copies of 12 years’ worth of Local Share Account records to state Rep. Bud Cook. As it promised to do when the state’s Office of Open Records handed down a ruling in Cook’s favor in late February, the redevelopment authority late last week asked a judge to review the administrative decision.
Washington County president judge reduces court to 'essential functions'
In the wake of declaring a judicial emergency Monday, President Judge Katherine B.
'How doth the little busy bee?' New group hopes to provide the answers
There’s a buzz that a new group is making a beeline to the Greater Washington County Food Bank in Centerville Borough to promote a honey of a hobby. Known as the Tri-County Beekeeping Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania the organization serves Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
Referendum on tax increase headed to ballot in California school district
Voters in the California Area School District will be the first in Washington County to see a referendum question dealing with a larger than state-indexed property tax increase. School district business manager and board treasurer Mary C. Burford submitted paperwork last week to the Washington County elections office based on action by the board at a public meeting. The California Area school board hopes to levy a property tax millage rate of 14.3542 mills for the 2020-21 school year.
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