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Articles by mike jones
Storms rip through region, bringing flash flooding and toppling trees
Sep 5, 2026 By 4 min read 1 / 3 A downed tree stopped traffic on Route 519 outside of Houston Thursday evening. [Courtesy of Nick Rogers] 2 / 3 Concertgoers waiting for Rufus Du Sol to perform at The Pavilion at Star Lake on Thursday night were greeted by rushing water in the aisles as severe storms moved through Western Pennsylvania and dropped significant rainfall on the outdoor concert venue in northern Washington County.
Region sees most accumulation in single day since ‘Snowmageddon’
Jan 27, 2026 By 6 min read 1 / 4 Garrett Neese Rodney Cox, a maintenance/facilities worker at Waynesburg University, shovels a staircase near the Roberts Chapel on campus Sunday afternoon. 2 / 4 Ed Riedmann Cold weather made it difficult to put out a Sunday morning fire in German Township. 3 / 4 Garrett Neese Connor Ryan, a secondary education freshman at Waynesburg University from Canonsburg, walks through campus Sunday afternoon.
Severe storm caused widespread damage, power outages in Washington County
Tuesday’s storm caused widespread damage across Washington County, with significant power outages, numerous fallen trees that damaged houses and even a pizza shop’s roof that was blown off from the high winds. Washington County Public Safety Director Gerry Coleman said the county’s 911 operations center was overloaded with calls, receiving 1,900 emergency requests for service in a 24-hour period, which is four times what a typical day would bring.
Local, county officials unsure of impact from Trump’s federal funding freeze
Hours before a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump Administration’s wide-ranging plans Tuesday to freeze federal funds benefiting a slew of programs, local and county officials said they were taking a “wait and see” approach to see how it would impact their communities. “It would be too early to tell,” Washington Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said of what the potential federal cuts could mean for various departments and programs.
KSAT Connect users share amazing photos of comet over San Antonio
Published: October 14, 2024 at 11:45 AM Tags: San Antonio, Whatever The Weather, Astronomy, Weather, Comet SAN ANTONIO – KSAT viewers are sharing amazing photos of a comet over San Antonio. The comet can be seen over San Antonio about 40 minutes after sunset. It can only be seen for a short time at dusk. All you have to do is look west, just above the horizon. You can find Venus (looks like a really bright star) and then look a little to the right.
Judge dismisses charges against Greene 911 supervisors accused of obstructing investigation into woman’s death
A judge has dismissed all charges against three Greene County emergency officials accused of obstructing the investigation into a 911 dispatcher who refused to send an ambulance to a dying woman. Senior Judge Katherine Emery last week dismissed the criminal cases against Gregory Leathers, Robert “Jeff” Rhodes and Richard Policz.
Greene County certifies election results
Greene County certified its Nov. 7 election Thursday morning, hours after a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed this week by a losing candidate attempting to force a special election for all races. The elections board voted unanimously to approve the results after officials finalized counting write-in ballots, which was the final step in tabulating the votes. “We’re ready,” outgoing Elections Director Eric Finch told the board during a brief meeting to certify the results.
Greene County once again searching for new elections director
The revolving door at the Greene County Elections Office is continuing to swing. Elections Director Eric Finch, who started in his new position on Oct. 23, will be leaving the office Friday after just four weeks on the job. County officials posted the job opening online Tuesday as they begin searching for their sixth different elections director since August 2020. Finch was working at the elections office Wednesday putting the finishing touches on the Nov.
Donora man sues DA, judge over alleged ‘false imprisonment’
A Donora man who was held in contempt and jailed for five days after he refused to testify at a homicide hearing last December is suing in federal court claiming his constitutional and civil rights were violated.
Another ballot error in Greene County jeopardizes commissioners race
Another error with Greene County’s absentee and mail-in ballots could threaten the results of the board of commissioners’ race in next week’s election. It’s the second time in the past two weeks that a mistake has been found after both district magistrate races were included on a previous version of the ballot, although those were recalled and another batch was sent out.
DA blasts findings from coroner’s inquest into fatal police shooting
Last Friday, Mt. Pleasant Township police Officer Tyler Evans received an award for valor from a Pittsburgh civic organization for his actions in shooting and killing a fleeing suspect following a lengthy police pursuit through Washington County. Less than a week later, county Coroner Tim Warco recommended that Evans be held “criminally liable” and face an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the April 2 shooting in Washington that killed 38-year-old Eduardo Lee Hoover.
PUC dismisses joint settlement, civil penalty against East Dunkard
The state Public Utility Commission has dismissed a joint settlement between its investigatory bureau and the East Dunkard Water Authority, which would have required the municipal water supplier in southeastern Greene County to pay a $225,000 civil penalty. The PUC’s five-person board during its meeting Thursday rejected the negotiated settlement and dismissed the case because the commission determined it did not have jurisdiction over municipal authorities such as East Dunkard.
Details emerge in mysterious Rostraver killing at homicide suspect's preliminary hearing
Feeling jilted over a business relationship that had apparently soured, Keven Van Lam allegedly lured Boyke Budiarachman to a Rostraver Township restaurant for a sushi dinner minutes before the victim was shot and killed by a hit man in the parking lot last November, according to testimony at Lam’s preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Fortitude, courage, grit: The Swiss trek to the Mining District, Part 1 - Galena Gazette
Posted 10/17/23 “It’s the journey, not the destination.” We hear that expression all the time. Well, the Swiss who trekked to the Mining District were all about the destination: a safe place to … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Driver to stand trial for Route 31 crash that killed Mt. Pleasant couple
A Somerset County man accused of running a red light on Route 31 in Bullskin Township before crashing into a car and killing two people in 2021 waived all charges to court in his vehicular homicide case. Thomas Edward Wiencek was scheduled to appear Tuesday afternoon in Fayette County Central Court to face homicide by vehicle and other charges in connection with the Aug. 16, 2021 crash that killed a Mt. Pleasant couple.
Mail-in ballots start arriving to voters in Fayette County
Mail-in and absentee ballots will soon begin landing in voters’ mailboxes as elections offices across southwestern Pennsylvania have started sending them out to people who requested them. Fayette County sent 7,308 ballots to voters late last week, with the first ones arriving Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Elections Director MaryBeth Kuznik. That should give voters nearly a month to return them ahead of the Nov.
Carroll Township man to stand trial in brutal assault of mother, girlfriend
When Carroll police Lt. Ryan Lenzi arrived at a township home for a report of domestic violence last month, he encountered Heather Ferguson drenched in blood with her eyes so swollen she could barely see. “Blood everywhere,” Lenzi said. “Her hair was soaked in blood like she had just gotten out of the shower.” But as Lenzi tried to aid Ferguson, he soon learned that there was another victim inside the house at 83 Grant Road, prompting him to go inside to check on her.
Judge denies motion asking to remove DA from Donora homicide
Attorneys for two men who are accused of killing a Donora convenience store worker in 2021 are claiming the Washington County district attorney’s office is coercing another co-defendant to testify against them by “hanging the death penalty over her head.” Ken Haber, one of two defense attorneys for Devell Christian, argued that District Attorney Jason Walsh’s continued pursuit of death penalty cases is for “political, personal gain” as he faces an upcoming election for his office.
Uniontown man ordered to stand trial for fatal shooting outside city bar
A Uniontown man accused of fatally shooting a woman outside a bar in the city last year was ordered to stand trial on all charges, including criminal homicide. Terrell Maurice Jones appeared Friday afternoon in Fayette County Central Court for his preliminary hearing on more than a dozen charges in connection with the June 23, 2022 shooting that killed 34-year-old Samantha Harden on Uniontown.
Federal civil trial to begin Monday over ‘degrading’ police strip search on I-70
The federal civil trial is expected to begin next week for the Bentleyville woman who accused a state police trooper and North Strabane sergeant of an invasive strip search on the side of Interstate 70 in Washington County in 2021. A jury is scheduled to be empaneled Monday morning in the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh to weigh the case of Holly Elish, who claims she was stopped by Trooper Brian Rousseau and subjected to a “degrading roadside strip search” at his direction on May 27, 2021.
Washington commissioners expected to approve $1.6M contract with county chamber
The Washington County commissioners are expected to approve what could ultimately amount to an 11-year contract that pays a total of $1.6 million to the county’s Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development, although not everyone is on board with the arrangement.
Case dismissed against W.Va. man accused of assaulting girlfriend in Greensboro
The case against a West Virginia man accused of assaulting his girlfriend with a ceramic figurine in Greensboro in May has been dropped. Felony charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and robbery were dismissed during Samuel Z. Borelli’s preliminary hearing Monday after the accuser, Tara Riggleman, could not explain in her testimony what occurred during the incident. That prompted District Judge Lee Watson to dismiss the case and allow Borelli to be released from custody.
Nineveh woman sentenced to prison for shooting boyfriend’s estranged wife in Chartiers
The Greene County woman who shot her boyfriend’s estranged wife during a heated argument over their mutual love interest while at a Chartiers Township mobile park last year was sentenced to serve time in a state prison.
What makes a word funny? - Galena Gazette
Posted 9/19/23 Have you ever thought about words that seem funny—all by themselves? The Associated Press (AP) Style Guide, the bible of the newspaper biz, doesn’t address “funny”words. … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Greene County man ordered to stand trial on more than 2,000 child sex abuse charges
A Greene County man facing thousands of child sex abuse charges was ordered to stand trial following his preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon. Dustin Hyrum Lane, 40, of Franklin Township, was charged Aug. 31 with more than 2,000 counts involving the alleged abuse over several years dating back to 2018 while the child was between the ages of 8 and 11. State police said Lane touched the child inappropriately, sexually abused the victim and also showed pornographic material.
Woman charged in 2021 crash in North Strabane turns self into police
A woman accused of causing a head-on crash with a dump truck in North Strabane in 2021 turned herself into authorities Wednesday night hours after township police put out a call asking for the public’s help in finding her. North Strabane police said Kyrsten D. McHenry was high on methamphetamine and driving without a license or car insurance when she crossed the centerline on Route 519 near the North Strabane Municipal Building and struck the tri-axle dump truck on Dec. 8, 2021.
Judge assigning special prosecutor to investigate Greene DA
A special prosecutor is being assigned to investigate Greene County District Attorney David Russo over his decision to file charges against two county officials following complaints about the ballot placement for candidates in the May primary. President Judge Lou Dayich signed an order Tuesday in which he said there was probable cause that Russo abused his prosecutorial powers with “willful and gross negligence in the execution of his duty,” paving the way for the special prosecutor.
Man sentenced for 2020 killing in Uniontown
The family of the man fatally shot in Uniontown nearly three years ago said that while they don’t agree with the plea bargain for the man who murdered William Lee Brown IV, they are now willing to accept it months after originally objecting to the deal. Dayoge Oshay Bush mostly looked down during his sentencing hearing Wednesday as relatives of Brown reiterated that they were unhappy with his guilty plea to third-degree murder and 15-to-30 year prison term negotiated as part of the deal.
Washington County blocking North Strabane manager’s request for radio contract details
Washington County officials and North Strabane Township’s manager are at odds over what records should be made public from the county’s decision earlier this year to purchase a new radio system for emergency responders.
E-bikes increasing in popularity for outdoor recreation, transportation
As an electrical engineer who loved mountain biking, Steve Smolenski III decided to meld his two passions into one hobby when he began building a few customized e-bikes for people about seven years ago. At the time, electric motorized bikes were just beginning to get a foothold on the bicycle market, so Smolenski decided in early 2020 to jump headfirst into industry. “Never thought I would merge these two things in my life together,” Smolenski said of his profession and enjoyment of biking.
Former Washington County couple sentenced for role in Capitol attack
The former Washington County couple who entered the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 assault on Congress and stole government-issued gas masks were sentenced in federal court last week, although only one of them will serve prison time. Philip “Flip” Vogel II and Debra J. Maimone appeared through video conferencing Friday morning before U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., and were each given lighter sentences than what federal prosecutors had requested.
Bob’s Tavern in Finleyville permitted to reopen, but will it?
Nearly a year after Bob’s Tavern was forced to close days after a fatal shooting outside the Finleyville bar, the business is being given the opportunity to reopen with a laundry list of conditions attached to its operation.
Teen sentenced to house arrest for fatal crash on Route 21 in German Township Original
A Greene County teen who ran a red light on Route 21 in German Township and crashed into another car, killing the driver and severely injuring a passenger, was sentenced Thursday to serve nearly two years on house arrest. Sarah McCormick sobbed as she attempted to make a statement to the family of 58-year-old Denise Graham during her sentencing in Fayette County Court of Common Pleas, but she was unable to speak. “You can do this,” her defense attorney, Vincent Tiberi, told her.
Fayette elections officials approve recount in GOP commissioners race
With little fanfare during a quick three-minute meeting Thursday afternoon, Fayette County’s elections board voted to recount the results in six precincts from the May primary that were being challenged in court. The recount will begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday and be held in a specialized room in the elections bureau that can be viewed by candidates and their representatives as the elections staff goes through each individual ballot and displays them to observers while tabulating the results.
Preliminary hearing delayed again for Rostraver homicide suspect
The preliminary hearing for the suspect charged in last November’s shooting death of a man outside a Rostraver Township strip mall has been delayed once again. Keven Van Lam was scheduled to appear Thursday morning before District Judge Wayne Vlasic in Westmoreland County Central Court, but his defense team requested another continuance. Lam is facing homicide and evidence tampering charges in connection with the Nov.
Judge orders Fayette elections bureau to turn over ballots, vote records Original
A judge ordered the Fayette County Elections Bureau to turn over its digital “cast vote record” tabulation and copies of paper ballots in several precincts from the primary election that are being challenged as petitioners are aiming to review those votes and possibly request a countywide recount. Senior Judge John F. Wagner Jr.’s ruling followed an hour-long motions hearing Wednesday in Fayette County Court of Common Pleas. The county still has election challenges pending ahead of an Aug.
Washington woman sentenced to prison for death involving fentanyl-laced cocaine
A Washington woman convicted of facilitating the sale of fentanyl-laced cocaine with her boyfriend to a Canton Township man who died nearly immediately after he ingested the drugs nearly four years ago was sentenced to state prison Tuesday. Ashley Renee Matthews, 37, was sentenced by Judge Brandon Neuman to serve 5½ to 11 years following an emotional proceeding in Washington County Court of Common Pleas in which numerous friends and relatives of Matthews attended.
Open Records office denies O-R’s request for names on Hough’s search list
The state Office of Open Records has denied a request from the Observer-Reporter asking that Washington County officials be required to release the list of names that Prothonotary Laura Hough searched in a background check database.
Man accused of luring children, threatening to kill troopers in Whitsett
A Fayette County man is accused of attempting to lure two children into his vehicle while at a park in Perry Township before threatening to kill state police troopers – and then trying to bribe them – as they arrested him Thursday night. Antonio D. Steadman, 50, of Perryopolis, faces felony charges of child luring and bribery in connection with the alleged incident around 7:30 p.m. at Whitsett Town Park.
Public input sought for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion plan
The public is being asked to offer its input on Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion plan in order for the state to be eligible for more than $1 billion in federal money to connect high-speed internet to areas that are lacking the service. The comment period began Wednesday and will continue through Aug. 8 as the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority prepares to submit its five-year “Internet For All” strategic action plan to federal regulators next month.
PAWC acquiring East Dunkard Water Authority for $5 million
Pennsylvania American Water Co. is purchasing the troubled East Dunkard Water Authority and its assets for $5 million as part of an acquisition agreement approved last month. PAWC revealed the financial figures Monday nearly a month after East Dunkard’s board voted unanimously to enter into an “asset purchase agreement” for the system that delivers water to 1,600 customers in southeastern Greene County.
Commissioners approve $27.67M contract for broadband in rural Washington County
A $27.67 million contract with Comcast to extend broadband internet services to multiple locations in rural Washington County will have to be reauthorized next month to clarify how the county and telecommunications company are splitting the costs. The commissioners unanimously approved the project during their Thursday voting meeting, but an apparent error in the motion left some ambiguity about how the costs will be shared, meaning the county will have to take corrective action.
State, feds continue investigating bald eagle’s shooting death in Washington County
Two months after a bald eagle was shot and killed in Washington County, state and federal investigators are getting closer to deciding whether to charge a suspect in connection with the bird’s death.
Stahls leaves big imprint on sports leagues at Masontown factory
Editor’s note: This is one in a weekly series featuring businesses operating in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties that have national and global reach. On a little hillside just outside of Masontown sits a sports apparel manufacturer that helps fans to feel like they’re part of their favorite team, while also making dreams come true for the NFL’s top draft picks.
Trader remembered for pushing conservation efforts as Greene commissioner
Archie Trader had a duality about him while serving a dozen years as Greene County commissioner, using his business experience to promote economic development while also being fond of conservation projects thanks to his love of farming. “He had his hands in everything,” Greene County Chief Clerk Jeff Marshall said. “Economic development side with business background, with his farming background he cared about (agriculture). He was involved in everything.
Superior Court orders Rosario to be sentenced a third time in attempted homicide case
Keith Rosario may be getting a third bite at the apple. A state Superior Court panel ruled last week that Rosario, who was convicted of abducting and attempting to kill a man near a South Franklin Township reservoir in 2017, should be re-sentenced after determining that parts of his 25- to- 50-year prison sentence went beyond the normal range.
Stray bullet strikes Fayette County Courthouse, lodges in judge’s chair
A stray bullet fired in a Uniontown neighborhood Thursday afternoon struck the Fayette County Courthouse and got lodged in the back of Judge Linda Cordaro’s chair where she was sitting in her chambers, although she was uninjured in the incident.
Greene, Washington lead state in Act 13 drilling impact fee money
Washington County once again is receiving the highest amount of Act 13 impact fee money in the state paid by natural gas drilling operators, while Greene County followed closely behind. Overall, Pennsylvania saw a surge in impact fee money paid by natural gas drillers last year on producing wells in jurisdictions where they’re located.
Hit-and-run crash sends SUV careening over hillside in Charleroi
An SUV crashed into several cars Sunday night in Charleroi before careening down a hillside and striking a house in a hit-and-run incident. Emergency responders were called to the 1100 block of Lincoln Avenue in the borough about 11:20 p.m. and found a trail of destruction in which three parked cars were damaged from the out-of-control SUV, which ended up bumping into the rear corner of a house down an embankment at 1109 McKean Ave.
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