Sam Walker
As seen in:
MSN UK,
The New York Times,
Daily Mail,
Yahoo Finance,
ESPN,
Sports Illustrated,
Esquire,
Motorsport.com,
The Denver Post,
The Spokesman-Review
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sam Walker
Greenville Elem. gets spooky for Literacy Night
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Halloween came early Wednesday for those at Greenville Elementary School where the district held its annual Literacy Night. Both of the building’s gymnasiums were busy with rows of tables full of different literacy-focused and Halloween-themed games for students to try. Along with rewards like candy and stickers at each table, students were able to collect stickers from stations to fill a worksheet.
Witches dance their way to Salem
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — When Cheryl Axtell came up with the idea for a bus trip to Salem, Mass., she knew it would be fun, but she had no way of knowing so many people would agree with her. The parking lot of the previous Giant Eagle in Greenville was busy Friday night with rows of cars, six Anderson buses, and 336 people ready to kick off the trip with In Your Face Cupcakes to Salem.
Thiel unveils largest financial campaign in college's history to fund scholarships, academic programs and operations
The sign for Thiel’s newest project, the Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center, is hard to miss when visiting the college’s campus, but the building is only a single piece of a much bigger and broader initiative. The Join the Journey campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the school’s history with a goal of raising $100 million, will be introduced to campus and alumni groups throughout multiple events during Homecoming weekend.
Thiel to honor alumni at awards ceremony Friday
As part of Thiel College’s Homecoming weekend, the college will hold the annual Alumni Awards Friday to recognize the work of four former students. Alumni being recognized Friday, include Alex Horvatits, who will be awarded the Young Alumni Award, Ethan Ludwig will be receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, and John Zawacki and Cathryn (Rich) Zawacki are the winners of the Service to Thiel Award.
Thiel professor takes on new challenge with MBA
Jared Johnson is the current head of Thiel College’s English Department with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s and a doctorate in his field, but Johnson is also currently working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree through the college. Each year, the college offers two members of its staff and faculty to take part in its MBA program while the college covers tuition, leaving the participant only responsible for the additional fees.
Greenville grad's research shows impact of NYC congestion toll
Timothy Fraser, a 2012 Greenville High School graduate, is going into his fifth year at Cornell University where he teaches data science. Aside from teaching, by discipline Fraser is as a computational social scientist. Recently, Fraser was part of a team that evaluated how New York City’s new toll program impacted air-quality in the Congestion Relief Zone using data from January to June of 2025.
How to claim an inheritance tax refund if asset prices fall
The value of your estate that exceeds this sum will attract 40% inheritance tax, which means the estate has an IHT liability of £70,000 to pay (40% tax applied on £175,000). Your property ultimately sells for £400,000, and contracts for sale are exchanged within four years of the date of death. This means the estate's IHT liability is £30,000 (40% tax applied on £75,000), and so a £40,000 refund is payable. It is your responsibility to proactively claim a refund from HMRC.
Rolling car show honors Phil Godfrey as drivers cruise through Greenville, Jamestown
Greenville’s Main Street was lined with people Saturday afternoon as they waited for the return of The Rolling Car Show that traveled from Riverside Park to Jamestown and then back through Greenville’s Main Street. Unlike with previous years, this year’s show was done with someone in mind as it was dedicated to Phil Godfrey. Organizers prompted participants to, “take a couple laps for Phil.” A $5 toll was collected at the Jamestown Arch to benefit the Salvation Army.
Locals keep John Lewis' spirit alive with Saturday motorcade
When Judy Hines was asked by the White House to be a timekeeper for a convention in Charlotte in 2012, she thought the experience couldn’t get any better. Until one of the politicians to sit beside her was John Lewis. John Lewis was a congressman from Georgia and a civil rights activist best known for his participation in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which included “Bloody Sunday,” where marchers were beaten by law enforcement while crossing a bridge in Selma, Ala.
Gas and electricity bills rise for millions of households
Energy bills have risen for millions of UK households due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Ofgem price cap has increased by 13% for the 1 July to 30 September period. The hike comes following major disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which around 20% of the world's oil supply passes, due to conflict between the US and Iran.
Gas and electricity bills rise for millions of households
Dr Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, said: "October bills always hit harder than July's because people are turning their heating on again, and this year that coincides with a difficult geopolitical backdrop.
McConnell: Firefighter, constable, vet and more
Like most who have served in the military, Mike McConnell emphasized the tight knit community atmosphere the Army and National Guard provided him and was thankful to find a similar comradery after leaving the service. For McConnell, he found it while serving his community in a different way, as a part-time firefighter with the Greenville Fire Department in 2009.
Why former Team GB boxer Delicious Orie quit to become a financial planner
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Kalpana Fitzpatrick spoke to Delicious Orie about why he's ditched boxing and switched to financial planning. | Credit: Future Stepping away from a professional boxing career just a few years after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games might seem a strange decision for some – but not Delicious Orie.
Jamestown celebrates all student bands with Extravabandza event
PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP — The Jamestown Area School District held its Extravabandza spring band concert on Thursday at the high school with performances from each of the district’s three bands. James Dutko, the band director, highlighted that being able to present all three bands — the Elementary 5th and 6th Grade Band, Junior High Band, and Senior High Band — at a single event was a way to show the progression the students’ skills as they grow and continue through each band.
County celebrates women's history month with tea party highlighting influential women
SHARON — Buhl Park Casino was the place to be for Mercer County women Saturday as it held a Women Through the Years Tea Party event to celebrate not just women’s history month, but local influential women both past and present. The event was a part of the county’s America250 celebration. America250 includes one major event per month and the tea party on Saturday was the celebration for the month of March.
Greenville Elementary gets competitive for mother, son game night
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Greenville Elementary School was bustling with activity after hours Thursday night for a mother and son game night event. All boys between grades kindergarten through sixth, along with their mothers, were invited back to the school to play a variety of games, like Twister, Jenga, and Connect Four, as well as try their hands at the inflatable obstacle course and finish the night off with funny photo booth pictures to remember the night.
Kids crochet club teams up with local chaplain for hospital donations
Crocheting has picked up in popularity with young people since the pandemic and that trend can be seen clearly at Greenville Area Public Library where they’ve been hosting a crochet club for kids since last summer. The club was intended for students from third to sixth grade, but Patti Redrup, the library’s youth services specialist, emphasized that it isn’t a set in stone requirement. The current group includes girls spanning grades second through ninth.
New Greenville House owner focused on affordable senior housing
National Church Residences announced the acquisition of Greenville House, a senior housing community located on North Penn Avenue, this past October after finalizing the purchase in September. National Church Residences is a Christian nonprofit organization headquartered out of Columbus, Ohio, with a commitment focused on affordable senior housing. The organization is also recognized as the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing.
Greenville theater prepares for a Little Shop of Horror
The Greenville Area High School theater department is putting the finishing touches on their spring musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” which will open Thursday. The sci-fi musical comedy follows florist Seymour, played by Dallin Richens, as he learns to care for the mysterious plant that he discovers feeds off of human flesh.
Local Dems gather to get petition signatures ahead of March deadline
MERCER — North Diamond Street was popular Saturday morning as Democrats from around the county stopped to sign petitions for those hoping to run in the upcoming primary elections. Those attending the event were not only able to sign the petitions to make sure their names will be listed on the May primary ballot but meet with the candidates in person. State petitions are due to the Elections Office in Harrisburg by March 10.
SPOTLIGHT: Shultz keeps community spirit strong as new Greenville Savings CEO
Tracey Shultz has only been the president and CEO of Greenville Savings Bank since October of last year, but with a passion for banking that goes back decades, she’s excited to be able to continue helping the community and what’s made the bank successful for over 100 years. Shultz was promoted following the retirement of Jeffrey Blair at the beginning of October in 2025, but she has been working in banking for 33 years.
SPOTLIGHT: Susan's Beauty building community within the salon after 40 years
With a passion for cosmetology that goes back to childhood, it’s no surprise that Susan’s Beauty Parlor on Greenville’s Main Street has lasted for over 40 years. Though the business started in the early 80s, Susan Cicero Augustine can trace her interest in hair back to showing horses during childhood. Always wanting the horses to look their best, she always made sure to groom and braid their hair.
Greenville library PAWS to Read
The children’s room of the Greenville Area Public Library had a few special guests Tuesday afternoon as Angel on a Leash brought in therapy dogs to listen as kids read them books during the library’s PAWS to Read! event. PAWS to Read! is one of the library’s reoccurring events that takes place once a month. Registration is not necessary.
Local protesters line East State St. for Global Day of Action
HERMITAGE — People from around the county and surrounding area met in Hermitage Saturday in protest as part of the Global Day of Action, focusing on recent immigration enforcement activity, military action in Venezuela, and other recent activity by the Trump administration. The event was organized by the Democratic Women of Mercer County, the Mercer County Democratic Party, and Young Dems. In order to make sure the protest remained peaceful, it was only advertised internally.
Teens meet up at the library to escape winter weather
Even though the inches of snow that hit Mercer County Thursday led to the cancellation of multiple events throughout the area, some students still showed up to the Greenville Area Public Library for some indoor activities, like a few rounds of the Magic: The Gathering card game.
Greenville Library brings out the paint for dreary afternoon
Library Director Jeanne Ball offered a craft to fill the rainy afternoon Wednesday with a Make It: Pine Tree Wall Hanging event at the Greenville Area Public Library. Attendees were given a stretch of fabric, an assortment of brushes and paints and a video tutorial to follow to create a wall hanging of a giant tree covered in snow.
Greenville Elem. celebrates reading, positive behavior with book vending machine
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Looking for new ways to get students interested in reading, Greenville Elementary School is celebrating positive behavior with a book vending machine this school year. The vending machine functions just like any other, but instead of soda or snacks, the user gets to pick a book. Books inside the machine cover all reading levels from picture to chapter books and come from multiple different genres, meaning there is something in there for any student.
Library kicks off holiday season with Grinch Bingo
The Greenville Area Public Library was the place to be for festive, competitive fun Thursday night for Grinch Bingo with Miss. Patti. Though the event was intended for children between grades first through sixth, those both older and younger were welcome to join in on the fun. The library has other children’s events coming up, including a Jingle Bell Jamboree, The Great Tree Critter Build-Off, and Painting with Miss. Patti.
Linda S. Sharp
Linda S. Sharp, 77, of Orangeville Road, W. Salem Township, Greenville, passed away Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born in Franklin on July 30, 1948, to William S. and Susan I. (Chatley) Terwilliger. She graduated from Commodore Perry High School in 1966 and also graduated from the Shenango Valley Business School.
Locals, visitors alike meet in Hermitage for No Kings protest
HERMITAGE — The sidewalks of East State Street and South Hermitage Road were busier than usual Saturday afternoon as people gathered for the second iteration of the national No Kings protest. As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the official estimate of the number of people in attendance was 700, according to Rhonda Paglia, the main host for No Kings Hermitage. “I’m really thrilled that people have shown up to these protests in Mercer County.
Axtell emphasizes importance of positivity during breast cancer treatment
PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP — It is heavily suggested that women start to get regular mammograms and conduct self-examinations around 40 years old, but a lot forgo that advice because its uncomfortable or deemed unnecessary because they might not have a history of breast cancer in their family. Cheryl Axtell learned the importance of listening to that advice no matter what in October of 2022 when she found a lump in her breast during a self-examine.
Graduating seniors tackle hearing challenges on campus with device gift
As students of Thiel’s Speech Language Pathology master’s program began to work directly with people who face hearing challenges, it became apparent that there were individuals visiting campus and attending events who were not able to effectively take part because of hearing difficulties. Wanting to help alleviate some of these challenges, students began researching devices that might make it easier for people to enjoy any event or presentation on campus, no matter the venue.
Aikens tackles bullying with debut novel
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, one in five high school students experience bullying, and one in six experience cyberbullying. It was information like this and her own high school experience that led Janice Aikens to focus her debut novel, “Under the Covered Bridge,” on the topic of bullying. To offer as much help as possible, Aikens also included a page of resources for students, parents, or school administrators can use if they witness or experience bullying.
Ronald L. Stainbrook Sr.
Ronald L. Stainbrook Sr., age 88, of Greenville passed away Thursday afternoon, Aug. 7, 2025, in St. Paul’s Senior Living Community. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
After 40 years, Deer Creek tax collector set to retire at 87
A lot of people enjoy their job, many even love it, but there are not as many who enjoy their job so much they’d stay forever if they could. Mary Pederson has been her area’s tax collector for 40 years and, according to her, she’s only leaving the job now because of her age. When asked why she won’t be looking to keep her position come next term, she explained that she “didn’t want to leave the county stuck in the middle of the term,” considering her age at 86.
Local author visits Greenville for book signing
Author Sean Tyler, a Greenville native, held a book signing event at the Boundless Books bookstore on Greenville’s Main Street on Friday for his debut novel “White Hell.” Sean Tyler is a 2002 Greenville High School graduate currently living in Las Vegas with his wife and two children. Though “White Hell” is categorized as a historical thriller, Tyler argues its more of a romance that happens to also include cannibalism influenced by the Donner Party.
Julie A. Sweeney
Julie A. Sweeney, age 69, of Penn Avenue, Greenville, passed away Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, in Quality Life Services, Mercer. She was born in Franklin on Jan. 23, 1956, to Weldon W. and Justine R. (Anderson) Rice. Julie was a 1975 graduate of Franklin High School and had been employed as cleaning supervisor at Anderson Coach & Travel for 11 years and previously had been employed as a cook at various establishments in the Greenville area.
Card Shower: Lois Walker, Mary Alice Walsh
Lois ‘Ma’ Walker to celebrate 97th birthday with card shower HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Lois “Ma” Walker’s family is hosting a card shower for her 97th birthday, Sunday July 6, 2025. Her family includes John, Pasty and Suzie, all of Greenville; Tom of Jamestown; Pinky of West Salem Township; Kathryn Joyce of Austintown, Ohio; Shirley of Tonawanda, N.Y., and Joan, Paul and Tim, all who have passed away. Mrs.
Kadima thanks first responders, staff with picnic
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Kadima Rehabilitation and Nursing on Fredonia Road in Hempfield Township hosted their first picnic to honor first responders and the nursing home’s staff, Thursday. Jenn Rood, an LPN who works at Kadima, said they wanted to hold the event because “everyone deserves a ‘thank you’ once in a while.” Aside from food, the picnic also included raffle baskets to raise money for resident activities.
St. John's to celebrate separation from reformed congregation, anniversary of move to current building
St. John’s Lutheran Church will be holding an event on Sunday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the church separating from the St. John’s reformed congregation as well as moving into its current building. Originally, St. John’s Lutheran Church was founded in 1837 in connection with St. John’s reformed congregation, which included a shared building. The original dedication service in the current building on Beil Hill Road was held on June 20, 1965.
Robert 'Bob' Lawrence Beckdol
Robert “Bob” Lawrence Beckdol, of Clarks Mills, Perry Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 1, 2025, at Quality Life Services in Mercer. He was 86. Born on Oct. 25, 1938, in Geneva, Pa., Bob was the son of the late Virgil Jonas and Charlotte Virginia (Shannon) Beckdol. A 1957 graduate of Lakeview High School, Bob went on to serve his country honorably in the Army National Guard. On Feb. 21, 1975, he married Janet Clawges.
W. Jane E. Struthers
W. Jane E. Struthers, 94, of Mercer, passed away on Sunday at the Lakes at Jefferson. Jane was born on July 17, 1930, in Lake Township to John C. and Wilda B. (Eppinger) Eperthener. On Oct. 20, 1952, she married Richard M. Struthers (died on Dec. 24, 2013) and they were married for 61 years. Jane belonged to Mercer United Methodist Church, Lifetime Grange member, 50-year member of Mercer Eastern Star, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and various women’s card clubs.
Mercer Girl Scout collects 300 books to earn Gold Award
MERCER — Lexi Smalley, a Mercer Girl Scout, is set to earn her Gold Award following the completion of her Anna & Friends Inclusion Library project. Smalley has collected 300 books that will be donated to the Mercer Area Public Library, the Mercer elementary and high schools, and the Creative Learning Christian School library that is also located in Mercer. Smalley has already earned her bronze and silver awards, so she figured she might as well complete the set and go for the next one.
New bookstore opens on Main Street
Main Street welcomed a new business Saturday with the soft opening of Boundless Books, a woman- and veteran-owned bookstore. Chelsea Erb, the owner of Boundless Books, is a 2002 Greenville High School graduate who previously worked as a therapist in Hermitage. Some health issues forced her to step back from therapy, which led her to consider a career change at the end of last year. Boundless Books has adult, young adult, and children’s sections and includes any genre.
Group concerned what radium study means for Mercer Co.
The results of a recent study at Penn State have left a local organization concerned about how waste in local waterways may affect Mercer County, especially with the possible reopening of the Tri-County Landfill in Grove City. As part of the study, scientists found that the wastewater from past oil and gas production discharged into the Allegheny River has led to significant traces of radium in the streambed.
Greenville native publishes debut novel of romance, tragedy and cannibalism
When writing any kind of story, sometimes the work ends up going down a slightly different path than the author intended. Thats what happened with Sean Hinderliter, who uses the pen name Sean Tyler, when he started writing his debut novel “White Hell.” “I tried to write a romance and ended up writing about cannibalism,” Hinderliter joked when talking about how the plot of the story came to be.
Jack H. Consider
Jack H. Consider, Greenville, passed away Saturday evening, March 8, 2025, at the Kadima Health Care, Greenville. He was 83. He was born in Meadville on Jan. 5, 1942, and was the son of the late Gerald and Evelyn (Henry) Consider. On March 1, 1975, he married the former Mary E. Goodermote, and they shared 50 years together. Jack had been employed by the former Greenville Steel Car and later Trinity Industries, from where he retired.
Students test their skills at Math Night
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP — Students grades K-6 were challenged with filling up their bingo sheets with stickers by trying different basketball-themed math activities during Greenville Elementary’s Math Night on Thursday. Children had the chance to win prizes and raffles before making their way over to the gym to play basketball after finishing their bingo cards. For more pictures, see A5.
Jordan Binnington falls apart late in 5-3 win over Finland; is Jon Cooper to blame?
HAWKSINSIDER | NHL | NEWS PUBLICATION Jim Precourt February 17, 2025 (6:51 PM) Photo credit: NHL Team Canada is going on to face Team USA on Thursday at the TD Garden in Boston for the first ever Four Nations Championship Game after beating Team Finland 5-3. However, that isn't coming without a near collapse towards the end of the game. The Canadians had a 4-0 lead against the Finnish with seven minutes remaining in the third period.
Randy C. Reeher
Randy C. Reeher, age 62, of Woods Road, West Salem Township, Greenville, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 15, 2025, in UPMC Passavant. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sam
Contact Sam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack