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Articles by Steve Barrett
UTC to use $600,000 award to develop materials to withstand extreme environments
The Nanoengineering Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will use a $600,000 award from a U.S. Army research project to help develop materials that hold up in extreme environments. UTC is collaborating on the project with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which brings experimental capabilities to the research, according to a press release from the university.
Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Company receives $10k donation from EQT
As the cost to repair Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Company’s wind-damaged building continues to rise, community members have stepped up to support the department. “We don’t know what we’d do without the support we’ve been receiving from those who have decided to help us,” Chief Harvey Knestrick said earlier this week. On Feb. 18, the fire company’s building sustained significant damage caused by trees that were uprooted by dangerously high winds.
County officials support quick action amidst election uncertainty in Pennsylvania
As the state’s May 17 primary draws near, local officials say they believe clarity on crucial election items remains elusive. In a release issued last week, Republican Greene County commissioners Mike Belding and Betsy McClure said that although there has been a decision made regarding the congressional maps that will be used in the commonwealth, they believe there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the future of the state’s legislative maps.
Culinary arts instructor honored as Educator of Excellence
Daniel Wagner, culinary arts instructor at Greene County Career and Technology Center, has added another accolade to his long and already impressive career. The Greene County native, who has served as CTC culinary arts instructor for more than three decades, was selected as the 2022 Pennsylvania ProStart Educator of Excellence.
Greene commissioners approve $10k contribution to food bank
Greene County commissioners Thursday approved a $10,000 contribution to the Waynesburg Corner Cupboard Food Bank that will go toward purchasing a new refrigerated lift food truck. Commissioner Mike Belding said food bank Executive Director Candace Webster asked for help with the purchase in February.
Bowlby Library holds ceremony for unveiling of new studio
“It truly took a village to make this dream a reality.” Those words were spoken by Kathy McClure, director of the Eva K. Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg, when talking about the library’s new Exploration and Creative Studio during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held March 4. The ceremony was held to commemorate the grand opening of the newly renovated space, which is housed in the library’s former garage area.
A ‘haunt’ingly great time
UFOs, Bigfoot, witchcraft and other unexplained paranormal events will be among topics of discussion at the third annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Haunted Con, slated for Saturday, March 19 at the EQT REC Center in Waynesburg. “The SWPA HauntedCon attracts people of all walks of life from many different areas, and it generates great interest in paranormal tourism in Greene County, which is a good thing,” said organizer Kevin Paul.
Commissioners proclaim March 14-18 Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week
Greene County commissioners designated March 14-18 Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week, a statewide initiative that focuses on connecting volunteers from the agricultural community to local classrooms to share the story of agriculture. During the week, volunteers are asked to read a book in kindergarten through second grade classrooms across the state that offers an accurate and engaging theme about agriculture.
Despite building damage, Nemacolin VFC to hold fish fries, cash bash
Despite high winds causing major damage to the Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Company building several weeks ago, officers said they will still hold the company’s annual Lenten Fish Fries every Friday through Good Friday at the building “The popular fish fries are still on, as we have secured the building enough to block all damage from the public,” Nemacolin VFC President Max Brozik said Monday.
Dr. Oz visits Waynesburg as part of statewide campaign tour
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz recently visited various businesses in downtown Waynesburg during his tour through southwestern Pennsylvania, and addressed a variety of topics, such as COVID-19, vaccine mandates and the distressed economy. Oz, a heart surgeon who found fame as a television show host on “The Doctors” and also his own show, “The Dr. Oz Show,” announced last November his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
West Greene Wrestling Boosters to present annual Gun and Cash Bash
The West Greene School District Wrestling Boosters committee has announced plans to hold a Gun and Cash Bash fundraising event on Saturday, April 9 at the Jacktown Fairgrounds in Wind Ridge. The boosters, which support the little league, junior high and varsity wrestling programs, hold the annual bash as its single fundraising event to benefit the wrestlers on the rosters, of which there are currently 58.
High winds heavily damage Greene County fire company building
Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Company in Greene County early morning on Feb. 18, unleashing dangerously high winds that resulted in uprooted trees crashing into the company building and caused heavy damage. Fire company President Max Brozik said that afternoon that high winds uprooted a tree and also caused three other trees to impact the building, resulting in exterior and interior damage estimated to be in excess of $150,000.
Salary board hires new assistant chief clerk, elections director
The Greene County salary board selected a new elections director and assistant chief clerk during their Feb. 17 meeting. Kelli Haines was promoted to regular full-time elections director, effective Jan. 24. The position was formerly held by Judy Snyder, who was transferred to the position of assistant chief clerk, effective Jan. 18. Snyder will retain her role as the county’s budget director.
Flashlight Drags to return in 2022 with five street-legal racing events
Beginning this summer, engines will once again be revving up at Greene County Airport when the street-legal racing event known as Flashlight Drags returns. Produced by Altered Gas Performance Events LLC, the popular Flashlight Drags events have been scheduled this year to be held on five dates in May, June, August and September. Bret Moore, director of the county recreation department, said he is excited about what this year’s races will offer.
Report: Energy efficiency, air quality improvements needed in Greene County buildings
Greene County commissioners presented a report recently from a facility management company indicating various county-owned buildings are in need of improvements in energy efficiency and air quality.
Salary board approves hirings, promotions, pay increases in various county departments
During their Jan. 20 meeting, the county salary board approved numerous actions, including various hirings, promotions, resignations and pay increases within the county jail. The board approved the temporary pay increase for corrections officers Robert Rush and Robert Wilson effective Nov. 28, as well as approving the promotion of Wilson and Rush to regular full-time corrections officers effective Dec.
Chamber welcomes new business with ribbon cutting ceremony
Local and state officials joined Greene County Chamber of Commerce and other area agency representatives in welcoming a new business, Salon Diem, to the area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last month. The business is located at 199 Wahula Road in Carmichaels. Salon Diem, owned by Lisa Lilley, specializes in hair color and is a full-service salon offering men’s haircuts and hot shaves, gel manicures and SNS nails, and tanning.
University commemorates MLK Day with convocation, plaque unveiling
“When you are called to do something, you have to do it. Remember, God has a plan for your life.” Those words were spoken by Sam London III, assistant football coach for Waynesburg University, who served as keynote speaker during a special convocation held Tuesday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The convocation, which was held in Roberts Chapel on the university campus, celebrated the achievements of Rev.
Chamber welcomes new businesses with ribbon cutting ceremony
Local and state officials joined Greene County Chamber of Commerce and other area agency representatives in welcoming two new businesses, Essentially Kind and Southern Comfy Boutique, to the area with a joint ribbon cutting ceremony held last month. Both businesses are located on 30 North Washington Street in Waynesburg. Essentially Kind, owned by Pam Cunningham and Stephanie Knisely, carries unique gifts and snacks including premade “grab and go” gift baskets.
Commissioners recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Greene County commissioners recently recognized January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and strongly encouraged all residents to become more informed on the issue. During their Jan. 6 public meeting, commissioners welcomed Joanna Dragan, MA, SPHS CARE Center, supervisor of Sexual Violence Services (STTARS), who discussed the importance of awareness about the crime of human trafficking.
Officials announce $635K in grant funding for Crawford Park project
Plans to upgrade Crawford Park in Waynesburg took a massive step forward after local and state officials recently announced more than $635,000 in grant funding has been earmarked for the project. Franklin Township supervisors joined state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, in late December in announcing two separate grants from the state Department of Conservation and Economic Development were approved.
County receives federal grant to assist infants, families affected by substances
Greene County Children and Youth Services program has been awarded a $45,000 federal grant local officials said will be used to address concerns related to Substance Affected Infants (SAI) and families. Greene County commissioners announced receipt of the Plan of Safe Care (PoSC) grant Jan. 6, adding each year thousands of infants born in Pennsylvania have prenatal exposure to a wide array of substances, including alcohol.
Leathernecks’ Christmas toy program once again a big success
For four decades, the members of the Tri-County Leathernecks Association in Greene County have held an annual Christmas toy drive, an initiative in which toys are collected for and distributed to area children during the holiday season. The toy drive has enabled the association to make Christmas a little nicer for hundreds of local families. And this past Christmas, which marked the 41st consecutive year for the toy program, that tradition continued. On Dec.
County receives grant funding for Wisecarver Connector Trail
Greene County is receiving a $31,100 planning grant that will be used in the development of a connector trail at Wisecarver Reservoir and Recreation Area. Greene County commissioners and state Rep. Pam Snyder Dec. 30 announced the approved funding, which will come from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program and is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Commissioners present ‘2021 State of the County’ address
The Greene County commissioners recently released their “2021 State of the County” address that provides updates of various local government progress and initiatives, as well as the challenges that lie ahead for area officials and residents. Commission Chairman Mike Belding said the commissioners and staff have remained focused on making Greene County a better place to live, learn, work and play.
The 'feel good' stories of 2021
Over the past two issues, the Messenger has presented the biggest news stories of 2021 in its annual “Year In Review” feature. This week, the uplifting and inspiring stories from Greene County in 2021, positive stories that shone spotlights on local people and events committed to helping others in need will be highlighted.
Commissioners agree to enter 78-acre parcel into preservation program
Greene County commissioners agreed to enter a 79.18-acre parcel located in Morgan Township into the county’s Farmland Preservation Program during their recent public meeting. Commission Chairman Mike Belding said the agriculture conservation easement is being purchased by the county from owners Dominick J. and Kimberly S. Barbetta at a cost of $3,000 per acre, which is expected to be paid in five installments over five years.
Recipients honored at Greene County Conservation District awards ceremony
A Greene County duo and an area native were recently honored by the county’s Conservation District for their outstanding commitment to soil and water conservation. The Conservation District held this year’s annual awards ceremony Dec. 15 at Valley View Farm in Waynesburg, where awards were presented to Gene Saurborn and Bobbi Bailey, owners of Buckshot Cattle Company, and Zachary Frye, a 2021 graduate of West Greene High School.
The 2021 Year in Review, Part 2
This is the second installment of Greene County Messenger’s Year in Review. This week, the focus is on the biggest news stories that occurred in the second six months of 2021. The articles are presented in chronological order. Officials break ground for Wisecarver Recreation Area Local and state officials met July 22 at the site of the Wisecarver Recreation Area in Franklin Township as the beginning of Phase I construction of the WRA’s softball facility and hiking trail project got underway.
Commissioners approve 2022 county budget with no tax increase
Greene County commissioners approved their 2022 budget, which offers no property tax increase for residents and is roughly $2.33 million less than last year’s spending plan, during their Dec. 16 regular meeting. Next year’s overall budget is $38,731,912.46. Commissioner Mike Belding said the most significant change in the budget is for the CDBG/HOME program, which saw a reduction of more than $1.7 million from last year’s budget.
2022 Greene Country Calendar available for sale
Every Christmas season in Greene County, there are a few things that can be counted on: Cold weather, a visit from Santa and Colleen Nelson and Wendy Saul’s unique annual calendar for the upcoming year being available for purchase. For the 43rd consecutive year, Nelson, of Holbrook, and Saul, of New Freeport, are bringing residents in the county, across the nation and even around the world their calendar featuring local landmarks, scenes and people.
Police continue to investigate Greene Plaza crash
State police said they are continuing to investigate after a truck crashed into an empty storefront on the afternoon of Dec. 11 at Greene Plaza Shopping Center in Waynesburg. Chief Jeff Marshall, of Waynesburg-Franklin Township Fire Co., said he was informed the driver apparently suffered a seizure and drove his vehicle into the storefront. Following impact, the truck’s tires were spinning and burning, resulting in the structure filling with smoke, Marshall said.
In remembrance of the ‘Empty Chair’
For many people, the Christmas season can be a time of sadness and heartbreak as they struggle to cope with the loss of someone they love. A special memorial service was recently held to help local residents honor the memories of departed loved ones who are missed so dearly, especially around Christmas. The service, titled “The Empty Chair: A Time of Remembrance,” was held Dec. 8 at Rogersville Christian Church – Place of Grace.
Three taken into custody following standoff in Greene County
Sgt. Jay Hundertmark of state police Troop B in Waynesburg speaks to the media Thursday evening about a standoff that occurred in Rices Landing, Greene County, earlier in the day. Hundertmark said said three people were placed in custody following the lengthy standoff. (Photo by Steve Barrett) Steve Barrett/For the Observer-Reporter State police said three people are in custody following a standoff Thursday at a Greene County residence. State police Sgt.
Celebrating the holidays … in reverse
Hundreds of residents visited the Greene County Fairgrounds last weekend to enjoy a parade without even having to leave their vehicles. For the second year in a row, Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade was celebrated as a “reverse” parade. Rather than lining up along a street to watch floats move by participants drove through a planned route and passed by stationary parade entries.
Iron Senergy breaks ground on new coal refuse disposal structure
Iron Senergy employees recently joined the company’s chief executive officer to break ground on a new coal refuse storage structure that is anticipated to bring more than 700 new jobs and $4.5 million in tax revenue to Greene County. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nov. 23 at the future site of the new Coal Refuse Disposal Area (CRDA) structure, located on Mooney Ridge Road in Whitely Township. CRDAs are areas or land plots used by mines as places for disposing of or storing coal refuse.
Dreaming of a Greene Christmas
The first weekend in December traditionally kicks off the holiday season in Greene County, and this year will be no different as numerous festivities have been announced beginning tonight with the annual Holiday Open House in downtown Waynesburg. Holiday Open House Sponsored by EQT and presented by Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, the 13th annual Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec.
Commissioners approve new cost-saving lease agreement for recycling
Greene County commissioners reached a new parcel lease agreement with United Mine Workers of America Career Centers, Inc. to ensure area residents recycling opportunities for the next five years. The Greene County recycling center consists of a county-owned building and Department of Environmental Protection equipment on a less than two-acre lot in Ruff Creek. In a news release issued Nov.
Salary board approves retirement of RDA executive director
The Greene County Salary Board approved hirings, resignations and other motions during its Nov. 18 meeting, including the retirement of the redevelopment authority’s executive director. David Calvario, who was employed as RDA executive director since 2015, announced last month he accepted the position of executive director of the Community Foundation of Greene County. He replaces Bettie Stammerjohn, who announced earlier this year she would retire at the end of October.
Team participates in Operation Christmas Child initiative
Six area churches recently participated in Operation Christmas Child’s Christmas Shoeboxes initiative, which is geared to making the holidays a little nicer for children all over the world. A project of the international Christian relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, Operation Christmas Child sends gift-filled shoe boxes to millions of children in need each year.
Commissioners applying for $1M in state funding for housing improvements
Greene County commissioners approved a resolution during their Nov. 18 meeting to apply for more than one million dollars from a state funding stream to be used for numerous housing improvements throughout the county. The application is asking for a total of $1,054,199 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, which was created in 2010 to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania.
Local agencies team up for winter coat and gear drive
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Greene County and Loved Again Charities are teaming up for their second annual Children’s Winter Coat and Gear Drive. New and gently used coats, boots, gloves, hats and scarves may be donated at the CASA office, located at 52 S. Church St. in Waynesburg, at any time before Nov. 30. The distribution of winter gear will take place during Waynesburg’s Holiday Open House Dec. 3.
‘We pause to remember all of those who served’
Numerous services, ceremonies and parades were held throughout Greene County between Nov. 6 and Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day and the many local men and women who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. Each program and parade gave area residents the opportunity to honor, remember and express their gratitude to past and present service members who fought — and in some cases, died — for the Red, White and Blue. Several programs were held Nov.
New Salvation Army director preparing for busy winter season
Bonnie Davis has been busy since she began working as Greene County Salvation Army’s director in July. With the agency’s annual Red Kettle campaign about to begin, along with its need for donated winter clothing intensifying, she knows her job is about to get even busier. But it’s more than OK for Davis. The ways she sees it, being busier means she’s being given the opportunity to help more people.
Grimes, Simms, Rush win in unopposed election races
Few contested races were part of Greene County’s Nov. 2 General Election, which saw Jeff Grimes unofficially elected as the next county judge. Although he ran unopposed after securing both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May primary over Kimberly Pratt, Grimes said he didn’t take the election for granted and continued to campaign this year to earn support from voters.
Leathernecks' Christmas toy drive to return in 2021
The Tri-County Leathernecks Association in Greene County is once again gearing up for its annual Christmas toy drive. The initiative - which consists of toys being collected and distributed to area children during the holiday season - has been a major success for many years, enabling the association to make Christmas a little nicer for hundreds of local families.
$500k housing rehabilitation grant awarded to Greene County
Greene County’s Planning and Community Development Department will receive $500,000 in federal grant funds that will provide qualified home owners forgivable no interest loans for home improvements and repairs while providing opportunities for qualified contractors. The funding will come from the Department of Community and Economic Development through the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
Greene County to honor area veterans with special events
A wide array of special events, programs and services will be held in Greene County in honor of Veterans Day and in celebration and recognition of the men and women who have served their country in the U.S. Armed Forces. According to information provided by Greene County Veterans Affairs office, events are scheduled to be held beginning this weekend before concluding on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 all throughout the county. A special event has been planned for Nov. 6 at the Greene County Fairgrounds.
‘It really is an honor to be recognized': Waynesburg man receives multiple awards for volunteer work
A Waynesburg man is being recognized by two different agencies honoring his volunteer work, tireless dedication and service to Greene County residents. George “Bly” Blystone recently received separate honors by Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, both within just weeks apart from one another. On Oct. 5, the tourist promotion agency held its Hospitality Awards event at Waynesburg Lions Club Park.
Civic Club to participate in Wreaths Across America campaign
The Carmichaels Women’s Civic Club is currently seeking sponsors to purchase wreaths that will be placed on veterans’ graves in December at a local cemetery as part of the national Wreaths Across America campaign. For the 11th consecutive year, the Civic Club is joining forces with American Legion Post 400 and Carmichaels Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491 to participate in the annual Wreaths campaign.
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