Westmoreland County Prothonotary Christina O’Brien will not seek a fourth term in office.
O’Brien, 54, a Democrat from Ligonier Township, said ongoing health issues prevent her from participating in another campaign and serving four more years as the head of the county office that oversees all civil and domestic court filings.
“I’m a fighter, but I’m not physically able to do it,” O’Brien said.
She was diagnosed more than two decades ago with the autoimmune disease lupus and, over the years, worked through bouts of the illness. Since March, O’Brien has worked from home because of the additional risks to her health caused by a potential exposure to the coronavirus.
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A judge on Tuesday ruled that defense lawyers for a New Kensington man facing a potential death sentence for the death of a 2-year-old can hire a medical expert to evaluate and potentially refute prosecution evidence at his upcoming trial.
Keith Dale Lilly Jr., 31, has been in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond since May, when he was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with the April 24, 2020, death of 2-year-old Mikel Fetterman.
Prosecutors contend the child was severely beaten and died as a result of injuries, some of which dated back several months, according to police.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Firefighters work at the scene of a residential structure fire in Bell Township Dec. 28, 2020, near Saltsburg.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Firefighters from various departments watch the roadway of Route 286 at the scene of a residential structure fire in Bell Township Dec. 28, 2020, near Saltsburg.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Firefighters work at the scene of a residential structure fire in Bell Township Dec. 28, 2020, near Saltsburg.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Firefighters work at the scene of a residential structure fire in Bell Township Dec. 28, 2020, near Saltsburg.
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Some local police chiefs are having a tough time finding officers to join their forces.
Jeannette recently advertised seeking candidates to take a civil service test. It received three applications.
Irwin had five applicants for its test all of whom were already part-time officers in the borough.
After receiving just three candidates in its search, Latrobe officials extended its deadline, pushed its advertising campaign on social media and reached out to two local training academies for help recruiting. The effort brought in 16 applications.
All three chiefs said they believe the current national climate toward policing is playing a role.
“We’ve seen a startling decline in applications,” said Latrobe Police Chief John Sleasman.
The historic Addison House in Leechburg is set to reopen to the public after a five-year closure.
The once-popular First Street eatery shut its doors in 2012 amid financial woes after the tragic death of co-owner Laura Stettmier in an October 2011 plane crash in West Virginia.
John and Devra Gromley of Upper Burrell purchased Addison House in March 2015 for $106,000.
The couple plan to name the business 1st Street Cafe. They intend to open sometime this year.
“I don’t have a timeline on when we will open, and I’ve been laid off from my corporate job,” Devra Gromley said. “We love the historic building, and it was always a dream of mine to have a cafe.”