New Medical Helicopter Secures Regional Flight Base
United, PA · October 20, 2026
Watch for flaggers along Route 2021 if you are heading toward Kecksburg after sunrise today. Clear skies will keep the commute bright, but budget an extra ten minutes for single-lane delays.
The Lead
Emergency medical response across the region is getting a major airborne boost. WVU Medicine announced plans to station a new $10.7 million critical care helicopter in Greensburg, replacing the outgoing Stat MedEvac aircraft based near Westmoreland Hospital.
The twin-engine Airbus H135 will operate around the clock, carrying a pilot, critical care flight paramedic, and flight nurse to handle trauma emergencies, stroke transfers, and pediatric transports throughout Westmoreland and surrounding Laurel Highlands communities. County dispatchers routinely rely on rapid air transport for severe accidents on rural township backroads where minutes matter most. The transition unfolds over the coming months, with dedicated flight operations launching locally next May.
Local Pulse
Flaggers Control Mount Pleasant-Kecksburg Road Work Roads Maintenance crews tackle pipe repairs and shoulder cutting along Route 2021 this week, reducing travel to alternating single-lane patterns.
Pink Gazebo Tribute Returns to Main Street Community Mount Pleasant’s annual October memorial project surrounds the downtown gazebo to support regional breast cancer patient care.
Today's Outlook
- High 63°F · Low 35°F — Clear
- Grab a heavy jacket for the morning chill before clear skies warm the afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Preschool Story Time Mount Pleasant Public Library (120 S Church St), Mount Pleasant, 1:30 PM · Free Interactive stories, rhymes, and picture books for early readers.
Digital Health Literacy Workshop YWCA Westmoreland County (424 N Main St), Greensburg, 2:00–4:00 PM · Free Learn how to find vetted medical resources and evaluate online health information.
Westmoreland Transit Info Session Norwin Public Library (100 Caruthers Lane), Irwin, 2:00–3:00 PM · Free Get answers about county bus schedules, regional connections, and shared-ride services.
Tomorrow
- Toddler Story Time Greensburg Hempfield Area Library (237 S Pennsylvania Ave), Greensburg, 10:00–10:30 AM · Free
- National Chamber Day Open House Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce (241 Tollgate Hill Rd), Greensburg, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · Free
- Teen Game Night Mount Pleasant Public Library (120 S Church St), Mount Pleasant, 6:00 PM · Free
Thursday
- Westmoreland County Commissioners Public Meeting Courthouse Square (2 N Main St), Greensburg, 10:00 AM · Free
- The Stitchers Needle Arts Group Mount Pleasant Public Library (120 S Church St), Mount Pleasant, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Community Trunk or Treat Live! Casino Pittsburgh (5260 Route 30), Greensburg, 6:00–8:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Mount Pleasant Township Lions Club
- For more than 77 years, this township service club has fueled grassroots aid through monthly Norvelt sub sales and fairgrounds food booths. Their recent $10,000 gift to the Westmoreland County Blind Association marks the latest milestone in decades of quiet vision advocacy.
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