Roast Turkey Dinners, Living History, and a Fresh Chill Across the Township
United, PA · November 14, 2026
Frost is clinging to the porch railings this morning, but warm kitchens across the township are ready to take the edge off.
The Lead
In a case spanning more than four decades, District Judge Henry Moore ordered 61-year-old James Kruczek of West Mifflin to stand trial for the 1985 homicide of 16-year-old Lottie Jo Gunn, following an extensive preliminary hearing in Greensburg on Friday. Gunn’s body was found along Turner Valley Road in North Huntingdon on May 24, 1985, bearing fatal stab wounds.
The breakthrough in one of the county detective bureau's oldest cold cases came down to preserved physical evidence: a black-and-white dress Gunn wore the day she died. Retired county Detective Will Brown testified that a DNA swab secured from Kruczek matched evidence lifted from the dress fabric. With Kruczek held without bail, prosecutors now turn toward scheduling formal trial proceedings in Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court.
Local Pulse
- Suspect Jailed in Youngwood Armed Robbery Safety State police arrested a 36-year-old man following an anonymous tip detailing an October armed theft along Third Avenue.
Today's Outlook
- High 41°F · Low 34°F — Snow (35% chance of precipitation)
- Keep a warm coat handy today as passing flurries and raw air move through.
What's On Around Town
Today
Hecla Community Turkey Dinner Community Church of Hecla (537 Hecla Rd), Mount Pleasant Township, 4:00–7:00 PM Hot roast turkey, traditional sides, and community fellowship just down the road.
According to the Best of His Recollection Fort Ligonier (200 S Market St), Ligonier, 4:00–6:00 PM · $25 Immersive living-history vignettes unraveling George Washington’s 1758 friendly fire incident.
Elton Rohn: Elton John Tribute The Palace Theatre (21 W Otterman St), Greensburg, 7:30 PM · $28–75 Full-band concert playing the rock icon's classics with complete live harmonies.
Tomorrow
- Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert The Palace Theatre (21 W Otterman St), Greensburg, 7:30 PM
Spotlight & Story
- United Shaft Number 1 In 1887, the United Coal and Coke Company sank an iron-framed shaft 286 feet into the Pittsburgh coal seam right here, birthing our patch town. The operation processed 1,000 tons daily, powering 350 beehive ovens that kept skies aglow.
United Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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