John Peck stood before a Westmoreland County jury in early December and for the next 40 minutes argued for a conviction. It marked the last time Peck would do so as the county’s district attorney — a job he’s held since 1994. He leaves at year’s end after failing in
The Greensburg resident served as executive director of the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, the organization’s first and only leader until her death Oct. 19. She was 72. In addition to her role with the Humane Society, Burkley also formerly served on the Greensburg Salem school board and Greensburg city council.
Ronald L. Echard
His first term as mayor of New Stanton was cut short Sept. 5 when he died suddenly. He was 68. He and his wife, Linda, who serves on borough council, are credited as a driving force behind the borough’s holiday display and local farmers market. This spring, as a way to keep up community morale during the coronavirus pandemic, he challenged residents to create rainbow-themed yard displays and take part in a statewide bell-ringing event to recognize first responders and frontline workers.