Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

November 6, 2025

Murrysville Bell Ringing in America’s 250th Birthday

Last Monday, Nov. 3, Murrysville unveiled a vibrant Liberty Bell replica as part of America250PA’s “Bells Across PA” celebration. One of 108 custom bells placed in all 67 counties, Westmoreland is lucky to have two.

Titled “More Energy in Westmoreland: Powering Our Past, Energizing Our Future,” our bell now stands proudly at the Roberts Trailhead on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail—just a short walk from the historic Haymaker Well.

Exactly 147 years earlier, on Nov. 3, 1878, brothers Michael and Obadiah Haymaker struck natural gas while drilling for oil. The blast shook the earth for 15 miles. Months later, a spark ignited the well into a 100-foot flame, bright enough to read a newspaper in New Kensington.

The Haymaker brothers were inspired to drill in this area, having been made aware of a local farmer, Josh Cooper (of no relation to myself or family), who used natural gas seeping from the ground to boil maple syrup.

That accidental strike led to the Haymakers’ well becoming America’s first commercial natural gas well. It fueled George Westinghouse’s factories in Pittsburgh and helped power the Industrial Revolution.

Today, Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest energy producer—leading in natural gas; second in nuclear; and growing in wind, solar and hydro. This diverse mix keeps homes warm, factories running and products flowing.

Our bell, designed by local talented artist Stacey Pydynkowski, honors this legacy: the Haymaker derrick, power lines, glowing homes, and trail cyclists all wrapped in a gorgeous colorful panoramic of all four seasons.  The bell is absolutely stunning!

I want to offer a huge thank you to the Murrysville Public Works department for constructing its base and making it a permit fixture at the trail head. It’s more than a marker for America’s 250th birthday—it’s a tribute to innovation, energy and the spark that still lights our future.

To celebrate our 250th birthday, please stop by the Roberts Trailhead while biking or walking and grab a photo with the iconic Liberty Bell! The address for the trailhead is 4301 William Penn Highway, Murrysville. When you see the vibrant colors and thoughtful work, you will not be disappointed. 

America250PA is the short name for the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The organization has been hosting events and programs throughout Pennsylvania, all leading to America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

For more information, visit America250pa.org or search for it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Thank You, Veterans! - Tomorrow, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world. 

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace, and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars. For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website at pa.gov/agencies/dmva.    

All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. During the closures, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, through PennDOT's online Driver and Vehicle Services website at pa.gov/agencies/dmv.     

A Boost to Education Savings in November for Youngest Pennsylvanians! - State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars in November which will give children an even bigger head start on education savings! 

Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Taking this action in November results in initial education savings deposits of $150.

Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs.

To learn more, visit PA529.com/keystone. 


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper