What makes a place worth visiting and what keeps people coming back?

In this installment of our America 250 series, Alter Eagle host Laura Crago sits down with Amy Pack of Experience Butler County to explore the people, places and traditions that help define Butler County's identity.

Their conversation begins in the historic village of Harmony, where they discuss the community's rich heritage, the importance of preserving local history, and the role tourism plays in connecting visitors to authentic experiences. Along the way, they dive into one of Butler County's most recognizable traditions: Jeep Fest and the worldwide phenomenon of Jeep ducking, which began with a simple act of kindness and grew into a global movement among Jeep owners.

The episode continues with a visit to Butler's collection of historic vehicles, offering a glimpse into the cars that have rolled through community celebrations and parades for generations.

From historic landmarks to beloved traditions, this conversation highlights how Butler County continues to share its story through the places, experiences and people that make it unique.

Part of Alter Eagle's America 250 series celebrating the history, culture and future of Butler County.

Link from Episode:

https://www.experiencebutler.com/

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #ExperienceButler #HistoryWeek #steeplesandstacks

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

As Butler County looks toward America 250, what does it take to build a community where people want to live, work and raise a family?

In this episode of Alter Eagle Podcast, host Laura Crago sits down with Mark Gordon, Chief of Economic Development and Planning for Butler County, to discuss the ideas shaping the county's future.

Drawing from decades of experience in manufacturing and leadership that took him from Japan and France to Kentucky and Indiana, Mark reflects on why Butler County has always felt like home, and why he believes the county's greatest strength is its people.

Together, they discuss:

• The importance of collaboration and cooperation
• Why "people first" creates sustainable economic growth
• Workforce development and the role of BC3 and Slippery Rock University
• Butler County as a crossroads for opportunity and innovation
• Manufacturing, history and the community's evolving identity
• Creating a county where the next generation can build careers, families and lasting roots

The conversation concludes with Mark's challenge to every resident: a reminder that the future of Butler County isn't built by one organization or one leader, but by all of us working together.

Whether you're a lifelong resident, a business owner, a student or someone curious about the future of our region, this episode offers an inspiring look at what's possible when a community puts people first.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#ButlerCounty #AlterEaglePodcast #America250 #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #ButlerPA #Manufacturing #Leadership #Collaboration #LocalGovernment #PeopleFirst #WorkLivePlay #ButlerEagle

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

Alter Eagle Podcast is a production of the Butler Eagle, bringing you conversations with the people and organizations making a difference throughout Butler County.

What happens when you dial 911?

In this episode, Laura Crago takes listeners inside the Butler County 911 Center to explore the history, technology, and people behind emergency communications.

First, Laura sits down with Steve Bicehouse, whose career spans 25 years as a registered nurse, service as a firefighter, and now as the director of emergency services. Together they discuss Butler County's unique place in 911 history, including its designation as Pennsylvania's first countywide 911 system in 1970.

Then, from the operations floor of the Butler County 911 Center, Laura speaks with Chris Beck about what happens behind the scenes when emergency calls come in, the challenges dispatchers face, advances in technology including translation tools and AI-assisted systems, and the teamwork required to respond when every second counts.

The episode also includes a look at the original switchboard that helped launch emergency communications in Butler County and a discussion of how the profession has evolved over the past five decades.

Subscribe for more conversations highlighting the people, history, and stories that shape Butler County and beyond.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #ButlerCounty #911 #EmergencyCommunications #FirstResponders #PublicSafety #Dispatchers #ButlerEagle #Podcast #PennsylvaniaHistory

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

As America approaches its 250th birthday, we're taking a closer look at the people, industries, and communities that helped shape Butler County and, in turn, helped shape America.

In this special America 250 episode, Laura Crago sits down with Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche to discuss Steeples & Stacks, a heritage weekend taking place July 10th-11th through the Butler Cultural District.

Their conversation explores the immigrants who built Butler County, the industries that fueled its growth, from oil and steel to glass and Jeep manufacturing and the stories that continue to define the region today. They discuss Butler County's role in the Underground Railroad, the history of the area's faith communities, the significance of Moses Jewelers and the region's historic synagogue, and the legacy of Charles Waters, the first African American member of the National Guard, who is buried in Butler's North Cemetery.

At its heart, this episode is about community, family, and the stories passed from one generation to the next.

Learn more about Steeples & Stacks and upcoming America 250 events at ButlerCulturalDistrict.org

Special thanks to photographer Ben Hughes for the stunning panoramic image featured on the Steeples & Stacks webpage, and to Shawn Hernandez for the beautiful drone image featured in the video version of this interview.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #LeadershipButlerCounty #DancingForACause #SweatEquity #HumaneSociety #altereaglepodcast #ButlerCountyPA #steeplesandstacks #leslieosche #america250

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

Strong communities are built by people willing to lead, serve, and invest in others.

On this episode of the Alter Eagle podcast, Mark Buchek joins me to discuss community leadership, the mission of Leadership Butler County, and how financial planning and retirement conversations connect to building a stronger future for individuals and families alike.

Support Dancing For A Cause:

https://www.butlercountychamber.com/events-1/dancing-for-a-cause-2026

Link from Episode:

https://www.armcocu.com/

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #LeadershipButlerCounty #DancingForACause #SweatEquity #HumaneSociety #altereaglepodcast #ButlerCountyPA #CommunityMatters #Leadership #ARMCO #FinancialFuture #Retirement

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

In this episode of Alter Eagle, we sit down with members of Leadership Butler County to talk about how the program helps participants connect more deeply with the community while developing leadership skills. We also explore this year's class project, Dancing for a Cause, a fundraiser benefiting the Butler County Humane Society, and how the experience is inspiring local leaders to create lasting impact across Butler County.

Support Dancing For A Cause:

https://www.butlercountychamber.com/events-1/dancing-for-a-cause-2026

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #LeadershipButlerCounty #DancingForACause #SweatEquity #HumaneSociety

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

In this brief update, Laura reflects on the growth of Alter Eagle and The Eye on Sports Podcast, marking 100+ episodes for both shows. She shares recent honors—including Keystone Media Awards recognition, multiple Golden Quill finalist nods, and national acknowledgment from APSE and offers a preview of upcoming spring projects, including a collaboration with the symphony and new developments in sports coverage.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #100episodes #Sports #sportspodcast

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago

This episode contains discussion of medical complexity, end-of-life care, and child loss. Listener discretion is advised.

When Judy Wright received the call, the request was not to save a life, but to care for one.

In this episode, Wright discusses her memoir Just Hold Her, which documents her experience fostering a medically fragile infant with complex and life-limiting conditions. The child, Jayden, was two months old and weighed four pounds at placement, with 27 medical diagnoses and no clear treatment path.

Drawing from detailed notes kept during a two-year period of care, Wright outlines the day-to-day realities of managing intensive medical needs inside a home setting. The conversation examines the intersection of foster care, healthcare systems, and the emotional demands placed on caregivers working without certainty of outcome.

Wright, along with her late husband, fostered 55 children over 12 years, many with significant medical challenges. She reflects on the structure and gaps within the foster system, the role of faith in long-term caregiving, and what it means to provide stability in cases where recovery is unlikely.

This episode contains discussion of medical complexity, end-of-life care, and child loss. Listener discretion is advised.

For more on Judy and her book go to: https://justholdher.com/

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

Follow & Subscribe to get episodes automatically as they drop every Wednesday. Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Audible, and Deezer, as well as YouTube. This Podcast is produced at The Butler Eagle located in Butler, PA. Subscribe to this channel for all Butler Eagle News content and go to:

https://www.alter-eagle.com/

https://www.butlereagle.com/

#butlerpa #podcast #resources #community #Pittsburgh #hope #change #altereagle #altereaglepodcast #movement #education #butlerdowntown #downtownbutler #butlercountydowntown #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #community #fosterparent #endoflifecare #fosteringsaveslives

Hosted, Produced & Edited By: Laura Crago