Honor guard leader convictedPITTSBURGH — A man who organized honor guard ceremonies for thousands of deceased veterans has been convicted of taking donations meant for American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.Patrick Gorman, 79, was found guilty of theft, receiving stolen property and misapplication of entrusted funds on Tuesday.The Baldwin man previously served as a commander of an American Legion post, where he led the group’s honor guard. He took over the same role at a VFW post in 2010.Prosecutors said he diverted donations from both groups and spent more than $40,000 on himself, his family and expenses that weren’t approved.Defense attorney Casey White said they’re considering an appeal. He said he’ll ask for probation when his client is sentenced on April 7.

Sheetz raising workers’ payALTOONA — The Pennsylvania-based Sheetz convenience store chain said it will spend $15 million this year to raise its workers’ pay across the company.Sheetz said in a news release that it won’t cut back hours for full-time employees as part of the move.The starting hourly wage for sales associates will rise to $10 this month, with shift supervisors making $13 and assistant managers $16.The chain has grown to more than 500 stores in six states with more than 17,000 employees.

Clairton chemical plant will closeCLAIRTON — Koppers Holdings said it is closing a plant where 52 employees will lose their jobs.The Pittsburgh-based company makes chemicals used in aluminum manufacturing, as well as wood preservers and vinyl, from waste products from the steel industry.Koppers said Wednesday that it will close the Clairton plant in the next six months because the aluminum industry is cutting production in the United States.