New Kensington, PA -- A Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge granted the district attorney's injunction to close the Elks Lodge in New Kensington following a string of violent incidents endangering public safety. 

Pursuant to the order, the Elks Lodge on Third Avenue will remain closed for one year from the date the order was issued, July 31, 2026. 

The Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office contended the Elks Lodge was a nuisance and failed to abide by the conditional licensing agreement with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. 

As a result, it created an environment that fostered criminal and disruptive behavior in the nearby community. 

The Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office filed the injunction following the homicide of Jeffrey Ballard, 46, in December of 2025. 

Ballard was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased shortly after the shooting. 

The victim's brother, Steffon Ballard, 38, was charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of firearm prohibited.