Joyce Hanz stories, Page 32
Allegheny Township officials disagree on need for public information officer
Allegheny Township’s supervisors meeting Monday evening was routine, until it wasn’t. More than 20 residents showed up, and many of them spoke publicly against a proposal to appoint Township Manager Gregory Primm as public information officer. The resolution passed 2-1 Monday, with Supervisors Michael Korns and Ren Steele voting in...
O’Hara Councilman creates custom Santa sleigh for all
On Mike Hammill’s lawn, there rose quite a clatter. “When he drew up the plans, I thought he was crazy. He was out there sawing. I was very surprised,” his wife Tina Hammill said. “He kept going to Lowe’s and coming back with more stuff.” The stuff became a holiday-themed...
Police: Woman seen on video with drinks stolen from Allegheny Township beer distributor
Police are trying to identify a woman caught on video surveillance allegedly stealing drinks Saturday from a beer distributor in Allegheny Township. In an image from video footage posted Monday to the Zamp’s Brew Thru Facebook page and later taken down, a woman is seen clutching three White Claw Surge...
Feasibility study underway as Leechburg officials aim to regionalize police department
Leechburg officials are forging ahead with organizational efforts to regionalize their police force with other local municipalities. Officials recently approved a free, state-run study with the Department of Community and Economic Development to determine whether regionalization could trim costs and ultimately ensure 24/7 coverage. The study includes North Apollo, Parks...
Second Farmer x Baker cafe in O’Hara to close, relocate
The Farmer x Baker located in O’Hara is closing. The takeout cafe located at 1101 Powers Run Road is scheduled to close Dec. 24. The announcement was made Dec. 7 on Farmer x Baker’s Facebook page. “Thank you to the guests who supported us over the last year! We are...
Leechburg Area High School students host hygiene drive to benefit school nurse and community
A new competition is helping to fill a need for personal care items at Leechburg Area High School and beyond. The Interact and BRAVE clubs have partnered to collect toiletry and hygiene items for the nurse’s office. Michelle Ferretti, coordinator for community service and the Interact Club, said the school...
Leechburg officials continue projects spearheaded by late mayor Wayne Dobos
Leechburg Mayor Tony Roppolo is back doing one of the things he enjoys most: serving the community. A Leechburg native, Roppolo returned to public life in March. Council appointed him mayor after the death of former Mayor Wayne Dobos on March 2. In 2009, Roppolo was elected mayor of the...
Pitt visionary remembered for her legendary leadership
A centenarian praised for a lifetime of leadership in America is being remembered for her tireless dedication to the Girl Scouts organization, the University of Pittsburgh and numerous global endeavors. Frances Hesselbein, of Easton, died at her residence Sunday, Dec. 11. She was 107. The former CEO of Girls Scouts...
Faces of the Valley: Vandergrift native opens neighborhood butcher shop in Lawrenceville
Having grown up in Vandergrift, Steve Dawson understands the heartbeat of a small town. Now, he is bringing that neighborhood vibe to an already-bustling area with his recently opened butcher concept in Lawrenceville. After years working as a corporate geologist, Dawson left his profession to pursue his passion for butchering,...
New Kensington-based group led by Lillie Leonardi helps disadvantaged people through ‘boxes of goodness’
A group of dedicated volunteers are giving back to those in need, one backpack at a time. Books Bridge Hope, a nonprofit based in New Kensington, was founded in 2017 by Arnold native and former FBI specialist Lillie Leonardi. Leonardi, of Oakmont, is a former Arnold police officer and retired...
Free shopping event in New Kensington provides holiday goodies for those in need
April Bontempo of Arnold left her house Saturday morning intent on just buying dog food. She returned home with much more, thanks to the generosity of a regional nonprofit dedicated to providing freebies to anyone in need. Bontempo stumbled upon the Cuddles For Kids Annual Holiday Pop-Up Free Store at...
Pittsburgh police: Squirrel Hill serial burglary suspect turns himself in
A Squirrel Hill man previously charged with a rash of burglaries in Fox Chapel and O’Hara in April is behind bars. Andrew Clinton, 21, turned himself in to police Friday after police searched the home were Clinton lives. Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Cara Cruz said police reported to a burglary call...
Underwater pics with ‘Scuba Santa’ raises funds for aquatic program at Kittanning YMCA
Take a plunge with St. Nick and pose for an underwater holiday photo Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA in Kittanning. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s annual campaign. The new fundraiser is in partnership with Scott’s Scuba Service in Freeport. “We’re so excited to be helping the...
Leechburg Area first graders collaborate with high school students to create custom candles
Some Leechburg Area High School art students are on a melt mission, helping first graders create homemade candles for the holidays. Almost two dozen students at David Leech Elementary School participated in a Creation Candles workshop at the high school, hosted by the art marketing, design and technology class taught...
Pittsburgh area homeschoolers win at regional robotic competition in ColoradoVideo
A group of Christian home-schooled students from Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties recently placed in a regional robotics competition held in Colorado. The students are members of FINS — Family Instructors of the Northern Suburbs (of Pittsburgh) — a home-school group. The students, in grades 6-11, demonstrated their STEM skills...
New eatery, Frankie’s on 2nd, to open Saturday in Leechburg
A new eatery is opening in an old dining spot familiar to many Leechburg residents. Frankie’s on 2nd will have a soft opening starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, serving breakfast in what was formerly Pappy’s restaurant and, before that, Bonello’s. It is located at 81-83 Second St. New owner Frank...
No tax increase planned in Gilpin
Gilpin residents won’t see a township property tax increase next year. The tax rate is expected to remain at 11 mills. Township supervisors recently approved their preliminary 2023 budget, which includes $810,300 in projected revenues. “Far too long has the Public Works Department and its equipment been put on the...
Allegheny Township’s proposed budget includes no tax increase
Allegheny Township residents won’t see a property tax increase next year. The 2023 proposed budget includes a general fund budget of $4.27 million, according to the budget presentation by township Manager Greg Primm. The tax rate will remain at 13.35 mills. “I’m pleased that for the 13th consecutive year our...
Student-run credit union opens at Kiski Area High School
An on-campus credit union is open at Kiski Area High School in Allegheny Township. The Kiski Area Cash Stash, run by students, opened Monday. In partnership with Pheple Federal Credit Union, the credit union is a fully functioning branch office, staffed by three high school students. It’s the first on-campus,...
Oakmont Walgreens on the market for more than $7.2 million
Wanna buy a drugstore? A Walgreens at 324 Hulton Road in Oakmont is on the market for more than $7.2 million. The commercially zoned property, built in 2006, is offered as a triple net lease (NNN) in a commercial listing on Loopnet.com by Deerfield Partners. Janet Czekalski, co-owner and sales...
East Vandergrift set to ‘Welcome’ the holidays with community gathering
Officials and volunteers from East Vandergrift are ringing in the holidays with a new event. East Vandergrift’s inaugural “Welcome to the Holidays” community gathering will combine Christmas-themed activities with socializing. Sponsored by the Holiday Mothers, borough council and the East Vandergrift Community Foundation, the event is free. It kicks off...
Nostalgic 3-day festival offers holiday fun in Vandergrift
When people call Denise Lewandowski “Crazy Christmas Lady,” she considers it a compliment. Lewandowski, of Vandergrift, proudly embraces her holiday moniker. She wore a sweatshirt with that phrase on it while preparing Wednesday for a big holiday event this weekend in Vandergrift. She talked about her passion for all things...
Proposed ordinance to allow backyard chickens in O’Hara scheduled for council consideration in January
A proposal to allow O’Hara Township residents to keep backyard chickens is now before O’Hara Council and is scheduled for consideration at its Jan. 3 meeting. Chickens have never been permitted on township residences under 5 acres. Allowing them on smaller properties has been on the radar for several years....
Daycation: Steubenville, Ohio, boasts world’s largest display of life-sized nutcrackers
Experience a whimsical and traditional holiday walking tour of 200 life-sized nutcrackers on display in historic Steubenville, Ohio, located about 40 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. The Steubenville Nutcracker Village offers a free, 24/7 nutcracker self- guided outdoor tour opportunity through Jan. 7. Billed as the world’s largest collection of life-sized nutcrackers,...
Kiski Area marching band takes bronze medal at national competition
The Kiski Area High School marching band capped its 2022 performance season with a national award. The band earned the 2022 Bands of America Class AA National Bronze Medal at the Bands of America Grand National Championships held recently in Indianapolis. The competition featured more than 100 high school bands...
