Joyce Hanz stories, Page 26
2 dogs killed in Leechburg house fire
No injuries were reported after a fire broke out Monday morning in a two-story Leechburg home but two dogs inside the home were killed. A female occupant who lived alone at the residence was at work when a fire broke out in the kitchen, said Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company safety...
Councilwoman scores primary victory over Democratic incumbent for Leechburg mayor
Leechburg incumbent Mayor Tony Roppolo lost to Councilwoman Doreen Smeal by fewer than 40 votes in the Democratic primary election, according to unofficial returns from the Armstrong County Election Bureau. Smeal garnered 77 votes to Roppolo’s 40. There are 94 Republican write-in votes, so Smeal could face a challenger in...
Newly hired Apollo Memorial Library director steps down; officials seek replacement
The recent departure of the director of Apollo Memorial Library has left a job opening at the Armstrong County nonprofit. Former director Jennifer Ramsey announced May 9 in a Facebook post that she was leaving her role as director. “I have stepped down from my position as director at Apollo...
Work crew installs temporary all-way stop at problematic intersection in Allegheny Township
Update: The temporary stop signs that were expected to be erected next week were put up Friday evening, according to Allegheny Township Police Chief Duane Fisher. PennDOT is addressing traffic concerns raised by the Allegheny Township supervisors about a rural road heavily used as a detour. The intersection at Bonfire...
Allegheny Township resident’s request leads to launch of free Minutes Matter emergency cards
Rose Haberchak of Allegheny Township recently witnessed a medical emergency where minutes could have mattered. During a weekend quilting event, Haberchak and others were able to assist a woman who had fallen ill. They sought medical assistance but had no information to offer first responders about the woman’s medical history...
Leechburg Area High School celebrates 100th anniversary; public open house tonight
It isn’t every day a public school building turns 100. So, when Leechburg Area High School reached that milestone on Thursday, a celebration was in order. “This is such a contribution to the town for investing resources into our school district for 100 years, which we very much appreciate. To...
Sky-high steeple restoration continues in New Kensington
A Catholic church critically damaged by Mother Nature three years ago is undergoing restoration and repairs in New Kensington. St. Mary of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church sustained more than $3 million in damage on April 8, 2020, when an EF-1 tornado with wind gusts of up to 100 mph traveled...
Borough officials work to certify over 300 parking meters in Vandergrift
A Vandergrift resident advocating for legally operating parking meters throughout the borough appears to be making headway on her mission. Rae Ann Bruner has been spearheading efforts to fix broken, inaccurate and jammed parking meters since mid-March. “They have begun the process of gutting and repairing the meters,” Bruner said....
Parks Township animal rescue nonprofit to donate digital animal scanners to area police
A Parks Township woman is turning to technology to help local law enforcement identify lost animals in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Amber Phillips, owner and director of the nonprofit Champion’s Crusaiders Rescue, hopes to donate at least 28 digital animal microchip scanners to the Parks Township, Apollo, Leechburg, Southern Armstrong Regional,...
Building the Valley: Hyde Park counselor opens new therapy practice in Leechburg
Amy Halter of Hyde Park is on a mission to break down stereotypes about mental health and to provide accessibility to those living rurally who may face challenges seeking professional treatment. Halter, 50, opened Balance and Grow Counseling Center in February at 152 Market St. in Leechburg. She said that...
Fulfilling a dream: Allegheny Township man, 94, relishes 4-month world cruiseVideo
Merle Sober of Allegheny Township knows how to “seas” the day. Actually, 111 of them. Sober, 94, recently completed an unaccompanied cruise around the world that took him to every continent except Antarctica. “I had to go all the way — go big,” Sober said during an interview at the...
Fundraiser for Aspinwall’s Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy draws record attendance
A fashion-themed fundraiser proved to be a perfect fit for Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall. The school hosted the 2023 Sip & Style Fashion Fundraiser May 7 at the Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel. The event drew more than 200 people and raised more...
Roaring Run Watershed Association trying to raise money for trail-related projects
A new project organized by trail stewards and volunteers of the Roaring Run Watershed Association is tackling ongoing parking issues at the Rock Furnace Trailhead in Kiski Township. The Rock Furnace parking lot expansion and relocation project is underway at the trail on Brownstown Road to offer additional parking spaces...
Roundabout construction requires summerlong road closure in Allegheny Township
An ongoing construction project in Allegheny Township soon will have motorists driving in circles, but for all the right reasons. Township officials long have sought a solution for a problematic traffic area at the intersection of Route 356 and La Belle Vue Road. Enter the roundabout. “That intersection has traditionally...
O’Hara and Fox Chapel officials plan public meeting to discuss long-term plan survey results
Two communities are working together to create a long-range plan in Allegheny County. More than 1,300 residents of Fox Chapel and O’Hara Township completed online and paper questionnaires last year to assess community needs and determine how well officials were meeting them. Survey results will help to shape decisions concerning...
Fox Chapel Area High School prom pic roundup
Fox Chapel Area High School students and dates, decked out in formal finery for prom, had pre-prom photo sessions Saturday, May 6 around the Fox Chapel area. The prom was held that evening at the Sheraton Hotel in Station Square. Fox Chapel Area High School senior Sophie River...
Former Vandergrift church transformed into new public venue
A former church sanctuary has been transformed into a public event center in Vandergrift. After years of sitting dormant, the worship area of the former Trinity United Presbyterian Church has been transformed by owner Chloe Kruse into a multipurpose rental venue. “There hasn’t been a congregation here in more than...
Daycation: Blaze a trail with family-focused fun near Clear Creek State Park
A rural roaming adventure awaits with a daycation to Clear Creek State Park in Sigel. Family-friendly activities abound amid the scenic park that encompasses more than 1,900 acres in Jefferson County. “It’s pronounced Sig-ul,” said local Seth Crate. “This area has a classic, old-fashioned charm.” Nature enthusiasts come from far...
East Vandergrift officials launch new Food Truck Friday event
A new food truck event is rolling into East Vandergrift. Food Truck Friday is the latest community event sponsored by the East Vandergrift Community Foundation. The monthly gathering encompasses eating, drinking and socializing with a street-fair vibe. It will take place the second Friday of each month, May through October....
Prom Grand March dazzles in Leechburg
Leechburg Area High School students sparkled onstage Saturday as they kicked off festivities for the 2023 “Crystal Gala” Junior/Senior Prom. More than 80 students were introduced onstage at 2 p.m. before a packed audience as they walked between a giant “2023.” Prom-goers boarded a bus after the grand march for...
Preschool program set to expand this fall at Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall
The preschool program at Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall is set to expand this fall, offering a full-day option for ages 4 and 5. “We decided to take it full-time because we noticed that seems to be the trend these days. There’s a lot more working parents,”...
Former bank transformed into event venue in Leechburg
A busy couple is banking on making their latest business venture a success in Leechburg. Sarah and Shawn McGonagle, both 35, hold down steady jobs, Sarah as a Realtor and Shawn working in finance, and juggle the demands of raising four young children. They relocated from O’Hara to Leechburg last...
Bishop Larry Kulick returns to hometown to emcee Hall of Fame ceremony in Leechburg
Organizers of the Leechburg Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony are set to honor three people for their outstanding contributions to the community. In its 18th year, the awards dinner is hosted by the Leechburg Area Community Association. This year’s inductees are Ian Coyle, Robin Patton and the Rev....
East Vandergrift officials plan town hall meeting to gather input on projects
East Vandergrift officials are extending an invitation to residents for a town hall-style community gathering Tuesday evening. The inaugural East Vandergrift Community Planning Session kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the borough office, 254 Kennedy Ave. The event is co-sponsored by the East Vandergrift Community Foundation and East Vandergrift Council....
Leechburg Council approves new police contract
Leechburg’s two full-time police officers are getting a raise. Leechburg Council approved a new, four-year contract for the borough’s two full-timers, Chief Jason Schaeffer and officer Mark Pollick, during its April meeting. Councilman D.J. Zelczak served as lead negotiator with Allegheny Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 39. “Both...
