Joyce Hanz stories, Page 32
Highlands School District switches to remote instruction, offers counseling in response to police shootings
Highlands School District officials announced a shift to a remote learning schedule Tuesday in response to the fatal shooting of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire on Monday in Brackenridge. A huge police presence and incident unfolded Monday around noon in the Brackenridge and Tarentum communities resulting in an hours-long series...
Brackenridge police chief’s wife: ‘I’m literally broken’
The wife of slain Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire expressed heartbreak Tuesday as she and her family grieve the loss of the longtime officer. “I am literally broken. I just want someone to tell me this nightmare is over,” Ashley McIntire posted to her public Facebook page. Justin McIntire, 46,...
Ford City joins Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department
The Ford City Police Department is no more. Borough leaders voted last month to abolish their police department this year and join the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department, which includes Gilpin, Freeport and, as of Sunday, Ford City. The force held an official pinning ceremony and first shift ceremony Oct....
Pennsylvanians choose their most popular New Year’s resolution
Some Pennsylvanians appear to be looking for ways to work on their inner self in 2023. Pennsylvania, along with 11 other states, listed therapy as the top New Year’s resolution, in a recent study conducted by Zippia, a job search website. Nationally, going to therapy was named the most popular...
Greensburg police investigating New Year’s Day burglary suspect wearing ‘funny yellow shoes’
Police are seeking help from the public in identifying a suspect in a New Year’s Day burglary. City of Greensburg Police posted a message Sunday to their Facebook page with several photos of a suspect caught on video surveillance at the business. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Puff...
Public online auction slated for closed Waterworks Walmart
A public, online auction will be held next week for the remaining contents of the former Walmart in The Waterworks shopping plaza near Aspinwall. The store closed in November 2022, citing underperforming sales, according to Felicia McCranie, Walmart’s North and East communications director. The public can view and inspect hundreds...
Gilpin passes budget, holds the line on taxes
Gilpin residents won’t see a property tax increase this year. Supervisors approved the 2023 final budget Wednesday that keeps the tax rate at 11 mills. Supervisors Chairman Charles Stull said he is pleased with the fiscal progress made possible by the board and treasurer Sharon Long, referred to by Stull...
Fox Chapel Area School District raises big bucks for charityVideo
Students in the Fox Chapel Area School District raised more than $95,000 in December for a local charity. Students from all grades in the district’s six schools hosted fundraisers during a monthlong, districtwide campaign that culminated in the 33rd annual telethon fundraiser — dubbed Fox Fest — in the high...
Hit-and-run driver leaves East Vandergrift family struggling for holidays
A hit-and-run driver left an East Vandergrift family in a holiday lurch after smashing into all four of their vehicles Tuesday outside their residence along Kennedy Avenue. Heather Bothell said she heard loud banging and crashing sounds about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday while in her home. Bothell immediately ran outside and...
Former Steeler Ryan Shazier brightens holidays of 4 people with spinal cord injuries
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier continues his mission to support those affected by spinal cord injuries. Shazier arrived Wednesday morning at the Giant Eagle Market District in The Waterworks shopping center near Aspinwall to welcome four people with spinal cord injuries who were invited to participate in a free...
Popular Leechburg Lights holiday light show relocating to Connellsville after this yearVideo
Leechburg’s lit but not for long. The annual Leechburg Lights synchronized holiday light display at the home of Clyde Lindsey on Main Street is in its last season. Lindsey, 48, the homeowner and event creator, is moving from Leechburg to Connellsville in a few months. He plans to continue the...
Allegheny Township police sign fundraiser benefits Kiski Area School Resource Officer Program
Kiski Area’s school resource officer, Cpl. Charity Hollis, received a $1,500 donation Monday from Allegheny Township supervisors. The donation was presented to Hollis by Supervisor Chairman Michael Korns alongside Allegheny Township police Chief Duane Fisher during the monthly supervisors meeting. Hollis said the donation would be used for the Kiski...
Annual student holiday shopping event raises money for Leechburg Area Learning Support Program
The holiday shopping scene was in full force Wednesday at Leechburg Area High School. The annual Holiday Sale welcomed students on Day Two of the three-day event that benefits students enrolled in the district’s Learning Support Program. Coordinator and founder Michelle Ferretti started the shopping fundraiser 23 years ago. That...
Vandergrift library director has big plans for $15K grant
The Vandergrift Public Library recently was awarded a $15,000 grant to offer additional tutoring to students beyond what they can get in school. Sarah Buzzard of Vandergrift started her job as director in September and immediately began her grant mission to secure funds for the library. She said she likes...
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...
