Joyce Hanz stories, Page 67
Visit by Brinley the pig is a hit with Leechburg students
A potbellied pig ruled the school this week at David Leech Elementary. Brinley, a 3-month-old kunekune mixed-breed pig from Gilpin, visited students in grades K-5 this week to promote PIG WARS, a new fundraiser sponsored by the PTA. The pig was welcomed by teachers in each classroom, receiving much attention...
Wine lounge, eatery to open in vacant Rankin churchVideo
A family of five from California is on a renovation mission in Rankin. The Stasinowsky family from Sacramento purchased the former Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Rankin from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh in February 2018 for $50,000. They are creating a new, unique destination they...
Cruze Bar to close in Pittsburgh, plans farewell bash
A landmark gay bar in Pittsburgh’s Strip District is closing. Cruze Bar opened seven years ago along Smallman Street, providing a destination dance, bar and lounge experience for members of Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community—offering a classic dance club environment and garnering a faithful customer base. But new development is on the...
Asperger’s can’t stop Highlands middle schooler’s basketball passionVideo
Austin Ciciarelli of Harrison found his happy place — on the basketball court. Ciciarelli, 13, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, as a toddler. He tried out for the Highlands Middle School Rams basketball team last year while in seventh grade and made the cut. Daily practices...
Freeport, Leechburg and Fox Chapel high schools notch wins with anti-drug videos
Three Alle-Kiski area high schools continued their winning streaks for their work promoting awareness about opioid abuse. Freeport, Fox Chapel and Leechburg all placed again during the annual 2018-2019 FBI Pittsburgh Division’s HOPE (Heroin Outreach Prevention and Education) PSA contest. The contest, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, aims to...
Highlands High School brings back alumni for cabaret show benefiting spring musical
Highlands High School’s musical program puts the “fun” in fundraising. Each year, dozens of Highlands High School alumni team up with current Highlands musical students to perform a cabaret show that provides critical funds for the spring musical. “The average high school musical costs anywhere from $20,000-$30,000 — those are...
Leechburg’s former Addison House to reopen with new name, new ownersVideo
Leechburg’s Addison House Restaurant and Lounge may soon welcome customers again — with a new name and without alcohol. The popular First Street eatery shut its doors in 2012 in the midst of financial difficulties after the tragic death of co-owner Laura Stettmier in an October 2011 plane crash in...
Gooey goodness: Eateries put unique twists on grilled cheese
The Ancient Romans did it. Ate cheese on toasted bread, that is. For centuries, the grilled cheese sandwich has satisfied appetites. During the 1920s, America embraced the classic grilled cheese, thanks to a readily available supply of inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese. The Armed Forces cooked thousands of grilled...
Expanded facilities are recipe for success at Leechburg Area High SchoolVideo
There’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen at Leechburg Area High School now. A new, expansive Family and Consumer Science Room renovation project was completed last year, providing five state-of-the-art kitchen areas for students in grades 7-12 enrolled in various cooking classes, culinary arts, finance, sports...
West Leechburg turkey captures hearts while eluding apprehensionVideo
A white turkey roaming free in West Leechburg has captured the hearts of some borough residents. It has managed to elude capture, and the identity of its owner remained a mystery Wednesday night. West Leechburg police Chief George Lebetz said his department received multiple calls about the turkey, including reports...
Paczki offer a sweet way to ring in the new yearVideo
It’s the polish pastry that causes a confectionery commotion. January 6 is always a sweet day at Oakmont Bakery — it’s Paczki Day for the iconic family owned and operated bakery. Customers can’t get enough of paczki (pronounced pohnch-kee), the popular filled crispy fried treat that is richer than a...
Leechburg Area biology students raising brook trout — from eggs to spring release
A new project at Leechburg Area High School is making a splash with students. There are 17 juniors and seniors enrolled in Ann Fischer’s Biology 2 “college in high school” course. It’s being offered at Leechburg through Westmoreland County Community College. And they’re getting up close and personal with Pennsylvania’s...
Leechburg Area Media Center moves library in new direction
Leechburg Area School District has turned the page on a new library. Renovations are almost complete on a new Leechburg Area Media Center library and superintendent Tiffany Nix says this latest project is moving the district one step closer to providing a 21st century learning environment for students. “We are...
