Joyce Hanz stories, Page 40
Police seek 2 suspects in Washington County hotel assault
Pennsylvania State Police are searching for two men they said were involved in an attack on June 13 at Days Inn by Wyndham in Canton Township, Washington County, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI. In the surveillance camera images published by WPXI, a heavily tattooed male is seen inside the...
Aspinwall doctor nationally recognized for delivery of palliative care
An Aspinwall doctor is the recipient of a national award for providing exceptional palliative care for end-of-life patients in the Butler Health System. Dr. Dillon Stein, 37, was awarded the 2022 Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician Award in May, an honor bestowed annually nationwide to five palliative care physicians. Stein was...
Fire guts Harrison home, damages 2 others
Fire crews responded to the scene of a residential fire just after 10 p.m. Monday on Walnut Street in the Natrona section of Harrison. Fire and EMS crews from Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum were on the scene after reports of heavy flames coming from an apartment in a two-story residence...
Free night out in Vandergrift for moms aims to promote camaraderie and candid chats
Calling all moms seeking an evening of relaxation, fun and candid conversations among fellow mothers. A new Mom’s Night Out event, co-organized by Vandergrift resident Chloe Kruse and Leechburg resident Destinee Chirafisi, is scheduled for July 15. “Depending on the interest, this could become a regular occurrence and possibly lead...
Married co-pastors retire after more than 50 years of combined service in Leechburg
Two well-known clergy members retired this week from the same church in Leechburg. The Revs. Gary and Lisa Lyon served as co-pastors at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg for 34 and 26 years, respectively. “There were a lot of tears and laughter,” said Gary Lyon of their final...
East Vandergrift couple keeps their food truck rolling, despite soaring food and fuel costs
A married couple with a passion for gourmet Asian fare are determined to keep their growing mobile food business afloat amid soaring gasoline prices and sky-high food costs. East Vandergrift residents Mark and Jessica Lieu own Wok on Wheels, a family-owned and operated Vandergrift-based food truck serving up authentic Asian-inspired...
Fox Chapel author earns prize for her children’s book, ‘Brave Buddy’
Fox Chapel native Chris Yukevich has hundreds of children’s books. “When I was a little girl, my father would read us picture books before we went to sleep. I associate that with a wonderful time,” Yukevich said. Yukevich has authored and self-published numerous books, calling it her “passion.” Her most...
Faces of the Valley: Married firefighters share a passion for public service
Tamara and Bryan Baum are united in their love for firefighting — and for each other. The married couple from Washington Township are volunteer firefighters with Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 1. The Baums have served with the department for about 15 years, responding to the same fire calls when...
Severe weather forecast results in rescheduling of Gathering on Grant festival in Vandergrift
Mother Nature forced a rescheduling Thursday of a new monthly food and music festival in Vandergrift. Gathering on Grant organizers decided to move the event from this past Thursday to next Thursday, June 23, in response to what was a rather ominous storm forecast. Vandergrift Council helped organizers by unanimously...
Cornerstone Restaurant in Aspinwall welcomes new chef from California
An Aspinwall eatery has a new chef. Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar hired executive chef Peter Henry this spring. He replaces Jason Mooney, who’d been chef for eight years but had to leave due to health reasons. “We’re excited to have Peter join our Cornerstone family. We know that his passion...
Volunteers sought for 32nd annual Kiski River cleanup this weekend
Volunteers willing to float their boat — and collect garbage along the banks of the Kiski River — are needed for a two-day cleanup event this weekend. Sponsored by the Kiski Watershed Association and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, the cleanup is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday...
Wooden Door Winery’s Allegheny Township location for sale
A popular winery in Allegheny Township is up for sale. Wooden Door Winery at 4087 Greenwood Road opened in 2010. Husband and wife wine-making team and co-owners Jeff and Krissy Pollick have a message for all of their loyal customers: “We are open. We are not closing,” said Krissy Pollick...
Former Yak Diner in North Apollo reopens with new owners as Dolly’s Diner
An iconic roadside diner reopened Monday under new ownership and a new name in North Apollo. Dolly’s Diner, formerly the Yak Diner, welcomed patrons beginning at 6:30 a.m., after months of renovations and relocating of the classic 1950s-style diner from 2104 River Road less than a half-mile to its new...
Children’s musical celebrates reading by bringing novel characters to life in Vandergrift
More than 23 young thespians from Armstrong and Westmoreland counties are busy rehearsing for the upcoming production of “The Enchanted Bookshop Musical.” The musical celebrates the joy of reading and is based on the popular children’s play “The Enchanted Bookshop.” The show is presented by Armstrong Community Theater and will...
West Leechburg boy raises thousands — again — for Alzheimer’s research
He’s a pint-sized fundraiser with a sweet goal. Every year, Brody Toy, 10, of West Leechburg operates a tricked-out lemonade stand to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. A fifth-grader at David Leech Elementary, Brody has raised more than $16,000 since starting his fundraiser in 2016. “I’m just a boy with...
New patio at Casino Theatre in Vandergrift made possible by tourism grant
There’s now more room to roam for patrons visiting the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. New patio furniture, including sponsored, personalized black and gray benches, were installed this spring on the terrace outside the theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An $11,800 grant from the Westmoreland...
Fox Chapel and O’Hara residents asked to complete online survey on community planning
Fox Chapel and O’Hara officials are seeking public input as they develop concepts and long-range plans for both municipalities. A survey has been created as part of planforourfuture.com, a website with a goal of addressing key issues to create a long-range comprehensive plan for both municipalities for the next 10...
Alle-Kiski Valley native says turning 100 ‘is unbelievable,’ plans large birthday bash
Jean Magness woke up in her North Apollo home Thursday and pondered turning 100 years old by conducting a weather check. “I was hoping it would be a nice day on my birthday,” Magness said. “This day is good. I’m very glad to be here. It looks pretty good. “I...
Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel graduates 127 seniors
Shady Side Academy Senior School conducted commencement excercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium in Fox Chapel. Shady Side Academy’s Class of 2022 graduated 127 seniors. The commencement ceremony was live streamed on YouTube, here. Here are members of the Shady Side Academy Senior School Class of...
Cousin of slain Apollo woman found at U-Haul facility works to help those suffering from abuse
A domestic and sexual abuse survivor is volunteering her decorating talents to help other victims find comfort after fleeing from their abusers. Jennifer Zimmerman, 52, of Wexford said she escaped from years of mental and physical domestic abuse. Today, she is focusing her style skills to transform seven rooms at...
Vandergrift mourns sudden death of Assistant Fire Chief Frank Morton
Frank L. Morton III is being remembered by fellow firefighters, friends and community members for his unwavering dedication and service to the citizens of Vandergrift. Morton, of East Vandergrift, served nine years with Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department No. 2. Morton died Tuesday at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison from a...
Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival kicks off Alle-Kiski Valley’s festival season
After losing about $10,000 in revenue because of the pandemic, organizers of the Vandergrift Fireman’s Carnival are hopeful to recoup much-needed funds with this year’s event. The carnival kicks off Tuesday and runs through Saturday night in Kennedy Park. Sponsored by the Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department, the event is the...
Access to clean water coming to dozens of residents in Bell Township
Kim Hardin is tired of having orange-colored water at her residence on Forest Drive in Bell Township. “The sooner I can get city water, the happier I’ll be,” Hardin said. “My commodes and tubs in the bathrooms were so orange when we bought this house eight years ago — it...
Emmy-award winning Shady Side Academy alum to give commencement address
An Emmy-winning sports producer will address the 2022 graduating class during Shady Side Academy Senior School’s commencement exercises on June 3 in the Michael J. Farrell Stadium. Bentley Weiner, who graduated from SSA in 1992, is vice-president of HBO Sports Documentaries at Warner Bros. Discovery. Recent films include “Tiger,” a...
Women-owned businesses unite in Aspinwall to host inaugural shopping, socializing event for the public
A group of women-owned businesses have united to create The Merchants of Aspinwall, a new, collaborative approach aiming to attract business in the historic borough. The new organization will host its inaugural “Sip, Chat & Shop” event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 15. Participating female-owned stores in...
