Board changes cheerleading ban

Burrell High School cheerleaders are doing back flips over the fact that they'll be able to do most of their stunts.

The school board, on the recommendation of Burrell High School Principal Michael Stoffa, had initially instituted a ban on lifts and stunts, but has backed down from their position.

He had argued that the stunts are dangerous and shouldn't be allowed.

Stoffa could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

District Superintendent Amy Palermo said basket tosses are the only maneuvers that will still be banned, and there have been some stipulations made to some of the other stunts.

Palermo said there must be two spotters for every child that's off the ground, and the girls are only allowed to be two children high off of the ground.

Palermo said everybody is satisfied with the resolution and compromises.

In a letter sent to the Valley News Dispatch signed by the Burrell High School cheerleaders, their only complaint was that tryouts had to be postponed until May. They were originally supposed to be held in February.

Harrison

There will be an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for Relay For Life at the Highlands School District track.

The open house will be in the Highlands High School cafeteria at Idaho and Pacific avenues.

People will be able to learn about and sign up for the relay, which will be June 14 and 15.

Across the Valley

Western Pennsylvania motorists can take a little solace in that there has been almost no change in the price of gasoline this week.

The average price of a gallon of unleaded, self-serve gasoline stands at $1.61, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.

This is compared to the nationwide average price of $1.68 4/10ths per gallon, up 2.4 cents since last week, the report said.

Leechburg

Because of a schedule conflict, the next regular meeting of Leechburg Council has been moved from Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the borough building.