Good News: Chiropractors Remember Olympics; Pit Bull Found

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days.

Olympic Dreams Become Reality for Duo

Smithtown chiropractor Marc Taczanowski’s has Olympic tales to tell.

Taczanowski, who runs True Sport Care with his chiropractor wife Hope Miller at 62 Lake Avenue South in Nesconset, along with Smithtown skeleton athlete John Daly, are among the few chiropractors who get invited to Olympic Games. Daly began his career as a skeleton athlete in 2001 and has since developed an extensive resume, earning accolades such as placing first in the Lake Placid America's Cup during the 2007-08 season, and winning the St. Moritz Europa Cup and the Igls Europa Cup during the 2008-09 season.

Student Competes in Regional Spelling Bee

Fifth-grade student, Charlie Leo recently competed in the Long Island Region of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Charlie, a student at RJO Intermediate School, was able to spell his word, “trawl” and was awarded points for oral spelling, but fell short of getting to the final round.

Girl Slam Dunks Spot in National Competition

Riley Tupper of Hampton Bays, proved that she has what it takes to be a star — She is now the Elk's Club's New York State hoop-shooting champion in the girls 10-11 division.

Found: Male Pit Bull

A light brown, male pit bull was found Monday on the service road of the Long Island Expressway on the border of Commack and Dix Hills, according to a post on Craigslist.

The dog is described in the posting as a sweet and "big, friendly boy."

The Craigslist user is asking for the owner to claim the dog by including some identifying information. Those who wish to contact the user can email zbj8s-3659216852@comm.craigslist.org.

Big Win For Ward Melville Science Olympiad

Each year Ward Melville High School's Science Olympiad team is a contender on the state level, and this year is no different. The team is on its way to the state Science Olympiad competition this weekend after placing first in the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Tournament. Previously, Ward Melville was ranked the No. 2 team in the state during the past three years and has been ranked 14th (2010), 18th (2011) and 16th (2012) nationally.