August 31, 2016 |
By Mike Mauer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
After nearly a century of service to Duquesne, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 188 Raymond C. Burns is no more. Citing declining membership and dwindling finances, the post turned in its charter following a meeting with VFW District 29 officials Tuesday.
The physical trappings of a once active post were still there at the close of the meeting. A 57 mm anti-tank gun made in 1942 graced the outside of the building. A memorial dedicated to local servicemembers lost in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam was in the foyer directly across from the main entrance.
But this history ended after VFW Post 188 Commander Elizabeth Salvador banged her gavel to close the organization’s final vote. Roughly one dozen of the unit’s remaining members voted unanimously to turn in the charter.
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August 29, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
September is Love Your Library Month, and all month, Carnegie Library of McKeesport is collecting unworn and unwanted jewelry to be sold to benefit the institution, said Mary Rose Bendel, director of adult programs and community outreach.
Persons interested in making a donation should call the library at (412) 672-0625 for more information.
Other programs happening in September include "Wisewalk," which runs Tuesday afternoons through Nov. 8. Walkers are invited to meet at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center in Renziehausen Park for a hour-long walk through the park. Refreshments are available at the end of the walk.
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August 27, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A McKeesport man was killed early Saturday morning in a crash on the Westinghouse Bridge, Allegheny County police said.
Olin Simpson, 44, was driving a vehicle that collided with another car just before 3:30 a.m., police said. Simpson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and passenger of the other car were taken to local hospitals. Their names and conditions were not released.
Route 30 was closed for several hours between Center Street and Clyde Avenue during the investigation, but reopened just after 7 a.m., police said. County and East Pittsburgh police are investigating.
The Allegheny County medical examiner's office said Simpson died of multiple traumatic injuries.
August 26, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Above: Rege McLaughlin is shown in McKeesport city hall shortly after being sworn in as mayor in 2010. (Tube City Online file photo.)
. . .
McKeesport is "a good town, but a tough town," said state Sen. Jim Brewster, and former Mayor Rege McLaughlin was tough "both physically and mentally."
"I think he would like to be remembered as a guy who was willing to help anybody, but who didn't take any guff from anyone," said Brewster of McLaughlin, who died Tuesday at age 82 in a hospice in Mt. Lebanon.
Persons close to McLaughlin said the former mayor and city council president was suffering a recurrence of prostate cancer.
"Rege worked in the mill, so he knew what it was like to work hard," said Brewster, who served with McLaughlin on city council. "He had owned his own business. He was a family man. So there wasn't much that you could tell him that he didn't know something about."
McLaughlin's death is "a sad day for McKeesport," said Mayor Mike Cherepko, who also served with McLaughlin on city council and succeeded him as mayor.
"Rege was obviously a true public servant," Cherepko said. "He did whatever he could to make McKeesport a better place to live and work, and he was very well respected, not just in his capacity as mayor, but because he had such deep ties to the community."
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August 26, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Above: Unidentified Southland 9 employees pose on the theater's last day. Photo via Facebook.)
Less than four months after the opening of the new Century Square Luxury Cinemas in West Mifflin, an older multiplex at nearby Southland Four Seasons Shopping Center has closed.
Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas has closed the Southland 9 theaters in Pleasant Hills, located behind the shopping center on Route 51. An announcement on the theater's Facebook page said the closing was effective yesterday.
The Southland 9's page on the Carmike website was deleted overnight.
Gina McKenzie, a spokeswoman for Carmike, said in an emailed statement Friday afternoon that members of the Carmike Cinemas rewards program and owners of annual popcorn buckets may continue to use them at the Galleria 6 in Mt. Lebanon and the Carmike 10 at South Hills Village. Both are less than 10 miles from Southland.
McKenzie declined comment on how many Southland 9 employees were affected by the closure, and whether any of them were offered jobs at other theaters.
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August 23, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
Police are looking for two men who forced their way into a house in Port Vue and robbed an unidentified victim of jewelry and other valuables.
Port Vue police said the robbery happened early Monday morning --- just after midnight --- at a home in the 1300 block of Coronado Drive, not far from Sacred Heart Cemetery. The victim was not injured, borough police said.
Allegheny County police detectives are assisting Port Vue police with the investigation. A county police spokeswoman said the robbers, described as two white males, forced open a door while the victim was asleep in bed. The robbers then went into the bedroom and threatened the victim with harm, police said.
No further description was released by police.
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August 23, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
Police are asking for the public's help as they work to solve the murder of a 20-year-old man at a playground in Homestead.
Homestead police responded to the area near McLean Park on Sarah Street just before 2 a.m. March 1 when callers reported hearing multiple gunshots. When they arrived, police said, they found the body of Tyrell Jones, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homestead police and the Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit are investigating. Pittsburgh Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the individual responsible for Jones' death.
Anyone with information should call Pittsburgh Crime Stoppers at (412) 255-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.
August 23, 2016 |
By Mike Mauer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules --- similar to this one shown flying above Pittsburgh's Mt. Washington --- will take center stage when West Mifflin celebrates its community day Sept. 10 at Allegheny County Airport.
One of a line of transport aircraft that have supported U.S. military personnel since 1957, the venerable C-130 will join dozens of local community groups, a live radio broadcast and performances by The Bel Airs and the North Side Kids at West Mifflin Community Day.
Refreshment booths will sell pork, ribs and chicken from Bad Azz BBQ, while various vendors, including non-profit groups and athletic teams, will supply other foods and beverages. Hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m.
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August 22, 2016 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A 16-year-old from Clairton faces multiple charges after McKeesport police said he led them on a brief chase with a stolen car that ended when he tried to ram another car out of his way.
The teen-ager is charged by McKeesport police with aggravated assault, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police, carrying a firearm without a license, recklessly endangering other persons, obstruction of law enforcement, possession of instruments of crime, carrying a prohibited offensive weapon, reckless driving and driving without a license.
McKeesport police said the driver was remanded to the custody of Allegheny County juvenile authorities following his arrest.
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August 22, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Donations will be accepted for the upcoming "Trash 'n Treasure" rummage sale at the Yukon Croatian Club, 109 Union St. in Yukon.
A spokeswoman said the sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17. Donations of household items, antiques and collectibles will be accepted at the club from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14, 15 and 16.
Although small appliances in working order will be accepted, the club cannot accept computers, televisions, clothing or large pieces of furniture. Proceeds will benefit Croatian Fraternal Union St. Nicholas Lodge 432.
For more information, call (724) 722-4100.
August 22, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Port Vue United Methodist Church is still accepting applications for its preschool for the 2016-17 school year, a spokeswoman said.
Classes begin Sept. 6 and are open to children ages 3 and 4. Registration costs $35 and is non-refundable, and children must have a valid immunization record and birth certificate.
For more information, call (412) 672-7289 or visit the church's website. The church is located at 1565 Washington Blvd.
August 22, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
The White Oak Farmer's Market is up and running and will continue on 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October, a spokesperson said.
Located at Heritage Hills Park next to White Oak Pool, the market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, honey, ice cream, baked goods, fresh eggs, crafts and other items.
The market accepts WIC checks and senior citizens' farmer's market vouchers.
Heritage Hills Park is at 169 Victoria Drive, just off Carmella Drive and approximately a quarter-mile from Foster Road.
August 08, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Tube City Almanac file photo by Denise L. Ritter
. . .
One of Western Pennsylvania's largest and longest-running ethnic festivals returns for its 57th consecutive year with many old favorites and a few new elements.
McKeesport's International Village will be held Aug. 16, 17 and 18 at Stephen Barry Field in Renziehausen Park, next to Penn State University's Greater Allegheny Campus and near McKeesport Area High School. Gates open each day at 3 p.m. and main stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m.
As in past years, a $2 donation is requested at the gate from visitors.
Gates and booths will close at 9 p.m. this year.
In addition, the fireworks display that has typically closed the three-day festival has been moved to opening night --- Tuesday --- as part of a lineup of entertainment that also will include the William Penn Magyar Folk Dancers, the Trafford Junior Tamburitzans, the Grecian Odyssey Dancers, the Saint Nicholas Junior Tamburitzans and a Lebanese bellydancer, as well as entertainment representing the traditions of Kenya.
Music for dancing will be provided in the Jakomas Blue-Top Pavilion, beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, by the group Stari Drugovi, presented by the Swedish booth.
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August 07, 2016 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A 21-year-old man is wanted by Allegheny County police in connection with a triple shooting in Forward Twp. that left one man dead and two women hospitalized.
Joshua Wardlaw, who according to court records is out on bail while awaiting trial for drug arrests in Charleroi and Monessen, is charged by Allegheny County Police with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Court records indicate that Wardlaw has addresses in McKeesport as well as Donora and Carroll Twp., Washington County.
Police said that just before 2 a.m. Saturday, a man drove into the parking lot of Saloon 136, on Route 136 just north of the junction with Route 906, and opened fire. Forward Twp. police responded and found three victims --- a 27-year-old man and two 27-year-old women --- at the scene.
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August 04, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements
We would like to extend BIG thank yous to Sofia S., Bob D. and Dennis B. for donations of $95 to help us produce this year's broadcast of McKeesport International Village, Aug. 16, 17 and 18!
We would like to raise at least $750.
Any extra not spent on the International Village broadcast will go directly toward keeping our websites --- Tube City Online, McKeesportObituaries.com and WMCK.FM --- operational.
(We also donate to the City of McKeesport and maintain, free of charge, the International Village website at www.internationalvillage.info.)
If you're at all able to make a tax-deductible donation, we would very much appreciate it. Thank you in advance!
Click this button to make a secure donation using PayPal. PayPal will email you a receipt instantly:
August 04, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
A cornhole tournament will be held at Romine Field, Romine Avenue in Port Vue, on Aug. 13, a spokesman said. Registration begins at 10 a.m. There will be a disc jockey, a raffle and concessions.
Proceeds will benefit Cindy's Memorial Bark Park, a project to build a dog park area in Port Vue in honor of the late Cindy McGraw-Davic, a South Allegheny High School and Point Park University alumna who died in 2015.
For more information, visit the Facebook page set up for Cindy's Bark Park.
August 04, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Pangburn Hollow Road will close on Monday (Aug. 8) for approximately one month so that a bridge can be repaired, a spokesman for the Allegheny County Department of Public Works said.
The closure of the road in Forward Twp. was originally supposed to happen back in June, but had to be rescheduled.
Crews from Pugliano Construction of Plum Borough will be replacing a bridge just north of the intersection of Pangburn Hollow Road and William Penn Road. Traffic will be detoured using Bunola River Road, Raccoon Run Road and River Hill Road.
The county spokesman said the work is being done as part of the 2016 Capital Bridge Repair Project, which is a $1.45 million construction contract to address seven structurally deficient bridges throughout the county.
August 04, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
CFU Lodge 432 in Yukon, Westmoreland County, is taking orders for barbecued lamb prepared by Mike Mezick, a spokeswoman said.
Orders should be made by calling (724) 872-7495 before Aug. 14. Orders will be available for pickup on Aug. 21 at the Yukon Croatian Club beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Visitors are welcome to stay for the indoor picnic that afternoon, the spokeswoman said. Cover charge is $8 for the tamburitza band, Forte, which will play from 2 to 6 p.m.
The club is located at 109 Union St. in Yukon, exit 53 on I-70. For more information, call (724) 722-4100.
August 03, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Seven years after halting work on the final stretch of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is putting the project back into gear.
The commission has scheduled a series of public meetings to collect input from residents and business owners about a new proposal to push on with a segment of highway through the Mon-Yough area.
The first meeting is slated for 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at Skyview Volunteer Fire Department, just off Route 885 in West Mifflin.
Subsequent meetings will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Carlow University's St. Agnes Center on Fifth Avenue in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh; at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 in the gymnasium of Gateway Middle School, 4450 Old William Penn Hwy., Monroeville; and at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 in the auditorium of Woodland Hills Junior-Senior High School, 2250 Greensburg Pike, Churchill.
First proposed in the 1950s, the Mon-Fayette Expressway was envisioned as a link between Pittsburgh and Interstate 68 near Morgantown, W.Va.
The final, uncompleted 14-mile stretch from Route 51 in Jefferson Hills to the Parkway East in Monroeville would traverse the McKeesport, Duquesne and Braddock areas --- the most-populated stretch along the entire highway route, and arguably the most important segment in terms of economic development.
Plans to build a stretch of the expressway into the City of Pittsburgh have apparently been abandoned due to objections from residents, business owners and city leaders, according to published reports.
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August 02, 2016 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
Rankin and Allegheny County police are investigating a possible attempt by a man to lure a young girl into a car in that borough.
Police said the incident happened at 10 p.m. July 28 while the victim, who is 8 years old, was out with older family members. The girl told police that as she was walking toward a family member's home from Oak Alley to Fifth Street, she was approached by a silver sedan with tinted windows.
The car may have been a Cadillac --- or similar to a Cadillac --- and the license plate contained the letters "LX," the girl told police.
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August 01, 2016 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements
Our readership is up 262 percent over the same period last year, according to Google Analytics.
So why haven't we received a single donation from the public yet for our video broadcast of McKeesport International Village? Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Goose-egg.
Is it our breath? Do we have B.O.? Is someone spreading a vicious rumor that we're Cleveland Browns (ptui!) fans?
So, seriously, here's the deal: International Village is 15 days away. We intend to broadcast video of the entertainment, live from the main stage, all three nights (Aug. 16, 17 and 18). But it costs money --- especially paying for the Internet connection and the storage on the streaming server.
We would like to raise $750. Right now, we're at ... $0. So we're $750 short of our goal.
Any extra not spent on the International Village broadcast will go directly toward keeping our websites --- Tube City Online, McKeesportObituaries.com and WMCK.FM --- operational.
If you're at all able to make a tax-deductible donation, we would very much appreciate it. Thank you in advance!
Click this button to make a secure donation using PayPal. PayPal will email you a receipt instantly:
