Developers, Funders Excited
About Possibilities in City

February 28, 2020 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Conflict of Interest Note: The author has a conflict of interest. He is a member of the McKees Point Development Group. See previous coverage of this issue and the note at the end of this story.


The developers and financial backers behind a six-year, $2.7 million project to remove blight in the city’s Downtown business district said this week they’re excited about the possibilities.

Members of McKees Point Development Group held a public hearing Wednesday at the Public Safety Building to outline the city’s goals for the first year of the Neighborhood Assistance Program, or NAP.

The program is being funded through tax credits and investments by Duquesne Light, First Commonwealth Bank, Noble Energy and UPMC Health System.

“McKeesport has a tremendous opportunity to move forward,” said Dennis Troy, president of DTI Development, which is talking to the city about partnering on several redevelopment projects.

 
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HSCC, Church to Host HIV Awareness Event

February 27, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News

Human Services Center Corp. will hold an HIV/AIDS awareness day event for women and girls from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne, 719 Duquesne Blvd., a spokeswoman said.

The event will include speakers, prizes, free dinner and confidential HIV testing.

Reservations can be made by calling Deanna at (412) 829-7112 or emailing dsupancic@hscc-mvpc.org. Attendees who want to be entered into a raffle must RSVP by March 2.

 

Three Charged After Fight, Break-In

February 27, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

Three women have been charged after McKeesport police said a dispute early Saturday morning in the 2500 block of Stewart Street turned into a break-in.

Cherri Ann Barber, 30, of Munhall, and Shada D. Williams, 31, and Gabrielle M. Sinkler, 28, both of McKeesport, are each free on $10,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing March 9 before Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi.

Police said officers were dispatched late Friday night to the area of Stewart and Packer streets when callers to 9-1-1 reported several women were creating a disturbance. Officers left the neighborhood after not finding anyone at the scene, police said.

 
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Mayor Names Chief Revenue Officer

February 27, 2020 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

In an effort to step up the city’s collection of unpaid taxes, permit fees and other debts, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko has hired a chief revenue officer.

Matt Gergely, who served for the past three years as business manager for McKeesport Area School District, will be introduced to city council at the March 4 meeting, Cherepko said Wednesday.

Council has already discussed Gergely’s hiring in an executive session before the Feb. 5 meeting, the mayor said.

Gergely is taking the place of two employees of the finance department who recently retired and will help oversee a “total restructuring” of the department, Cherepko said.

 
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LifeSpan Seeks Walkers for May 9 Event

February 26, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

LifeSpan, a Homestead-based agency that serves seniors throughout the Mon Valley and South Hills, is encouraging local residents to signup for Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community.

The walk will be held May 9 at Heinz Field on Pittsburgh's North Side. This year, the walk will benefit more than 90 health and human service organizations. The 2019 Pittsburgh Walk for a Healthy Community raised $433,328.

All funds raised by LifeSpan will go directly to LifeSpan, a spokeswoman said. Donations may be made through the Highmark website at www.walkforahealthycommunity.org. Select “Pittsburgh” and then choose “LifeSpan.”

LifeSpan's goal is to raise $10,000. For more information,  contact Mike Dunn at (412) 464-1300, extension 145, or email mdunn@lifespanpa.org.

 

PSU Trustees OK Science Lab
Updates at McKeesport Campus

February 26, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News

(Architect’s rendering courtesy Penn State University)


The Penn State University board of trustees has approved a proposed $14.7 million project to modernize the science building at the Greater Allegheny Campus in McKeesport.

The improvements to the 21,700-square-foot Ostermayer Laboratory were recommended last week by the trustees’ committee on finance, business and capital planning and ratified by the full board on Friday.

Ostermayer Laboratory was built in 1972-73. Renovations are expected to begin this spring and to be completed in early 2021.

Turner Construction Co. of Pittsburgh was chosen as the design build team.

The company has worked on projects at other Penn State campuses and Point Park University and the University of Pittsburgh; as well as the five-story K. Leroy Irvis Science Center at Community College of Allegheny County’s North Campus and the new Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills.

 
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Fish Fry Tradition Alive,
Well in Mon-Yough Area

February 26, 2020 |

By Emily Pidgeon | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, North Versailles Twp. News

(Editor's note: This story was corrected after publication.)

Volunteers at Corpus Christi Church in McKeesport prepare pierogi dough for assembly for annual fish fry. (Emily Pidgeon photos for Tube City Almanac)


Deep fryers pop and hiss, phones ring, volunteers shout out orders and collect totals. The air smells of fresh seafood and butter, cabbage and onions. Lines of people form, all waiting to place or pick up their order on the first evening of the Lenten season.

It’s just another Friday for church members and firemen alike at local area fish fries in the Mon Valley.

For the West Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Dept. in North Versailles Twp. and Mary Mother of God Parish in McKeesport, frying fish and serving the community go hand in hand with Lent. Both institutions cite religion and tradition as the reason for the fish fries each year.

“God and Money,” said Bud Pusey, West Wilmerding assistant fire chief. “That’s how we live here in the Steel Valley. That’s all we know. We get up and go to work each day to make a living and try to do the right thing. We work and we eat, and that’s how it’s always been.”

 
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White Oak Posts Upcoming Events

February 25, 2020 |

By Christy Walters | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News

White Oak police officers and officers from surrounding departments will be participating in Tips for Cops night at Twin Oaks Restaurant, Rainbow Village Shopping Center, on March 9, a spokesperson said.

Officers will be waiting tables from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and serving a limited menu. One-hundred percent of tips and 10 percent of every check will go toward Sampson’s Mills Church food pantry. There will also be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffles and a bake sale.

The second annual Cops and Kids basketball program will meet Wednesdays in March from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the gym at Francis McClure Elementary School, 500 Longvue Drive. Pre-registration is not required and the program is open to all kids in fourth through 12th grade.

 
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Sewerage Rate Increase Planned for NV Twp. Residents

February 25, 2020 |

By Jason A. Mignanelli | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News

Sewerage bills will be increasing next month for residents of North Versailles Twp.

At the monthly meeting Feb. 20, township commissioners said the increase is the first in four years.

“We don’t ever like to see the rates go up but we are simply passing on the increase that we are seeing from Alcosan,” said Sam Juliano, vice president of the township commissioners.

“There have been a number of additional factors that play into the rate increase,” said Frank Pearsol, chair of the North Versailles Township Sanitary Authority.

 
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Christy Park Church Slates Pancake Breakfast

February 25, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Christy Park United Methodist Church, 29th and Beale streets, will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12 noon March 21, a spokeswoman said. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Cookbooks also will be on sale.

 

Lunch, Show March 24 for WN Seniors

February 25, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News

West Newton Center for Active Adults, 103 E. Main St., will hold its monthly lunch and show on March 24, a spokesperson said. The featured artist is Jessie Glover, who will feature tunes from the “Rat Pack” as well as classic rock and roll favorites. Tickets are $5, plus $2 for the cost of lunch. For more information or to order tickets, call (724) 872-4976.

In addition, polka musician, bandleader and Peppermint Records artist Mikey Dee will return to the center for a show on March 30. To register or order lunch, call the center.

 

W. Newton Church Posts Activities

February 25, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News

The First Church of God in West Newton wil sponsor a bus trip to PNC Park on June 6 when the Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals during a “Faith Day” event at the ballpark.

The price is $50 and includes a $10 voucher for concessions at the game. The bus departs the parking lot at West Newton Elementary School at 2 p.m. and the game begins at 4:05 p.m. For tickets, call Kathy at (724) 872-6047.

 
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After Public Outcry, Forward Twp. Road Reopens

February 19, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements

PennDOT workers remove barricades from Bunola River Road in Forward Twp. on Wednesday morning. The agency has reopened a section of the road that is restricted to one alternating lane, and installed new traffic lights. (Photo courtesy state Sen. Jim Brewster)


After public outcry and pressure from local elected officials, the state Department of Transportation on Wednesday morning reopened a portion of Bunola River Road in Forward Twp. that was closed to traffic in January.

A new permanent traffic signal has been installed that includes an uninterrupted power source and a radar-detection system to identify when a car is waiting to enter the one-lane section of road, said Steve Cowan, district spokesman for PennDOT.

Motorists should not have to wait more than 60 seconds until the light detects them, he said.

PennDOT also is installing new signs, stop bars and barriers to better define the section near Lock & Dam No. 3 that is restricted to one alternating lane of traffic, Cowan said.

 
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Two Charged in Monroeville Woman’s Murder

February 19, 2020 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News

Cellular phone records and blood-stained blue jeans link two men to a murder victim whose body was dumped in Renziehausen Park in September.

Allegheny County police on Monday charged Ramonta “Mo” Yancey, 26, of Pittsburgh and Daron D. Parks, 26, of Bridgeville with criminal homicide, robbery of a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and criminal conspiracy in connection with the death of Tameka Dallas, 43, of Monroeville.

Yancey and Parks are being held without bond in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing Feb. 28 before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Kim Berkeley Clark.

 
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Feral Cat Laws Draw Crowd at White Oak Council

February 18, 2020 |

By Christy Walters | Posted in: White Oak News

Members of various animal rescue groups from throughout the region told White Oak officials on Monday that the borough needs to revisit its ordinances governing the care and feeding of feral cats.

The discussion at Monday’s council meeting was triggered after Pittsburgh’s WPXI-TV (11) reported that a Horizon Drive resident was cited because the stray cats she has been feeding have allegedly been defecating on a neighbor’s lawn.

“We would like to have an open discussion (with council) about revising the ordinance so that it is animal-friendly, so that we don’t have a situation where someone gets a citation in the mail,” said Donna Priselac of East McKeesport, a volunteer with the Homeless Cat Management Team in Tarentum. “It’s a fear tactic.”

 
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W.O. Council Debates Payment of Paving Project

February 18, 2020 |

By Christy Walters | Posted in: White Oak News

White Oak council awarded a contract to pave several streets that officials said are in poor condition — and getting worse — but there was disagreement on the best way to pay for the work.

At Monday’s meeting, council approved a $760,460 bid from Tresco Paving Corp. of Pittsburgh to pave Cool Springs Road, Messinger Lane, Cypress Drive, White Oak Drive and Rankin Road.

Councilman George Pambacas voiced concerns about using plans to use money from the borough’s surplus to fund the project.

“I’m thinking with my heart and I do want these streets paved,” Pambacas said. “But I think it would be in our best interest to seriously look at the bond offers that have been made or additional bonds that make economic sense.”

 
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W. Newton Church Schedules Lasagna Dinner

February 18, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News

The First Church of God in West Newton will host a lasagna dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. March 21 to raise money for a trip to Gamerco, N.M., a spokesman said.

The dinner will be at Gary’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant, 109 South Second St. Tickets are $12 and include lasagna, salad, dessert and a beverage. Meals may be taken out or eaten in.

Tickets are available at the church, the restaurant or Dar’s Beauty Salon, or by calling (724) 872-7467.

The church also is planning a bus trip Sept. 28 and 29 to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., followed by a dinner cruise on the Ohio River and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Covington, Ky.

 
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Byzantine Church Posts Liturgy Schedule

February 18, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

(Photo courtesy Facebook)

St. Mary’s Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church, 318 26th St., Christy Park is welcoming visitors and new members.

A spokesman said the church, known for its colorful, traditional murals, has adult education at 9 a.m. Sundays, with discussions of Christianity from the Byzantine perspective. The divine liturgy is celebrated in English at 10 a.m. and is followed by fellowship.

For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page or call (412) 673-5552.

 

AIU to Hold Hiring Event Saturday in Homestead

February 18, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Allegheny Intermediate Unit will hold a hiring event from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday (Feb. 22) at the Waterfront in Homestead, a spokeswoman said.
 
Early childhood teachers, teacher assistants and family advocates are being recruited to fill positions in pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs, said Sarah McCluan, AIU spokeswoman.

 
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Tow Truck Driver Killed
in Apparent Accident

February 18, 2020 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A tow-truck driver was killed Tuesday morning after police said his rig apparently rolled back onto him.

Allegheny County police Inspector Andrew Schurman said McKeesport police and paramedics were dispatched before 5 a.m. in response to a 9-1-1 call about a man trapped under a tow truck.

Andrew Sester, 42, of Lucerne Mines, Indiana County, was pronounced dead at the scene, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said. The cause and manner of his death are pending an autopsy.

County detectives said Sester worked for International Recovery Systems and was repossessing a pickup truck.

 
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Center’s New Exhibit is a Trip Back in Time

February 17, 2020 |

By Emily Pidgeon | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

(Emily Pidgeon photo for Tube City Almanac)

If you go...

   

Fifth Avenue: McKeesport’s Thriving Business District

Where: McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center, 1832 Arboretum Drive, Renziehausen Park

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

More Information: Website

A new exhibit at McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center will take many local residents back in time — and bring a smile to their faces.

“Fifth Avenue: McKeesport’s Thriving Business District” incorporates wooden fruit stands from Balsamo’s, Daily News canvas delivery sacks, period clothing and the jukebox from the Penn-McKee Hotel.

Possibly the most amazing thing about the exhibit is not just the attention to detail, the perfectly selected artifacts, the preserved memorabilia or the amount of time that was put into this project — it’s that David Moore, museum manager, and a group of volunteers were able to put the entire exhibit together (aside from a few small items) from what they already had in stock.

The center reused artifacts that the museum had in storage for years, Moore said. Most of the items on display were donated decades ago and have been collecting dust in store rooms.

“We wanted to put it all together to tell a cohesive story,” Moore said. “A lot of this stuff was on display and then packed away for 20 (or) 30 years ago, God knows how long, and it’s like, let’s get these pieces out.”

 
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City Honors Five for ‘Living the Message’

February 12, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Recipients of “Living the Message” awards pose with state Sen. Jim Brewster during the Feb. 5 McKeesport City Council meeting. From left, Jordon Payne (“Hope”); Brian Dinkfelt (“Respect”); Jamie Brewster-Filotei (co-recipient, “Love”); and, JoAnne Rodgers (“Dignity”). Not pictured: Mindy Sturgess, co-recipient, “Love.” (Nick Zurawsky photo for Tube City Almanac)


Four times per year, McKeesport honors community members who exemplify the words of the “McKeesport Message” of ”Respect, Dignity, Hope and Love.”

“Living the Message” awards are presented by the McKeesport Message Committee, Committee, a subgroup of McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko’s Select Committee on Crime and Violence, which invites the public to nominate community members.

Using 250 words or fewer, describe how the individual of your choice embodies one of the four words.

For more information, contact the mayor’s office at 412-675-5020, ext. 605. Nominations can be mailed to the mayor’s assistant Jennifer Vertullo, 500 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132, or emailed to jen.vertullo@mckeesport-pa.gov. The deadline for the next round of nominations is Feb. 17.

 
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Pioneering School Nurse Stays Active in Community

February 12, 2020 |

By Nick Zurawsky | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

JoAnne Rodgers, longtime school nurse in McKeesport Area School District, receives her “Living the Message” award from McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko. (Tube City Almanac photo)


READ MORE: Profiles of the other honorees for February 2020, Jordon Payne (“Hope”), Brian Dinkfelt (“Respect”), and Jamie Brewster-Filotei and Mindy Sturgess (co-recipients, “Love”)


When JoAnne Rodgers was growing up in McKeesport, her family instilled in her the value of hard work and a college education. But in those days, she said, there were really only two career pathways available to a young Black woman — nursing and teaching.

Inspired by the example of an aunt in Tuskegee, Ala., who worked as a nurse — and was willing to help pay for her education — Rodgers entered nursing school.

In 1971, she became the first Black school nurse hired by the McKeesport Area School District. At 82, she’s still on the job at McKeesport Area High School.

This month at McKeesport City Council, Rodgers was honored with a “Living the Message” award from McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko for upholding the value of “Dignity” by “providing a healing and helping hand to the community.”

 
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Employee Urges EA Board to Keep Bus Contract

February 12, 2020 |

By Jason A. Mignanelli | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News

An Allegheny Transportation Services employee made a passionate plea to East Allegheny School Board prior to its upcoming contract negotiations with the company.

East Allegheny School District is currently in its final year of a five-year contract with Allegheny Transportation Services. ATS provides regular student-to-school transportation as well as charter services, such as field trips and travel to and from sporting events.

Standard procedure is for the school district to review contracts every five years and potentially open the bidding process to other transportation companies.

The board recently voted to begin accepting new proposals for the transportation services.

 
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Health Department Shutters P.V. Convenience Store

February 12, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements

The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of a convenience store in Port Vue after inspectors found that the roof was leaking onto food, including in the coolers.

The closure of the Uni-Mart on Romine Avenue was effective Friday.

The health department said the building was declared unsafe following an emergency inspection by firefighters from Vigilant Hose Co.

 
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County Launches Voting Prep Website

February 11, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements

Allegheny County’s Elections Division has launched a new website designed to provide voters with information about new voting machines, as well as details about how to register to vote and how to become a worker at the polls.

AlleghenyVotes.com is designed to be a “one-stop website” and is part of a new countywide initiative called “Ready, Set, Vote” that was announced by the county’s Board of Elections.

The website includes instructional videos and links to additional information including voter registration.

In addition, public demonstrations of the new voting machines are being scheduled throughout Allegheny County and will be announced at the website.

 
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Five Communities Share Benefits
Under U.S. Steel, ACHD Settlement

February 11, 2020 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Liberty Borough News, McKeesport and Region News

(Brett Ciccotelli photo via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.)


Five local communities will share benefits from a $3 million trust fund as part of a settlement reached between U.S. Steel and Allegheny County Health Department over alleged pollution violations at Clairton Plant.

The agreement, announced Monday, also commits the company to investing $200 million in upgraded emissions controls, and creates a community advisory panel that will meet quarterly with U.S. Steel to discuss concerns. It does not require U.S. Steel to admit any guilt for recent air-quality problems.

Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. Steel has agreed to create a community benefit trust for Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue that will be independently administered by Pittsburgh-based Smithfield Trust Co.

Proceeds from the fund must be spent on “environmental and/or public health” benefits, but are not restricted to air quality related projects.

 
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Cash Named to Basketball Hall of Fame

February 11, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Sports

During a 2012 event at the McKeesport Palisades, basketball star Swin Cash posed with McKeesport area students who were helped by her charity, Cash for Kids. (Tube City Almanac file photo by John Barna)


McKeesport native and two-time Olympic gold medalist Swin Cash has been named to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Cash will be inducted June 13 in Knoxville, Tenn., along with her Seattle Sonics teammate Lauren Jackson; players Debbie Brock and Tamika Catchings; Carol Callan, director of the U.S. women’s national team; former NCAA vice president Sue Donohoe; and ESPN vice president Carol Stiff.

In a statement released Monday via Facebook, Cash said she was “humbled and honored” and congratulated the other new hall of famers.

“Thank you to the committee, my family, coaches, teammates, my hometown of McKeesport ... and every single fan that loves our game and supports it!” Cash said. “To all of the young ladies like me that were growing up ... as my mom always told me, ‘don’t quit!’ Do what you love and love what you do young queens!”

 
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Driver Charged Following Lysle Blvd. Crash

February 07, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A Glassport man was charged after McKeesport police said he left the scene of an accident on Lysle Boulevard Wednesday afternoon.

McKeesport police said two vehicles were stopped for a traffic light at Coursin Street on Wednesday afternoon when a third vehicle was unable to stop and collided with them.

The impact pushed the second car into the first car at the intersection, police said. The third vehicle then left the scene.

 
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Groundhog Band Festival Unites
Musicians from Four Area Schools

February 06, 2020 |

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News

If you go...

   

Groundhog Band Festival

Where: McKeesport Area High School Auditorium, 1960 Eden Park Blvd.

When: 7 p.m. Monday (Feb. 10) Friday (Feb. 7)

Tickets: $2 for adults, $1 for students

UPDATED: Due to inclement weather and a number of school delays, this event has been moved from Friday (Feb. 7) to Monday (Feb. 10).

Former McKeesport Area Band Director George Lepsch returns as guest conductor when the Groundhog Band Festival continues a tradition now involving four area high school symphonic bands.

On Monday (Feb. 10), musicians from host McKeesport Area will be joined by participants from Serra Catholic, Clairton, and West Mifflin Area following a practice that culminates in a 7 p.m. concert in the high school auditorium.

McKeesport Area Band Director Drew DeCarlo said his predecessor Karen Cole started the festival eight years ago as an opportunity for neighboring band members to join forces performing a variety of pieces and to expand their experience meeting other high school musicians.

 
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Police Log: Feb. 5, 2020

February 05, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

Arrest records published here were provided by the McKeesport Police Department.
Not all arrest records are published.
A report of an arrest does not mean the person identified has been convicted of a crime.
All people arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 
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Man Held For Court in Assault on Medic, EMT

February 05, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A city man accused of assaulting two McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service employees who were attempting to treat him has been ordered held for court.

Cordell M. Brown, 31, remains free on his own recognizance pending formal arraignment March 13 at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

McKeesport police said MARS paramedics were dispatched on the night of Dec. 15 to a bar in the 500 block of Fifth Avenue when callers reported that a patron was suffering a seizure.

 
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Crew Missions Holding Soup, Dressing Sale

February 04, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

The Crew Missions is selling soup and salad dressings to raise money to support its work.

Orders must be received by Feb. 10 and will be delivered after 4 p.m. Feb. 25, a spokeswoman said.

Crew Missions is a faith-based charity that organizes teams of volunteers to help homeowners in the Mon Valley and South Hills with small repair and clean-up projects.

 
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Shirt Sale Benefits Family of Medic Killed in Crash

February 04, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News

(Submitted photo via Facebook)

A Washington County business is selling T-shirts and sweatshirts to benefit the family of a paramedic who was killed while responding to a car accident on Interstate 70.

Sparkles By Shell, located on West Main Street in Monongahela, is selling the items in honor of Matt C. Smelser, 43, of Charleroi, a paramedic supervisor for Rostraver-West Newton Emergency Medical Service who was struck and killed Jan. 5 near the Smithton exit.

A 1995 graduate of Perryopolis High School, Smelser had been an emergency responder for 24 years and in addition to Rostraver-West Newton EMS, also worked for UPMC's Paramedic Response Unit. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Lynn Lenzi Smelser, and their children Logan and Adriana.

 
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Reader’s Viewpoint: Bunola Resident
Thankful Brewster Intervened

February 03, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Letters to the Editor

April Andrejdes of Forward Twp. writes:

I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to state Sen. Jim Brewster for all his hard work and efforts to get Bunola River Road reopened as soon as a permanent power source is secured.

I was told by PennDOT that they were tired of having someone charge the solar-powered signal light every day, and they were tired of spending money to repair Bunola River Road. I asked why we could not have an electric signal light and was told it was too expensive.

 
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County Reminds Fish Fry Sponsors
to Get Health Permit

February 03, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Churches, fire departments and other organizations in Allegheny County that will be holding fish fries during the Lenten season need to have a valid health permit to operate, a county spokesman said.

The fee for a temporary permit is $47 and should be included with the application.

The application, which also includes a checklist for applicants, can be found on ACHD’s website.

 
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Ministerium Slates Annual Lenten Services

February 02, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

McKeesport Area Ministerium will hold Lenten Luncheon services at area churches beginning March 4.

A spokeswoman said all services are non-denominational and begin at 12 noon. Each will include a light lunch following each service.

A free will offering will be taken to help defray the cost of the meal.

For Christians, Lent is the observance of the 40 days leading to Easter. It begins this year on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26.

 
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Three Charged in Connection With Hold-Ups, Crash

February 01, 2020 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

Three people, including a juvenile, face charges in connection with a spree of robberies that ended in a chase and crash on Route 48 in Monroeville.

Robert Webb, 23, of Homestead and Deon Dutrieuille, 19, of Turtle Creek are each being held in Allegheny County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing Feb. 10 before Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi in McKeesport.

Details of the charges against the third person, a 16-year-old male, were not released to the public.

 
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W. Newton Lions Set Lenten Fish Fries

February 01, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News

West Newton Lions Club will hold fish fries on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, and Good Friday, April 10, a spokeswoman said.

The location is the club's pavilion, 511 Pittsburgh St. Food will be served buffet style and attendees can choose their own fish, side dishes, soups or salads. Desserts and soft drinks also will be available.

Menu will include baked, unbreaded cod; breaded, deep-fried Alaskan pollock; and two sides, including macaroni and cheese, haluski, cole slaw or broccoli salad; plus bread and butter for $12.

 
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Brewster: PennDOT Working to Reopen Bunola Road

February 01, 2020 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

(Submitted photo)

State Department of Transportation officials are taking steps to reopen a portion of Bunola River Road near Lock 3 in Forward Twp., state Sen. Jim Brewster said Friday.

A portion of the road Pangburn Hollow Road and Third Avenue was restricted to a single alternating lane of traffic --- controlled by signals --- following a landslide. PennDOT closed that section permanently on Jan. 24 because, an agency spokeswoman said, motorists have been ignoring the signals.

The decision was sharply criticized by many Elizabeth area residents, including a letter-writer to Tube City Almanac who said the signals frequently malfunctioned.

 
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