May 28, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
After more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions, North Versailles Twp. officials are preparing to re-open facilities to the public.
At May’s meeting, township commissioners said the municipal building and community center will begin welcoming residents inside again on June 1.
The announcement came after when an inquiry was made about starting up the weekly North Versailles Seniors Group bingo, with was held each Thursday at the community center before the beginning of the pandemic.
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May 28, 2021 |
By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School District plans to increase its budget significantly for the 2021-2022, with the help of federal COVID-19 stimulus funding, but there will be no tax increase.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the school board approved the preliminary $81.1 million budget by a 6–1 vote. The spending plan represents an increase of almost 13 percent over 2020-2021.
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act appropriated $13.2 billion for emergency relief for elementary and secondary schools.
District officials said the most significant expenditure changes largely focus on providing extra support for students, bolstering school safety and addressing learning losses caused by the pandemic. Expenditures include the addition of new educational and support faculty, camera system repairs and cyber school costs.
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May 28, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Family, friends and colleagues of Matthew Bauman, a McKeesport Area High School teacher who died in October 2020, gathered this week at McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center as an educational program was launched in his memory. (Tube City Almanac photo)
A new educational series about local history has been created in memory of a beloved McKeesport Area High School teacher who died in October 2020 of cancer.
Family, friends and colleagues of Matthew Bauman gathered Wednesday evening at McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center to share stories and discuss his legacy.
An 11th and 12th-grade history teacher, Bauman, 38, of Port Vue had served as vice president of the center’s board of directors before his untimely passing. But Bauman’s connection to the center, and McKeesport’s history, was much deeper than his title implied, said Marianne Macbeth, president of the center’s board.
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May 27, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News, White Oak News
A color guard comprised of then-McKeesport Area High School Junior Air Force ROTC Cadet Dylan Vaniel and members of the McKeesport police and fire departments present the American and Pennsylvania flags during 2017 Memorial Day ceremonies. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
Local communities have slated Memorial Day observances, including ceremonies in McKeesport and Glassport, and a parade on Lincoln Way in White Oak.
Observed annually on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning military personnel who died in the performance of their duties, and is distinct from Armed Forces Day — which is set aside to recognize active-duty personnel — and Veterans’ Day.
Memorial Day was originally known as “Decoration Day,” because it was used as a time to decorate troop graves. The holiday has been marked in the United States since the Civil War.
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May 26, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
NAMI McKeesport affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will meet at 6 p.m. June 3 in the pavilion adjacent to the McKeesport Heritage Center in Renziehausen Park, a spokeswoman said.
The meeting is open to families and friends of loved ones living with mental illness.
NAMI is a support, education and advocacy organization. Current statistics report that two in five adults live with some type of mental illness. That number translates to more than sixty million Americans. Also, about 20% of children have a diagnosable mental illness during any given year. When a family member is struggling, the whole family (as well as close friends, neighbors, co-workers and the community) are also affected.
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May 26, 2021 |
By Amanda B. Gillooly | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne residents can expect changes in the way the city does business, with officials announcing a “soft opening” for the municipal building, planned website upgrades, and some procedural changes with delinquent water bill collection.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, City Administrator Kelly Robertson announced that the municipal building would again be open to the public as of June 1, after being closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who visit the building will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Public restrooms would not be available.
“No one will be able to leave the lobby,” Robertson said.
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May 25, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Liberty Borough News, McKeesport and Region News
These three buildings near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Coursin Street are among seven in the city’s business district targeted for demolition with the help of funds from the state’s Blight Remediation Program. (Tube City Almanac photo)
Seven vacant buildings in the city’s Downtown business district — all in severe disrepair — will be demolished with the assistance of funding from the state’s Blight Remediation Program.
State officials announced Tuesday that McKeesport has been awarded $294,063 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority towards the demolition and environmental cleanup of properties at 903, 907, 911, 1013 and 1017 Fifth Ave., 328 Sixth Ave. and 422 Shaw Ave.
Funding also was awarded to remove blighted buildings in Dravosburg, Glassport, Liberty Borough and Wilmerding.
A total of $12 million was awarded statewide, including more than $1.3 million in grant money for efforts in the 45th Senate District, said state Sen. Jim Brewster of McKeesport.
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May 25, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Commentary-Editorial
State Rep. Nick Pisciottano of West Mifflin was recently elected from the 38th Legislative District. He writes:
Imagine this: It is 2023 and President Biden is standing outside of U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant — the first of Andrew Carnegie’s steel mills, built in 1873, that turned Pittsburgh into the Steel City — to announce the country’s most technologically advanced steel making process has just been installed in the plant.
These improvements allow for the continued manufacturing of steel, right here in the Monongahela Valley, and will create the steel of the future used to build high-rises, bridges, vehicles, home appliances and much more, while providing high-quality, union jobs to our community in an environmentally responsible manner. Once again, Pittsburgh would be the center of steel production for the entire nation.
This doesn’t have to be just a dream.
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May 25, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
(File photo: “Farmers’ Market” by Danny Jensen, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC 2.0)
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program is once again accepting applications, said a spokeswoman for Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services.
The program helps eligible older adults to supplement their diets with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables by providing a set of checks for a total of $24.
All eligible seniors who wish to participate in this program need to fill out an application. Earlier this month, Farmers Market applications were mailed to everyone who received checks last year, the spokeswoman said.
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May 23, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A former McKeesport man was found dead early Saturday morning inside a parked car on Riverview Street.
On Sunday night, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Jered J. Gambrill, 21. He was pronounced dead at the scene of an apparent gunshot wound.
Allegheny County police said in a prepared statement that a 9-1-1 caller reported a shooting in the 2200 block of Riverview just before 6 a.m. Homicide detectives are investigating but no further information was available.
The medical examiner’s office said Gambrill was living at Lincoln University in Chester County, but it could not immediately be confirmed Sunday night if he was currently a student. Gambrill had been a standout basketball player at Propel Andrew Street High School in Munhall, from which he graduated in 2018.
Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to call the Allegheny County police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, a spokesman said.
May 21, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
Heritage Hill Swimming Pool will open to the public May 31, White Oak officials said. Pre-sale of passes began May 12.
Due to COVID-19 health restrictions, no daily passes will be sold this year. Cost of a season pass is $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents. For senior citizens, passes for $30 for residents, and $60 for non-residents. Proof of residency and age is required.
Passholders will be given a photo ID which will be required to enter the pool complex.
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May 21, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
White Oak Council is lifting the COVID-19 emergency declaration it implemented in 2020.
With state and county officials easing restrictions, and following the recommendation of the borough’s Office of Emergency Management, Mayor Ina Jean Marton said White Oak will lift its emergency declaration, effective June 1.
Borough Manager John Palyo expressed optimism about the future, while stressing the need to remain vigilant. “Safety comes first,” he said.
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May 21, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Kids at A Developmental Journey Christian Childcare eagerly listen to Kris Kornegay-Gobel talk about his journey to success, from childhood until his current life, training for the U.S. Olympic Team for this summer’s games in Tokyo. (Tube City Almanac photo by Vickie Babyak)
Olympic hopeful Kris Kornegay-Gober came to McKeesport over Mother’s Day weekend to inspire some youth at a child care facility. By the end of his visit, the children felt more confident about their own abilities.
Kornegay-Gober is the son of Lynne Lennon, who teaches geometry and science at McKeesport Area High School, and the stepson of Moses Lennon of Duquesne. Lynne Lennon said her son had attended Faith Christian Academy in Martinsburg, W.Va. The coach asked if anyone was interested in high jumping and Kris said he would try. That was the beginning of his sports career.
A Washington, D.C., resident and a marine science technician for the U.S. Coast Guard in Curtis Bay, Md., where he holds the rank of petty officer third class, Kornegay-Gober recently competed in a pre-Olympic trial event where he came in fourth with a high jump of 6 feet, 8 inches. He is training with hopes of making the U.S. Olympic Team for this summer’s games in Tokyo.
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May 20, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News, McKeesport and Region News
A Banker Street man who emergency personnel said is a fireworks enthusiast was badly burned Thursday morning in an explosion.
The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was airlifted by STAT MedEvac helicopter to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh following the incident just before 3 a.m.
The Allegheny County police bomb squad responded to the scene to remove what officials described as a large quantity of fireworks, which were labeled for retail sale and appeared to have been purchased legally.
“Vast amounts, and when I say vast amounts, I mean there were many, many boxes throughout the house,” said McKeesport deputy fire Chief Tom Perciavalle. Some of the fireworks were in the large cardboard tubes of the types sold for public displays, he said.
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May 20, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Duquesne News, McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
Duquesne Mayor Nickole Nesby was defeated for the Democratic nomination for a second term in office, but Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey held off his primary challenger.
Winners of primaries in each party will face one another in the general election Nov. 2.
Duquesne Mayor
According to complete but unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division, Nesby, the first Black woman elected mayor of Duquesne, was defeated in the Democratic Primary by City Councilman R. Scott Adams by a sizable margin.
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May 17, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Tube City Community Media Inc. has announced the following changes and appointments, effective immediately.
Mary Beth Wyko has been elected chair and president of the board, to fill the term of the late Bill Phillips III, who died unexpectedly March 10. Mary Beth also has been named associate editor of Tube City Almanac. In that role, she will help mentor young writers, edit stories before they are published, and guide news coverage on the site.
Eric Wisniewski has been elected to the board of directors to fill the remaining term of Judy Rosenfeld, who has resigned for personal reasons. Along with Judy, Eric hosts The Electric Crush, which airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Tube City Online Radio, formerly WMCK.FM.
Dianne Ribecca has been named program director of Tube City Online Radio. She will serve as a liaison between the Tube City Community Media board and the radio station's DJs and hosts.
Chris Stillwell has been named music director of Tube City Online Radio. In this role, Chris will help select and shape the music heard on Tube City Online Radio during those hours when no DJ or program host is available.
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May 14, 2021 |
By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Eleven candidates — including three incumbents — are seeking four positions on the McKeesport Area School Board during next week’s primary.
School Director Ivan Hampton is not seeking re-election.
The primary election is Tuesday, May 18, and gives voters who are registered as either Democrats or Republicans the chance to choose their party’s candidates for the November general election.
Seven candidates are cross-filed as both Republicans and Democrats, while four candidates are running strictly as Democrats.
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May 13, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Friends and family of Jamie Brewster-Filotei gather around a bench at Jamie Brewster-Filotei Memorial Field on Wednesday. The bench was donated by members of the staff of state Sen. Jim Brewster, shown at right, with his wife, Linda, at left. (Tube City Almanac photo by Vickie Babyak.)
A large crowd of friends, family members and former students gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate the life of Jamie Brewster-Filotei, former McKeesport Area school teacher and vice president of city council.
During a ceremony in Renziehausen Park, a baseball and softball field was renamed for Brewster-Filotei, who died May 12, 2020 of non-small cell lung carcinoma.
The event began with an invocation by the Rev. William B. Meekins Jr., senior pastor of the McKeesport Charge of the United Methodist Church, which Brewster-Filotei attended.
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May 13, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Duquesne News
(Image via Google maps)
More than a dozen fire companies from two counties spent several hours Wednesday night battling a blaze at a Duquesne building that forced six people out of their apartments.
The Allegheny County fire marshal’s office is investigating the source and cause of a fire that destroyed the second floor of the building at 414 Grant St. and threatened a neighboring church.
No injuries were reported, but Duquesne fire Chief Frank Cobb said some fire hoses and a ladder were damaged when part of a second-story porch collapsed.
There were two apartments on the second floor of the building. The first floor at one time housed Capristo’s Barber Shop but it was vacant and was being remodeled, Cobb said.
The American Red Cross is helping the victims, Cobb said, and a GoFundMe has been set up for one of the displaced families.
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May 13, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
North Versailles Public Library is the latest institution to join Inquire Within, a partnership between local libraries and Pittsburgh’s WQED-TV to share resources from the nation’s public broadcasting service.
The TV station and Gateway Health Plan will welcome North Versailles Twp. to the “Inquire Within” program with a goodie bag distribution at the library from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday (May 22), a spokesman said.
George Hazimanolis, the station’s senior director of corporate communications, said Inquire Within provides PBS educational programming content to local libraries to enable them to create family-friendly events and programming for children and parents.
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May 13, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Raised beds, such as these ones growing greens, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and strawberries, are one way to help keep lead contamination out of fruits and vegetables. (Jennifer Feuchter photo via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons)
Fruit and vegetable gardeners in McKeesport who are concerned about possible lead contamination in their soil will be able to get a free test done May 22.
During the event, organizers also will provide free information to gardeners about how to keep lead contamination out of their vegetable patches this spring and summer. Advance registration is required at bit.ly/McKeesportLeadTesting.
The event is being organized by “Get The Lead Out, Pittsburgh” in cooperation with the Allegheny County Conservation District and Women for a Healthy Environment.
A sampling of home gardens in McKeesport in December 2020 concluded that 83 percent had levels of lead exceeding safe standards. The soil samples were tested by Penn State University.
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May 12, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
(Vintage postcard of Kennywood’s Kiddieland, circa 1940. Tube City Online collection)
Preservation Pittsburgh’s Landmark Lectures series will examine the history of Kennywood Park at 6:30 p.m. May 20.
A spokesperson said the free virtual lecture on Kennywood Park will be presented by Pittsburgh natives and former Kennywood employees Brenton Asti and William Prince, who will lead the presentation that connects classic amusement parks with historic preservation opportunities.
Their lecture will discuss the park’s history, architecture, its significance in the amusement industry and how recent ride removals have sparked preservation concerns and interests.
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May 11, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Tube City Almanac photo)
City officials, friends and family will gather Wednesday evening (May 12) to dedicate an athletic field at Renziehausen Park to former McKeesport Councilwoman Jamie Brewster-Filotei.
The dedication at 6 p.m. will take place on the one year anniversary of Brewster-Filotei’s death at age 46 after a nearly three-year battle with non-small cell lung carcinoma.
“Obviously we know what Jamie meant to this community, we know her extreme commitment to our youth, and we know her as an athlete as well, whether it was coaching or playing,” Mayor Michael Cherepko told city council last week.
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May 09, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The federation of the state’s largest labor unions has joined local elected officials in questioning a decision by U.S. Steel to cancel more than $1.5 billion in upgrades to its three Mon Valley facilities.
In a joint letter to U.S. Steel’s chief executive officer, leaders of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO called themselves “shocked, disappointed and bewildered” by the corporation’s April 30 announcement that it will not carry through with its plans to construct an “endless caster” at Edgar Thomson Plant as well as a co-generation energy facility at Clairton Plant.
“Over the years we have diligently and cooperatively worked with your government affairs team and the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance to encourage new manufacturing in the Commonwealth and beyond,” wrote Rick Bloomingdale, president of the state AFL-CIO, and Frank Snyder, secretary-treasurer, in the letter made public May 6.
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May 09, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Brandy Daye, assistant principal of Twin Rivers Elementary School, discusses summer employment opportunities for the high school students during "The Voices of Change" meeting. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
A growing group of McKeesport Area High School students are learning about their cultural differences — and finding out that more unites them than separates them.
“The Voices of Change” includes students and faculty facilitators, who are focused on discipline, diversity and academics, said the organizers. Since their first meeting in March, which attracted about a dozen students, the group has continued to expand.
In the past few weeks, the group’s popularity has grown and membership continues to increase for the upcoming new school year.
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May 09, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Thomas Bell, born Adalbert Thomas Belejcak in Braddock, worked in Carnegie Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works and at various industrial jobs before becoming a full-time writer. He died of cancer in 1961. (Images courtesy Carnegie Mellon University Libraries)
An upcoming program at McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center will discuss a landmark novel set in Braddock in the period between the Civil War and World War II.
Dr. Kirsten Paine, a visiting lecturer for the English Department of the University of Pittsburgh, will discuss “Out of This Furnace” by Thomas Bell during an online presentation at 7 p.m. May 19. The program is free but pre-registration is required.
Bell’s novel, first published in 1941, examines the struggles of three generations of Eastern European immigrants who came to the Mon Valley to work in the local steel mills. Bell, who was born in Braddock in 1903 to immigrant parents from Slovakia, himself worked in the mill beginning at the age of 15 as an apprentice electrician.
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May 09, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
State Sen. Jim Brewster of McKeesport speaks at a 2019 veterans’ breakfast in White Oak. (Submitted photo courtesy state Sen. Jim Brewster)
State Sen. Jim Brewster will deliver the keynote address during the annual Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, to be held at 11 a.m. June 18 at Youghiogheny Country Club in Elizabeth Twp., a spokesman said.
This year’s event is entitled “The Road to Prosperity, Economic Development in the Mon Valley,” the chamber announced. Also delivering remarks will be Mark Compton, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
Local television personality Michael Bartley will serve as master of ceremonies.
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May 06, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
This vacant building at the corner of Beech and Bailie avenues is one of 14 near the former Centennial School that has been targeted for demolition. Tax records indicate the building is owned by a limited-liability corporation in Forest Hills. (Tube City Almanac photo)
City officials are working to clear away more than a dozen blighted houses around a former school that is being turned into a senior citizen residence.
At Wednesday’s meeting, city council voted 7–0 to tear down 14 abandoned homes and apartment buildings on Bailie, Beaver and Union avenues and in the surrounding area, and to apply for $250,000 funding from the Allegheny County Economic Development Department to pay for the demolition.
City Administrator Tom Maglicco said McKeesport officials are hopeful that once the vacant structures are gone, the lots can be turned into greenspace or transferred to adjoining homeowners to enhance their own properties.
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May 06, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, White Oak News
Two people face child abuse and assault charges after school officials and White Oak police said they found two children handcuffed in the back seat of their car.
According to court records, Richard Hayes, 37, of Mt. Oliver is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail, while his girlfriend, Natosha Bell, 26, of Rankin is free on $50,000 bond. Hayes faces a preliminary hearing May 19 before Magisterial District Judge Richard G. King, while Bell faces a preliminary hearing June 30.
The two children who were restrained in the car, ages 7 and 10, and a third child, age 11, are now in the emergency care of Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families, said county police Inspector Michael Peairs.
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May 05, 2021 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News
The cast rehearses one of the high-energy song-and-dance numbers from “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)
If You Go
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“Schoolhouse Rock Jr.”
Where: Francis McClure Middle School, White Oak
When: Thursday through Saturday, but two performances are sold out. One of the performances will be recorded and streamed at a later date. Details will be posted on the McKeesport Area School District and Founders’ Hall Facebook pages.
Tickets: No admission at the door. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seats are extremely limited and some performances are already sold out. To ask about tickets, email EMoore@mckasd.net.
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Years after Edward Moore studied theatre arts at West Virginia Wesleyan College, he’s directing and producing his first musical — “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” — featuring Founders’ Hall Middle School students.
“I guess that being a singer/actor with a college degree in theatre arts, I always wanted to try my hand at directing,” he said.
Moore works as an assistant to the Special Education Department at McKeesport Area School District. His musical credits include performing as a chorister for Pittsburgh Opera for more than 30 years.
After the former middle school musical director retired, Moore said he was approached by principal Tom Knight to take over.
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May 04, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Repairs are underway at a Downtown building after bricks came loose from a side wall early Tuesday morning.
The damage at the former Moose Lodge on Fifth Avenue near Strawberry Way was reported by a caller to 9-1-1 who heard a loud noise, said McKeesport Deputy Fire Chief Tom Perciavalle.
A section of brick approximately 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide fell into a sidewalk next to an apartment building, Perciavalle said. The neighboring apartment building, which has five units, was not damaged and no injuries were reported.
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May 01, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
Community Revitalization of West Newton is sponsoring a Patriotic Concert at Vine Street Park from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30, a spokesperson said. The show will feature a 45-minute performance from Cathi Rhodes as Patsy Cline to honor all veterans, followed by other entertainers.
There will be food trucks for refreshments. Attendees should bring their own lawn chair or blanket. Organizers said they will be following COVID-19 guidelines and the audience will be asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Leaders of CROWN said they also are looking for local vendors and food trucks for an event to be held June 12 in conjunction with the West Newton Community Yard Sale. For more information, call Jennifer Bittner at (724) 344-4002.
May 01, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
Police and firefighters in North Versailles Twp. will receive unexpected funds, commissioners announced this month.
At the April commissioners meeting, President Frank Bivins said approximately $20,000 extra will be dispensed to Crestas and West Wilmerding volunteer fire companies and Fire Department of North Versailles from the township fire tax fund.
“This is an extra $20,000 that we are giving to the volunteer fire departments because there was extra money in that account from over the years,” Bivins said.
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