Garden Club Celebrates Season With Sale

November 30, 2021 |

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

The Garden Club of McKeesport will welcome visitors — and potential members — during its annual Holiday Sale this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the club house, next to the Rose Garden at Renziehausen Park. The hours overlap part of McKeesport’s annual Festival of Trees, which opens Thursday at the nearby Jacob Woll Pavilion.

“We have live wreaths, swags, kissing balls and a lot of Christmas crafts that the members make,” says club member Cindy Medved of White Oak. “There will be dried flowers and a bake sale as well.”

 
Read More

Mayor to Present Budget, Demo Remains Focus

November 30, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Buildings at 907 and 911 Fifth Ave., Downtown, were demolished in November with the help of funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the vacant furniture store at 903 Fifth Ave. is also scheduled to be torn down. Demolition of abandoned buildings will remain a focus on 2022, city officials said. (Tube City Almanac photo)


Demolition of vacant buildings, stabilization of residential neighborhoods and attracting new business development will remain key focuses of McKeesport’s mayor in 2022.

City council will hold a budget hearing at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Public Safety Building, 201 Lysle Blvd. at Market Street. Council is expected to vote on the budget at 7 p.m.

By law, the city is required to have a balanced budget.

Earlier this month, Mayor Michael Cherepko said some of the programs that the city wants to launch in 2022 — such a program to help homeowners get their roofs replaced — may be ambitious, but he’s optimistic they can be funded.

 
Read More

PV Police Issue Warnings on Thefts, Solicitors

November 29, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Port Vue News

Port Vue police are advising borough residents to keep their car doors locked when their vehicles are unattended, and to make sure any door-to-door solicitors are properly registered.

Police Chief David J. Petruski said that during the early morning hours on Monday, someone rifled through unlocked vehicles parked on the street and in driveways. Only one minor theft has been reported so far, he said.

The suspects “are searching through the cars and tossing the contents throughout the inside of the vehicle,” Petruski said in a emailed release.

 
Read More

Model Railroad Club Builds Vintage Mon Valley

November 29, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News

Scaled-down structure at the McKeesport Model Railroad Club was inspired by the city’s Jerome Avenue Bridge. The club is holding its annual open house Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


Bob Balawajder of the McKeesport Model Railroad Club remembers when trains would pass through downtown McKeesport every day.

“I’ve been part of the club for 38 years. I’ve always been interested in trains. I used to go shopping downtown with my mother and we would watch the trains go by,” Balawajder said.

The club, located at 2209 Walnut St., kicked off its Holiday Open House Nov. 27. The open house features a 2,200-square-foot layout depicting the Mon Valley in the mid-20th century. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19.

 
Read More

Holiday Events Scheduled in NV Twp.

November 29, 2021 |

By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News

North Versailles Twp. has a variety of holiday events planned to make spirits bright for the month of December:

Winter clothing drive: The parks and recreation department is partnering with Speedway for a Winter Wear Drive. They will be collecting and distributing winter clothes such as hats, gloves and scarves for township residents in need. If anyone knows someone who can benefit from this collection or has items to donate, please contact Lisa Green, parks and recreation director, at (412) 823-6602, extension 104.

Children’s Christmas Party: The township Children’s Christmas Party will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at the community center, 1401 Greensburg Ave. Magician Chuck Caputo will provide entertainment. There will be pizza for lunch, presents and photos with Santa. Parents need to register their children through the parks and recreation office by Dec. 10 at nvtparks@verizon.net.

 
Read More

Warning Signs Proposed for Route 30 Bottleneck

November 29, 2021 |

By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News

Ongoing traffic bottlenecks on Route 30 in North Versailles Twp. — near the Dairy Queen and Dunkin Donuts — will soon be addressed if commissioners pass a proposed ordinance approving warning signs.

“They’re [motorists] stopping to wait their turn to get into the businesses on Route 30 which is creating a substantial traffic hazard and a serious risk for motor vehicle accidents,” said township Solicitor Greg Evashavik at the November commissioners meeting.

Officials said township police had been in touch with the state Department of Transportation about the problem because Route 30 is a state road, and the township does not have the authority to put up any signage along that stretch of road. But PennDOT has agreed about the severity of the problem.

 
Read More

Furry Friends Pay Visit to Santa ‘Paws’

November 29, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News

Santa greets visitors during the annual Pet Pics event at White Oak Volunteer Fire Co. on Sunday. The event raised money for the fire department and White Oak Animal Safe Haven. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


For Amy Bower and her family, taking their pets to see Santa is a time-honored Christmas tradition.

“We live close by, and we’ve gone every year,” Bower said. “The people are nice, and it’s for a good cause.”

Sammy, an 11-year-old West Highland White Terrier, was one of several pets to get his picture taken with Santa on Sunday, when White Oak Animal Safe Haven hosted its annual Pet Pics event at the White Oak Volunteer Fire Co.

 
Read More

Crews Battle Romine Ave. House Fire

November 28, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Port Vue News

(Tube City Almanac photos)

Crews from Port Vue and several neighboring communities battled a stubborn house fire for several hours on Sunday morning.

A neighbor said he called 9-1-1 to report the blaze just after 1:30 a.m., and crews arrived to find flames and heavy smoke showing from the left side of the home at 905 Romine Ave.

The two-story wood-frame and brick house was reportedly unoccupied at the time, and Allegheny County tax records indicate the property is owned by a West Mifflin man.

 
Read More

Downtown CVS Closes With Little Warning

November 24, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Updated with comment from CVS.

(Tube City Almanac photo)


Arrivals at Saturday’s “Salute to Santa” parade who thought they might stop at the CVS Pharmacy on Fifth Avenue for a beverage or a snack got a lump of coal instead.

CVS “made the difficult business decision to close the CVS Pharmacy store located at 311 Fifth Ave. in McKeesport on Nov. 11,” said Matt Blanchette, a spokesman at the company’s headquarters in Woonsocket, R.I.

“We understand the disappointment of our closing store’s neighbors and customers,” he said. “The closure of this store is not a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our employees,” and all employees were offered “comparable roles” at other CVS locations, Blanchette said.

Last week, CVS announced plans to close up to 900 stores over the next three years.

 
Read More

Teen Suspect in Fatal Stabbing Arrested

November 23, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

The suspect in a fatal stabbing at Midtown Plaza Apartments has been arrested and is being held without bond at Allegheny County Jail.

Allegheny County police have charged Damian Baverso, 15, of East McKeesport with criminal homicide and making terroristic threats in connection with the death of 19-year-old Kai Brown on Friday afternoon.

Police allege the stabbing followed a fight after Brown, another man, and Baverso’s ex-girlfriend confronted Baverso over threatening text messages he had sent.

 
Read More

Bill Would Address School Barriers for At-Risk Kids

November 23, 2021 |

By Emily Scott © Public News Service | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

A bill making its way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would help ensure a smooth transition to graduation for young people who face personal challenges outside of school.

Senate Bill 324 would help address barriers to graduation for kids experiencing homelessness or who are in the foster-care or juvenile-justice systems.

The bill creates a point of contact at the student’s school to help support them as they return to the classroom after time away from the education system.

Young people in foster care “face many barriers,” said John Lydon, chief executive officer of McKeesport-based Auberle, which works with at-risk youth and their families.

 
Read More

McKeesport, Serra Bands to Perform at Courthouse

November 23, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Workers from the Allegheny County facilities management team erect a Christmas tree outside the courthouse on Nov. 10. The tree is actually made up of 32 smaller trees, a spokesperson said. (Official Allegheny County photo via Facebook)


The McKeesport Area High School Orchestra and Jazz Band will kick off the 53rd annual Holiday Music Program at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, a spokeswoman announced.

The student groups will perform on the Grand Staircase in the courthouse beginning at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 30.

McKeesport’s Serra Catholic High School band and choir will perform Dec. 15. All concerts are free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to see this annual tradition return to the Courthouse after a year’s hiatus,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County executive.

 
Read More

15-Year-Old Sought in Fatal Stabbing

November 21, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News

Damian Baverso (Submitted photo courtesy Allegheny County police)


A 15-year-old from East McKeesport is wanted by Allegheny County police in connection with a fatal stabbing Friday afternoon on Sinclair Street in the city.

Damian Baverso is charged as an adult with criminal homicide and making terroristic threats. Allegheny County police Lt. Venerando Costa said Baverso is known to frequent McKeesport, Oakmont and West Mifflin.

County police allege that Baverso stabbed 19-year-old Kai Brown in the chest at Midtown Plaza Apartments just before 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Brown was pronounced dead approximately an hour later at UPMC McKeesport hospital, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office.

 
Read More

Salute to Santa Parade Set for Saturday

November 19, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

(Tube City Almanac file photo by Richard Finch Jr.)


McKeesport’s 56th Salute to Santa Parade will take place on Fifth Avenue, Downtown — welcoming guests from across the Mon Valley to kick off the holiday season with a procession of marching bands, community groups, student organizations, themed floats, fire trucks, and of course, Santa Claus.

The parade is set for 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov.  20), with lineup beginning at 10. Organizers suggest arriving early with chairs and blankets to stay comfortable in case of cold weather. Parking is available on side streets and in the Sixth Avenue Garage.

For those out of town or unable to attend, Tube City Community Media will be streaming the parade live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/TubeCityOnline.

 
Read More

Duquesne Center Offers Tutoring, Homework Help

November 17, 2021 |

By Matt Germaine | Posted in: Duquesne News

The Duquesne City School District has opened its Uplift Center, a facility that will provide after-school tutoring, homework help and additional programming for the district’s students.

“Right now, the center is focusing on math and all of the common core types of topics that students encounter in their everyday classes,” said Sarah McCluan, spokeswoman for the Allegheny Intermediary Unit. “But that will pivot and expand as the needs of the students change.”

At present, the center is staffed by a site director. Depending on how many students use the facility, the district plans to seek volunteers to assist with running the program.

 
Read More

Two Injured in Stabbing, Suspect Held

November 16, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A 44-year-old man is being questioned by Allegheny County police in connection with a stabbing inside a home on Garbett Street in McKeesport.

McKeesport police and paramedics were dispatched to a home in the 3100 block just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Allegheny County police said. Emergency personnel said they found a 39-year-old man who had been stabbed multiple times in the back.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a Pittsburgh trauma center, emergency personnel said.

 
Read More

W.O. Council OK’s Emergency Repairs to Signal

November 16, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News

A traffic accident at the corner of Route 48 and Cool Springs Road near the Speedway store damaged a telephone pole and dislodged the traffic signal’s battery system, White Oak officials said.

At Monday’s meeting, council passed a resolution designating repairs to the damaged pole and signal as an emergency.

Borough engineer Ken Hillman said it’s the third time the pole has been replaced, and that White Oak is coordinating repairs with the state Department of Transportation.

“The foundation also needs to be replaced,” Hillman said. “Normally this would take three to four months.”

 
Read More

Serra Band Celebrates Successes, Seeks Alumni

November 16, 2021 |

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

Strains of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” greeted visitors to Serra Catholic High School as the band prepared for a playoff football game — while also getting in some practice for McKeesport’s Salute to Santa Parade.

The band is seeking alumni — even those who have not picked up a flag or an instrument in years — to march along with current students in this Saturday’s parade.

It was also a time to reminisce and celebrate a successful competition season, where the group was named the 2021 Tournament of Bands Western Expansion Region Group 1A champions for “El Matador.”

“I am unbelievably proud of them,” band director Jesse Bush said. “I couldn’t be happier with how they performed this season.”

 
Read More

Turkey Giveaway on Thursday at Founders’ Hall

November 16, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Up to 400 turkeys are expected to be distributed to needy families during an event this Thursday (Nov. 18).

The giveaway is being organized by State Rep. Austin Davis in conjunction with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and U.S. Steel, a spokesperson said. Reservations must have been made in advance through the food bank.

The turkeys as well as boxes containing side dishes will be distributed from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Founders’ Hall Middle School, 3600 O’Neil Blvd.

Additional state-related resources also will be distributed at this event, the spokesman said.

For more information, call Davis’ office at (412) 664-0035.

 

RVFC Kicks Off Holidays With Annual Craft Show

November 13, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News

Since he joined the fire department in 2002, Tony Villinger has wanted to keep the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co.’s Christmas traditions going.

“I joined the fire department back in 2002, and have been involved with the show since 2005,” Villinger said.

The Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. will hold its annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Show Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will feature a variety of vendors, including Farmers Insurance, Color Street, Auberle and Paparazzi.

 
Read More

Rotary Celebrates DJ Antoncic With Fall Fundraiser

November 12, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News

The White Oak Rotary Club will hold a fall dance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the White Oak American Legion to commemorate the “King of Vinyl” and fellow Rotarian Rich Antoncic, a long-time club and radio disc jockey.

Tickets cost $15 per person. Entertainment will include Antoncic, The Platinum Band, MC Lois Scott, and 2 Broke Country Girls. The proceeds will benefit the rotary club’s charitable projects, such as the Salvation Army and the White Oak Animal Safe Haven.

Rotarian Larry Anlauf said, “We’ve been hosting this dance for about six years. We use it to raise general funds, like our golf outing.”

There will also be a cash bar and food. Table reservations can be made by calling (412) 500-5314.

 
Read More

W.O. Street Paving for 2021 is Complete

November 11, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News

White Oak’s 2021 street paving project is complete, borough engineer Ken Hillman reported on Monday.

Hillman provided updates on the borough’s ongoing infrastructure projects during council’s workshop meeting.

“The borough building is nearly finished. Electrical work at Heritage Hill Pool will begin within a month,” Hillman said.

A public hearing to discuss home demolitions is scheduled for Nov. 15.

 
Read More

Superintendent, NAACP Pledge to Work Together

November 11, 2021 |

By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

The McKeesport unit of the NAACP has accepted an apology from the school district superintendent, and both sides say they want to collaborate on challenges facing the community.

“My comments were not intended to be disrespectful or unprofessional,” said Mark Holtzman Jr., McKeesport Area School District superintendent, this week. “They were geared towards calling to action our community groups (and) members that were present at the meeting.”

Brenda Sawyer, NAACP unit president, said Wednesday the group wants to “put this incident behind us and continue to do what’s important.”

“And that is to ensure that the children in the McKeesport Area School District experience acess to quality teaching, fair discipline, equitable resources and challenging curricula — all necessary in preparing them for college or vocational training with resultant meaningful careers,” Sawyer said.

 
Read More

Mayor, Men’s Shelter Still at Odds

November 10, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

McKeesport’s mayor and the founder of a men’s shelter remained at odds this month.

At November’s city council meeting, Keith Giles, chief executive officer and founder of First Step Recovery Homes Inc., apologized for a recent confrontation with Mayor Michael Cherepko in front of city hall.

But Giles said that he remains frustrated that the city demolished a house owned by First Step — without his permission, he said — and sent the charitable organization the bill.

In addition, Giles said, he is disappointed that the city no longer supports the organization financially.

 
Read More

Soap Box Derby Plans Nov. 30 Meeting

November 10, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

The Greater Pittsburgh Soapbox Derby will be holding a re-organization meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, a spokesperson said.

The meeting will be held in the social hall at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, across from McKeesport Senior High School, 1907 Eden Park Blvd.

Anyone interested in the soapbox derby is welcome to attend.

 

Groups Appeal Elizabeth Twp. Power Plant’s Permit

November 10, 2021 |

By Emily Scott © Public News Service | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

The location for a proposed gas-fired power plant near Buena Vista. (Invenergy illustration via Elizabeth Twp. Zoning Hearing Board)


Several environmental organizations are appealing a decision made last month by Allegheny County to approve an air permit for a large gas-fired power plant which could pose environmental and public health risks.

Invenergy’s proposed Allegheny Energy Center would be a 639-megawatt plant located in Elizabeth Twp., along the Youghiogheny River near Buena Vista. (See the original application to the Elizabeth Twp. zoning hearing board, PDF download)

A coalition of four environmental groups said under the permit, Invenergy would be able to turn the plant on and off frequently, which could lead to unlawful spikes in air pollution.

 
Read More

W.N. Church Slates Cookie Walk Dec. 11

November 10, 2021 |

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

West Newton First Church of God, 157 North Second St., will hold its third-annual Christmas cookie walk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11, a spokesperson said. Participants will receive a plastic glove and a box, and will be able to fill the box with the favorite cookies. At the end of the walk, they will pay $8 per pound.

Peanut butter balls also will be sold for $6 per dozen. For more information, call (724) 872-7467.

 

Elizabeth Man Sentenced in Railroad Vandalism

November 10, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

An Elizabeth man has been sentenced to three years’ probation and $1,425.95 in restitution after pleading guilty to vandalizing railroad signals in Port Vue and Braddock.

William C. Brown IV, 28, was sentenced Nov. 4 by U.S. District Court Judge Donetta Ambrose in Pittsburgh on federal charges of terroristic attacks and violence against a railroad and a mass transportation carrier.

Prosecutors noted that the affected tracks carry both CSX freight trains as well as Amtrak passenger trains, and said the vandalism could have had “catastrophic consequences.”

Court documents indicate that Brown and an alleged accomplice were railroad buffs who had known each other since childhood, and were fascinated by trains — and train derailments.

 
Read More

Council OK’s Penalties for Zoning Violators

November 09, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

McKeesport City Council has approved an ordinance that will allow violators of zoning and planning rules to be cited in criminal court.

At the November meeting, council by 7-0 vote amended the city’s zoning and planning ordinance to allow someone convicted of violations to be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine upon conviction by a magistrate.

City Solicitor J. Jason Elash said McKeesport’s zoning ordinance previously allowed violators to be cited with a criminal offense, but the language was dropped during a comprehensive update done in 2017.

 
Read More

Water Co. Encourages Use of Discount Program

November 08, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements

Diane Holder, vice president of operations for Pennsylvania American Water Co., speaks during an event at Renziehausen Park on Thursday as PAWC government affairs representative Brent Robinson, state Sen. Jim Brewster and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko look on. (Tube City Almanac photo)


Elected officials and the region’s largest water and sewer company urged residents to take advantage of a program that can provide discounts and emergency help with utility bills.

At an event at Renziehausen Park on Thursday, Pennsylvania American Water Co. celebrated the 30th anniversary of its low-income customer assistance program, H2O Help to Others.

“We never forget that at the end of every water pipe, there is a family depending on us,” said Diane Holder, PAWC vice president of operations for the western part of Pennsylvania. “For public health and sanitation, everyone needs access to safe tap water and waste water service.”

 
Read More

Police Officer, Motorist Injured in Collision

November 08, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A McKeesport police officer and another motorist were injured when their cars collided at the intersection of Versailles and Union avenues on Monday morning.

City police Chief Adam Alfer said an officer, whose name has not yet been released, was responding to a structure fire on Olive Street when his squad car collided with a vehicle driven by a female motorist in her 40s or 50s.

The accident happened just after 10:30 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation and a report was not yet complete on Monday, Alfer said. The squad car did have its warning lights and siren activated at the time of the crash, he said.

 
Read More

MLT Presents Musical Cabaret This Weekend

November 08, 2021 |

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment

 

(Submitted photo courtesy McKeesport Little Theater)

If you go...

   

Musical Theatre International’s “All Together Now! A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre”

Where: McKeesport Little Theater
1614 Coursin St.
www.mckeesportlittletheater.com

When: Evening performances Friday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner at 6:30, show at 8.
 
Matinees Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. and show at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $25 for show and meal. Reservations must be made online by Wednesday, Nov. 10. Do not call the theater to reserve.

Tickets purchased after 1 p.m. for matinees and after 7 p.m. for evening performances will be $15 for the show only. Those tickets can be purchased at the box office.

A cabaret-like atmosphere will welcome guests to McKeesport Little Theater’s fundraising show, “All Together Now!” that runs for four performances on Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 14.

With Edward Bostedo at the helm as director, the performances are part of Music Theatre International’s global event celebrating local theatre that weekend.

As is happening in theaters around the world, “All Together Now!” at MLT will feature songs from a variety of MTI’s extensive collection. They include “Newsies,” “Mama Mia!”, “Junie B. Jones, the Musical,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Sister Act” and others.

“It’s a cabaret-style, very classy show,” Bostedo said. “There will be sheer curtains on the stage with lights, and dinner or lunch prior to the performances.”

 
Read More

Police: Cell Phone Links Suspect to Murder

November 07, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News

County detectives used cell phone records to track the accused killer of Karli Short to her Christy Park neighborhood at the time police believe she was murdered, affidavits state.

Isaac C. Smith, 25, of McKeesport is being held without bond in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing Nov. 24 before Magisterial District Judge Kim Berkeley Clark.

Smith is charged by Allegheny County police with homicide and homicide of an unborn child in connection with the Sept. 13 death of Short, 26, who had worked at a personal care home and did catering on the side. Smith was arrested Friday in Pleasant Hills.

County police and family said that Smith was the father of Short’s unborn baby boy, who was due in February 2022. Detectives called the slaying “pre-planned.”

 
Read More

City NAACP Gets Apology from Superintendent

November 07, 2021 |

By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

The McKeesport unit of the NAACP asked for an apology at McKeesport Area School Board’s October meeting, saying that Superintendent Mark Holtzman Jr. misconstrued the group’s support.

Brenda Sawyer, unit president, said that during a discussion at the Sept. 22 meeting, Holtzman implied that the NAACP backed the early renewal of Assistant Superintendent Tia Wanzo’s contract.

“We were unaware that (Wanzo’s) contract was being renewed with two years remaining,” Sawyer said. “Where is the transparency in that? Who knew that you and Dr. Wanzo would resign and be re-hired within 48 hours on the new contract, with years remaining on the current contract? The taxpayers had no idea.”

Members of the NAACP are individuals and district taxpayers and are capable of expressing their own opinions, Sawyer said.

 
Read More

Father of Unborn Child Held in Woman’s Slaying

November 06, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

A city man has been charged in connection with the death Sept. 13 of the mother of his unborn child.

Isaac Smith, 25, is being held in the Allegheny County Jail on homicide charges after being arrested in Pleasant Hills on Friday night on a warrant obtained by the Allegheny County district attorney’s office.

Bail and arraignment information were not immediately available on Saturday morning.

Smith is accused in the death of Karli Short, 26, of Christy Park, who was found dead of a gunshot wound at her home on 25th Avenue just after 10:30 that morning. Short was five months pregnant with her first child at the time, family members said.

 
Read More

Few Details Released in Man’s Death

November 06, 2021 |

By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News

* Correction: This story was corrected after publication.

Allegheny County police are releasing few details in connection with a death Friday afternoon at a home on Grover Street in the city.

The victim, Stephen Rucinski, 41, of McKeesport was reportedly mauled by a dog, but county police had not confirmed that information as of Saturday morning.

McKeesport police and animal control officers searched the neighborhood on Friday evening for a black and brown pit bull, which was located about an hour after the incident. The extent of Rucinski’s injuries was not publicly released and it was not clear to whom the dog belonged.

 
Read More

7th Ward Cleanup Scheduled Saturday

November 05, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Neighborhood groups will combine efforts for a Seventh Ward cleanup day on Saturday (Nov. 6), a spokesperson said.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at 1604 Evans Ave., near the McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service station, and is sponsored by the McKeesport chapter of the NAACP, the Community Partnership for HIV Prevention and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko.

Cherepko said the city will provide gloves and trash bags and volunteers will work their way through the neighborhood toward McKeesport Little Theater at Coursin and Bailie avenues. Lunch will be served at the end of the day.

For more information, call (412) 628-0919.

 

Auberle Honors Passion, Service During Pandemic

November 04, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Local, county and state officials joined Auberle staff and board members and Bishop David Zubik to dedicate a new family emergency center at Auberle’s Hartman Street campus. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)


Auberle held its annual board meeting, “Reimagining Essential Services During COVID,” Wednesday at its McKeesport campus.

The group honored Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services as its “Community Partner of the Year.” In addition, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the Most Rev. David Zubik, Roman Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh, helped to dedicate Auberle’s newest Family Emergency Shelter.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our human services department,” Fitzgerald said. “It takes all of us working together. Pittsburgh has learned a lot since the 1918 pandemic.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Auberle launched nine new services to address housing, unemployment, mental health support and more, group spokespersons said. These services include virtual behavioral health and therapy sessions, virtual support groups for foster parents, and mental health support for youth aging out of foster care.

 
Read More

Yoga Studio Brings Positive Energy to Community

November 03, 2021 |

By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News

We could all use more support and positive vibes. Healthy breathing and good posture don’t hurt either.

That’s where yoga comes in.

The Sunnie Vibes Studio Yoga & Wellness will hold an outdoor vendor show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 7). at 1206 Ohio Ave. in White Oak. The studio will officially open the following Monday, Nov. 15.

Founder Cameron Chemsak has been practicing yoga for eight years, and for her, it’s about more than just fitness.

 
Read More

Republicans Sweep White Oak Council Races

November 03, 2021 |

By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections, White Oak News

Republicans swept four vacant seats on White Oak borough council in Tuesday's election.

According to complete but unofficial results from the Allegheny County elections office, Loree Scharritter led the field with 1,188 votes, followed by incumbent Julie A. Opferman and newcomers Joelle M. Harbert and Jason Russell.

Former White Oak councilman David J. Pasternak came in fifth place; followed by Kenneth Robb and George Dillinger, who lost their bids for re-election; and Kenneth A. Obusek.

Pasternak, Robb, Dillinger and Obusek are Democrats.

 
Read More

Light-Up Night in West Newton is Nov. 27

November 02, 2021 |

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

Downtown West Newton Inc. will hold its annual “Miracle on Main Street” light-up night on Nov. 27.

Aaron Nelson, chair of DWNI, said this year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m., with a parade on Main Street to beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The community Christmas tree will be lighted directly following the parade.

 
Read More

Carnegie Library Posts November Events

November 02, 2021 |

By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements

Health screenings and technology programs for kids are part of November’s offerings at the Carnegie Library of McKeesport, said Vincent D’Alesio, library director.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the outstanding events during the busy month of October,” D’Alesio said. “You can see pictures of all the fun we had on our Facebook page.”

The library will be participating in the city’s Salute to Santa Parade on Nov. 20 with a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” themed float, he said. Nelson’s Transmission Shop in Christy Park has been helping with the preparation of the float, D’Alesio said.

 
Read More

Google™ Custom Search
McKeesport booked.net
+69°F

High: +69°

Low: +59°