December 31, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
After serving North Versailles Twp. for more than two decades — most recently as township manager — Patricia Logo is now preparing to retire.
At the December commissioners’ meeting, board President Frank Bivins thanked Logo for her efforts to guide the township through a period of financial difficulty. “Since she’s been here, she’s done a wonderful job,” Bivins said. “We were in the hole when she got here and she brought us up to where we’ve got a surplus.”
Logo’s last day will be Jan. 28.
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December 30, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
CORRECTION: This article incorrectly reported the vote at Monday’s meeting. It has been corrected.
The borough of White Oak failed to pass its 2022 budget at Monday’s special council meeting.
Council members Julie Opferman, Charles Davis and Louis Bender voted yes. Council members George Dillinger, Joe Nagy, George Pambacas and Ken Robb voted no.
Pambacas expressed concern that although the spending plan was balanced, it would cut into the borough’s fund balance, or surplus.
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December 29, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements
Our goal is to continue to provide coverage of news and events in McKeesport, Duquesne, North Versailles Twp., White Oak and the surrounding area. We'd even like to grow, but first, we need to get back to full strength.
We don't ask for money very often. If you can help us, we would very much appreciate a donation this year.
We are an IRS-registered 501(C)(3) charity, which means your donation may be tax-deductible.
If you are financially able, and would like to make a gift, please consider doing so.
Donations may be made by check or money order to:
Tube City Community Media Inc.
P.O. Box 94
McKeesport PA 15134
Or via PayPal at: http://www.tubecityonline.com/contact/
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December 28, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Tube City Almanac file photo)
More than 92 percent of residents of the Kane Regional Center in McKeesport are fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19, said the administrator of Allegheny County’s four public assisted living facilities for the elderly.
In addition, said Dennis Biondo, executive director of the Kane Community Living Centers, Kane employees are covered by Allegheny County’s mandate that required workers to provide proof of vaccination by Dec. 1.
About 94 percent of workers responded positively before the deadline.
“We’re keeping a close eye on it,” Biondo said. “And we’re keeping a close eye on our residents. I can’t say that we never have any posititve cases, but most recently we’ve not seen any significant serious illness for a while.”
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December 23, 2021 |
By Jason A. Mignanelli | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Sports
Bill Cleary, retired athletic director and teacher at Serra Catholic High School, poses with a new sign at the gymnasium. Cleary’s 41-year career at the school in Haler Heights includes coaching the girls’ basketball team to a state championship and 18 section titles. (Photo courtesy Serra Catholic High School via Facebook)
For the first time in the school’s 60-year history, Serra Catholic High School has named an area of its campus after a former teacher.
On Dec. 11, at a ceremony attended by past and current teachers and faculty, the school in McKeesport’s Haler Heights neighborhood dedicated the William J. Cleary Gymnasium.
Cleary not only taught at Serra Catholic for 41 years, but he also held the Athletic Director position for 38 of those years.
“The thought of having the gymnasium named after me is just overwhelming and it’s incredibly humbling,” Cleary said recently. “I find myself paying closer attention to places that are named after people now. Someday someone will ask, ‘Who was that Coach Cleary guy anyway?””
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December 21, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
Allegheny County police are investigating a shooting Monday night in Duquesne.
Emergency personnel said Duquesne police and paramedics were dispatched just before 10 p.m. to the 500 block of Grant Street for a report of a shooting. A male victim was found sitting a car, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head, emergency personnel said.
The victim was taken to an area hospital and is listed in critical condition, county police said. His name was not released.
County police said the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
December 21, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
The McKeesport Police Annual Fund Drive is currently underway, a spokesman said.
Donations are being solicited on a voluntary basis to assist the department with the purchase of non-budgeted equipment in order to better serve residents of McKeesport and Dravosburg.
“The items purchased from these donations are used on a daily basis by our police department,” the spokesman said. “Several of these items would never have been purchased if it were not for the generosity of the local businesses and private citizens of both McKeesport and Dravosburg.”
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December 21, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
There are five new faces on the East Allegheny School Board. At the Dec. 6 reorganization meeting, new members were sworn in and took their seats.
Superintendent Alan Johnson thanked the outgoing board of directors for their service. “I do really truly understand what a commitment it is and oftentimes what a thankless task it is,” he said.
The first big task of this new board of directors will be to tackle the district’s masking policy. In light of the recent decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to overrule the governor’s state mask mandate, the topic will be on the agenda at the next school board meeting which will be held on Jan. 10.
Until then, masking remains a requirement at Logan Elementary, the junior-senior high school and school buses.
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December 20, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
All four lanes of the Jerome Avenue Bridge have now reopened, but work on a $15.44 million rehabilitation project will continue through next year. (Tube City Almanac photo)
The dark blue paint on the Jerome Avenue Bridge is there to stay, and is a homage to the red and blue colors of the McKeesport Area School District, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said.
Last week, all four lanes of the bridge reopened to traffic after being restricted to one lane since March 2021. Single-lane restrictions will continue on the bridge weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the spring of 2022, but traffic will be maintained in each direction, said Steve Cowan, spokesman for PennDOT District 11.
Built in 1937 by Allegheny County, the bridge connects West Fifth Avenue and Lysle Boulevard over the CSX Railroad tracks and the Youghiogheny River. Up to 11,000 vehicles per day cross the span, PennDOT statistics indicate.
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December 20, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
In observance of the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, Allegheny County offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, a spokesperson said.
All county offices will be closed on Christmas Eve. The Department of Court Records, including the Marriage License & Passport Office, also will be closed on Dec. 27.
All other offices will return to regular business hours on Dec. 27.
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December 20, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: White Oak News
(File photo from Georgia, courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, via Flickr)
The Allegheny County Parks Department is offering its annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program again this holiday season, a spokesperson said.
Residents may drop off Christmas trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 14 at all nine county parks from 8 a.m. until dusk.
All lights, decorations, tinsel and stands must be removed from trees prior to drop-off. Trees will be mulched and used in the county parks. Drop-off locations include Alfalfa Shelter Parking Lot at Round Hill Park, Elizabeth Twp., and Chestnut Shelter Parking Lot, White Oak Park.
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December 15, 2021 |
By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School Board had a packed house for its final meeting of 2021.
During a public comment period, Stephanie Graham, the mother of a student whose bus was cancelled two out of three days last week, asked where the district stands on the busing issue as winter approaches.
McKeesport Area School District has been locked in a dispute with its bus provider, Pennsylvania Coach Lines, since August. In September, the district asked Allegheny County Judge Arnold Klein to declare the company in breach of contract after the bus company repeatedly cancelled service, citing a lack of drivers.
Although an agreement was reached for Pennsylvania Coach to continue providing services, the dispute has continued. The case was scheduled to go to trial Dec. 15, but has been postponed, according to court records.
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December 15, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak’s proposed 2022 budget will include no tax increase, officials said at this week’s borough council workshop session.
Borough manager John Palyo provided some updates on next year’s spending proposals. He said that key focus areas in the 2022 budget include pension plans and code enforcement.
It is possible that White Oak will continue to provide police services to South Versailles Twp. in 2022, Palyo said.
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December 15, 2021 |
By Matt Germaine | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne’s police chief will retain his title for now.
Thomas W. Dunlevy, 49, has been charged by Allegheny County police with intimidation of witnesses, intimidation or realitiation in a child abuse case, obstructing the administration of law and official oppression.
Dunlevy was arraigned Dec. 7 and is currently free on $25,000 unsecured bond pending a preliminary hearing Dec. 20 before Magisterial District Judge Kim Berkeley Clark.
“These are all allegations. We have to see what’s going to be held for court, and then whether or not charges are going to be pursued by the district attorney’s office,” said Duquesne city solicitor Myron Sainovich in an interview. “If there’s not enough evidence in the preliminary hearing, the charges could be dismissed. We just have to wait and see.”
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December 14, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Duquesne News, McKeesport and Region News, North Versailles Twp. News
Local school districts are keeping their mask policies in effect for the time being.
Duquesne and East Allegheny school officials said their mandatory mask policies will remain in place, while McKeesport Area School District said the district is making face masks optional but “highly recommended” for all staff and students.
Masking also is mandatory on school buses, McKeesport Area officials said.
On Friday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the state Department of Health overstepped its authority on Aug. 31 by setting a blanket requirement for all students to wear a face mask while in class to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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December 14, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A former employee of Pure Penn faces formal arraignment in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court after being accused of purchasing more than $17,000 in tools on a company credit card, then selling them.
Wade A. Kildow, 33, of Elizabeth Twp. is charged by McKeesport police with theft by unlawful taking and access device fraud. He remains free on his own recognizance following a preliminary hearing Nov. 15 before Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi.
McKeesport police said the alleged thefts were reported Sept. 24. Police said Kildow was a maintenance worker at the facility on Industry Road and had access to a credit card to purchase tools from a hardware supplier.
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December 14, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A 16-year-old student was charged with striking a police officer in connection with a Nov. 22 incident at McKeesport Area High School.
McKeesport police said officers responded just after 7 a.m. when callers reported a disturbance was in progress.
According to a police report, a staff member accused the student of using profanity and abusive language. When the staff member asked the student to leave the campus, the student did so, police said, but then attempted to re-enter the building.
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December 12, 2021 |
By Emily Scott © Public News Service | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Pennsylvania’s school funding trial will enter its fourth week in Commonwealth Court on Monday.
Testimony so far has provided an inside view into the difficult decisions faced by educators in the state’s low-wealth districts with minimal resources.
In 2014, six Pennsylvania school districts—William Penn, Greater Johnstown, Lancaster, Panther Valley, Shenandoah Valley and Wilkes-Barre Area—sued state legislative officials, state education officials and Gov. Tom Wolf, alleging that the state’s school funding system violates the clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution that promises to provide a “thorough and efficient” system of public education.
The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, the NAACP-Pennsylvania State Conference and a group of public school parents are also plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
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December 11, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Mary, Mother of God Parish will host a Cookie Walk from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at Corpus Christi Social Hall, 803 Market St., McKeesport, a spokeswoman said.
Attendees can grab a cup of hot chocolate, stroll cookie lane and select a from a wide variety of homemade treats. A dozen cookies cost $7. Kids can decorate their own sugar cookie and visit with Santa Claus.
For more information, email suz.litzinger@gmail.com.
December 09, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport will receive more than $1 million in 2022 from the Allegheny Regional Asset District for improvements to Renziehausen Park as well as operating funds.
The $118 million RAD budget approved last week includes $783,525 in operating funds as well as $250,000 in capital funding for bleacher improvements, extensions to the walking trail, new exercise equipment, and upgrades to the Lions Bandshell and the dek-hockey court.
“We got what we believe is our full amount (requested),” said McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko. “We’re very grateful for RAD and if the media prints anything, I hope they print that.”
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December 09, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
Duquesne’s police chief has been charged with witness intimidation in connection with an incident in Hazelwood, Allegheny County police said.
Thomas W. Dunlevy, 49, of Duquesne is charged by Allegheny County police with intimidation of witnesses, intimidation or retaliation in a child abuse case, obstructing the administration of law and official oppression.
Dunlevy was arraigned Wednesday night and is currently free on $25,000 unsecured bond pending a preliminary hearing Dec. 20 before Magisterial District Judge Kim Berkeley Clark.
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December 08, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport’s 2022 budget will not include a tax increase as the city continues to focus on retaining residents, demolishing vacant buildings and encouraging business development.
“We must rebuild our tax base, improve our neighborhoods and encourage home ownership — all while continuing to find creative ways to provide the services that McKeesport residents deserve,” Mayor Michael Cherepko told council this month while delivering his budget message.
Council by 7-0 vote approved the $25.8 million spending plan, which is about $3.8 million more than this year’s budget.
Next year’s budget incorporates funds from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan as well as $4 million from the McKeesport Rising project — the proceeds from the 2017 sale of McKeesport sewerage authority.
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December 07, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
An illustration depicts the kinds of improvements that Port Authority is envisioning for the Route 837 corridor. This view depicts what an improved bus shelter might look like near Kennywood in West Mifflin. (Illustration courtesy Port Authority of Allegheny County)
Allegheny County’s transit authority will hold two public information sessions today (Dec. 7) to discuss a slate of proposed improvements to the corridor between McKeesport and Homestead.
The online-only events begin at 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. today. To register, visit PortAuthority.org/HomesteadToMcKeesport or call (412) 566-5184.
A spokesperson for Port Authority of Allegheny County said the agency is considering transit and pedestrian upgrades between the Homestead Grays Bridge and the McKeesport Transportation Center “that will improve safety, accessibility, operations and efficiency.”
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December 06, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Carnegie Library of McKeesport will hold its annual Christmas party from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the main library, 1507 Library Ave., said Vincent D’Alesio, library director.
The location is a change from the previously announced party at the Palisades. “There are many who simply cannot get transportation to Downtown, so we feel that having the party in our own building will encourage more participation,” D’Alesio said. “Same event, same time, new place.”
The event includes pizza, games, music and treat bags. Cost is $5 per family (up to four people) and $1 for each additional person, due upon registration. Partygoers must register in person by Dec. 13.
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December 06, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A McKeesport man deliberately crashed his car into a building on Pittsburgh’s North Side, killing himself and two other people, officials have ruled.
But Pittsburgh police will not release an accident report or any additional information on how they determined that Ronald K. Morgan, 50, of McKeesport was committing suicide on June 12, when his car left Western Avenue and collided with the Biomat USA plasma center.
Two women who were working inside the building — Laura E. Meneskie, 35, of Pittsburgh, and Parveena B. Abdul, 55, of Clairton — were pronounced dead at the scene.
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December 05, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
West Newton Public Library, 124 North Water St., is seeking donations of used, newer hardcover and paperback books for its fill-a-bag sale.
Manager Robin Matty said all books are checked to make sure the library does not need them for its shelves first.
At this time, the library is not seeking cookbooks, children’s books or non-fiction books. Used books are sold for $5 per bag. Hours are 12 noon to 5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 12 noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (724) 633-0798.
December 03, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A Snapchat spokesperson says the company has “zero tolerance” for people who use their mobile-phone app to make violent threats against schools.
However, the company has not explained what steps it is taking to prevent a wave of threats against schools that has swept the United States — and which roiled local districts this week.
The latest Mon-Yough school system affected was Clairton, which moved to online learning on Friday after officials said a threat of violence was made using Snapchat. Police are investigating.
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December 03, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
The borough of White Oak has a number of events coming up this Christmas season:
Holiday Home Decorating Contest: White Oak is holding its second Christmas decorating contest this year through Dec. 12. Interested residents can enter the contest by emailing their name, address, phone number and three photos to michelle@woboro.com. Prizes will be awarded for four different categories – Best Traditional, Clark Griswold, Buddy the Elf, and Kids Choice.
Winners will be announced at the Gingerbread House contest on Dec. 19.
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December 02, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Kai Brown is shown accepting his high school diploma from then-Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent Anthony Hamlet on June 12, 2021. Brown, 19, died Nov. 19 after being stabbed in McKeesport. (Family photo via GoFundMe)
The family of a 19-year-old who died after being stabbed at Midtown Plaza Apartments is raising money on GoFundMe to pay for his funeral.
Kai Adonis Brown will be laid to rest Dec. 10 in his native Chicago.
That’s the same day that the teen-ager charged in connection with his death, Damian Baverso, 15, of East McKeesport is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Kim Berkeley Clark.
Baverso is charged as an adult by Allegheny County police with criminal homicide and making terroristic threats.
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December 02, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Crime and Police News
UPDATED with information about Pittsburgh Public Schools.
UPDATED with quote from Snapchat.
An unidentified student has been charged with making violent threats toward Founders’ Hall Middle School and West Mifflin Area School District, McKeesport police announced Thursday night.
The threats — part of a wave of copy-cat threats that are being made against school districts across the country over the smartphone app Snapchat — caused an increased police presence at McKeesport Area schools, while West Mifflin Area schools suspended in-person classes and canceled after-school activities on Wednesday.
The threats against Founders’ Hall were made Tuesday and Wednesday, said McKeesport police Chief Adam Alfer in a press release. School officials said police searched the building and determined the threats were “unfounded.”
“We take these (threats) very seriously, and the safety of our students and residents is a priority,” Alfer said.
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December 02, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News
Volunteers were making last-minute adjustments to their trees on Wednesday afternoon at Jacob Woll Pavilion in Renziehausen Park. McKeesport’s 36th annual Festival of Trees continues through Monday. Hours are 12 noon to 9 p.m. (Tube City Almanac photo)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Jacob Woll Pavilion in Renziehausen Park with the opening of McKeesport’s 36th annual Festival of Trees.
Doors will be open daily, through Monday, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
The official opening tonight will include the arrival of Santa Claus on a McKeesport fire truck at 6:15 p.m., plus a tree-lighting ceremony featuring the Salute to Santa Parade 2021 Princess Saniya Rivers of the LaRosa Youth Club and Queen Kaitlyn Majewski of McKeesport Little Theater.
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