June 20, 2024 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: Announcements
A smoggy haze covered McKeesport after wildfires swept parts of Canada, spreading smoke over much of the northeast United States. A climate scientist said freak weather events such as forest fires, severe thunderstorms and heat waves are becoming more common in Pennsylvania due to climate change. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
Summer officially arrives today, and a climate scientist is warning that future heat waves in Pennsylvania will be longer and hotter than the current one affecting much of the Mid-Atlantic region.
The National Weather Service in Moon Twp. has issued an excessive heat watch for Pennsylvania, including parts of east-central Ohio and the northern panhandle of West Virginia, through Saturday. The heat index is expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees every day this week.
Fiona Lo, climate scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund, said climate change has increased and will continue to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heat waves in Pennsylvania.
“In the future, we’ll expect heat waves will likely be hotter, last longer and occur more often. And this will happen in Pennsylvania and all over the U.S. and likely over the globe,” Lo said. “This summer is predicted to be warmer than normal for Pennsylvania, and this is due to the shifting weather patterns from climate change.”
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June 19, 2024 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Source: National Weather Service)
Related: Record-breaking heat bakes Mon-Yough area; cooling centers opened
Temperatures above 90 degrees pose unique health risks because they’re so close to our core body temperatures of 98 to 99 degrees, a local doctor said.
“Heat transfer from your body surface to the environment becomes less efficient the closer the ambient temperature is to core body temperature,” said Dr. Thomas Kessler, a family medicine specialist in Trafford and Irwin who also practices at UPMC East in Monroeville.
“Humidity is also is an important factor,” Kessler said. “Sweat helps us regulate body temperature via evaporation. If humidity is too high, producing sweat becomes more difficult. As an analogy, you can't be cooled off by sweat if you're submerged in a swimming pool, because your sweat won't evaporate. The combination of high heat and humidity can be very dangerous.”
The mid-Atlantic is currently trapped under a so-called “heat dome” that’s roughly centered over Ohio and Pennsylvania, but which extends from Michigan to New York.
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June 19, 2024 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Tube City Almanac photo)
Related: Local doctor offers tips for staying healthy in extreme heat
The last time the Mon-Yough area had a stretch of heat like this was ... never.
Nevermind (if you can) the high temperatures near 100 degrees every day this week. The National Weather Service in Moon Twp. said Tuesday that low temperatures are expected to remain above 70 degrees through Sunday.
NWS forecasters said that in 154 years of record-keeping, Pittsburgh has never had a six-day or more stretch of low temperatures above 70 in the month of June. The last time it happened at all was in July 2011.
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the entire region through 8 p.m. Saturday. In a prepared statement, the NWS said “prolonged dangerous hot conditions” are likely, with heat indexes — the way the temperature feels, when combined with humidity — ranging from 105 to 110 degrees each day.
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June 19, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Traffic will be restricted on Route 48 in Boston this week as crews begin work to replace a wall.
A single, alternating lane of traffic will be maintained as crews work in the area between West Smithfield Street and Finney Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, a district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said. Crews from A. Liberoni, Inc will conduct the work.
Additional work will begin June 24 to replace a deteriorated block wall in the area. More information will be provided before that roadway closure begins.
June 18, 2024 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
State Rep. Nick Pisciottano, Duquesne Councilwoman Elaine Washington, Duquesne Mayor R. Scott Adams, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Chair Hayley Haldeman and Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey celebrate the unveiling of a historical plaque for jazz musician Earl “Fatha” Hines. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
A recording of Earl “Fatha” Hines’s music filled the air outside his childhood home on Tuesday morning as crowds gathered to pay tribute to one of Duquesne’s favorite sons.
At a ceremony in the 600 block of Priscilla Street, local elected officials, historians and jazz fans unveiled a historical marker commemorating the life of a musician and bandleader considered one of the most influential figures in the history of American jazz.
Promising to keep the program tight and quick to avoid impending 90-degree summer heat, Duquesne Councilwoman Elaine Washington, who also serves as President of the Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society, recognized dignitaries, such as Duquesne Mayor R. Scott Adams, county Councilman Bob Macey, state Rep. Nick Pisciottano and Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Chair Hayley Haldeman.
Macey presented a proclamation from Allegheny County Council and Pisciottano joked that “Fatha” was the “second most famous ‘Hines’ from Pittsburgh.”
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June 18, 2024 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Only rubble remains of a vacant house on Federal Street destroyed in a suspicious fire early Sunday morning. Two neighboring abandoned houses also were destroyed and a neighboring apartment building and garage sustained damage. (Tube City Almanac photo)
The owner of a Jenny Lind Street apartment building damaged in a fire early Sunday morning said the blaze is a temporary setback.
“I’m trying to stay optimistic,” said Ahmad Francis, who also owns city-based Francis Masonry & Construction. “My wife and I were already planning to renovate it. We just have to do a little bit more, that’s all.”
Three vacant homes near the corner of Federal Street and Jenny Lind Street were destroyed early Sunday in a blaze that emergency personnel characterized as suspicious.
The Allegheny County fire marshal’s office is investigating and has not yet determined a cause, a spokeswoman said.
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June 15, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: White Oak News
Wesley Family Services, White Oak officials and East Allegheny’s soccer program will host a kickball game and cookout today (June 15) at White Oak Park and encourage an end to domestic violence.
The Father’s Day Pledge Kickball Cookout will begin at 11 a.m. at the Blue Spruce grove in White Oak Park.
Chris Goyke, head coach of the East Allegheny Middle School soccer team, is scheduled to speak, along with White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton.
• Listen: Ryan Conley and Marla Jones of Wesley Family Services were guests this week on our podcast, heard Sunday mornings on WEDO (810) and WZUM (101.1/1550)
The event is part of the national “No More” movement, which promotes awareness and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. A spokeswoman said Wesley Family Services is a local ally in a national network of many municipalities, corporations and communities promoting accountability and community involvement to reduce and eliminate domestic abuse.
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June 13, 2024 |
By Advertising | Posted in: Paid Advertisement
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June 13, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A Duquesne man was pronounced dead following an incident at a tavern on Eden Park Boulevard in McKeesport.
The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said Bryant Boyd, 64, was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m. today (June 13) outside of Cal’s Cantina.
In a statement, Allegheny County police said emergency dispatchers received a report of the shooting at 12:40 a.m. and found the victim, later identified as Boyd, dead at the scene. Homicide detectives are investigating.
Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to call the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
June 13, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Applications for absentee and mail-in ballots for the upcoming Nov. 5 election are now available, an Allegheny County spokesperson announced.
Voters across the state can access and complete the applications for mail-in and absentee ballots.
The county Elections Division said it encourages all eligible voters who have not already applied to use the online application process to ensure timely receipt of their ballots. Voters should apply early to avoid any potential delays, the spokesperson added.
In addition to electing a president, voters will be selecting a U.S. senator, members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and State Senate.
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June 13, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
(Allegheny County photo)
The “Hometown Hoops” program will return to area parks and playgrounds — including Wilmerding and McKeesport — this summer.
The Allegheny County Parks Department has announced the return Hometown Hoops Mini-Camp for ages 9 to 18, beginning June 24 and continuing through Aug. 9 in 10 communities.
The 29 basketball mini-camps are free and take place 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the designated locations. A free box lunch will be provided at 12 noon each day by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
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June 12, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
(Photo courtesy Butler’s Golf Course)
The Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Golf Classic on Sept. 16, a spokesperson said.
The event at Butler’s Golf Course, 800 Rock Run Road, Elizabeth Twp., begins at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast. The competiton begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
A dinner reception at Rock Run Inn will follow the day’s events. Registration is now open at the chamber’s website.
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June 12, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: West Newton News
Following a successful used book sale, the West Newton Public Library is now accepting donations of adult hardcover and paperback books in good, saleable condition for its next sale, a spokesperson said.
The library also will accept gently used children’s books, DVDs and audio tapes. The library is located at 124 N. Water St. West Newton. Hours are 12 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 12 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
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June 12, 2024 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
(Tube City Almanac photo)
Duquesne City Council has passed a sweeping new ordinance that regulates on-street parking of commercial and recreational vehicles, parking near the Duquesne Education Center, and other problem areas.
At its June meeting, council voted unanimously to enact a new city-wide parking regulation. The new rules are available on the city’s website.
Among its provisions, the ordinance:
• Bans on-street parking of trailers, motorhomes and boats for more than 48 hours
• Requires all vehicles to be parked with legally marked spaces
• Prohibits “angle parking” outside of painted parking spaces
• Prohibits long-term parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas, except while loading or unloading during deliveries or while services are being performed in a neighborhood
• Prohibits use of lawns as parking areas
• Restricts parking near Duquesne Education Center between 2 and 4 p.m. on school days
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June 12, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
File photo: 2021 Good Neighbor Day (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
More than 70 vendors, community groups and public service agencies will gather on Fifth Avenue, Downtown, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today as McKeesport celebrates its 60th annual Good Neighbor Day.
The event will stretch from Market to Locust streets and include games, a bounce house, inflatables, a playground area, and a petting zoo near the intersection of Fifth and Market, said a spokesperson for McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko.
The National Weather Service in Moon Twp. said that conditions should be ideal for Wednesday’s event, with little to no chance of rain, mild winds and temperatures ranging from 78 to 81 degrees during midday.
The Mon River Fleet Lions Club will be passing out freeze pops, water, and chips, while McKeesport Fire Department will have snow cones.
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June 11, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
Back to back meetings of the McKeesport Area School District showcased new hires and planned improvements to the district.
During Thursday’s special board meeting, the district approved the hiring of Matthew Mols as assistant to the superintendent. The new position comes with an annual salary of $130,000. Scott Smith was announced as director of building and grounds at an annual salary of $110,000.
During a subsequent open agenda meeting, board members voiced their intention to vote on several upcoming expenses, including paving services and band instruments.
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June 11, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Lorenzo Lewis receives a $5,000 award from the R.O.M.E.O.S. on June 6. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
McKeesport Area High School graduate and aspiring engineer Lorenzo Lewis was awarded “The Best Man” scholarship by the R.O.M.E.O.S. on Thursday.
The $5,000 prize, which was announced before McKeesport Area School District’s open agenda meeting, celebrates a graduating Tiger who demonstrates exemplary character, explained board member David Donato.
“He’s just a crowd pleaser,” Donato said of Lewis. “He's an amazing young man. Everybody spoke about his care for others and how much help he is to everyone — administration, teachers alike — active in the community, just a great kid and we're so proud to have him as our number one Tiger.”
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June 11, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Submitted photos courtesy UPMC McKeesport hospital)
A record crowd attended the fourth-annual McKeesport Community Day on Saturday, a spokeswoman said.
More than 1,000 people attended the event, held along Market Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. The celebration was sponsored by UPMC McKeesport hospital in cooperation with several area churches that are part of a faith-based “Call to Action” community health team, said Sarah Deist, UPMC McKeesport spokeswoman.
The event had previously moved to the campus of McKeesport Area High School. Deist credited the decision to return to Downtown McKeesport with increasing the attendance. The goal of the event was to promote health awareness and healthier lifestyles through free health screenings, health education, and access to local resources.
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June 11, 2024 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
New officers sworn in by the Semper Fidelis Club include financial secretary T. Renee Easley of West Mifflin; corresponding secretary Amber Webb of McKeesport; recording secretary Joyce Gwen Thompson of White Oak; president Norine A. Jenkins of White Oak; vice president the Rev. Anica Jones of McKeesport; and parliamentarian V. Fawn Walker of McKeesport.
One of the city’s longest-running civic organizations is preparing for its 105th year of service.
During a meeting at Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus, members of the Semper Fidelis Scholarship Club inducted new officers, with outgoing club President Jacqueline Blake presiding over the ceremony.
Taking oaths of office were Norine A. Jenkins, president; Anica Paige, vice president; Tia Wanzo, treasurer; T. Renee Easley, financial secretary; Joyce Gwen Thompson, recording secretary; Amber Webb, corresponding secretary; Paula Robinson, chaplain; V. Fawn Walker, parliamentarian; and Joy Simmons, historian.
Blake said thank you to the incoming officers and members for their pledge of service, their commitment, and for the support and love that was shown towards her during her tenure.
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June 07, 2024 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment
Julia Rae Jackson as Tina Kenney shares her struggles, hopes and dreams in "Voices." (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photos for Tube City Almanac)
The alien cast of McKeesport Little Theater Juniors' production of "Are We There Yet?" aboard their space vehicle prepare to tour Earth with Tika Gill, standing, as their guide.
If you go...
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“Are We There Yet?” and “I Will Sing Life: Voices from the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp”
Where: McKeesport Little Theater, 1614 Coursin St., (412) 673-1100, www.mckeesportlittletheater.com
When: Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 9 matinee at 2 p.m
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for students available at the door.
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McKeesport Little Theater Juniors’ annual spring production showcases the talents of some of the newest members of the group, followed by tear-jerking performances from veterans.
Opening today (June 7), and running for just one weekend, the first play, called “Are We There Yet,” is short and full of lots of humorous moments as intergalactic tour guide Tika Gill shares her interpretation of places, events, and things on Earth with her latest clients.
The second play, while more serious, still has its lighter moments.
“I Will Sing Life: Voices from the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp” is a collage of writings and interviews with young people who attend the real Hole in the Wall Gang Camp founded by actor Paul Newman.
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June 07, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
UPMC McKeesport is joining with the city’s faith-based “Call to Action” community health team to host the fourth annual McKeesport Community Day on from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday (June 8) on Market Street at Fifth Avenue, Downtown.
McKeesport Community Day will be a “free, joy-filled day” for the whole family, featuring the Bill Henry Band, health screenings, children’s activities, raffles, giveaways, food and refreshments and more, said Sarah Diest, UPMC spokeswoman.
UPMC McKeesport aims to promote health awareness and healthier lifestyles through free health screenings, health education, and access to local resources, she said.
“UPMC McKeesport’s goal is to foster connection within the community, while sharing how important it is to prioritize your health,” said Kari Bedillion, vice president of operations for UPMC East and UPMC McKeesport. “We are looking forward to celebrating the community of people we are thankful to care for.”
The event is being made possible thanks to the support of UPMC McKeesport, McKeesport Hospital Foundation, UPMC McKeesport Medical Executive Committee, UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Western Behavioral Health, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Beulah Park United Methodist Church, Sister to Sister Outreach Ministries and Zion Baptist Church.
For more information, call (412) 664-6774.
June 06, 2024 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The owner of a Marshall Drive home where two people were shot during a backyard pool party has apologized to neighbors and said he wants to avoid a repeat of the incident.
Jake Howell said the May 26 incident — where two guests exchanged gunfire following an argument — was a family cookout that “turned tragic.” Howell, an electrical engineer who has lived in McKeesport for three years, called the events “painful.”
“I’ve never had anything like that happen before and it’s scary,” Howell said Wednesday following a city council meeting attended by a large group of other Haler Heights residents.
The incident happened around a backyard swimming pool at Howell’s home near Renziehausen Park.
Allegheny County police allege that Vance Lee Sykes, 30, of New Castle threw a 13-year-old girl into the pool. When he was confronted by other guests, police said, Sykes is accused of retrieving a handgun from a car and shooting another person.
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June 05, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
(Photo courtesy Dress for Success Pittsburgh via Facebook)
Dress for Success Pittsburgh will hold an event from 1 to 3 p.m. June 17 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 1507 Library Ave., a spokeswoman said.
The non-profit group provides business-ready clothing, shoes and accessories for women and female-identified persons who are applying for jobs and need wardrobe items to attend employment interviews.
Attendees can also receive personal care items, connections to interview and resume support, and other assistance.
Registration in advance is suggested by calling (412) 672-0625 or visiting the library’s website.
June 05, 2024 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A two-alarm fire Tuesday afternoon that destroyed an abandoned house on Grover Street has been ruled accidental by the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office, but the cause remains under investigation.
According to county officials, the blaze was reported to Allegheny County 9-1-1 just before 5 p.m.
First-responders found the two-story wood-frame structure at 2719 Grover St. completely engulfed in flames and a second alarm was sounded, McKeesport deputy fire Chief Tom Perciavalle said.
No utilities were connected to the home and the blaze is suspicious in nature, Perciavalle said. Allegheny County property tax records indicate the house was owned by a White Oak woman, but according to published reports, she died in 2022.
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June 03, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A Lawrence County man is jailed without bond pending a preliminary hearing on charges that he shot a fellow partygoer at an event on Marshall Drive in the city’s Haler Heights section.
Vance Lee Sykes, 30, of New Castle, formerly of Pittsburgh, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the Memorial Day weekend incident.
Sykes also was wounded during the incident, according to a criminal complaint, which alleges that at least five shots were fired — two by Sykes, and third by another, unnamed person.
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