September 27, 2024 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: State & Region
Elementary school pupils learn to use tablets in class. (Lexie Flickinger photo from www.schooltechnology.org, licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 2.0)
A new report finds Pennsylvania schools are falling behind in teachers’ pay and have not kept up with inflation since the 1990s.
The report from the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, highlights data on the state’s public schools, educator compensation, school district staffing and funding, and student performance.
Chris Lilienthal, assistant director of communications for the PSEA, said the report aims to educate Pennsylvanians on the challenges and opportunities facing public schools, and educators’ salaries are a big one.
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September 26, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
Community Revitalization of West Newton will sponsor a scarecrow-building and pumpkin-carving event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at Cort Street Park. The event is free but registration is currently open at crown15089@yahoo.com.
At 2 p.m., registrants can participate in a pumpkin-rolling race. Entry fee is $5 per person and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.
September 26, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
The West Newton Public Library will host Stan Gordon at 11 a.m. Oct. 6 for a free presentation in the West Newton Lions Fieldhouse on Pittsburgh Street, a spokesperson said.
Gordon is a historian and researcher of reports of paranormal and unexplained phenomena throughout the Western Pennsylvania area, including the so-called 1965 Kecksburg UFO incident in Westmoreland County.
Gordon’s talk will discuss some of the classic UFO sightings, along with reports of strange creatures throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Gordon also will talk about a surge of unusual incidents that took place during 2023 along Chestnut Ridge and elsewhere.
The event is free, but registration is requested at (724) 633-0798. Donations to benefit West Newton Public Library will be accepted.
The spokesperson added that residents are encouraged to donate newer and gently-used paperback books to the library’s collection. Hours of operation 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. The library is located at 124 N. Water St.
September 26, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Duquesne News
Jennifer Marks, editor-in-chief of Home & Textiles Today, is shown here with American Textile’s Lance Ruttenberg, executive vice president, and Blake Ruttenberg, chief executive officer, at a Sept. 18 award ceremony in New York City. (Submitted photo)
A Duquesne-based manufacturing company with facilities in McKeesport has received the 2024 Home Excellence Leadership Award from the Home Fashions Product Association.
American Textile Company received the honor Sept. 18 in New York City. Lance Ruttenberg, American Textile president and chief executive officer, and Blake Ruttenberg, executive vice president, accepted on behalf of the company’s more than 1,000 employees.
The award comes as the company announced plans for significant investments in infrastructure and personnel to meet what it called rising demand for its products.
Founded in 1925 in Pittsburgh, American Textile makes pillows, mattress covers and other products sold in more than 40,000 stores, including Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Macy's, according to published reports, as well as through Amazon.com and Overstock.com.
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September 22, 2024 |
By Yousuf Lachhab Ibrahim | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Revelers take the dance floor at the 2022 Voices Carry. (Photo courtesy Auberle via Facebook)
For 20 years, some of Pittsburgh’s favorite musicians have been performing at Auberle’s Voices Carry event to fundraise for the nonprofit agency’s human services programs.
On Tuesday, Auberle will be holding its 20th annual Voices Carry at The Westin Pittsburgh hotel at 1000 Penn Ave., downtown Pittsburgh, with doors opening at 5:45 p.m.
Attendees can expect performances from DJ Bonics, Scott Blasey of the Clarks, Kelsey Friday, and over a dozen others. Pittsburgh musician Josh Verbanets will be the MC of the event.
Blasey, who just released a three-song EP in February, will be playing two Motown classics at the event: “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” by The Four Tops and “It’s Your Thing” by The Isley Brothers.
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September 20, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Take Action Advocacy Group participated in a back-to-school event at the Clairton Education Center earlier this month. (Photo courtesy Take Action Advocacy Group via Facebook)
Take Action Advocacy Group will celebrate its 10th year of service to the Pittsburgh area with a public event from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 22) at the Student Community Center of Penn State Greater Allegheny, founder Fawn Walker Montgomery has announced.
Founded in 2014 and then known as Take Action Mon Valley, TAAG’s mission is to empower and equip individuals facing social injustices through grassroots community organizing and the promotion of Black liberation, Montgomery said.
“Our organization’s purpose is to provide communities with the essential knowledge to leverage local grassroots efforts, enabling them to gain power and influence over decisions that impact their lives directly,” she said.
The anniversary celebration will include time for members to “reflect on our journey, highlight our achievements, and honor our legacy while emphasizing the ongoing work we are dedicated to in the Mon Valley, Allegheny County, and beyond,” Montgomery said.
To RSVP, visit the TAAG website.
September 20, 2024 |
By T.J. Martin | Posted in: East McKeesport News
Mia Hooper (right) recites the oath of office as she is sworn in as East McKeesport’s newest councilperson by Mayor Robert Howard.
East McKeesport Borough Council is back to its full complement of seven members with the appointment last week of new councilperson Mia Hooper.
Hooper was sworn in by Mayor Robert Howard at the council’s September monthly meeting. She replaces Linda Nolan, whose resignation due to a work conflict was announced last month. Her appointment was approved by a vote of 6-0 with Councilman Edgar Ruffolo absent.
A resident of East McKeesport since 2018, Hooper, 34, is the Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
Asked why she applied for the open seat, Hooper said, “I wanted to get more involved in my community. I’m not going anywhere.”
September 20, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
(Photo courtesy St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church via Facebook)
The “A Taste of Serbia” festival will return to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 901 Hartman St., on Oct. 4 and 5, a spokeswoman said.
Festival hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 4 and 12 noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the parish social hall and courtyard.
From the food fair’s original concept as pre-order takeout only during the pandemic, the fifth annual TOS festival incorporates Serbian hospitality and culture, the spokeswoman added.
Rain or shine patrons may dine inside the church hall or outside under the courtyard tent. Other options include walkup orders and take-out orders. No pre-orders this year. Spirits and soft drinks will be on sale at the kafana bar.
Tamburitza Hall of Fame inductees Orchestra Radost will entertain from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5. The multi-talented musicians from the greater McKeesport area are close friends who have played together for years. They have performed throughout the Tri-State area and in many major cities for festivals and other events.
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September 17, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
Three McKeesport Area School District employees have been moved from paid leave to unpaid leave as an investigation continues into the administration’s handling of an alleged sexual relationship between a former school contractor and a student.
A fourth employee, previously on leave, has been reinstated, effective Sept. 13, District Solicitor Gary Matta said.
The employees’ names have not been officially released or confirmed.
The district has retained an outside law firm, Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter & Graham, to investigate what happened when the administration learned that a former school security guard, Alexis Brown, had been accused of having a sexual realationship with a student.
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September 17, 2024 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
This abandoned home on Auriles Street in Duquesne is targeted for demolition by city officials. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
Duquesne City Council has approved the demolition of another 21 vacant properties.
During a special session Sept. 3 before the regular monthly meeting, council and Mayor R. Scott Adams unanimously agreed that one house on South Fifth Street, nine on Seventh Street, two on Auriles, one on Klere, two on Earl and six vacant homes on Erwin should be razed.
The properties are vacant and, according to records, behind on Allegheny County taxes.
However, that doesn’t mean that a wrecking ball will start soon. Mayor Adams and Councilwoman Elaine Washington noted that they will have discussions with Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, as well as County Executive Sara Innamorato’s office, about obtaining funding to begin work.
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September 16, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A city woman who died Saturday morning at a hospital emergency room told police before her death that her husband shot her.
Tammy E. Cox, 51, was pronounced dead just after 6 a.m. in the emergency department at UPMC McKeesport hospital, the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said. According to a police report, she had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and another to the back.
Her husband, Robert G. Cox, 50, is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bond pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 27 in Pittsburgh Municipal Court in connection with her death. Cox is charged with homicide by Allegheny County police.
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September 14, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Rev. Richard Truss testifies during Thursday’s McKeesport Area School District board meeting. (Screenshot from YouTube)
The loss of the superintendent, the arrest of the school police chief, and an investigation of multiple employees are taking their toll on McKeesport Area School District, one community leader said on Thursday.
“This city is on fire,” Rev. Richard Truss, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, told the school board. “The city is on fire, and you all are like Nero fiddling around while the city burns.”
At Thursday’s meeting, the board began filling administrative and other staffing holes. The district agreed to hire Albert Educational Consulting to conduct a superintendent search not to exceed $10,000.
The consulting firm is headed by Edward Albert, a former superintendent, who according to his resume has conducted “several superintendent searches throughout Pennsylvania.”
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September 14, 2024 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment
The entire cast of “Ride The Cyclone: The Musical” all appear onstage for the entire production. In front, Sarah Sidorchuck as Constance Blackwood and Sierra Mitchell as Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg. Center row, Caedon Vogel as Mischa Bachinski and Sam Savolskis as Noel Gruber. Back row, Matthew Mlynarski as The Amazing Karnak, Joe Kosha as Ricky Potts, Randi Walker as Jane Doe, and Jade Goodes as Talia, Virgil, and various other ensemble roles. (Photos by Bonnijean Cooney Adams for Tube City Almanac)
If you go...
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“Ride The Cyclone: The Musical”
Where: McKeesport Little Theater
1614 Coursin St.
412-673-1100
www.mckeesportlittletheater.com
When: Friday, Sept. 13, Saturday, Sept. 14, Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Sunday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for students available through the MLT website or www.onthestage.tickets/show/mckeesport-little-theater
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The death of six members of a private Canadian high school chamber choir in a roller coaster accident might not seem a likely subject matter for a musical – especially one with lots of comedic and sometimes raunchy moments, and a variety of song-and-dance numbers mixed in.
Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond wrote the book, music, and lyrics for “Ride The Cyclone The Musical,” which opened Friday night and continues through Sept. 22, at McKeesport Little Theater.
First performed in 2008, it is a relative newcomer to the world of musicals, but its popularity has grown.
“I’m thrilled to have the regional premiere of ‘Ride The Cyclone’ happening at McKeesport Little Theater,” producer Jennifer R. Vertullo said. “It’s a rising cult classic that has the attention of our next generation of theater-goers.”
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September 13, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Celebrating the construction of a new studio for Tube City Online Radio on Tuesday were McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko, McKeesport City Council Member Amber Webb, State Rep. Matt Gergely, State Rep. Nick Pisciotanno, Tube City Community Media Executive Director Jason Togyer, and State Sen. Jim Brewster (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Local elected officials and leaders joined volunteers from Tube City Community Media Inc. today to celebrate the opening of a new digital media and podcasting studio inside the former Daily News Building.
The studio — which also includes an extensive music archive as well as a library of books about local journalism, radio and TV broadcasting, and media — is designed to spur interest in media careers for local high school and university students, says Jason Togyer, executive director of Tube City Community Media, which operates the Tube City Almanac website and Tube City Online Radio.
Funding for the studio equipment was provided by a grant from a Pennsylvania Department of Education job training program with assistance from state Sen. James R. Brewster and his staff. Labor to construct the new studio — in a room that was formerly a storage closet — was donated.
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September 13, 2024 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
Chris Cornelius practices his Rocky victory pose before their performance last Saturday at Penn-Trafford. (Photo courtesy Jillian Miller)
A new generation of fans is delivering up the beloved saga of the Rocky movies with their 2024 field show.
The East Allegheny High School Marching Band will perform this exciting soundtrack in front of a local crowd at their home competition this Saturday (Sept. 14) at Churchman Stadium in North Versailles.
EA Band Director Justin Rosco says, "This has been on my bucket list for a long time. I was a big Rocky fan when I was young. This has always been in the back of my mind."
There isn’t a lot in the vault to choose from in terms of arrangements or blueprints for a show of this type. Rosco says they borrowed some ideas from a Drum Corps International show from the early 2000s called “The Contender” but everything else has been a creative effort by staff to bring the story of a small-time boxer from Philly who gets knocked down in life, but with the help of his scrappy manager, always finds a way to get back up.
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September 13, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Walkers set off from Kane McKeesport during a Joan Burns Fun Walk 4 Kane several years ago. (Photo courtesy Janet Kulis)
Family members and friends of residents at McKeesport’s Kane Regional Center will hold their 13th annual walk on Saturday to benefit programs at the assisted-living facility.
Registration for the 13th Annual Joan Burns Kane Foundation Fun Walk 4 Kane begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 14 at Kane McKeesport, 100 Ninth Ave., a spokesperson said. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. with a picnic immediately following the event.
The registration fee is $25 and the first 100 people receive a free T-shirt. Prizes will be distributed and the picnic will include grilled picnic food, snacks, dessert, music and karaoke. For more information, visit the website.
Participants are encouraged to ask friends, family, neighbors or co-workers to sponsor walkers so that Kane residents may benefit, the spokesperson added.
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September 13, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
(Photo courtesy Mon-Yough Trail Council)
The Mon-Yough Trail Council plans a day of music, games, food trucks and prizes along the Great Allegheny Passage when the 30th annual “Yough ‘n Roll” festival gets underway on Saturday.
“We have a bicycle ride in the morning, and then a party on the trail from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” said Ken Medved, event coordinator for the MYTC, which serves as a steward of 15 miles of the bicycle trail that connects Pittsburgh with Cumberland, Md.
The trail council has been one of the original, all-volunteer, nonprofit “rails-to-trails” organizations in Western Pennsylvania since 1991, he said.
The focus point for tomorrow’s events is the Boston access point to the trail in Elizabeth Twp., under the Boston Bridge off of Route 48. Although participants don’t have to ride their bicycle — or bring it to the event — many participants do, Medved said.
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September 12, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, North Versailles Twp. News
An 18-year-old from Wall Borough died Wednesday evening after a two-car collision on Route 30 in North Versailles Twp.
Emergency personnel said the wreck happened at around 5:30 p.m. near the Dunkin location and Dairy Queen at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Isaac Street.
Xander Wehrhan, also known as Xander Maxwell, was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends said he was a recent graduate of East Allegheny High School.
Allegheny County police said in a prepared release that a car driven by Maxwell was traveling east on Route 30 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a box truck.
The driver of the second vehicle, whose name was not release by police, remained on scene, police said. Allegheny County detectives are initiating the investigation.
Route 30 was closed for about two hours on Wednesday evening as emergency crews worked in the area.
Maxwell’s friends have created a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
September 12, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
McKeesport Sportsmen’s Association will host its annual holiday harvest vendor and craft show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 on the club’s grounds, 3300 Jacks Run Road (Route 48) in White Oak.
A spokeswoman said the event will include a “wide variety” of independent vendors, crafters and consultants, as well as the Hermes Food Truck featuring gyros and pitas, rice platters, French fries, chicken tenders, hot dogs, corn dogs and other refreshments; as well as the 412 Ice Cream truck.
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September 10, 2024 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Sept. 8-13 is Disability Voting Rights Week. The event is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP. (Photo courtesy American Association of People with Disabilities)
Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating community and building empowerment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 2024 more than 2.9 million adults in Pennsylvania are living with a disability.
Mallory Hudson, disability justice program director with the Keystone Progress Education Fund, said Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take time to host voter registration and education events, organize candidate forums on disability issues, and engage with elected officials.
“We at Keystone Progress Education Fund are using this week to kick off our first of many voter-registration drives, at skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes across Allegheny County,” Hudson said. “More than 125,000 people live in all the skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes across Pennsylvania.”
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September 09, 2024 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Musicians and color guard are all decked out for competition season with a “Robin Hood” theme. (Photo courtesy of Serra Catholic Marching Band)
There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the air from Serra Catholic Marching Band members about the theme of their 2024 show – “Robin Hood.”
“When the band show was first announced to be ‘Robin Hood,’ I was beyond ecstatic,” said Emilia Capasso, a senior and one of three drum majors.
“I've always loved the story and all the different adaptations of it, so I was excited to see where our show would take it,” she said.
Junior Drum Major Lyndsay Chirdon not only was excited about the theme, but for her role as Maid Marian.
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September 09, 2024 |
By T.J. Martin | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
Residents filled the North Versailles Township meeting room before the township commissioners’ latest meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed sale of the township’s sanitary authority to a for-profit company. (T.J. Martin photo for Tube City Almanac)
After two votes before two standing-room-only gatherings of residents, a proposal which would have seen the operations of the North Versailles Twp. Sanitary Authority taken over by a for-profit company has been officially rejected.
In December, the sanitary authority board voted 5-0 to move forward with an asset purchase agreement with Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. Aqua is owned by Essential Utilities Inc. of Bryn Mawr, Montgomery County, the parent company of People’s Gas. It operates in nine states and has more than 3,100 employees.
Under the agreement, Aqua would pay between $25 million and $30 million for the township sewer system, including the pipes and three pumping stations. To take effect, any agreement would need the approval of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and it was hoped an agreement could be closed by the end of 2024.
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September 06, 2024 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News
CORRECTION, NOT PERFECTION: Two students, Deshea Davis and Marek Krol, were incorrectly identified. We apologize for the error.
McKeesport Area High School’s Tiger Band opens tournament competition for the season on Saturday at Penn-Trafford. This year’s show, titled “Recess,” includes use of a swing set as part of the show. (All photos: Bonnijean Adams for Tube City Almanac)
McKeesport Area High School Marching Band’s 2024 show is designed to bring smiles to faces of all ages during “Recess.”
“It was a fun and upbeat concept,” Band Director Drew DeCarlo said, “and most likely was the best time for students when they were in elementary school. We wanted a show this year that everyone would understand.”
He and his staff started their yearly brainstorming sessions in January, DeCarlo said.
“We talked about our strengths and weaknesses for this season, and had many ideas. We didn’t have a nailed-down concept until about March. We all settled on ‘Recess,’” he said.
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September 06, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo)
A McKeesport resident asked Thursday why the school board gave its police chief a raise in salary while rumors were swirling about a possible criminal investigation at her previous job.
Brenda D. Sawyer, 61, of North Versailles Twp., was arrested Thursday by detectives from the Westmoreland County district attorney’s office following an months-long investigation into mishandling of funds during her time as regional director of narcotics investigations for the state Attorney General’s Office.
Sawyer retired from that job after being appointed police chief for McKeesport Area School District in October 2023.
During Thursday’s school board meeting, resident Julian Thomas asked board members and district officials if they knew that Westmoreland County detectives had searched Sawyer’s home in May.
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September 06, 2024 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School District’s treatment of outgoing Superintendent Tia Wanzo was raised again during Thursday’s open agenda meeting. Parents and residents expressed dismay — and at points contempt — with the board and Solicitor Gary Matta’s handling of personnel.
A separation agreement between Wanzo and MASD signed on Aug. 22 states the parties will not “disparage” the other.
Nonetheless, during Thursday’s meeting McKeesport resident Bridget Truss accused director Diane Elias of making “disparaging comments” toward Wanzo on social media on Aug. 23, merely one day after the separation agreement was signed.
“You deleted the comment but I have screenshots,” Truss said. “You said and I quote, ‘I refuse to support our children being put in danger.’ But that was when somebody stated their support of Dr. Wanzo, so you are alluding that Dr. Wanzo's presence in the position of superintendent is jeopardizing our children's lives.”
“That is your opinion,” Matta said. “That is your conjecture.”
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September 05, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
BREAKING: This is a developing story and is subject to change.
(Tube City Almanac file photo)
McKeesport Area School District’s police chief has been charged with theft, forgery and other offenses related to the misuse of money from her former job at the state Attorney General’s office.
Westmoreland County investigators also allege that Brenda D. Sawyer, 61, of North Versailles Twp. misappropriated money from the community violence fund of the McKeesport unit of the NAACP, which she served as president.
The money was used to cover gambling debts at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and the Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington County, a criminal complaint alleges.
Sawyer was arraigned Thursday evening at a district magistrate’s office on charges of theft by unlawful taking, obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence, forgery and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities.
She was being held Thursday night in Westmoreland County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 13 before Magisterial District Judge Henry Lee Moore in North Huntingdon Twp.
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September 05, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
BREAKING: This is a developing story and is subject to change.
A former McKeesport police detective diverted more than $1 million in dues and other funding from his Fraternal Order of Police lodge to support his Christy Park bar and restaurant, the state attorney general alleges.
Joseph A. Osinski, 55, of Haler Heights was charged Thursday by state investigators with using money from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91 to pay personal expenses as well as business expenses for his Christy Park business, Puzzlers Restaurant & Lounge on Walnut Street.
Puzzlers closed abruptly in July.
Osinski was placed on leave from the police department Friday when the city learned of the allegations, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said. He subsequently retired, Cherepko said, and is no longer employed by the police department.
McKeesport police Chief Mark Steele said there is “no concern whatsoever” about any missing funds from the police department.
Osinski is currently free on $50,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing Oct. 9 before Magisterial District Judge Patrick D. Campbell in Munhall. Court documents did not list an attorney for Osinski.
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September 03, 2024 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Two of the Callos’ family’s emus relax inside an enclosure at the family’s home. (Vickie Babyak photo)
It was a typical Saturday morning — until city residents spotted a giant Australian bird casually strolling down Soles Street.
By Saturday afternoon, videos, pictures and jokes were posted all over social media about an emu on the loose in McKeesport. Even the Pittsburgh Meme group got in on the social media action, and created humorous memes regarding the unusual event.
All joking aside, David and Carly Callos of McKeesport own the emu, and live in the city with their four children. After they realized their 6-foot-2, 120 pound bird had roamed away, they immediately jumped into action to retrieve him.
Callos was concerned that someone could accidentally harm the emu while trying to capture him. He said an emu is susceptible to neck injury if a person is not familiar with how to correctly handle them.
After Callos saved his emu from the street, the big fellow rode in the passenger’s seat of the truck until they got home safely, he said. “We love our emus,” Callos said.
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September 03, 2024 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
With the rally cry “take it to the polls,” a retired Pennsylvania state supreme court justice and her husband will help lead a voter-registration drive on Saturday in McKeesport.
“A Rally in the Valley” is a non-partisan informational event, said retired Justice Cynthia Baldwin, who is hosting the event along with her husband, Art.
The event will be held from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 7) at Noah’s Ark Community Center, 200 Sixth Ave.
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September 03, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
The teen-aged suspect charged in connection with a homicide on Monday morning was released from jail less than a month ago after charges were withdrawn in a separate attempted homicide case.
Daemond Artemus, 17, of McKeesport is charged by Allegheny County police with homicide, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of a firearm by a minor in connection with the fatal shooting of Dylan C. Saula, 22, of North Versailles Twp. on a Downtown street.
He is being held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 13.
County police allege that Artemus and a friend saw Saula driving through McKeesport on Monday morning and flagged him down to purchase narcotics. Once Saula stopped, police allege, Artemus and Saula got into the back seat of the car and the friend drove the two around.
That’s when police allege that Artemus produced a handgun and shot Saula once in the head. Police allege that Artemus told his friend to stop the car at the intersection of Lysle Boulevard and Sinclair Street, where Artemus is accused of shoving Saula’s body out of the car, then telling his friend “just drive.”
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September 02, 2024 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
(This is a developing story and is subject to change.)
Allegheny County police are investigating a shooting Monday morning that left a North Versailles Twp. man dead on Lysle Boulevard.
Police said first responders were called to the area near Sinclair Street just before 11 a.m. when callers reported that a man was down in the street. Police found the victim suffering from a gun shot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, detectives said.
The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office has identified the victim as 22-year-old Dylan C. Saula of North Versailles.
On Monday night, Allegheny County police charged 17-year-old Daemond Artemus of McKeesport with homicide and firearm violations. Artemus was detained by McKeesport police shortly after the incident and was being held in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting arraignment, county police said.
Crews remained in the area for more than two hours processing the crime scene. The victim’s name has not yet been released.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call Allegheny County police at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
