February 16, 2022 |
By Paul Wintruba | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne City Council has approved hiring three new police officers, pending completion of all necessary exams.
At Tuesday’s meeting, council made the job offers contingent on the candidates passing all requisite background checks, medical and psychological evaluations.
This would bring Duquesne’s police force to 14 officers including acting Chief Tom Shaw, city officials said.
February 16, 2022 |
By Paul Wintruba | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne officials are working to resolve questions that residents may have about their water and sewerage bills.
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Councilman Aaron Adams said “the most recent sewer bill that went out to everyone should be correct.”
Some residents have reported their sewerage bills are higher than their water bills, he said. Pennsylvania American Water Co., which treats wastewater, has higher rates than the city’s water department, Adams said.
The city of Duquesne is delaying water shut-offs for two weeks while issues with billing are dealt with, he said.
January 30, 2022 |
By Matt Germaine | Posted in: Duquesne News
“All I ask for is a chance,” says Duquesne’s new mayor, R. Scott Adams. (Matt Germaine photo for Tube City Almanac)
Duquesne’s new mayor ran for office with the support of his family and friends, and a goal of trying to “make a difference” in his hometown.
R. Scott Adams, former police chief and council member, was sworn in earlier this month. He replaced former Mayor Nickole Nesby after defeating her in the Democratic primary in 2021.
Adams ran on a platform that stressed financial stability, safety, and the collection of delinquent taxes. The same issues originally inspired him to enter politics when a city council seat opened in 2019.
“With the support of my family, I said I’ll run for mayor and give it a chance because I didn’t want to be one of those people that say ‘what if?’” Adams said. “Maybe I can make a difference here and make change.”
January 12, 2022 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News
(Submitted photo)
A weighted blanket manufactured by Duquesne-based American Textile Co. has received an award from the publisher of Parents Magazine.
The “Tranquility” brand kids’ blanket is featured in the “2022 Kids Sleep Awards” in the magazine’s January/February issue. It was called “one of the 21 best products to get kids to bed.”
Weighted blankets and vests have become popular in recent years for both kids and adults who struggle to fall asleep.
Although the scientific evidence for their benefits isn’t entirely clear, some experts have theorized the blankets induce a kind of deep pressure stimulation, which stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep cycles, and reduces cortisol, a stress hormone.
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 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.”
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.
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.
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.
September 25, 2021 |
By Matt Germaine | Posted in: Duquesne News
After nearly three years of seeking grant funds to demolish an abandoned house at 129 South First St., Duquesne City Council has approved a measure to raze the structure using city funds.
“The demo [has been] tricky for grants to approve because the house is in an Historic District,” said LaFranz Hemphill of Glenn Engineering. “If the city pays for it, then there is no need to get a grant to demo the house.”
According to residents who commented during the meeting, the structure has become a hazardous nuisance over the years due to falling building matter. Bids to perform the demolition have come in at around $10,500, and the work can begin as soon as Oct. 4, city officials said.
