June 03, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
*Correction: This story was corrected after publication to fix a misspelled name. We apologize for the error. —JT
Vietnam-era veterans representing American Legion Post 701 ride in Monday’s Memorial Day parade on Lincoln Way in White Oak. (Sarah Turnbull photo for Tube City Almanac)
After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, White Oak resumed its annual Memorial Day parade Monday.
The parade began at 12:30 p.m. on Guice Street and ended at the American Legion post on Capitol Street.
Hosted by American Legion General Smedley D. Butler Post 701, the parade included units representing veterans’ organizations, the White Oak police department, area volunteer firefighters, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and the McKeesport Area High School Tiger Band.
For Laura Massie, executive director of the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, seeing the community come together is the best part of Memorial Day.
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May 27, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News, White Oak News
A color guard comprised of then-McKeesport Area High School Junior Air Force ROTC Cadet Dylan Vaniel and members of the McKeesport police and fire departments present the American and Pennsylvania flags during 2017 Memorial Day ceremonies. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
Local communities have slated Memorial Day observances, including ceremonies in McKeesport and Glassport, and a parade on Lincoln Way in White Oak.
Observed annually on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning military personnel who died in the performance of their duties, and is distinct from Armed Forces Day — which is set aside to recognize active-duty personnel — and Veterans’ Day.
Memorial Day was originally known as “Decoration Day,” because it was used as a time to decorate troop graves. The holiday has been marked in the United States since the Civil War.
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May 21, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
Heritage Hill Swimming Pool will open to the public May 31, White Oak officials said. Pre-sale of passes began May 12.
Due to COVID-19 health restrictions, no daily passes will be sold this year. Cost of a season pass is $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents. For senior citizens, passes for $30 for residents, and $60 for non-residents. Proof of residency and age is required.
Passholders will be given a photo ID which will be required to enter the pool complex.
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May 21, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
White Oak Council is lifting the COVID-19 emergency declaration it implemented in 2020.
With state and county officials easing restrictions, and following the recommendation of the borough’s Office of Emergency Management, Mayor Ina Jean Marton said White Oak will lift its emergency declaration, effective June 1.
Borough Manager John Palyo expressed optimism about the future, while stressing the need to remain vigilant. “Safety comes first,” he said.
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May 06, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, White Oak News
Two people face child abuse and assault charges after school officials and White Oak police said they found two children handcuffed in the back seat of their car.
According to court records, Richard Hayes, 37, of Mt. Oliver is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail, while his girlfriend, Natosha Bell, 26, of Rankin is free on $50,000 bond. Hayes faces a preliminary hearing May 19 before Magisterial District Judge Richard G. King, while Bell faces a preliminary hearing June 30.
The two children who were restrained in the car, ages 7 and 10, and a third child, age 11, are now in the emergency care of Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families, said county police Inspector Michael Peairs.
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April 23, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
White Oak Clean-Up Day will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24, borough officials said.
Volunteers should gather at Heritage Hills Park no later than 9:30 a.m. to receive assignments and supplies.
Electronics and household hazardous waste recycling collection will be held on the same day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the borough building.
Councilwoman Julie Opferman, who chairs the parks and recreation committee, said that Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co.’s Cars in the Park from 1 to 7 p.m. May 16 at Heritage Hill Park. The rain date will be May 23.
Councilman George Pambacas said a rabies vaccination clinic will be held at the Municipal Public Works Garage on Lincoln Way from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 5.
“It’ll be a drive-through clinic, where you stay in your car until you’re called,” Pambacas said. “Dogs should be on a leash and cats should be in a carrier. The animals must at least three months old, not pregnant, and not sick.”
Sarah Turnbull is a freelance writer in Irwin. She can be reached at sarahturnbull323@gmail.com.
April 22, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak Council approved a new contract with the union representing borough police officers after the mayor cast the tie-breaking vote.
Council voted 3-3 to adopt the four-year agreement with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, with council members George Pambacas, George Dillinger and Kenneth Robb voting no.
Councilwoman Julie Opferman abstained due to a conflict of interest. Mayor Ina Jean Marton broke the tie.
Pambacas said he voted against the resolution for financial reasons, while Robb expressed concerns about the length of the contract.
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April 19, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak officials discussed a number of ongoing projects at their April 12 workshop meeting, chiefly concerning infrastructure and vehicle maintenance.
In his engineer’s report, Councilman Kenneth Hillman announced that funds have been secured for repairing the Center Street extension, and that the renovations to Lincoln Way will cost less than expected.
“The wall specs for the Center Street extension will be finalized on May 13. We’re also making sure that the crossings and road markings on Lincoln Way comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act),” Hillman said.
Hillman also announced plans to build a new walkway at Heritage Hill Park, along with eight new benches, ADA accessibility, and rubber mulch ground cover. Councilwoman Julie Opferman also supported the idea of adding pickleball, hockey or basketball courts.
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April 05, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton enjoys the company of Luke and Chewie during a 2019 fundraiser for the White Oak Animal Safe Haven. Marton has retired as director of the shelter after 18 years. (Tube City Almanac file photo by Cami DiBattista)
After 18 years and 16,000 dogs and cats rescued, Ina Jean Marton has retired from her role as director of the White Oak Animal Safe Haven.
“I’d been planning it for six to eight months. After 18 years, I felt like it was time to enjoy my life,” said Marton, who also serves as White Oak borough mayor.
Shelter vice president Laura Massie has taken over as director. She expressed optimism about the shelter’s future.
“We’re building a catio (cat exercise area) and renovating our office,” she said. “We’re also bringing in new volunteers and brainstorming ideas for fundraisers. I just want to do whatever I can to make the shelter successful — especially with kitten season coming up.”
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March 24, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, White Oak News
White Oak borough will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on April 3 at Heritage Hill Park.
Councilwoman Julie Opferman, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee, said guests should bring their own Easter baskets.
Ages 3 and under will start at 10 a.m., ages 4 to 7 at 10:30 a.m., and 8 to 10 at 11 a.m., Opferman said.
In McKeesport, a spokesperson for Mayor Michael Cherepko announced that the annual Easter egg hunt will return at 10 a.m. March 27 at Renziehausen Park. Last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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