TM(Advertisement)
Tube City Community Media Inc. is seeking freelance writers to help cover city council, news and feature stories in McKeesport, Duquesne, White Oak and the neighboring communities. High school and college students seeking work experience are encouraged to apply; we are willing to work with students who need credit toward class assignments. Please send cover letter, resume, two writing samples and the name of a reference (an employer, supervisor, teacher, etc. -- not a relative) to tubecitytiger@gmail.com.
Ads start at $1 per day, minimum seven days.
Duquesne Moves Forward With Code Enforcement
Police, fire departments release annual reports
By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
January 10, 2025
Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne is moving forward with plans to hire a code enforcement officer and council is expected to vote Jan. 28 on whether to officially open the position, city officials said this week.
Council discussed the issue at this week’s meeting. Officials said that for several years, the city has discussed creating the position, but funding for a salary has been the main problem. In the past year, there has been a more concerted effort by leaders to find a candidate who would investigate issues in the community.
In other business, City Manager Douglas Sample said that Duquesne also continues to advance with plans for a Home Rule Study Commission. He said he’s waiting for direction from state officials.
Duquesne Police Chief Tom Shaw reported that his department responded to nearly 7,000 calls in 2024. He also reported that there was another round of tests for new prospective officers and candidates are going through background checks.
In his report, Duquesne Fire Chief Frank Cobb noted that the city’s volunteer department reported to 449 calls in 2024.
A request for a special exemption to operate a day care center at 1050 Grant Ave. remains pending, Mayor R. Scott Adams reported. Although a meeting was held Dec. 18, the applicant needs more time to gather requested information.
A public hearing will be held at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 4 at city hall on condemned and dangerous buildings. City officials said the owners, occupants and lessees of buildings that have been targeted for demolition will be asked to give testimony.
Mayor Adams said that the city and some residents have gathered to get a banner program up and running to recognize veterans. For $125 and a picture of the honored veteran (in or out of uniform), a banner will be created and erected on poles in the city from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Interested sponsors will also receive two yard signs for their own use.
Anyone interested in taking part in this initiative is urged to call Mayor Adams’ office.
Councilperson Denise Brownfield said that Duquesne Community Day is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 2 and will include a parade. Details will follow later this spring.
Tom Leturgey is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh and the editor of KSWA Digest, the online news and features home of the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance. His work also appears in The Valley Mirror and other publications.
Originally published January 10, 2025.
In other news:
"No Tax Hike, But Garb…" || "Looking for Nemo? Sta…"