July 28, 2022 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Residents in Duquesne may be required to have garbage cans on trash day.
At this month’s council meeting, Councilman Aaron R. Adams said that “animals going through trash” have been a problem and “trash cans would limit that.”
An ordinance would need to be created to lay out fines to residents who don’t properly use the trash cans. Council voted 4-0 on a motion to proceed with the measure.
In other business, City Engineer LaFranz Hemphill discussed that the city has a $44,000 grant that was supposed to earmarked for improvements at the Duquesne Place Playground, but that was before officials discovered that the property was owned by Duquesne City School District.
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July 27, 2022 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
The McKeesport affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 at Penn State Greater Allegheny in the Frable Building, Room F122, a spokeswoman said.
The meeting is open to families and friends of loved ones living with mental illness.
Sara Levine Steinberg, Event and Technology Coordinator for NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania, will discuss plans for the annual NAMI Walk in October. She will also describe the services and resources available from NAMI Keystone by calling (412) 366-3788 or www.namikeystonepa.org.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, and offers understanding and support unique to those who are affected by these conditions.
For more information about the McKeesport meeting, call (412) 527-6600. For the NAMI Helpline, call (412) 366-3788 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
July 27, 2022 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A former Pittsburgh man who threatened to shoot up a house in McKeesport in 2015 has been found guilty on federal narcotics trafficking and firearms charges.
James Taric Byrd, 45, will be sentenced Dec. 5, said a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung in Pittsburgh. Byrd could face life in prison and a fine of up to $1.5 million.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately an hour on July 21 before convicting Byrd, who was tried before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
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July 27, 2022 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
With McKeesport’s International Village right around the corner, organizers of the 13th annual “Village for Kids” are getting ready, too.
The event will be held rain or shine from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Renziehausen Park band shell, a spokeswoman said. “Village for Kids” will include crowning a prince and princess for International Village, which will be held from Aug. 9 to 11.
Free activities on Aug. 8 will include games, crafts and other activities for children.
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July 22, 2022 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
When Kelly Robertson spoke at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Duquesne City Council meeting, she said she couldn’t thank the people of the city enough for the opportunity to serve as manager for nearly two years.
A chance to get reconnected with the city was invaluable to her, she said.
Robertson has announced her intention to resign as city manager. On Aug. 12, she will leave to become executive director for the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services with the Department of Community & Economic Development. The job will keep her involved in the Act 47 program for municipalities throughout the Commonwealth.
A search for Robertson’s replacement has not yet been announced.
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July 22, 2022 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Announcements
One Duquesne police officer is resigning to become chief of police in Kiski Twp., and another is leaving for Pleasant Hills.
At this month’s meeting, new police Chief Tom Shaw told Duquesne City Council that two more officers are planning to leave to work in nearby Homestead. That would leave Duquesne with four police officers.
Council voted 4-0, with Councilman Timothy Caldwell absent, to hire one new police officer, under the condition that the candidate pass all physical and psychological tests.
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July 22, 2022 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
UPMC McKeesport, city officials and a consortium of local churches will team up to host their second-annual community day from 12 noon to 5 p.m. July 30 at McKeesport Area Senior High School.
A spokeswoman said the goal of this event is to connect with the community while promoting health awareness and healthier lifestyles through free health screenings, health education and access to local resources.
Partners include the Beckwith Institute, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Beulah Park United Methodist Church, Sister to Sister Outreach Ministries and Zion Baptist Church.
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July 14, 2022 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
The “McKeesport Mobile” app includes links to city events as well as council meeting agendas. (Staff photos)
McKeesport has partnered with Kansas-based technology company CivicPlus to develop a smartphone app for city residents and other interested parties.
“McKeesport Mobile” is available as a free download from the Google Play store and the Apple App store.
The app was unveiled at this month’s city council meeting.
“We have been keeping in touch with our residents regarding events, announcements and newsworthy items on social media via Facebook,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “While we have more than 5,000 followers on that platform, we needed an easy way to communicate with residents who don’t have Facebook accounts.”
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July 12, 2022 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Karli Short, left, is being remembered by her father, Brandon, and his wife, Mahreen, through a scholarship created to benefit Penn State Greater Allegheny students who have been affected by gun violence. An inaugural fundraiser for the Karli Short Better Tomorrow Foundation will be held this Friday at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. (Photo courtesy and © Short family, used with permission)
A city woman remembered by her family for her work ethic, her kindness and her ever-present smile will be honored with a new scholarship at Penn State’s McKeesport campus.
The Karli Short Better Tomorrow Foundation, founded by her father, Brandon, will provide financial assistance for Penn State Greater Allegheny undergraduates who have been affected by gun violence.
A fundraiser this Friday will feature former NFL and collegiate football legends including Franco Harris, Lavar Arrington, Anthony Adams and McKeesport native Mike Logan.
Short, 26, was found dead Sept. 13, 2021, at her home in the city’s Christy Park section. Investigators said that she died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
At the time of her death, police said, Short was pregnant with her first child, who would have been born in February of this year. The child’s father, Isaac C. Smith, 26, has been charged by Allegheny County police with Short’s murder.
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July 12, 2022 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The Becker House at 511 Romine Ave. is one of 27 slated for demolition in the city’s next phase of the “McKeesport Rising” program. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
McKeesport city council has awarded a contract for demolition of another 27 vacant houses, including a one-time landmark on Romine Avenue in upper 10th Ward.
Council also approved a $725,000 contract with Lutterman Excavating for renovations at five playgrounds, including Highland Grove, Fawcett Park, Chester Park, Sayfoot Park and Riverview Park.
Mike Betters Co., Inc., of Lincoln Borough was the lowest responsible bidder for Phase 8 of the McKeesport Rising vacant house demolition project, city officials said. The company bid $197,100 to demolish the abandoned homes, including seven on Ridge Street and another at 511 Romine Ave.
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