January 25, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Politics & Elections
A memorial wreath is visible through the window at State Rep. Matt Gergely’s office as it reflects scenes of Lysle Boulevard. The office was closed this week following his death Sunday. (Almanac photo)
A special election will be held March 25 to fill the 35th Legislative District seat left vacant by the death of State Rep. Matt Gergely of McKeesport.
The Pennsylvania Department of State said official papers were filed this week by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton and nomination certificates will be accepted through Feb. 5 from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as minor parties.
Objections to any candidate’s nomination must be filed by Feb. 6. Persons who want to vote in the special election must register by March 10.
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January 24, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers remarks during Friday’s funeral for State Rep. Matt Gergely at First Free Evangelical Church in McKeesport. (Official photo courtesy Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania)
An honor guard of Allegheny County constables bearing the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags led the final procession into church for one of the city’s favorite sons.
On Friday, more than 400 people attended the funeral of State Rep. Matt Gergely of McKeesport, who died Sunday aged 45.
In addition to Gergely’s friends and family, mourners at First Free Evangelical Church near Renziehausen Park included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, State Sens. Jay Costa and Nick Pisciottano, McKeesport City Council, Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi, and many members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
We are “broken-hearted for a life that was cut way too short,” Shapiro said. “Matt was a man who lived his life with purpose, and kindness, and decency for others.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko — a lifelong friend of Gergely’s — and retired state Sen. Jim Brewster escorted his casket to the altar.
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January 22, 2025 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
With Wednesday’s temperatures expected to remain near or below zero for most of the morning, Allegheny County Emergency Services is cautioning residents to take extra care.
A spokesperson said residents should never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to generate heat inside their home. Kitchen stoves also should not be used for heat, the spokesperson said.
In addition, at least three feet of space should be kept on all sides of space heaters to prevent clothing, furniture, books, drapes and other items from accidentally catching fire.
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County urged residents to take proper precautions for water pipes. Water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on the pipes, which can cause pipes to break. A spokesperson said:
• Drip cold water in the faucet furthest from your main valve; moving water keeps pipes from freezing
• Locate your shut-off valves in case of an emergency
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas
• Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes
• Open outside spigots to allow water to drain
In the event your home’s pipes do freeze, the authority recommends:
• Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve
• Open a faucet near the frozen pipe so that water will flow once the area is melted; this will help melt more ice
• Apply heat to or around the pipe using a hair dryer
• Do not use any open flame devices, such as a propane torch, to heat frozen pipes
• Check all pipes and joints for leaks or cracks
• Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section, if you are unable to reach it, or you are unable to thaw it
Allegheny County public safety officials are encouraging residents to stay inside as much as possible and avoid prolonged periods of being outside and exposed to the elements. Frostbite can occur within 30 minutes at a wind chill temperature of -19 degrees, 10 minutes at -33 degrees, and five minutes at -48 degrees.
January 22, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Jose Castro of McKeesport helps clear a sidewalk near Bethlehem Baptist Church on Tuesday afternoon. (Tube City Almanac photo)
The temperature was just about 7 degrees above zero as Jose Castro shoveled snow along Ninth Avenue near Bethlehem Baptist Church on Tuesday afternoon. Taking a quick break to talk to a passerby, Castro was philosophical about the cold: “It’s winter. You just have to deal with it.”
Up on Romine Avenue, where crews from Betters Company are demolishing the long-vacant Becker House at 511, truck driver Ron Hoffer of Fayette County was waiting for another load of debris. The temperature when he left home Tuesday morning was 6 below zero, he said.
How does he cope with working outside in sub-zero conditions? “Hot coffee,” Hoffer said. “And lots of layers.”
Tuesday’s temperatures were not near the all-time record low of 18 below zero, set in 1985, but they were roughly 20 degrees less than normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service in Moon Twp., leading schools to move to online classes and most court and county offices to close.
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January 21, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
A Turtle Creek man is dead and an unidentified woman is in critical condition following an early-morning shooting Monday in Duquesne.
Sean R. Johnson Jr., 30, was pronounced dead inside a home in the 100 block of Commonwealth Avenue just after 5:30 a.m. Monday, the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said.
A woman who was with Johnson was taken to an area hospital suffering from gunshot wounds, Allegheny County police said in a prepared release. Her identity was not made public.
County homicide detectives said a caller to 9-1-1 reported the shooting just after 5 a.m. Police responded to find Johnson and the unidentified woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Detectives said Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The medical examiner’s office said that Johnson died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
No further information was released by police. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the county police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.
January 20, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
State Rep. Matt Gergely speaks to visitors during a 2023 grand opening celebration of his district office in the former McKeesport Daily News Building. (Courtesy photo)
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday ordered the flags over state-owned buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of state Rep. Matt Gergely, who died Sunday at an area hospital following an undisclosed illness.
Gergely, 45, of McKeesport’s Haler Heights section fell ill unexpectedly in late December. He had represented the 35th Legislative District since 2023.
“Lori and I are heartbroken for Rep. Matt Gergely’s wife Holly, their two young sons, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the community he loved and proudly served in his hometown of McKeesport,” Shapiro said in a prepared release. “Matt’s was a life cut way too short. Now, in this moment of mourning, let us come together to honor his legacy, carry on the work that mattered most to him, and look out for his family ...
“May the memory of Matt Gergely forever be a blessing,” Shapiro said.
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January 19, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
This is a developing story and will be updated.
(Courtesy photo)
State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely died Sunday at a Monroeville hospital, several weeks after suffering what had been described as a medical emergency. He was 45.
A former McKeesport city administrator and chief revenue officer, Gergely only two months ago was celebrating his election to his first full term as state legislator for the 35th District.
In addition to extended family, Gergely leaves a wife, Holly, and two children, Mason and Jarrett.
His death was announced by his former state house colleague, now state senator, Nick Pisciottano.
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January 17, 2025 |
By Yousuf Lachhab Ibrahim | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Donald MacFann addresses the audience Thursday after being hired as McKeesport Area School District’s new superintendent. Board President Mark Holtzman looks on. (McKeesport Area School District via YouTube)
The McKeesport Area School District hired Donald MacFann as its new superintendent on Thursday by unanimous decision. He was approved for a five-year contract at the salary yet to be determined.
MacFann replaces acting superintendent William Pettigrew, who was himself the replacement of Superintendent Tia Wanzo. Wanzo resigned amid significant controversy in August.
“He’s a Mon Valley guy,” said district solicitor Gary Matta on the new hire. “That’s what we need. We need one of our own to help lead the charge here.”
MacFann, an alumnus of California University of Pennsylvania, is expected to start within the next 60 days, but he hopes to start in 20 days.
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January 17, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Editorial Cartoons
January 16, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne officials thanked the public works department for its response following the winter’s first significant snow falls.
At this week’s council meeting, Council Member Elaine Washington said she started receiving calls from concerned citizens as soon as the roads received their first covering, but she assured everyone, “we know the guys are out there.”
Mayor R. Scott Adams asked residents to “just be patient,” and one person in the audience responded he had seen city crews out clearing streets at 3 a.m. Monday.
With continued snow predicted, the public works department has put in another order for road salt, said Public Works Director Steve Arbasak but the city has “plenty of salt” for immediate needs.
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