August 19, 2021 |
By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Face masks will be optional but “strongly recommended” for students, faculty and staff in McKeesport Area schools when classes resume Aug. 23.
The school board was split 6-3 on the decision, with Dave Donato, Diane Elias, Tom Fioltei, Ivan Hampton, Jim Poston and Joe Lopretto in favor, and Jim Brown, Steve Kondrosky and Mindy Lundberg opposed.
Masks will be required on school buses and if the Allegheny County Health Department or state officials re-institute a face mask requirement, the district will shift its policy, Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman Jr. said.
“It’s a family’s choice (and) the student’s choice to wear a mask if they so choose,” he said.
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August 19, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
A member of the planning commission told White Oak Council to improve its methods of communication after they were left unable to answer questions about a personnel change.
At Monday’s meeting, planning commission member Glenn Beach expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled.
“I’m disappointed in how the council handles communicating with the planning committee. No one knew anything about the removal of the code officer. The planning members looked foolish because no one could answer the public’s questions. It’s absolutely inexcusable that we had to hear about it from a third party,” Beach said.
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August 19, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
A view of the new children’s room at the library. (Submitted photo)
West Newton Public Library will hold a fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Le Grande Balll Room, 105 South Second St., said Robin Matty, library manager.
Tickets to the annual “Tea-riffic” cost $20. Tickets can be purchased at the library or at Gary’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant 105 South Second St, during restaurant hours and library hours. The event will include refreshments, a gift basket auction and other games.
In other news, Matty is encouraging all residents of the West Newton area to visit the newly remodeled and rededicated children’s room at the library.
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August 16, 2021 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News
Serra Marching Band student leaders are, in front from left, drum major Abigail Bernick, tenor sax soloist Maigen McGinty, and flute soloist and heroine Paige Rock. In back are Joe Crossen, drum major, trumpet soloist, and matador; bass clarinet soloist Jordan Premozic; and color guard captain Madalyn Peairs.
Surprises and finishing touches still were being tweaked as Serra Catholic High School’s marching band students and adult personnel completed the first week of camp for “El Matador” on Aug. 13.
“This year’s show is about a matador who falls in love with a beautiful lady in the crowd,” band director Jesse Bush said. “There is of course a bullfight in the show, and hopefully a really awesome ending that I don’t want to spoil.”
Drum major Joe Crossen has a trumpet solo. In addition to his musical talents, he’s tasked with bringing the story of the matador to life.
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August 16, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
West Newton First Church of God will hold a peach festival fundraiser 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2, a spokesperson said.
The menu will include hot dogs, sauerkraut, sloppy joes, BBQ pulled pork, baked beans, potato or macaroni salad, cake, ice cream, beverages, and of course, peaches, including peach cobbler.
The event will be held at the Lions Field House, 507 Pittsburgh St. For more information, visit the church on Facebook.
August 16, 2021 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News
Some of the Tiger Band musicians prepare to step off during a short break from intermittent heavy rain during their annual camp. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)
If you go...
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“SOLARbration!” parent and public preview night
Where: Weigle-Schaeffer Memorial Stadium
At McKeesport Area High School
When: 6 p.m. Aug. 26
More information: Twitter and Facebook
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A giant sun prop stage in the middle of the field will be featured when McKeesport Area High School Marching Band kicks off its 2021 season with a return to competitions, festivals, and home and away football game performances.
“We wanted it to be exciting, festive, happy, a celebration of life,” band director Drew DeCarlo said of the “SOLARbration!” theme.
Band booster Mark St. Clair designed the sun prop, with painting by Anna Chapell.
A trailer for the show in May on the band’s YouTube site showcased how different cultures throughout history have celebrated the sun. “After last year (with COVID-related performance restrictions and other difficulties), we wanted something very different,” DeCarlo said. “There is a lot of percussion, even a rainforest-like sound.”
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August 13, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Announcements, McKeesport and Region News
The Casturo family has been awarding scholarships at International Village for three decades — and didn’t want to break the streak just because there was no event last year.
Usually, two scholarships are announced on the last night of the event, Tracy Casturo said.
This year, despite a severe thunderstorm on Thursday night that forced entertainment at Renziehausen Park to end early, four winners of Casturo Family Educational Achievement Awards were announced from the main stage.
Two scholarships were awarded for 2021 and two for 2020, Casturo said Friday. “We have been doing this for 29 years and didn’t want to skip it” for 2020, she said.
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August 13, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The Rankin Junior Tamburitzans practiced for months for their day on stage. The group performed Wednesday night. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Despite intermittent rainy weather and hot, humid days, many residents from McKeesport and surrounding areas came out to Renziehausen Park to enjoy different nationality foods along with entertainment.
Held Tuesday through Thursday, the three-day celebration of ethnic heritage was welcomed after last year’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susan Skvarla of Irwin, who attended along with her husband, Skip, said their favorite foods are halushki, pierogies and stuffed cabbages. Skvarla said she hadn’t been to International Village for years because it fell on days when she was vacationing.
“A friend mentioned International Village was happening so Skip and I wanted to have the experience this year,” she said.
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August 13, 2021 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Despite three recently repaired holes in Rebecca Street and shiny new bolts on this fire hydrant near McKeesport Auto Body — site of a massive fire on July 16 — officials of the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County will not confirm or deny they have done any work in the area. (Tube City Almanac photo)
Almost a month after a massive fire destroyed a McKeesport car-repair shop, the water authority serving the city has lifted the final restrictions on drinking water in the area.
In giving five homeowners the “all clear” on Thursday to resume using their water, the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County also hinted that it will take legal action to recover what it called the “excessive” costs of dealing with the contamination of the water supply in parts of the lower 10th Ward.
But when pressed on who or what the authority wants to hold responsible, a spokesman refused to answer questions.
“I have told you all I have to say on this issue today,” Matt Junker, authority spokesman, told Tube City Almanac on Thursday afternoon.
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August 12, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
Members of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. relax after a parade in Pitcairn in 2018. (Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co. via Facebook)
After 19 years as a firefighter, Brandon Schmidt knows how volunteering can strengthen the bonds between neighbors.
“My dad has been here for over 40 years. The satisfaction you gain can’t be put into words or a dollar value,” said Schmidt, chief of White Oak’s Rainbow Volunteer Fire Co.
One of two volunteer fire departments in the borough, Rainbow recently wrapped up its recruitment week.
Schmidt leads a team of 42 active volunteers from ages 19 to 89, along with eight to 10 associates. The volunteers handle everything from fighting fires to raising funds.
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