February 23, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: White Oak News
A large crowd attended Monday’s White Oak borough council meeting to raise concerns over an recently enacted feral cat ordinance.
More than two dozen people, some of whom had to stand for lack of chairs, attended to discuss the impact of the ordinance, enacted by council in December.
The ordinance requires cat owners to vaccinate their own anials against rabies, as well as to have their cats neutered or spayed and tipped. The ordinance also makes it unlawful to continue feeding or keeping feral cats if it causes a nuisance to neighbors.
Several people on Monday questioned whether the ordinance was legal or could withstand a court challenge.
Read More
February 23, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Editor’s Note: During the final week of Black History Month 2021, Vickie Babyak is taking a look at some local community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Emmau Crosby holding up two of her hand-crafted, custom ordered trays. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Emmau Crosby is a McKeesport business owner, a mom, an artist, entrepreneur and the CEO of Sour Puff Girls LLC. “I love my diverse roles and consider it a win-win situation, even though everything is a balancing act,” Crosby says.
Crosby finds herself extremely busy with three children, ages 10, 6 and 8 months old. She manages her home, creates art, and markets her merchandise at trade shows.
“Other women have told me that I’m an inspiration,” says Crosby. “It gives me a sense of pride to know I can encourage others.” She stays focused and her motto is “Powerful Women with High Standards.”
Read More
February 22, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
McKeesport Area Ministerium will host a ecumenical prayer service to pray for “healing for our nation” from 12 noon to 1 p.m. March 3 at Zion Baptist Church, 1300 Locust St.
A spokesperson said participants are invited to worship in person, with COVID-19 safety measures in place, or virtually via Zoom or Facebook.
To participate on Facebook, visit Zion Baptist’s Facebook page, zion.baptist.9883. On Zoom, use meeting ID 987 1990 4323, passcode 044730. To participate via phone, call (978) 990-5000 and enter code 145613, and identify yourself as “Zion Baptist Church.”
February 22, 2021 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Editor’s Note: During the final week of Black History Month 2021, Vickie Babyak is taking a look at some local community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Fawn Walker Montgomery working from her home office. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Take Action Mon Valley (TAMV) is a nonprofit organization located in McKeesport, and its mission is to combat all forms of community violence, activism and organizing. The nonprofit was originated in 2014.
“My cousin’s son, Carlos Hudson Jr. was murdered,” said Fawn Walker Montgomery, Co-Founder and Executive Director of TAMV. “He wasn’t the first or last relative I’ve lost to violence, so my cousin, Mae Herriott Hudson, and I decided to do something about solving homicides in our community. Since then, we have developed into a social justice organization that reaches out to surrounding communities.”
Montgomery takes complaints on violence throughout Allegheny County and focuses on generating solutions for local communities. Any individual, organization or group can make a complaint.
Read More
February 20, 2021 |
By Sarah Turnbull | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News, Sports
When Autumn Christner was trying out different sports growing up, she wasn’t expecting to fall in love with swimming. Thirteen years on, she’s setting new records.
“I did all types of different sports growing up, and I didn’t really like any of it. My sister did swimming — that’s what got me into it,” Christner said.
The East Allegheny senior broke a 39-year-old record for the 100-meter breaststroke in a swim meet against North Catholic on Feb. 9.
Read More
February 17, 2021 |
By Kristen Keleschenyi | Posted in: North Versailles Twp. News
East Allegheny students continue returning for in-person instruction.
At this month’s school board meeting, Superintendent Alan Johnson reported the gradual process began Jan. 25 with special education students. Each week following has ushered in the return of select grades and will conclude on Feb. 22 with the remaining grades 9, 10, and 11 to make the transition complete.
The students are assigned to color coded cohorts (blue on Mondays and Tuesdays, gold on Thursdays and Fridays). Wednesday is a remote day in order to give custodial staff a chance to clean the buildings between cohorts. The recent winter weather advisories have caused disruptions in the return process as some of the in-person days were moved to remote due to travel concerns.
Read More
February 16, 2021 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
Allegheny County police are investigating a one-car crash in Dravosburg late Friday night that led to the death of a Clairton man.
Alex K.A. Brown Jr., 41, was pronounced dead at a hospital early Saturday morning, the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said.
Emergency personnel said one person was ejected from the car, which rolled over.
Read More
February 15, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
The West Newton Lions Club, 511 Pittsburgh St., will hold an Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) fish fry to raise money to support its programs.
The menu includes Alaskan pollock deep-fried fish sandwich platter, baked macaroni & cheese or haluski, and cole slaw for $12, or a fish sandwich only for $6.75.
Read More
February 15, 2021 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 901 Hartman St., will hold lenten fish fries on Fridays, beginning Feb. 19 and continuing through March 12.
All meals are take-out only and must be pre-ordered.
Pre-orders are being taken Sundays through Wednesdays by calling (412) 469-2955. Payment must be made by credit card, a spokeswoman said.
Read More
February 14, 2021 |
By Siana Emery | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The McKeesport Agape Center may relocate to the former White Oak Elementary School on California Avenue, which closed in 2014. (Tube City Almanac photo)
In 2019, Kelly and Mike Doyle began providing food delivery services to neighbors they knew needed aid. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March of 2020, demand from food insecure community members skyrocketed. Thus, the McKeesport Agape Center was born.
As the center’s services continue to grow, so does their need for a large enough space to operate out of. One building that the Doyles are looking to purchase is the former White Oak Elementary School, which the McKeesport Area School District has confirmed is a possibility.
“The important thing to get across is that people that need food the most often don’t have vehicles to get to food banks. It’s important to have people to drive food to them,” said Kelly Doyle, who along with her husband, Mike, owns “Doyle Mails It,” the White Oak contract post office. “We really want to help our neighbors in need, and eradicate the food desert in the McKeesport area.”
Read More
