July 10, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Rivers of Steel Arts will hold its first-ever Community Day at the historic Carrie Furnaces site in Rankin and Swissvale from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday (July 15).
"Bring the kids and meet your neighbors at the national historic landmark Carrie Furnaces for a day filled with creative projects, outdoor fun, raffle prizes, local food and entertainment," a spokesperson said.
Visitors will get behind-the-scenes look at the exciting programming RoSA offers throughout the season including hands-on workshops, photo safaris, graffiti art projects, foundry work and much more.
Located at the end of the Rankin Bridge, just opposite from The Waterfront, the Carrie Furnaces were built in 1884 and during their peak produced 1,000 to 1,250 tons of raw iron per day.
The facility, once part of U.S. Steel's Homestead Works, closed in 1982. All that is left are furnaces No. 6 and 7, which operated from 1907 to 1978. The furnaces were designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and are among only a few pre-World War II 20th century blast furnaces to survive.
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July 07, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(A firearms dealer is renovating the former Burt Foster American Legion Post, shown here, for use as a retail store. Residents packed this week's city council meeting, saying the location showed insensitivity in a town fighting against handgun violence. Tube City Almanac photo.)
© 2017 Tube City Community Media Inc.
Residents of McKeesport angry over a firearms dealer's planned expansion Downtown packed city council chambers this week to raise issue with what they called a lack of "transparency" and "consideration."
The store's owner, meanwhile, said Friday in an interview with Tube City Almanac that he hears their concerns, but is running a legal, responsible operation.
"I'm not here for scare tactics and I'm not here to sell guns to other people who shouldn't have one," said Jonathan Stark, owner of Pittsburgh FFL, which is renovating the former Burt Foster American Legion post to be used as a retail gun store to be known as "Legion Arms."
"I'm not a 'crazy gun guy,'" Stark said. "I'm a businessman. I think that's what allows me to understand both sides of the issue.
"We operate responsibly, but I do understand that there is a stigma," he said. "We provide a legal, lawful business and service, and I want everything we do to be positive."
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July 07, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Residents of Liberty Borough are being urged to vaccinate their pets after a rabid cat was found in the area.
The Allegheny County Health Department said that a cat got in an altercation with a dog in the 3100 block of Valley Ridge Road this week. The cat, believed to be feral, was found to have rabies.
Anyone in that area who has had exposure to a feral cat should contact the health department, a spokeswoman said, and contact with stray animals should be avoided. Residents should have their pets vaccinated, and watch for unusual behavior.
“Well-intentioned efforts by individuals sometime can result in unnecessary exposure to pathogens like the rabies virus,” Dr. Karen Hacker, health department director, said in a statement.
So far in 2017, seven rabid animals have been reported in Allegheny County, includijng one cat, three bats and three raccoons.
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July 06, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Photo courtesy PurePenn LLC, via Facebook.)
The company that has just been awarded a license to produce medical cannabis in McKeesport will hold a job fair for potential employees on July 27.
PurePenn LLC is purchasing five acres in the industrial park along the city's Monongahela River waterfront to construct a growing facility and laboratory. The company is one of 12 statewide that were awarded licenses to produce medicinal cannabis, or marijuana, to potentially treat conditions ranging from glaucoma to chronic pain to lack of appetite caused by the effects of chemotherapy.
The job fair will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Palisades ballroom, corner of Fifth and Water streets, Downtown, next to the McKees Point Marina. The company expects to hire 25 people to begin operations within the next six months.
"PurePenn is very committed to being involved in this community," Mayor Mike Cherepko said. "They are committed to finding workers from within the city of McKeesport, as well as veterans. It's a great opportunity for our residents."
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July 06, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Tube City Almanac photo)
McKeesport's controller was appointed to the city's top administrative position on Wednesday night, while the man who was running to replace the controller has been elevated to that job on an interim basis.
Council voted 6-0 to name Tom Maglicco as city administrator, effective immediately. Councilwoman Fawn Walker-Montgomery was absent during the vote.
Maglicco replaces Matt Gergely, who resigned to take a position as assistant to the business manager in the McKeesport Area School District.
"Mr. Maglicco was on a very extremely short list" of replacements for Gergely, Mayor Mike Cherepko said. "It was very clear to me early on that he has a passion for making McKeesport a better place to live and work."
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July 05, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
The death of a man who was found on Fifth Avenue on the night of June 19 has been ruled a homicide.
Otherwise, few details are known about the death of Diaz R. Petty, 24, of McKeesport, who was discovered lying on the sidewalk in the 900 block at 11:11 p.m.
He died at a hospital a short time later of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.
Allegheny County police said that there may have been an argument preceding the shooting.
Anyone who may have heard or saw anything is asked to call McKeesport Police at (412) 675-5015 or the Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit at (412) 473-1300. Callers can remain anonymous, a spokesman said.
July 05, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Sv. Nikola Brodar CFU Lodge 432 is taking orders for Mezick lamb and preparing for an afternoon of music and dancing to the music of Mikey Dee.
Lamb Orders Due July 9: Orders for barbecued lamb by Mike and Carol Mezick are being taken through July 9 for pickup starting at 12:30 p.m. on July 16, the next indoor picnic. The lamb must be pre-ordered; call your order into (724) 872-7495.
Mikey Dee on July 16: Those picking up their lamb orders are invited to stay and enjoy it at our indoor picnic on July 16.
The club's smoke-free dining hall will be open for guests to enjoy listening and dancing to the music of Mikey Dee from 2 to 6 p.m. "in air-conditioned comfort," a spokeswoman said.
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July 05, 2017 |
By Mary Shelly | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School District residents will pay a little bit more in property taxes next year.
The final budget of $65.6 million adopted June 28 by a 7-1 vote will increase the tax rate from 16.74 mills to 17.37 mills.
A tax increase of 0.63 mills would add 63 cents on every $1,000 of assessed value of a property. A taxpayer with a house valued at $50,000 will expect to see their annual school property tax go up $31.50.
School Director Scott Smith was the only board member to vote no, although Christopher Halaszynski was not in attendance.
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June 30, 2017 |
By David Stephens | Posted in: Commentary-Editorial
(Kim Ursta and Jason Mollard exchange vows in the chapel at UPMC McKeesport hospital on June 13. UPMC McKeesport photo)
I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into UPMC McKeesport hospital recently to meet Jason Mollard, and his new wife, Kim Ursta.
In late November 2016, Jason was diagnosed with two inoperable brain tumors that caused him to lose his vision.
Jason grew up in McKeesport, and Kim grew up in White Oak. They’ve lived their entire lives in the area, both attending McKeesport High School, although not knowing each other at the time. The community around them has been a pillar of strength for the family in their time of need. Friends, family, and neighbors have raised funds, extended sympathies, prepared meals, and offered support in every way they can.
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June 30, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A North Huntingdon Twp. woman was indicted Tuesday in federal court on charges she defrauded the Steel Valley Authority by writing checks to herself, and her creditors, over a six-year period.
Nicolette Gizzi, 44, is charged with five counts of bank fraud and mail fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song said.
Founded during the economic slowdown of the 1980s and based in Swissvale, Steel Valley Authority is a non-profit agency that arranges financing and grants to support manufacturing in 12 municipalities, including Clairton, Duquesne, East Pittsburgh, Glassport, Homestead, McKeesport, Munhall, Pittsburgh, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek and West Homestead.
SVA also operates a statewide program designed to help manufacturers restructure their businesses to avoid layoffs. The authority is funded primarily through federal grants.
Gizzi was the financial manager for SVA, prosecutors said. They allege that beginning in December 2009 and continuing through June 2016, Gizzi issued checks to herself and her credit card company from SVA's account, forging the required signatures.
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