June 06, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
CORRECTION: The name of Denise Brownfield was incorrect in the earlier version of this story. We apologize to Ms Brownfield for the mistake.
Several Duquesne residents have been recognized by city council for their efforts to improve their neighborhoods.
At a recent meeting, City Councilwoman Elaine Washington pointed out a number of residents who have gone above and beyond their civic responsibility and helped clean up and beautify the community.
One of those spotlighted by Washington was longtime resident Catherine M. Scharding.
Scharding said she suspected that Duquesne might now have more landlords than homeowners who occupy their properties. So she met with officials and other residents who wanted to make a difference.
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June 06, 2023 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
For Duquesne City Councilman Derek Artim, the second time running for office was the charm.
On May 16, the Duquesne native ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and with no Republicans running, Artim — barring a successful write-in campaign by a challenger — is expected to win a full four-year term in November.
A corporate operations officer for Dollar Bank, Artim said he wanted to put his 21 years’ worth of retail banking experience to work in his hometown, which is preparing to exit Act 47 state financial oversight. The city has been under financially distressed status since 1991.
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June 06, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
National Alliance on Mental Illness McKeesport support group will meet at 6 p.m. June 7 at Penn State Greater Allegheny in Frable Building Room 122, a spokeswoman said. The meeting is open to families and friends of loved ones living with mental illness.
Through a “care and share” session members offer understanding and support unique to those who are affected by these conditions. NAMI McKeesport occasionally invites mental health professionals to speak about treatment and resources.
For more information about the McKeesport meeting call (412) 527-6600. For the NAMI Helpline call (412) 366-3788 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 05, 2023 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The vacant Frank Mikell barber shop on Walnut Street is being demolished under a contract awarded to West Mifflin-based Minniefield Demolition Services. (Tube City Almanac photo)
Four contractors are simultaneously working together to demolish approximately 300 vacant and abandoned buildings in the city this spring and summer, officials said.
A.J. Tedesco, city community development director, said some of the buildings currently being targeted are under contracts that were awarded in 2022.
Among the buildings currently being demolished is the former Frank Mikell’s Barber Shop on Walnut Street in the Third Ward. Contrary to rumors, the building did not collapse, but it is being demolished by hand, slowly, to avoid damage to neighboring structures, Tedesco said.
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May 30, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak has honored one of the borough’s longest-tenured businesses on its 50th anniversary.
At the May borough council meeting, Mayor Ina Jean Marton presented Mark and Lois Novakovich, owners of Twin Oaks Lounge in Rainbow Village shopping center, with a proclamation recognizing its golden jubilee.
“Over the years, Twin Oaks Lounge has been a huge part of our community,” Marton said. “It has provided entertainment, dining, and dancing for our residents.” She also mentioned the ethnic events, political events, local organizations meetings, weddings, and funerals held by Twin Oaks Lounge.
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May 27, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Commentary-Editorial
A bee gathers pollen from a dandelion plant. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Vickie Babyak of Dravosburg writes:
Every third bite of food that we eat depends on pollination, and bees — including honeybees — are among the most important pollinators for crops. But bee populations are declining worldwide, due to overuse of pesticides and environmental factors such as climate change.
Last Saturday (May 20) was celebrated by environmentalists as “World Bee Day.” World Bee Day commemorates the birthday of Anton Janša, born in 1734, who was a pioneer beekeeper from Slovenia. Janša learned bee-keeping from his father and made one of the first scientific studies of bees and their behavior. In 1770, Empress Maria Theresa appointed him head beekeeper for all of Austria.
World Bee Day shines a light on bees and their habitat so we can improve conditions for the survival of bees and other pollinators. This year’s theme was “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agriculture production.”
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May 27, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School Board this week recognized pupils from United at Twin Rivers and Francis McClure schools who wrote winning essays for a contest sponsored by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., program. Superintendent Tia Wanzo congratulated each of the students before encouraging attendees to applaud the group. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
An expeditious meeting of the McKeesport Area School Board this week featured an apology and recommitment to communal partnerships.
School Board President LaToya Wright told attendees she needed to share something “that’s been on my heart.”
The board recently enacted a policy that school directors would not respond directly to comments, complaints and accusations raised by the public during a meeting.
Wright said she has heard from the community that the board is opting to remain “ignorant” of serious concerns.
“I want to apologize to any community member if they felt ignored, or any ignorance from the board, because that was never the intention,” she said.
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May 25, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, State & Region
(Tube City Almanac 2019 file photo for illustration only)
Allegheny County Economic Development is currently accepting applications for the 2023 round of the Blight Removal Program, a spokeswoman said.
Municipalities, public authorities, councils of government, land banks and private developers may apply for funding to remediate established blight conditions. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. June 16 and individual awards of up to $250,000 are available.
Approximately $1.5 million is available during this round of funding, county officials said.
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May 24, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have the potential to reduce recovery time and pain for people suffering from hernias.
Dr. Steven Ballesteros, a general surgeon at UPMC McKeesport hospital and UPMC East, will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of hernias using robotic-assisted technology during a free talk at 12 noon May 30. The discussion will be held online, a spokeswoman said.
This live, virtual presentation is free and open to the public. To register, visit UPMC.com/VirtualEvents. You must provide a valid email address in order to receive the registration link.
For more information, email communityoutreach@upmc.edu.
May 18, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, North Versailles Twp. News
Allegheny County police are investigating a head-on collision Tuesday that killed a 65-year-old driver.
Police said the accident happened just before 3:30 p.m. under the George Westinghouse Bridge in North Versailles Twp.
Investigators said an SUV driven by a 19-year-old man was traveling west on East Pittsburgh-McKeesport Boulevard, toward East Pittsburgh, when it crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound passenger van.
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