May 03, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: Announcements
Both photos: Adam Reinherz for Tube City Almanac
Students from the Founders’ Hall Drama Club will present “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 4 to 6) in the auditorium at Francis McClure Elementary School, 500 Longvue Drive, White Oak.
Last week, cast members previewed songs for members of the McKeesport Area School Board.
The box office opens at 6 p.m. each night of the show. The producer/director is Edward Moore, choreographer is Cassie Fedor, musical director is Drew DeCarlo and technical designer is Nathan Cross.
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May 02, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Editorial Cartoons
May 01, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A budget presentation by McKeesport Area School District business manager Scott Domowicz added heft to an already weighty meeting last week.
Domowicz said next year’s total proposed budget is for $86 million with an approximate fund balance of $10.6 million. The 2022-23 budget approved by the board was approximately $79.8 million.
“We’ve added to our general fund balance, however, we have to be responsible with the spending,” School Board President Latoya Wright said.
Despite the fund balance, increased costs stand to hamper the district, Domowicz explained. “Contractual labor agreements and additional staffing represents an increase in payroll expenses of 8 percent,” he said.
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May 01, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A discussion of possible institutional bias dominated April’s meeting of the McKeesport Area School Board.
The wide-ranging conversation was triggered by a social media post, and subsequent comments, that alleged an unidentified student received preferential treatment.
“Everyone needs to be consistent,” School Board President Latoya Wright said.
The district’s policy manual authorizes the board to establish “fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations” regarding student conduct, and delegates the superintendent to ensure policies are followed. In the event of an infraction, students “shall have a right to notice,” and suspensions and expulsions shall be carried out according to board policy.
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April 27, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
The West Newton Community Singers will present “When I Sing” at 7:30 p.m. Friday (May 5) at West Newton United Presbyterian Church, Third and Main streets, West Newton, a spokesman said. Rick Carson will serve as director and Lauren Cross as accompanist.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Gary’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant, South Second Street, and are $7 for adults, or $8 at the door. Children’s tickets are $5.
April 27, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: West Newton News
West Newton Public Library, 124 N. Water St, will hold a jewelry and book sale from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 6, a spokesperson said. Books will be sold for $5 per bag.
“Our storage building is full to bursting, so if you love to read, be sure to not miss this sale,” the spokesperson said.
In case of rain, the event will be moved to May 13. For more information, call (724) 633-0798.
In other West Newton Public Library news, there are 24 books from the “Antique Shop Mysteries” series available and in like-new condition that are now being sold in a silent auction. Interested parties should call the library before April 30 and leave their name, telephone number and bid. The winner will be contacted after April 30.
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April 27, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements, West Newton News
West Newton First Church of God, 157 N. Second St., will hold an election day luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day of the May 16 primary, a spokesperson said.
A spokesperson said “we urge you to go out and vote, then come and eat at our Election Day luncheon.” The menu will include soup, salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages. For take out, call (724) 872-7467. Delivery will be available to local businesses in the West Newton area.
April 27, 2023 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: State & Region
Warmer winters and shifting weather patterns caused by climate change are magnifying the impact of invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly, say experts. (Tube City Almanac file photo by Vickie Babyak)
April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning Pennsylvanians that it’s the best time of year to spot damaging, invasive species.
Invasive pests cost the U.S. about $40 billion a year in damages to trees, plants and crops, according to the USDA.
Kathryn Bronsky is the USDA’s national policy manager for plant protection and quarantine. She said hungry pests are often great hitchhikers, and people can accidentally spread them to new areas by traveling.
In particular, she said, experts are urging residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly.
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April 26, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
McKeesport chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness support group will meet at 6 p.m. May 3 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.
Guest speakers from Re:Solve Crisis Services will discuss the unit’s support features. Sponsored by Allegheny County and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, the 24-hour, 365-day crisis service is free to all Allegheny County residents.
Re:Solve offers a 24-hour hotline answered by trained clinicians and provides a mobile response team that travels where needed within the county.
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April 26, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Rev. Dr. Moni McIntyre embraces McKeesport police Officer Charles Thomas on Tuesday at the city’s Public Safety Building. (Special to Tube City Almanac)
A Downtown church on Tuesday presented a city police officer who is recovering from wounds sustained during a shooting with more than $300 in gift cards in honor of his service.
The gift to McKeesport police Officer Charles Thomas Jr. was the idea of Jo Pratt of White Oak, a parishioner at St. Stephen Episcopal Church, Walnut Street, and was quickly adopted by other members of the congregation, who contributed to the collection.
“We felt it was really, really necessary, because our church is in the community, and we realize the risk our police officers take with their lives, and that the compensation they receive does not in any way compare,” Pratt said. “We wanted (Thomas) to get a night out and to let all of our police know that we care, and that they are in our constant thoughts and prayers.”
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