February 05, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Website: www.facebook.com/paul.shelly
Paul Shelly Jr. is running a write-in campaign for the 35th Legislative District seat. The election is Tuesday (Feb. 7).
Tell me about yourself.
I was born and raised in McKeesport—I’m a Mon Valley boy—and I am committed to the community. I love it here, and I love to see our people prosper. I raised four children, and I would say that’s what I’m most proud of. I started out by working for Westinghouse, and I have a master’s degree in computer science. I mentored and coached kids basketball, football, and baseball at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as at McKeesport High School. I also have my own painting company, Paul Shelly Restorations—we paint houses.
Why is running for state representative so important to you?
Truthfully, I have never wanted that role. I was working for the Fetterman campaign, and someone said, “Why not you?” I wanted to get Mon Valley guys elected. I think we have a lot of career politicians—what have they done? It’s humbling to win an election. I have Democrats, independents, and Republicans backing me up. We need to get new people involved—fresh ideas. Nobody has a monopoly of good ideas. I aspire to be a leader, and I like meeting people and hearing their concerns.
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February 05, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Website: www.electdonnevills.com
Don Nevills is the endorsed Republican candidate for the 35th Legislative District. The election is Tuesday (Feb. 7):
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a 14-year Navy veteran and a business owner of 28 years. I’ve owned various tattoo shops, including one in the Southside of Pittsburgh, and a cotton candy store. I was a member of the Clairton Redevelopment Authority Board and the Clairton Municipal Utilities Authority Board. I live in Clairton, and I represent the people—not a party, not an agenda. I believe that in the 35th District, we’re underrepresented [in Harrisburg], if represented at all.
Why is running for state representative so important to you?
I’ve always served the people—I’ve always enjoyed helping others, speaking with them. I’ve done over 20,000 tattoos, and through talking to others, I learned that people just want to live a comfortable life.
I started my political campaign in 2019, when I ran for Congress. But I refocused to my local community and being able to bring change. What can I bring back to the local community? I’m tired of the politicians doing what they want. I take this job like the military—it’s 24/7. I’m always on call.
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February 05, 2023 |
By Elizabeth Laughlin | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Website: www.facebook.com/TeamGergely
Matt Gergely is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the 35th Legislative District. The election is Tuesday, Feb. 7:
Tell me about yourself.
I was born and raised in McKeesport. I’m a ’98 graduate of McKeesport High School and an IUP college graduate of 2002. I have been involved with politics life-long, such as being a part of political consulting and the city administrative staff for the mayor. I was also business manager of the McKeesport Area School District for three years.
Why is running for state representative so important to you?
I contemplated running for a long time, from the day Austin Davis won his election. And I realized this [position] is something you can’t pass up—it’s what I want to do, and I was a step ahead of everything with my experiences.
But I will say the most important thing I want people to know is that this election is not about me, at all. It’s about the constituents of the 35th District and their issues and concerns. We are going to do everything in our power to address the addiction to crime and violence that unfortunately plagues our communities at times.
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February 02, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh will hold a meeting tonight to discuss the results of a new water testing study in the lower 10th Ward.
Dr. Carla Ng, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Pitt, has been conducting additional testing to determine if chemicals known as PFAs are still present in the water supply and soil after a fire at McKeesport Auto Body on Rebecca Street contaminated the area in July 2021.
PFAs, used in some types of fire-suppressant foam, are believed to have entered the water supply through a fire hydrant.
PFAs are found in a variety of consumer products and also are used in firefighting foam to smother blazes.
However, according to the EPA, PFAs also have been linked to health problems, including low infant birth weights, immune and thyroid disorders and cancers.
The meeting will also provide opportunities for residents to sign-up and get their water tested. Pitt is working with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County and Women for a Healthy Environment.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at West Side United Methodist Church, 305 Atlantic Ave.
February 02, 2023 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport City Council has rejected the transfer of a liquor license to a proposed sandwich and six-pack shop on Lysle Boulevard near Market Street.
By a 5-1 vote, council voted down a request from Sarabjit & Neelam Holdings for permission to transfer a liquor license into the city from Moon Twp.
Councilman Tim Brown cast the only yes vote. Councilwoman Jill Lape was absent.
At January’s council meeting, company representatives had expressed their intention to open a deli and six-pack shop in a former check-cashing store at the intersection of Market Street and Lysle Boulevard.
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January 31, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Applications for absentee and mail-out ballots are being sent this week to approximately 300,000 registered voters in Allegheny County, the Elections Division has announced.
A state law passed in 2019 allows voters to place themselves on a “permanent” list for an absentee or mail-in ballot, and requires the applications to be distributed before the first Monday in February.
Anyone on the permanent list should receive their application by Friday.
County officials said the so-called “permanent” ballot list has been confusing for voters. Signing up for the “permanent” list does not mean a voter automatically gets a mail-in ballot each year. Instead, they receive an application for a mail-in ballot.
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January 31, 2023 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: White Oak News
Zachary Schmude amazes his family with his positive attitude and continuing recuperation from the severe accident that could have taken his life. Zach is seen here in late December with his mother, Rachel Schmude, father, Brian Schmude and siblings, all from White Oak. (Submitted photo)
One man’s tragedy can be another person’s survival guide.
On Nov. 3, 23-year-old Zachary Schmude of White Oak went to work as usual, never foreseeing an accident that would alter the rest of his life.
Now, he wants to share his story and help people in similar situations.
“I want people to know they can persevere through something horrible and if I inspire one person, then I will be happy,” Schmude said. “I will do the same stuff I did before, but in a wheelchair.”
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January 26, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
A former Duquesne resident faces more than six years in federal prison and six years probation following his conviction on drug and firearms charges, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung said.
Brandon McCaskill, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti after he was found guilty on charges of possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 17, 2020, Duquesne police officers visited McCaskill’s home in connection with a separate incident. While there, prosecutors said, police found McCaskill seated on the front porch with a backpack and detected a strong odor of drugs.
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January 26, 2023 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Following three area shootings in six weeks, and the discovery of a plastic BB gun in a high school student’s backpack on Monday, McKeesport Area School District board members voiced their commitment to safety during Wednesday’s meeting.
“Safety is the number one priority. Education is supposed to be number one but that’s fallen out and number two for me,” board member Joseph Lopretto said. “This school board is 100 percent on board. I don’t want anybody to even take away from tonight that we don’t care because we care.”
Despite Lopretto’s assertion, several parents raised concern regarding the effectiveness of backpack checks and other security measures.
Superintendent Tia Wanzo said that a group of six adults inspect backpacks “every day.”
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January 25, 2023 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
The Lenten season is right around the corner, which means fish fries are too.
The Allegheny County Health Department is reminding fish fry sponsors that they must have a valid food permit, a requirement for all food facilities in the county, including temporary fish fries.
“Seasonal fish fries are a great part of the region’s cultural identity,” said Otis Pitts, deputy director for food safety, housing & policy at the health department. “It is important that seasonal fish fry organizers follow proper food safety handling procedures to make sure their patrons do not get sick from the food they serve. Working with the Health Department’s Food Safety Program will help fish fry organizers do just that.”
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