January 31, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Not getting calls is unbearable. (Tube City Almanac photo by F. Stop Fitzgerald)
We occasionally get some confusion about whether we are part of the Mon Valley Independent or the Tribune-Review.
We are completely separate, so telling one of those newspapers something doesn't mean we get the announcement, and vice versa. (Home Depot doesn't tell Lowe's, either.)
You can reach us in three ways:
• Email at tubecitytiger@gmail.com
• Phone at 412-357-2670
• U.S. Mail at 409 Walnut St., Suite 200, McKeesport 15132
Please do not use Facebook or text messages; we do not always see them.
You may follow us on social media in the following places:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tubecityonline.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TubeCityOnline
Fediverse/Mastodon: https://federated.press/@tubecityonline
January 31, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, Politics & Elections
(File photo: Vickie Babyak for Tube City Almanac)
As a public service, Tube City Community Media Inc. again will make available this space as a free, public outlet for local political candidates — although there are rules attached.
CANDIDATES: Please do not depend on Facebook messages or posts. Facebook does not always deliver messages or posts.
Please send candidate announcements to us at tubecitytiger@gmail.com, or Tube City Almanac, 409 Walnut St., Suite 200, McKeesport, PA 15132; we will publish candidate announcements as they are received at our office.
Deadline is May 1; announcements will be published at Tube City Almanac in the order they arrive.
Any candidate for a municipal (city, borough or township) or school board office in the Duquesne City, East Allegheny, McKeesport Area, South Allegheny or West Mifflin Area school districts* may submit a candidate announcement or statement for publication at Tube City Almanac.
Profiles received after the deadline will be published at the editor’s option, time permitting.
(Please do not send them as a text message, or as a Facebook message. Handwritten entries and phone calls are not acceptable.)
Read More
January 31, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was retracted and rewritten after publication. We learned after posting it that Joe Pero had also announced his candidacy on Facebook. We apologize to Pero for the omission.
Those are the only two candidates for this office of which we are presently aware.
CANDIDATES: Please do not depend on Facebook messages or posts.
Please send candidate announcements to us at tubecitytiger@gmail.com, or Tube City Almanac, 409 Walnut St., Suite 200, McKeesport, PA 15132; we will publish candidate announcements as they are received at our office. —JT
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko speaks at a Veteran’s Day ceremony. He has announced plans to run for magisterial district judge. (City of McKeesport photo by Jennifer R. Vertullo)
Retired McKeesport police Chief Joe Pero also is seeking the office. Pero is a Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy. (Submitted photo via Facebook)
Two candidates widely known to city residents have announced their plans to run for magisterial district judge.
Saying that he looks forward to stepping out of the limelight — but continuing community service — McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko announced his plans on Thursday.
Earlier in the week, former McKeesport police Chief Joe Pero also announced his candidacy, via Facebook. Pero retired from the police department in 2010 after a 30-year career.
Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi, who has served in that role since 2007, confirmed Friday that he is not seeking re-election. Riazzi, who previously served as a McKeesport police officer, chief of detectives, and as an Allegheny County sheriff’s deputy, is eligible for retirement under state law.
Read More
January 30, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Politics & Elections
From top left, in alphabetical order, Tim Eads of Munhall, Rikell Ford of Clairton, Dan Goughnour of McKeesport, Mary Nesby of Homestead, Lou Ransom Jr. of Munhall and Dexel Tolliver of Clairton. (Submitted photos)
The six Democrats vying for the nomination to run for the 35th Legislative District seat in a special election share a common focus on jobs, public safety, education and blight removal.
And the candidates also share a common goal of working with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to advance his legislative agenda, they said during a closed-circuit conference call on Thursday night.
The Allegheny County Democratic Committee will meet Saturday in McKeesport to choose a candidate to run in the special election being held March 25 to fill the remainder of State Rep. Matthew Gergely’s two-year term in office.
Read More
January 28, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Swin Cash speaks with Lady Tigers players and coaches following Monday's game. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
Swin Cash and McKeesport basketball have been synonymous for decades. Now it’s official. During Monday’s home game against the West Mifflin Area Titans, McKeesport Area School District dedicated its court in honor of the former player.
The halftime ceremony marked a “full circle” moment for Cash and the community, School Board President Mark Holtzman Sr. said: “She has been recognized as an Olympic champion, as a WNBA champion, and now she's being recognized as a champion in her own community, in her own home.”
Long before accruing nearly every basketball accolade imaginable, Cash was a self-described “scrawny girl” growing up in Harrison Village.
During high school, Cash’s size and talent exploded. She grew several inches and by senior year, Cash not only averaged 30.4 points and 16.9 rebounds per game but helped her team win the WPIAL title. After being named Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the year, the 6’1 phenom went on to win two national championships at the University of Connecticut, three WNBA titles and two Olympic Gold medals for Team USA.
Read More
January 27, 2025 |
By Yousuf Lachhab Ibrahim | Posted in: Announcements
The McKeesport Model Railroad Club’s HO-scale model represents Western Pennsylvania in the 1950s era. (Yousuf Lachhab Ibrahim photo for Tube City Almanac)
If you go...
|
|
What: 75th Anniversary Open House
Where: McKeesport Model Railroad Club, 2209 Walnut St.
When: 12 noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Admission: Free
|
The McKeesport Model Railroad Club is celebrating its 75th birthday, and it’s inviting the whole town to the party.
The local hobby group, located at 2209 Walnut St. in Christy Park, is riding high this month, with a cover story in the issue of Model Railroader magazine on sale now.
On Saturday (Feb. 1), the public will be invited to a free open house to admire 2,200 square feet of an idyllic 1950s-era Western Pennsylvania, complete with more than 75 locomotives and 1,200 freight cars.
“There are very few hobbies where you’re going to have seven-, eight-, nine-year-olds working right alongside retired guys [who are] teaching them something,” said Steve Raith, vice president of the MMRC. “There's a lot of people that think the hobby is kind of dying out, but we're definitely not seeing that. We have a lot of growth with younger people involved with the hobby.”
Read More
January 27, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
Areas colored in green, plus Duquesne, receive water service from Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. Pins and symbols show locations where MAWC has active construction or where it has recently completed projects. (Source: MAWC)
Residents of McKeesport and surrounding communities that get water service from the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County are being asked to conserve after a period of high demand.
Matthew Junker, authority spokesman, said that extremely cold temperatures caused many residents to run their water to prevent frozen lines.
At the same time, the water authority was responding to a number of leaks and water line breaks caused by the weather, he said. Due to rising temperatures, customers no longer need to let their water run, he said.
In order to bring system levels back up, Junker said, the authority is asking customers to reduce water usage at their homes and businesses until the system can stabilize.
Read More
January 25, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Politics & Elections
A memorial wreath is visible through the window at State Rep. Matt Gergely’s office as it reflects scenes of Lysle Boulevard. The office was closed this week following his death Sunday. (Almanac photo)
A special election will be held March 25 to fill the 35th Legislative District seat left vacant by the death of State Rep. Matt Gergely of McKeesport.
The Pennsylvania Department of State said official papers were filed this week by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton and nomination certificates will be accepted through Feb. 5 from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as minor parties.
Objections to any candidate’s nomination must be filed by Feb. 6. Persons who want to vote in the special election must register by March 10.
Read More
January 24, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers remarks during Friday’s funeral for State Rep. Matt Gergely at First Free Evangelical Church in McKeesport. (Official photo courtesy Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania)
An honor guard of Allegheny County constables bearing the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags led the final procession into church for one of the city’s favorite sons.
On Friday, more than 400 people attended the funeral of State Rep. Matt Gergely of McKeesport, who died Sunday aged 45.
In addition to Gergely’s friends and family, mourners at First Free Evangelical Church near Renziehausen Park included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, State Sens. Jay Costa and Nick Pisciottano, McKeesport City Council, Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi, and many members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
We are “broken-hearted for a life that was cut way too short,” Shapiro said. “Matt was a man who lived his life with purpose, and kindness, and decency for others.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko — a lifelong friend of Gergely’s — and retired state Sen. Jim Brewster escorted his casket to the altar.
Read More
January 22, 2025 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
With Wednesday’s temperatures expected to remain near or below zero for most of the morning, Allegheny County Emergency Services is cautioning residents to take extra care.
A spokesperson said residents should never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to generate heat inside their home. Kitchen stoves also should not be used for heat, the spokesperson said.
In addition, at least three feet of space should be kept on all sides of space heaters to prevent clothing, furniture, books, drapes and other items from accidentally catching fire.
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County urged residents to take proper precautions for water pipes. Water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on the pipes, which can cause pipes to break. A spokesperson said:
• Drip cold water in the faucet furthest from your main valve; moving water keeps pipes from freezing
• Locate your shut-off valves in case of an emergency
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas
• Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes
• Open outside spigots to allow water to drain
In the event your home’s pipes do freeze, the authority recommends:
• Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve
• Open a faucet near the frozen pipe so that water will flow once the area is melted; this will help melt more ice
• Apply heat to or around the pipe using a hair dryer
• Do not use any open flame devices, such as a propane torch, to heat frozen pipes
• Check all pipes and joints for leaks or cracks
• Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section, if you are unable to reach it, or you are unable to thaw it
Allegheny County public safety officials are encouraging residents to stay inside as much as possible and avoid prolonged periods of being outside and exposed to the elements. Frostbite can occur within 30 minutes at a wind chill temperature of -19 degrees, 10 minutes at -33 degrees, and five minutes at -48 degrees.
January 22, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Jose Castro of McKeesport helps clear a sidewalk near Bethlehem Baptist Church on Tuesday afternoon. (Tube City Almanac photo)
The temperature was just about 7 degrees above zero as Jose Castro shoveled snow along Ninth Avenue near Bethlehem Baptist Church on Tuesday afternoon. Taking a quick break to talk to a passerby, Castro was philosophical about the cold: “It’s winter. You just have to deal with it.”
Up on Romine Avenue, where crews from Betters Company are demolishing the long-vacant Becker House at 511, truck driver Ron Hoffer of Fayette County was waiting for another load of debris. The temperature when he left home Tuesday morning was 6 below zero, he said.
How does he cope with working outside in sub-zero conditions? “Hot coffee,” Hoffer said. “And lots of layers.”
Tuesday’s temperatures were not near the all-time record low of 18 below zero, set in 1985, but they were roughly 20 degrees less than normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service in Moon Twp., leading schools to move to online classes and most court and county offices to close.
Read More
January 21, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News, Duquesne News
A Turtle Creek man is dead and an unidentified woman is in critical condition following an early-morning shooting Monday in Duquesne.
Sean R. Johnson Jr., 30, was pronounced dead inside a home in the 100 block of Commonwealth Avenue just after 5:30 a.m. Monday, the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said.
A woman who was with Johnson was taken to an area hospital suffering from gunshot wounds, Allegheny County police said in a prepared release. Her identity was not made public.
County homicide detectives said a caller to 9-1-1 reported the shooting just after 5 a.m. Police responded to find Johnson and the unidentified woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Detectives said Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The medical examiner’s office said that Johnson died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
No further information was released by police. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the county police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.
January 20, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
State Rep. Matt Gergely speaks to visitors during a 2023 grand opening celebration of his district office in the former McKeesport Daily News Building. (Courtesy photo)
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday ordered the flags over state-owned buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of state Rep. Matt Gergely, who died Sunday at an area hospital following an undisclosed illness.
Gergely, 45, of McKeesport’s Haler Heights section fell ill unexpectedly in late December. He had represented the 35th Legislative District since 2023.
“Lori and I are heartbroken for Rep. Matt Gergely’s wife Holly, their two young sons, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the community he loved and proudly served in his hometown of McKeesport,” Shapiro said in a prepared release. “Matt’s was a life cut way too short. Now, in this moment of mourning, let us come together to honor his legacy, carry on the work that mattered most to him, and look out for his family ...
“May the memory of Matt Gergely forever be a blessing,” Shapiro said.
Read More
January 19, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
This is a developing story and will be updated.
(Courtesy photo)
State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely died Sunday at a Monroeville hospital, several weeks after suffering what had been described as a medical emergency. He was 45.
A former McKeesport city administrator and chief revenue officer, Gergely only two months ago was celebrating his election to his first full term as state legislator for the 35th District.
In addition to extended family, Gergely leaves a wife, Holly, and two children, Mason and Jarrett.
His death was announced by his former state house colleague, now state senator, Nick Pisciottano.
Read More
January 17, 2025 |
By Yousuf Lachhab Ibrahim | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Donald MacFann addresses the audience Thursday after being hired as McKeesport Area School District’s new superintendent. Board President Mark Holtzman looks on. (McKeesport Area School District via YouTube)
The McKeesport Area School District hired Donald MacFann as its new superintendent on Thursday by unanimous decision. He was approved for a five-year contract at the salary yet to be determined.
MacFann replaces acting superintendent William Pettigrew, who was himself the replacement of Superintendent Tia Wanzo. Wanzo resigned amid significant controversy in August.
“He’s a Mon Valley guy,” said district solicitor Gary Matta on the new hire. “That’s what we need. We need one of our own to help lead the charge here.”
MacFann, an alumnus of California University of Pennsylvania, is expected to start within the next 60 days, but he hopes to start in 20 days.
Read More
January 17, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Editorial Cartoons
January 16, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne officials thanked the public works department for its response following the winter’s first significant snow falls.
At this week’s council meeting, Council Member Elaine Washington said she started receiving calls from concerned citizens as soon as the roads received their first covering, but she assured everyone, “we know the guys are out there.”
Mayor R. Scott Adams asked residents to “just be patient,” and one person in the audience responded he had seen city crews out clearing streets at 3 a.m. Monday.
With continued snow predicted, the public works department has put in another order for road salt, said Public Works Director Steve Arbasak but the city has “plenty of salt” for immediate needs.
Read More
January 14, 2025 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Allegheny County’s public transit agency will hold a community meeting tonight (Jan. 14) at Penn State Greater Allegheny to get community input on upcoming changes to bus service.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Ostermayer Room of the Student Community Center.
Ten attendees will be randomly selected to receive a free weekly CONNECT fare card.
Read More
January 10, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School District has potentially found a new superintendent. School directors will announce the candidate during next Thursday's regular meeting.
Though the announcement was slated to be made during the Jan. 9 open agenda meeting, a requisite letter to school directors regarding the upcoming vote was delayed, according to solicitor Gary Matta.
“The school code says you have to give notice to the board,” Matta said. “The registered letter didn’t go out on time because of the school being closed on Monday, so we just wanted to make sure we followed the regulations.”
Next week’s agenda will include an item to hire the new superintendent. Should that individual be hired, they will replace acting superintendent William Pettigrew, who replaced former superintendent Tia Wanzo. Pettigrew, who was absent from the Jan. 9 meeting, has assisted Albert Educational Consulting with conducting the superintendent search.
Read More
January 10, 2025 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment
Members of the McKeesport Little Theater Juniors rehearse for the musical production, "Finding Nemo Jr.," which opens tonight. (Submitted photo McKeesport Little Theater/Jennifer R. Vertullo)
If you go...
|
|
“Finding Nemo Jr.”
Musical presented by McKeesport Little Theater Juniors
Based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film
Where: McKeesport Little Theater
1614 Coursin St.
412-673-1100
www.mckeesportlittletheater.com
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10-12 and Jan. 17-19.
Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at
2 p.m.
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students. Available through the
theater website, by calling and leaving a message, or through www.onthestage.tickets/show/mckeesport-little-theater
|
Still hoping to find Nemo? Then head to McKeesport Little Theater for the musical production of “Finding Nemo Jr.”
Although based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar movie of the same name, the stage show includes lots of catchy tunes and choreography – and some puppets – to portray familiar characters from the Great Barrier Reef to the Big Blue World.
Opening today (Jan. 10), and continuing weekends through Jan. 19, an enthusiastic cast and crew affiliated with the MLT Juniors program will bring the story of an adventuresome young clownfish to life.
Read More
January 10, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne is moving forward with plans to hire a code enforcement officer and council is expected to vote Jan. 28 on whether to officially open the position, city officials said this week.
Council discussed the issue at this week’s meeting. Officials said that for several years, the city has discussed creating the position, but funding for a salary has been the main problem. In the past year, there has been a more concerted effort by leaders to find a candidate who would investigate issues in the community.
In other business, City Manager Douglas Sample said that Duquesne also continues to advance with plans for a Home Rule Study Commission. He said he’s waiting for direction from state officials.
Read More
January 07, 2025 |
By T.J. Martin | Posted in: White Oak News
Residents of White Oak Borough will face no real estate tax increase under the 2025 budget approved as 2024 closed. They will, however, pay more to have their garbage collected, and those who work in the borough will pay more to do so.
At a special meeting last week, the White Oak Borough Council voted 5-2 to approve the budget, which calls for expenditures of $6.67 million and projected revenues of $6.13 million. The difference of approximately $541,000 will be made up for from the borough’s reserve fund.
The votes against the budget were cast by George Pambacas and Amanda DePaulis.
Pambacas had an issue with the portion of the budget which allows for 13 police officers plus a chief of police.
Read More
January 07, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Keenon Mikell, chief operating officer, and Keith Giles, chief executive officer, relax in the new community room at First Step Recovery Homes’ Olive Street facility. (Tube City Almanac photo)
A new housing facility in a former Downtown elementary school will provide safe, temporary homes to up to 40 men who are in the process of re-entering the workforce after drug or alcohol treatment.
Last month, First Step Recovery Homes held an open house inside its new facility at 416 Olive St. The building, constructed in the 1950s as St. Mary German Catholic School, was most recently used by FamilyLinks.
Keith Giles, chief executive officer of First Step, said the facility — which had been set up for the needs of children and young adults — needed extensive remodeling before it could begin accepting its first residents. Nine people were staying at Olive Street in December.
Read More
January 07, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
• Download a copy of McKeesport’s 2025 Budget
• Download Mayor Michael Cherepko’s 2025 Budget Message
McKeesport’s financial story remains a tale of “doing more with less,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said in his 2025 budget message.
In December, city council passed a $25 million spending plan with no tax increase — but with a $100 annual increase in the municipal service fee that is largely allocated toward the cost of trash collection.
Residents took to social media to complain about the increase.
“The 33 percent increase in user fees is directly related to a more than 100 percent increase in the city’s cost of garbage collection,” Cherepko said in his budget message. “Our budget has eaten that cost over the last few years, and yet we are only going after 33 percent. In all honesty, I didn’t feel comfortable pursuing this increase until our service was satisfactory.”
Read More
January 03, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, State & Region
(Tube City Almanac file photo)
State Rep. Matt Gergely has been hospitalized for what was described as a “medical emergency” by a spokesperson for the state House Democratic Caucus. Few other details were released.
The McKeesport Democrat won a special election in 2023 to fill the 35th District seat, which was left vacant when former state Rep. Austin Davis of McKeesport was elected lieutenant governor.
In November, Gergely was elected to a full two-year term. His illness was first reported Friday by Pittsburgh public radio station WESA-FM.
Read More
January 03, 2025 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Download printable version)
McKeesport’s 2025 recycling calendar was published incorrectly in this quarter’s edition of “In McKeesport Area” magazine, the mayor’s office has announced.
The correct calendar is attached and available on the city’s website.
McKeesport participates in single-stream recycling, which means residents can dispose of paper, cardboard, plastics Number 1 through 7, and aluminum or bi-metal cans by placing everything in a single bin, the city said.
The holiday scheduling for trash and recycling pickup affects customers whose service falls on a holiday. The entire week will be one day behind when a holiday falls on a Monday. When the holiday falls on any other day, the only days that will be affected are those following the holiday within the holiday week. If the holiday falls on a weekend, there will be no delay.
