May 30, 2025 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: State & Region
The “big beautiful bill” passed by Congressional Republicans may not seem so beautiful to more than 800,000 Pennsylvania residents who rely on local community health centers for health care — including in the Mon-Yough area.
A report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 800,000 Pennsylvanians who rely on local Community Health Centers could face new barriers to care if proposed Medicaid cuts in the bill — which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives — are signed into law.
Locally, there are Community Health Centers on Lysle Boulevard in the city, as well as Miller Avenue in Clairton, Braddock Avenue in Braddock and West Street in Homestead.
Read More
May 30, 2025 |
By Danielle M. Smith - Public News Service | Posted in: State & Region
Staff at Philadelphia’s New Kensington Community Development Corp. greet visitors during a gun-violence prevention event in 2024. The organization is one of many across Pennsylvania whose work is threatened by a loss of federal funding. (Photo courtesy New Kensington Community Development Corp.)
A mass shooting on Memorial Day in Philadelphia marred the solemn holiday and also was an aberration — gun-related homicides across Pennsylvania are down 38 percent this year.
But violence prevention advocates are warning that federal funding cuts threaten key programs designed to curb gun-related crimes.
In Philadelphia, the Cure Violence program run by New Kensington Community Development Corporation is one of 350 groups learning their Justice Department grants would end early.
Amy Perez, vice president of programs for the group, said the cuts affect their entire outreach effort, from a youth basketball league to housing services and nutrition programs.
Read More
May 29, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A Dick’s Sporting Goods store. The chain moved its corporate headquarters to the Pittsburgh area in 1994 and has been heavily involved in philanthropy over its history. (Archive photo by Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA; licensed under Creastive Commons CC BY 2.0)
Nearly four years before last week’s dissolution of their partnership, Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and McKeesport Area School District touted a future full of promise.
Speaking to school directors, parents and community members on May 26, 2021, then-Superintendent Mark Holtzman Jr. optimistically described the pair’s first project: a six-week long summer camp in McKeesport.
Holtzman, the son of McKeesport Area School Board President Mark Holtzman Sr., left the district in 2022. He is now the superintendent at Hempfield Area School District in Westmoreland County.
Geared for local students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the summer camp program provided “transportation, food and a wide range of activities and field trips such as visiting the zoo, museums and a pool,” according to the foundation. The intent was to give children a “safe and fun place to spend their summer.”
Read More
May 29, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
McKeesport Area School District said a decision to end its partnership with the charitable giving arm of Dick’s Sporting Goods was made by the foundation, not by school officials. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
A McKeesport Area School Board member said long-simmering structural issues between the school district and Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation led to the cessation of a nearly four-year partnership.
In an interview, School Director David Donato implored the public to wait for the facts before reaching a conclusion: “There is no doubt Dick’s stopped this arrangement.”
Following a May 27 announcement that the charitable arm of the Dick’s Sporting Goods chain had ended its partnership with McKeesport Area School District, both sides are looking back — and making accusations.
School Board President Mark Holtzman Sr., who has been singled out for much of the blame by Dick’s and some members of the public, declined comment and referred questions to District Solicitor Gary Matta.
Read More
May 28, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated with new information as needed)
Guests at the 2022 launch event of United at Twin Rivers included Aimee Watters, executive director of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation; Tim Joyce, chief of staff for then-state Sen. Jim Brewster; Jackie Castma, associate executive director of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation; Brandy Daye, assistant principal, Twin Rivers; then-district superintendent Mark Holtzman Jr.; Tia Wanzo, then-assistant superintendent; then-state representative Austin Davis, now lieutenant governor; McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko; and then state representative, now state senator, Nick Pisciottano. (File photo/Tube City Almanac)
A more than three-year-long relationship between McKeesport Area School District and the charitable arm of Findlay Twp.-based Dick’s Sporting Goods has come to an acrimonious end.
District Superintendent Donald MacFann issued a statement Tuesday saying that Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation had made a “unilateral decision to end the partnership,” which has seen the philanthropy donate what it said was more than $13 million since 2021 to support educational programs at Twin Rivers Elementary School, fund professional and student development, and create a community center.
“Like many of you, the McKeesport Area School Board is deeply disappointed by this unexpected decision,” MacFann wrote.
“Over the course of this school year, MASD has worked diligently with DSGF to ensure our partnership benefited as many students as possible, with a particular focus on supporting their academic success,” MacFann wrote.
Read More
May 27, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Two school district employees have reportedly been suspended amidst an investigation into approximately $8,000 in deposits that were not properly made.
McKeesport Area School District confirmed Tuesday that an outside law firm, as well as McKeesport police and school district police, are investigating why nine deposits totalling $8,226 were not made during October, December and January.
It was not yet immediately clear if the money had gone missing. The situation was discovered May 15, the district said.
Last week, Pittsburgh TV station WTAE (4) reported that two district employees were suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
“While there was a delay in sharing this information, it was necessary due to ongoing legal and investigative procedures,” District Superintendent Donald MacFann said Tuesday in a prepared statement. MacFann was not immediately available for further comment.
Read More
May 27, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
A national outreach coordinator for Mental Health America will speak next week when the McKeesport Support Group of the National Alliance on Mental Illness holds its monthly meeting.
A spokeswoman said NAMI McKeesport will host Heather McLean, an outreach coordinator for Mental Health America at 6 p.m. June 4 in Room 122, Frable Building, Penn State Greater Allegheny.
NAMI McKeesport meets the first Wednesday of every month. The meetings are open to families and friends of loved ones living with mental illness. The meetings offer understanding and support unique to those who are affected by mental health conditions of loved ones, the spokeswoman said.
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.
May 27, 2025 |
By Vickie Babyak | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Saniya Rivers, a student at McKeesport Area High School, reads her essay entitled “America the Beautiful: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Struggle.” Her winning essay in the American Legion essay contest will advance to council level. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)
Several local students were honored by the American Legion this month for writing essays on what it means to be an American.
At a dinner at Post 701 in White Oak, students whose essays are chosen to advance to the next level received a prize of $50, and in each of their names a $50 donation was presented to the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship fund.
“The response has been great,” said Holly Gallagher, Americanism chairperson. In years past, she said, “we would average 10 to 12 essays, but this year we received a total of 37 essays.”
According to the American Legion National Headquarters, the essay contest was created to promote the value of patriotism, lifelong respect for the country and the American flag, and what it means to be an American. Thousands of students, grades 3 to 12 participate annually, and there is a category for students with special needs.
Read More
May 23, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
A graphic provided by Penn State University shows the location of all of the regional, or commonwealth, campuses, as well as those slated to close. (Courtesy Penn State University)
Local officials and Penn State students and alumni are breathing a sigh of relief over the decision by the university’s board of trustees to keep the Greater Allegheny Campus open.
Seven other campuses will close under the plan approved by the board — although not without controversy — during a live-streamed meeting on Thursday night.
Penn State University currently has 20 regional, or “commonwealth,” campuses. The proposal approved by a 25 to 8 vote would close campuses in New Kensington, Fayette County and five other locations. Penn State is promising additional investment in the remaining locations, including Greater Allegheny.
“I love it,” State Rep. Dan Goughnour of McKeesport said. “I’m saddened that some campuses are being shuttered. I was hoping that there was a solution to keeping them all open. But obviously (Greater Allegheny) is near and dear to my heart and I’m happy that the administration and the board saw the value in it.”
Read More
May 21, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Politics & Elections
(Submitted photo via Facebook)
Duquesne City Councilman Aaron Adams defeated two challengers to capture the Democratic nomination for Allegheny County Council District 9.
According to complete but unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division, Adams had 5,401 votes (54.8 percent) versus 2,845 votes (29 percent) for Kellianne Frketic of Elizabeth Twp. and 1,472 votes (15 percent) for Dylan Altemara of Elizabeth Twp.
There were 148 write-in votes. The district includes Dravosburg, Duquesne, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Twp., Forward Twp., Glassport, Liberty, McKeesport, Munhall, Port Vue, South Versailles Twp., Versailles, West Elizabeth, West Mifflin, Whitaker and White Oak.
Read More
May 20, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Politics & Elections
According to unofficial returns, Duquesne Mayor R. Scott Adams won the Democratic nomination for re-election to a second term by a substantial margin. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
A comeback attempt by the former mayor of Duquesne to reclaim the office has apparently fallen short.
Following Tuesday’s primary, unofficial but complete returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division showed R. Scott Adams leading Nickole Nesby for the Democratic nomination, 429 to 135 votes.
No Republican candidate filed, but there were 25 write-in votes on the Republican ballot. Barring a successful write-in campaign, Adams will be the only candidate on the ballot in the Nov. 4 election.
Adams was elected mayor of Duquesne in 2021, replacing Nesby, who made headlines as the city’s first Black mayor and first woman mayor following her election in 2017.
Read More
May 20, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Politics & Elections
Unofficial returns showed Joe Pero with a substantial lead in the race for both the Democratic and Republican nominations in Magisterial District 05-02-13. (Submitted photo via Facebook)
McKeesport’s former police chief was on track Tuesday night to become the city’s next magisterial district judge.
With 32 of 32 precincts reporting, unofficial returns from the primary election showed Joe Pero leading Michael Cherepko on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.
Allegheny County’s Elections Division showed Pero with a 59 to 41 percent lead on the Democratic side — 1,257 to 863 votes — and a 79 to 21 percent lead on the Republican side, 408 to 109 votes.
Judicial races in Pennsylvania are officially non-partisan, allowing candidates to cross-file.
Read More
May 20, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
An unindentified man was in critical condition Tuesday morning following a shooting outside of UPMC McKeesport hospital, Allegheny County police said.
Detectives said the incident occurred after the victim attempted to force his way into a car in the parking lot and that there was no danger to the general public.
The emergency room was closed temporarily following the incident and a clinic inside the hospital was closed after sustaining damage, a UPMC spokesperson said.
In a prepared release, county police said the incident began just after 3 a.m. when the shooting victim attempted to force his way into someone’s car outside of the hospital.
Read More
May 20, 2025 |
By T.J. Martin | Posted in: East McKeesport News
East McKeesport Council voted to purchase a second-hand police car for the department’s fleet, but not without some debate.
At borough council’s May meeting, members voted 5-1 to purchase a 2022 Ford Explorer Interceptor for $29,100 from Mosside Specialty Cars in Wall.
The vehicle has approximately 33,000 miles on it and will replace a 2017 Ford Explorer with approximately 140,000 miles on it in the department’s four-vehicle fleet. The purchase price includes a $2,000 trade-in on the 2017 vehicle.
Read More
May 15, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The Student Community Center at Penn State Greater Allegheny opened in 2003. (File photo taken by Ryan Kegel, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.)
A leaked report this week revealed that Penn State University’s nearly 78-year-old campus in McKeesport would survive a round of cuts that would lead to the closure of seven other regional sites.
The report, revealed by the Philadelphia Inquirer and Spotlight PA ahead of a planned Penn State board of trustees meeting, recommends the closure of regional campuses in Uniontown and New Kensington, as well as DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York.
Two campuses in southwestern Pennsylvania would be spared — Penn State Beaver and Penn State Greater Allegheny in McKeesport.
Local officials reacted with relief at the unofficial, though widely reported, news.
Read More
May 13, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: State & Region
The Downtown McKeesport Rite Aid location closed in 2023. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
Pennsylvania’s attorney general is advising Rite Aid customers they have until June 6 to use any gift cards, coupons or reward points they have accumulated.
In addition, said state Attorney General Dave Sunday, the stores will stop accepting returns or exchanges on June 4.
Barely seven months after exiting federal bankruptcy protection, the Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection again last week.
Financial analysts have said that Rite Aid, like competing chains Walgreens and CVS, expanded too quickly and are now struggling with declining prescription reimbursements from insurance companies and the federal government.
Read More
May 13, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne Mayor R. Scott Adams is running for re-election to his second term. He is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20 primary. (Tom Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
R. Scott Adams believes that he has brought “stability back to the office” of mayor in Duquesne. As he enters his fourth year in office, he looked back at the progress he said the city has made.
Adams is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20 primary. Former Mayor Nickole Nesby is challenging him.
“We’ve had our ups and downs,” Adams said. “But I’m proud of our work. We’ve improved the infrastructure and upgraded the water department. And the police department.”
In a recent interview, Adams used the word “stability” frequently. During Adams’ tenure as mayor, the city emerged from Act 47 financially distressed status, and is now moving toward a Home Rule Charter.
Read More
May 13, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Nickole Nesby served as mayor of Duquesne from 2017 to 2021 and is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20 primary. She argues that the city needs closer management of its finances. (Submitted photo)
Four years after losing a re-election bid, Nickole Nesby is back on the ballot to be mayor of the city of Duquesne. Nesby is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20 primary.
After one term in office and breaking barriers as the city’s first Black woman mayor, Nesby lost the Democratic primary in 2021 to R. Scott Adams, who went onto win the November election. Adams is running for re-election this year.
Nesby has long criticized city leaders for what she calls “decades of neglect and corruption” and alleges that two of the people running against her in the primary in 2021 wouldn’t have been eligible to serve if they had won.
Nesby said that “concerned citizens” came to her recently and asked her to run again in hopes of improving the city’s financial accountability. Nesby said that when she took office in 2018, the city “had a deficit of $328,000” and when she left in 2022, Duquesne had a “$915,000 surplus.”
Read More
May 12, 2025 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements, Entertainment
(Submitted photo courtesy McKeesport Area School District)
This weekend, six students from McKeesport Area High School took the stage and performed alongside the prestigious Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as members of the Hamlisch-Page Student Choir.
The PSO’s student choir is composed of high school and collegiate singers from the greater Pittsburgh area and was created by the late Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Music Director Emeritus Robert Page.
Students performed at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh during the PSO’s “Clouds in My Coffee” Mother’s Day Weekend concerts, which featured the music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon. Student chorists supported vocalists Morgan James, Bryonha Marie and Micaela Diamond.
"We’re so proud of these students and excited to see them represent McKeesport in such an amazing opportunity," said Beth Eger, choir and piano teacher at McKeesport Area High School.
Pictured from left to right are Michael Pfeffercorn, Elizabeth Nemes, Gianna Sotereanos, Phoenix Funk and Antoine Smith. Also joining them are choir director Christine Hestwood and accompanist Lorraine Milovac. (Not pictured is Lucas Sotereanos.)
May 12, 2025 |
By Stacy Alderman | Posted in: Announcements
(Tube City Almanac file photo)
With the arrival of warm weather, spring and summer activities are ramping up in the McKeesport community, and the calendar is packed, volunteers and organizers said:
Renzie Market: The Renzie Market begins regular operations this week (May 15) and will continue on the first and third Thursday of each month through the summer. Hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. and admission is free.
Residents can browse fresh produce and food trucks and enjoy live entertainment. The marketplace will take place at the Tulip Drive lot behind the No. 2 fire station in Renziehausen Park.
Literacy Lunch with Bluey: On May 17, the AIU McKeesport Family Center, McKeesport SHIP and the City of McKeesport will host a Literacy Lunch with Bluey. Attendants will enjoy stories and music, and snacks will be available. Each child will receive a free book to take home. To register, call the McKeesport Family Center at 412-672-6970. This event will take place between 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the akomas Blue-Top Pavilion in Renzie.
Read More
May 12, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
New efforts are underway to improve student safety and opportunities at McKeesport Area School District, school board members said.
During Thursday’s school board meeting, MASD school director Matthew Holtzman told attendees he and fellow School Director Jason Pavlecic — members of the safe schools committee — met with administrators and community members on May 1 to discuss the enhancement of district “security features.”
Apart from identifying specific tasks, such as updating a security vestibule and rekeying door hardware, Holtzman said the meeting was a chance to welcome McKeesport and White Oak fire chiefs and examine current procedures.
Read More
May 11, 2025 |
By Leslie Savisky | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections
* — CORRECTION: This story was corrected after publication. We regret the error.
(File photo by Adam Reinherz for Tube City Almanac)
Four seats are open on the McKeesport Area School Board and nine candidates — including two incumbents — are running in the May 20 primary election.
In Pennsylvania, school board races are officially non-partisan, and all candidates have qualified to run as both as Democrats and Republicans.
Candidates who finish in the top four positions in each party’s primary will be candidates for the general election, to be held Nov. 4.
Incumbents David Donato and Matthew Holtzman are running for re-election. School Director LaToya Wright, whose term expires this year, is not running again, while Dan Goughnour resigned after being elected state representative for the 35th Legislative District.
In addition to Donato and Holtzman, other announced candidates include Bob Boyle, Tom Filotei, Kevin Kovach, Arla Payne, Mike Shelly, Julian Thomas, and Tiffany Wampler.
Read More
May 09, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo)
McKeesport Area School Board has filled a seat vacated by former school director Dan Goughnour, who resigned from MASD after winning last month’s special election to the state General Assembly.
Following a suggestion by School Director David Donato during the May 8 meeting, the empty seat will now be held by Josh Lefcowitz.
School directors, including Matthew Holtzman and Latoya Wright, praised Lefcowitz as well as Donato’s decision to put a name forward.
“Up until the last minute, even after the deadline, we were still getting people interested in applying, so we were thinking maybe just have the judge decide,” Holtzman said on Thursday. School Director David Seropian “brought up the point that we have a responsibility to at least try to fill the seat with people that put their names in.”
Read More
May 08, 2025 |
By Bonnijean Cooney Adams | Posted in: Entertainment
Audrey II sure has grown! Johnny Terreri as Seymour Krelborn and Carina Iannarelli as Audrey discuss Seymour’s success raising the mysterious plant. (Bonnijean Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)
If you go...
|
|
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Where: McKeesport Little Theater, 1614 Coursin St., 412-673-1100, www.mckeesportlittletheater.com
When: Friday, May 9, Saturday, May 10, Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees, Sunday, May 11 and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for students available through the MLT website or www.onthestage.tickets/show/mckeesport-little-theater
|
When Jeff Boles found out McKeesport Little Theater was looking for a director for “Little Shop of Horrors,” he let them know he definitely was interested.
“I love it,” he said prior to a recent rehearsal. “It’s one of those Top 5 musicals.”
This is the first time Boles has directed at MLT, with the show opening Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. “The theater is great and it has been a lot of fun,” Boles said.
Read More
May 08, 2025 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The Versailles Avenue Viaduct, which crosses Ravine Street, closed in 2022. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
McKeesport’s mayor is hopeful that an infusion of federal funding will help the city replace the closed Versailles Avenue Viaduct.
At Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Michael Cherepko said city officials have had productive conversations with U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and are scheduling meetings with U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick.
“Up to this point, the only money that has come into this project has been from the state,” Cherepko said. Funding obtained by retired state Sen. Jim Brewster and the late Rep. Matt Gergely enabled engineering and design work to begin, he said.
“Once the engineering is done, we’re hoping additional funding will come with it, and much more quickly,” Cherepko said.
Read More
May 07, 2025 |
By Tom Leturgey | Posted in: Duquesne News
Tree Pittsburgh is holding an “adoption event” this Saturday (May 10) in McKeesport. For more information, visit the group’s website. (Photo courtesy Tree Pittsburgh)
Duquesne officials are looking forward to spring and summer months for several projects, including improving the city’s greenscapes and parks.
At this week’s meeting, council voted 5-0 to approve an agreement between the city and the non-profit group Tree Pittsburgh to explore community tree-planting efforts. There is no financial commitment at this time, city officials said.
According to its website, Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization dedicated to improving neighborhoods and communities “through tree planting and care, education, advocacy and land conservation.”
Read More
May 04, 2025 |
By Adam Reinherz | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
McKeesport Area School Board will vote on updated policies concerning the eligibility of nonresident students and the use of generative artificial intelligence during Thursday’s school board meeting.
Both policies received first readings during the April 10 meeting.
Policy 202, the eligibility of nonresident students, was last updated Jan. 23, 2013, according to district records.
The new policy’s purpose ensures the board operates “district schools for the benefit of students residing in this district who are eligible for attendance.” Additionally, according to the policy, “the Board reserves the right to verify claims of residency, dependency or guardianship and to remove from school attendance a nonresident student whose claim is invalid.”
Read More
