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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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“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
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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.
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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.
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