A former Pittsburgh man who threatened to shoot up a house in McKeesport in 2015 has been found guilty on federal narcotics trafficking and firearms charges.
James Taric Byrd, 45, will be sentenced Dec. 5, said a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung in Pittsburgh. Byrd could face life in prison and a fine of up to $1.5 million.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately an hour on July 21 before convicting Byrd, who was tried before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
With McKeesport’s International Village right around the corner, organizers of the 13th annual “Village for Kids” are getting ready, too.
The event will be held rain or shine from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Renziehausen Park band shell, a spokeswoman said. “Village for Kids” will include crowning a prince and princess for International Village, which will be held from Aug. 9 to 11.
Free activities on Aug. 8 will include games, crafts and other activities for children.
When Kelly Robertson spoke at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Duquesne City Council meeting, she said she couldn’t thank the people of the city enough for the opportunity to serve as manager for nearly two years.
A chance to get reconnected with the city was invaluable to her, she said.
Robertson has announced her intention to resign as city manager. On Aug. 12, she will leave to become executive director for the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services with the Department of Community & Economic Development. The job will keep her involved in the Act 47 program for municipalities throughout the Commonwealth.
A search for Robertson’s replacement has not yet been announced.
One Duquesne police officer is resigning to become chief of police in Kiski Twp., and another is leaving for Pleasant Hills.
At this month’s meeting, new police Chief Tom Shaw told Duquesne City Council that two more officers are planning to leave to work in nearby Homestead. That would leave Duquesne with four police officers.
Council voted 4-0, with Councilman Timothy Caldwell absent, to hire one new police officer, under the condition that the candidate pass all physical and psychological tests.
UPMC McKeesport, city officials and a consortium of local churches will team up to host their second-annual community day from 12 noon to 5 p.m. July 30 at McKeesport Area Senior High School.
A spokeswoman said the goal of this event is to connect with the community while promoting health awareness and healthier lifestyles through free health screenings, health education and access to local resources.
Partners include the Beckwith Institute, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Beulah Park United Methodist Church, Sister to Sister Outreach Ministries and Zion Baptist Church.
The app was unveiled at this month’s city council meeting.
“We have been keeping in touch with our residents regarding events, announcements and newsworthy items on social media via Facebook,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “While we have more than 5,000 followers on that platform, we needed an easy way to communicate with residents who don’t have Facebook accounts.”
A city woman remembered by her family for her work ethic, her kindness and her ever-present smile will be honored with a new scholarship at Penn State’s McKeesport campus.
The Karli Short Better Tomorrow Foundation, founded by her father, Brandon, will provide financial assistance for Penn State Greater Allegheny undergraduates who have been affected by gun violence.
A fundraiser this Friday will feature former NFL and collegiate football legends including Franco Harris, Lavar Arrington, Anthony Adams and McKeesport native Mike Logan.
Short, 26, was found dead Sept. 13, 2021, at her home in the city’s Christy Park section. Investigators said that she died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
At the time of her death, police said, Short was pregnant with her first child, who would have been born in February of this year. The child’s father, Isaac C. Smith, 26, has been charged by Allegheny County police with Short’s murder.
The Becker House at 511 Romine Ave. is one of 27 slated for demolition in the city’s next phase of the “McKeesport Rising” program. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
McKeesport city council has awarded a contract for demolition of another 27 vacant houses, including a one-time landmark on Romine Avenue in upper 10th Ward.
Council also approved a $725,000 contract with Lutterman Excavating for renovations at five playgrounds, including Highland Grove, Fawcett Park, Chester Park, Sayfoot Park and Riverview Park.
Mike Betters Co., Inc., of Lincoln Borough was the lowest responsible bidder for Phase 8 of the McKeesport Rising vacant house demolition project, city officials said. The company bid $197,100 to demolish the abandoned homes, including seven on Ridge Street and another at 511 Romine Ave.
The Versailles Avenue Viaduct, part of which is shown here, was closed in February after an inspection determined it had become unsafe for motorists and pedestrians. (Tube City Almanac file photo)
McKeesport is seeking state funds to help replace the closed Versailles Avenue Viaduct.
Council this month authorized city officials to apply for $3 million from the state Department of Community & Economic Development for a multi-modal transportation grant.
McKeesport officials also are seeking funds to replace or repair Ramp 1 and Ramp 2, the bridges that cross the CSX Railroad tracks and connect lower 10th Ward to West Fifth Avenue, said Tom Maglicco, McKeesport city administrator.
Citing an inspection report that showed the bridge had become dangerous, McKeesport closed the Versailles Avenue Viaduct in February. The bridge, built in the early 1970s, is almost 300 feet long and spans Ravine Street between Point Street and Wisp Alley.
The Pittsburgh area’s largest and best folk music and food festival is returning to McKeesport’s Renziehausen Park on Aug. 9, 10 and 11, 2022.
We are once again producing a live video webcast of International Village entertainment from the main stage.
So we need to raise some money ... again. We need donations, and we need advertisers, and we need them fast ...
Donations
If you donate at any level, we'll mention your name on the broadcast.
Deadline for donations is Aug. 8.
Your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
To receive a written confirmation of your donation for tax purposes, please make sure to include your full name and address. (Last year, a number of donations didn’t have a name or address, and we could not send thank-yous.)
Advertisers
If your business or organization would like to advertise during our International Village webcast, we need your information right away! Contact me at tubecitytiger@gmail.com or (412) 614-9659.
For $175, we will make a minimum of one 30-second announcement for your group, business or organization every hour, plus we will post your video on Tube City Online for at least 30 days.
For $300, we will make a minimum of one 60-second announcement for your group, business or organization every hour, plus we will run a banner ad on Tube City Online for at least 30 days.
