Filed Under: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Category: News || By Scott Beveridge
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Three student-athletes at Penn State's campus in McKeesport have been named Academic All-Americans by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
Recognized for their classroom achievements are freshman Nathan Ferraro of West Mifflin, sophomore Jared Reesman of Indian Valley, and sophomore Maria Marroquin of Washington, D.C. The three members of Penn State Greater Allegheny's cross-country team received their honors in November at the USCAA Championship.
Meanwhile, Penn State Greater Allegheny will hold an Athletics Open House at 11 a.m. Dec. 8, a spokeswoman said. Registration is free.
The open house gives student-athletes the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors and coaches, talk to current athletes, tour the campus and facilities, and attend the men's and women's basketball games as they host Penn State Scranton at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. For more information, call (412) 675-9460.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The Penn State Greater Allegheny Alumni Society will sponsor its 24th annual Breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. Dec. 15, in the McKeesport campus' Student Community Center. The society will host 100 disadvantaged children from the Mon Valley area.
The event will include many activities and entertainment throughout the morning. Children will enjoy a delicious breakfast, a visit with Santa, candy and plenty of holiday magic. Each child will get to pick a present.
The Alumni Society is asking individuals to sponsor at least one child at a cost of $5 each. To make a donation, please send a check, made payable to Penn State Greater Allegheny, to the Development Office, 4000 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The McKeesport Area High School Orchestra is among the groups invited to perform at the Allegheny County Courthouse during the holidays, a spokeswoman announced.
The group will perform 11:30 a.m to 12:10 p.m. Dec. 14 on the courthouse's Grand Staircase.
Other Mon-Yough student organizations scheduled to perform this holiday season include the Steel Valley High School Concert Choir from 11:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Dec. 11, and the chorus from Pittsburgh Mifflin Elementary School in Lincoln Place from 12:20 to 1 p.m. the same day.
The county's 45th Annual Holiday Choral Program begins Wednesday with a performance by the Quaker Valley High School Concert Choir at 11:30 a.m.
Performances will be held each weekday through Dec. 19. Twenty-four local choirs, orchestras and bands will participate in this year's program. Each performance will also be broadcast on the Grant Street side of the courthouse so shoppers and office workers may enjoy the music.
Giant Eagle and Colteryahn Dairy are providing refreshments for the school groups on their performance days.
Category: Commentary/Editorial || By
The late Phil Musick called them "things I think I think." The late Bruce Keidan called them "loose items from a tight-leaf notebook." I call them "cluttered items from an empty mind," because if a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what's signified by an empty desk?
. . .
We just returned from a 1,000-mile round-trip drive to east Tennessee to spend Thanksgiving with my wife's family. Spending 1,000 miles behind the wheel of a car gives you a lot of time to think. Not that I used that time to think, but I did force my wife to listen to two episodes of "Fibber McGee and Molly."
I have a feeling I'm going to pay for that some day.
. . .
In most of the states surrounding Pennsylvania, the speed limit on interstates is 70 miles per hour. Realistically, a 70 mph speed limit means most drivers are doing 75 or better.
My car has new tires and good brakes, and I consider myself a pretty good driver, but at times I felt very uncomfortable driving 70 mph. I felt even more uncomfortable when people driving rickety old rust-buckets, from states without mandatory safety inspections, were blowing past me in a cloud of smoke and iron oxide, doing 80 or 90 mph.
We used to have national 65 mph speed limits, but those were eliminated by the U.S. Congress in 1995, which wanted to return all speed-limit authority to the states and "get that nanny-state federal gub'mint" out of our hair.
The problem, I suspect, is that a lot of our interstates --- especially in the eastern United States --- were designed with 55 or 65 mph speed limits in mind. I'm sure there are plenty of straight, level highways in the western United States where 70 mph is reasonable, but the twisty, aging roads of the Appalachian mountains aren't among them.
It gets worse. Like many southbound drivers, we bypassed Charleston, W.Va., by jumping off of I-79 and taking U.S. Route 19 between Beckley and Sutton. (Map above.) Long stretches of that road are now 65 mph, complete with four-way intersections, driveways and side roads entering the (mostly unlit) highway.
I would love to know the accident statistics for that particular highway. I'm just happy we weren't one.
Category: News || By
A call for "fresh eyes" to review "construction matters" in the McKeesport Area School District did not pass without controversy.
At October's meeting, the school board discussed at length a motion to authorize an outside law firm to investigate district construction projects, although school directors declined to specify publicly what matters were in question, citing the potential for litigation.
School Director Trisha Gadson called for "fresh eyes" from a third party to review what she called certain matters that have come to the board's attention over the past weeks, citing an "increased level of concern on behalf of the community." The firm she recommended, The Law Offices of Ira Weiss, specializes in education and municipal law, including construction litigation.
Gadson said she initiated the motion to seek counsel of someone not connected to the district for a "separate and objective opinion" on the matters under discussion.
"We're asking for additional assistance on something that could cause the taxpayers a great deal of money," she said.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Clairton police are seeking a suspect or suspects in two robberies of pizza delivery drivers in that city.
The first incident happened on Tuesday night on Miller Avenue and the second incident happened on Wednesday night on Vankirk Street, police said.
A police spokesman said residents need to be aware of any unusual loitering around their residences.
A $500 reward will be offered for information leading to arrests in either or both incidents. Information can be reported to Clairton police at (412) 233-6213.
Category: News || By
McKeesport Area School District will apply a half-million dollar state grant to improving literacy among pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade.
At the school board's Oct 24. meeting, Elementary Reading Coordinator Amy Dellapenna said a $529,260 Keystones to Opportunity Grant awarded to the district will be used to improve literacy outcomes "for all children, including disadvantaged students, limited English proficient students and students with disabilities."
Pennsylvania was one of six states awarded this funding, which is part of a competition initiated by the U.S. Department of Education under its Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program. Out of a total $180 million awarded, Pennsylvania schools received $38 million in funding. The award was originally announced at the board's April meeting.
According to Dellapenna, who served as the grant's project manager, the state Department of Education invited over 550 educational agencies statewide to submit an application for this competitive grant. Out of the 329 pre-applications received, 148 were invited to submit final applications.
As a result of the stringent two-part application process, only 50 educational agencies were selected to receive a portion of the $38 million awarded to Pennsylvania, including MASD.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
McKeesport Art Group will hold a meeting tonight at 7:30 to discuss the future, direction and plans for continuing the organization.
All interested local artists, regardless of skills or background, are urged to attend. The meeting will be held in the art room at McKeesport Area Senior High School, 1960 Eden Park Blvd.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Allegheny County and two partner agencies have announced a new "adopt-a-highway" program for county-owned roads and bridges.
The program --- similar to the program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on state-owned roads and bridges --- is open to any group or organization or any interested individual person age 18 or older.
"Adopting roadways is a proven and effective way to address persistent dumping and littering issues and to keep our communities trash-free," said Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive. "All it takes is a concerned individual or group of volunteers and a commitment to be part of the solution in keeping Allegheny County and Pennsylvania clean."
Legislation creating the Allegheny County Adopt-a-Highway Program was introduced by Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, West Mifflin Democrat, and passed council unanimously.
"I believe this an effective way for organizations and groups to show their pride in their community by 'redding up' and helping beautify our county roads and communities," said Macey, who represents McKeesport and other Mon-Yough communities.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Looking for a new or part-time job? In today's world, the Internet is an important resource in the search for work.
This Monday from 8:30 to 11 a.m., Carnegie Library of McKeesport will offer a one-time class in searching and applying for jobs using the Internet. Students will learn to search for jobs online, post your resume and communicate with prospective employers. Before taking this class, you will need some basic computer and Internet experience.
There is a $2 fee and students should register in person at the circulation desk at the library. Space is limited to nine participants. This program is being offered in partnership with Pittsburgh OASIS and is underwritten by The Fine Foundation.
For more information, call (412) 672-0625 or email Kelley Moten.
In other news, the library will close for the Thanksgiving holiday at 6 p.m. Wednesday and reopen at 10 a.m. Friday.
Category: News || By
Optional soundtrack to this story:
City council has banned the practice of "canning" or "tagging" at street corners.
The move comes in response both to resident and motorist complaints about the practice of collecting charity money at street corners, and the increased fears of city officials that "canners" risk being struck by a car and seriously or fatally injured.
Under the ordinance introduced by Councilman Dan Carr and signed into law last week, no one may solicit donations on public roads or rights-of-way within the city. Violators may be cited and fined up to $300 per incident.
On the police department's Facebook wall, the new ordinance was greeted with almost uniform praise.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
McKeesport Fire Department released its report for October.
Firefighters responded to 81 calls in the month, fire Chief Kevin Lust said. Calls included 17 fires, including four structure fires totaling $11,500 in losses, four kitchen fires, six trash or rubbish fires and one basement fire.
In addition, firefighters responded to 21 rescue or emergency medical incidents, including nine motor-vehicle accidents and one river-rescue.
Category: News || By
Category: News || By
The family and friends of a slain city patrolman have donated a police dog to honor his memory.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Traffic will be restricted on the Mansfield Bridge tomorrow while crews fill potholes, an Allegheny County spokeswoman says.
The bridge is in the first year of a three-year, $31 million reconstruction program, and only two lanes are presently open.
Tomorrow, traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane of traffic between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. City police officers will be on hand to direct traffic.
The 1,900-foot bridge across the Monongahela connects Dravosburg with the city and Glassport, and is a major artery for commuters heading from the Mon-Yough area to Pittsburgh and the South Hills, carrying about 17,000 vehicles daily, according to state Department of Transportation statistics.
Category: News || By
Plans to add a new grade 6 wing on Founder's Hall Middle School were approved this week by city council.
The next step will be seeking approval from the state Department of Education, said Tim Gabauer, superintendent of McKeesport Area School District.
Valued at $11 million, the new wing, which would house approximately 285 students, would open in time for the 2014-15 school year and house students who currently attend Francis McClure Middle School in White Oak.
The decision to expand Founder's Hall represents "Plan B" after school directors in February scrapped a controversial plan to build a new elementary school near the border of McKeesport and White Oak. A new elementary school is under construction on Cornell Street at the site of Cornell Elementary School, formerly known as Tech High.
Moving the students to Founder's Hall would allow the district to turn the recently expanded and remodeled Francis McClure and the new Cornell Street school into buildings exclusively for pupils in kindergarten through grade 5, Gabauer said. George Washington, Centennial and White Oak schools would then be closed.
Category: News || By
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
McKeesport Area High School will honor all veterans during a special celebration at 9:30 a.m. Friday, a spokeswoman said.
All veterans of all services are invited to attend and participate. The presentation in the high school auditorium will include the school band, orchestra and choir, and a reception will follow.
The high school is located at 1960 Eden Park Blvd. near Renziehausen Park. Call (412) 664-3650 for more information.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
A longtime city-based business is playing a role this week in America's largest marching band competition and festival.
Mark Despotakis, director of market development for Progressive Music Company, is one of the moderators of a panel discussion on the future of music education.
The discussion will be held at 1 p.m. (Eastern time) tomorrow during the four-day-long Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind.
Aimed at musicians, music students, teachers, parents and anyone else interested in music education, the panel discussion sponsored by the SupportMusic Coalition will be broadcast live nationwide on the Internet.
"It's an honor to moderate this event," Despotakis said. "We're going to be surrounded by some of our nation's best students performing in Lucas Oil Stadium. We're going to be talking about the importance of music education and talking about how we can all spread that message in our communities."
Recently named one of the top 100 dealers in the nation by the National Association of Music Merchants, Progressive has been part of the SupportMusic Coalition since 2006. Despotakis currently serves on its steering committee.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Crews will be modifying the ramp that carries traffic onto the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge from Route 837 northbound.
The work will begin Monday, weather permitting, says Jim Struzzi, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.
Work will include modifying the barrier by adjusting the turn radius to minimize the chance of trucks hitting the end transition. Work will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, but the ramp will remain open with some brief traffic stoppages, Struzzi says.
Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and be prepared for changing traffic patterns. The work is part of a multi-project $1.8 million contract with Allison Park Contractors Inc., Struzzi says.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The city's annual Veteran's Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, a police department spokesman announced. The parade route is on Fifth Avenue, beginning at Market Street.
In addition, the annual "Salute to Santa" Holiday Parade will be held Nov. 17. Bands and parade units will begin lining up on Fifth Avenue near the Palisades ballroom at 9 a.m.
Category: News || By
After 12 years at mckeesport.org, the city's website has moved to www.mckeesport-pa.gov, and officials are trying to spread the word as widely and quickly as possible.
All email address that included "@mckeesport.org" should also now say "@mckeesport-pa.gov."
The switch came after renewal notices for the name "mckeesport.org" weren't received by city administrators in time to keep the address, which was snapped up by a web entrepreneur in Argentina.
When he told city employees that he would sell the name back for $13,500, they told him to forget it. The address has since turned up on an auction site for web names, or "domains," listed for $590, but city officials said Wednesday they were told that price doesn't include the full cost of transferring ownership, and that they don't intend to get into a bidding war.
The trouble apparently began after the company that hosted the domain was sold, City Administrator Matt Gergely said. Renewal notices for the address --- also known as a domain --- were being sent to the wrong people.
Category: News || By
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