Filed Under: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Allegheny County residents and businesses that were affected by severe storms and flooding earlier this month can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a spokeswoman for Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said yesterday.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center opened today at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin and will remain open through Aug. 8 to work with homeowners and businesses in answering questions as well as helping complete applications.
"There are many businesses and residents who were impacted by the severe storms that went through our county recently, who are still struggling to get up and running," Fitzgerald said.
"Thanks to the Small Business Administration and (Gov. Corbett), loans of up to $200,000 will be available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate and loans of up to $40,000 will be available to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property," he said.
Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of damage to make upgrades that lessen the risk of property damage by similar, future disasters.
The temporary loan center is inside the main terminal and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, Aug. 1 through Aug. 8, and also will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Crime Stoppers would like help from the public in solving the 2012 shooting death of 20-year-old James "Andre" Lane Sims.
On July 6, 2012, city police were flagged down in the 2800 block of Versailles Avenue, where bystanders told them a person had been shot at the corner of Versailles Avenue and Pirl Street.
Police responded to the scene and found the driver of a black Dodge Charger with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was identified as Lane-Sims. He was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries less than a week later.
Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to call Pittsburgh Crime Stoppers at (412) 255-TIPS. A reward of up to $1000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals wanted for featured crimes.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
Crews have begun work to repair landslide damage on roads in White Oak and Monroeville, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said.
District spokesman Jim Struzzi said work began Monday to repair damage to Thompson Run Road between Lower Rodi Road and Northern Pike. Thompson Run Road will be closed long-term to through-traffic through the end of the year.
More than 6,000 vehicles use Thompson Run Road on an average day, Struzzi said. The official detour uses Lower Rodi to Business Route 22, and then Business Route 22 to Northern Pike.
Work is being performed by Plum Contracting Company.
In White Oak, crews are repairing a slide on McClintock Road between Route 48 and Muse Lane. To allow the necessary repairs to occur, McClintock will be closed through Aug. 9, weather permitting, Struzzi said.
Category: Shameless Horn-Tooting || By Editor
Live streaming video by Ustream
We are testing the video stream for our upcoming broadcast of International Village. (It may or may not be live when you read this.)
Although we didn't hit our target of raising another $400 by last Friday, we're still going to go ahead and hope that people donate.
(Yes, you will have to watch a commercial before the stream starts. We don't have the money to pay for the "free" version of the Ustream interface.)
Category: News || By
Category: Cartoons || By
Category: News || By Submitted Report
With flash floods, heavy rains and associated power outages plaguing Mon-Yough residents over the past two weeks, the Allegheny County Health Department has issued a list of cleanup and safety tips.
If you have questions or need additional information, call (412) 687-ACHD or visit the Health Department's website, a spokeswoman said.
Flood Cleanup Tips
Category: Shameless Horn-Tooting || By
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The fifth-annual "International Village for Kids" will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Lions' Club Bandshell in Renziehausen Park.
A spokeswoman said activities will include games, arts and crafts, refreshments and prizes. Admission is free.
At 2:15, KDKA-TV personality Jennifer Antkowiak will lead a Zumba class, and a surprise guest star will visit at 3 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the McKeesport Healthy Community Partnership in cooperation with the International Village Committee, McKeesport Collaborative, McKeesport Hospital Foundation and state Sen. Jim Brewster.
For more information, call (412) 664-5200.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will offer tax credits to developers who are building replacements for housing in the city's Crawford Village area, as well as in Duquesne, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.
The 5.5-acre "Yester Square" development in McKeesport will replace existing buildings with 10 new two-story apartment buildings providing 58 housing units. Brewster said it's the first phase of the McKeesport Housing Authority's plan to revitalize what he called "poor conditions" and high population density at Crawford Village, located in the East End near the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge.
PHFA is providing $1.2 million in tax credits for developers in order to construct the low-income housing.
"There is an immense need to revitalize the outdated and densely developed public housing in certain areas of the county," said Brewster, who chairs the city housing authority. "These projects are a step in the right direction."
In Duquesne, $1.5 million in tax credits will be applied to the new Orchard Park development, located on the 5.1 acre site of the former Burns Heights public housing plan, which was demolished in 2009.
The new site will include 44 units in 22 buildings. The development will meet Energy Star requirements, which will decrease utility rates for residents.
"Access to affordable, safe housing is essential to the success of a community," Brewster said. "I'm pleased that families in McKeesport and Duquesne will have more housing options and a chance for a better quality of life."
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Traffic will be temporarily restricted on the George Westinghouse Bridge this month and next month, a state Department of Transportation spokesman announced.
Lane closures on the bridge, which carries Route 30 between East Pittsburgh and North Versailles Twp., began today and continue through late August, weather permitting.
Workers from Advantage Steel & Construction of Saxonburg are repairing bearings on the bridge. Right lane closures are scheduled to occur eastbound (toward Irwin) between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and westbound (toward Forest Hills) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., PennDOT said. Crews will not close lanes in both directions simultaneously.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
State and local police and the state Department of Transportation have announced a major crackdown on aggressive driving that targets the Route 30 corridor.
The five-day-long Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic, or "HEAT" initiative will be conducted throughout the state, including Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Through July 19, police will be cracking down on offensives such as speeding, tailgating and running red lights.
As part of the enforcement, state police will conduct aerial surveillance using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to help officers pinpoint aggressive drivers. Police across the state will also be looking for those driving aggressively through work zones and may use Operation Yellow Jacket to crack down on speeders. Local police will aid in the enforcement effort on Route 30 and on roadways connecting to the road.
The U.S. 30 corridor, which is roughly 350 miles long, has seen nearly 9,800 crashes and 96 fatalities since 2008. In Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties, along U.S. 30, there have been 2,889 reported crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities since 2008.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Workers are sealing cracks and joints in Route 48 in the city, White Oak, North Versailles Twp. and Monroeville throughout the week, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said.
Work will occur from Walnut Street in McKeesport to Route 22 in Monroeville through July 22. Slow moving, short-term lane closures will occur in various locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Crack and joint sealing is a preservation activity that prolongs the life of road surfaces by preventing moisture from entering cracks and joints. Moisture can cause potholes and premature deterioration requiring more costly repairs. Matcon Diamond Inc. is performing the work, the spokesman said.
Category: Commentary/Editorial || By
Commentaries reflect the viewpoints of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Tube City Community Media Inc. Responsible replies are welcome.
. . .
Every time I write something about the crazy gun culture in the United States --- even in the Mon Valley, an area that's been racked with gun violence since the 1990s --- I'm accused of being a crazy, wild-eyed liberal who wants to take away people's personal firearms.
Nevertheless, here's a story from last Wednesday's Centre Daily Times in State College:
A 45-year-old man shot himself in the hand Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot outside Wal-Mart on North Atherton Street in what police are calling an accident.
Patton Township police are not identifying the man but said he had a valid firearm carry permit.
The man had the gun in a holster and was hurrying across the parking lot to avoid holding up traffic. The firearm fell out of the holster and fell to the ground as the man was crossing the lot.
Category: Shameless Horn-Tooting || By
With one month left until International Village, we are well short of the amount of money we need to raise to do the broadcast --- where we hope to have video in addition to audio.
And I don't intend to lose money on this; we need to at least break even, or I would just as soon cancel it.
Now is the time to donate, if you can. Thank you to Adam and Tim who have already made contributions.
Category: News || By Staff and Submitted Reports
Renda Broadcasting has donated McKeesport-based WMNY (1360) --- the former WIXZ and WMCK --- to the Pittsburgh church led by Bishop Loran Mann.
According to reports in radio industry trade publications and a filing with the FCC, WMNY has been given to Pentecostal Temple Development Corp., based in Pittsburgh's Larimer neighborhood, as a charitable contribution.
Pentecostal Temple Development Corp. is led by Mann, a longtime former news anchor at WPXI-TV (11). Pentecostal Temple has owned New Kensington radio station WGBN (1150) since 1992.
WGBN is a Gospel station which also includes Christian inspirational programming.
Originally known as WMCK, 1360 signed on in 1947 from studios in the Elks Temple on Market Street, with a "middle-of-the-road" format featuring local news, sports, ethnic programming and pop music. Its most popular host was Terry Lee, who built a loyal following across Greater Pittsburgh among young listeners.
Under new ownership, in 1969 the station became "WIXZ," and played Top 40 rock and pop. Rush Limbaugh famously had a stint on WIXZ as a morning show host using the name "Jeff Christie."
WIXZ later tried all-country and all-sports formats and with the deregulation of broadcasting in the 1990s, lost its McKeesport focus and under Renda's ownership moved its studios from East McKeesport to Greentree. It operated a news-talk format as "WPTT" before shifting to a "business-talk" format as WMNY.
The station operates at 5,000 watts daytime power from a tower near Hazelwood and 1,000 watts at night from four towers in Lincoln Borough.
Category: News || By
Elizabeth, Jefferson Hills, Lincoln and West Elizabeth boroughs are among the Mon-Yough area municipalities that have declared disaster emergencies in the wake of heavy rain and flash flooding on Wednesday.
In all, 12 municipalities in Allegheny County issued disaster declarations after storms dropped several inches of rain onto already saturated ground, a county spokeswoman said.
The National Weather Service said that according to official measurements, 2.44 inches of rain fell in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, breaking a record of 1.81 inches set in 1958.
Locally, in the 24 hour period ending at 7 a.m. today, more than an inch had fallen at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, 1.74 inches of rain had been recorded in Braddock and 2.88 inches in Elizabeth. In Washington County, 1.82 inches of rain was measured at Charleroi between 7 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. today.
Rain gauges in Pleasant Hills and Castle Shannon recorded 3.74 inches and 4.29 inches of rain on Wednesday, respectively, according to the weather service. Much of the rain fell between 7 and 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The Allegheny County Emergency Management Agency is working with affected municipalities today to conduct damage assessments, a spokeswoman said.
Crews also were called to Clark Diagnostics on Route 51 in Jefferson Hills on Wednesday when Peters Creek spilled over of its banks and flooded the property, causing several 55-gallon drums containing hazardous materials to begin floating, according to a county spokeswoman. The drums were retrieved safely, a spokeswoman said. (Update: The company's CEO has disputed the county's report in an interview with the Daily News.)
Category: Another Viewpoint || By
Music education isn't just a nice "extra" for schools --- it's the heart and soul of a well-rounded educational experience.
That's the message of a new video created by students at McKeesport Area High School.
"Music in Our Schools, Heart & Soul" was created as part of the Hear Me Project, an initiative of Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE lab, the McKeesport-based Consortium for Public Education, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and Pittsburgh Filmmakers, and the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project
The video includes interviews with students, teachers and musicians from McKeesport, Wilkinsburg and Steel Valley high schools, as well as members of the Pittsburgh-based chamber music group Cello Fury.
"Music programs keep children off the streets giving them a reason to take their future into their own hands," says an accompanying statement from the students who created the video.
"Music programs are being cut from schools country-wide and being given less funding which devastates students," the students write. "Supporting music programs helps students experience arts in a new way and gives them a background that will help them succeed in their life."
Category: News || By
A.J. Tedesco Jr. has resigned from city council to become McKeesport's new community development director, reports the Daily News.
Tedesco, an Allegheny County employee who was completing his first term on council, replaces Bethany Budd Bauer, who has accepted early retirement, the newspaper says.
Jamie Brewster Filotei, who is running for council in November, was appointed by council to fill the remaining months of Tedesco's term.
In May, Tedesco won one of three Democratic nominations for a spot on the November ballot. The other candidates were Filotei and incumbent Councilwoman V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery.
Tedesco's resignation leaves a vacancy on the November ballot; the city's Democratic Committee will meet to choose his replacement on the ballot.
Category: News || By Submitted Report
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will ask Allegheny County Council to consider new air pollution rules, including ones that will affect U.S. Steel's Clairton Plant.
The facility, which produces coke and byproduct chemicals by heating the impurities out of coal, is blamed for many of the "air quality alerts" during hot, hazy days in the Mon-Yough area.
Specifically, the changes would add a visible emissions standard for coke ovens and coke oven gas. A county spokeswoman said there are already federal requirements for coke oven operations, but the new rule would allow county inspectors to determine whether Clairton Plant was complying with those requirements.
Council will consider taking action at its meeting at 5 p.m. tomorrow (June 9) in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse, downtown Pittsburgh. Meetings are open to the public.
Fitzgerald has also asked council to approve a new regulation on natural gas wells drilled in the so-called Marcellus shale formation. The new rule would require drilling companies to report to the county Health Department the initial construction of a well, drilling, hydraulic fracturing and flaring.
Category: Politics || By Submitted Report
State Sen. Jim Brewster said he's disappointed in a Senate Republican-sponsored plan that would allow only a few selected third-class cities to participate in a new economic development program.
"There is a great need to generate economic activity and jobs in all third-class cities, and a selected few should not be favored above others," said the McKeesport Democrat and former city mayor. "Economically struggling cities in my district should have access to funding tools to help them create jobs."
The language inserted into the Tax Code bill associated with the 2013-14 state budget authorizes the creation of City Revitalization and Improvement Zones.
It would permit the reinvestment of state and local tax revenues generated in designated zones for projects that revitalize eligible vacant, blighted and/or abandoned properties for commercial, exhibition, hospitality, conference, retail community and mixed-use purposes.
But it specifically excludes cities with populations below 30,000, including McKeesport. Other third-class cities in Brewster's district include Lower Burrell, Clairton, Arnold, New Kensington and Duquesne. None of them would be eligible to participate in the program.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The Allegheny County Department of Public Works today announced that the Homeville Creek Bridge No. 4 on Ravine Street in Munhall Borough will have its weight limit posting lowered from 10 tons to 3 tons, with combination-truck traffic prohibited.
The changes, effective immediately, are due to the recently completed bridge inspection on this structure.
Homeville Creek Bridge No. 4 is located on Ravine Street between Route 837 and Duquesne Road.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
The Allegheny County Health Department said that higher income limits for the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Food Program took effect on July 1.
The income limits, based on family size, will increase by 1.9% to 2.8% and allow more families to qualify. As of May 31, WIC served about 16,000 individuals and has funding to enroll an additional 2,000.
Acting Health Director Dr. Ron Voorhees said WIC isn't just for families on public assistance. Eligibility is based on both income and medical or nutritional risk, but the income limits allow benefits for many working families with modest incomes.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
It's a "Foodies Alert" for the adventurous: If you want to explore interesting dishes, in a charming and rustic setting, the 13th Annual Edible Flowers Food Fest will be held at 7 p.m. July 18th at the Buffalo Inn in South Park.
Reservations are required. The cost is $20 per guest, cash or check at the door only, and all proceeds will benefit Allegheny County Parks. To reserve your spot call (412) 473-2540 or email sew19@psu.edu with your name, daytime phone number and the number of people attending.
Presented by Allegheny County Parks and co-sponsored by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Allegheny County, 2013's selections highlight dishes featuring roses and lavender, a nod to some of the widest used edible flowers. The menu will include perennial favorites, many of which are gluten free.
Category: Announcements || By
Tube City Community Media Inc. is looking for a few good men and women to serve on its board of directors.
Nominations are currently being accepted. Anyone may nominate someone, and you may nominate yourself. Nominations will be considered at the board's next meeting, scheduled for Aug. 4, and should be received by Aug. 3.
Nominees should be at least 18 years old, be able to pass a background check, and live within a nine-mile radius of McKeesport. This is important, because we are about to apply for a low-power FM radio license to serve McKeesport.
A nine-mile radius of McKeesport includes Swissvale, Forest Hills, Churchill, Wilkinsburg, Monroeville, Pitcairn, North Versailles, White Oak, parts of North Huntingdon (Markvue Manor, Circleville, Hartford Heights), Elizabeth, Greenock, Clairton, Glassport, Pleasant Hills, West Mifflin, Brentwood, Munhall, Whitaker and parts of Pittsburgh (including Lincoln Place, Glenwood, Hazelwood and Squirrel Hill). (See map here.)
Most importantly, they should have a sincere interest in local, non-profit media and in promoting the McKeesport area via the Internet, radio and other means. Previous experience is not necessary but is helpful.
The board has only one regular meeting per year, but board members are asked for advice and help as necessary.
If you would like to suggest someone else or nominate yourself, write to tubecitytiger@gmail.com, call (412) 614-9659, or write to Tube City Community Media Inc., P.O. Box 94, McKeesport 15134.
Category: Announcements || By
Due to inclement weather, Independence Day fireworks in Renziehausen Park are being rescheduled for 9:30 p.m. Friday, a spokesman for McKeesport Fire Department has announced.
However, despite the rain, "Random Neighborhood Jagoffs Shooting Illegal Fireworks All Night" will still happen as planned throughout the Mon-Yough area.
Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report
Category: Shameless Horn-Tooting || By Editor
You are on an archived page of Tube City Almanac.
Click the banner to return to the front page; or click here to visit Tube City Online.
Except where noted, all contents are copyright © 2003-2012 Tube City Community Media Inc., a non-profit corporation chartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. No content from Tube City Online may be reproduced in whole or part in any digital or print publication without express permission, except that short excerpts may be used with attribution in commentary or for critical purposes.
Published weekdays (usually), except holidays (and when we have something better to do) at McKeesport, Pa., by Tube City Community Media Inc., P.O. Box 94, McKeesport, Pa. 15134.
Opinions expressed here are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent those of any organization. No warranty is given or implied for the information and opinions contained herein; the reader uses that information at his or her peril.
Tube City Online is edited by Jason Togyer, member, National Writers Union, AFL-CIO, and Online News Association.
Also, objects in Tube City Online may be closer than they appear. If Tube City Online is swallowed, seek professional help immediately. Stop use of Tube City Online if condition persists or worsens. Tube City Online is produced in a facility that also includes Peanuts. Do not expose Tube City Online to open flames and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not back up, as severe tire damage may result. Not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Tube City Online is still not a significant source of saturated fats or Minnesota Fats.
Tube City Online does not collect personal information from visitors for any reasons. See our privacy policy.
