Glassport, Pennsylvania

News Articles

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Top Stories Glassport Receiving Boat Slips?

BY MATT SULLIVAN, Daily News Staff Writer March 16, 2001

If it doesn't watch out, Glassport soon might turn itself into a summertime recreational mecca. Currently, council is moving toward giving its residents more options for stress relief once the temperature starts rising.

Earlier this week, council gave Engineer Scott Hilty of EADS Group the go-ahead to start on the paperwork attached to council's proposed idea of boat docks at Harrison Street waterfront.

"It seems everybody in Glassport has a boat," Mayor Tom Urbanski said during discussion of the project.

"There are a lot of boaters who don't have a place to park their boats," Councilman Bob Stefanic said, especially now that the Marina at McKees Point in McKeesport fell victim to thaw-induced ice flow Jan. 31.

"As soon as (Hilty) does the drawings and submits the proper paperwork" to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard, Councilman Jim Uziel said, council can start thinking about where to build.

At this point, Uziel said, it looks as if the 15 to 20 docks will be situated "more toward the Clairton side of the waterfront." Stefanic said he already has done some informal sketches on his own of what he envisions.

Uziel and Stefanic will meet with Hilty Monday to get a clearer picture of how things will be situated at the scene.

Whatever the eventual result is, the area "is still going to be open for fishing," Councilman John D'Angelo added.

Last month, council announced the borough received a $22,000 grant with the help of Twin Rivers Council of Governments to help fund construction of a pavilion at the site. The preliminary estimate on the cost is $26,000.

The pavilion will be a 24-by-34-foot structure, complete with a concrete pad. Restoration work in the nearby area is included in the scope of the project.

Final bids for the project must be received by April. Conditions of the grant state construction must be under way by August.

Uziel also pointed out what used to be two tennis courts "in really bad shape" there are now a well-maintained tennis court and basketball court.

"We've been trying to develop that area for the last 20 years," Urbanski said. "We could have a beautiful area down there."

"We just want to try to make it a little more appealing," Uziel said.

Stefanic also mentioned the revenue the borough could realize from individuals docking their boats at the waterfront. Though a fee hasn't been cemented yet, Stefanic said approximately $25 to $27 a foot is a typical price for such spots.

Another recreational idea Uziel posed for the borough is an outside movie-showing Thursday night before Glassport's community days start June 22. Council kicked around the possibility of holding the event at the Honor Roll.

Uziel said the equipment to show the movie can be obtained through Twin Rivers COG, but it could cost around $400, depending on which movie the borough picks.

Glassport Audit Report Causes Council Concern

BY MATT SULLIVAN, Daily News Staff Writer March 19, 2001

An audit of the 2000 books has been completed, but Glassport council is waiting to hear from its solicitor before the report is accepted. It's not that the audit was flawed. Rather, some council members are wondering whether it should have been conducted in the first place. According to borough code, three auditors are supposed to conduct an inspection of financial records, Council President Angelo Schinosi explained. Regarding the report that sat in front of council members at last week's meeting, however, Maryann Geary's was the only name attached.

After the motion was made to accept the audit, Schinosi asked if there as a second. Council members looked at each other, but no one spoke up.

Some council members said they did not have a chance to look at the audit in any detail, since they had received it the night before the meeting.

"I can understand why they weren't able to act on it," Schinosi said, "because they (hadn't) been able to go over it totally."

Discussion then turned to the validity of having only one auditor.

"It's always nice to have more than one auditor," Schinosi said, "because they can cross-check one another."

However, because two vacancies existed out of the three spots that are elected positions, Geary did the work herself.

In fact, a similar situation existed last year for the 1999 audit, but council accepted that report.

"We weren't cited last year," Schinosi pointed out.

Therefore, Schinosi said he doesn't feel there is a problem with this year's audit.

"When you submit it to the state, and you only have one name, I'm sure you'd hear about it (if it was unacceptable)," Schinosi said.

"If there was a problem," Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whabby said, "they would have notified the borough after their review of the audit, which they didn't. So, everything might have been OK."

However, council asked its legal counsel to look into the matter before acting.

"I think it's a good question," Councilman John D'Angelo said. "Who knows? We may find out last year's audit was illegal."

Schinosi said his peers' questioning of the validity of the one-person audit "came from left field."

There have been times in years past, Schinosi said, where audits were conducted by only two individuals. Also, the sewage audit normally is performed by a single certified public accountant hired by the borough, he added.

For the upcoming election, no one has submitted an application for the auditor seats, Piazza-Whabby said.

Schinosi said hiring a firm to do the audit could be a costly move for the borough, since it was set to pay Geary $2,100, while it shells out $3,500 for the CPA it hires to do the sewage audit.

Schinosi said he hopes to "know before the week's out" whether the borough will be able to accept the audit at next month's meeting.

Charmo Cleared of Assault, Harassment

BY MATT SULLIVAN, Daily News Staff Writer April 04, 2001

He still has to face a retrial for murder in the future, but a Glassport man at least has put an unrelated case of alleged harassment and endangerment behind him. While South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett found 46-year-old John Charmo guilty yesterday of disorderly conduct, he dismissed a list of other charges, which included aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, disorderly conduct and reckless driving. Charmo turned himself in to Glassport police Jan. 7 after an incident with a woman led to a car chase that ended that day in the early morning hours on Clairton-Glassport Bridge. The preliminary hearing on the matter originally was scheduled for Jan. 16, but it was pushed back until March 13. In the interim, Charmo endured a murder trial stemming from an incident that occurred nearly six years ago in which he was charged with fatally shooting motorist Jerry Jackson following a high-speed chase that ended in the Armstrong Tunnels.

Charmo, who claimed he shot Jackson in self-defense, was working for the Allegheny County Housing Authority at the time.

The case eventually was declared a mistrial, however, after jurors could not reach a verdict.

Therefore, the path was cleared for Charmo's March 13 preliminary hearing on the January assault charges. However, after testimony from police and the alleged victim, those proceedings were continued - for a week, at first, and ultimately until yesterday - so the state could produce additional evidence and witnesses.

Unfortunately for the commonwealth's side, a witness who was subpoenaed failed to show up in court yesterday. Assistant District Attorney Stephie Kapourales said she expected the individual to be present.

Another witness lives out of state, Kapourales added, and was not asked to appear in court.

Kapourales asked Burnett for one more continuance so a warrant could be issued to force the witness to show up. Burnett denied the request, however, saying the commonwealth had ample time to round up witnesses and evidence.

Kapourales and Charmo's attorney, Patrick Thomassey, then engaged in heated debate about the merits of the charges in the case.

During her testimony last month, the alleged victim said at the beginning of the night in question, she was at an establishment with friends and family when Charmo - with whom she was two weeks into a "friendship/relationship" - joined them.

Eventually, the two left separately and reunited at a social hall in Glassport.

At approximately 2:45 a.m., she said the scene shifted to a nearby fire hall - after Charmo allegedly became very angry because of the extent to which she was associating with male friends.

She and Charmo did not get along any better at the fire hall, the woman testified.

At the hall, she said, Charmo yelled at her, insulted her and grabbed her before leaving. He proceeded to call the fire hall twice after he left, she added, and one of the times she talked to Charmo, "he sounded upset."

About 45 minutes after he called, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the alleged victim said she left the fire hall. She was accompanied by two friends, she added.

She testified her friends would not let her go to her vehicle because Charmo was nearby in his own car. Therefore, they drove around until they saw nothing suspicious, the woman said.

As she walked through the parking lot to her car, the woman said she saw headlights speeding toward her and she "jumped toward her car as fast as (she) could" to get out of the way. It turned out to be Charmo's vehicle that scared her.

She left the lot in her vehicle and said Charmo followed closely behind. The pair traveled through Glassport and onto the Clairton-Glassport Bridge, disobeying traffic laws throughout the journey, she testified.

"I didn't know what to do," the woman said.

Glassport police then made a traffic stop on the bridge, and Charmo drove away from the scene while the woman was attended to.

Over the course of the whole evening, the victim also admitted to having nearly a dozen alcoholic beverages.

Thomassey said the case was little more than a tiff between two people "out for an evening of drinking ... He's drunk, she's mad...

"If this wasn't John Charmo," Thomassey added, the case would not be as "blown out of proportion" as he felt it was.

Thomassey also pointed out Charmo did not actually physically assault the victim. He said the result of the case should have been to order counseling, like other cases that appear at the preliminary level.

Kapourales, however, said simply mandating counseling is not the usual result of a case involving a deadly weapon, which she considered Charmo's vehicle to be when he drove at the alleged victim in the parking lot.

Also, the female testified, he continuously harassed her after she made it clear she did not want him around.

"He had every opportunity to leave her alone," Kapourales said. "He did not do that."

"We've been playing with this thing since Jan. 16," Burnett said. "I'm finding (Charmo) guilty of disorderly conduct (and sentencing him to) time served. That's all."

©The Daily News 2001

Father of Truant Student Gets 5-Day Jail Sentence

BY MATT SULLIVAN, Daily News Staff Writer April 09, 2001

Because of his son's repeated truancy, a Glassport man must spend five days in jail. Last week, South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett imposed the sentence to the father of a 13-year-old who has logged 86 days of unexcused absences this school year. While jailing a parent for violation of compulsory attendance requirements may be extreme, Burnett admitted, it's his way of helping South Allegheny School District ensure students are in school. He doesn't even like to fine parents and kids, he added.

"I just want to see them go to school," Burnett added.

Giving parents jail time is "the very last resort, when nothing else can be done ... when there's no other resolve," McKeesport District Justice Tom Brletic said. "It is the result of non-compliance by the adult with school officials ... (Burnett) probably thought about it long and hard."

Burnett said he's bothered by kids who won't go to school - especially since he contributes his tax dollars to the district and his daughter is no longer of school age.

"I'm a taxpayer ... and I don't have anybody to send to school anymore, so I want to get my money's worth," he said. "The only way I can do that is to have the students at SA attend school and complete their education because they are the future of our country."

In a letter to Burnett, school officials detailed the attempts they've made to get the youngster back into school.

After a home visit (neither parent answered the door, the letter stated) and a series of phone calls, SA representatives managed to hold an individualized education program meeting with the parents Oct. 24.

"The team suggested that depressive symptoms may be present as an interfering factor in his absence," the letter stated. "(And it) recommended mental health services ..."

However, more than a month later, the student's attendance had not improved, according to the letter. This prompted another phone call from an Allegheny Intermediate Unit representative.

According to the letter, the father said he tried to get the boy to go to school, but he "became physically violent."

The father said he made a mental health appointment for his son, but the teen "only agreed to go to the family practitioner ..."

The man also said he'd keep the AIU social worker informed if assistance was needed. Unfortunately, the letter stated, he "did not request further assistance."

The first hearing on the matter before Burnett was scheduled in December, but was continued. A second hearing was held in January and the father "was forewarned ... of a jail sentence," the district justice said.

Last week was the third hearing date.

SA Police Lt. Kris Kircher said in the past, giving parents jail time has proven effective in getting children into school. He recalled one incident in which a habitually truant youth never missed another day of school after Burnett sent a parent to jail.

"Magistrate Burnett is very fair," Kircher said. "But when someone is flagrant ... he does what he has to do.

"The administration, faculty and I have one goal (in issuing citations when unexcused absences pile up). It's not to prosecute the parents. It's to get the kids to come to school."

"The parents are the ones that raised that child," Brletic reasoned. "They're the ones who are responsible for that child."

Burnett said six of the truancy-related cases he heard last week were dismissed because the parents and children have complied.

Since being cited, the kids were "never tardy, they haven't missed a day and they have a good attitude," he added.

The judge, however, chose to continue a list of other cases, rather than dismiss.

"We want to keep a little pressure on them to make certain they continue with their education," Burnett said. "They're a little on the shaky side, maybe 98 percent. We want 100 percent."

McKeesport Daily News April 11, 2001

Glassport Approves Land Use

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Another hurdle has been cleared by South Allegheny School District in its push to building a new $11.9 elementary school.

Last night, Glassport Council voted 6-1 to grant a conditional use permit to the district for its plans to build a school along Washington Boulevard on the border between Glassport and Port Vue.

Nearly 75 percent of the proposed site is in Glassport. The area currently is listed as residential, and the district needed a variance before a school could be located there.

Councilman Jim Morningstar who has made his opposition to the project known in the past, was the lone dissenter.

Council made its vote based upon the favorable recommendation for the variance from Zoning Officer Eugene Tacik.

After the vote, Councilman John D'Angelo asked if the matter should have passed through the borough's planning commission first. Morningstar, who also is a planning commissioner, said he and his peers have not discussed the district's plans at any of their meetings.

The zoning hearing board for Port Vue, which has not approved any school district variance request to build on its portion of the site, meets tonight at 7 at the municipal building.

Glassport Mayor Tom Urbanski said Tacik told borough officials this was more of a zoning issue than a planning commission matter.

"His opinion and my opinion differ," Morningstar said.

Councilman Jim Uziel said the planning commission doesn't have to be involved in granting the zoning variance. 

McKeesport Daily News April 11, 2001

Glassport Questions Tap-in Procedures

BY MATT SULLIVAN , Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport residents soon will be able to tap into a sewer project that, according to contract, should have been done 5-1/2 months ago.

"It's just a matter of signatures," said Glassport Engineer Scott Hilty of EADS Group.

Last night, Hilty told council certification of substantial completion of the Washington Boulevard sanitary sewer extension project has been sent to Nicassio Corp.

"This is going to be turned over very soon to the borough," he said.

Frustration over the lingering sewer work abounded in council chambers. Residents and borough officials alike expressed their mutual disgust at how tap-ins have been pushed back for so long.

When the contract ran out Oct. 20, council granted the contractor 60 more days to finish. However, when Dec. 20 rolled around, there was no end in sight.

Naturally, an unfinished project prevented residents from tapping in, which meant the borough couldn't collect the long-awaited $2,000 tapin fees.

"We want it to be done, too," Council President Angelo Schinosi said. "But we can't accept a job until it's done completely. We want to get tapped in, like yesterday!"

In response to the call for possible legal action against Nicassio, Michael Moser, who sat in for Solicitor Charles LoPresti, said in his opinion, "A court's not going to force them (to OK tap-ins)."

Mayor Tom Urbanski asked why certain homes on the "gravity portion" of the project could not tap in before others, when, technically speaking, their lines are operational.

Councilman John D'Angelo said the borough had to wait because the entire project isn't functional. Allowing tap-ins would be the same as the borough "taking over a flawed system," he said.

D'Angelo also assured residents Nicassio will not be able to abandon the project after tap-ins begin. A performance bond ties the contractor to the project for one year after the system is up and running, D'Angelo explained.

"This guy's not going to walk away from this project without everything being done properly," he said.

Council also discussed the possibility of refinancing its outstanding debt attached to the sewer extension.

D'Angelo estimated more than $700,000 of a loan borrowed at 4.9 percent interest still is owed by the borough.

"Now's a good time to refinance debts," he said, "because of the drop in interest rates."

"We'd be foolish if we didn't try," Urbanski added.

The borough also received a PennVEST loan for approximately $300,000, D'Angelo added, but the rate (less than 3 percent, he estimated) would be difficult to beat.

McKeesport Daily News April 12, 2001

Glassport's 2000 Audit Vote Fails

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

It's April, and Glassport Council still officially hasn't accepted its 2000 audit.

Earlier this week, council voted 4 -3 against accepting the audit submitted. Councilmen Edward Mihoces, John D'Angelo, Jim Morningstar and Terry DiMarco dissented. Angelo Schinosi, Jim Uziel and Bob Stefanie voted to accept.

The stumbling block is the report was prepared by a single person. According to borough code, three auditors are to perform the duties.

Last month, council tabled the same motion to accept the audit, partially because some members did not have the chance to review it in depth. However, discussion eventually turned to the number of auditors.

Schinosi, who is council president, told his peers last month he didn't understand their trepidation to accept the report, since the borough has accepted audits with fewer than three signatures in the past. Regardless, the motion was put off until Tuesday, when it was shot down instead of tabled.

Morningstar reminded council members that last year's auditor had help from another person for a period of time. Therefore, the report was accepted because it wasn't entirely a one-person audit.

Attorney Michael Moser, who filled in for absent Solicitor Charles LoPresti, read an opinion letter from LoPresti advising council against violating any codes. Therefore, council indeed should attempt to have three auditors do the duties, the letter stated.

Council members then discussed the matter of the April 1 deadline for municipalities to submit audits to the state to avoid jeopardizing liquid fuels funding.

Schinosi pointed out the audit has been sent to Allegheny County and state offices anyway. He questioned how and why council would vote against accepting an audit that has been submitted to the appropriate governing bodies. Council accepted an audit last year that did not have three signatures, and the borough did not receive backlash.

"While we understand the position the board is in," Moser said, "we have to recommend to you on paper (not to violate borough code)."

Moser added, "Someone has to raise (questions about the audit) before you get in trouble for it."

Someone might do just that now that the ordeal is receiving publicity, Mihoces said.

Moser said anyone who legally questioned the audit would have to pinpoint problems and/or how they were affected adversely by them.

Schinosi said the bottom line remains if the audit was a good one -- which no one disputed -- then council should have no problem signing off on it, and issuing the money to the person who did the job.

"She's not going to get paid for her work," he said. "You're not being fair to her. She did the whole audit."

Glassport normally splits the $2,100 fee for auditing services three ways, Schinosi said, but this year's auditor would have received the entire portion.

"No one's questioning the job (the auditor) did," D'Angelo said.

Rather, D'Angelo added, he simply was unwilling to go against what legal counsel advised.

"I think we won't have this problem next year," Schinosi said, since he said he is convinced enough people will be write-in candidates for the vacant auditor positions in the upcoming elections.

But Mayor Tom Urbanski wondered what council would do for now.

McKeesport Daily News April 14, 2001

Glassport Shore Project Tangled in Red Tape

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport's push for new and 'improved recreational facilities at the waterfront could get tangled 'in a bit of red tape.

Last month, Councilman Jim Uziel said council could start thinking about specifics of a proposed Harrison Street waterfront boat dock project as soon as Engineer Scott Hilty submitted the 'necessary paperwork to the Army 'Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard.

Earlier this week, however, Hilty forewarned council of the amount of red tape attached to the project.

"This could be a very extensive permit ... because of the government agencies and what they require," Hilty said.

The borough wants to build 15 to 20 docks, Uziel said, "more toward the Clairton side of the waterfront."

Submission of photographs, sketches, environmental assessments and flood plane management information would be required before the project can be given the green light, Hilty said.

After all the data is submitted, officials would have 130 days to review it, he explained.

"We'll try to go as fast as we can," Hilty told council.

When asked for a possible new timetable for construction, Hilty answered, "This summer doesn't look good at all."

Council also discovered it has hit a snag in its pavilion project, which also is slated for the waterfront.

Glassport is planning to use a $22,000 grant it got through the assistance of Twin Rivers Council of Governments towards funding the estimated $26,000, 24-by-34-foot structure.

However, Hilty said sewer outfalls have been found underneath the exact spot where the structure is set to go.

Because the pipes have to be raised before work can move forward, the pavilion probably won't be completed until late summer or early fall, Hilty said.

Brief discussion ensued about shifting the pavilion's locale further away from the river, but council members agreed its current spot is the best place for it.

"It'll look better nearer the shoreline," Councilman Edward Mihoces said.

McKeesport Daily News April 16, 2001

Glassport Council May Streamline Operations

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport Council is considering bringing its borough code into the '21 st century.

At the recent Allegheny County League of Municipalities annual conference at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, council members had their interest piqued by a program that would computerize the borough's code of ordinances.

"Every borough has an ordinance book," said Councilman Jim :Morningstar, who attended the conference along with fellow councilmen John D'Angelo, Bob Stefanic and Angelo Schinosi.

The new program, produced by a company called General Code Publications, would allow Glassport to have its borough code "on a CD instead of keeping on a book," Morningstar added.

With the program, if someone wanted to check out details of ordinances concerning sewage, for instance, he or she would type in "sewage" as a key word and everything on the books that pertains to that topic would appear.

In addition, Morningstar added, "They have a minutes program tied in with that."

That program would make sifting through meeting minutes faster by utilizing the same key word idea, he said.

Morningstar said he is trying to get a company representative for a presentation to council before next month's meeting.

The prospective cost of implementing such a program is unclear at this time, he said.

If the cost is high enough, he said, "That project might have to be bid out."

In other business, council:

* Adopted a resolution supporting pending state legislation to provide money to volunteer fire and ambulance departments.

According to Senate Bill 409 recently introduced by state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, volunteer fire and emergency medical service outfits would receive funding each year.

Through the bill, fire companies stand to receive $15,000 annually, while ambulance services would get $2,500.

The vote to send an approval letter was unanimous.

*Changed the date for its outdoor movie night to June 19 from June 21. Councilman Jim Uziel said the original date probably will be a setup day for Glassport's Community Days weekend.

McKeesport Daily News April 30, 2001

Illness Claims Life of Port Vue Mayor

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Port Vue has lost its mayor to illness.

Orlando DiMarco, known as "Landy" to many, was hospitalized at UPMC McKeesport and died Saturday.

Despite health problems, the longtime Port Vue public figure, who was the incumbent mayor wrapping up his first term, recently announced his bid for re-election to the office.

That announcement, published last week in The Daily News, "was like a shot in the arm." Councilman Isador Steiner said. "He was concerned about the election."

Steiner's candidacy announcement also was in the paper that day, and his photograph was right next to DiMarco's. Steiner said he visited DiMarco in the hospital.

and the mayor was pleased to see their photos together.

"That's the way we've been all these years," Steiner said. "We were close, almost like brothers ... It's going to be tough for me to accept (his death), and I watched him go.„

Steiner now is the surviving member of a trio of public officials that got involved with serving Port Vue approximately 30 years ago: himself, DiMarco and Ed "Scratchy" Szalankiewicz, who passed away in October.

"It's just tough right now," Steiner added. "You don't find a person like him too often."

"When I first got on council," Council President Mark Tortorice recalled, "(DiMarco) was the president. He took me under his wing, like a son. He was my teacher ... He groomed me..."

And Tortorice learned a lot under DiMarco's tutelage, he added.

"He would help anyone, no matter what," Tortorice said. "He showed me the true meaning of public service."

"He was always concerned for the borough," Council Vice President Bill Betzner said.

Not only was DiMarco a public official in the borough for nearly 30 years - 16 of which were as council president - he was also:

• President of Port Vue Senior Citizens;

• Founding president (and current vice president) of South Allegheny Italian Social Club;

• Member of American Legion Post 447;

• Member of St. Mark Parish;

• Member of St. Mark Parish;

Member of the Fantastics singing group; and First baseman in the OldTimers Softball League.

Perhaps one of DiMarco's dearest affiliations was with Twin Rivers Council of Governments, Steiner said.

"You could call him one of the founders of the COG," he said.

"He was very proud of being a member of that organization," Betzner added.

In whatever capacity or for whichever group or organization, DiMarco "always represented Port Vue well," Tortorice said. "Port Vue lost one of the greatest politicians it ever had."

"He was a good boss and a good friend," Police Chief Gary Cartia said. "He will be dearly missed."

At least until after memorial services are finished tomorrow, Betzner noted, "We are shutting down the borough (offices) tomorrow for this funeral."

"The people loved him," Steiner added, "and he loved the people. He's going to be very difficult to replace."

McKeesport Daily News May 9, 2001

System Deemed Operational, Tap-Ins Ready

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport just can't shake itself free from the grip of sewer-related issues.

Now that a letter of partial completion on the Washington Boulevard sanitary sewer extension has been issued - which means "we accepted the system as being operative," Councilman John D'Angelo said at last night's meeting - council's attention has turned to tap-in fees.

For months, officials have stated their desire to start harvesting the long-awaited crop of $2,000 tap-in fees. However, project extensions and other holdups have pushed that time back to now. The original contract deadline expired Oct. 20.

The borough letter sent out concerning tap-in deadlines and payment of fees needed clarifying, however, one resident said.

In response, D'Angelo said connections had to be made to the sewer line within 90 days of the receipt of the letter. On the other hand, the $2,000 did not have to be paid within 45 days, as was the concern of residents.

"We're not going to hard-line anyone," D'Angelo said.

He then added he personally would be willing to address any questions about fee payments.

Engineer Scott Hilty, of FADS Group, reported the punch list of restoration-related items has not been completed by the project's contractor Nicassio Corporation.

"If (Nicassio) persists in this way," Hilty said, "this will proceed into a legal issue."

Later in the meeting, council gave Hilty the green light to begin the process of monitoring sewer system flow data. In all, the cost to the borough is approximately $64,000.

"This is yet another unfunded mandate," D'Angelo said. "You've got to do it, and they don't give a damn where you get the money."

The need for the flow surveys, D'Angelo explained, exists "because of the crackdown by the federal government on combined sewer overflows."

The borough's only option was to shell out the money, Mayor Tom Urbanski said, or come up with an astronomical amount of funding to change the whole sewer system.

Some of the money to pay for the six-month monitoring will come from funds the borough had put away over the years "for rainy days," D'Angelo said. "And right now, it's raining."

McKeesport Daily News May 11, 2001

Glassport Ponders Police Dilemma

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport Council wants to take a closer look at how making a trio of its police officers permanent full-time fixtures on the force would affect the borough's budget.

Earlier this week, borough officials delayed making a switch that, they agreed, will have a significant budgetary impact. Council must make a decision on the status of the officers because a six-month probationary period has expired.

As Council President Angelo Schinosi explained, when the current police contract was decided through arbitration earlier this year, the borough had to absorb unforeseen financial blows pertaining to overtime and holiday pay.

Unfortunately, he added, the arbitrator awarded the contract after this year's budget was

completed.

"We didn't anticipate the additional money that had to be spent," Schinosi said.

After the borough had a chance to digest the specifics of the police contract, Schinosi said, it had to pay back wages retroactive to Jan. 1.

"Additional dollars had to be spent to satisfy the reward," he said.

Adding to the police-related expenses, Mayor Tom Urbanski said, is the steady and dramatic increase in the price of gasoline.

With all the hours police cruisers patrol the streets, he added, officers "might have to start using bicycles."

"Providing the criminals use bicycles, Mr. Mayor, we'll be all right," Chief Eugene Skerkoski replied.

In other business, council:

• Will send a letter to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in response to a proposed water rate increase.

Schinosi said the borough's letter of objection to PUC about the "dramatic" 12.4-percent hike will be "strongly worded."

"I'll send it tomorrow," Councilman Terry DiMarco said.

• Announced Cypress Alley, from the 600 to 800 blocks, will be repaved. The three-block stretch of alleys recently were affected by Pennsylvania-American Water Co.'s installation of a new line from Sixth to Ninth streets.

Urbanski was instrumental, Councilman Bob Stefanic said, in getting an agreement with the water company that required only a $3,000 borough contribution.

"Getting three alleys paved for $3,000 ... that's quite a deal you worked out with the water company, Mr. Mayor," Schinosi added.

Elementary School Issue Dominates SA Board Race

BY MATT SULLIVAN, Daily News Staff Writer May 16, 2001

The proposed $11.9 million elementary school project in South Allegheny School District has proven to be a focal point in the race for school board with the ouster of one incumbent who supported the plan. With four seats open, seven cross-filed candidates vied for a chance to fill them in yesterday's primary election. According to complete but unofficial results from Allegheny County Department of Elections, the vote totals were as follows:

Democrats: incumbent Dino DiFelice, 1,638 votes; Doris Bailley, 1,358; incumbent Dianne Rosche, 1,350; Terry Dozzi, 1,336; incumbent Arlene Schinosi, 1,023; Debbie Vehec, 981; and Harold Phillips, 926.

Republicans: DiFelice, 225 votes; Dozzi, 192; Bailley, 190; Rosche, 190; Schinosi, 120; Phillips, 108; and Vehec, 104.

DiFelice, Rosche, Bailley and Dozzi were running mates who opposed the district's plans to build a new elementary school along Washington Boulevard on the border of Port Vue and Glassport. If the school is built, existing elementary schools in Port Vue and Glassport will be closed, and Manor Elementary School in Liberty will become an early childhood development center for kindergarten through grade two.

Now, the four project opponents will dominate both party ballots in November.

"That does surprise me," DiFelice admitted.

"This was the voice of the people of the district," Dozzi said. "These were the people who said we want to keep our neighborhood schools open."

"I feel the people have spoken," Rosche added. "They're telling everybody how they feel. The four of us who got the top votes are the four that listened to the people, and the people spoke loudly and clearly. What more can I say?"

From the beginning, DiFelice said, "I have felt the way the public has felt towards the whole (new school) situation ... I'm happy we (won)."

"I am numb. I'm elated. I'm happy," Bailley said. "It was a hard race. This has been 16 months for me. I was at this for three or four months before I even met Dozzi. So, this is wonderful.

"They kept saying it's not about the school. It's all about the school."

In other municipal races, Bailley said, voter turnout was relatively low, but the top vote-getters in the school board race received four-digit totals.

Those totals, she said, should be a clear indicator to current directors what the true will of the people is.

"They turned out to vote for the school board," she said. "(If I were a director favoring the project), I would have to sit back and think, 'Wow, maybe I'm not in touch with the people and what they want.' I think they need to step back ..."

Vehec congratulated the would-be board members, but added, "It's unfortunate they misled the public into thinking that, by voting for them, they could stop the new school from being built ... that's simply not the case."

Dozzi, however, said she feels the school is not a done deal.

"I feel our school board, on Thursday night (at the monthly board meeting), is obligated to abandon this consolidation and to finally give the people what we've been asking for for a year. Voters are anonymous voices, and the voices are saying, 'We don't want to consolidate. We don't like what you did. We want the option (to choose renovation or construction).'"

"I don't think we'll have a hard time working together," Bailley said of those directors with whom she's been in opposition.

"Hopefully, the board members will talk to each other, communicate and listen to each other," Rosche said. "I don't feel that's been done in the past."

Phillips had no comment and Schinosi could not be reached by presstime.

McKeesport Daily News May 17, 2001

Glassport Shapes Plans for Building

BY MATT SULLIVAN Daily News Staff Writer

West-to-West Coalition is getting involved in Glassport's efforts to utilize the potentially vacant Glassport Central Elementary School.

If South Allegheny School District's plans to construct a new $11.9 million elementary school come to fruition, the Glassport school, as well as Port Vue Elementary School, will cease operations as educational facilities.

Officials in Glassport, however, have expressed a desire to exploit the building by housing several borough entities, In fact, council voted in January to acquire the building from the school district for $1, provided a new roof was installed. Councilmen Jim Uziel, Bob Stefanic, Terry DiMarco and Angelo Schinosi favored the purchase, while John D'Angelo, Jim Morningstar and Edward Mihoces opposed it.

The district even prepared a feasibility study on the conversion idea, outlining possible usage of the school as a "community complex." The report defined potential utility costs to the borough if it indeed used the school to house the following: administrative borough offices; council's executive chambers; mayor's office; executive conference room; police department; community library; youth center; and senior center.

"The school district's role," said South Allegheny Supervisor of Accounting Randy Skrinjorich, "(is to) support whatever decision they make at the borough level ... if they foresee an opportunity for the building."

Subsequently, the school board of directors voted last month to put a new roof on the building.

Recently, representatives from the borough and the school district did a walk-through at the Glassport school with West-to-West Executive Director Steve Pholar to take a closer look at the structure. According to Pholar, his outfit is willing to assist Glassport however it can to execute their vision of transformation.

West-to-West, which stands for West Homestead to West Elizabeth as Pholar explained, is "a mobilization of political resources in the valley for people who have gone unattended, and the two areas we work in are community and economic development, period.

"We came to this project via an invitation from borough council," he continued, "who said to us ... `Come over and give us a hand, because we are going to be receiving ... a building within one whole school year from now, presuming that by 2002, the school district will have built their new building'."

Pholar praised council for their "far-sightedness" in considering how many people, especially senior citizens, would benefit from a consolidation of services.

"Pulling all of these strings together under one roof," he said, "would essentially create a more efficient and a more tax effective form of paying for the big bill."

But, as Pholar explained, the federal government only "looks at funding projects like this" when the building has a purpose beyond municipal government. "So, we have to create a whole glossary of existing services within the community ... and find out how they fit into this."

"We've done that," Schinosi added.

"Everything you have here, as Mr. Schinosi says, is adaptable to serve a large aging demographic from the region for people to come in and go out," Pholar said.

"The cafeteria here ... the senior citizens would love this place," Schinosi said. "You have parking. You have handicap accessibility right into the cafeteria. You have the gymnasium for the youth of our community."

Some of the buildings that house entities possibly moving into the school "are falling apart," Schinosi added. "I still haven't added up the number of hours our public works people go to the youth center or the senior citizens center or even the borough building ... If you were to house those three agencies in here, we could put them on the block and sell them to somebody ... and put them back on the tax rolls, get them off our books."

Schinosi also claimed the borough has two interested buyers for the senior center and the youth center if those organizations relocated in the school.

"You have a lot of people who want to be here," Pholar said. "You have council who really wants them here. Right in the middle is this thing called the legal barrier..."

Helping Glassport put together the legal structure of the potential set-up is the main reason West-to-West is involved, Pholar said.

For example, he added, "Are you going to lease it? Are you going to rent it? Are you going to own it? Is it going to be leasehold relationship between council and the people who come in? Is it going to be a sales relationship`? All of these things are going to have to be worked out. That's the process that we've got to take for this next year."

An important thing council must figure out, Pholar said, is how physically to get the people who most need service to the building where the service providers will be. One option, he explained, is to create a specialized bus and route, similar to the one in Forest Hills, that picks people up and takes them straight

to the location in town where the services they need are.

"When you get older," Pholar said, "life gets tougher. There are certain things you can no longer take for granted, one of which is ... physically taking your body, putting it in something and getting it to another point where people give you services."

"Our parents and grandparents paid for this building," Schinosi said. "Now we have an opportunity to reacquire this building. It belongs to Glassport. It's a great opportunity ... For one dollar, we're going to get a whole building."

"What a deal," Pholar added. "I've converted six buildings like this for other uses (like) nursing homes ... over the last 20 years. I can tell you truthfully I've never seen a school building in better condition. It's beautiful."

Skrinjorich stressed the condition of the building is not the only reason the district is looking to consolidate. In fact, he admitted the Port Vue school is the worse of the two structures.

"It makes sense, not only financially, but it also makes sense educationally," he said, "to con= solidate those kids into one school. The teachers believe in it. The administration believes in it. And it will help this district out. Going through the change is going to be hard. There's sentiment and there are feelings about it, but (consolidation) will really help this district out." ,

"We're going to have better security, too (at the new school, in addition to) educational opportunities," Schinosi added.

Filling the building with occupants is the borough's ultimate goal, Schinosi said.

"We have a possibility with Community College (of Allegheny County, South Campus) locating a couple of classrooms here," he said, and a feeler for a law office locating there exists, too."

SA Primary Winners Want Elementary Plan Scrapped

By: NATALIE N. ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer May 18, 2001

Primary election may be over, but heated discussion about South Allegheny School District's $11.9 million elementary school project continues. At last night's board meeting, Board Member-elect Terry Dozzi of Port Vue told directors that the outcome of Tuesday's primary represented the will of the people. She also called for the district to abandon the controversial elementary school plan. The four candidates chosen in the primary - newcomers Dozzi and Glassport's Doris Bailley, as well as incumbents Dino DiFelice and Dianne Rosche - oppose the plan to combine Port Vue and Glassport elementaries into one school.

The new elementary school, if the project moves ahead as planned, will be built along Washington Boulevard straddling the Glassport-Port Vue border.

The quartet of primary winners will be unopposed in November's general election and are trying to get the project halted before it's too late.

Resident reaction to the plan is mixed.

Last night, some in attendance asked the board to renovate the existing schools instead of closing them down, while others urged school directors to proceed as planned.

Board members declined comment on the matter.

In an unrelated matter, Glassport resident Judy Feltz asked if police officers carry guns while patrolling during school hours.

South Allegheny Superintendent Pat Risha said officers are armed with loaded weapons, and have been so for more than two months.

"As a student here, I personally... do not feel safe with a man walking around my school carrying a loaded gun," said one South Allegheny senior student.

Risha said threats had been made against an administrator and board member, prompting the need for loaded guns, but would not elaborate further.

"I will put safety first in this school district for the children and staff," Risha said.

The student also asked if district maintenance workers and police officers were taking vehicles home for personal use.

Risha said until the maintenance building is completed - which should be soon, he added - workers take vehicles home to avoid acts of vandalism on school grounds. He stressed that the vehicles aren't intended for personal use, though they are used to check school property on weekends.

In other business, the board:

* Unanimously appointed Director of Business Affairs Sharon Miller as board secretary for a four-year term.

* Agreed to pay for $1,000 of ice time for South Allegheny Ice Hockey Association.

* OK'd a preliminary 2001-02 budget in the amount of $16,158,390.

Directors said the district's millage will be reduced by the equivalent of 2 mills ($83,000).

* Approved use of Glassport Stadium for an Aug. 12 fireworks display at 10 p.m.

* Agreed to pay $3,575.02 in athletic bills and OK'd the transfer of $3,600 from the general fund to the athletic fund.

* OK'd Clairton Volunteer Fire Dept. EMS division as ambulance service provider for all South Allegheny athletic events during the 2001-02 school year at a cost of $100 per game.

Threat Sparked SA Decision to Arm Police

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer May 30, 2001

South Allegheny School District police officers carry loaded sidearms on school grounds after alleged threats that led to the expulsion of one student. "We had a situation," Superintendent Pat Risha said. "We felt the students and employees of the district were in danger, and the decision was made to arm our police." The incident, which the district confirmed took place April 6, allegedly involved a 14-year-old boy at the junior-senior high. The boy reportedly threatened two district employees and could have compromised the safety of an entire building.

A disciplinary hearing followed and the student was expelled.

School psychologist Glenn Shell said he could not elaborate on the student's expulsion without proper authorization.

Earlier this month, Glassport resident Judy Feltz asked school directors if officers were carrying guns while patrolling during school hours.

Risha confirmed that officers have been carrying weapons for two months as a result of the threats against an administrator and a guidance counselor, but due to confidentiality concerns, he could not elaborate.

Later, a South Allegheny senior asked Risha if the guns were loaded.

Risha admitted the weapons are loaded.

"As a student here, I personally ... do not feel safe with a man walking around my school carrying a loaded gun," the 12th-grader said.

"I will put safety first in this school district for the children and staff," Risha responded.

South Allegheny police wouldn't offer any information about the April incident.

Board President Russell Geary could not be reached for comment.

School Director Luke Riley, who also serves as Liberty's police chief, said he hopes the boy gets the help he needs so he can return to school.

According to School Director Dianne Rosche, the expelled student can be readmitted in the fall if he gets help.

"That was the stipulation," she added. "If there is documentation that he had help, (he can come back)."

The expulsion hearing was justified, Rosche said.

"There was concern from administration for safety matters," she said. "I feel the board recommended a behavioral study of some sort to see if the young man could get help.

"He needs something. He needs (to be) analyzed by a behavioral specialist ... to see how he can be helped. He is only 14 and for him to continue with an attitude with his situation in life, he needs help."

Rosche said the boy wasn't diagnosed with a learning disability and administrators characterized him as highly intelligent.

"It is more of a behavioral disability," she said. "I hope and pray this young man is not neglected or ignored, that he can receive professional help to enjoy his life, go to school and learn to be what he wants to be."

New SA School Debate Prompts Lawsuits

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer June 01, 2001

South Allegheny School District's proposed new $11.9 million elementary school has prompted a pair of lawsuits by residents in Port Vue and Glassport. The first suit was filed against Port Vue Zoning Hearing Board and the school district by plaintiffs David and Caroline Popovic, Raymond and Mary Sobczak, Charles and Rita Braddock, Nicholas and Marcia Borelli and David and Doris Samuels. According to the affidavit, the plaintiffs list 24 separate complaints. Zoning hearing board violations alleged by the suit include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Written notice was not posted properly by the board on the property affected in a conspicuous manner at least one week prior to the hearing.

* The board prevented those appearing before it ... from testifying fully and completely; rather, it limited them to brief and summary testimony, and, in some cases, refused to permit them to speak at all.

* Zoning hearing board representatives informed plaintiffs it would not be necessary for them to provide expert testimony at the hearing. The representatives specifically informed plaintiffs they could appoint a spokesperson to speak on behalf of other interested parties, but, at the time of the hearing, they refused and prevented designated spokespersons from speaking on behalf of any other interested party.

"We the people are expected to foot the tax bills, yet have been denied a voice in this issue," Caroline Popovic said. "This zoning variance affects the whole neighborhood as well as the community."

Plaintiffs further maintain the zoning hearing board's recommendation should be declared null and void and the case should be remanded to the board for further review in compliance with the Municipalities Planning Code.

In addition, the suit claims the board abused its discretion and made an error by addressing the variance request of the school district. The suit claims the requested relief in the application submitted by the district was a rezoning request to alter permitted uses in a residential district rather than a variance request.

The second suit was filed by Glassport resident Doris Bailley against the borough and the school district.

Zoning changes affect entire communities, Bailley said, especially when they result in the construction of a public school building that will be there for generations.

"Glassport and Port Vue councils should have held public hearings on these zoning changes so we the public could be heard, but they didn't," she continued. "We must demand that our voices are heard and the only way to do it is by going to court."

According to SA Superintendent Patrick Risha, Bailley was heard.

"She signed up to speak (at school board meetings for the last year)," he said. "The majority of the board just didn't agree (with her).

"Does that make her or the board wrong? I can't answer that ... but she did speak, and was heard."

Bailley's complaints include the following:

* Glassport's planning commission never conducted a public hearing on the conditional use application submitted by the school district, nor did they advertise or post notices on the subject property informing interested parties a public hearing would be conducted. Because of the failure of Glassport Planning Commission to conduct hearings, the plaintiff and other residents were forever deprived of the opportunity to state their objections and concerns.

"We are reviewing both lawsuits," said Tom Barry, South Allegheny School District solicitor. "We feel both suits are frivolous."

Barry said both are directed against entities other than the school district, although they are a part of the district.

Bailley said some residents are upset because Glassport didn't go through the formality of a zoning hearing.

If the new school is built, the existing Glassport and Port Vue elementary schools will be shut down and Manor Elementary will be converted to kindergarten through second grade.

"There are immeasurable benefits (with construction of a new combined elementary)," Barry said.

Glassport and Port Vue elementaries are outdated and in disrepair, he added. Both are more than 70 years old.

Barry said the existing schools are designed for junior high and high school students and the rooms are too small.

"You can't get them to the technological aspect they desire," he said.

"Educationally, we will be in a facility that has all the most-current technology installed in it," Risha said. "All the infrastructure will be built into the new building so we can advance as technology advances."

He said another benefit is classroom size.

"We can balance every classroom to where they are equal (in size) or there is only one student over," Risha said.

"It will be a state-of-the-art facility," Barry concluded.

Bailley disagreed.

"For too many years, communities allowed building and development to take place without planning for the long-term impact," she said. "Now we are paying for it with sewage problems, storm drainage problems, traffic congestion, urban blight, crime and other urban problems."

As of May 1, Glassport Central Elementary School had 368 students, Port Vue Elementary had 309 and Manor Elementary had 306, said Port Vue secretary Kim Carson.

According to Port Vue Solicitor George Gobel, the suit really has nothing to do with the borough.

"I would expect the borough of Port Vue to be dismissed because the appeal is for the zoning hearing board," Gobel said.

Approximately 10 acres of the project site are in Port Vue, while 26.5 acres are in Glassport.

According to Popovic, the borough originally bought the land for recreational purposes. Port Vue sold the land to the school district in March.

"We can't allow the "good ol' boy" system of zoning to continue ... because we the people end up paying the price in increased taxes, skyrocketing sewage bills, traffic jams, children playing in the streets because of lack of playgrounds and recreational facilities," Bailley added.

Despite disapproval from some residents, plans to build the school continue.

"We're going build the school," Risha insisted.

"People say you can't fight city hall," Bailley responded. "I say you can fight them and win."

Last October, PLANCON A was submitted by the school district and approved by the state Department of Education. PLANCON is a step-by step process by which districts present a plan to the state for approval of school construction, renovations and/or additions.

Glassport Lions Install Officers

The Glassport Lions Club is announcing officers installed for the 2001-02 term.

Assuming duties are Carl Zupi, president; Carole Schmotzer, first vice president; Ted Street, second vice president; Joseph Novakowski, third vice president; Patrick McGhen, secretary/treasurer; Tony DeJulius, financial secretary; Raymond Wolf, tail twister; and Tony Babral, lion tamer.

Membership committee members are Edward Burnett, Elmer Kruzek and Tony Campano.

Serving as directors are Jim Jones, John Palmiero, Robert Stefanic, Bill Kiser, Andrew Hrehocik, Thomas Urbanski, Scott Finney, Victor DeMaio and Eleanor McGhen, one year; and Nancy Coleman, Steve Posa, Jim Morningstar, Richard Ziemanski, Joseph Spagnolo, Linda Rendulic, Richard Antoncic, Ronald Tyszkiewicz and Ed Wojciechowski, two years.

Permanent directors are Judge John Hester and past district governor DeJulius.
 

McKeesport Daily News - June 13, 2001

Angelo Schinosi Steps Down As Glassport Council's Head

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport's Council President Angelo Schinosi resigned his position.

"This position requires me to here everyday," Schinosi said. "I have had so many meetings, I have failed to see my grandchildren,"

He said he decided someone younger and with more energy should take his place.

"I will assist as best I can to whomever takes the chair," Schinosi said as he relinquished the gavel last night.

Just before Schinosi stepped down from his chair, he nominated Councilman James Uziel to take the borough's reigns and conduct the meeting.

Immediately after Uziel took his newly assigned seat, he addressed both council and the public.

"While I am saddened, I do unIerstand his motives and respect his wishes," Uziel said. "He has served for many years."

Councilman John D'Angelo paid he was shocked and, at the :same time, saddened to see him ;step down.

"That came out of left field," D'Angelo said.

Following was a unanimous motion to accept Schinosi's resignation.

However, Uziel declined the presidential position.

"I have the desire but not necessarily the time to sit in the chair," Uziel said.

Uziel, Stefanic, Schinosi and Terry DiMarco all voted in favor of the change, while D'Angelo and James Morningstar dissented. Councilman Edward Mihoces was absent.

"I appreciate the vote and hope everyone will work together as a team," Stefanic said. "We are going to do the best we can."

In other news, a Glassport resident requested a weight restriction be designated for Edmundson Drive.

"If you bring in the borough's garbage truck, which is 20 tons, and run it on a 16-foot road, it will destroy that street," the resident said. "We have waited a long time to have that street paved. Even a salt truck in the winter will do damage."

The street is scheduled to be paved June 30.

Stefanie said council would send a letter to County Hauling to see if the company could send a smaller garbage truck.

In other matters, council is considering combining sewage, water and trash tax into one municipal service fee.

According to Uziel, the borough owes $60,000 in delinquent garbage bills.

Uziel requested Councilman Bob Stefanie be appointed to the position.

Stefanic accepted the position after a 4-2 vote in favor of the move.

"There are people who aren't paying their garbage tax. We cannot just not pick up their garbage, it would be a heath hazard," Uziel said. "Why not combine the three into one, so if they don't pay garbage, their water is shut off?"

Sharpsburg and Duquesne currently combine the three taxes and work successfully, Uziel added.

"When people don't pay their trash tax, it not only hurts us, but the community as well," D'Angelo said. "We are not trying to hurt the people, just help them."

D'Angelo recommended the situation be investigated so council would have more information by the next meeting.

Motions passed last night include:

• Council agreeing with the community map program.
• Accepting a resignation letter from Scott A. Schmeltz, of the Glassport police department.
• Agreeing to put up a street light in the 500 block of Vermont Avenue for the safety of the neighborhood.
• Setting a date and time for a benefit meeting requested by Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski.
• Donating $25 for an advertisement in the South Allegheny Football Boosters program book.
• Donating $100 to the Glassport Development Corp. for Community Day.

McKeesport Daily News - June 13, 2001

Judge Dismisses Residents' Suits Filed Over Proposed SA Elementary Plan

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A judge has dismissed two law suits filed by residents in Port Vue and Glassport over South Allegheny School District's proposed new $11.9 million elementary school.

During a hearing June 5, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas' Judge Joseph James dismissed the suits on the grounds they were without merit.

The first suit was filed against Port Vue Zoning Hearing Board and the school district by plaintiffs David and Caroline Popovic, Raymond and Mary Sobczak, Charles and Rita Braddock, Nicholas and Marcia Borelli and David and Doris Samuels.

The second was filed by Glassport resident Doris Bailley against the borough and the school district.

Plaintiffs want to keep the current neighborhood schools and oppose plans for a combined elementary complex.

Under the plan, the existing Glassport and Port Vue elementary would be used for municipal purposes, while Manor would be converted to a kindergarten-through-second-grade facility.

South Allegheny's Solicitor Tom Barry said the suits followed decisions by Port Vue and Glassport zoning boards to approve the plans.

Their appeals were based on the fact the plaintiffs allegedly were not given the opportunity to voice opinions on the plan, as well as other procedural issues.

"I believe those actions were designed to use the courts to tie things up," Barry said. "It was a law suit without any merit ... they shouldn't have done that. It was something to politicize what has been going on."

The parties and the residents have had numerous chances to voice their differences before the school board, according to Barry.

"We always go to the school board and err our differences, but no one seems to give any thought to consider us," said Caroline Popovic. "We go, speak our peace, are made fun of and called liars."

Popovic said she thinks the residents' input should have been considered.

"This projects affects the whole South Allegheny community," she said with concern.

In Port Vue, there was a complete and full hearing with 120 transcripts.

In his decision, the judge stated the borough had given both parties ample opportunity to be heard.

"We are going to continue fight," Popovic concluded.

Popovic also said she was going to continue the fight.

Another concerned resident voiced her opinion as. well.

"I am not going to stop fighting because this has so much more to do with our children's education than the administrators want to believe," said

Theresa Dozzi, a Port Vue resident and long-time opponent of the consolidated school.

She added it was a shame the public had to research the benefits of neighborhood schools.

"The impact of consolidation is about providing our kids with the best education possible, and we have been and will continue to provide our residents with research," Dozzi said.

"I won't stop fighting until a shovel is in the ground," she said. "And if that happens, I will be there to make sure that none of our children slip through the cracks of this bureaucratic nightmare called consolidation."

According to Dozzi, it has never been about where the school is, but what it is.

"It is not going to provide our kids with the education they need," Dozzi concluded.

McKeesport Daily News - June 15, 2001

Area Drug Suspects Swept Up

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND  Daily News Staff Writer

A trio of law enforcement agencies were searching for 26 suspected street-level drug dealers.

At approximately 6 a.m. today, a caravan of police cars, vans and undercover vehicles full of officers armed with search warrants began scouring Glassport looking for the suspects.

Officers from Allegheny County, Glassport and Clairton police departments participated in the round-up. The undertaking was part of a six-monthlong investigation, County Police Superintendent Kenneth Fulton said.

As of 7:45 a.m., 12 individuals were apprehended without incident, according to County Police Lt. Herald Cline.

"We still have people out there looking for secondary addresses (of' suspects)," Cline said.

"We are now going on previous arrest warrants for drug purchasing or drug sales," Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said.

According to Skerkoski, this investigation is helping eradicate the narcotics trade throughout the small town.

The investigation began with authorities dividing into teams, apprehending the suspects, doing neces

sary paperwork. That led to arraignment of suspects before the magistrate and, if cause was determined, being sent to jail.

"We are doing this to arrest and curtail drug activity in the Glassport area ... to let the citizens of Glassport walk the streets safely," Fulton said.

A central booking station was established at Glassport Public Library. Suspects were to be arraigned before District Justice Ed Burnett after their apprehension. Burnett was not available for comment by presstime.

Five teams consisting of six officers each, uniformed and non-uniformed, began their warrant apprehension at 6 o'clock.

Allegheny County undercover officers wore black shirts with gold lettering that read "Allegheny County Police and Narcotics," while Glassport and Clairton officers were in full uniform.

According to County Detective and Team 2 member Joe Sullivan, many of the suspects are transient.

Team 2 consisted of two police cars and one undercover vehicle.

"If it hadn't been for the local (Clairton) officers' help, we wouldn't have found him," Sullivan said after his team apprehended suspect Patrick Bell, 20, of Clairton at 6:16 a.m. "They move all the time."

Sullivan said when officers entered the apartment where Bell was staying, he was nowhere to be seen and there were no drugs in plain view.

Sullivan added authorities did not search the apartment because they only had an arrest warrant.

"He had burrowed himself like a bunny under clothes in the closet," Sullivan said. "This is not the first time we have dealt with (a closet incident)."

After police handcuffed Bell, he claimed he was innocent.

"I said I didn't do nothin', I didn't do any drugs," he said sternly.

The round-up was based on at least three reported undercover buys from each person, according to Fulton.

Funding for the buys came from Glassport and Allegheny County, the superintendent added.

The last organized round-up in Glassport was six years ago, police said.

Authorities Nab 14 in Major Area Drug Bust

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND  Daily News Staff Writer

Police were successful in apprehending 14 suspects on drug charges during a mass area drug sweep.

A trio of law enforcement agencies - from Glassport, Clairton and Allegheny County were searching for 26 suspected street-level drug dealers yesterday in a sweep that began shortly after 6 a.m.

The suspects all faced charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

In custody, according to Allegheny County Police Superintendent Kenneth Fulton are:

 Patrick Bell, 20, of Clairton.

Ivan Coward, 21, of McKeesport.

John Coward, 27, of McKeesport.

Charles Gribschaw, 21, of Glassport.

 Kwasi Johnson, 22, Clairton.

Kevin Krivansky, 29, of Clairton.

Darryl Lawrence, 32, of Clairton.

Jamie Lombardi, 37, of Glassport.

Jerron Linnen, 26, of Clairton.

Allen McDonnell, 43, of Glassport.

Larell McDougal, 24, of Clairton.

Thomas J. Rhodes, 36, of Glassport.

Vanessa Kay Satterfield, 35, of Clairton.

Terrence Snow, 39, of Clairton.

A caravan of police cars, vans and undercover vehicles full of officers armed with search warrants scoured Clairton, Glassport and West Mifflin looking for suspects.

The undertaking was part of a six-month-long investigation, Fulton said.

As of 7:45 a.m. yesterday, 12 individuals were apprehended without incident, according to Allegheny County Police Lt. Harold Cline. Two more were arrested shortly afterward.

"We will look for (12 additional suspects) throughout the next week ... we have warrants for them," Cline said.

He added authorities should have all suspects within the next two weeks.

"These people are not likely to go anywhere," Cline concluded.

Suspects were arraigned before South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett, who set a straight cash bond of $25,000 for each individual.

After arraignment, the suspects were taken to Allegheny County Jail.

"I loathe drugs," Burnett said. "I've seen too many families destroyed because of people who are addicted."

According to Burnett, the South Allegheny community is "pretty clean."

"Generally, people from outside the community bring in the drugs ... there are a few locals too," he added.

Burnett said he is very hard on drug cases.

"It's our goal to keep drugs out of South Allegheny (communities)," Burnett said. "We have worked very hard to keep them out and continue to work with all the agencies in

reducing the influx of drugs in our community."

According to Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski, this investigation is helping eradicate the narcotics trade throughout the borough.

The investigation began with authorities dividing into teams, apprehending the suspects and doing necessary paperwork.

"We are doing this to arrest and curtail drug activity in the Glassport area ... to let the citizens of Glassport walk the streets safely," Fulton said.

A central booking station was established at Glassport Public Library.
 

McKeesport Daily News - June 19, 2001

Glassport Logs 2 More Drug Arrests

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

The crackdown on drugs continues in Glassport.

Yesterday, two suspects - Michael Sloan, 21, of Carnegie, and Michelle Morant, 22, of Homestead - were arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal conspiracy.

Glassport Police Officer Dan Pici was on duty early yesterday morning when he observed the suspects' vehicle swerving from side to side.

"They swerved and almost hit me," Pici said.

The officer said he followed the vehicle across the W.D. Mansfield Memorial Bridge before conducting a traffic stop.

Upon approaching the driver, Sloan, the officer said he asked for the suspect's license and registration. Sloan reportedly said he didn't have anything on him because the car belonged to a friend.

A check by Pici revealed Sloan was driving while under suspension.

Pici said when the driver was told to get out of the vehicle, Sloan turned his head toward the passenger,

Morant, and motion for her to do "something." "I saw her gagging on something," Pici said.

The officer said he then called for backup.

"We found an 8-ball of cocaine underneath the seat," Pici added.

The suspects were taken to the station and were set to be arraigned in the office of South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett this morning.

The arrests of Sloan and Morant come after Friday morning's mass drug sweep in Glassport, although police said the two incidents are not directly related.

As a result of Friday's operation involving Glassport, Clairton and Allegheny County police, 15 suspected street-level drug dealers were apprehended for possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

The undertaking was part of a six-month investigation, County Police Superintendent Kenneth Fulton said.

"We will look for (11 additional suspects) throughout the next week," Allegheny County Police Lt. Herald Cline added. "We have warrants for them."

Three suspects from Friday's sweep - Ivan Coward, 20, of McKeesport; Jerron Linnen, 27, of Clairton; and Darnell Craig, age unknown, of Glassport - were scheduled to be arraigned before Burnett today.

McKeesport Daily News - June 20, 2001

Drug Suspects Released in Plea-Bargain Accord

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Twelve of 16 suspects arrested in an area drug sweep were released on their own recognizance following their preliminary hearings.

As a result of the operation that involved Glassport, Clairton and Allegheny County police, 16 suspected street-level dealers were apprehended Friday and Monday on drug-related charges.

"Through a plea bargain with the district attorney's office, in exchange for a waiver of the cases to court, the defendants were released on their own recognizance," South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett said at yesterday's hearings.

The undertaking was part of a six-month investigation, County Police Superintendent Kenneth Fulton said.

The following suspects were arraigned Friday morning:

Charles Gribschaw, 21, of Glassport.

John Coward, 27, of McKeesport.

Patrick Bell, 20, of Clairton.

Thomas J. Rhodes, 36, of Glassport.

Darryle Lawrence, 32, of Clairton.

Kwasi Johnson, 22, of Clairton.

Vanessa Kay Satterfield, 35, of Clairton.

Jamie Lombardi, 37, of Glassport.

Allen McDonnell, 43, of Glassport.

Larell McDougald, 24, of Clairton.

Terrence Snow, 39, of Clairton.

Kevin Krivansky, 29, of Clairton.

Friday, Burnett set a straight cash bond of $25,000 for each individual.

McDougald was the only suspect to post bond.

All suspects waived their cases to court yesterday, and were released on their own recognizance except Charles Gribschaw, who had a hearing.

Three other suspects were apprehended in connection with the drug sweep and were arraigned before Burnett Monday morning:

Jerron Linnen, 27, of Clairton.

Darnell Craig, age unknown, of Glassport.

Ivan Coward, 20, of McKeesport.

Linnen, Cram and Coward face hearings Tuesday .

Additionally, Peter Gribschaw, 20, of Glassport, turned himself in yesterday morning, according to police, when he found out there was a warrant for his arrest.

Peter Gribschaw was arraigned and waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday on the drug charges, and had a hearing on unrelated charges.

Although not all the suspects have been apprehended, "Our detectives, as well as the Glassport and Clairton police, will continue looking for them until all the individuals are accounted for," county police Lt. Herald Cline said.

McKeesport Daily News - June 26, 2001

Glassport OKs Borough Guide

BY THE DAILY NEWS

Glassport officials gave Community Map and Newsletter Co. approval to prepare a community information guide, as a part of an ongoing public awareness campaign.

The project is being produced for Glassport at no cost to taxpayers and is designed to familiarize both residents and businesses with the benefits and assets of Glassport.

This comprehensive information guide will included pertinent information on the history, government, activities and services available in the community.

The guide also will contain a new full-color and highly detailed street map that will highlight and identify key points of interest in the community.

Glassport plans to distribute more than 2,500 copies of the brochures, with one going to every mailing address within the community.

Remaining copies will be made available and distributed to new residents and prospective businesses during the next two years.

Officials said the project offers an excellent opportunity to advertise one's business or service to the community.

McKeesport Daily News - June 29, 2001

Glassport S0I, Citizens Hose Co., Clairton Police Named

Mother of Suicide Victim Sues

BY SHELLEY VELTRI Daily News Staff Writer

The mother of a Clairton man who hung himself in a city jail cell last fall has filed suit.

Named as defendants are Glassport Sons of Italy and Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, the two organizations that allegedly served James Perry Melegari II alcohol, and three employees of Clairton Police Department. Named as defendants from the police department are Public Safety Director Richard Martin, Sgt. John Pandullo and Officer Hugo Carducci.

Melegari, 27, of Worthington Avenue, was cited for public intoxication Oct. 22 and was placed in a holding cell around 6 a.m. He was found hanging in his cell two hours later.

In April, Allegheny County Coroner Cyril Wecht recommended no charges be filed against police.

According to a hearing officer's findings, Melegari started drinking at a wedding he'd attended the day before. He then visited the SOI Club between 1 and 2 a.m. the day of his suicide.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., he left the club and visited a Glassport fire hall, where he continued to consume alcohol, the report continued. Witnesses said Melegari seemed despondent over his brother's suicide of six months earlier.

Approximately an hour later, he left the fire hall. After a brief argument with friends, he was dropped off in a parking lot of a Clairton grocery store, an approximate 10-minute walk from his home.

Melegari went to the police station. Carducci met him at the door and noticed a smell of alcohol. Melegari was treated for a cut and a black eye.

He was cited for public intoxication because he was inebriated to such a degree he was a threat to himself or others, Carducci testified.

The officer said Melegari made no mention of suicide or hurting himself. Carl Fishman, attorney for Darlene Undereiner, Melegari's mother, said the official police report indicates he did make such comments.

Melegari reportedly refused medical treatment and was placed in a cell. A camera was positioned in the cell to monitor Melegari and another prisoner.

Carducci said he went back to typing an auto accident report from the day before and occasionally checked the video monitor until he left at approximately 7:30 a.m.

About 40 minutes later, Carducci said he received

a call from the department informing him of Melegari's death.

As administrator of Melegari's estate, Undereiner is seeking to recover for the wrongful death of her son.

She claims damages that include expenses for medical services and supplies related to the treatment and subsequent death of Melegari; funeral and estate expenses; the loss of the services, assistance, guidance, counseling and companionship of Melegari; loss of financial support and all pecuniary benefits which they would have received from Melegari; and administration expense.

The suit also alleges damages for pain, suffering, anxiety and nervousness of Melegari until the time of his death; his loss of earnings, less the cost of maintenance; and hospital and other medical expenses.

Melegari was visibly intoxicated when he arrived to both the SOI Club and the fire hall, the suit alleges.

The suit also claims Melegari "threatened to commit suicide on several occasions" while at the police station, yet he wasn't taken to a hospital for examination or involuntary commitment.

The camera mounted outside the cell occupied by Melegari viewed half of the cell, the suit claims. Melegari hanged himself in a portion not visible to the camera.

"City of Clairton was in custody and control of the cells in its police station, but failed to design, maintain and/or repair them such that all portions of the cells were visible on the video monitor," the suit states. "It willfully, deliberately, and with gross negligence and reckless disregard failed to act to prevent harm to individuals."

The suit also states that Pandullo and Martin failed to instruct police officers that intoxicated individuals and/or those threatening suicide or harm to others should be transported to a health care facility for medical evaluation, detoxification and/or involuntary mental commitment.

Clairton Solicitor Vincent Restagno declined comment on the suit. Another lawyer representing the city in the case could not be reached for comment. Citizens Hose Fire Co. also declined comment and the insurance company representing the SOI Club could not be reached for comment.

McKeesport Daily News - June 29, 2001

Nine Athletes of Yesteryear Honored

Over 200 Old-Timers Attend MASA Reunion

BY THE DAILY NEWS

More than 200 braved saunalike temperatures and stifling humidity yesterday to attend the McKeesport Athletic Sports Association's seventh Old-Timers' Reunion at the main pavilion in Renziehausen Park.

"Man, isn't this great?" enthused MASA's President Eddie Stanko, who along with his officers, Frank Tarli and Rocco "Rocky" Tedesco, watched the Mon-Yough Valley's sports greats of yesteryear enjoy what could be the last reunion.

"We'll see. We'll see," Stanko said when queried about the future of the MASA picnic-type event that perpetuates McKeesport's rich sports history.

"I don't know if we can handle it anymore," added Stanko. "Now there's just Frank and Rocky and me, and we're getting older."

Obviously oblivious of the reunion's uncertain future, the old-timers ate, drank and swapped stories of the Tube City's halcyon days.

And they cheered an applauded as the MASA honored George Gorun, Frank "Kitty" Reddick, Brandon Short, Tanisha Wright, Tony "Smoky" Pizzino, Bobby Mulgado, Frank Gori, Olympic gold medal winning pitcher Rick Krivda and Sam LaRosa.

More than 400 old-time athletes and supporters have been honored by the MASA over the years. Their names are on the MASA's permanent Merrill Granger-Al Duffy Memorial in Renzie Park.

Cliff Flegal, a long-time supporter of McKeesport sports teams and the MASA, was the MC.

Speakers included Stanko, Tarli, Tedesco, Wally Patton and Wes Kughen.

The Daily News Executive Sports Editor Norm Vargo handled the presentation ceremony, introducing the honorees while also recapping their accomplishments. The Daily News Editor Emeritus Don Dulac presented the plaques.

"This is a great picnic. I always enjoy coming here ... you hear so many wonderful stories about the old days, and the Valley's sports 'tradition," said 38th District State Rep. Ken Ruffing.

Ruffing annually honors an old-timer with a legislative citation signed by Gov. Tom Ridge, a Munhall native. The 2001 honoree is LaRosa, who started the McKeesport Boys Club and organized the city's 1950 Little League championship baseball team.

"I'm humbled by this," LaRosa said. "This is a special day for me. I'm very grateful that my achievements throughout the years haven't been forgotten."

LaRosa echoed the sentiment of all honorees, some of whom become so emotional as they were remembered they came to tears.

State Sen. Sean Logan also dropped by to present citations to the honorees.

As the reunion concluded last evening, Stanko watched as the old-timers left the pavilion.

"A great bunch of guys," Stanko nodded toward them. "Without them, we (MASA) are nothing ... "

Glassport, Liberty Take Brunt of Another Summer Storm

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer July 11, 2001

Yesterday's powerful storm split a tree in two at the end of C Street in Liberty. (Wade H. Massie photo) Stephanie Fancsali of 641 Ohio Ave. in Glassport was cooking lunch in her kitchen when the storm hit. "A fireman came to my window and told me to get out of my house," Fancsali said. Her neighbor Jean Coll, of 703 Ohio Ave., said she saw a big flash hit a large tree adjacent to Fancsali's house. "I looked at the wires and saw red and blue sparks ... it was making a loud humming noise so I called 911 from my cell phone," Coll said. The mass storm not only swept the Mon-Yough area yesterday, but spanned the south-central part of Allegheny County and continued through Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties, according to Stan Bostjancic, meteorologist with Air Science Consultants in Bridgeville.

Beginning at approximately 2:25 p.m., hail, lightning, high winds and heavy rains were just a few problems local residents faced.

The storm destroyed trees, eliminated power, flooded sewers and damaged local homes.

"Various areas got hit very hard yesterday," Bostjancic said.

The heaviest storms hit between 2 and 3 p.m., with additional showers throughout the remainder of the evening, he said.

Some areas were hit with hail and damaging winds. "Hailstorms were reported in Westmoreland County," Bostjancic added.

Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin received 1.4 inches of rainfall yesterday during the storm.

Area police officers, paramedics, firefighters, power providers and 911 operators worked throughout the afternoon and into the evening cleaning up the damaged caused by the violent storm.

"I'd like to thank the volunteer fire companies, auxiliary police, 911 dispatchers and all the surrounding communities who helped," Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said.

Skerkoski said approximately 10 areas in Glassport had live hot wires down on the streets.

"The entire town is having multiple problems," said Ron Joseph, who was on duty yesterday as a paramedic for Clairton's ambulance service, which also covers Glassport.

"Our main concern is that there are live wires and trees down," the paramedic said yesterday as he blocked traffic along the intersection of Ohio Avenue and Seventh Street because of a large tree lying on top of a power line.

Some local residents were without electricity until early this morning, while others had their power back on as soon as 6:30 last night.

Others had power throughout the entire storm.

"There is no report of injuries, thankfully," Skerkoski said, "but a cellar was flooded on Naomi Avenue."

After the storm subsided, residents emerged from their houses to check for damage. Some were even seen picking up tree branches or sweeping the streets.

"Duquesne Light got everything calmed down around 8 last night," Skerkoski said.

Last night's council meeting in Glassport was called off and is rescheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Skerkoski said the condition of the community and lack of power to the municipal building were the reasons the session was postponed.

Liberty, in particular, received significant damage from yesterday's storm. Trees were knocked down, homes were without electricity and personal property was scattered about.

"It was ugly for a while yesterday afternoon," Liberty Police Chief Luke Riley said. "We have no one injured, but tremendous property damage. Several homes were hit by falling trees."

Several swimming pools were damaged, along with a mail truck that was hit by a falling tree.

"We had the borough crew out as a backup to clear the streets for emergency vehicles. One of our officers brought out four chainsaws to remove trees from the streets," the chief said.

Liberty Council President Lavina Kerklo happened to be at the municipal building at approximately 3 p.m. when the weather worsened.

She said it was raining so hard it prevented her from leaving the building.

Then, she said, "(Police Chief Luke Riley) called about a tree that was down on Washington Boulevard."

When another officer responded to the call, Kerklo said, he saw "trees down all over the place on his way up."

As the rain poured down, she said, "Water coming down Liberty Way was flowing like a river."

She contacted Mayor Edward Slater, who declared a state of emergency, which helped out acting Street Commissioner Bruce Takaht.

"Bruce was by himself ... near the end of his (work) day," Kerklo said.

Ambulances and fire trucks were on standby throughout the evening, according to Riley, as well as extra police.

Kerklo said the Elizabeth Street tot lot, in particular, took a mighty blow from Mother Nature.

"Every tree was lifted out by the roots," she said, and a small pavilion there also was ruined. "Thank God there were no children there."

Although the storm didn't last long, its aftereffects will be a constant reminder of just how fickle nature can be.

"It just came suddenly. It was windy and rainy and just started getting windier and windier," said one Liberty resident, who lives off Delrose Drive. "I looked outside and everything was vertical. All the trees were bent sideways. Then you went outside afterwards and it was sunny and beautiful but there were ... tree branches all over."

"The nicest part was that everyone was out helping everyone else," the resident added. "Even the kids and teenagers were taking branches off cars."

In McKeesport, police said the storm did cause damage to some of the radio towers.

This damage caused police to operate from a different channel following the storm. Repairs were completed overnight.

Police said this disruption did not interrupt service for police, fire and emergency services, where it was pretty much business as usual.

North Huntingdon Twp.'s dispatcher said there were a few little branches knocked from trees, but nothing severe.

According to the dispatcher, roads were closed and motorists reported failing debris, such as tree branches on the road.

Jefferson Hills was spared somewhat by the temperamental weather, a police spokeswoman said.

"I guess we were lucky," she added.

Not every spot in the borough escaped the storm's wrath, though. A call came in at approximately 6:30 p.m., the spokeswoman said, about a downed transformer at First Street in the Wall plan of homes.

In addition, a tree along Wall Road fell onto power lines and was on fire.

"Duquesne Light was notified," the spokeswoman said, "and everything was taken care of."

Whitehall's dispatcher said there was a tree branch down in the borough. Other than that, the borough had no storm-related problems.

In Baldwin, the dispatcher said there was an overflow on Streets Run Road as a result of the storm, which caused the road to be closed until the roadway could be cleared.

She added the power was disrupted along E. Willock Road for a brief time because of downed power lines.

An officer-in-charge in Homestead said there was no damage to the borough of which he was aware.

Meanwhile, in West Homestead, a dispatcher reported some trees and limbs fell, but said there was were no reports of serious damage.

Munhall police reported spotty power outages throughout the borough.

Officers also said there was one low-lying area that incurred some flooding, but added the flooding was only minor.

Additionally, police said a tree fell on a house located along Benango Street, while a tree fell on a call parked along Miller Avenue.

Vehicles owned by employees of Pennsylvania Electric Coil LTD along Ohio Avenue in Glassport were not as lucky as they were during a storm last week.

In that scenario, a microburst blasted through Glassport and treated large pine trees near a Penn Coil parking lot like saplings, snapping their trunks and ripping them out by the roots.

"If the wind would have been blowing a different direction, there would have been a lot of unhappy people," remarked one employee after last week's close call, "because (the trees) would've fallen right on those cars (parked nearby)."

She theorized correctly, because yesterday's storm toppled a still-standing tree into the lot, causing damage to a few unfortunate vehicles parked there.

The same Penn Coil employee said the tree fell onto the fence that lines the lot and tossed some debris onto the vehicles, as well.

"If the fence wouldn't have been there, (the cars) would have taken the full force of the blow," the woman said. "One (car) had $300 in damage. The other ones, I don't know."

Coincidentally, she added, not many cars parked in that area today.

"I think they're afraid another storm is going to take some more trees out," she said.

Several Daily News staff writers also contributed to this story.

Areas Clean Up Following Storms

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer July 12, 2001

Following the aftermath of Tuesday's heavy storms, some Liberty and Glassport residents are dealing not only with major clean-up efforts, but with insurance claims, as well. Nonetheless, officials in both communities are thankful no one was injured. "We're lucky that there were no injuries," said Liberty Police Chief Luke Riley. The harsh storm that swept the Mon-Yough area spanned the south-central part of Allegheny County and continued through Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.

In its path, the storm left local officials, including area police, paramedics, firefighters, power providers and 911 operators, working throughout the afternoon and into the evening yesterday cleaning up the damage.

Liberty and Glassport were some of the hardest hit during the storm, which started at approximately 2:25 p.m.

The tempest destroyed trees, eliminated power, flooded sewers and damaged homes.

Thankfully, clean-up in these communities is nearly complete.

"We got things pretty well cleaned up," Liberty Mayor Edward Slater said. "The cable has been restored and power taken care of."

Slater added that the community still has "some damage" in the parks and on a few side streets.

"But the street department and fire company (Liberty Volunteer Firemen's Association), have and are taking care of it," Slater said.

"They did a terrific job and worked all afternoon, evening and into the night."

Storm damage to borough-owned property has yet to be repaired, however.

"We can't touch anything because we have to wait for the insurance companies to come," Councilwoman Lavina Kerklo said at last night's council meeting. "Most residents have already talked to their insurance companies, but the borough has to wait until an adjuster comes before anything can be cleaned up."

Power is back on in all Liberty homes. Some residents were without electricity through yesterday morning.

"Everybody has electricity, telephone and utilities back on," Riley said this morning. "People are just working on getting things cleaned up.

According to the mayor, Liberty's street department was out yesterday with chainsaws, attempting to remove unwanted debris from the roadways.

Glassport's report on its clean-up efforts is positive, as well.

"Everything is back to normal," said Glassport Council President Bob Stefanic. "The powerlines are back up."

Stefanic, former chairman of Glassport's street department, said the crew spent all day yesterday picking up tree debris along roadways.

Most of the damage in Glassport included downed powerlines and fallen trees in residents' yards, he added.

However, Mother Nature appears to be giving the region a break from such storms. Meteorologist and Air Science Consultant Stan Bostjancic said the outlook for the next few days is "super-duper."

Today's temperatures should be in the mid-70's with low humidity.

According to Bostjancic, there is no sign of an upcoming reoccurrence of Tuesday's storm.

"We will have quiet weather within next five to seven days, with little threat of shower activity until the middle of next week," Bostjancic concluded.

©The Daily News 2001

McKeesport Daily News - July 16, 2001

Customer Coins Donated to a Good Cause

BY MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

Sometimes a helping hand can come from the most unexpected places.

Some Glassport bar-goers have been contributing to a campaign that helps sick children.

An owner of a Glassport bar has been donating money to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Free Care Fund - and recently reached the $100,000 mark.

Bob Wawrzeniak, owner of Bob's Bar, said he couldn't have done it without his customers.

The donating started in 1977 when his customers began throwing quarters on top of the pantry. After money built up, a customer recommended throwing a party.

"You guys party enough," he told them. "Let's give (the money) to someone."

The idea to donate to the Free Care Fund developed.

Customers still throw money, but there's a box labeled for the fund. If they miss the box, the owner said he'll find it.

"I will find every one (coin)," he said.

Wawrzeniak also has a bucket for donations.

Wawrzeniak calls the donors "the good guys and gals." He has a sign in the bar showing annual amounts of donations.

The totals have gradually increased over the years, with the exception of a few years - due to the closing of steel mills.

The highest dollar value was in 1998, totaling $8,000. This year began with $97,000 in the pot and he began with $97,000 in the pot and he reached $100,000 on Independence Day.

"To write out that last check made me feel really good," he said.

No money - including tips is ever left on the bar. It all goes to the donations.

Checks are sent to the hospital on a yearly basis - at Christmas.

Currently, Wawrzeniak said he has $200 collected in the bucket, and he expects to increase that number to $3,000 or $4,000 when he writes his annual Christmas check.

He said he plans to continue the donations as long as he lives.

The fund is a drive campaign around Christmas for people to donate and help the children, Wawrzeniak said.

He has received recognition for his good deed - plaques for his donations hang on the walls of the bar. He said Gerry Giles, a representative from the hospital, sent him a plaque and thank-you card.

Wawrzeniak has owned Bob's Bar since 1956.

SA, Boroughs Mull School Countersuit

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer July 18, 2001

South Allegheny School District and boroughs of Glassport and Port Vue plan to turn the tables on residents who are fighting the proposed elementary school project. A hearing Friday will be the determining factor in whether residents who are fighting the school plan in two separate actions will face a countersuit from the school district. Action could be filed seeking reimbursement of legal fees for a lawsuit officials feel is "frivolous," according to Thomas Berry, attorney representing the school district. The defendants will seek, in addition to counsel fees, cost and expenses, damages for delaying the school project, Barry said.

Two lawsuits, Bailey v. Borough of Glassport and South Allegheny School District and one involving a group of district residents against Port Vue's zoning hearing board, Borough of Port Vue and South Allegheny School District, both previously were dismissed. Some residents in each case are continuing to pursue the matter, but the district wants the legal wrangling to come to an end.

"Given that the public entities of Glassport, Port Vue and the district are going to collectively spend $50,000 in counsel fees, your clients should be aware of the consequences of their continued dilatory and malicious actions directed ultimately at taxpayers," Barry wrote in a letter to Clayton Morrow, attorney representing residents in both cases.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas' Judge Joseph James dismissed both lawsuits June 5 on the grounds they were without merit.

Plaintiffs want to keep the current neighborhood schools and oppose plans for a combined elementary complex.

Under the plan, the existing Glassport and Port Vue elementary schools would be closed and used for municipal purposes, while Manor elementary would be converted to a facility that serves students in kindergarten through second grade.

Barry said that no action would be taken by the defendants against the plaintiffs if they would have voluntarily withdrawn their appeals by last Friday.

The plaintiffs did not withdraw but asked for additional time, according to Barry.

"I hope they don't spend any more money," Barry said. "We are trying to be nice and let them go out ... I don't think they have any chance of success."

Barry said he hopes the matter does not proceed to court.

"We aren't trying to be mean," he added. "When I have a $10 million project ... we have a duty to the taxpayers and the students to move forward."

Appeals were filed by the plaintiffs based on the fact they felt they were not given the opportunity to voice opinions on the plan, as well as other procedural issues.

Morrow could be reached for comment before presstime.

McKeesport Daily News - July 18, 2001

Recreational Vehicles Raise Ire of Residents

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Some Glassport residents say they've spied an increase in traffic along Pennsylvania Avenue.

However, this traffic is unusual in that it has less to do with cars and trucks than four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles.

"A few of them have almost hit my wife and daughter," resident and traffic watchdog Bob Stecak said at last night's council meeting. "Some even go 55 mph when they blast through."

Stecak and other concerned residents asked council to take action against quad riders on Pennsylvania Avenue.

``Some of them mind the speed, but there are about seven cowboys I can't catch," Stecak said.

Another Pennsylvania Avenue resident said he's worried children will be hurt by the reckless drivers, mainly because they ride the vehicles in the evenings.

"Councilman Angelo Schinosi said he'll address the situation as soon as possible.

Meanwhile a Glassport police officer in attendance said he'd inform the police department of the matter.

In unrelated news, council announced the annual Family Day Walk-A-Thon, co-sponsored by Twin Rivers Council of Governments and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, is set for Aug. 25 at Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Twp.

- In other business, council:

• Agreed to send secretary Nancy Piazza Whaby to the 42nd annual Pennsylvania Local Government Secretaries Association conference Aug. 8-11.
• Granted permission to Citizens Hose Co. No. I to block the 500 block of Allegheny Avenue Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. for the annual fireman's parade, and Aug. 10-16 for the 108th annual Western Pennsylvania Fireman's convention.

Residents Must Post $100K to Fight SA Plan

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer July 20, 2001

South Allegheny residents can continue to try and fight the new proposed $11.9 million elementary school project - but it's going to cost them. Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas' Judge Joseph James ruled in an evidentiary hearing yesterday that two separate statutory appeals - Bailey v. Borough of Glassport and South Allegheny School District, and David and Caroline Popovic v. Port Vue's zoning hearing board and South Allegheny School District - can only proceed if the plaintiffs file $100,000 each.

"You can't prohibit South Allegheny from building this school, because of the case law," James said.

In clarification, James said the residents only can fight safety, health and welfare issues surrounding the project, not the site of the proposed building.

Bonds must be posted within seven days of yesterday's hearing if the residents wish to continue pursuing the matter.

James dismissed both lawsuits June 5 on the grounds they were without merit.

In addition, if residents continue fighting the school plan, they may face a countersuit from the defendants. Action could be filed seeking reimbursement of legal fees for a lawsuit defendants feel is "frivolous," according to Thomas Barry, attorney representing the school district and borough bodies.

According to Popovic, the plaintiffs currently are in the process of deciding whether or not they will continue to fight.

Barry said he hopes the plaintiffs withdraw the suit.

"I hope they will find that what the judge said ... that the lawsuit was frivolous and without merit," Barry said.

Barry said he hopes the plaintiffs will not go any further, costing the taxpayers additional money and hurting the educational process of the proposed school construction.

South Allegheny Superintendent Patrick Risha testified the district planned to break ground during the summer months.

"This is the best time of year; the contractor can do the best work with the ground," Risha said.

He said continuation of the suit will cause a disruption in the building process.

Risha said bids were opened for the project June 28, but the estimates are valid for only 60 days. If the lawsuit causes the project to linger past the 60-day window, bids will have to be collected again.

Under the current plan, the existing Glassport and Port Vue elementary schools would be closed and used for municipal purposes, while Manor Elementary would be converted to a facility that serves students in kindergarten through second grade.

Plaintiffs want to keep the current neighborhood schools; they oppose plans for a combined elementary complex.

Port Vue is no longer a part of the lawsuit, according to Solicitor George Gobel. In recent legal documentation regarding the suit, Port Vue was named as a defendant.

"The borough shouldn't have been," Gobel said. "The borough has not participated since day one. They were not appealing from any decision of Port Vue, it was Port Vue Zoning."

Burnett Finds Glassport Woman Guilty of Animal Cruelty

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer July 25, 2001

The horrifying neglect and abuse to Boyd, Cry Baby, Chewy Girl, Spot, Bandit, Girly, Chewy, Little One, Boo-Boo, Mayling and Mariah will no longer go unpunished. Michelle Dubyak, owner of nearly a dozen dogs, was found guilty of animal cruelty Monday at South Allegheny Area District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office. The Glassport resident has 30 days to appeal Burnett's decision. The animals all resided at 449 Oregon Ave. and were deprived of necessary food, water, sanitary conditions and veterinary care.

Yesterday afternoon, Burnett happily signed over 11 dogs, including 10 Akitas and one poodle, to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society for adoption.

"The main thing is to get them ... adopted or into good foster care," said Cathy Bricker, police officer for WPHS. "They need some serious TLC."

Animal control officer Ken Ferree said the dogs, which range in age from 1 to 9 years old, have had no real human contact for years.

"Morally and ethically, it was our job to do this," he said. "These dogs have had no human contact. Without (contact), they develop an antisocial behavior."

Dubyak was fined $187 for each dog for a total of $2,057.

According to reports by veterinarians Dr. Karen Phillips, Dr. Donna Hughes and Dr. Georgia Nakovich, the dogs suffered from a variety of ailments - including emaciation, chronic flea infestation, deafness, blindness, testicle descendation, depression and broken teeth.

A few of the animals also had flesh wounds from fighting.

Bricker said more than half the dogs suffered from coprophagia, where they ate their own waste in order to survive.

The humane society took control of the animals earlier this month.

Eight were sent to a shelter on Pittsburgh's North Side and the other three were sent to Fallen Timber in Elizabeth.

One of the dogs recently died as a result of gastric dilatation/volvulus, according to veterinary reports.

Gastric dilatation occurs when an animal begins to eat again after food deprivation and its stomach fills with gas.

Authorities were notified about the incident June 28, when Children Youth and Family Services were summoned to Dubyak's home after someone reported she was neglecting her 13-year-old son.

Ferree said an animal investigation ensued the following day.

A search warrant was granted July 2 and the dogs were immediately confiscated and given medical treatment.

"These dogs were removed into protective custody for their own welfare, in which case ... the owner could be held responsible for all expenses," Bricker said.

To date, veterinary expenses for the dogs total more than $6,000.

"They are pedigree dogs," Feree added. "Because of their demeanor, it will take someone a long time to get them to be social again."

"Psychologically some of the dogs are not approachable, but we won't give up that easily," Bricker said.

The house along Oregon Avenue is secluded on top of a small hill, back in the woods.

A red 10-foot fence surrounds the house and barricaded the dogs in.

Ironically, posted on the fence is a red and white "Beware of Dog" sign.

Behind the fence are three separate compounds in which, Ferree said, two of the smaller dogs were kept.

Feree said the remainder of the dogs roamed free inside the house in the midst of "3 to 4 inches of feces that lay there for years."

According to Bricker, Dubyak said she fed and watered the dogs daily - despite the fact that water service to her home had been cut off.

"She said she walked to the nearby Foodland every day and carried bags of food and jugs of water home to them," Bricker said. "She couldn't have carried the amount of food and water needed for the animals a whole 17 or 18 blocks. It is not physically possible."

Ferree said all owners should be held accountable for the care of their pets.

"An animal is a privilege, not a God-given right," he said. "You must be held accountable for your actions. It can be taken away from you at any time ... like a driver's license, it's a privilege."

Bricker agreed.

"It's a moral obligation to be responsible for anything in your care," she said.

Ferree said Dubyak also will be charged with 11 counts each of rabies vaccination and Allegheny County license violations.

Dubyak could not be reached for comment by presstime.

She previously was fined $466 for neglect of a white stallion pony, which she reportedly let run loose in "extremely poor conditions."

According to a citation issued, the pony was 200 pounds underweight.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case.

Bricker said WPHS has had three search-warrant cases for animal cruelty this month.

Ferree commended local magistrates, especially Burnett, for taking animal cruelty cases seriously.

Ferree and Bricker said they hope that when residents learn of this incident, "Other people will want to come to the aid of animals they think may be abused by their owners."

"Animals cannot help themselves ... only people can," Bricker said.

For more information on adopting abused animals or to alert authorities of suspected cases of abuse, call Western Pennsylvania Humane Society at 412-751-2010.

Glassport Native Enriched By Peace Corps Experience

BY JASON McLURE, Daily News Staff Writer July 30, 2001

Getting stuck in the Sahara Desert with no water or communication is one of the most frightening things to happen to Seibert. Adriane Seibert, a Glassport native, has spent the last 31 months in the West African country of Niger as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps. Home for a one-month break, she sat down with Staff Writer Jason McLure to share her impressions on communal living, African cowboys and the importance of cleaning your plate at dinner. Seibert is a 1992 graduate of Serra Catholic High School and received her bachelor of arts degree from Carnegie Mellon in 1996.

Describe the village you lived in. My first two years I lived in a small village of subsistence farmers in southeastern Niger near the Nigerian border. Now I live literally on the edge of the Sahara desert in a village called Japtogie in northeastern Niger. Adriane Seibert, a Glassport native, has spent the last 31 months in the West African country of Niger as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps. Home for a one-month break, she sat down with Staff Writer Jason McLure to share her impressions on communal living, African cowboys and the importance of cleaning your plate at dinner. Seibert is a 1992 graduate of Serra Catholic High School and received her bachelor of arts degree from Carnegie Mellon in 1996.

Describe the village you lived in.

My first two years I lived in a small village of subsistence farmers in southeastern Niger near the Nigerian border. Now I live literally on the edge of the Sahara desert in a village called Japtogie in northeastern Niger.

Japtogie has about 200 people in it who belong to a tribe called the Wodaabe. They are mostly nomadic herders who follow their cows, goats and sheep about from one water hole to the next searching for grazing lands. Some wander as much 1,000 miles a year.

The village has a clinic, a little school and a government veterinary agent. It was specifically created to help serve the nomadic population.

OK, so what's your job like?

I work with the government veterinary agent from the village. We work in the field most of the time educating people about vaccinating their animals for disease.

Animals are really their only source of wealth there, so it's a key thing for people to understand.

It's mostly the men who take care of the animals ... so I work with them on that. I work with the women on vaccinating their babies and on improving child nutrition.

So you speak the language ...

Yeah, my first two years I lived in a village that only spoke Hausa, which is the biggest language in Niger.

The group I live with now has their own language, but they all know Hausa as well, so that's how we communicate. I'm learning the Wodaabe language now.

Do people there get enough to eat?

Not really. I mean, no one starves to death, at least that I've seen. People are really skinny though. You never see a fat person there.

It's common to see kids with reddish hair from lack of vitamin A or distended bellies from protein deficiency.

Do you feel bad when you don't clean your plate here in America?

Sure I do (laughs). Not guilty like the excess food on my plate should be going to the hungry children in Niger.

It's just wasteful. I know that if I eat it, I won't be hungry later and prone to waste more food.

What is it like to be one white face in a sea of black faces? Are there advantages or disadvantages? Have you ever felt racism?

You're always treated differently as a white person, although I'm sometimes mistaken for a Tuareg (a desert tribe related to the Arabs).

Usually I'm treated like a princess. You always get the best seat in the bus. You can get your friend the best seat in the bus.

(Laughs) You always get the highest prices in the market when you're buying things. You get a lot of unwanted attention in public. There's just no blending in. Annoying people will ask you for money a lot because they assume that since you're white, you're really rich.

The advantages really outweigh the disadvantages, though.

Generally my skin color signifies me as a guest and people treat me accordingly. I'm always welcome to go eat dinner with anyone wherever I go in Niger.

It's amazing. I can go meet with the most important chiefs or political figures in my area and get treated as an equal. The average 25-year old African woman would never be allowed to do those sorts of things.

What do people there think about the U.S. and Americans in general? Do people in your village even know where America is?

I'd say that 70 or 80 percent of them don't really understand the concept of the ocean and that America is on the other side of it.

They think we're really privileged. They really have the idea left over from colonial times that all white people and Asian people come from this privileged place where there is plenty of food to eat and everyone has a car ... they have the idea that everyone here is rich. I guess it's basically true, if you view it from their perspective.

Do African-American volunteers get treated differently?

They're definitely treated differently. I think some of those advantages and disadvantages to being white are reversed there for black Americans.

I've had conversations with Nigeriens about if they were to come to America and see black people walking about, what they would think ... whether they would think of those people differently.

Everyone I've talked to say they would think of African Americans more as their kinsmen. Even if it's someone who'se never set foot in Niger, or in Africa for that matter, whose roots might come from Guinea-Bissau or the Ivory Coast or some other far off place, Nigerians say they would still be more likely to view them as a kinsman.

In that respect you could say there is racism.

Describe the biggest challenges faced by the people in your village.

Hunger, lack of water, lack of wood for cooking, lack of education ...

Why is hunger the biggest problem?

There is not enough rainfall so yields on crops are really low.

For herders it becomes lack of grazing land because every year the Hausa (farming ethnic group) take more and more land.

Each year the Sahara moves farther and farther south, which destroys grazing lands. Plus, there is usually one big drought every 10 years or so when people just get nothing and a lot of the livestock dies.

What's the most frightening thing to happen to you in the last two years?

I went on a trip up into the Sahara with some friends. We had rented this Land Cruiser and it got completely stuck way out in the middle of nowhere in a dune.

We didn't have any water and didn't have any faith in our driver/guide, so it was stressful. Eventually, we dug it out with our hands.

What can Americans do to better assist Africa?

I think it would be great if more people joined Peace Corps or spent more time overseas. Americans don't have much understanding of how really poor people live. Instead of thinking Africa is full of lazy people who don't want to help themselves, more Americans should take the view that Africans are really motivated but just don't have as many resources as we do.

Every dollar that Americans send to Africa helps, but it's important that it is channeled through the right organizations.

Just because you give money to some random, skeezy, "Save the Children" fund, it doesn't mean that it will actually help an African child that much.

So a lot of aid money gets wasted then?

Oh, absolutely. So much is spent on staff and vehicles and supplies and paying off local officials. I haven't really seen any work done by aid organizations that's helped anyone as much as a grassroots project that's independently funded.

What is the most striking difference between people in Glassport and people in Japtogie?

Hmm ... there are so many ... I'd have to say that people in Japtogie live much more communally.

As strong a community as Glassport is here in America, people in Niger really live for each other, because that's all they have.

In America, people are really focused on what is best for their nuclear family, whereas over there, people are more focused on the village as a whole. I'm not saying one way is better than another, that's just how it is.

For example ...

If you were a farmer building a new house, all the men in the village would come over and help you out for free and all the women would come over and help you pound grain so you could feed everyone. It's almost like an Amish barn-raising ...

It would be unheard of for anyone to do anything large or life-changing without the help of their neighbors. Things like marriages, baptisms, funerals ... it's just assumed that every person in your village will come to those ceremonies. There's no need for invitations.

Of course, the nomads are just kind of out wandering about doing their own thing ... watching their animals all day. They're sort of African cowboys in a way ...

What are some of things you enjoy most about being back in Glassport?

Being close to my family and my old friends.

Eating really nice food, having access to endless water, riding in a car without 10 other people crammed in ...

What do you plan to do next?

I want to go back to school to study public health so I can get a job with a development organization. I'd really like to continue working in Africa, preferably Niger ...

©The Daily News 2001

SA School Opponents Drop Suit

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer August 02, 2001

The fight against contruction of a new $11.9 million combined South Allegheny elementary school is over. At least in the courtroom. A July 20 evidentiary hearing against the school district left two separate statutory appeals set at $100,000 each. Late last week, plaintiffs David and Caroline Popovic and Doris Bailley dropped the suit.

"We are disappointed," Caroline Popovic admitted. "We would love to proceed, but we can't afford to."

With a $100,000 bond set, the plaintiffs found a bondsman who allowed them to post $1,000.

"Unfortunately, we needed $99,000 in collateral and we don't have it," she added.

The bond was to be posted within seven days of the hearing.

"We are very pleased that they will be withdrawing," said South Allegheny Solicitor Thomas Barry. "It hasn't been done voluntarily.

"I speculate the reason why (they withdrew the suit is because) they had no grounds to make the appeal whatsoever to begin with."

Barry said the former plaintiffs were appealing to stall or delay the construction the new school. Monday night, the school board awarded bids for the project.

"Obviously, everything they complained about was false," Barry added. "It has been a hard-fought battle, but victory nonetheless.

"We are quite glad that this part is over ,and we'll continue to plow forward to get the school built ... it is the best thing for the taxpayers and students."

For now, the district awaits a dismissal order from Commonwealth Court, Barry said.

Previously, residents fighting the school plan faced a counter-suit from the school district. SA sued for reimbursement of legal fees for a lawsuit officials claimed is "frivolous," the solicitor added.

The appeals, "Bailley v. Borough of Glassport and South Allegheny School District," and "David and Caroline Popovic v. Port Vue's zoning hearing board and South Allegheny School District" both were dismissed previously.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joseph James dismissed the suits June 5, stating they were without merit.

Plaintiffs hoped to keep the current neighborhood schools in Glassport and Port Vue open in favor of building a combined elementary complex.

Under the plan, the existing Glassport and Port Vue elementary schools will be closed and used for municipal purposes, while Manor Elementary will be converted to a facility that serves students in kindergarten through second grade.

Though recent legal documents list Port Vue borough as a defendant, its solicitor, George Gobel, maintained the borough wasn't part of the suit.

"The borough shouldn't have been," Gobel said. "The borough has not participated since day one. They were not appealing from any decision of Port Vue; it was (the borough's zoning hearing board).

TRIBUNE-REVIEW August 7, 2001

Steel rolling mill closes after gas is shut off

By Michael Yeomans TRIBUNE-REVIEW August 7, 2001

A Glassport steel rolling mill temporarily shut down last week after its natural gas service was shut off due to non-payment, idling 55 workers and prompting a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Riverview Steel Corp. had been unable to pay some of its bills after re-starting the mill this spring, said Robert Galanter, attorney for the company. He said negotiations between Riverview and Dominion Peoples are promising and added that the mill's furnaces might fire-up again today.

"I can't blame (Dominion). They did what they had to do," Galanter said.

To protect itself from creditors while it reorganizes its operations, Riverview last Thursday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing assets and debts of between $10 million and $50 million.

Galanter said the company's debt might be less than $10 million, and that the bankruptcy filing was put together hastily in an attempt to avert the gas shut-off. He gave a rough estimate of the company's secured debt as $7 million and unsecured debt of about $500,000.

The company provided about 300 tons of rebar - steel reinforcing rods used when pouring large slabs of concrete to add strength and stability - for the new stadiums for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.

The mill sits on four acres in the Glassport Industrial Center at the former Copperweld Corp. site. Riverview heats steel billets, then rolls them into rods of varying thicknesses and shears them to varying lengths. It sells rebar on a wholesale basis to about 10 suppliers and fabricators from Penn Hills to eastern Pennsylvania.

Galanter said the company is still feeling the effects of cheap, foreign government-subsidized rebar imports, but added that orders have improved this year over last year when the company had to reduce the number of production shifts from two to one.

"We have plenty of orders. We got into a cash crunch," he said. "If we could have run for another month or two we could have generated enough revenue to get out of woods."

Galanter said the company is committed to remaining a viable rebar producer. He said that if all goes well, including making some plant repairs to meet increasing demand, Riverview could emerge from bankruptcy by year's end.

He said foreign steel dumping has cooled a bit in the wake of the Bush administration's announcement that it would investigate foreign steel imports to determine if steel has been dumped illegally and whether tariffs should be levied on imports.

"At least they're doing something. The Clinton Administration knew what was going on and did nothing," Galanter said.

TRIBUNE-REVIEW August 10, 2001

Firefighters convene, show camaraderie

By Karen Zapf TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Firefighters who arrived Thursday in Glassport with trailers, tents and enough food and beverages to feed an army said their purpose for attending the annual convention is simple - camaraderie.

"We're here for friendship, getting along - and drinking a beer," said Eli Cubra, 72, chairman emeritus of the 108th annual convention of the Western Pennsylvania Fireman's Association. Cubra also is a member of Citizens Hose No. 1 in Glassport.

Personnel from a half-dozen fire companies spent yesterday afternoon in the sweltering 90-plus degree heat setting up their campsites in "tent city" complete with water, sewage and electrical hookups.

Twenty-four companies ultimately will set up sites in the campgrounds, which is on a two-acre parcel near the Steel Valley Trail. The convention is expected to draw thousands of firefighters and their families from throughout central and western Pennsylvania.

Highlights of the convention will include: a battle of the barrel; parades; family day on Sunday with a variety of activities; banquets; and an expo of firefighting equipment.

Tom Foster, a member of the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company in Armstrong County who scurried around the camp site setting up a tent, said he has attended the conventions in different locales for 21 years.

"It's a chance to get together and swap stories," Foster said.

And the heat couldn't keep Foster away.

"This is bad," said Foster, who was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. "When you fight fires you can't dress like this."

Ed Carlisle, 74, a member of the Braeburn Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, and past president of the Western Pennsylvania Fireman's Association, said he enjoys coming to the conventions to "talk about our experiences and training."

"It is a brotherhood," Carlisle said. "We are one big, happy family."

The Braeburn Volunteer Fire Company came with their cook in tow.

Jerry Marton, who identified himself as a cook and volunteer, said he will be preparing his homemade potato salad, scalloped potatoes, chicken, ribs, hot dogs and hamburgers.

Elmer Bailey, a member of the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company in Westmoreland County, said the convention also gives firefighters a chance to discuss an issue that affects all of them - the problem of recruiting volunteers.

"It's a different time and people don't have the freedom," Bailey said.

Another key issue firefighters are concerned about is funding.

State Sen. Sean Logan, a Monroeville Democrat, along with state Rep. Tim Solobay, a Washington, Pa., Democrat, will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday in front of the tent city to discuss the issue.

The legislators will invite firefighters to join them in October for a rally of volunteer firefighters, emergency services personnel, their supporters and elected officials at the Capitol rotunda.

"The state gave volunteer firefighters a total of $25 million last year, but that was only a drop in the bucket when compared to annual maintenance costs for fire companies," Logan said. "Our brave workers - who often risk life and limb for friends, family and strangers - deserve to be recognized for their selfless efforts.

"These are the men and women who often mean the difference between life and death."

Logan said the press conference will be followed at 11 a.m. by a Senate Democratic Policy Committee Public Hearing on firefighter and emergency services issues in McKeesport Area High School's auditorium.

Cubra said the host town benefits from the annual convention.

"It's a boost to the local economy," Cubra said. "The firefighters and their families come in here and wine and dine and stay in the hotels and motels. The guys will be in town spending money."

Jane Sikora of McKeesport, a volunteer with Dravosburg No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department, said the firefighters are "one big happy family. We feud and fight, but we get along."

Sikora, joined by her nephew Jay Smith, also a volunteer, said she joined the department because it was a family tradition.

"My dad is a life member," Sikora said. "And joining kept us off the streets."

Firefighters Gather in Glassport for Annual Convention

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer August 15, 2001

State Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, addresses a group of more than 150 firefighters, legislators and local authorities at the start of the 108th Western Pennsylvania Fireman's Association Convention in Glassport. (John Barna) Eighty percent of Pennsylvania's firefighters are volunteers. Each year, at least 100 firefighters lose their lives while another 33 percent acquire disabilities on the job, according to U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Swissvale. "We must find a way to get money from local governments to support fire companies," Doyle said yesterday morning at the 108th Western Pennsylvania Fireman Association convention in Glassport. More than 150 men and women firefighters, congressmen and local authorities gathered together at the Glassport American Legion to discuss what can be done to support local fire companies.

"We need to change the public's perception and tell them the truth about the (financial) problems ... and get help," Doyle said.

Expenses to run a fire company are high. A fire truck can cost up to $750,000, and dressing a fireman in full uniform can be as much as $6,000, according to state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville.

"We are trying to create a grant program," Logan said. "If help doesn't come from the state, where will it (come from)?"

Logan and Doyle both expressed their concern for fire companies raising all of their own funds.

"We want our firefighters to be professional firefighters not professional fund-raisers," Doyle said.

According to Doyle, fund-raisers are the main source of income for fire companies.

Logan asked how companies can train when they are constantly trying to raise money to support themselves.

"Especially in small areas with little volunteers ... for instance Glassport has a river and high rises," Logan said. "Training would be extremely beneficial for them ... (it would be nice if they) had money for classes."

Logan asked yesterday's crowd to join him, state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, and other legislators at the Firefighters and Emergency Services Workers' Rally. The group will march in Harrisburg to increase awareness of the importance of efforts by Pennsylvania firefighters and emergency service workers.

The rally is scheduled for Oct. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. at the state capitol rotunda.

"Officials in Harrisburg know what you do every day," Logan said. "When the bell goes off, you come out to help and protect us. We need to make sure the 80,000 people in these departments are not left out."

According to Logan, the purpose of the rally is to let legislators know what emergency services and firefighters do.

"It's to let upcoming runners be committed to you and increase awareness," and to "let them know you volunteer your time," Logan said.

Logan spoke of his friend in Monroeville, a volunteer firefighter on Route 48.

"One day he went out on a call and did not return home," Logan said sadly. "He died trying to save someone. We must do what it takes to provide funding for (fire companies.) You risk your lives for us."

Logan and state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, presented Citizens Hose Co. No. 1's president, Mike Komondor, and its chief, Dan Kolick, with a proclamation congratulating Glassport for providing safety to the community for more than 100 years.

Komondor also is emergency management coordinator and out-going president of the Western Pennsylvania Fireman's Association.

Alan Jenkins was to take over as the association's head today.

The convention began Saturday with a softball game and concludes tomorrow at 5 p.m. with a parade that will include a fly-over by a Stat Medivac emergency helicopter.

The parade will start at First Street and run from Monongahela Avenue to Seventh Street.

An outdoor Memorial service was scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. today at Glassport Memorial for firefighters and members of the lady's auxiliary who have passed away within the last year.

Also presented to Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 was a congressional citation from Doyle.

Glassport Mayor Tom Urbanski also commended Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 for its efforts in working together to make the convention "the best in the area."

"We are so proud of our fire company," Urbanski said.

McKeesport Daily News August 18, 2001

Still Searching for a New Home

By: Natalie Neysa Alund, Daily News Staff Writer August 18, 2001

Four down, four to go.

Of the 10 Akitas involved in a recent animal cruelty case in Glassport, four have been adopted into homes and four are looking for homes. One remains very ill and another died as a result of the abuse.

Michelle Dubyak of Glassport, owner of nearly a dozen dogs, was found guilty of animal cruelty at South Allegheny Area District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office last month.

The abused animals all thought to be between 12 and 16 months old, resided at 449 Oregon Ave. Authorities said the dogs were deprived of necessary food, water, sanitary conditions and veterinary care. "They are back to life, now they just need a few more manners," Akita expert Tom Conflenti said with a chuckle.

Conflenti, known as "Akita Tom," is one of many Western Pennsylvania Humane Society volunteers who nursed the animals back to health. "Everyone really has rallied around these dogs," said the 47-year-old Harmer Twp. resident. He's worked with Akitas for 10 years and has volunteered at the shelter for two years. Conflenti said the dogs are doing fine and have increased in size and weight. "They are tremendously more social," he added.

Four males at the humane society await adoption while a female is to be taken home any day, according to Conflenti. Currently, the Akita expert said the dogs not only need permanent homes but people to foster the dogs in their homes. When the animals were confiscated in July, eight went to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society on Pittsburgh's North Side and the other three went to Fallen Timber in Elizabeth Twp. "I think they were so long without food and water that some of (their bodies) began to shut down as a consequence," Conflenti said. Barbara Golden of WPHS said when the animals arrived at the shelter, their eyes were glazed and the dogs appeared withdrawn. Conflenti said after working with one of the Akitas initially thought to be blind, volunteers happily discovered the dog can see. "In order to sustain and survive, the dog's nervous system shut down," he said. The volunteers have fed the dogs at strict intervals to reacclimate them to food.

One Akita died as a result of gastric dilatation/volvulus, which occurs when an animal begins to eat again after food deprivation and its stomach fills with gas. Conflenti said when an autopsy was performed, rocks and stones it had eaten out of desperation were found in the stomach. One of the dogs had difficulty walking because its muscles had atrophied, he said. "Some of them, being so close to starvation, had atrophy," Conflenti said. "Their muscles needed to remember how to work."

According to Golden, there are a variety of qualities the shelter looks for in those wishing to adopt an animal. "We look for someone who is an animal lover, committed and who doesn't just want to have an animal chained outside," Golden explained. "The capability to love animals, share their home and make it a family member." Conflenti said people need to realize that when they take a new animal home, it's a 10-year commitment (the average lifespan of a dog). "We really need help with prospective homes," he said. Conflenti emphasized minimizing fear of taking in one of the dogs if there's already a dog at home. He said Akitas can be very protective and the puppies have proven to be kind and gentle. "My observation is these animals know their plight," he said. "There are a lot of dogs (that) when you rescue them, (they) understand what you have done (for them). As a consequence, they think, 'I have a friend forever.' "They are so glad to have food, attention and love that anyone they see they could fall in love with."

For more information on adopting abused animals or to alert authorities of suspected cases of abuse, call Western Pennsylvania Humane Society at 412-751-2010.

Man Released From Hospital After Accident

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer August 28, 2001

A Glassport man has been released from UPMC Presbyterian following a weekend all-terrain vehicle accident. Anthony Purkovic, 19, of Harrison Street Ext., was flown to the hospital by medical helicopter Saturday after being thrown off of his ATV while riding in the woods near Lysle Avenue in Port Vue. He was released the next day. According to Port Vue Police Chief Gary Cartia, Purkovic was riding near the rear of Upston Avenue at the end of Manning Avenue.

Officer David Petruski responded to the scene after a 911 call was received.

According to police, the victim lost control of his ATV and was thrown over the handle bars.

"His head struck several trees before he hit the ground," Cartia said.

The chief said the rider wasn't wearing a helmet or any other protective gear.

"Why he was in the woods with no helmet on is beyond me," Cartia said.

After the accident, Purkovic was taken to his family's residence along the 800 block of Lysle Avenue.

As Petruski arrived on scene, it appeared the driver was unable to move, a report noted.

"An ambulance was called and it was decided he should be taken by medical helicopter to the hospital," Cartia said.

The incident occurred just one day after police informed residents they aren't permitted to operate unregistered vehicles on borough streets.

"Riders are allowed in the woods, but protective gear should be used at all times," Cartia said.

The safety notice requires ATVs, dirt bikes and trail bikes be pushed to their destination or pulled by trailer, police said.

Riding a dirt bike or trail bike in a residential area is prohibited.

Anyone caught violating the ordinance can be fined up to $600. Their property can be confiscated and they can receive up to 90 days in jail.

McKeesport Daily News August 29, 2001

Pre-Centennial Cookout Scheduled

BY THE DAILY NEWS

Glassport senior citizens will host a cookout at the senior citizen's center along Monongahela Avenue to celebrate the end of summer and look forward to a celebration.

The theme for the Sept. 8 event is the upcoming borough centennial.

"To celebrate this anniversary of our first 100 years, we will recognize our oldest resident and active member, Val Golembiewsski, who is 96 years old,"

said Glassport Senior Citizen president Frank Tarli.

Special guests include, Dr. Richard Uher, founder and keeper of the www.glassport.com Web site.

Also to appear is George Gorun, educator, high school basketball coach and historian, who'll speak on events of old Glassport High School.

Helen Horoz-Nelson will refresh memories about family life in old Glassport.

Specially designed centennial

T-shirts will be available.

Also displayed during the cookout will be Glassport High School trophies from the 1930s and '40s.

This year's cookout committee consists of Steve Oley and Tony Spagnola. Kitchen chores will be handled by Louise Smith, Mary Spagnola and Barbara Tarli. Greeters include Audrey Wisser, Loretta Mesko and Helen Kibe. Arrangement committee members are Betty Gorun and Frank Tarli.

Glassport Resident Arrested for Arson

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer September 08, 2001

Police are investigating an apparent domestic situation that may have sparked a man to set a house on fire. Peter Mayfield, 41, of Glassport, was arraigned yesterday afternoon by Elizabeth District Justice Eugene Marraccini on charges of arson, recklessly endangering another person, risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief. Mayfield was arrested yesterday morning by Glassport and Allegheny County police.

The house set on fire, located at 1025 Delaware Ave., is a two-story structure with white aluminum siding. It is owned by resident Paul Everett.

According to authorities, Mayfield's girlfriend is Everett's ex-wife.

"I'm not guilty," Mayfield said. "The owner of the house of my ex-wife is setting me up."

Everett was not available for comment by presstime.

Marraccini set Mayfield's bond at $50,000 and recommended him for an evaluation at a behavioral clinic.

The defendant's preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Glassport District Justice Edward Burnett's office.

According to Glassport Fire Chief Dan Kolick, a call came in for the fire at 2:40 yesterday morning.

Kolick said Glassport's fire departments were on the scene within three minutes.

"We got it contained right away," Kolick said. "There were some real hot spots ... we had one firefighter go down on us."

Kevin Adams, Dravosburg firefighter, was treated on the scene for overexertion.

The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. There was damage to the interior and exterior, but the extent has yet to be determined.

Responding to the scene to help battle the blaze were Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, Glassport Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, Dravosburg No. 1, White Oak No. 1, and fire companies from Liberty Borough and Clairton.

Clairton ambulances also were on the scene.

©The Daily News 2001

McKeesport Daily News September 19, 2001

Glassport OKs Officer's Promotion

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A local police officer is moving up through the ranks.

Glassport Council extended congratulations to Howard Kifer after approving the borough officer's promotion to police lieutenant at council's monthly meeting last night.

"I will still continue to do the best I can for the borough," Kifer said.

Council also decided last night to have American flags sewn on the right sleeve of all Glassport police officers' uniforms.

In addition, Glassport will donate $100 to victims and their families from last week's terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington. D.C., and Somerset County.

In other matters. council:

• OK'd ordinance No. 1018, the third reading of street additions for liquid-fuel tax revenue purposes.
• Approved ordinance No. 1019, for the purpose of securing an AIM loan in the amount of $80,75().0() at an interest rate of 3.5 pcrccnt.
• Decided to solicit applications for the position of part-time police officer. Applications are being accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the borough building.
• All applicants must possess a minimum of ACT 120 certification from an accredited police academy, have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and be a high school graduate or have the high school equivalent. Minimum age for applicants is 21 years.

Council also reminded residents that October is national breast cancer awareness month, and urged women of all ages to schedule breast exams.

Recommended exams include breast self-exam once a month to) age 20 and over, a clinical breast exam once every three years for, ages 20 to 39, and a clinical, breast exam and mammogram each year after age 40.

McKeesport Daily News September 19, 2001

Glassport Man Faces Trial on Arson Charges

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily-News Staff Writer

A Glassport man accused of arson will stand trial.

Peter Mayfield. 41, was held on charges of arson. recklessly endangering another person, risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief following a preliminary hearing yesterday at District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office.

Police still are investigating an apparent domestic situation that may have prompted Mayfield to set fire to tile house, located at 1025 Delaware Ave.

The alleged arsonist was arrested Sept. 7 by Glassport and Allegheny County police and arraigned that afternoon by Elizabeth District Justice Eugene Marraccini.

Mayfield's formal arraignment is set for Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at Allegheny County Courthouse.

The the two-story structure set on fire is owned by resident Paul Everett.

Everett's 12-year-old daughter testified that Mayfield threatened to burn the house down the day of the incident.

According to testimony, Mayfield was upset while at the Delaware Avenue home earlier that day.

"Pete was yelling and throwing things in the yard," Everett's daughter said. "(Later the same day) he said, (expletive) us all, and he was going to burn our house down."

According to authorities, Mayfield's girlfriend is Everett's ex-wife.

Mayfield claims he is innocent.

"I'm not guilty," Mayfield said previously. "The owner of the house of my ex-wife is setting me up."

Everett was unavailable for comment.

Marraccini set Mayfield's bond at $50,000 and recommended an evaluation at a behavioral clinic.

According to Glassport Fire Chief Dan Kolick, the fire call came in at 2:40 a.m. Sept. 7.

Kolick said Glassport's fire departments were on the scene within three minutes.

"We got it contained right away," Kolick said. "There were some real hot spots. We had one firefighter go down on us."

Kevin Adams, Dravosburg firefighter, was treated at the scene for overexertion.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour. There was damage to the interior and exterior, but the extent has yet to be determined.

McKeesport Daily News September 22, 2001

Fine for Abused Animal On the Rise

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport police are doubling the reward for anyone caught maiming animals.

Signs throughout Glassport that read "Help save our pets! $500 dollar reward for the apprehension of any person who willfully kills, maims, disfigures or poisons any domestic animal," will be taken down immediately.

The reward is now $1,000.

An anonymous donor contacted Western Pennsylvania Humane Society Thursday to inform Fallen Timber Animal Shelter they will add $5()0 to the reward out for the apprehension of any person involved in a recent animal cruelty case in Glassport.

Earlier this week. a 5-month-old kitten was discovered on the Patterson Property with severe burns.

"The stipulation is the informant is required to testify with information that will lead to conviction," said WPHS Police Officer Cathy Bricker. "That means if they saw or heard anything, they have to come forward in court."

The injured kitten is now in its foster home.

Yesterday evening around 5, Veterinarian Georgia Nakovich released the kitten from the hospital.

"It's condition is improving," Bricker said.

The kitten was found Monday evening by Port Vue Police Officer Dan Pici.

"I was dispatched to the property for an injured kitten, but upon my arrival I was met by (a teenager) who stated that he heard the kitten crying.' recalled Glassport Officer Daniel Pici.

The kitten was then taken to Fallen Timber Animal Shelter in Elizabeth.

The cat suffered from dehydration and could barely walk because the pads on his paws were so badly burned.

The animal's entire body was singed and burned. It had blistered ears, burned eyes and no whiskers left.

The teen who discovered the kitten while riding his all-terrain vehicle told Pici he saw the kitten Saturday evening and it appeared to be fine.

"It appears someone intentionally set the kitten on fire or placed it in an open fire," Pici previously said.

"I want to know what logic a person can come up with to hurt a kitten," said Animal Enforcement Officer Ken Ferree. "Did the cat look at you the wrong way" Did you have a bad day at work.

"I hope the person or people who did this don't have a spouse or children, because (Lord knows) what they could do to them."

Bricker is determined to find out who's responsible.

The perpetrator can face a fine of up to $5,000, three year, imprisonment, or both.

Anyone with information is asked to call the humane society at 4 12-751-2010.

McKeesport Daily News September 28, 2001

Glassport Man Will Serve Life Sentence For 1999 Murder

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A 21-year-old Glassport man will spend the remainder of his life in prison.

At yesterday's conclusion of a non-jury trial at Allegheny County Courthouse, Common Pleas Judge David R. Cashman found Charles Gribschaw guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Glassport's Gordon Carter.

The conviction carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Carter, 18, was beaten to death with a baseball bat and strangled with a shoelace Dec. 17, 1999.

Jarrod Huston, 19, a friend of both the accused and the deceased - and an eyewitness in the case - was granted immunity by the district attorney's office for testifying that he saw Gribschaw hit Carter 10-15 times with a baseball bat and then strangle him with a shoelace.

Gribschaw was arrested by Allegheny County police Jan. 3, 2000.

According to an autopsy, Carter died of a blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

Carter's family expressed sympathy for the defendant's family in the wake of' the verdict.

"I feel bad for his mother ... I am a mother too." said Carter's grandmother Mary Jane Gordon. "But I think the judge did the right thing ... he needs to pay."

Carter's father said he "felt for the (Gribschaw) family members."

Susie Hill of Glassport, the mother of the deceased, said she's just happy the trial is over.

Gribschaw family members left the courtroom in tears immediately after the sentencing and weren't available for comment.

According to Deputy District Attorney Daniel E. Fitzsimmons, the judge will formally impose Gribschaw's sentence Nov. 27.

Huston testified that prior to the day of Carter's death, Gribschaw, on multiple occasions, said he wanted to kill the victim.

The eyewitness also testified that on the evening of Dec. 16, 1999. Gribschaw told him to bring Carter to a fourth friend' s home, which was next-door to the accused's house.

Huston said Gribschaw had "bad intentions" for the meeting.

"I thought they'd fight or something," Huston said. "I didn't know (the murder) was going to happen."

Huston said he, Carter and Gribschaw arrived at the home and were "smoking a blunt" outside the home when Gribschaw began hitting Carter with a bat.

Huston said that Carter yelled, "Why are you doing this?" and Gribschaw replied, "You want to rob my house."

After hitting him numerous times, Gribschaw went into his own home, got a shoelace and came back outside, Huston testified.

He said Gribschaw then began choking Carter with the shoelace.

Prior to the choking, Huston added, Carter was still alive.

Huston said he observed the fatal events with shock and didn't attempt to intercede on Carter's behalf.

Also granted immunity was a second witness, Gribschaw's 25year-old cousin, Adam Borrelli.

Borelli said Gribschaw confessed to him in late December 1999 that he had killed Carter with a bat.

Borrelli said he didn't believe his cousin initially and added that Gribschaw told him he blacked out after hitting Carter one time and didn't remember the rest of the evening.

Borrelli said he helped the defendant clean out his trunk on the day he reportedly confessed to him and was under the impression they were simply cleaning it.

Gribschaw reportedly asked his cousin to burn the items that had been in the trunk - including wet clothes, CD cases and "just garbage," Borrelli said.

Borrelli said he later realized the importance of the prior conversation in the car concerning the murder.

"I (started) to put two and two together," he said.

In levying Gribschaw's sentence, Cashman expressed enmity for the witnesses, whom he implied were somewhat culpable in Carter's death.

He said it's "a shame" Huston and Borrelli were granted immunity in exchange for their testimony because they are "scum" just like the defendant.

Corrections and Clarifications

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer October 01, 2001

Gribschaw Trial Names Corrected

In a murder trial that concluded Thursday at Allegheny County Courthouse, 21-year-old David Gribschaw, of Glassport, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the beating death of Gordon Carter and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Charles Gribschaw was erroneously named as the defendant in Friday's edition of The Daily News.

Judge David R. Cashman expressed enmity for witnesses Jarrod Huston and James Gile, and not for Gribschaw's cousin, Adam Borrelli.

Cashman previously said "it's a shame" the two witnesses (Huston and Gile) were granted immunity in exchange for their testimony and referred to them as "scum."

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Fitzsimmons confirmed today the judge's statement referred to Huston and Gile, and not to Borrelli, as also erroneously reported in The Daily News.

We regret the errors.

Carter, 18, was beaten to death with a baseball bat and strangled with a shoelace Dec. 17, 1999.

Huston, 19, a friend of both the accused and the deceased - and an eyewitness in the case - was granted immunity by the district attorney's office for testifying that he saw Gribschaw hit Carter 10-15 times with a baseball bat and then strangle him with a shoelace.

Gile, who was a minor at the time the incident occurred, also was an eyewitness and was granted immunity from prosecution for his testimony.

McKeesport Daily News October 17, 2001

Glassport May Waive Tap-in Fee

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport Council has recently questioned if the boroughs sewage system can handle the flow from the elementary school construction project along Washington Boulevard.

Last night, Borough Engineer Scott Hilly assured council that the system does, in fact have the capacity.

Council must now determine if South Allegheny School District should pay a tap-in fee for the new building to be connected to the sewer system.

"We are going to request a waiver," SA Superintendent Patrick Risha said.

Council President Bob Stefanic said council will discuss the matter and could have an answer by next month's meeting.

Also last night, council decided to apply for a $20,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in hopes of constructing a park along Third Street.

If the grant is OK'd, materials will be purchased and construction of the proposed park could begin as early as the spring, Councilman James Uziel said.

Mayor Tom Urbanski said he and Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski are working on an ordinance to prohibit operation of all-terrain vehicles in certain ar

"People are complaining dust is flying into their automobiles ... or even onto their clothes hanging out to dry," Urbanski said. "I am asking council and other committees to have an ordinance ready by the next meeting."

In other business, council:

• Accepted South Allegheny School District's proposal for Glenn Engineering to be its building inspector the new elementary school project.
• Announced recycling collection is set for this week.
• Accepted the resignation of Police Officer Philip Larcinese. ,
• Hired Kevin Wright as a fulltime replacement officer for Larcinese, effective Nov. 1.
• Announced the Halloween parade will take place Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. The parade begins at Three Rivers Bank and continues to the Honor Roll:
• Trick-or-treat is set for Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Council urges parents to accompany small children and to dress them in reflective clothing so they can be seen by motorists.
• Approved a request front South Allegheny boys' basketball boosters to hold a "Tag Day" fund-raiser Nov. 2 from 4-6 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Will contribute $40 for an advertisement in a 2002 fund-raiser calendar to he published by Citizen's Hose Company No. 1.

WM Police Nab Suspect in Glassport Cat Burning

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer October 18, 2001

A month-long search for a suspect alleged to have thrown a 5-month-old kitten into a bonfire in Glassport is over. Joseph A. Stetor, 19, of Monongahela Avenue, Glassport, was arrested last night in West Mifflin by state constables Dan Negley and Joe Steffan and by West Mifflin Police. Stetor was arraigned at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office on charges of animal cruelty and disorderly conduct then transported by Negley and Steffan to Allegheny County Jail.

Burnett set the defendant's bond at $5,000 straight-cash and recommended he be evaluated at a behavioral clinic.

Stetor's preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 30 at Burnett's office.

A warrant for Stetor was issued last night after an anonymous informant came forward last Thursday evening with information regarding the month-long investigation.

Glassport Officer Ray Johnson said he received information about the suspect's location and contacted fellow Officer Daniel Pici, who then contacted state constables and West Mifflin Police.

"I got a written statement from the informant, and they will testify (in court also)," Pici said. "The informant is also eligible for the $3,500 cash reward."

The reward, originally posted at $500, was increased to $1,000 by an anonymous donor three weeks ago, then subsequently more than tripled by the Humane Society of America.

Since Sept. 17, the date of the incident, 15 people who have come forward with information said they believe the crime was intentional, Pici said.

Charges read by Burnett to Stetor allege that the defendant did "kill, maim, mutilate, torture or disfigure an approximately 5-month-old kitten by throwing the kitten into a bonfire, causing its fur to be singed off, and (further causing) burns to its ears, paws and mouth."

In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Stetor was charged with disorderly conduct for failing to notify police of the incident, causing a month-long investigation.

Pici discovered the severely burned kitten on the Patterson property in Glassport on Sept. 17. Pici said he had been dispatched to that location for an injured kitten, but instead was met there by a teenager who said he heard a kitten crying in the woods.

Pici found the kitten and transported it to Fallen Timber Animal Shelter in Elizabeth Twp.

The kitten suffered from dehydration and could barely walk because the pads on his paws were so badly burned. The animal's entire body was singed and burned. It had blistered ears, and burned eyes and mouth.

The kitten was released from the hospital Sept. 21 and, according to Pici, is "doing well."

McKeesport Daily News October 18, 2001

Glassport Plans Centennial Event

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Can you imagine Glassport holding the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest cake ever?

How about if the Gateway Clipper Fleet sailed up, the Monongahela River and held a private dinner dance exclusively for Glassport residents?

These are just a few ideas Glassport Centennial Committee could discuss at tonight's 7:30 meeting at the American Legion Post home.

In previous meetings, not only have activity ideas been discussed but numerous fund-raisers have been conceived, one of which includes a pictorial book comprised of old Glassport establishments, as a way to raise money for the upcoming Glassport Community Days.

"We are in the process of trying to collect photographs of old establishments in Glassport," said Glassport Centennial Committee member Edward E. Wojciechowski. "To put an interest in a time frame ... as far back is it will go."

Wojciechowski asks residents who have pictures of Glassport to take them to the borough building, located at Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue, to have them scanned.

"The photos will be given back immediately," he added.

Upon completion, the pictorial booklet will be sold prior to and during the centennial celebration.

A variety of additional activity ideas for the upcoming year have stormed through committee members' heads including a Smile race, hometown swim session, bonfire and parades. This is in addition to concepts like baking the world's largest cake and holding a night of dinner and dancing on the Gateway Clipper.

"Brainstorming sessions lead to ideas including things we would' like to have ... ideas of what we could use for community days,". said Sandy Urbanski, Glassport Development Corp. president.

Urbanski is co-chairman of the Centennial Committee along with. Joyce Fiore.

"This year's (celebration) will be on a larger scale, we are hoping; we will have special guests," Urbanski said. "(Thus far) all the ideas have been tossed around:"

Community Days are tentatively scheduled for the last weekend of June.

Currently, raffle tickets are being sold as another means, of fund-raising.

For information on how to volunteer on the centennial committee, or to get involved in fundraising, call the borough office at 412-672-7400.

McKeesport Daily News October 19, 2001

Glassport Police Release Monthly Statistics

Glassport police responded to 329 calls in September. Calls included:

Accidents, 13; ambulance assists, 38; animal complaints, 15; assaults, two; assisted by outside police, four; assisted outside police, five; attempted burglaries, two; breaking and entering, two; burglaries, two; criminal mischief, 15; disturbances, 47; domestics, 2f,: driving under the influence, four: electric wires down, one; lights, 13; harassment, four; harassment by phone, two; home medical assists, two; juvenile complaints, 22; lockouts, five; miscellaneous, eight; missing juveniles, one.

Also, missing juveniles returned, one; protection from abuse papers served, three; PFA violations, one; parking complaints, 10; prowlers, one; public services, 12; runaways, two; runaways returned, two; shoplifters, one; stolen hikes, two: stolen bikes recovered, one; suicides (attempted), three: suspicious people, 15; thefts, nine; threats, six; 302 incidents, one; underage drinking, one; water breaks, one; alarms at Allegheny Square, four; other alarms, 14; 911 hang-ups, six.

Adult arrests are as follows: Arson, one; criminal mischief, three; defiant trespass, four; disorderly conduct, 15; drug arrests, two; DUI, three; harassment, one; obstructing public passage, three; j public intoxication, six; receiving stolen property, two; recklessly endangering another person, two; violation of Uniform Firearms Act, one. Total arrests were 43.

Woman Loses Appeal of Dog Abuse Charges

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer October 24, 2001

A Glassport woman's appeal of multiple animal cruelty accusations has been rejected. "I will appeal again," Michelle Dubyak vowed yesterday after her hearing at Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. The defendant, who appealed charges before Judge Robert E. Dauer, was found guilty and fined $100 for each of the 11 cruelty counts.

Dubyak, who resides along Oregon Avenue, has 30 days to launch another appeal.

Dauer also ordered Dubyak to pay restitution of approximately $6,000 in incurred medical bills for the abused animals.

Dubyak was charged July 23 with depriving 10 Akitas and one poodle, all between 12 and 16 months old, of necessary food, water, sanitary conditions and veterinary care.

Assistant District Attorney Debbie Jugan requested a court order prohibiting Dubyak from owning animals.

"I don't think you should have any dogs," the judge told Dubyak. "I'm surprised they allow you to keep your son."

Dubyak reiterated that she doesn't feel anything was wrong with her dogs.

"Yes, I admit they were thin ... but at no time did I ever mistreat (my animals) in any way," she insisted. "I did the best I could."

The Glassport woman previously filed an appeal Aug. 22, disputing 34 separate counts dealing with animal abuse.

She also faces 11 counts of county license violations and 11 counts of violating the state requirement for rabies vaccinations.

In an unrelated case earlier this year, Dubyak was fined $466 for neglect of a pony that she let run loose in "extremely poor conditions."

According to the citation issued in April, the pony was 200 pounds underweight.

"I couldn't handle him anymore," Dubyak said yesterday. "If a deer can survive (eating) in the woods, a pony can too."

More than three months ago, South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett gave custody of Dubyak's dogs to Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in hopes they would be adopted into new homes.

Seven were sent to the WPHS on the North Side and three were sent to Fallen Timber Shelter in Elizabeth.

To date, all but one have been adopted and are doing "extremely well," said WPHS Police Officer Cathy Bricker,

The other Akita died shortly after being removed from Dubyak's home.

Reports by veterinarians Karen Phillips and Georgia Nakovich indicated the dogs suffered from numerous conditions, including emaciation, chronic flea infestation, deafness, descending testicles, depression and broken teeth and toes.

Authorities were notified about the incident June 28 and an investigation began the next day.

A search warrant was issued July 2 and the dogs were confiscated and taken for medical treatment.

Bricker said Dubyak claimed she fed and watered the dogs daily, despite the fact water service had been cut off at her house.

The defendant denied allegations there was no food and water in her home for the animals.

"They more or less stayed in one room of the house," she said.

Dubyak said she sold items in her house to get money to buy food for the animals.

She also said she refused to take the animals to the humane society despite the fact she could not afford to feed them.

"I was afraid they would put them down," Dubyak argued.

McKeesport Daily News October 25, 2001

Glassport GS Plan Birthday Celebration

Glassport Girl Scouts will be celebrating Juliette Low's birthday tonight at 7 in the American Legion Post 443 in Glassport.

Participating leaders and their troops include Danette Lees, Troop 562; Jennifer Szymd and Luci Chalfant, 912; and Lisa Joseph, 1082. Other adult participants will be Carol Dworek, Glassport coach; Mary Jane MacDonald, South Allegheny registrar; and Barbara Sowko, religious award director.

The program will open the Girl Scout Promise and the pledge of allegiance. to the flag followed by the story of Juliette Low's life, games, songs and refreshments. The program will end with the Friendship Circle.

All Girl Scouts and registered aduits will donate $1 for President George Bush's appeal for the children of Afghanistan. Troops will provide food for the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

SA's Starmack Wins $25,000 National Educator Award

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer October 26, 2001

A local educator has won a lottery of sorts. South Allegheny High School principal Tom Starmack was honored with a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award yesterday during a ceremony at the school.

State, local and department of education officials were on hand for the event.

Starmack, who helped organize the assembly, had no clue he was the scheduled recipient.

"What an impromptu speech this is," a visibly surprised Starmack said as he took the stage after a standing ovation. "I'm at a loss for words."

Each year, 130 educators across the nation are presented with the award, called the "Oscars of Teaching" by Teacher Magazine, including four in Pennsylvania.

Starmack can use the money however he desires, said Thomas R. Winters, the state board of education's deputy secretary for administration.

Recipients are presented their checks at the Milken Family Foundation National Education Conference, an all-expense paid professional development conference held annually in Los Angeles.

Awardees join the Milken Educator Network, a coalition of more than 1,700 top educators with access to a variety of expert resources to cultivate and expand innovative programs in their classrooms, schools and districts.

"Outstanding educators are the essential ingredient in student achievement, encouraging children to perform to their fullest abilities and to develop a love of learning," foundation chairman Lowell Milken said. "Each and every day these educators provide students with the confidence and tools to succeed."

Starmack thanked yesterday's guests, including Winters, depart of education Regional Director Parker E. Martin, state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, and Liberty Mayor Edward Slater.

"I'd like to thank the greatest educator ... my dad, Dr. John Starmack," the principal said with tears in his eyes. "I always said if I could be half as good as him, I would be successful."

Educators are recommended for the honor without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel.

Recipients selected on the basis of the following:

* Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding instructional practices in the classroom, school and profession.

* Outstanding accomplishment and strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership.

* Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and community at large.

"Just being recognized as a quality educator is enormous," Starmack said. "Helping the kids and seeing them be able to grow, that is why I am in education ... why I come to work every day."

Logan said yesterday was "a great day for South Allegheny."

On behalf of the state Senate, he congratulated Starmack and the school district.

Starmack has worked in the district for more than 11 years, including six years as a teacher, one as dean and four as principal.

He said he'd like to find a way to get the money back to the school district, possibly through a scholarship. He also said part of the award will help finance the education of sons Alex and Tyler.

Starmack said his father, a professor at Community College of Allegheny County's South Campus in West Mifflin, helped him decide between a career in law enforcement or education.

"There are more bullets in education," he said with a smile. "But less piercing bullets."

Starmack's parents learned of the award Wednesday.

"That was the best-kept secret in the Mon-Valley," his father said with a laugh.

McKeesport Daily News October 26, 2001

Praise, Criticism of Officials Continues

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Alternating praise and criticism of school directors and administrators continues in the district.

"I commend (Superintendent Patrick) Risha (and the school board) for its efforts," Glassport resident Lisa Garancsi said last night at the school board meeting.

Garancsi said she would like to see the district unite like the country has since the Sept. 11 attacks.

"People should take their negative energy and turn it into positive energy," she said. "Risha and the board do a fine job."

On the other end of the spectrum, Port Vue resident Terry Dozzi said it's important that everyone in the district is happy and that is just not the case.

"If I have a problem (with the board), I am ignored. Your (public relations) is only for you," Dozzi said.

Dozzi explained when the district decided to arm its police more than seven months ago, residents were not immediately informed.

School Director Walter Hibner denied the accusation.

"There was a committee formed for the police being armed," Hibner said.

Dozzi added she is dissatisfied because she said Risha is disrespectful to the public.

"I want the school board to tell him (and other school directors) not to disrespect the public," she said: "We deserve (respect)."

Risha denied he is disrespectful of the public.

"I also am a human being, so it's only natural to defend yourself," he said.

School director Vicki Morningstar said farewell to the board and residents, because last night was her final meeting at South Allegheny.

"I want to thank the voters of the district," said a teary-eyed Morningstar. "This is something I will take with me always and won't forget. I have truly tried to do the best for the district."

Morningstar's term is scheduled to end in December, but she is moving out of the district in November, according to Risha.

In other news last night, the board:

• Approved interior and exterior finish selections for the new elementary school as reviewed by the transition team.
• OK'd the second reading and adoption of the district's police department policy and procedure manual.
• Approved the Early Retirement Incentive Extension for the years July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005, as proposed by the South Allegheny Education Association.
• Approved additional work as presented by N. John Cunzolo Associates Inc. to replace a manhole and install a storm line as well as grub and clear the north property hillside at the new elementary school.

Board Directors Luke Riley, Dianne Rosche and Dino DeFelice dissented on the vote while Arlene Schinosi was absent.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette November 8, 2001

Firefighters attend funeral of two New York comrades

By Margaret Smykla Tri-State Sports & News Service

A fter viewing Ground Zero from a two-block distance, members of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 were'invited to the family home of the Langone brothers, who were lost in the collapse of the World Trade Center. At the house, they saw a photograph of the brothers signed by President Bush.

Their mother, Sheila Langone, signed silhouettes of a police officer and a firefighter and gave them to the Glassport firefighters who returned to Pittsburgh on Oct. 28 with the pictures now displayed in their fire station and with other poignant memories of a grand tribute to their fallen brethren.

On Sept. 11, Tommy and Peter Langone rushed to the World Trade Center after the initial fire call. Tommy, 39, was a police officer with New York City's Emergency Service Unit, and Peter, 41, was a firefighter with Engine Company 252 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Neither was seen again. Both also were volunteer firefighters with Roslyn Rescue Fire Co.

Eleven members of Citizens Hose traveled to Roslyn, N.Y, on Oct. 24 to lend their assistance and express their condolences. Citizens Hose has had a reciprocal relationship for about three years with Roslyn Rescue whereby company members visit the other to help answer fire calls, participate in parades and so on.

On Oct. 25, the Glassport firefighters attended a memorial service at a small church attended by hundreds of mourners.

On Oct. 26, they attended a funeral for the Langones that began with nearby elementary school children opening the windows of their school and singing "God Bless America."

Mike Komondor, one of the Glassport firefighters, said the church, which seated a thousand people, was full. New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spoke, as did Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

In 1995, Tommy Langone and other members of his unit traveled to Oklahoma City for a week to work at the site of the terrorist bombing there.

After the Mass, "all you saw was blue," Komondor said of an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 firefighters and police officers outside the church. Among them was a joint bagpipe band of the New York City police and fire departments.

Besides meeting firefighters from throughout New York state, Komondor said he and his fellow members met members of a fire company from Roslyn, Montgomery County, which has had a reciprocal relationship with Roslyn Rescue, similar to Glassport's, for about 50 years.

Area Candidates Vying for Seats

BY THE DAILY NEWS November 05, 2001

Voters across the area will flock to the polls to cast their ballots in local races. From school boards to borough and city councils and township boards of commissioners, the face of local government could change as a result of tomorrow's election. The following candidates are slated to appear on the ballot in their respective communities and school districts: (Only Two Have Been Included)

GLASSPORT

Incumbent Mayor Thomas Urbanski, a Democrat, is unopposed.

Carol R. Pasinski is the lone tax collector candidate.

Running for council are Democratic incumbents Terry DiMarco and Edward Mihoces Sr., as well as Democratic challenger Joseph Novakowski.

SOUTH ALLEGHENY

Running for school board are cross-filed incumbents Dino DiFelice and Dianne Rosche, as well as cross-filed challengers Doris Bailley and Terry Dozzi.

Garage Fire Underscores Water Woes

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer November 12, 2001

Stella Schmotzer has lived in her Glassport home along Juniate Avenue for 61 years. Less than two weeks ago, however, she almost lost her humble abode.

"We desperately need a (main) waterline (to be) available on our street," the 87-year-old Schmotzer said. "My house almost caught on fire." The Glassport resident said she could feel the heat on her face as the fire consumed the garage that used to sit less than 15 feet from her home at 608 Juniate Ave.

The garage, owned by Gene Scott, 521 Juniate Ave., burned to the ground after its coal furnace ignited.

The fire could not be extinguished because there is no access to a main waterline on the street.

"There is no fire protection" on Oregon and Juniate avenues, Glassport Councilman Terry DiMarco said. "This (poses) a (huge) concern."

State Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, said Juniate Avenue has a two-inch waterline, but that is inadequate for firefighters' needs in the event of an emergency.

"They need something larger," Ruffing said. "They don't have a six-inch line, which is what they need."

A two-inch line cannot secure the amount of pressure needed to extinguish a fire, DiMarco said.

Currently, there are five homes on Juniate and seven on Oregon.

Ruffing said he, DiMarco and state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, are doing something about the absence of a main waterline along Juniate Avenue and Oregon Avenue.

"If (the garage fire had instead been) a house, there could have been casualties involved," Ruffing said.

Ruffing, Logan and DiMarco are requesting via letter to Pennsylvania-American Water Company, a waterline and fire hydrant be installed on both streets.

"This issue has been under discussion in our area, and we will deal with it in the normal course of business and come to some form of resolution," PAWC spokeswoman Marianne Kelly said.

According to DiMarco, installing hydrants and a waterline could cost approximately $100,000.

"We are hoping (the senators) will see eye to eye on this," DiMarco said.

The nearest main waterline to Juniate is one street above, on Summit Avenue. The nearest fire hydrant is at the corner of Maryland and Pacific avenues.

"There isn't always a waterline on every street," Kelly said. "That system (in Glassport) was in existence for years."

Glassport Man Faces Animal Cruelty Trial

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer November 14, 2001

A 19-year-old Glassport man charged with animal cruelty for burning a 5-month-old kitten has been held for court. South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's listened to testimony yesterday in the preliminary hearing of Joseph Stetor of Monongahela Avenue. Melissa Zamule, 20, provided her account of the animal cruelty she witnessed on the Patterson Property in September.

She said she arrived at the Patterson Property on an all-terrain vehicle with a male friend between 4-5 p.m. Sept. 17.

"There were about 10 people up there," Zamule testified.

The witness told Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Zager she had never met Stetor before and, upon her arrival, observed a small cat lying in the bed of a pickup truck.

"When I saw the cat, I asked what was wrong with it," Zamule said. "Joe said he threw the cat in the bonfire. He said he picked it up and threw it in the fire. It was burnt on its paws, eyes and ears."

Zamule testified she then asked someone for a cell phone to call and get help. She said she put the kitten in a towel and placed it in a "soft cooler" until police arrived.

Daniel Pici said he was the officer dispatched to the Patterson Property to answer the call. When he arrived, he was met by Zamule, who stated she heard a kitten crying in the woods.

According to police reports, the kitten's entire body was singed and burned. In addition, he had blistered ears, burns on his eyes and whiskers.

The kitten was released from the hospital Sept. 21 and taken to Fallen Timber Animal Shelter in Elizabeth Twp. According to Pici, the kitten now is doing well.

Stetor was held for court on charges of killing, maiming, mutilating, torturing or disfiguring an animal.

Police say he threw the kitten into a bonfire, causing the injuries.

As police continued their investigation, Zamule came forward with information Oct. 11 and a warrant was issued for Stetor Oct. 16.

He was arrested the following day in West Mifflin by State Constables Dan Negley and Joe Steffan, and West Mifflin police.

In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Stetor was charged with disorderly conduct for failing to notify police of the incident, causing a month-long investigation.

Initially, a reward of $500 was offered in the kitten-burning case. It was doubled by an anonymous donor and eventually increased to $3,500 by the Humane Society of America.

Stetor was arraigned at Burnett's office Oct. 17 on the charges, then transported by Negley and Steffan to Allegheny County Jail.

At his arraignment, Burnett set Stetor's bond at $5,000 straight cash and recommended him for an evaluation at a behavioral clinic.

Stetor is represented by attorney Robert Kane, who advised his client not to comment yesterday.

Stetor's formal arraignment is set for Jan. 24, 2002, at Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

McKeesport Daily News November 14, 2001

Bids for Garbage Services Opened

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport sanitation proposals are up in the air.

Last night at its meeting, council discussed who would be the new garbage hauler.

Thus far, according to Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whabby, three bids have come in to the borough, including County Hauling, Waste Management and Greenridge

Council passed the decision onto Councilman Jim Morningstar, chairman of garbage committee.

"Morningstar will tabulate figures and give us a decision by the next meeting in December," said Council President Bob Stefanic.

In other news last night, the tap-in fee for the in-the-works elementary school is proceeding as normal, according to Stefanic.

South Allegheny School District asked for a waiver and discount at last month's council meeting.

"We are not going to give them one," Stefanic said.

The price for one tap-in fee is $101,200, Stefanic said.

In other matters last night, council:

• Donated $25 to South Allegheny girls basketball for the Lady Gladiators' boosters annual tip-off tournament set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
• Announced a meeting with HDH Group Inc., Dave Thomas, Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski, Glassport Police Officer Ron Benoit and council Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. in council chambers.

McKeesport Daily News November 16, 2001

SA Grad Will Carry Torch at Olympics

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

South Allegheny Superintendent Patrick Risha is proud of the district's students and alumni.

"You can see how very special (they) are," he said during last night's school board meeting.

Risha was beaming because a South Allegheny alumnus will represent the U.S. in next year's Winter Olympic. Dean Kerklo, a member of SA's Class of 1984, will carry the torch in the Olympic run in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Student council vice president Lindsey Piker and treasurer Lauren Whitehead presented Kerklo with a gift in honor of his lifetime achievements.

After graduation, Kerklo served in the military and later became a state trooper. Kerklo was shot in the line of duty while investigating a domestic case and is now quadriplegic.

"Through rehabilitation he has overcome obstacles in his path," Risha said.

Kerklo thanked the district for the honor and said his lifetime goal was to be a state trooper.

"Without my family, friends and the good Lord, I couldn't do it," he said. "Someday, I'll be back on the road catching the bad guys."

Student council also told directors it's sending a banner to the Pentagon to show South Allegheny's appreciation for all who came to the nation's aid in the aftermath of the Sept. 1 I terrorist attacks.

"In addition, donations will be sent to two funds, including the Pentagon assistance fund and federal employee fund," Piker said.

Student council advisor Pam Fetch asked the two students if either is willing to personally deliver the banner to the Pentagon. Both students eagerly agreed.

"Some of the banners (are hung) on the walls of the Pentagon," Fetch said. "People walk the halls when they are down to lift their spirits."

In other news, School Director Arlene Schinosi bid farewell to her colleagues. Schinosi, who served three terms (12 years), thanked residents for giving her the opportunity to serve the district.

"There are so many things we are doing that have contributed to (the district's) success," she said.

Some residents again voiced concern about the board and district.

"The board doesn't seem to have an opinion on anything," said Eugene Dozzi of Port Vue.

Dozzi said he and other residents have repeatedly asked questions such as how 125 parking spaces will suffice for 700 students in the district's new elementary school and why the district plans to move 750 students twice in one year - only to get no answers. Directors had no comment.

Director-elect Terry Dozzi said she'd like to see the board reorganize when she takes her seat in January.

"If my job as a school board member is to provide kids with education, I (expect) to know what's going on because I can't do my job it 'l don't," Dozzi said. "When I ask for answers, I expect to get them."

In other matters, the board approved:

• Naming two elementary schools South Allegheny Early Childhood Center and South Allegheny Elementary, as requested by the PTA transition team. The vote was 6-1 with Dino DiFelice dissenting.
• An audit report for the fiscal year that ended in June, as prepared by Hosack, Specht, Muetzel and Wood.
• A work order addition for the new elementary school construction to supply and install manholes and storm lines at a cost of $16,905.00. The vote was 5-2, with DiFelice and Dianne Rosche dissenting.
• Renewal of a five-year transportation proposal with Pennsylvania Coachlines.

Glassport Teen Nabbed for SA Threat

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer December 04, 2001

A teen suspected of making a bomb threat at South Allegheny High School has been apprehended. John Foster, 18, of Vermont Avenue, Glassport, was arrested yesterday by South Allegheny School District police. He is charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.

South Allegheny High School Assistant Principal Wayne Gdovic discovered the threat during school hours in the form of a written note Thursday afternoon.

The teenager was arraigned yesterday before South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett.

The affidavit of probable cause stated Foster confessed and issued a written statement to police and administration.

Burnett set the defendant's bail at $1,000 and remanded him to a behavioral clinic for an evaluation.

Second Teen Charged in SA Bomb Threats

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND, Daily News Staff Writer December 06, 2001

A second student has been arrested in connection with a series of bomb threats at South Allegheny High/Middle School. Tuesday, a threatening note was found at the school for the fourth consecutive school day. A district press release said video surveillance caught the juvenile responsible for the latest threat dropping the note in a stairwell and helped authorities identify him.

According to the school district, the unidentified juvenile admitted to writing Tuesday's note and has been arrested.

SA Principal Tom Starmack said the minor has been charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

A secretary in South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's office, however, said the magistrate has no record of the arrest.

The first bomb threat was received Nov. 29 at the middle school/high school complex.

A second threatening note was discovered the next day.

Authorities said John Foster, 18, of Vermont Avenue, Glassport, was arrested Monday by South Allegheny School District police.

Foster allegedly admitted to writing Friday's note, a Burnett spokesperson said.

Like the unidentified minor, Foster reportedly was charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, recklessly endangerment and disorderly conduct.

Burnett set Foster's bail at $1,000 and remanded him to a behavioral clinic. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

Later Monday, a third note was found. It indicated there was a bomb in the building and in a student's vehicle.

The district has since suspended driving privileges for all students until further notice.

Authorities said the person or persons responsible for the original threatening note have yet to be identified.

Staff Writer Melissa Spangler also contributed to this story.

McKeesport Daily News December 12, 2001

Glassport Killer Gets life in Prison

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND

Daily News Staff Writer

A Glassport man has been sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole.

Judge David R. Cashman formally sentenced David Gribschaw, 21, to the mandatory term at the Allegheny County Courthouse yesterday.

During a non-jury murder trial that concluded Sept. 27, Gribschaw was found guilty of first degree murder for the beating death of Gordon Carter.

Carter, 18, was bludgeoned with a baseball bat and strangled with a shoelace Dec. 17, 1999.

The body was discovered by hunters in an Elizabeth Twp. creek last Dec. 30.

McKeesport Daily News December 12, 2001

Glassport Expected to Raise Taxes

BY MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

It looks as if Glassport residents will have to pay a little more in taxes next year.

Council passed the tentative 2002 budget last night, which calls for a one-mill tax increase. This year's rate is 4.35 mills, so it will increase to 5.35.

One mill generates approximately $48,000, according to Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whaby.

The budget, proposed at $2,090,550, will be raised from last year's amount - $1,793,634 - due to an increase in wages and benefits, according to councilman Angelo Schinosi.

"We've had wage increases in the police, street and sewage departments," he said. "Wages and benefits have increased."

Mayor Thomas Urbanski said the police department is now part of Teamsters Local Union No. 205

"The cost of the first-year-will go up," Urbanski stated.

The mayor said an additional $55,000 to $60,000 was included in the budget for the police department.

Council will meet once more before they pass the final budget Dec. 27. The date for this meeting as not been set. Council also passed the tentative sewage budget, and, standing at $497,669, it is higher than this year's $434,000 plan. Money is supplied to the sewer budget through collections of the quarterly sewage bill. Currently, collection for the bill is $38 per quarter, Piazza-Whaby mentioned.

In addition, council agreed to combine sewage and garbage into one account for next year.

The garbage collection and sewage fees will become a municipal sanitary service bill sent to residents, said Councilman James Uziel.

"This will be a lot less confusing for the residents," he said.

Currently, residents receive separate bills for sewage and garbage collection, the councilman said.

Also last night, Danny Kolick, president of Citizen's Hose Co. No. 1 said the fire company is in need of funds.

Kolick said he was addressing council on that issue because the police department was tabbed to get money.

Councilman Terry DiMarco said he asked state Sen. Sean Logan D-Monroeville, about the problem, and the senator may be able to get $1,000 for both of the borough's fire companies.

Kolick said he applied for a federal grant but was denied because other companies were more in need of the money.

"We didn't make the grade," he said.

Uziel said Logan is reliable when it comes to getting money for volunteer fire companies.

"It's his number one priority," the councilman said.

DiMarco said Kolick should consider merging with Reliance Hose Co. No. 2.

"You'd bring in a lot more money," he said.

Councilman John D'Angelo said council would also be able to offer more funding help if the two companies became one.

Kolick said he'd take it into consideration.

In other action, council:

• Accepted a tax anticipation loan proposal from Three Rivers Bank.

PNC Bank also made an offer, but council agreed to go with Three Rivers because of past relations. "They're our local bank," Schinosi said. "It's only right we keep doing business with them."

Council agreed to send a letter to PNC Bank to decline the offer.

• Noted a letter received from Allegheny County stating Glassport's total taxable market value is $1 13,00_5,136 for 2002.
• Set a reorganization meeting for Jan. 7.
• Awarded the two-year garbage contract to County Hauling Inc. for $349,999 - $174,999.50 for each year.

The other bid received was from Waste Management Co.

• Agreed to collect recycled items every other month, effective January.

"With the funds available, this will suit us more to do it every other month," DiMarco said.

• Agreed to try to close the concession stand at the swimming pool and put in vending machines for the upcoming summer.

"We're not making any money there," said Councilman Edward Mihoces, who is in charge of recreation.

McKeesport Daily News December 13, 2001

Charmo Released From Jail After Two Months

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A former city housing authority police officer was released from prison Wednesday after serving about two months of a possible 23-month sentence for shooting an unarmed motorist during a police chase six years ago.

John Charmo, of Glassport, pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to involuntary manslaughter rather than face a retrial for the shooting death of Jerry Jackson, 44, in April 1995.

Tim Stevens, president of the Pittsburgh branch of the National Association for the Advancement

of Colored People, said Charmo "walks away with a slap on the wrist and, in our opinion, a slap in the face to the African American community."

The NAACP is calling for further investigation.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zap gala declined comment on Charmo's release.

Jackson led Charmo and other city and housing authority police on a high-speed chase in a car that was reported stolen. The chase ended when Charmo pinned the car against the wall of the narrow Armstrong Tunnel.

Three officers, including Charmo, tired at least 51 shots at Jackson, who was hit by 14 bullets - all but one from Charmo's gun, authorities said.

Charmo contended he shot Jackson in self-defense after Jackson turned the car around sharply and aimed it at Charmo, but prosecutors say the tunnel was too narrow for that to have happened.

An Allegheny County jury deadlocked in February at Charmo's first trial.

McKeesport Daily News December 13, 2001

SA Bomb-Threat Suspect's Hearing Continued

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A South Allegheny High School student who police say has confessed to writing a bombthreat note will wait to have a hearing.

A preliminary hearing for John Foster, 18, of Vermont Avenue, Glassport, was postponed yesterday at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office

It has been rescheduled for Jan. 15 at Burnett's office.

According to South Allegheny High School Principal Tom Starmack, the case was postponed because SA Police Lt. Kris Kurcher and other school personnel were unable to attend yesterday's scheduled hearing.

Instead, they were in juvenile court for a minor arrested last week, also, in connection with a series of bomb threats at the school.

Threatening notes were found at the school four consecutive school days, the last one on Dec. 4.

A school district press release said video surveillance cameras apparently helped identify the juvenile suspected to be responsible for dropping the note in a stairwell in the most recent incident.

"We believe the minor is responsible for all the notes," Starmack said this morning. "We have his confession for (one of the threats) and have evidence that pins him to the rest, but we haven't been able to bring closure to that."

According to the school district, the unnamed juvenile admitted to writing the Dec. 4 note and was arrested.

Starmack has said the minor was charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

A secretary at Burnett's office, however, said last week the magistrate had no record of the arrest.

Starmack said it's been quiet since Dec. 4.

The first bomb threat was received Nov. 29 at the middle school/high school complex.

A second threatening note was discovered the next day.

Foster was arrested Dec. 3 by South Allegheny School District police.

Foster allegedly admitted to writing the Nov. 30 note, the Burnett spokesperson said.

Later on Dec. 3, a third note was found. It indicated there was a bomb in the building and in a student's vehicle.

The district suspended driving privileges last week until Friday, when they were lifted, Starmack said.

As was the unidentified minor, Foster reportedly was charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, recklessly endangerment and disorderly conduct.

Burnett set Foster's bail at $1,000 and remanded him to a behavioral clinic.

McKeesport Daily News December 28, 2001

Two Charged in Glassport Assault

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A Glassport man still awaiting trial for causing a month-long investigation for allegedly throwing a 5-month-old kitten into a bon fire is facing new charges.

Joseph Stetor, 19, of 719 Monongahela Ave., and a 16year-old Glassport male have been charged in connection with an attack and robbery of a 53year-old Glassport man along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue.

Stetor was charged with robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, harassment and reckless endangerment of another person, for an incident that occurred Dec. 21.

He was arraigned Wednesday evening at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office.

Burnett placed Stetor on $.25,000 straight bail. As of yesterday afternoon, Stetor had not made hail and remained in Allegheny County Jail.

According to Glassport police officer Ray Johnson, the juvenile was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, simple assault, robbery and harassment.

Johnson's police report indicated that, at 11:30 p.m. Friday, the officer found the victim lying on the ground "bleeding from his face."

At the scene, the 53-year-old man said a juvenile and an unidentified male wearing a black leather coat and blue jeans approached him. The juvenile reportedly asked for a drink of wine, which the victim was carrying in a bag. The victim refused the request, according to the police report.

The victim said the juvenile grabbed the bag containing the wine and beer and struck the victim in the face with a "closed fist," knocking the victim to the ground.

The report noted the juvenile's companion then began repeatedly

punching the victim in the face, causing severe damage to his left orbital, police said.

Shortly thereafter, officers were dispatched to assist emergency medical personnel because two males allegedly were harassing the EMS crew while trying to render aid to the victim, according to police.

Upon arrival, officers said they found the juvenile and Stetor, who matched the victim's description of his attacker.

Both suspects were taken into custody and transported to Glassport police station and cited.

While at the station, police said, the juvenile told Johnson and another officer that Stetor punched the victim "several times after (the juvenile) approached the victim."

On Christmas Day, the victim informed Johnson his injury would require surgery. A warrant was then issued for Stetor' arrest.

The victim is scheduled to have surgery today for a broken orbital bone.

McKeesport Daily News December 28, 2001

BY GREG KRISTEN Daily News Staff Writer

Despite its reluctance, Glassport Council raised taxes for next year.

Council passed its 2002 budget last night, which calls for a one-mill tax.increase. Next year's rate will be 5.35.

One mill generates approximately $48,000.

The budget, proposed at $2,090,550, also is up from last year's amount - $1,793,634 - because of an increase in wages, benefits and.services.

The budget passed by a 6-1 vote, with Councilman James Morningstar voting against the plan.

Council members said they didn't want to bump up taxes, but they said with a declining population, less revenue and more services, the millage hike was necessary.

"No one wants to see a tax increase, but the budget has a lot of demands," Councilman Angelo Schinosi said.

Councilman James Uziel said he didn't want to levy the tax hike, but over the last decade the population has decreased.

Uziel also suggested council look at sharing services (like the police department) with the other surrounding communities (Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue boroughs).

"I think it would be in the best interest of the communities and (South Allegheny) school district," he said.

Mayor Thomas Urbanski said nearly seven years ago there was talk about putting one police and fire department on the top of Washington Boulevard to cover all four SA boroughs.

But, then it was just talk.

However, he thinks the talks should become more involved since its police department is now part of Teamsters Local Union No. 205.

"I was never for that, but maybe it's something to talk about not for now, but five years from now," he said.

However, before the meeting actually started, several borough fire department officials questioned council on its unpaid bills.

Eric Uziel, of Reliance Hose Co. said from this year's budget, nearly $10,000 in fire department bills have not been paid.

He mentioned $4,000 in utility reimbursement, $2,000 in equipment costs and $ 1,500 in fuel expenses.

Uziel went on to say at least eight or nine months of its bills have not been paid.

"It's coming down to the end of the year, and we need paid," he Said. "This is starting to be a trend."

Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whabby said its been a long time since she's received a fire report from Uziel and said her understanding was that if the report was not at the monthly meetings, the bill was not paid.

Councilman Terry DiMarco also said he didn't get reports until July, and that he paid bills overdue from last year with this year's budget money.

However, he noted at the end of the meeting, state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, and state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, have worked on securing $35,000 in grant money for the fire department.

Council President Bob Stefanic said it's been a trend in the borough for 30 years and he's trying to fix it.

He added that once a $350,000 tax anticipation loan is signed, the fire department could he paid for outstanding bills.

Stefanic also said council would look into using the $150,000 from CSX Railroad Co., which is for residents who live near the railroad tracks and are bothered by noise.

Mike Komondor of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, also said lateness of the bill payment is causing the fire department's credit to be ruined, he added.

Komondor said in late February or early March the department received a check for $1,426.03 for utilities but has not received money since.

He mentioned fire bills worth $684.36 in April not paid, as well as $130 in bills from September. In all, he said the fire department is owed $2,230.46.

Komondor also noted that a company in McKeesport, which fixes the borough's trucks, wrote a letter to the department insisting on a payment of $2,726.89 for work completed.

Urbanski suggested setting up a meeting to iron out fire department issues.

Stefanic said it is hard for the borough to create revenue and suggested the two fire companies merge.

"We have two fire companies in a town that's struggling," he said. "It may come down to bringing the two companies together, and I hate to say that."

Urbanski said legislators told him the fire companies should be getting financial help soon. However, it's just a quick fix and not a long term solution.

"We don't have money in the borough," he noted. " It's easy to say just raise taxes, but where are the old people going to get the money?"

In other business, council:

Approved the sewage budget, and, standing at $497,669, it is higher than this year's $434.000 plan.

Money is supplied to the sewage budget through collections of the quarterly sewage hill. Currently, collection for the hill is $38 per quarrter. With the new budget, it will now he $42 per quarter or $168 per year.

Urbanski said that is too high for its aging population and suggested council look into hiring a consultant and tapping into McKeesport's Plant.

Councilman John D'Angelo said the borough's plant has just gone through a $750,000 renovation project and to go into McKeesport would not be cost effective.

He said the borough has one of the lowest rates in the area, and that going to McKeesport.would he expensive.

Fires Hit Homes in NHT and Glassport

BY PATRICK CLOONAN, Daily News Staff Writer December 31, 2001

No serious injuries were reported in separate fires in Glassport and North Huntingdon Twp. However, nine people had to find shelter after early morning blazes yesterday in the two Mon-Yough communities. And two volunteer firefighters required treatment at the scene after a hose broke during a Glassport fire.

At 5:22 a.m., North Huntingdon Twp., Irwin and North Irwin firefighters were called to a chimney fire at a home in the township's Hahntown section.

At 6:10 a.m., seven companies were called to a fire in an apartment building along Monongahela Avenue in Glassport.

Glassport Fire Chief Dan Kolick said two rooms, part of a hallway and a porch were gutted at 521 Monongahela Ave.

"It was electrical," he said, after an Allegheny County fire marshal probed the scene.

Both Glassport No. 1 Citizens and No. 2 Reliance hose companies responded, as did volunteers from White Oak No. 1, Dravosburg No. 1 and Liberty companies.

Kolick said rapid intervention teams were called in from Jefferson 885 and Clairton companies, while Port Vue was on standby.

He said smoke damage was reported next door, at a house at 523 Monongahela Ave.

"They had to pull ceilings to look for fire because they had smoke there," Kolick said. He added that Duquesne Light crews had to shut off power to both buildings.

At first, there were reports of entrapment in the apartment building, but Kolick said everyone got out safely.

"The one kid was sleeping in the apartment upstairs," Kolick said of one of those evacuated.

"He got up as he heard the whistle blow. He felt the wall and felt how hot it was and saw the back porch was on fire."

Citizens Hose Co. is across the parking lot from the fire scene along Allegheny Avenue.

However, there was concern about a black short-haired cat that fled from 523.

"He took off on us," Kolick said. "He ran out of the house toward Ohio Avenue."

Another problem was equipment-related.

"One of the hose lines broke, right at the sitting," Kolick said. "It knocked two firefighters over. They were all right, they were treated at the scene."

At Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of American Red Cross, Communications Coordinator Kelli Cunningham said food and clothing were provided for seven residents of four households in the two buildings.

However, the relief agency didn't have to find housing for the displaced residents, Cunningham said, because "they had places to go."

Two people are staying with relatives after yesterday's chimney fire in their North Huntingdon Twp. home.

Township Fire Marshal Mitchell Astalos said it was accidental.

He estimated that it left at least $10,000 damage to a single-story house along Butterfield Drive, in the Country Hills development.

Firefighters said that location is between Main Street and Laurel Drive in North Huntingdon Twp.'s Hahntown section.

"It went up the side of the chimney," the fire marshal said.

Astalos said a woman living in the home escaped without injury, and that a male resident was at work at the time of the fire.

The fire marshal said township, Fairmont-Hahntown and Circleville volunteer fire companies were called out at 5:22 a.m.

Irwin Volunteer Fire Department also assisted, and an air truck was called out from North Irwin, Astalos said.

Rescue 8 also was called but was not needed.

Astalos said the fire was under control "in about 10 minutes," but firefighters were on the scene until around 7:30 a.m., to clean up the scene and protect valuables inside the house.

In both Glassport and North Huntingdon Twp., municipal crews were out to salt down roadways.

"As soon as the water hit the ground, it froze," Kolick said.

Port Authority sent in a bus to keep firefighters warm between shifts in Glassport. Kolick said crews were on the scene for about four hours.

McKeesport Daily News January 9, 2002

Glassport must fill vacancies in solicitor, engineer offices

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport Council is looking for a new solicitor and borough engineer.

When officials met to reorganize borough government this week, there were no applicants for the position of solicitor, and council failed to muster enough votes to re-hire Engineering, Architect and Design Servicing as Glassport's borough engineers.

After councilors deadlocked 33 in the vote to re-hire the FADS group, Mayor Tom Urbanski cast the deciding vote that eliminated EADS from consideration.

Glassport now will advertise for a new solicitor and engineer.

"In the interim, we will still have FADS group and (the current) solicitor until (there are replacements)," Bob Stefanic, council president, said this morning. "EADS said they will reapply for their former position despite (the vote).

"We will begin to advertise today or tomorrow; we need both in a hurry," Stefanie said.

Councilors Jim Morningstar, John D'Angelo and Stefanie voted in favor of retaining EADS, while councilors Edward Mihoces, Terry DiMarco and Jim Uziel dissented.

Charles LoPresti, whose firm served as the borough's solicitor last year, did not reapply for the position.

Clairton District Justice Armand Martin, meanwhile, administered the oath of office to incumbent councilors DiMarco and Mihoces, as well as to Urbanski.

Stefanic was named council president by a 5-1 vote, with D'Angelo dissenting, and Uziel was named vice president by a 5-1 tally, with Uziel again casting the lone nay ballot.

Four candidates have applied for one council vacancy. Interviews are scheduled to be conducted Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Council also made several other appointments at its reorganization meeting, including:

• Nancy M. Piazza-Whaby as Glassport's secretary.
• Eugene Skerkoski as police chief.
• Geralyn Testa as Glassport treasurer.
• The Daily News as Glassport's official newspaper.
• Three Rivers Bank as Glassport's official depository.
• Darwin Levkus as Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 fire chief.
• Duane Lewis Jr. as Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 assistant fire chief

McKeesport Daily News January 16, 2002

Glassport keeps solicitor, borough engineer

BY MICHELLE ZENDRI Daily News Staff Writer

"Glassport Council has retained its solicitor after reviewing eight applicants for the position.

Council re-elected solicitor Charles LoPresti by a 6 to 1 vote after council President Bob Stefanic read letters from the other applicants at last night's meeting. Despite bids of lower fees from some of the other applicants, council opted to stay with the firm of LoPresti, Melograne, Stewart and Zinski, as Glassport's legal representative.

The firm's fee includes a $500 monthly retainer, plus $80 per hour. According to Stefanie, the fee is reasonable.

Council also re-elected Neilan Engineers of North Huntingdon Twp. to serve as the borough's building engineer. Neilan retained the position by a 5 to 2 vote, with Terry DiMarco and Edward Mihoces abstaining.

Council also discussed the ongoing issue regarding the contract with cable company, AT&T Broadband. The cable company, currently under contract with Glassport, has continued to increase cable rates despite the contract agreement. Frustrated residents suggested to council the borough terminate the contract with AT&T and use a local cable system with lower rates.

Mayor Tom Urbanski explained that a local cable system may not be feasible unless a large number of residents use the local cable company.

"With all the new technology out there, we get a percent(age) from everyone who uses cable," Urbanski said. "Quite a bit of our residents are starting to get the dish, and when they get the dish, that's less revenue we receive."

Stefanie told residents council will meet with AT&T to discuss contract issues.

"We'll look into it to see how we can approach this," Stefanie said.

McKeesport Daily News January 22, 2002

School names Reflections winners

BY THE DAILY NEWS

Glassport Elementary has announced its Reflections program winners.

An evening reception for all school winners will be next month. Date and time will be announced.

Visual Arts

First grade - Rachel Lanyi (first place), Rachel Szmyd, Nathan Hoskins, Ashley Fries and Jessica Chalfant.

Second grade - Taylor Geary (first place), Chase Gergley, Noelle Borreggine, Emily McShane and Anthony Sorrentino.

Third grade - Russell Losteter (first place), Brandi Coll, Amber Mineone. James Schweitzer and Taylor Brady.

Fourth grade - Rachel Campedel (first place), Kyle Ely, A. J. Ramirez, Anna Herold and Jonathan Geary.

Fifth grade - Megan Mackulin (first place), Jarrod Barnes, Stephanie Golya, Chantel Wanti and Ashley Krimm.

Sixth grade - Megan Ramirez (first place), Elizabeth Yesensky, Brittany Chalfant, John Warman and Bobby Helster.

Literature

Second grade - Katie Barnette (first place).

Third grade - Amber Mineone (first place), Kristen Yuretich, Nena Bell and Michelle Kimball.

Fourth grade - Rachel Campedel (first place), Gina D'Appolonio, Anna Herold, Taylor Urban and Eve Lanyi.

Fifth grade - Ashley Bednar (first place), Joey Mazier, Janeen Rohall, Karlee Bell and Chantel Wank.

Sixth grade - Brittany Chalfant (first place), Jamie Breitinger. and Angel Mervis.

Photography

Third grade - Alina Mawritz (first place).

Fourth grade - Rachel Campedel (first place), Anna Herold, Casey Naylor, Jonathan Geary and Gina D'Appollonio.

Fifth grade - Laura Kudla (first place).

McKeesport Daily News January 25, 2002

Glassport may alter 2002 tax

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport authorities are stuck between a rock and a hard place with a decision on whether or not to raise 2002 millage.

"We need to do what is fair for the people," Councilman John D'Angelo said last night. "If the numbers show we can do it and make ends meet, I'm in favor."

Borough councilors met last night for an informal workshop meeting to discuss the possibility of raising 2002's millage, which currently is set at 5.35.

Frustration and anxiety loomed as councilors discussed and debated the few options they have available.

With Allegheny County assessments currently under review, Glassport council decided they still need to probe their situation more.

"We can't resolve anything tonight," Council President Bob Stefanie said. "It all depends on what the solicitor says ... we need to change the (millage) numbers to what is legal."

An additional workshop meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers.

D'Angelo said he wants to hear from the borough's solicitor before "any final decisions are made."

Stefanie announced a final decision for this year's millage rate will be announced at council's Feb. 12 meeting.

The borough has until Feb. 15 to make its decision

McKeesport Daily News January 30, 2002

Glassport police nab second assault suspect

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A teenager wanted in connection with a December robbery and assault has been apprehended by Glassport police.

The 16-year-old juvenile was arrested Saturday at 6:15 p.m. at his parents' Glassport residence.

He is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, simple assault, robbery and harassment for an alleged attack and robbery of a 53-year-old Glassport man Dec. 21.

Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said police were alerted to the teen's whereabouts by an anonymous informant.

The juvenile suspect was apprehended by Glassport officers Shane Countryman and William Estep. Skerkoski said the boy's mother admitted officers to the residence without incident.

Police suspect the juvenile and 19-year-old Joe Stetor, of Monongahela Avenue, Glassport, carried out the attack along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue.

Stetor was arrested Dec. 26 and subsequently held for court by South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett on charges of robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, harassment and reckless endangerment of another person at a Jan. 15 preliminary hearing.

Stetor's formal arraignment is scheduled for March 21 in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

At the Jan. 15 preliminary hearing, the alleged victim said a juvenile and an unidentified male wearing a black leather coat and blue jeans approached him. The juvenile reportedly asked for a drink of wine, which the victim was carrying in a bag.

When the victim denied the request, he testified the juvenile

tried to grab the bag, and an altercation occurred in which the victim was allegedly assaulted by the two suspects.

The teenager is being held at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.

"His probation officer will decide whether or not to detain him," Skerkoski said.

McKeesport Daily News January 31, 2002

Glassport HS planning committee to gather

The planning committee of the Glassport High School classes 1949-54 golden reunion will meet tonight at 7 in the Sons of Italy in Glassport.

The reunion will be held June 22 at Seven Springs Resort. The meeting is open to any interested classmate.

McKeesport Daily News February 1, 2002

Glassport to reopen budget

BY NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport Council just can't seem to make up its mind.

Council used last night's workshop meeting to review the borough's 2002 budget.

Again.

Council has met several times over the past month in hopes of determining whether it is legally possible to raise the borough's millage by one.

Currently, the rate is set at 5.35, with 1 mill generating approximately $48,000.

At last Thursday's workshop meeting, Councilor John D'Angelo said he wants to hear from Solicitor Charles Lopresti before "any final decisions are made" on whether to raise the millage.

Despite Lopresti's absence last night, D'Angelo's wish was granted when the solicitor gave his formal opinion to council via letter.

'`In (my) legal opinion, the 1-mill increase is lawful and appropriate and would survive any legal challenge whatsoever," Lopresti's letter said.

The letter also states that Glassport raised its taxes based on the total tax generated from the previous year, and did so in order to meet the demands of its 2002 budget.

In addition, Glassport raised the tax rate by 1 mill during an advertised meeting in order that the borough would be able to operate in a fiscally responsible manner this year.

According to Lopresti, it has never been suggested the 1-mill increase was in response to the 2001 assessments, nor contemplated as a response to the assessments.

After Council President Bob Stefanic read Lopresti's letter, the debate began.

"There are still a lot of gray areas," Councilman James Uziel said. "That tax increase is too high."

Councilor Terry DiMarco made a motion to assure that the budget passed on Dec. 28 is the 2002 budget "council wishes to stick with."

But DiMarco quickly rescinded his motion on advice from Stefanic, then made a motion, seconded by Councilman Edward Mihoces, to reopen the 2002 budget.

"We want to see if we can balance out the 1-mill increase," Stefanic said.

An additional workshop meeting is to be scheduled, Stefanic said.

Council has until Feb. 15 to pass the budget.

In other matters last night, firefighters from Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 gathered before council in hopes of having a number questions answered about last year's bills allegedly not being paid.

According to the budget passed on Dec. 28, total fire protection for 2002 is set at $72,800. Last year, $69,800 was budgeted.

According to Eric Uziel of Reliance Hose Co., nearly $10,000 in last year's fire department bills have not been paid.

During the budget meeting on Dec. 27, Uziel mentioned $4,000 in utility reimbursement and $1,500 in fuel expenses were just a few of the bills allegedly not paid in 2001.

Reliance Hose Co. Chief Darwin Levkus said the company never received 2001 reimbursement for utilities.

Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whabby attempted to explain to the frustrated chief that the bills were in order.

She said in order to receive a $14,700 grant from the state, the departments needed to spend the entirety of the grant.

"We had to repay utilities in order for them to get the grant, Stefanic said. "That was a prerequisite.

According to Stefanic, the proof is on the grant close-out report, which states $925 of the grant went to roof repair, $3,450 towards installation of a siren, $6,965 for federal signal corporation, $1,700 for West Penn Communications and $1,660 for Duquesne Light Co.

When mild chaos broke out, an angry Stefanic slammed his gavel and informed the crowd a meeting would be set up with Citizens and Reliance chiefs, the major, himself and Piazza-Whabby.

Stefanic said the groups are set to meet in the near future, on an individual basis with each company in order to clear up any confusion.

McKeesport Daily News February 6, 2002

SA student held for bomb threat

By NATALIE NEYSA ALUND Daily News Staff Writer

A South Allegheny High School student who confessed to writing a note containing a bomb threat has been held for court.

John Foster, 18, of Glassport, had a preliminary hearing yesterday at South Allegheny District Justice Ed Burnett's Glassport office.

Foster is charged with bomb threats, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

His formal arraignment is set for April 11 at Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Threatening notes were found at the school four consecutive school days, including Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 3 and 4.

Foster was arrested Dec. 3 by South Allegheny School District police.

SA middle school principal Janet Sardon said Foster only admitted to writing the second note.

In court yesterday, Sardon testified and read one of the threats aloud.

"One-o'clock yesterday was a bluff, today isn't ... have a nice day," read part of the threat which was written as a poem.

The note included such phrases as "the school being blown sky high."

Sardon said the note was found in the boys bathroom near Room 205 by a male student.

The student gave the note to a teacher and the teacher called the office.

Sardon said she spoke with Assistant Superintendent Walter Niedziela, and the school was evacuated.

Shortly afterward, authorities scanned surveillance camera footage, but according to Sardon, officials "had no tips at the end of the day."

On Dec. 3, Sardon said South Allegheny Police Lt. Kris Kircher approached her and informed her he had been tipped off by a local police department of a suspect.

Foster was questioned by Sardon, Niedziela and middle/high school assistant principal Wayne Gdovic that same day.

Gdovic and Sardon both testified Foster denied writing the Nov. 30 note when they first questioned him.

While Foster was being questioned, another bomb threat was made, and the building was evacuated.

After students were permitted back in the building, Sardon continued Foster's questioning.

After Sardon asked Foster if she could check his handwriting in one of his notebooks, he admitted to writing the second note.

Sardon said Foster told her the note was "just a joke, and it fell out of his pocket."

Foster then gave a written statement, and he was placed under arrest.

Foster's attorney, Charles LoPresti, defended him yesterday and stated the elements of the crime would have to have been intentional.

"Nothing in Foster's written or oral statement would permit the court to ,jump to the conclusion Foster intended to put a bomb threat in SA," LoPresti argued.

"We just know it was found on the floor of the bathroom ... the crime requires specific intent, and the commonwealth has failed to show specific intent."

Assistant District Attorney Elliot Howsie argued whether the note "be joking or intentional, he knew if it got into the hands of the wrong person, there would be consequences."

McKeesport Daily News February 6, 2002

Local couple reunited With lost cat

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

In an emergency situation such as a fire, the first thing on rescue workers' minds is getting everyone to safety.

Sometimes personnel are so focused on saving people they don't know if animals also are in danger.

About five weeks ago, a fire started at an apartment in a building in the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue in Glassport, and smoke filled the apartment next door.

Anthony arid Christina Bugielski, who have five cats, had to evacuate their home while seven fire companies were called to the scene.

Both Glassport No. 1 Citizens and No. 2 Reliance hose companies responded, as did volunteers from White Oak N¢. 1, Dravosburg No. 1 and Liberty companies.

The trapped felines were in danger that morning, Anthony said. Most of the cats hid in the kitchen, but their black cat - Gubi, 7 - escaped out the back window.

When the pair noticed their 7-year-old cat was missing, fliers were put up all over town with Gubi's photo, arid ads were put in the newspaper.

"We followed up every call or hint that our eat might be found," Anthony said.

Rise Chontos, founder of In Care of Cats in Elizabeth Twp., thought she found the cat, but it turned out to be the wrong one, she said.

Chontos decided to help the couple and work with them until the cat was found, which happened Sunday.

"If it wasn't for her program, we would be lost without the cat," Anthony stressed. "She gave hope no matter how bad the situation was. It's an absolute miracle that this all happened."

In Care of Cats is a nonprofit organization that rescues homeless cats and provides medical care and sanctuary to sick and injured felines, Chontos explained. "We want to help cats in any way we can."

With the permission of owners, Chontos set up harmless box traps on surrounding porches and properties.

"It doesn't hurt the cat," she said. "They step on something in the box, and the door closes."

The traps primarily are used in cat rescue, Chontos added.

The feline was found on the back porch of the Monongahela Avenue home in one of the traps, and Anthony said they were very lucky the cat was in stable condition.

"I didn't think it would be alive let alone come back," he said. "I was starting to accept that Gubi was not coming home."

He said Chontos helped them believe the cat would return.

Chontos said she was so eager to help because of the couple's feelings for Gubi. She said she started to feel like it was her own cat that was lost.

"When we told her on the phone we found him, she just screamed," Christine said.

Chontos said she also feels strongly about making animals a bigger priority for personnel in emergency situations.

"I think there should be guidelines," she said.

"No one is suggesting that any human life be jeopardized or even that excessive risks be taken to save an animal," Contos said, "but often (in a) fire, accident, crime or any other traumatic event, the pain of the human victim is compounded by the unnecessary loss of a beloved pet."

She said domestic animals are people's responsibility, and training of emergency personnel could include considering pets as victims as well.

"Every emergency is different, but compassion for all should never be ignored," she added.

"Gubi suffered greatly. He was cold and exhausted and near starved to death," she said. "But he's one of the lucky ones because someone cared enough to work hard at getting him home where he belongs."

The relationship between Chontos and the couple didn't end when the cat was found. Anthony said she is educating them about how to care for the cat and get him back in good shape.

McKeesport Daily News February 13, 2002

Council reduces taxes a half mill for 2002

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport residents should see a pleasant surprise in their next tax bill.

Last night, council agreed to roll back taxes half a mill to balance the budget, based on the latest reassessment figures.

Suggestion to cut taxes was brought up by Tax Auditor John Desue. "Why keep the taxes higher than they need to be?" he asked.

Councilman James Uziel said the value of Glassport properties went up approximately $12 million from 2001 to 2002.

The new millage rate is 4.85. When councilors voted on the budget last year, they increased the millage from 4.35 to 5.35.

According to 2002 assessment figures, 1mill generates approximately $117,000 for the borough.

Council President Bob Stefanic said there is no change in the dollar value of the budget and the millage change is simply evening things out.

Like other municipalities, setting budgets has been tough. "You can't really set a figure or a budget," Uziel said. "You don't know how much money is coming in. It was very hard to make the budget because you don't know what the county is doing with these assessments."

He said the new rate should generate sufficient revenue for the borough.

The vote passed 6 - 0, with Councilman John D'Angelo absent.

In unrelated news, an unexpected group of youths was present at the meeting. Glassport Boy Scout Troop 54 went to the council meeting

to get an idea of what goes on.

Troop Leader Don Kerklo said the scouts were earning a merit badge. "They are observing how local government has an effect on their lives," he said.

Kerklo also proposed to council the Scouts get permission to camp on borough property behind the honor roll June 28 and 29, the weekend of Glassport's centennial celebration. "(Scouts) will patrol the area (for the event)," Kerklo said.

Council approved the idea. "Council is always 100 percent for scouts," said Mayor Thomas Urbanski. "We'll do anything to help."

In other business council:

• Noted the upcoming centennial celebration, "We need help and participation from council," said resident John Bender. "There are a lot of non-residents helping." Bender noted the council president is on the committee. Councilman James Morningstar said Twin Rivers Council of Governments is providing $500 in funding for the event.
• Noted a Night at the Races is scheduled at . the American Legion Feb. 23. Tickets are $8 and will be available at the door.
• Contracted Paul's Garage and Lee Mendlowitz Towing for towing services. There are two. bids, and .the services will be used quarterly; through the year, according to Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whaby. "Paul's has the first and third quarters and Mendlowitz has the second and fourth," she said.
• Noted a check of $101,200 for sewage tap-in fees for the new elementary school.
• Approved a permit to construct and maintain an elevated 4-foot gangway over a wetland and a boat dock and a 20-by-20-foot wood overlook along the right bank of the Monongahela River.
• Tabled a motion for Kratzenberg to' come up with a more aggressive garbage collection.
• Approved Kratzenberg for collection of delinquent taxes after one year.
• Announced Allegheny League of Municipalities will have its 29th annual conference at Seven Springs April 4.
• Noted the mayor received an award from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs for at least 30 years of dedication.
• Announced the borough office will be closed Monday for President's Day.

McKeesport Daily News February 14, 2002

Urbanski honored for borough work

Glassport Mayor Thomas Urbanski has been honored for his years of service.

At Tuesday's council meeting, he received a plaque from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.

The award was presented for 30 or more consecutive years of service to the borough.

Solicitor Charles LoPresti commended the mayor for his three decades of service.

Urbanski said during his tenure, though he hasn't agreed with everything council has done, he's been able to forget those differences outside of council chambers.

Council President Robert Stefanie said he is impressed with the mayor's efforts.

"I don't know how you do it," he said. "(The mayor is) always doing good for the borough."

Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said the mayor wears his personality on his sleeve and is a fair person.

Glassport Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whaby said Urbanski is always there to help the borough and its residents.

McKeesport Daily News February 21, 2002

Glassport UM sets soup, bake sale

Glassport United Methodist Church, 501 Ohio Ave., will sponsor a soup and bake sale Saturday from 11 a.m. to :2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the roof fund.

The cost is $2 per pint and $4 per quart. Eat-in or takeout orders will be available. Additional information may be obtained by calling 412678-8312.

Featured soups will include chicken noodle, vegetable, potato, cream of mushroom, wedding and chili.

McKeesport Daily News February 22, 2002

SA elementary restructuring plan met with mixed reviews

By MELISSA SPANGLER , Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny elementary students will be moved to different schools in the district this fall as part of restructuring for the new elementary school.

The school, currently under construction, will be located along Washington Boulevard in Port Vue.

At last night's school board meeting, directors passed a motion 5-4 for elementary restructuring. Directors Russell Geary, John Matyasovsky, Walter Hibner, Tom Dudek and Board President Luke Riley voted in favor; and Terri Dozzi, Doris Bailey, Dianne Rosche and Dino DiFelice voted against the measure.

Before this vote was passed, Dozzi moved to postpone the vote until next month so the public could know more about the plan That motion was defeated 5-4.

The three sites of interest are Manor Elementary School in Liberty, Port Vue and Glassport elementary schools.

The plan breaks down accordingly:

• All kindergarten and first-grade students will be moved to Manor and will remain there after the new elementary school is opened. Full-day kindergarten will become a parent option.

District officials said this move is advantageous because younger students only will have to make one move.

• All second- and third-grade students will be moved, to the new South Allegheny Elementary School when the building is ready, and the Port Vue school will be closed.
• All fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will be moved to Glassport elementary until the new school is ready. Glassport elementary then will be closed.

According to the district's proposal, there are several reasons for the way students are being distributed to the schools.

• Planning and implementation of consistent curriculum can begin.
• Classroom routines will be consistent.
• Classmates will begin to socialize with students who previously were at a different school.
• Grade levels and team meetings will have a regular recurring time frame.
• Staff team building and education renewal/reform process will begin.
• Design teams for student achievement and educational issues will be established.
• Busing patters will be made with little change.
• Community relationships and bonding can start.
• Parent teacher organizations will be unified.
• This is the soundest educational option and most cost effective solution.

Dozzi said she doesn't think the messages were communicated very well to the public.

"One of our most important duties is communication," she said. "Clearly, we haven't done that."

Caroline Popovic, of Port Vue, said she is upset about the students moving.

"I don't see how you don't think this will affect them," she stressed.

District resident Kevin Geyer said if he had to give the board a grade for communication, they would receive a failing score.

"It takes two parties to communicate," he said. "You should have given the residents and parents a chance to hear about the plan."

Other expressed more positive feelings on the project.

Ex-school director Marlene Schinosi said the plan and forthcoming new school will benefit the district.

"You should take a tour," she told residents. "It's awesome what we're on the brink of. '

"This would give residents a chance to welcome these advances," she added. "It's an opportunity we all should embrace."

On another note, Allegheny County Controller Dan Onorato visited to clarify an announcement that was misinterpreted.

He said he introduced a program to the media, "Millage Watch," which states school districts and municipalities have to keep their tax millage at a number that does not exceed a 5 percent windfall.

There was some miscommunication in that people thought the county determined which districts were over and under that 5-percent, and Onorato said audits have not.been done, so those numbers cannot be determined.

In other action directors:

• Approved a Civic Engagement Program of Mon Valley Education Consortium.
• Agreed to offer health classes in the summer.
• Agreed to let Students Against Drunk Driving hold their annual mock crash May 14, with a rain date of May 16.
• Approved South Allegheny Marching Band to participate in Port Vue's Vigilant Hose Co.'s July 13 firemen's parade.
• Paid $13,273.67 for capital improvement invoices.
• Paid $50,672 for capital project invoices.
• Agreed to advertise sealed bids for general school, art, office, athletic, custodial/maintenance supplies and equipment.
• Announced the next meeting of the technology planning committee is.scheduled for March 11 at 7 p.m. in the administrative conference room.

McKeesport Daily News March 1, 2002

Glassport postal worker honored

Employees of U.S. Postal Service have tasks to do beside delivering mail on time to every address in the nation every day.

Behind the scenes, they work hard to ensure the safety of residents in each community they serve and look out for each other.

Gary Toth, of Glassport, works for the Swissvale braneh of the Pittsburgh Post Office.

He was recently honored by Pittsburgh's District Manager Ron Lincoln and Senior Plant Manager Sean Lacey of U.S. Postal Service for assisting a customer who had fallen and was in distress.

McKeesport Daily News March 2, 2002

Glassport UM proves it's a good steward of finances

By CAROL WATERLOO FRAZIER Daily News Lifestyles Editor

In the past four years, members of Glassport United Methodist Church have renovated the parsonage and fellowship hall, corrected a water problem on the lower level of the church, replaced the doors on the overflow room, and installed a handicapped ramp and chairlift.

Those are major projects for most churches. For this congregation, it was monumental.

"Four years ago, we had $47," trustee chairman Vina March said. "That was all the money we had, just $47, and look at everything we did."

As head of the trustees, her main responsibility is the building and maintenance.

In the midst of those projects, the congregation also was raising money for a new roof. Last Saturday, they reached - and exceeded - the $35,000 goal during a soup sale. And that was achieved in less than two years, March said.

"It's the people in the church and community who support us that made all this possible," she said. "What they have done is unbelievable. We've had a lot of prayers go up for us, and that counts for a lot."

This financial journey began four years ago when the parsonage fell into a state of disrepair. Before the Rev. Craig Forsythe and his wife Beth could move in, some $23,000 in repairs were necessary.

A $7,000 grant from United Methodist Conference covered a portion of the costs. The church took out a $17,000 loan to pay the remainder.

"We are a year ahead of schedule on paying for the loan," March said.

The next endeavor was fellowship hall.

"It was terrible. The tiles were coming up and water came in when it rained," she explained.

The son of a parishioner who died said he would pay half the costs of a project. That project became fellowship hall.

"The floor cost $6,000, so we raised half of the cost," she said, noting the water problem also was corrected.

Another water problem involved a hallway, that would frequently flood. That problem was remedied and paid for.

"The doors on the overflow room were taped together," March said. "We got new ones, and they cost $4,000, and they are paid for.

"We had a handicap ramp put in and a chair lift installed. and they are both paid for," she added.

To raise money for the roof, there has been a different event at the church each month for nearly two years. "We prepare the food for every dinner, and it's all made from scratch. We have one each month. We've also had teas and Chinese auctions," March said.

Among those involved in preparing those meals are March, Jodi Trimnal, Dodi Trimnal, Cindy Brady, Jamie Trunzo and Debby Dyer. Carole Marrone also was involved but recently passed away. Other folks are dedicated to helping with cleanup after the meals.

Glassport United Methodist is active in more ways than raising money - it's growing in terms of outreach.

When Forsythe came to the church, March said there were no youth.

"When he came, he wanted to start a youth group. The first Sunday, no one showed up so he got in his truck and started to ride around. He saw some kids on the corner and asked if they wanted to shoot hoops."

The following week, six youths showed up, then 15 to 20. The pastor said about 50 young people now gather Sundays from 6-8 p.m. at a social hall at the corner of Seventh and Delaware streets. The building was donated by the borough.

"It is strictly recreation," he said. "We play basketball, volleyball and board games. There's a pool table there, too. Only about 2 percent of the kids are from our church, the rest are from the community."

Three months ago, he started a Bible study for youths junior high school age and older Thursdays at 7 p.m. About 10 people attend those sessions.

"This is a meaningful Bible study. The focus is sharp, but it's still fun," he said.

Beginning Monday, a preschool for children 3-5 will open its doors at the church. Linda Huziak is in charge of the program, which will be unveiled during an open house today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Kids can come and learn about God and His love," she said. "There will be Bible stories and Christian values, but we'll also teach the children-about colors and shapes just like other preschools. The Tiny Tots playgroup is for 2 year olds and is designed to teach them how to get along with others."

Also, she said, a day care center is planned at the church.

To give younger children an evening program, Patty Chalfant will offer a craft session Wednesdays from 6 to 8, Huziak said. "She'll incorporate Bible study with the crafts."

Reflecting on the activity flourishing at the church, March said, "This church hasn't had activity like this for 40 years. We've rented fellowship hall several times, and that's something we could never do before. This church is more than 100 years old, and it's nice to see it's still active."

She said the church was "lucky if we had 25 people on Sundays. Now we're averaging about 58 a week, and we're getting younger people coming in. People hear our pastor, and they really like him. He's the best thing God ever gave to this church."

Stressing how these achievements have been possible, the pastor said, "God has been faithful. It's not about me or Vina or anybody. God has trusted us with something to do in this community, and we want to glorify God through all of this and give Him the credit. He has given us one another and the resources to make this possible.

"I don't think any of us are above average," he said. "God has taken a bunch of broken people and used us. He has been moving here, and He has been faithful."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette March 6, 2002

The specialty is scented candles

Family has votive-making down to a science

By Beth Hope-Cushey Tri-State Sports & News Service

A bustling factory nestles in the middle of Glassport, where tantalizing scents wafting from the buildina indicate Stetor family members are creating scented candles.

Pamela and Mickey Stetor were not always candle makers. She was a homemaker and mom to five children while Mickey worked at the USX Irvin Works.

Candles That Make Scents represents a career twist that began with a job cutback, a need for extra income, a family member in the salvage business and one or two tons of candle wax in a warehouse.

"When I came up with the idea of making candles, my wife sort of looked at me like I was nuts," he said. "We didn't know the first thing about candle-making. But I thought this would be a way to solve our problems. Pam could stay home, take care of the children, make candles, and we would have extra money coming in."

The couple began making candles in their basement with a two-burner heating element and a cast iron pot. Mickey Stetor experimented with different equipment including a turkey roaster, on which the bottom melted out after a few uses.

"After a few weeks we invested money into our first wax melter and moved our business into the garage," he said.

With another twist of fate, the house next door became available. They moved the operation there, an the Stetors got their garage back.

"I could just walk a few steps and was at work in the morning," Pam Stetor said. "I was also close enough if the kids needed me."

Once the wax is colored, scented and liquefied, she uses an inventive hose fashioned from an ordinary ga den variety to fill the votive cup molds.

With three melters, she can make 700 candles in three colors and three scents a day. Having made candles since 1995, she has the task down to an almost perfect science. She knows at what temperature to begin pouring the candles and that an allcotton wick burns best.

In the beginning, the Stetors experimented with different sizes. They found the votive to be the best seller, but she still likes to experiment in her spare time creating

artistic candles for family and friends.

Even the children have enjoyed working in the family business. Joseph, 19, has helped his dad load boxes of candles for delivery and helps find inventive ways to ease the candle making.

Although Mickey Stetor usually doesn't pour and make the candles, he is involved in making new secret scents such as Country Christmas, a spicy sweet holiday-scented candle. He also takes care of the company Web site and creates the order forms for each fund-raiser.

Daughters Rebecca, Susanna, Sarah and Kersti like to help pack the candles in their spare time.

Many of the candles created at the factory are made for local fund-raisers. The outlet for fund-raising came about after a Boy Scout troop visited the factory for a small tour.

"We gave this local Boy Scout troop a tour of our facility. While they were here, they asked if we ever did fund-raising. We didn't at the moment but said we didn't see why we couldn't," Mickey Stetor said.

A fund-raising idea was born that day. The fund-raisers consist of gift packs of six or 13 votive candles. They range in color and scents for a patriotic set, a pastel spring-scented set, an autumn set and a holiday set.

Candles are also sold in boxes of 36 to retailers or wholesalers. Mickey Stetor said they could accommodate any group interested in fund-raising. "Whatever the size of the group, they can participate. There isn't a minimum to sell. The groups can sell a few or a lot. But we offer a great product at a great price."

Although the factory does not offer a retail business on site, the family will try to accommodate any customer who calls.

McKeesport Daily News March 13, 2002

Glassport making effort to remedy eyesore properties

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

Glassport is working to improve the image of the borough.

Councilman John D'Angelo said he is working on an ordinance to ensure vacant storefronts and abandoned properties do not look blighted.

"There are several properties (in the borough) that are eyesores," he said. "It's just disgusting."

D'Angelo said he wants to extend the ordinance to private residents and property owners, to ensure all problems are remedied.

A main concern is when windows of structures are boarded up.

"Remodel it or tear it down," the councilman stressed.

Councilman James Morningstar, who also is working on the ordinance, said he noticed some inconsistencies in the borough when it comes to conditions of comparable homes.

Morningstar said he saw a house along Monongahela Avenue that has been fixed up by the owner, and another house across the street that looks like the owner doesn't care about the appearance.

"I see this and I wonder, `Why would someone want to move to this town?"' he admitted.

D'Angelo said once the ordinance is written, he will bring it to council to make sure everything is correct.

In other news, council agreed to reimburse Twin Rivers Council of Governments from funds for 911 dispatching services.

From 1985 to 1996, Twin Rivers COG provided 911 dispatch services for its member municipalities, D'Angelo said.

Mon Valley 911 took over dispatching at the close of 1999, he said.

When COG's operation shut down, there was more than $169,000 left in their account.

Allegheny County received $150,000, with the remaining funds distributed to the municipalities.

That procedure left Twin Rivers COG with a deficit, and now the organization is seeking reimbursement.

In other action council:

• Agreed to roll back taxes 1/2 mill to accommodate for 2002 reassessments. The millage was decreased from 5.35 to 4.85. , According to 2002 assessment figures, 1 mill generates approximately $117,000 for the borough. Council President Bob Stefanic said there is no change in the dollar value of the budget and the millage change is simply to even things out. .

• Noted streetlights along N. Monongahela Avenue are not turning on at the proper time. Councilman James Uziel, who chairs the streets and lights committee, said the problem is due to a timer. "The timings are not quite set, and I will make sure it is corrected," he said.

• Discussed advertising borough properties not in use for anyone interested in purchasing them. Council will discuss the issue at the next work session and will make a motion at next month's council meeting. Uziel said he wants to wait to make sure the properties will not have future use for the borough.

• Announced the borough office will be closed March 29 in observance of Good Friday. Noted Councilman Terry DiMarco resigned as building inspector for health-related reasons.

• Announced the Easter egg hunt set for March 30 for children ages 10 and under. For more information, call the borough office at 412-672-7400.

• Discussed a parking problem along Monongahela Avenue, the main road that goes through the borough. Mayor Thomas Urbanski is discussing the issue with DiMarco and police Chief Eugene Skerkoski. The mayor said he thinks the problem is that fines for parking violations are too low. The fine is currently $1, he said. "We're (behind) about 35 years," he said: The fine will most likely increase in hopes of decreasing violations, the mayor said. He said the problem area is from Fifth to. Seventh streets.

• Announced anyone interested in using the lawn sign at the Honor Roll, located along Monongahela Avenue, can obtain applications at the borough office.

• Noted Pennsylvania Municipal Service Co. collected $2,276 in delinquent garbage fees.

• Granted use of the Ninth Street ballfield to Central Elementary School for a sixth-grade picnic May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a rain date of May 29.

• Noted South Allegheny Baseball Boosters are in the process of planning for the upcoming season. Council will make a contribution to support the boosters.

• Agreed to close Sixth Street between Allegheny and Monongahela avenues for the Feast of the Assumption, slated for Au g: 10 and 11, planned by Sons of Italy. Monongahela Avenue also will be used for the parade, slated for Aug. 11.

• OK'd making Stefanic the chief administration officer for borough,pension plans.

Page last updated March 13, 2002