Glassport, Pennsylvania

News Articles

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McKeesport Daily News March 20, 2002

Glassport efforting to extend sewage tap-ins

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer (mspangler@dailynewsemail.com)

Multiple areas of Glassport do not have sewer lines, and a councilman wants to ensure residents he is working on a remedy plan.

Councilman John D'Angelo said there are several houses in the borough that need service.

There are five houses along Washington Boulevard near the Port Vue border, four houses along Naomi Avenue Extension and four houses along Oregon and Juniata avenues and Harrison Hollow Road that need tapped in, the councilman said.

"I'm going to talk with the engineer and look into it," he said.

The borough currently is finishing up a sewage project to tap in about 105 homes, D'Angelo said. Funding for this project came through Community Development Block Grants.

The other homes were not included in this project because their income levels did not meet standards for CDBG funding, the councilman explained.

The homes also were "inaccessible and nonfeasible for the project," according to D'Angelo, and the borough was limited in its actions.

"We will try to get something done," he said.

D'Angelo said he will have to go an alternate route with funding.

CDBG funds are what the borough uses for most of its major projects, D'Angelo stated.

McKeesport Daily News March 21, 2002

Postal Worker turns in 40 years

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer (mspangler@dailynewsemail.com)

A postal worker of 40 years was honored for his service.

Jim Liebel, a sales associate at United States Post Office in Glassport, received a 40-year recognition pin and plaque.

Liebel, 59, wasn't always a window clerk. He started working for the postal service as a mail carrier and did that for 23 years, he said.

"I was then lucky enough to get this position," he said. He has been working as the sales associate/window clerk for about 14 years.

He actually trained the current post master, Mitch Evanovich, as a mail carrier.

Both positions were enjoyable for him, Liebel admitted.

"It didn't take long to adjust," he said.

"If I was still physically able, I would offer to carry mail."

Liebel said he appreciates the people he meets through his job and relationships he builds.

The job isn't a piece of cake though, according to Liebel.

"You have to try to figure out what (the customers) want," he said. "You try to help them as much as you can."

As any job, with time and experience, he got a feel for his work, and it came naturally to him through the years, Liebel admitted.

"Some customers come in, and I don't even ask them what they need," he said. "I get to know them well."

Liebel's day starts at 5 a.m. when he comes in and sorts mail for about two hours.

He waits on people when the office opens at 8 a m. and deals with other workers and customers.

Ron Lincoln, Pittsburgh district manager, expressed the importance of the postal service.

"(Postal service) is a vital link to community support of this country," he said. "It's really amazing.

"It's a great organization with fantastic employees," he added. "In Glassport this is an example of the years of dedicated service."

The manager said Pittsburgh seems to have a higher number of workers who stay at least 40 years.

Liebel said he may bring his career to an end by retiring sometime next year.

McKeesport Daily News March 21, 2002

SA resident critisizes restructuring

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer (mspangler@dailynewsemail.com)

Communication problems between school directors and residents continue to be an issue in South Allegheny.

Lincoln resident Kevin Geyer said not a lot of information was made public with the issue of restructuring South Allegheny Elementary School. Students from Port Vue, Glassport and Manor elementary will attend the school.

The building, currently under construction, is located along Washington Boulevard in Port Vue.

.Port Vue Elementary will be demolished and Manor Elementary will become an early childhood center.

Plans for the Glassport school are not established at this point.

"I still have concerns with the communication between the board and residents," Geyer stressed.

He said he couldn't give an opinion of what should be done with the restructuring plan of the schools, because not enough information was made public about it.

Last month, he recommended the board postpone the restructuring plan and have a special meeting for the public to give input.

"There would be discussion and arguments," he said. "Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?

"If I need to take sides, I need to understand the plan."

At last month's school board meeting, directors passed a motion 5-4 approving elementary restructuring. Directors Russell Geary, John Matyasovsky, Walter Hibner, Tom Dudek and Board President Luke Riley voted in favor, and directors Terri Dozzi, Doris Bailley, Dianne Rosche and Dino DiFelice voted against the measure.

Geyer said this vote made it apparent the board did not want to include residents. "You should represent, and not dictate to residents," he said.

Riley responded the school board was elected to make decisions, and members are doing just that. "We make decisions, both popular and unpopular."

In other business, directors:

• Approved field trips for seventh-graders to Six Flags of Ohio May 23 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and for eighth-grade students to go to Colonial Williamsburg May 9 and 10.

• Approved use of the stadium for Glassport Sons of Italy for a fireworks display Aug. 11 at 10 p.m.

• Agreed to let South Allegheny Marching Band lead Port Vue's parade Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. in honor of the borough turning 110 years old.

• OK'd the final exam schedule as proposed by High School Principal Thomas Starmack and Middle School Principal Janet Sardon.

McKeesport Daily News March 27, 2002

Glassport scouts advance in ranks

Members of Boy Scout Troop 54 of Glassport were honored for their progress. The troop conducted a parents night, a charter presentation, at Glassport Youth Center.

Boys inducted into the troop are Jarred Barnes, Joseph Maizer and Corey Greenwood.

Boys advancing to the rank of Tenderfoot are Kip Burgman, Chris See and Steve See.

Jim Szmyd advanced to second class.

Merit badges were given to Alex Okert, Anthony Sarti, Andrew Salvador, Mike Sarti and Matt Poston for first aid.

Communication awards went to Mike McClellan and Matt Poston.

Citizenship in community recognition went to Andrew Salvador and Alex Okert.

A citizenship in the nation recognition went to Mike McClellan.

One-year attendance pins went to Mike Sarti and Andrew Salvador.

A two-year pin went to Jim Szmyd.

A one-year perfect attendance pin went to Mike Sarti.

Scoutmaster Donald Kerklo presented the troops and 43-year Charter and Assistant Scoutmaster George Svec discussed plans for the troop's week-long summer camp at Camp Coppersnake in West Virginia. The trip is slated for July.

McKeesport Daily News March 29, 2002

SA student nets academic honor

David Ference, an eighthgrader at South Allegheny School District, was nominated for the national award of U.S. Achievement Academy.

David will appear in the academy's yearbook, published nationally.

The academy selects winners upon the recommendation of teachers, coaches, counselors and other qualified sponsors and upon the selection standards set forth by the academy.

Criteria for selection includes academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability, and recommendation from a teacher or director.

David is the son of Margie and Dan Ference of Glassport. His grandparents are Gordon and Von Roberts of. Belle Vernon, and Marie Ference of Floreffe.

McKeesport Daily News March 29, 2002

Glassport reenactment marks 25th anniversary

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

A picture is worth a thousand words - or maybe even more.

As the side doors opened from a wall in Glassport United Methodist Church last night, the view mirrored Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, "The Last Supper."

The Upper Room, the group that depicted Chris's final meal, hoped to deliver a message, said Carl Pearson, a former reenactor.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of "The last Supper" reenactment by The Upper Room.

Pearson, who portrayed Jesus years ago, said the act includes speaking parts for all the apostles.

The group has come a long way since it first reenacted the event in 1978, he said.

"A lot of people got involved in it," he said. "Faces changed, but the message stayed the same."

That message, Pearson said, is to remind people that Christ died for their sins.

He said he was impressed with last night's performance.

"It's used as a ministry," Pearson noted. "They make a presentation in front of the congregation."

Jesus told the 12 apostles one of them would betray him before night's end, eliciting protests of disbelief from his followers.

Each apostle addressed Jesus, concluding their comments with "Is it I?" With those words, the apostles froze in the position depicted in da Vinci's painting.

A few years after the reenactment started in Glassport, the church expanded the program to churches in surrounding communities.

"It became a community outreach," Pearson explained.

The Upper Room has performed "The Last Supper" for churches of many denominations.

This year was the first time the program was at Glassport United Methodist since the year of the reenactment's inception, Pearson noted.

Lillian Kondratenko, who, along with her husband George, started the event, said they were inspired by a similar program their son took part in at Clairton United Methodist Church.

"I wanted to do something for the (Glassport) church," she said. "I suggested it, and they said, `OK, try it."'

Kondratenko said The Upper Room ministry has traveled all over the area as part of its outreach program.

"It's really wonderful," she added. "It makes you feel so good."

She said some of the original players from out-of-state returned for last night's 25th anniversary performance.

"They're coming in from all over," she said.

McKeesport Daily News April 3, 2002

Glassport sets sites on doing away with hazardous properties

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer

Things are looking up, and possibly cleaner, for Glassport.

Councilman Terry DiMarco, who serves as building inspector, has been working on various demolition projects in the borough.

Most of the abandoned properties are fire hazards and eyesores, he said, and he wants to remove them safely.

DiMarco focused on two locations that are being torn down - 711 Indiana Ave. and a former bar along the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue, located next to District Justice Edward Burnett's office.

The latter residence, the more than 100-year-old Whistle Stop, has been abandoned for at least eight years, DiMarco stated. The former bar had a large hole in the roof, and a water leak was rotting the floors.

Also, surrounding buildings were starting to get rats, he said.

The building inspector said he has been trying for some time to get this structure down, and he was attempting to work with GLS Capital Service Inc., the firm that holds the property's tax liens.

DiMarco said he met with GLS Vice President Larry Marsh and Mayor Thomas Urbanski about the problem, and Marsh said he would be willing to forgive the taxes if the building could be taken over and rehabilitated.

He thought it was possible when at least seven people came forward with interest, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

"They all fell through," he said.

DiMarco said GLS signed a contractor to demolish the property. After all the debris is hauled away, the land will become a grass lot.

The 80-year-old Indiana Avenue residence was a home, and has been vacant for at least five years, DiMarco said.

"Doors were kicked in, the siding was coming off and there were holes in the roof," he explained.

The structure, currently being demolished, is coming down quickly, DiMarco said.

(Yesterday) morning it was still up," he said.

When he looked later yesterday afternoon, DiMarco said, the structure was almost completely down.

These two properties aren't the only ones that have been demolished, or need to be, in the borough, he said.

An Iowa Avenue residence was torn down about six, months ago after two fires broke out there in the last two years. Another residence, located near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Seventh Street, was demolished because of fire hazards.

Many demolitions were paid for by Twin Rivers Council of Governments and others were taken care of by those responsible for the property.

"There was no cost to the borough," he stated.

DiMarco, who was supposed to resign from his post but stayed on because of the demolition project, said he's received many calls from residents about the demolition project.

"I'd just like to see the borough get clean," he said. "I have a daughter, and I'd like to see her not be afraid to walk down the street."

Council also is making efforts to clean up the borough with an ordinance concerning these properties.

DiMarco said he hopes council takes various ordinances related to blighted properties and condenses them into one.

"It would make Jobs a lot easier." he said.

McKeesport Daily News April 10, 2002

Glassport pondering school purchase

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport officials are undecided on whether they will take over the building which now houses Glassport Elementary School.

The building will close when students move to the new South Allegheny Elementary School, currently under construction, when it is completed.

Council previously had agreed via a letter to South Allegheny School District that Glassport would purchase the building for $1, with a stipulation that the roof would be replaced, according to council President Bob Stefanie.

Mayor Thomas Urbanski said he doesn't think council should take over the building because of financial issues.

"I don't think we can afford the building," he said.

Council tabled a motion to rescind its agreement to purchase the building, pending further discussion.

In other business, resident Steven Trumpe complained that his children have no place to play in the borough. Trumpe said they normally would play at Glassport Youth Center, located at the corner of Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue. According to the mayor, however, that building now has restricted use due to vandalism and graffiti.

Youth can't play on the street because of cars speeding on Peach Alley, Trumpe said. "There's no other place for them to play," he said.

The mayor said he would take care of the speeding problem and also agreed to arrange a meeting with Trumpe to possibly allow his children to use the center.

"That's what the place is for, kids," Urbanski said.

In other action, council:

• Noted the Centennial Committee's spaghetti dinner will be Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Sons of Italy.

• Reminded residents not to take out garbage until 5 p.m. the night before collection, as per borough ordinance. "There are too many animals getting into (the garbage). The kids are starting to kick the cans," Councilman Jim Morningstar said. "The place is starting to look like a pig pen."

• Agreed to have a flow meter installed at the new elementary school at the school district's expense.

• Noted some homes still are not tapped into sewer lines. The homes are located along Washington Boulevard near the Port Vue border, Naomi Avenue Ext., Oregon and Juniata avenues and Harrison Hollow Road. Councilman John D'Angelo said he would like to start a series of projects for these homes and complete one section each year for four years.

• Noted two breathing apparatuses were purchased for Glassport Waste and Water Facility's sewage plant. Also, a comminuter, which takes raw sewage and grinds it into smaller particles, was purchased for the plant. The comminuter is Chicago brand and will be purchased from Kappe Associates Inc. of Monroeville, D'Angelo said.

• Noted a meeting is scheduled for today with Stone & Co. to determine what can be done about concrete from the plant that has been dumped over a hillside.The mayor is meeting with the manager and assistant manager of the company to discuss hauling away the concrete, and putting topsoil with vegetation and trees in the area of N. Monongahela Avenue. "We've had a lot of residents complain about the concrete," he said.

• Revived tax liens from 1982 with a threshold of $150. These properties, now vacant lots, were owned by Mon-Yough Land Co., which has been defunct since the 1930s, Stefanie said.

• Passed a salary ordinance establishing wages for borough employees. The vote passed 5-2, with D'Angelo and Morningstar dissenting. Councilmen Jim Uziel, John Foster, Stefanie, Terry DiMarco and Edward Mihoces voted for the motion.

• Agreed to roll back taxes a half 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. The motion passed 6-1, with D'Angelo dissenting.

• Agreed to be included in Allegheny County Community Development Block Grants and home programs for the fiscal years to 2005.

• Advertised for two open positions on the planning commission.

• Noted the tax collector will notify landlords and owners as well as tenants of delinquent tax properties.

• Accepted bids for sewer overflow relocations from Alex E. Paris Constructing, Oakdale Construction and Siandra Inc. Army Corps of Engineers is funding the project. Council will award the bid once funds are received.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette April 17, 2002

Council seeks legal way to retain inspector

By Margaret Smykla Tri-State Sports & News Service

Terry DiMarco enjoys serving as building inspector, and Glassport council agrees he is doing an exemplary job. He doesn t charge much either - only a fraction of his expenses for four to six hours of work a day, six days per week But if council doesn't find a way to allow him to at least break even, the borough could lose his services.

The problem is DiMarco, 50, is also a Glassport councilman, which, according to state regulations, prohibits him from receiving compensation. At last week's council meeting, a motion to pay DiMarco one-half the cost of building permit fees was tabled after assistant solicitor Tim Codelka said such an action was illegal. The idea for the compensation was DiMarco's; he raised the issue at the previous evening's executive session. "At least my expenses would be covered [with half the permit fee]," he said. The typical permit fee in Glassport is $9 to $12.

Before he became a councilman 21/2 years ago, DiMarco served as building inspector and received the entire fee as payment. During an average summer week, he earned $134 to $178. After his appointment to council upon the death of council President Anthony Pepe on Sept. 28, 2000, payments ended. When solicitor Charles LoPresti proposed reimbursing him $70 in monthly expenses, DiMarco agreed, and the figure was set. "It sounded like enough at the time," he said.

Last month, after his doctor suggested he work less to curb his high blood pressure, DiMarco resigned as building inspector effective April 1. But he withdrew his resignation after a subsequent physical examination yielded a good report. DiMarco wants to keep the post, not only because it allows the borough to charge low fees that encourage building, but because boroughs may soon be required by federal law to have a building inspector. He also wants to remain on council to follow in the footsteps, and office, of Mayor Tom Urbanski when Urbanski retires. "He's done a lot of good for the town and was building inspector for many years," DiMarco said.

DiMarco has contacted state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, for assistance. He is also looking into the possibility of becoming a building inspector for the Twin Rivers Council of Governments, which would allow him to work in Glassport. The borough may not be out of options either. "Council is allowed to be as creative as law permits," Codelka said.

McKeesport Daily News April 20, 2002

Glassport Girl Scouts to attend Mass, receive religious awards

Registered Girl Scouts of Glassport will gather in Queen of the Rosary Church there tomorrow at 8:50 a.m. to participate in the 9 a.m. Mass celebrated by the Rev. Casimir Kedzierski who will present the religious awards and Millennium Patches to those scouts who have earned the honors. Family of God religious medals will be presented to Brownies Samantha Nemeth of Troop 562; and Katie Barnett, Kristen Kudla and Cassandra McClelland, Troop 912. The scouts studied with Carol Dworek, religious awards counselor, and learned about themselves, their relationship to God, their family and community.

Millennium Patches will be received by Alexandria Randolph and Danette Lees of Troop 562; Megan Barnett, Jessica Chalfant, Emily Herold, Cassandra McClelland, Rachel Szmyd and Jennifer Szmyd, Troop 912; and Ashley Bednar, Jayme McGough, Kristin Naugle, Cheyanne Novich, Ashley Plowman, Cherie Plowman and Kayla Sylvander, Troop 1082.

Certification of the completion of Kateri Awards will be presented to Ashley Bednar, Mia DiLembo and Jayme McGough of Troop 1082. They studied the life of the Indian maiden, Kateri Tekakwitha and the sacraments she was able to receive, under the direction of Barbara Sowko, religious awards coordinator. The scouts will receive their medals from Bishop Winter during a service at St. Paul Cathedral April 28 at 3 p.m.

Those scouts receiving the Family of God and Kateri awards also completed the requirements for the Bishop Leonard patch. The patches will be blessed by Bishop Winter and distributed at a later date.

Gardeners plan benefit Home Gardeners' Guild will host its annual card party next Saturday at noon in the White Oak American Legion. Joy Johnson and Jean Robinson, ways and means co-chairpersons, are being aided by Pat Karnish, tickets; Barbara Witherspoon, Chinese auction; Dot Pollock, door prizes; June Jordan, cake; Carolyn Turner, special projects; and Gerry Kenney, Ruth Lyons, Georgette Jakomas and Thelma Luehm. Proceeds will offset the cost of civic and garden therapy programs for senior citizens and special education students and the scholarship fund.

McKeesport Daily News April 23, 2002

Glassport marking centennial event

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport is hitting the century mark. It's almost been 100 years since Glassport's birth, being named after the "Glass House" mill built by the U.S. Glass Co. in 1894. To celebrate the event, festivities kicked off New Year's Eve and will go through the duration of the borough's Community Days - June 28-30 - at the Honor Roll, located along Monongahela Avenue. There also will be a parade June 29, said Sandy Urbanski, centennial committee chair. Fireworks behind the Honor Roll will lighten the sky June 30.

The committee, comprised of Urbanski, Gayla Norelli, Andrea Foster and John McCombs and about 20 other residents, meets every two weeks at the American Legion at 7:30 p.m. to plan the celebration and fundraisers. Fund-raisers so far have included ticket sales, Night at the Races and a spaghetti dinner. There also will be an under 21 dance in May at Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, Urbanski stated. The dance will feature "Society of Sound," a music CD by Mark Kapsha, Foster said.

Other festivities include a 5K run from Ninth Street to Riverview Avenue along Monongahela Avenue, and a car cruise on the Ninth Street Ballfield Sept. 8. Urbanski said June 17 is the actual anniversary of the borough. The centennial celebration will conclude with a dinner banquet in October. This plan is tentative, and because of the large turnout expected, a location outside the borough might be necessary. A possibility for this is a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper.

The committee is doing its best to make the public aware of' the celebration efforts. Commemorative Tshirts and sweatshirts can be purchased by calling Norelli Graphics in Glassport. Tshirts cost $12 for adults and $10 for children, Urbanski said. Sweatshirts cost $18 for adults and $20 for extra-large sizes. Children's sizes also are available. The shirts feature the centennial's logo and a trolley, to commemorate the 99, a one-track trolley that transported passengers from Glassport to McKeesport, Norelli explained. The trolleys were in use from the 1930s until about 1963, McCombs said.

Notable figures with roots in Glassport will be invited to the parade. Among them are retired U. S. Representative Joe Gaydos and E.G. "Bud" Shuster, state Superior Court Judge John Hester, and Rich Lucas, a former Penn State football player, the committee chair added. Ron Crosby, a former New York Jets football player, also will be at the parade.

It was challenging to get things together, but now plans are going well, Urbanski said. "It just blends together at this point," she said. "We were frustrated, but now it is starting to mesh." Volunteers are needed for the centennial event, the committee said. "No matter how many people we have at the parade, we can't have too many," McCombs stated.

McKeesport Daily News April 23, 2002

Police cite conduct

Arthur Ringer, 36, of Glassport, was arrested Friday at approximately 7 p.m. after he was involved in a domestic situation near the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue, police said. He also argued with police when they arrived at the scene. Ringer was taken into custody, cited and released, police said.

Public intox reported

Police charged a McKeesport man with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and underage drinking Saturday at 2 a.m. James Picone, 20, was creating a disturbance near the intersection of Ninth Street and Hemlock Way, according to a report. Picone was taken into custody, held until sober, cited and released, police said.

Police arrest resident

Police charged a borough man with public intoxication Saturday at approximately 3:30 a.m. Joseph Donovan, 21, was found intoxicated near the intersection of N. Monongahela Avenue and Arch Street, police said. Donovan was taken into custody, held until sober, cited and released, police said.

Disturbance nets arrest

Police arrested a Glassport man Saturday at approximately 4:15 a.m. after they were called to the 800 block of Spruce Alley for a disturbance. Gene Herrmann, 21, is charged with public intoxication. Police said he was yelling and screaming. Herrmann was taken into custody, held until sober, cited and released, police said.

Conduct leads to arrest

A Glassport woman was charged Saturday at 7 p.m. with disorderly conduct, police said. Police arrested Christina Currin, 28, near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela, where she was creating a disturbance, police said. Police took her into custody, and she was cited and released.

Conduct nets citation

Police charged a Glassport man with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Roy Steele, 36, was arrested Sunday at approximately 12:30 a.m. after he tried to gain entry to a vehicle near the intersection of Seventh Street and Monongahela Avenue, police said. Upon police arrival, the suspect appeared to be highly intoxicated, according to a report. The suspect was held until sober, cited and released.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette April 24, 2002

Council fears $1 school may prove too expensive

By Margaret Smykla Tri-State Sports & News Service

Even at a purchase price of $1, buying the Glassport Elementary School building might prove too costly for the borough. "This community will go into bankruptcy in a year and a half," if the borough takes over the school, which is scheduled to close next year; Mayor Tom Urbanski predicted. In January 2001, council voted to buy the building for $1, as the South Allegheny School District laid plans to build a new centralized school to replace the 70-year-old structure.

Glassport Elementary, the former Glassport High School, will be vacated when the new elementary facility on Washington Boulevard opens in January. Borough officials talked about using the three-story structure as a multipurpose complex, housing borough , council chambers, police station, youth and senior centers and library. Expenses were to be offset by tenants and by renting the gym, stage and kitchen/cafeteria space to groups and individuals for small events. But Urbanski, a registered plumber who owned a heating and air conditioning company, cited the high cost of utilities and maintenance on the old building. Plus, "Converting these rooms [into offices] is a big, big expense," he said.

For those reasons, council may at its May 14 meeting rescind its offer to buy the school from the South Allegheny School District for $1. The offer was contingent on the district replacing the building's roof. "It seemed feasible and nice at first," council President Robert Stefanic said after the meeting. "But in retrospect it might really cripple us." The vote last year to buy the building was 4-3. Councilman John D'Angelo cast a dissenting vote because of the unknown cost of renovations and because there were no firm tenants to help offset expenses. "All we got were promises," he said last week. At its executive session on May 13, council will meet with West-to-West Coalition Coordinator Stephen Pholar about possible funding to convert and maintain the building. Stefanic said if no funding is forthcoming, the majority of council will probably vote the following evening to rescind the offer.

McKeesport Daily News May 4, 2002

Glassport

Drinking arrests made

Public intox reported

Juvenile trio arrested

Police report assault

McKeesport Daily News May 4, 2002

Glassport Brownie Troop 912 ceremony highlighted

Glassport Brownie Troop 912 conducted a Court of Awards and Bridging Ceremony to recognize scouts for their efforts through the year.

Receiving Try-Its and participation patches were Katherine Barnett, Megan Barnett, Ashleigh Bowling, Julianna Burgman, Madison Caldro, Miranda Carroll, Jessica Chalfant, Carleigh DeSue, Ashley Fries, Caitlin Gilbert, Nicole Grback, Anna Herold, Emily Herold, Brianne Jones, Meghan Jones, Kristen Kudla, Cassandra McClelland and Rachel Szmyd. The scouts also received Tip Top Troop patches, annual membership stars and Cookie Sale participation pins.

Anna Herold and Cassandra McClelland completed bridging activities under the direction of Beata Herold and flew up to Junior Girl Scouts. They received their Bridge to Junior Girl Scouts awards and Brownie Wings.

Assisting in the bridging and fly-up ceremony were Lisa Joseph, leader, Kelsey Joseph and Kayla Sylvander of Junior Troop 1082.

Ashley Fries and Rachel Szmyd received patches for Perfect Attendance. Kristen Kudla, Cassandra McClelland and Rachel Szmyd will travel to Washington, D.C., June 8 for the Girl Scouts 90th Anniversary Sing Along. The girls received commemorative patches and songbooks.

Top sellers for the cookie sale were Rachel Szmyd, Jessica Chalfant, Nicole Grback, Caitlin Gilbert and Cassandra McClelland.

Jim Chalfant was recognized for outstanding volunteer service to the troop and was honored with a poem, "The Order of the Great Green Knight," read by his daughter, Jessica Chalfant, who presented him with a framed copy of the poem.

The troop participated in Brownie Bash at Camp Yough in Elizabeth Twp.

Scouts will host a Girl Scout Mother-Daughter Tea Thursday with Troops 1082 and 562 and will march in the Glassport Centennial Parade June 29. They also will attend summer camp at Camp Roy Weller in West Virginia in July.

Nicole Grback and Rachel Szmyd will attend Pony Tails at Camp Redwing in July with Jennifer Szmyd, leader, who will serve as camp nurse.

Co-leaders are Luci Chalfant and Beata Herold. Cookie chairman was Susan Bryce.

McKeesport Daily News May 8, 2002

Glassport

Police report forgery

Police arrested two borough women for using bad checks at area businesses.

Lynn Julian, 42 and Juanita Hicks, age unknown, both are charged with forgery, access device fraud and conspiracy, police said.

A combined investigation with Allegheny County and Glassport police has revealed over the last few weeks that fraudulent checks have been cashed in borough businesses and surrounding areas.

The women were taken into custody and transported to Allegheny County Jail.

Police report mischief

Borough police are looking for suspects who have been shooting BB and paintball guns.

Vandalism incidents have occurred at least four times in the past week, police said.

The BB gun incidents occurred near the 600 block of Vermont Avenue, while the paintball incidents have occurred throughout the borough, a report stated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Glassport police at 412-672-4514.

McKeesport Daily News May 8, 2002

DJ Burnett `guilty' of making homemade pizza

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemaiLcom

South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office recently was transformed into a chef's kitchen.

The judge makes important decisions involving cases on a daily basis, but this time, his choices affected how his food would taste to others.

Instead of guilty or not guilty, his choice was whether his pizzas had enough time in the electric cookers.

Last week, Burnett invited his friends and co-workers to enjoy two homemade pizzas - one vegetarian and one with meat - and received nothing but positive reviews.

When he cooks, the magistrate tries to keep it low key because he doesn't want a circus in his courtroom.

"I try not to tell too many people," he said. "They would break the door down!"

The judge prepared his ingredients the night before, so everything was ready to cook for his customers.

He rekneaded the dough, which was seasoned with parsley, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt and olive oil.

The tomato pizza sauce was also made the night before, the judge said. The vegetarian pizza sauce contained crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, onions, dry garlic powder and course kosher salt.

All the vegetables placed atop the pizza were cooked in a microwave first.

He said precooking helps get all the juice out of the vegetables, especially mushrooms, which keeps them dry and the pizza doesn't get soggy.

For the vegetarian pizza, toppings included zucchini, mushrooms, black olives and green peppers.

Burnett used four cheeses - a perfect mixture in his mind - of Romano, parmesan, mozzarella and provolone. He cut up eight slices of the latter two and placed them on the pizza after the vegetables.

He noted it's important to use fingers when putting the cheese on the pizza because it creates an equal distribution and a better taste.

"You have to layer and cut (the cheese) up so they mingle," he said. "There are no heavy toppings."

All the cheese was imported from Italy, the judge said. "You just have to have them."

The pizza generally takes about 25 minutes to cook, Burnett said,

The second pizza - a little more on the hearty side - is the deep dish pizza with meat sauce and toppings.

"This will be a real deep dish pizza," the judge said. "I like the meat a little thicker," Burnett said.

He uses pepperoni slivers, instead of whole slices, on top of the pizza because it has a different texture, making it easier to eat with his meat sauce.

The slivers also make it easier to keep the pepperoni distributed evenly throughout the pizza. "No one's stealing your pepperoni," he said.

Everything is homemade, including the dough. He included salad and his own Cabernet Sauvignon wine to accompany the pizza.

He is not stingy with how to prepare his dishes. "I try not to hide anything from the recipes," he said. "I want it to taste good."

Port Vue police Chief Gary Cartia said he has never had a negative experience with Burnett's food. and he has eaten it several times. "I've eaten here, and I've never had a bad meal yet." the chief said,

Cooking is something that has been in Burnett's family, the district justice said.

His cousin, David Palcsey, is a chef at Glenshire Woods in White Oak, Burnett said.

He has another cousin who was a chef for eight years at the former Lemon Tree, which is now Stratwood Banquet Facility, located along Long Run Road in McKeesport

McKeesport Daily News May 9, 2002

Glassport Girl Scouts arrange tea

Glassport Girl Scouts will host a Mother-Daughter Tea tonight at 7 in Glassport American Legion Post 443.

Participating troops include Brownie 562 with Danette Lees, leader; Brownie 912, Jenifer Szmyd, Luci Chalfant and Beata Herold; and Junior 1082, Lisa Joseph.

A poem honoring mothers will be read by Carol Dworek, Glassport coach. Scouts will present their mothers with flower and verses.

Following refreshments, Barbara Sowko, religious award director, will present the Bishop Leonard Awards and leaders will distribute the cookie sale awards.

Adults honored will include leaders, assistants, Mary Jane McDonald, regis- trar and treasurer, Barbara Sowko, and troop cookie chairmen, Cheryl Nemeth, Lesley Sylvander and Sue Bryce.

Plans will be discussed for troop participation in the Glassport Memorial Day service, May 26; sing-a-long trip to Washington, D.C., June 8; and Glassport Cen- tennial Parade, June 29.

McKeesport Daily News May 11, 2002

Glassport CCM, Guild to gather

The Confraternity of Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild of Queen of the Rosary Parish, Glassport, will meet Monday for the final meeting of the season. Betty Pater will lead the recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting at 7 in the social hall with Rita Henry presiding.

Plans will be finalized for the May 25 dinner theater and payments will be accepted.

Members are to provide their ticket receipts for the May 19 special project.

Entertainment will be presented by Eric Meredith, a magician.

Group 8 will be led by Susan Wojciechowski.

McKeesport Daily News May 15, 2002

Glassport women plan dinner

Glassport Women's Club will gather for the annual spring dinner tomorrow beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Rock Run Inn, Elizabeth Twp.

Lois Sechrist will offer the invocation and the business meeting will follow.

Members will discuss plans for participation in community days celebrating the Glassport centennial and Betty Cherney will be in stalled as a new member.

The club's scholarship will be presented to Adrienne M. Warhola, daughter of Daniel and Karen Warhola, a senior at South Allegheny High School who will attend the University of Delaware to study chemistry.

Entertainment will be provided by Betty Morton, artist.

McKeesport Daily News May 15, 2002

Glassport

Conduct nets citation

David Tison, 45, of Glassport, was cited and released Saturday at 3:30 p.m. for disorderly conduct, according to police. Police said Tison was creating a disturbance in the 700 block of Detroit Avenue.

Drunkenness reported

Shane Stone, 20, of Glassport, was arrested for underage drinking Saturday at 2 a.m. in the 100 block of Monongahela Avenue, according to police. Police said Stone was intoxicated.

Fight leads to arrests

James Seanor, 31, and Wil liam McGee, 22, both of Glassport, were cited for disorderly conduct yesterday at 12:45 a.m. in the 400 block of Ohio Avenue, according to police. Neighbors called police when Seanor and McGee became involved in a dispute, according to a report.

McKeesport Daily News May 15, 2002

Glassport looks to add new vehicles

By REBECCA RIDDLE For The Daily News rriddle@dailynewsemaiLcom

Glassport is looking to add a few new pieces of equipment to its fleet of vehicles.

Council members discussed the purchase of several vehicles at yesterday's meeting.

Council voted to purchase a new Ford Explorer for the police department with the help of a $10,000 grant acquired by state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville.

The four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to navigate the borough, especially in the winter.

"With our topography around here, we need a four-wheel drive," said Councilman Terry DiMarco, who chairs the police and fire department.

Total purchase price is $28,000.

In his monthly report, Councilman James Uziel, street department committee chairman, suggested the borough purchase a refurbished road sweeper.

With the refurbished sweeper, which would cost approximately $55,000, the borough would be able to include side streets in its sweeping, Uziel said.

In addition, Uziel suggested the borough purchase a crew cab pick-up truck to transport street department employees to work sites. The current truck is in poor condition and cannot pass inspection, Uziel said.

"It's shot," he said. "It cannot function."

However, Uziel said the street department has searched for a crew cab pickup and has not been able to find one. He said they may have to settle, instead, for an extended cab truck.

Uziel also suggested the borough look into purchasing a new street roller.

In other business, council members:

• Voted to join The Employee Alliance of Municipalities through Pennsylvania Boroughs Association. TEAM is an organization that provides legal advice and counseling for difficult labor and employment issues and would supply the borough with a specialist to negotiate employee contracts. The need for the service arose when the borough police force became unionized more than a year ago, DiMarco said.

• Voted to complete mandated testing and work on the sewage treatment plant. The mandate, issued by Department of Environmental Protection, gave plants nine regulations with which to comply. Glassport is in compliance on eight of the nine points, but must complete the final step. Deadline for adherence passed two years ago, but the plant was never aware until now they were not in compliance. "We're way late on it," said Councilman John D'Angelo. "We've been dragging our feet, and I didn't even know it. "Testing and work will cost the borough $19,960.

• Announced the American Legion will have a Memorial Day service May 26 at 6 p.m. at Glassport Honor Roll.

• Announced recycling pick-up will take place the week of May 20.

Candidate forum is brief, but spirited

By PATRICK CLOONAN, Daily News Staff Writer May 17, 2002

An exchange between an incumbent state legislator and supporters of a primary rival highlighted a brief - but spirited - candidate forum in Glassport. The event was hosted by Good Schools Pennsylvania and Glassport's Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 last night at the company's fire hall along Monongahela Avenue. It was supposed to be an exchange among the three Democrats vying for the 38th District seat in the state House of Representatives.

Each candidate in Tuesday's primary was offered 20 minutes to state his or her views on education, but hopeful Diana Olasz didn't attend.

Incumbent Rep. Kenneth Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, made a brief appearance before leaving for another engagement, leaving only candidate Dr. Sam Baker.

Organizers Aliya Farrish, Shari Lang and Cheryl Sorrentino hoped "to inform constituents about the candidates' views on Pennsylvania's public education crisis."

That crisis, according to their coalition, began in the mid-1970s when Pennsylvania provided 55 percent of education expenses for public schools.

Today, they said, that figure averages 35 percent per district.

"We're investing more money in our prisons than in our schools," Baker told the sparse audience.

Baker said part of the solution to funding education could be a 1-cent sales-tax increase. That would raise the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent - 7 to 8 percent in Allegheny County.

Baker said such a move would provide an extra $1 billion - and $2 billion is needed to bring state subsidies up to the 50 percent level.

Baker, a West Mifflin chiropractor, offered an extensive comparison of school districts within the 38th District.

While West Mifflin Area spent $9,270 per student, Baker said, McKeesport Area spent just $7,272.

"That doesn't seem fair to me," Baker said.

Despite the spending discrepancy, he added, "McKeesport actually performed better than West Mifflin" on aptitude tests.

When it came to salaries, South Allegheny spent an average of $41,000 per teacher, while West Jefferson Hills spent $59,000, Baker said.

He also listed percentages of children from low-income families, ranging from 50 percent below the poverty line in McKeesport Area to 6.9 percent in West Jefferson Hills.

In between, Baker said, there's Baldwin-Whitehall (14.4 percent), West Mifflin Area (30) and South Allegheny (34).

Ruffing seemed to rebut all Baker's figures with one sentence.

"Every child in this commonwealth deserves to be treated equally," the incumbent said.

He said Philadelphia would get an 11-percent increase in state funds, while 500 other districts would get a 1-percent boost, in the current budget moving through the General Assembly.

"How are you going to fund education?" Ruffing asked.

He said there are only four ways do it - increase personal income tax, increase sales tax, increase both income and sales taxes or legalize gambling.

"I have always been a proponent of gambling," he said. "As long as I know where that money is going."

James Baker, the candidate's father, insisted Ruffing hadn't answered the question of how to fund education.

"I answered the question," Ruffing responded. "You walked in the door while Sam was speaking."

Sam Baker then tried to calm his father down, but the elder Baker insisted, "I feel public education is important. Every time you go to a meeting, you get an answer about gambling (from Ruffing)."

Moments later, as Ruffing was leaving, he told the elder Baker and two other supporters of the West Mifflin chiropractor, "Don't come on my street."

It was an apparent reference to a confrontation over distribution of literature to Ruffing's neighbors by Baker's cousin.

Eugene Baker said he faced harassment charges, which were dropped after a neighbor verified his story. James Baker said the matter was referred to ACLU.

"It's a shame the representative left," said West Mifflin's Ralph Tramontana, a Baker supporter.

Later, candidate Baker said gambling "could be part of it ... but it's not going to generate enough money to bring Pennsylvania up to 50 percent."

Ruffing, Baker and Olasz are running for the Democratic nod in a district that includes Wards 3, 9 and 11 and parts of Ward 7 and 12 in McKeesport.

It also covers Dravosburg, Glassport, Liberty, Pleasant Hills, Port Vue, about half of Baldwin and a large portion of West Mifflin.

No Republican filed in the 38th District.

McKeesport Daily News June 5, 2002

Glassport

Public intox reported

Police charged Debbie Coban, 43, of Glassport, with public intoxication Thursday at 2 a.m. near the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue, according to a report. Police said Coban was intoxicated to a degree where she was a danger to herself and others. Coban was taken into custody and held until sober.

Woman gets charges

Police charged a borough resident Saturday at 2 a.m. after causing a disturbance at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue, police said. Susan Gainer, 44, is charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Police said Gainer was creating a disturbance using obscene language. Gainer was taken into custody and held until sober, according to reports.

Police cite conduct

Police cited a Dravosburg woman Sunday at 6:30 p.m. after she created a disturbance in a business located along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue, police said. Marry Tuttle, 36, is charged with disorderly conduct.

Disturbance created

Police cited a borough woman yesterday at 2:30 a.m. near the 2000 block of Washington Boulevard. Julie Hitchens, 21, was cited for disorderly conduct after she caused a public disturbance, police said.

Warrant arrest made

Police arrested a borough man on a bench warrant for a probation violation, according to reports. ` Raymond Zwibel, 30, was arrested Monday at 5 p.m. near the 700 block of Delaware Avenue, police said. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to McKeesport Regional Booking Center.

McKeesport Daily News June 6, 2002

Glassport

Public intox logged

Police charged a borough man last night after finding him intoxicated, according to reports. Joseph Donovan, 22, is charged with public intoxication, police said. The suspect was intoxicated to a degree that he was a danger to himself, according to police. Donovan was taken into custody, held until sober and released, police said.

McKeesport Daily News June 12, 2002

Summer events announced for Glassport Pool

By THE DAILY NEWS

Glassport Pool, located along Ninth Street, has set events for the summer months. Pool hours are noon to 7 p.m. daily.

Pool parties will be available after Friday.

Activities beginning the week of June 23 include swimming lessons, water aerobics, lifeguarding, swim club, night swim and a community CPR class.

Swimming lessons are $20 for six weeks. Beginners have class Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., and advanced swimmers have class Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Water aerobics are available for $40, and will take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7-8 a.m. Lifeguarding for the Professional Rescuer is slated for June 21 and 28 from 6-9 p.m. and June 22-23 and 29-30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The swim club is available all summer Mondays through Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. Night swims are available at regular pool rates Thursdays for families from 8-10:30 p.m. Teen night swim is available from 8-10:30 p.m. one Friday a month. The community CPR class is set for Saturday and Sun day from 10 a.m, to noon, with the date to be announced. Prices are half for season pass holders. For more information, call 412-672-0477.

McKeesport Daily News June 12, 2002

Glassport

Juveniles get citations

Police cited five juvenile males - three from the borough and two from Clairton - for underage drinking.

The males range in age from 15 to 16, police said. They were cited Friday at 1 a.m. near the 700 block of Delaware Avenue and were released to their parents or guardians, police said.

Juvenile trio cited

Police cited three male juveniles - one from the borough, one from Liberty and one from Lincoln - after they were discovered drinking.

The juveniles were found near the 600 block of Indiana Avenue Friday at approximately 1:30 a.m., police said, and each of them were cited for disorderly conduct and underage drinking, police said.

The trio were cited and released to their parents, police said.

Multiple charges filed

Police arrested a borough man after he was confronted by an officer for being visibly intoxicated, according to reports.

Steven Polk, age unknown, is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance, police said. Police said the man was first approached by an officer near the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue because he was staggering and visibly intoxicated. According to reports, the man attacked the officer and a fight ensued, then the man fled the scene. Another officer arrived, and police eventually caught up with Polk, police said, at the man's residence along Monongahela Avenue. Polk was taken into custody and transported to the police station.

McKeesport Daily News June 12, 2002

Glassport seeks sewage union

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport officials want to join forces with other municipalities when it comes to acquiring funds for sewage projects.

At last night's meeting, Councilman John D'Angelo said officials from McKeesport Municipal Authority want to form an association of sewage authorities in efforts to retrieve funding. "We could get a larger voice to be heard," D'Angelo said. Those who are part of Allegheny County Sewage Authority get the "lion's share of funding," he said. D'Angelo said if municipalities join together, they might have more of a chance of retrieving funds, a process similar to how Twin Rivers Council of Governments goes about getting money. The new association is still in preliminary stages, D'Angelo said, and council will be updated on any changes.

In other news, councilors agreed to form a redevelopment authority that would work as a vacant property review board. Councilman James Uziel said the purpose of this group would be to dispose of vacant lots without leaving the borough to pay taxes or the responsibility of demolishing properties. "Our workers are doing the best we can," he said. "We don't want a health hazard next to a residence." The program would make properties easier to sell because all taxes could be forgiven on the properties, he said.

In other action, councilors:

• Noted pre-application sites have been chosen for community development funding. They include Euclid Avenue road reconstruction, Harrison Street road reconstruction, Riverfront Park beautification, Oregon and Juniata Avenue sanitary sewer extension, and reconstruction of stairs along Ninth Street.

• Contracted AT&T Broadband for cable service. Costs include basic service, $12.32; remote, 30 cents; converter for basic service, $2; converter for other service, $4.80; trouble calls, $16.99; administrative fees for late payments, $2.95; high speed Internet service, $42.95 and $45.95.

• Agreed to let Keystate Publishers Inc. transfer the borough's ordinances to a computer disk. Cost is $7,560. • Sent a letter to the zoning board regarding Steve Kecman, who wishes to create an antique store at 618 Ohio Ave.

• Removed tax liens on various properties and sewers in the borough.

• Appointed Jeff Cadman as the zoning officer for the borough.

• Opted in to COG'S joint code enforcement program to retain funding.

• Rescinded a letter to accept Glassport Central Elementary School from South Allegheny School District once it is no longer being used. Council was considering having meetings at the old school, but the cost associ ated with the building would be too high. Meetings through the summer will be in the library, located downstairs from council chambers.

• Granted South Allegheny Football Boosters $25 to place an advertisement for their program booklet for the 2002 football season.

• Noted a demonstration of a street sweeper by Tennant Inc. Uziel said state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, will seek grant money for the sweeper. Council is waiting for the company representative to send a cost estimate.

• Noted Councilman James Foster is looking for a site to put either a dirtbike track or a skateboard park. He favors the idea of the park because the borough would be less liable and less land would be required.

Glassport's history rich with industrial development

By MELISSA SPANGLER, Daily News Staff Writer June 24, 2002

When drivers or pedestrians enter Glassport from Clairton or down the hill from Port Vue, they don't tend to think about all the history the borough contains - dating back more than 100 years. The borough is celebrating its centennial throughout this month.

It is believed most of Glassport once was covered by the Monongahela River, and the river basin settled to where it now flows through the hilly terrain as thousands of years went by.The soil was found rich and fertile by Iroquois Indians, who began growing corn, squash and tobacco, according to the borough's Web site.

Some of the early families to settle were the McClures, the Edmundsons, the Barackmans, the Flocklers, the Thompsons, the Pollocks and the Reeds - who also were farmers.At one point in history, this area was claimed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and George Washington, according to the Web site, which can be found at http://users.telerama.com/~urichard/glasscv.htm.

Before Glassport was its own borough, the territory was part of Elizabeth Twp., then of Lincoln Twp., then Port Vue. It became a separate municipality in 1902, comprised of 1.52 square miles, and the population of the town 10 years prior to that was 50 - which may have included some horses and cows.

Beginning of Industry

In 1894, United States Glass Co. chose Pleasant Valley as a site for its new factory. When this became a business called Glassport Land Co., the town started to be laid out and property was sold. Most of the streets lining the borough are named for states and numbers, except for the Otto section, which follows N. Monongahela Avenue toward McKeesport to the W.D. Mansfield Memorial Bridge from Harrison Street.

According to the Web site, the manufacturing of glass became a reality, and people came to work and live in the town. Items being manufactured included tobacco jars, butter holders, meter covers, battery jars and eventually soft-drink glasses.The first suggestion for the town's name was Hylos - the Greek word for crystal. The next idea was offered by glass firm officials - Glassport - to honor the company. One hundred years later, that name still stands.

Industry and the economy increased as the borough progressed in the early 1900s. These industries included coal, gas wells, water and rail transportation and coal and gas for energy. As in any town with a growing economy, schools and businesses began appearing all over. Several companies contributed to the industry and business of the new borough. Workers came from all over the world, including Poland, Italy, Finland, the Balkans, Yugoslavia, Romania and eastern Europe.

Abundance of companies

* United States Glass Co. was the head business, located at the end of Seventh Street.Passenger trains brought workers into town. The company was one of the largest hand-crafted glass manufacturing facilities in America before pressed glass became inexpensive.A tornado in August 1963 struck the Glass House, which contained the main manufacturing operations of the glass company. It was deemed too costly to rebuild and had to be closed.

* Coke ovens were located from Harrison Street, going up the Monongahela River.Otto Hoffman, a German inventor, built the Bee-Hive Coke Works, according to the borough's Web site.Source of the coal needed to produce coke and iron was the four mines on the hill above Red Row, or Erie Avenue.

* Another firm was Serverance Manufacturing Co., which produced bolts, spikes and rivets for iron work construction. The downfall of this business came when welding was developed and machine rivets were improved by others.

* Pittsburgh Steel Foundry was born in Glassport in 1899. It originally employed fewer than 50 workers, but this number grew to 3,200 four decades later to help World War II efforts.The foundry produced armor steel, tank turrets, huge anchors for war ships and several war items.There actually is one anchor displayed at the intersection of Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue, which was placed there by Glassport Heritage Society. In 1959 the company occupied the property from Third to Seventh streets, and it later became Textron Inc., then Pittron. This plant had a chapel that was used for prayer and Bible study. In November 1973, a large amount of molten steel accidentally was poured where men were working and, miraculously, no one was injured. A book was written about this incident by Wayne Aldersonn, the plant manager, which later became a television documentary, "The Miracle of Pittron. "In 1974, a Milwaukee mining, drilling and construction equipment company that needed high-quality casting took over. The name eventually became Bucyrus-Erie Glassport and closed as other mills did in the 1980s.

* Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, with a roundhouse and YMCA along Broadway Avenue, was used to conduct routine maintenance and major steam locomotive repairs. Train crews used the YMCA for layovers. CSX of Jacksonville, Fla., operates the railroad today.

* Pittsburgh Steel Co. came to the borough in 1900 and made hoops and band. The plant employed 270 people and occupied six acres. The facility could no longer compete with modern manufacturing methods and closed.

* The American Axe & Tool Co. manufactured various types of axes and handles. The company moved to West Virginia to suit labor expense needs and was not in Glassport for very long.

* Copperweld Steel Corp. was a manufacturing company with products in great demand for several years.Five men from Rankin invented a process that used a layer of copper to the outside of steel.The product could withstand corrosion.The company grew rapidly and purchased the American Axe & Tool Co. to become part of Glassport. In 1959, the company diversified to alumoweld, a similar product using an aluminum powder to cover the steel wire using an electronic process. Copperweld expanded to Ohio and Tennessee and continued to grow. The downfall came in 1975 when a French conglomerate owned by the Rothchild family purchased the company and took control of Copperweld stock.

Other businesses in early Glassport industry included Coslov Scrap Metal Co., Griffin Oil Co., Stalling's Bakery, Ohio Barge Line and Eastern Standard Oil Co. Larger businesses of recent times include Westinghouse Apparatus Service Plant along Broadway Avenue, Plotkins Plumbing Supply along Wall Street, Coal Unloaders along Wall Street, Builders Supply Co. along Harrison Street and Home Service Purchasing Inc. along Third Street.

The Great Depression

When the Great Depression occurred, Copperweld made it through the hard times, and the huge demand for the product became difficult to meet.Glassport was hard hit by the Great Depression when the stock market crashed and business started to go downhill.Factories started to lay off workers, and those lucky enough to have jobs worked two or three days per week at most. During these times, a group of friends and neighbors called the Glassport Unemployed Council was organized by Sam Antico. This group descended upon the relief association and demanded jobs, food and clothing. Some residents were given employment with the Works Program Administration and others with Citizens Works Administration. They worked on local projects - sewers for Vermont Avenue, road construction and other jobs.Younger men joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, but even with this aid, families still were forced to go on welfare, according to "It Happened Here," a book being written by the borough's Centennial Committee. Glassport Unemployed Council had an influence on the local labor movement and the formation of unions. The first Labor Day Parade was organized in 1937. In 1939, union Local 1306 of Pittsburgh Steel Foundry went on strike, which lasted three months. The company tried to bring "strike breakers," but the labor movement of the McKeesport area came to the support of the union, the book states. Eventually, factories started up again, and more jobs were available with salary increases and better working conditions.

The early beginnings

Before Glassport became its own municipality in 1902, it was simply part of another borough.On Jan. 29, 1902, P.S. McMullen took a petition to court, with intentions to have the borough divided. The paper contained signatures of many residents from the area of the Youghiogheny River. The court appointed a commission of three men, who arranged for a series of meetings, for the purpose of hearing arguments - why the borough should be divided.

On June 17, 1902, it was announced that Glassport borough was a reality.Court approved a merger of Otto and Glassport, but put the new community under the jurisdiction of Port Vue until a special election was held July 29, an election for a corps of borough officers.

Now, the borough adjoins the Tenth Ward of McKeesport and includes all of the land along the Monongahela River between the Tenth Ward line and the original borough line of Port Vue.The officers to be elected included seven councilmen, six school directors, one burgess, one justice of the peace, one high constable, one county constable, one assessor, one tax collector, an election board and an executive committee.The following were elected: burgess, H.C. Griffin; council, George Pforsich, John F. Reed, W.F. Sparks, J.A.C. Sword, Patrick Kelly, Frank Chester, James J. Peyton and M.J. Webster. Times have changed, politically, as most of these officials were Republican and today's Glassport councilmen mostly are Democrats.

"It Happened Here"

As part of the centennial celebration, the borough's Centennial Committee is putting together a book about the history of the borough called "It Happened Here."The publication includes facts and statistics dating back to the beginning of the borough, along with officials, police and other people involved in the municipality since its inception.

Little information before 1851 was available for the book, but records show at that time, a house owned by Jane McClure was standing along the public road leading from Elizabeth to Glassport. This farmhouse was considered the settling place of the first pioneers and early immigrants. The oldest original house still standing in the borough is located at Seventh Street and Michigan Avenue, owned by the Wojciechowskis. It has been remodeled, but the original structure still remains.

Before Glassport became an official borough, the area had a rather dubious distinction. The first woman in Allegheny County - and only the second woman in Pennsylvania - to be hanged for a crime came from the area.Charlotte Jones and her boyfriend, Henry Fife, were convicted of murdering her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth McMasters and George Wilson, in 1857. The murder occurred on April 30. Jones reportedly knocked at her relatives' door and gained entrance, after she summoned Fife by whistling. According to the story, Fife killed the old man with a dirk and beat the woman to death with a poker. The criminals were hanged in Pittsburgh on Feb. 12. There is a legend that on April 13 every year, if one stands on the site of the old log cabin at midnight, he or she will hear the echo of the whistle.

The book also contains information about several businesses that popped up in the borough, even before Glassport was its own municipality. George W. Nizinski was one of the early borough businessmen. Born in Poland in 1872, he came to McKeesport nine years later. He was the proprietor of Hotel Nizinski Bar & Cafe (Hotel Conava), which was first in the city along Fifth Avenue until 1937. He erected this business along Monongahela Avenue at that time. The man also owned Nizinski Dry Goods/Clothing Store along Indiana Avenue in the mid-1920s.

The first post office was established in the borough in 1893, located in the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Station. The ticket agent, Theodore C. Smith, also served as postmaster. Because of the heavy load of mail for the industries, it was soon moved to its own headquarters in an old frame building at the corner of Seventh Street and Ohio Avenue, where Rosalind Russell served as post-mistress. The post office was moved to 537 Monongahela Ave. in 1906 and remained there until 1916, when it was moved to 506 Monongahela Ave. Finally, in 1963, the post office was relocated to 730 Monongahela Ave., where it currently serves residents.

As industries and businesses began to appear in Glassport, a need for a bank became evident. Glassport National Bank was granted a charter to operate in 1899, and the bank was incorporated in January of 1906 with James Evans as one of the early presidents in 1902. In 1915, the bank name was changed to The Glassport Trust Co. This business, like the post office, went though a chronological series of changes. In 1962, it merged with Peoples Union Bank & Trust Co., then in 1970 with Union National Bank of Pittsburgh. These mergers have created a more-efficient banking system for the residents.

Where there is growth, there is a need for protection.On Nov. 6, 1902, Glassport approved and enacted an ordinance creating the police department, with a duty of preserving the public peace, patrolling the streets and making arrests for all violations of the law. The first police station was the old abandoned Pleasant Valley School Building. The burgess was head of this department. According to the Glassport publication, "The men of good character who serve as policemen must first take special training, and learn all police regulations, traffic rules of the borough, and a certain amount of the law. Police must also acquire knowledge in the use of firearms - weapons including tear-gas shells, riot guns and submachine guns, self-defense tactics and first aid. "The department has grown from one man to eight officers today. In 1902, the salary was $2 per day. Now, according to the book, salary is $50 per day, plus benefits of insurance coverage, hospitalization and a clothing allowance. A pension fund was established in 1959 and has been updated.

The borough's first volunteer fire company - Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 - was formed in March of 1901. Approximately 25 residents met in the old borough building along Erie Avenue and formed the organization. Officers included Aaron Cole, president; John Redman, recording secretary; John Cole, financial secretary; Harry Rommel, treasurer; and John Murphy, chief. Cole later resigned in favor of William G. Hatfield. The first apparatus was a hand-drawn hose reel donated by Glassport Land Co.Later, council bought a hook and ladder and another hose reel, used until 1928 when the fire company purchased a La France Chemical Truck for $6,500 with only $2,000 available in the budget. It took six years of holding street fairs, raffles, bingos, carnivals and other fund-raisers to pay for the equipment. The fire company officers felt that along with fire protection, residents should also receive ambulance service. In May of 1941, the first Cadillac Meteor Ambulance was purchased and, 12 years later, it was replaced by a Superior Cadillac, fully equipped for an emergency situation. In 1975, 10 members received training as "Emergency Medical Technicians." These men would serve the community during emergencies, accompanying the ambulance to the hospital and giving aid to anyone needing it.Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, the second fire company created in the borough, was organized on Oct. 13, 1903, with a membership of 13. Gordon Ross was the first president. After two years of raising funds, Reliance recently purchased a 1976 La France 85-foot Aerial Ladder truck, which men are learning to operate. The company also has two pumpers, one rescue truck, one fully-equipped ambulance and it has a River Rescue boat and unit. Arthur Salzman is the current captain of Reliance Hose Co. No. 2. In early history, there was a bitter rivalry between the companies, resulting in many fights, especially when an alarm was being answered. Today, the book states, the companies are the best of friends, working together for the benefit of everyone. For a brief period during 1907, there was a third company - Vigilant Hose Co. No. 3. This company served the hill district, but it did not survive.

As one travels down Monongahela Avenue from McKeesport into town, at the corner of Fifth Street and Monongahela is a landmark that is hard to miss - Samuel A. Weiss Glassport Community Library. The building housing this library contains council chambers in its upper level. In a glass case adjoining the building is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, in its striking blue color. It shows a sense of patriotism right in the center of Glassport. On March 17, 1961, the library was incorporated to be eligible for private funds and grants of money. By 1963, the library had a need to expand, according to "It Happened Here." Ground was broken for an addition to the library on Jan. 29 of that year. The library was dedicated to Weiss with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 3, 1964 with a program at the Mazur Hotel. Guests and residents inspected the two rooms, readying the business for lending books to curious readers.

Judge Weiss was born in Poland, settled in Glassport and received his primary education in the borough schools. Weiss was elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1934 and 1936 and elected to the U.S. Congress in 1940, 1942 and 1944. He was elected to judge of Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and was re-elected in 1955 with the endorsement and support of both political parties. The judge was vice president of the Supreme Lodge of B'nai B'rith, president of the Roselia Foundling and Maternity Hospital, vice president of the National Jewish Hospital of Denver, board member at Montefiore Hospital, board of trustees member at Duquesne University, board member at the Boys Club of McKeesport, member of the Elks, Eagles, Moose, Lions, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. Weiss, who passed away in February of 1977, was married to Jeannette E. Hoffman and fathered a son and a daughter.

Some old memories"It Happened Here" recalls some memories gathered from some senior citizens:

* Frederick Coursin's family, who owned a mansion in Coursin Hollow, would ride into the borough on a "surrey with the fringe on top" for all the town residents to come and see.

* Glassport had a "bathing beach" run by Bill Yough at the empty field where Copperweld now is located.

* When Glassport Ice Co. sent its horse and buggy around town selling ice.

* When Glassport High School students went on strike to protest the discharge of their supervising principal, John S. Hart.

* When you could buy a bottle of medicine for $1 at the medicine shows held regularly at the Polish Hall that would guarantee to rid you of your tapeworms.

©The Daily News 2002

South Allegheny residents still oppose school merger plan

By MELISSA SPANGLER, Daily News Staff Writer June 26, 2002

South Allegheny residents had a chance to speak their minds about the upcoming closings of Port Vue and Glassport elementary schools and almost everyone who spoke opposed the moves. Last night's public forum was required by law before the elementaries can be closed, school district Solicitor Thomas Barry. Port Vue resident Carolyn Popovic criticized the board's lack of communication with the public regarding plans for the new school, located along Washington Boulevard in Port Vue.

"You have not been honest in dealings with the public from the very beginning," she said. "Congratulations on a poor PR job well done."

Popovic said other districts are trying to keep their community schools open.

"It's ironic that some districts are trying to reopen their neighborhood schools and we are closing ours," she said.

Eugene Dozzi, another Port Vue resident, said the board could have done more to get input from residents.

"There were 3,000-plus people that said, 'Save our neighborhood schools'," Dozzi said. "The people who could do (save them) didn't listen.

"I see ... children being lost in a sea of students and not knowing anyone's name. I see ... 750 parents trying to park in 150 spaces."

Lincoln resident Marilyn Ashoff agreed with Dozzi and Popovic.

"In order to move on we need to respect others' opinions," she told school directors. "We expect you to answer, listen and respect. You are elected to listen."

Liberty resident Charlie Riley, however, favors combining Glassport, Port Vue and Manor elementary schools.

"My loyalty lies with the new school," he said.

Riley said he initially agreed with residents and thought it was a terrible idea to close the schools.

He said people shouldn't look at the project in terms of individual communities, but as the entire South Allegheny School District.

"It's time to think together and act together," Riley reasoned.

School Director Terry Dozzi, who opposes the plan, said her concerns lie with the students.

"We need teachers to know every student in the building," she said. "You can do this with 300 (students)."

She said there are 180 schools in the state currently undergoing renovations and only 40 that are new.

The school director also noted concerns about building maintenance.

"As the saying goes, 'They don't make them like they used to,'" she said. "This could happen to (the new building), too."

Under the current plan, Glassport and Port Vue schools will be closed and Manor will be used as an early childhood center.

The area which now houses Port Vue Elementary will be used for recreation and the building will be demolished.

No decision has been made as to the future of the Glassport Elementary site.

Originally, Glassport Council was going to accept responsibility for the building, but it recently rescinded that motion and the district will take it over once the school is closed.

McKeesport Daily News June 27, 2002

Industry and community molded Glassport's legacy.

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport turns 100 this year, and there are several residents - current and former - who have plenty of memories to share. These residents remember times when industry was booming in the borough, as some of them were employed by big companies such as Pittsburgh Steel Foundry and Copperweld Steel Corp.

Former resident Bill Somerville, who now resides in California, said the borough was "quite a town." "I have a lot of good memories," he said. "I remember the penny candy and little markets, and all the people were special," Somerville said with a smile. Even though he lives thousands of miles away, he still sees a familiar face here and there. "When I meet anyone from back home (Glassport), it's always exciting," he said. "But that only happens once in a blue moon."

Somerville resided along Maryland Avenue and Hemlock Way from 1941-1954. "It was a great city with good people," the former resident added. He recalled borough life in the 1940s when crime was not a worry. "There was only one policeman there," he said. "There was not high crime (in the borough)." Somerville also remembered a familiar market. "I remember well Darling's Market and the kindness of those folks, especially when the steel mills were on strike and we needed groceries. They never once refused to carry us when we needed it the most," he said. He added he worked at Darling's as a young man stocking shelves, and he still can remember Saul Darling cutting meat, and chewing on a cigar and flirting with the ladies.

John Martino, another Glassport native, recalls times from the 1950s to 1970s. He was born at McKeesport Hospital and was raised in the borough. "Our home was right in the middle of the block. We had a big wooden front porch, and that porch slowly evolved into our version of Grand Central Station," he said. "And what a view we had from that big porch ... When you're situated between Fuzzy's and Wojie's Funeral Home there's always something going on that required your, immediate attention," John Martino added. "Those years spent on the front porch are memories that I will always have with me."

His father, Nick, who resides in an apartment complex across Ninth Street from Glassport Community Pool, recalled the diversity Glassport had in the 1930s. Martino said residents of various ethnicities would group together and live in divided sections of the borough. "There was a Jewish community in the (areas of) Michigan and Ohio (avenues)," Nick Martino said. Other immigrants came from Finland, Italy, Ireland, Slovakia, Serbia and other areas, according to Nick Martino. Industry also was rich in the town, he said. "Glassport was a very busy town with the mills," he said. "Everybody worked turns, and there were always people on the street." Nick Martino graduated from then Glassport High School - which opened in 1929 - in 1935. "It was just Glassport people that went there," he said. He said he graduated with 75 others, and he is one of five other graduates still in the area.

The building at the intersection of Third Street and Ohio Avenue that houses Glassport Elementary, which is slated for closing for the new South Allegheny Elementary School, was Glassport High School, the elder Martino said. Before this building was erected, another building in the Otto area of town was used for the school, he added. Another resident, Jim Amber, said something about Glassport he recalls is the way people treated each other. "Perhaps one of the most amazing and memorable qualities about growing up in Glassport was the sense of community and security that seemed to permeate the entire little town," he said. As kids growing up in the '50s and '60s, Amber added, Glassport represented simple values, simple pleasures and good times. "People seemed to walk around `The Port' for no apparent reason. They just liked to be out and about (amongst) other Glassporters," Amber added.

Former resident Gus West, who now lives in California, recalled Independence Day in the borough. "Back when I was a kid, around 1949 or 1950, the Fourth of July meant more than a day off from work," West said. Groups of people would gather at the Glassport Memorial and set off fireworks, he said.

Valentine Golembiewski, 95, of Indiana Avenue, recounted times when the people were courteous to each other. "People were different all together," he said. "If your mother was sick, your neighbor would come over and volunteer (to help). That's how people were," The house Golembiewski's father built in 1920 - 725 Indiana Ave. - still stands today. He now resides just a block down from that house.

McKeesport Daily News June 28, 2002

Borough targets `ancient' signals

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer msparngler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport commuters traveling down Monongahela Avenue will see a change in traffic signals in the near future.

Borough officials recently received a $10,000 grant through state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, from Department of Community and Economic Development.

Three traffic lights at Monongahela Avenue intersections - Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets - will be replaced.

New lights are needed, according to Councilman John D'Angelo, because the current signals are aged and in a bad location.

"The lights are ancient," he said. "They're at least 50 to 60 years old, and the technology is ancient. We can no longer get parts (for the lights)."

D'Angelo said the new lights should not be installed on the side of the roads where they are now because large trucks making turns hit them.

"Most of them are bent because they've been hit (so many times)," he said.

The new lights should be placed above the road so nothing can cause damage, D'Angelo said.

The grant only covers 1/3 of the project's cost, the councilman added, and he is pursuing Twin Rivers Council of Governments for a matching grant, along with other entities. According to estimates, installing lights at the three intersections costs a total of $24,300, with one intersection costing $8,100. Proposals have been received by some companies, but the borough has not awarded a bid to date. Councilman Terry DiMarco also is trying to include sensors in the new lights so emergency vehicles will more easily get through when responding to a call.

McKeesport Daily News June 28, 2002

Scholarship dinner set

Glassport Sons of Italy will have a dinner and presentations Sunday at 3 p.m. for scholarships that will be awarded to students.

Recipients include Lauren Paoletti, Teresa Sciulli, Thomas DeCarlo and Nicole Borrelli - all of South Allegheny School District.

McKeesport Daily News July 1, 2002

Glassport Lions Club officers set

Glassport Lions Club is announcing its newly elected officers for the 2002-03 year.

Assuming duties are Carl Zupi, president; John McCombs, first vice president; Joseph Nowakowski, second vice president; Rodney Stokes, third vice president; Patrick McGhen, secretary and treasurer; Anthony DeJulius, financial secretary; Carole Schmotzer, tail twister; and Tony Babral, lion tamer.

Serving on the membership committee will be Edward Burnett, Elmer Kruzek and Anthony Campano. Twoyear directors are Jim Jones, John Palmiero, Robert Stefanic, Bill Kiser, Nancy West, Thomas Urbanski, Scott Finney, Carole Pasinski, Eleanor McGhen and Ted Street.

Nancy Coleman, Steve Posa, Jim Morningstar, Edmund Wojciechowski, Richard Ziemianski, Joseph Spagnolo, Linda Rendulic, Richard Antoncic and Ronald Tsyzkiewicz will serve at one-year directors.

Named permanent directors were Judge John Hester and DeJulius, past district governor.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette July 3, 2002

Borough won't buy School, but others may.

By Eric Slagle

South Allegheny School District officials are not disappointed that Glassport Borough has backed out of a plan to purchase the Glassport School for $1.

In fact, South Allegheny Superintendent Pat Risha said he was glad to get the building back and predicted there would be a better deal for the district down the road.

"Since I was going to sell it for $1 - heck yeah, I'll make a profit on it," he said.

For the past two years the district's plan was to sell the building to the borough, which intended to convert the old structure into a multi-use municipal building. Just recently, the borough replaced a leaky roof at a cost of about $60,000 in anticipation of taking over the old school.

Now everybody's plans have changed.

"We can't afford that building," said Glassport Mayor Tom Urbanski, referring to the more than $1 million that would be needed to remodel the 73-year-old structure. He also said the borough can't afford the additional manpower for routine maintenance. "We have trouble paving a street around here."

Council member Terry DiMarco added that the realignment of Allegheny County's district justice system eliminated a prospective tenant for the building. HP_ said Glassport's District Justice Edward Burnette was going to keep his office in the converted school, but now his position is going to be dropped under the realignment.

The loss of that rental income and added expense of a recently unionized police force convinced council to vote no on the building.

Urbanski said the borough will either rehabilitate its current municipal building or move operations into another existing building which he would not name.

The old school's future, meanwhile, is uncertain but promising.

Risha said four or five people have contacted him about the building already. The building will be put out to bid, but there would be some restrictions on how it will be used. "Whatever goes in there should be good for the community," he said.

One possible buyer would turn the 18-room structure into senior citizen apartments, while another is eyeing it as a nursing home.

Glassport officials would not release the names of these interested parties. Urbanski did say the borough didn't want to see the school used for a drug rehabilitation center.

The Rev. Wayne Schaffer of the Glassport Assembly of God Church is considering the 51,600-square-foot school as a place for its congregation of 140 to grow.

"There's not much [in Glassport], landwise," he said. Noting that the church's after-school program attracts about 50 children, Schaffer said the church has trouble fitting all the kids into the former Presbyterian church it bought in 1992.

Schaffer said church members would vote on how much it could pay but, noting that significant repairs need to be done, said the price would have to be "reasonable."

The building will function as a school for several more months, when students in grades four through six return in the fall. They will ship out in the middle of the school year to the district's new elementary school that is being built in nearby Port Vue.

McKeesport Daily News July 24, 2002

Glassport assault suspect to stand trial

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsenzail.com

A McKeesport man accused of almost running over a Glassport police officer and then fleeing the scene will stand trial.

Herbert Hoover Brown, 32, of Jersey Street, is charged with aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude, driving under suspension and reckless driving. Brown, represented by attorney William Behare, had his preliminary hearing yesterday at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's office. Formal arraignment is set for Sept. 24 in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. According to testimony from Glassport Officer Raymond Johnson, Brown was in one of two "suspicious" vehicles at Foodland on July 3 at 12:45 a.m. Johnson said one of the cars, a tan Cadillac, had a black male with a beard sitting in the driver's seat.

The officer pulled in front of the vehicles in the parking lot, he testified, and called for backup after Brown tried to step out of the vehicle. Johnson said Brown then put his car in reverse, almost hitting the officer, and drove at a high speed the wrong direction on Cypress Way, a one-way street. The officer said he chased the Cadillac to the 700 block of Cypress and then onto Seventh Street. The cars were going at least 55 mph, he said. Johnson lost track of the car on Vermont Avenue, he testified and then contacted McKeesport police and gave them a description of the vehicle and driver.

McKeesport police stopped the car shortly after 2 a.m., but a woman was driving the car at that time. Glassport police searched the vehicle, Johnson testified, and found a receipt from the board of probation and parole with Brown's name on it. A warrant was issued and Brown was arrested last week in North Versailles Twp., Johnson added.

The defendant also testified at yesterday's hearing. He refuted the officer's testimony and denied his involvement. "I wasn't there," Brown testified. "I was told to be in my house between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (under terms of his probation)."

Brown said he didn't know how he could be involved in a chase, drive through McKeesport and give the car to his sister, who was driving the Cadillac when it was pulled over by McKeesport police. "That was not me," he insisted. Burnett told Brown he'll have time to prove his case, though he determined "there is enough evidence to further review this in court."

McKeesport Daily News July 29, 2002

Glassport

Public intox reported

Police said they charged five men over the weekend on public intoxication charges.

• Roy Steele, 37, of Monongahela Avenue, was arrested Friday at 1 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

• Curt Detman, 22, of Ohio Avenue, was arrested Saturday at midnight at the corner of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue, police said.

• Steve Hindman, 21, of West Mifflin, and Joseph Donnelly, 22, of Clairton, were arrested this morning at 3 at the corner of Sixth Street and Indiana Avenue, police said.

• William Moore Jr., 37, of Wall, was arrested Saturday morning at 1:15 at the corner of Sixth Street and Oak Way, police said.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2002

Glassport firefighters back merger proposal

By SHELLEY VELTRI Daily News Staff Writer sveltri@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport's two fire companies are taking steps to become one.

Last night, Councilman Terry DiMarco said the officers of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 have voted in favor of merging. DiMarco chairs the borough's fire, police and water committee.

DiMarco said fire officials indicated members of both companies overwhelmingly favor the merger. Council President Bob Stefanic said a lot of preliminary work must be done before a merger is made final. DiMarco said the companies will receive assistance in merging from state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville.

Mayor Thomas Urbanski said he's pleased with the news of the merger plans. "It's really a helpful thing to our community," he said. "I think it's the greatest thing. I was glad to hear we're coming together to work as one." The mayor said various legislators questioned why the two fire companies hadn't merged in a borough of just 4,800 residents. DiMarco said a single fire company will be able to receive more grant funds than multiple fire companies. He also said state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, has secured a $5,600 grant for the purchase of an automatic external defibrillator, a digital camera and photo developer for the police department.

Also last night, council voted to have Urbanski perform building inspection duties temporarily. For several months, the borough has been operating without a building inspector. Until about two years ago, Urbanski was building inspector. After he resigned, DiMarco performed the duties. DiMarco has since stepped down. At first, council voted down a building inspection service proposal from Building Inspectors Underwriters. Stefanic said the company's fees are very high and might deter residents from making home improvements. Voting against the proposal were DiMarco, Stefanic, Edward Mihoces and James Uziel. Voting in favor were James Foster, James Morningstar and John D'Angelo.

Until the borough finds another inspection option, the mayor will perform the duties, with any funds earned to be donated to the youth center. D'Angelo asked if Urbanski is allowed, legally, to act as building inspector, as a conflict of interest could evolve. Solicitor Timothy Codelka said he'll look into the matter.

D'Angelo also questioned the money being spent on placing boat docks at Harrison Street. He said council neither budgeted nor approved the costs, currently $20,000 and likely to escalate to $40,000. Stefanie disputed that claim and said the work has come before council over the course of three years. Uziel said the docks will enhance the community and generate money. "There's a crying need for these boat docks," he said. D'Angelo disagreed. "We've got better things to do with that kind of money than to put it into the river," he said.

The borough is considering a program in which homeowners can buy adjacent, vacant and tax-delinquent properties with clear titles. The purpose of the program is to get such properties back on the tax rolls and eliminate vacant eyesores. At the same time, homeowners can expand their properties with such things as gardens or garages. Attorney Cliff Johns, who has performed such work for other communities, is working for Glassport on the project.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2002

SA school on time, under budget

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny Elementary School could make history, according to the school district's superintendent. At SA School Board's work session last night, Patrick Risha said the new elementary building will be the first educational facility in the state to be completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Despite the progress of construction, at least one director has some issues with the project. The board will vote on purchasing technology equipment for the new school, located off of Washington Boulevard in Port Vue, but Doris Bailley said she thinks money is being spent too fast. The board has a three-year plan for such purchases. Assistant Superintendent Walter Niedziela said expenditures are on schedule. "We expected to spend more during the first year," he said. Bailley also complained that she tried to attend a job construction meeting with N. Cunzolo Associates, the district's contractor, but Risha told her to leave. Risha denied the allegation, but said he should be informed if she plans to attend future meetings. "You don't have to like or respect me," he said. "But respect the position I hold."

Board President Luke Riley said all the members should get involved. "I encourage everyone to see the new school, and what we're doing up there," he said. - Directors also discussed a suggestion by Jim Ross of Yarborough Development in Port Vue to consider a change order for the drainage system in the high school cafeteria, which recently underwent renovations. Ross said the changes would be for employees' convenience, and not a safety or health issue. Business Manager Sharon Miller said the current system has a small drain that must be emptied by custodians. That results in water being left on the floor, creating sloppy working conditions. A new drain "would make a cleaner working environment," she said. The proposed drain, at a cost of $10,924, would measure 16 feet by 4 feet and would simplify the cleaning process, Miller said. The board is not required to purchase such a drain because the current system meets health and safety codes. "When it comes down to it, this is an issue of convenience," Director Walter Hibner said. "It's up to us if we want to make it convenient for these (employees)." The board will vote at its business meeting tomorrow night at 7 in the high school band room.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2002

Glassport

Public intox reported

Police logged two public intoxication arrests of area residents since Sunday, according to reports.

• James Leber, 21, of Elizabeth Twp., was arrested Sunday at Rite-Aid Pharmacy, located along Monongahela Avenue. The suspect was causing a disturbance and was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to reports. He was taken into custody and held until sober.

• Borough resident Travis Budnik, 29, was arrested Monday shortly after 1 a.m. near the intersection of Pacific and Juniata avenues, police said. The suspect was seen visibly intoxicated at the intersection, according to reports, and he then was taken into custody and transported to the police station. Budnik was cited and held until sober, police said.

McKeesport Daily News August 16, 2002

Glassport firemen nix merger rumors

By SHELLEY VELTRI Daily News Staff Writer sveltri@dailynewsemail.com

Discussions into the pros and cons of merging Glassport's two fire companies are the only things that are taking place.

No decision to merge has been made, stress Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 President Mike Komondor and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 President Shawn Deverse. In fact, the two companies only decided to meet, the presidents said, because of rumors that borough council will force the two to merge. "Someday down the line, if council forces us to merge, we don't want to be unprepared," Deverse said. However, Deverse noted, Councilor Terry DiMarco recently explained to the fire companies that such rumors that council would force a merger are false.

Earlier this week, council reported the two fire companies were taking preliminary steps to merge, but much work must be done before a merger is made final. Instead, Komondor and Deverse said the steps the two companies are taking are simply to explore the pros and cons of merging. "We just want to see - is it going to be beneficial, is it not going to be beneficial," Deverse said. The initial meeting took place, Deverse said, to squash rumors that there would be a merger and that the fire companies are having financial difficulties. "That's a major rumor going through town now and I'd like to step on that," he said. Deverse stressed a merger at this time is not necessary. "Neither company needs to do this. We're both financially sound ... We've been paying our bills and keeping our doors open."

A special committee is to be set up between both companies to discuss the pros and cons of a merger, he said. Deverse stressed that, after a great deal of investigation, both fire companies would have to agree to a merger if one is feasible.

McKeesport Daily News August 17, 2002

SA board's agenda filled by school change orders

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer msnaneler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny officials rehashed an issue that has been coming up at school board meetings over the last several months - change orders.

"There's been a lot of talk about change orders," board Vice President Walter Hibner said at Thursday's meeting. "Nobody likes it." Hibner said change orders for construction projects can occur for a variety of reasons. An error in the design, or an unforeseen but necessary change in design, may become apparent after work begins. Specs, too, can change when the project breaks ground. But the change orders that tend to be most expensive, Hibner said, are alterations and/or additions requested by the administration. Such requests - which can come from the school board, teachers or anyone in the administration - can cost as much as $140,000, while other kinds cost around $40,000, Hibner said.

The director said it's easy for taxpayers to "point fingers" when it comes to assigning responsibility for expensive changes. He stressed that the district received 12 references for the architect, N. John Cunzolo Associates. "We have nothing but high praise for (the architect)," Hibner said. "Experiences with other (contractors) were nightmares."

Director Doris Bail ley said she thinks approving change orders is like "piece work." "One month we vote for a sink," she said, "and the next month we vote for a cabinet to put it in." Bailley, however, did say she supports a change order for window reconstruction to assure safety in a situation where students could be trapped in a room.

Director John Matyasovsky pointed out that Hibner has not brought the idea to a meeting so it could be addressed by the school board. Director Terry Dozzi said the board needs to prioritize its spending. "We can spend $10,000 in a week (on a new drainage system) but our hands our tied to pay teachers so kids can get tutoring," she said.

At its August meeting, the board agreed to a new drainage system for the high school cafeteria kitchen. Dozzi dissented on the motion, because she said she is unconvinced a new drain is necessary for safety reasons. At Tuesday's work session, the board was told by contractors that the drain would be more convenient - not necessarily safer - for cafeteria employees.

In other business directors:

*Approved creation of a girls volleyball boosters club.

• Agreed to let Port Vue United Methodist Church use the vacant kindergarten room at Port Vue Elementary to hold preschool, if renovation at the church is not complete.

• Approved a work order addition costing $9,920 with Gurtner and Sons, LLC, for excavation and site development of additional grass in the area adjacent to the new elementary school.

• Accepted the resignation of retiring Assistant Superintendent Walter Niedziela, effective Aug. 29, 2003.

McKeesport Daily News August 21, 2002

Glassport

Trio cited after fight

Police charged three borough men this morning at 1 after officers observed them in a fight near the 700 block of Hemlock Alley, according to reports.

• David Hobby, 49, is charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and public intoxication. Richard Kostyzak, 37, is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Steven Polk, 39, is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said the trio was involved in a fight that produced no injuries. Kostyzak and Polk were Cited and released, and Hobby was incarcerated, according to reports.

Public intox reported

Police arrested a borough man this morning at 3 after he appeared intoxicated, according to reports. Daniel Gribschaw, 22, was arrested near the intersection of Sixth Street and Delaware Avenue, police said. When police arrived, Gribschaw was intoxicated to a degree that rendered him dangerous to himself and others, police said.

The suspect was taken into custody and held until deemed sober, police said.

McKeesport Daily News August 23, 2002

Glassport

Fight leads to arrests

Police arrested two borough residents Wednesday night after a fight occurred in front of an Ohio Avenue property, according to reports.

• Trisha Cadieu, 32, is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Kevin Cadieu, 34, also is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police arrived at the scene shortly before 10:30 p.m. and observed them fighting, causing an unreasonable amount of noise, according to a report. The pair was cited and released, according to police.

Public intox reported

Police said they charged David Flowers, 42, with public intoxication last night at 10.

Police observed Flowers near the 800 block of Eight Street, and he appeared to be intoxicated to a degree where he was a threat to himself and others in the area, police said.

The suspect was cited and released, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News August 28, 2002

Glassport woman faces trial

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer ntspanjeler@dailvnewsemail.com

A Glassport woman accused of making multiple phone calls to the borough's police station and Allegheny County 911 dispatch is held for court on a charge of harassment by communication.

Mary Martin, represented by attorney William Behare, was ordered to face trial yesterday after her preliminary hearing at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's office. Martin, 41, is scheduled for formal arraignment Oct. 30 in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Glassport Officer Ray Johnson, who received telephone calls from Martin at the borough police station Aug. 17, testified Martin made calls to his department and 911 - when there were no emergency situations. "She called (the station) and she was intoxicated," Johnson testified. In a two-hour period, according to Johnson, Martin made 14 calls to the Glassport station and the dispatch center. The calls were not threatening, Johnson said. He explained in the calls, Martin expressed concern for her son, who was arrested twice in the last month.

After her hearing, constables transported Martin to Allegheny County Jail where she will await her trial.

According to Burnett, last month's incident wasn't the first harassing call to police. The judge said the first reported incident occurred in 1998. In addition to the criminal complaint heard yesterday, police gave Martin numerous citations for disturbances with unreasonable noise and additional telephone calls, according to Burnett. "We've given her break after break," the judge said. "There comes a time (to stop)." There have been five citations since February 2000, according to reports.

Police cited Martin that month for unreasonable noise, and reports indicate Martin was physically defensive and argued with police. In August last year, she was cited again for being belligerent toward Glassport police officers, according to the report. Two months later, police said, Martin made six harassing phone calls to Glassport police within 45 minutes, after she was told not to call anymore.

In February this year, she made calls to county 911, causing a disturbance with police, according to the report. In April this year, according to police, she was intoxicated and caused a disturbance along Erie Avenue, and she argued with police. Her last reported incident was in August, for which she will face court. "This is not including the warnings police gave her," the judge stressed.

McKeesport Daily News October 1, 2002

Glassport

Police cite conduct

Police charged a borough woman after they responded to her residence Saturday at 10:30 p.m. for a report that she was screaming with the doors open, according to reports. Teresa Messner, 45, of Indiana Avenue, is charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. When officers arrived, police said, they warned the resident and later arrested her on the charges. Messner was taken into custody, transported to the police station and held until sober, according to reports.

Public intox reported

Police charged a borough resident Sunday at 9:30 p.m. after finding her lying on the ground, according to reports. Jayne Feliceity, 48, was lying on the ground near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue, police said. Feliceity was taken into custody, transported to the police station and held until sober, according to police.

Disturbance reported

Police charged a borough man Sunday shortly after 3 a.m. after he caused a disturbance, according to reports. Michael Cole, 25, is charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication, police said. Police were called to the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue for a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived, police said, they found Cole was getting ready to start a fight, police said. Police took Cole into custody and cited him, according to reports.

Duo cited for conduct

Police charged a McKeesport man and borough resident Saturday at 11:58 p.m. after they were engaged in an argument, according to reports.

• David Hornfeck, 39, is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Karen Evanchek, 37, of Monongahela Avenue, also has a charge of disorderly conduct, police said.

They both were cited and released, police said.

McKeesport Daily News October 2, 2002

Glassport American Legion install officers

Glassport American Legion Post 443 is announcing officers installed for the year.

Assuming duties are Gerald MacDonald, commander; Robert Santucci, senior vice commander; Jay Medved, junior vice commander; Douglas N. Somerville, adjutant; Harry Sechrist, finance advocate; Michael Kurka, judge advocate; Edith Pavlischek, service officer; and Sechrist, chaplain. Sergeants-at-arms are Anthony DiSciullo and Albert Mendicino.

Serving on the executive board will be Carl Zupi, DiSciullo and Nick Martino. Officers of the Home Association board of directors are Zupi, president; Kurka, vice president; Somerville, secretary; and Sechrist, financial secretary.

McKeesport Daily News October 4, 2002

Glassport

Domestic reported

Police charged a borough man after responding to a call that a woman was beat up, according to reports. Joseph Svetz, 42, is charged with simple assault and possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Police arrived at a residence located along the 500 block of Oak Alley Wednesday at 1:30 a.m., according to reports. After an investigation, officers found the suspect was in possession of suspected cocaine, police said. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to District Justice Edward Burnett's office for arraignment, police said.

Public intox reported

Police charged a borough man after he was found intoxicated on the street, according to reports. David Hobby, 49, is charged with public intoxication, police said.

On Wednesday shortly before 2:30 a.m., he was seen in the 700 block of Hemlock Alley intoxicated to a degree where he was a danger to himself, police said. Yesterday at 11:45 p.m., police said, Hobby was observed staggering in the street near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue. Police said he had to hold himself up from falling down. Hobby was taken to the station and held until deemed sober, police said.

Disturbance reported

Police charged a borough man after local residents said he was disrupting them, according to reports. John Swantek, 37, is charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication, police said. Police were called by people who were on the street, and they told officers he was swearing and yelling, according to reports. Swantek was taken to the station and held until sober, police said.

McKeesport Daily News October 9, 2002

Falling bricks raise many concerns

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport's municipal building has seen better days. At last night's meeting, Councilman James Uziel said bricks have been falling off the structure, located at the intersection of Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue. A portion of the building is roped off, and council has not decided what will be done. An architect from Davis Gardner Gannon Pope Architecture of South Side was called to do an inspection, according to Uziel. "He said the building is in very poor shape," the councilman stated.

Council will conduct a work session, which has not yet been set, to discuss the issue. Uziel said several options can be taken. First, the borough can have the building demolished and a new one erected. Or, Uziel said, council can lease space in the borough. Finally, the borough can use another building owned in Glassport for municipal services, Uziel said. "There are many options, but we should be as a whole in agreement with the decision we make," he stated. "We really can't stay (at the borough building) much longer." One factor in the decision, Uziel said, is funding. "We have to work within our means," he stressed. "We can't look for a Taj Mahal here." A meeting' will take place to discuss the issue within the next two weeks, according to Uziel.

In other news, council discussed a coal dust problem at the intersection of Wall Street and Ohio Avenue. Resident Mary Ann Murin complained trucks causing the dust are not cleaning up the mess on the streets, causing dust to go on properties. Council President Bob Stefanik said the truck company, Mon Valley Transport, was cited for the nuisance. Also, the borough met with the company multiple times to discuss the issue, according to Stefanik. The president said the company will be cited again if the problem persists. "We can't goon living like this," he stressed.

In other action council:

• Accepted the resignation of Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kommondor. Kommondor, who's also president of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, will be moving out of Glassport soon and will not be able to fulfill his duties of that position.

• Noted recycling will be collected next month. Councilman James Morningstar said residents should divide metal items and bottles when recycling. • Set the Halloween parade for Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. Interested residents can register at the borough building.

• Noted a meeting will be scheduled with Glassport Elementary PTA and South Allegheny School District Superintendent Patrick Risha to discuss taking over the playground equipment at the school once it is closed down.

• Noted county Executive James Roddey will tour the area May 7. Tour's theme is economic development.

• Advertised hiring of one part-time and one full-time officer to coincide with the COPS grant. This action was recommended by the U.S. Justice Department because the borough did not have enough officers to coincide with the grant, Stefanik explained.

• Opted into a proposal for a shared code administrator/enforcement officer with Twin Rivers Council of Governments.

• Noted Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will run its annual sweepstakes calendar for next year. Council will submit a $50 ad in the calendar.

McKeesport Daily News October 16, 2002

Glassport

Police log theft attempt

Police charged a McKeesport man Monday night shortly after 11:30 after a report he was trying to break into a vending machine near a business, according to reports. Robert Yednak, 33, is charged with possession of an instrument of crime, criminal mischief and criminal attempt of theft, police said.

The suspect was behind a business along the 900 block of Ohio Avenue when a resident saw him tampering with a vending machine, according to reports. The resident reported this incident to police, assisting them in the arrest, said Chief Eugene Skerkoski.

Police have had other calls of similar incidents, the chief said. Yednak was taken into custody and transported to McKeesport Regional Booking Center for arraignment, and then Allegheny County Jail, according to police. Yednak recently was arrested in Versailles for trying to gain entry to a soda vending machine at Blaho's Auto Service, police said.

McKeesport Daily News October 22, 2002

Safety house teaches important lessons to Glassport youngsters

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Some students at Glassport Elementary now are more aware of what to do in a fire emergency. Yesterday, a fire prevention program was presented to fourth-graders at the school by Glassport's Citizens Hose Co. No. 1.

A "fire safety house" was donated by Allegheny County Firemen's Association of North Park for the local department to demonstrate what should be done if a fire occurs, according to Lt. Brian Greg of the fire company, The safety house consists of three sections to portray a typical home - bedroom, bath and living room areas.

Representatives from the fire department advised students what to do when signs of a fire occur. To create a realistic effect, simulated smoke was used, but it was not a hazard. "It's the kind they use in dance clubs," Greg explained. "It's all common sense," the lieutenant added. "We're trying to make the kids aware that the smallest electrical cord on the floor can cause a fire." He not only stressed fire hazards, but health problems, as well. Greg offered students the following tips for what to do in a fire emergency:

• Remain calm.

• Stay low to the ground.

• Yell for help.

• Get out of the structure in a safe, fast way and don't return until the fire is completely extinguished.

He said anyone in the house or building should go to a general meeting point, to stay out of harm's way. Greg also advised the youngsters what to do in certain rooms to avoid health hazards. For instance, in the kitchen, they shouldn't reach on the stove or touch electrical outlets.

Shawn-Colin Thomas, a participant in the program, said it was scary because it was a little hard to breathe with the smoke, but it was useful. "It helped us learn what to do (in a fire situation)." Chelsea Mainwaring, another student, said she enjoyed the event because she felt safe with all the adults there to supervise. "I thought it was fun," Chelsea said. "I feel more informed."

Fire Lt. Jim Poston, who also was at the program, said he was surprised with how well the students did. "I was shocked that none of (the students) panicked," he said. "Nobody was running to get out (of the fire house)."

McKeesport Daily News October 24, 2002

Glassport

Man faces charges

George Mehalcik, 42, of Monongahela Avenue, was arrested yesterday after police responded to a disturbance among neighbors. In response to yesterday's 7 p.m. incident, Mehalcik is charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Two arrested after fight

Two men were taken to McKeesport Regional Booking Center after police responded to a fight. Yesterday, at approximately 8:30 p.m., police received a call of a fight in progress at the intersection of Broadway and Indiana avenues. After police broke up the altercation, both men were arrested.

David Hobby, 45, of Hemlock Alley, is charged with resisting arrest, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Daniel Gribschaw, 25, was transferred to Allegheny County Jail due to an outstanding county bench warrant in regard to a previous conflict.

McKeesport Daily News October 30, 2002

Glassport

Drug charges filed

Police charged a borough man yesterday at 7:45 p.m. after searching his residence and finding suspected crack cocaine, according to reports.

Steven Polk, 38, of Monongahela Avenue, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, violation of the Drug, Controlled Substance, Device and Cosmetic Act, endangering the welfare of children and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Police said the department searched the home, located along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue, and found an undisclosed amount of suspected crack cocaine. The substance will be sent for Allegheny County Crime Lab for testing, according to police.

Responding to the scene were Glassport police, McKeesport police K-9 and Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotic Enforcement Team, police said. Polk was taken into custody, arraigned at South Allegheny District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office and taken to Allegheny County Jail on $25,000 bond, police said.

McKeesport Daily News October 30, 2002

Glassport sex assault case postponed

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

A North Huntingdon Twp. man charged in the rape of a 15-year-old Glassport girl must wait to see if he will face court. Richard Mark Lauffer, 20, had his preliminary hearing postponed until Nov. 12 at District Justice Edward Burnett's Glassport office. Lauffer faces charges of rape, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors, according to an Allegheny County police affidavit.

Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said his department had a limited investigation into the Aug. 3 incident, and Allegheny County police then took over the case. "We had limited information for a required lengthy investigation," the chief said. "We turned it over to the county due to the circumstances involved. There were several jurisdictions involved."

County police interviewed the alleged victim after Glassport requested assistance in the investigation. According to police, the juvenile was sexually assaulted at. her Allegheny Avenue residence while Lauffer was at her home.

She told county police she met the suspect not long before the incident allegedly occurred, according to the affidavit. Police said the girl reported she had been at the residence with friends and the suspect before the alleged rape occurred. After the friends left, police said, the suspect asked her to walk between two houses along the 500 block of Allegheny Avenue where the two could talk. The alleged victim accompanied Lauffer to the walkway between the residences, and when they first arrived there, he asked her what she thought of him, according to reports. She told him she thought nothing of him other than a friend, police said. After she told him this, according to the affidavit, the suspect pulled down her shorts and underwear, and she told him, "No, I'm not going to do this," the affidavit stated. Police said she told the suspect she would scream if he continued. According to police, Lauffer then pulled out a knife he had in his pocket. According to the affidavit, Lauffer instructed her to lie down, undressed and the sexual assault commenced.

Lauffer was arrested Saturday on a warrant from North Huntingdon Twp. police, and transported to Allegheny County police custody, was arraigned and taken to the county iail.

McKeesport Daily News November 6, 2002

Parade winners are announced

By THE DAILY NEWS

Those who dressed up in costumes and marched around Glassport are now getting some recognition. Winners of this year's Halloween parade have been announced by Councilman James Foster. First-place prizes will be given to the following:

• Amber Brownfield for prettiest.

• Aeryn Carroll and Patti Jean Carroll for funniest.

• Anton Ramirez for scariest/ugliest.

• Madison Gilles for cutest.

• Destiny Nehila for most original.

Prizes can be picked up at the borough office. Judges for the parade were Sue Bender, Rose DiMarco, Carol Liebel, Dave Minicucci and Karen Warhola. For more information, call the borough office at 412-6727400.

McKeesport Daily News November 13, 2002

Glassport to implement new disaster relief plan

By KENDRA STREY Daily News Staff Writer kstreV@dailynewsemaiL.com

In accordance with a project mandated by Federal Emergency Management Agency, Glassport soon will begin new procedures for disaster relief. Councilman John D'Angelo announced at last night's council meeting the Hazard Mitigation Planning Project requires Allegheny County municipalities to implement the program by Sept. 30, 2003.

Currently, Glassport's relief plan is reactive. "We want to be proactive," said John D'Angelo. He added that without im plementing the program, Glassport will not be eligible for future disaster relief funds from FEMA or Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The program is a predisaster plan hoped to lessen the impact of a disaster on people and their property. Municipalities have less than one year to develop strategies to conform to the mandate.

Susan Parker, community outreach coordinator for Department of Emergency Services, told Twin Rivers Council of Governments last month Allegheny County has several focus groups to help municipalities develop their individual strategies. The topics include community development for business leaders, health services and public safety.

In other business, council:

• Approved a club license for Reliance Hose Co. 2, which wants to run a club to bring in additional revenue. The council's solicitor will draft a resolution in the next week.

• Voted to hire two fulltime police officers.

McKeesport Daily News November 20, 2002

Glassport

Intox, conduct cited

Several incidents of reported public intoxication and disorderly conduct were handled by Glassport police over the last few days.

• Samuel McPherson, 22, was charged Friday with disorderly conduct and public intoxication after being involved in an altercation along the 800 block of Vermont Avenue, police said. He created a disturbance by being involved in a fight, according to police, and he was taken to the station, held until deemed sober, cited and released, police said.

• Police charged two borough men Friday after officers were called to the 600 block of Indiana Avenue for a fight, according to reports. Police said Steven Hatch, 24, is charged with disorderly conduct. Teddy Shaw, 23, also has a charge of disorderly conduct, according to police.

• Police arrested Charles Downey, 49, Friday and Sunday, according to reports. Friday, Downey was picked up near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue for public intoxication, police said. Once at the station, according to reports, the suspect became combative with officers and he received another charge - disorderly conduct. He again was picked up Sunday for public intoxication in the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue, police said.

•Two borough men were arrested Saturday for allegedly causing a disturbance in the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue. John Rager, 24, and Joseph Donovan, 22, both are charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct, police said. The duo were on the street causing a disturbance, shouting obscene language, police said. They were brought to the station, held until deemed sober, cited and released, according to police.

• Police arrested John Scapoletta, 23, Saturday after observing him cause a disturbance in the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue, according to reports. He is charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, police said. Scapoletta was taken to the station, held until deemed sober, cited and released, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News December 3, 2002

Glassport

Conduct nets citation

Police charged a borough man Sunday after he wouldn't leave the scene of an electrical fire at a residence along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue, according to reports. Kerry Felicetty, 39, is charged with disorderly conduct, police said. According to reports, the man was told to leave the scene at 10 a.m., and he did not obey the officer's order. Felicetty was taken to the station, held until sober and released, according to police.

Public intox reported

Police charged a borough resident Sunday shortly after 2:30 a.m. for fighting in front of the police station, according to reports. Richard Martin, 27, is charged with public intoxication and harassment, police said. Officers took the suspect into custody and held him at the station until sober, police said.

Intox leads to arrest

Police charged a borough resident Sunday shortly before 2:30 a.m. for public drunkenness, according to reports. Tracie Coddington, 39, is charged with public intoxication. The suspect was observed intoxicated along Ohio Avenue, which then led officers to make the arrest, police said. Coddington then was cited and released, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News December 9, 2002

Glassport councilor receives diploma

Mihoces served as a gunner

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

A 76-year-old Glassport councilman finally has received his high school diploma. Councilman Edward Mihoces had to leave South Allegheny to go to war when he was 15, and he was able to obtain his diploma through a program where veterans receive the certificate. "I read that anyone that left school for service could come (to the district) and get their diploma," Mihoces explains. "(Superintendent) Patrick Risha told me to come and get it." All Mihoces had to do was bring his discharge papers and he was presented his high school diploma.

Mihoces was given his diploma at last month's school board meeting. "Any other veterans can get their diploma," the councilman adds. "It might not help now, but it's still nice to have." He had to leave school after finishing the 10th grade, he says, and he worked as a gunner in the U.S. Navy during World War II. "I never thought I would make it," he stresses.

Mihoces served the country for three years, and returned to the United States after traveling internationally. "I went all over the place," he says. "I went to Utah Beach, Scotland, Wales, Italy, South Pacific and Guam."

As a gunner on the merchant shift, Mihoces stresses that he had to do all the work on his own. "When you are firing missiles on a ship you didn't have help like in the navy now."

When Mihoces returned to the country, he was hired by Glassport Police Department where he eventually became chief and retired in 1993. "I was with the department for 31 years," he states. Now, Mihoces devotes his time to taking care of his wife, Anne, of 55 years.

With South Allegheny's program, there are certain guidelines to meet for veterans to get their diplomas. In order to recognize and honor veterans who left high school prior to graduation to serve in World War II, the school board grants diplomas to veterans who complete the required application and meet guidelines.

Requirements include that the veteran:

• Was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

• Served in the United States military between Sept. 16, 1940, and Dec. 31, 1946.

• Attended high school between 1937 and 1946 and would have been a member of a graduating class during 1941 through 1950 but did not graduate due to entry into military service.

• Is a current resident, attended high school or is a predecessor of the district.

Upon proper application, the board may award a diploma to the veteran who meets the requirements. This program is part of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949, which establishes the authority to confer academic degrees with the Board of Education. The board then establishes the program known as Operation Recognition, which allows veterans to receive their diplomas.

McKeesport Daily News December 11, 2002

Glassport proposes no-tax-hike budget

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents should see no tax increase next year.

At last night's meeting, council reviewed the proposed 2003 budget, which calls for a millage rate of 4.35 - which council President Robert Stefanic said is the same as last year. One mill generates approximately $15,000 for the borough, he added. Although the millage rate is the same, the dollar value is increased to $2,720,550 from last year's $2,090,550, according to Stefanic.

An informal workshop is set for Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at the borough building to review the budget, and it will be adopted at a special meeting Dec. 30 at 7 p.m., also at the borough building, Stefanic noted. The sewage budget also will be adopted at the special meeting Dec. 30. The proposed figure for next year's sewage budget is $427,054, a decrease from last year's number, $497,669.

In other news, council discussed a water main break that occurred Sunday near the intersection of Ohio Avenue and Seventh Street, which caused a large amount of damage to the road. Mayor Thomas Urbanski stated the best solution would be to temporarily patch up the damaged areas, and pursue a paving project after the weather gets warmer. The mayor added the damage to Seventh Street was probably the worst. "I'd like to put Seventh Street back the way it was," he said. "It would be best to put down asphalt when (the weather) is in the 50s and 60s."

In other business, councilors:

• Noted recyclables will be collected next month. Residents should separate their cans and glass containers.

• Agreed to send a letter to District Justice Richard G. King, who's also president of Allegheny County Special Court Judges Association, concerning a proposal to reduce the amount of district justices in the county. Council is going to have a meeting with the police department to decide what they think would be best for the South Allegheny district, and submit it to King. "I'd like to see his (District Justice Edward Burnett's) office stay in Glassport," Urbanski noted. "I think we can come up with something to maybe change their minds. We should try to keep the magistrate in our community."

• Agreed to authorize Rosemary Bradley, executive director of Twin Rivers Council of Governments, to obtain traffic signals for the intersections of Monongahela Avenue with Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets. Lights will be provided at no cost to the borough, said Councilman John D'Angelo.

• Noted advertising is needed for bus shelters in the borough. For Glassport to receive revenues, ads must be placed on these shelters. Anyone wishing to advertise should contact the borough at 412-672-7400.

• Authorized Port Vue Secretary JoAnn Gubanic to include Glassport in a plan to have the bookmobile at South Allegheny Elementary School. The district has agreed to absorb the cost of this service, Stefanic said.

McKeesport Daily News December 11, 2002

Glassport Women list annual dinner

Members of the Glassport Women's Club will gather tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at LaRomana in Glassport for the annual Christmas dinner. Florence Tomedolsky will offer the invocation.

Members are to provide personal items for the group's project of Womansplace. Holiday musical entertainment will be provided by Lisa Martino accompanied by Lynn Jamison. Table appointments are in charge of Betty Gaydos, Donna Kurucz, Dorothy Rizzo and Sandy Urbanski.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette December 11, 2002

Hometown home page

'Memories of Glassport' Web site is a virtual scrapbook

By Margaret Smykla Tri-State Sports & News Service

Memories of Glassport appear poised to last for generations to come, thanks to a Web site dedicated to stories and recollections by former and present borough residents. "These memories or oral history of the town would be of such a nature as to give the visitors to the Web site a flavor and taste of what life was like in Glassport back then," writes Web master Richard A. Uher on "Memories of Glassport" at http://users.telerama. com/~urichard/glassmgi.html.

Contributors nationwide e-mail their stories to him at urichard@lm.com and include their own e-mail addresses so others can contact them. A 1,000-word submission by Paul Visyak begin' s: "I lived at 33 Ohio Avenue in a house that my dad had built in 1941. During World War II, I remember the blackout drills that the city had and that my dad was part of a civil defense team..."

In his two-paragraph entry, Merrill J. Snyder recalls: "In the early'30s ... we used to have a ice path down the hill above Erie ... Sledding down the slide, almost like a toboggan slide, and then getting airborne for the 8- to 10-foot drop onto Third Street..."

Uher, who lived in Glassport until 1961, writes: "I remember the holy hours at St. Cecelia Church in the early '50s. ... [Afterward], there was a gatherin at Pater's drug store in the 500 block of Monongahela Ave.... These holy hours turned out to be great social more than religious events."

The site is part of Uher's "unofficial - Richard A. Uher, writing on "Memories of Glassport" home page of the town of Glassport," at http://users.telerama.com/~urichard /glasscv.htm. Besides the memories page, the site contains links to other Glassport sites Uher designs and maintains, such as Businesses, Churches, History, Message Center, Glassport on CD, Picture of the Week and more. It also features links to Glassport-related sites, such as the South Allegheny Academic and Athletic Association and the Twin Rivers Council of Governments. "It's a hobby that you can give someone immediate access to," said Uher, an Elizabeth Township resident and semi-retiree with a Ph.D. in physics who consults on rail and rapid transit systems.

He began the project in the summer of 1996 after his retirement as director of the Rail Systems Center at Carnegie Mellon University. The idea arose from conversation between Uher and the late Ralph Martino while sitting on the latter's porch on Michigan Avenue in Glassport.

"It's a nice hometown to grow up in," Uher said, citing its river, hill and woods. His motivation is his interest in its history, especially the evolution from an industrial to a present-day bedroom community.

Besides posting text and photographs contributed by Glassporters, he scours old issues of the McKeesport Daily News at the McKeesport Heritage Center for "bits and pieces of Glassport history" for the Historical Tidbits site.

He also processes purchase requests for CDs containing the full Web site and materials too large to put online, such as yearbook photographs of graduates, faculty, administration and board members of Glassport High School from 1908 to 1966.

Uher soon will begin scanning the minutes of the board meetings of the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry, established in 1899, for the CD. The material was contributed by ex-Glassporter Lee Rankin.

On Mondays, he stops at Gene's Bar in Glassport after racquetball for hamburgers and to talk with old-timers about their recollections for the Memories site.

He also visits with George Gorun, a former Glassport High School teacher in his 80s, who helps him with the town's history. Nick Martino, brother of Ralph Martino, frequently calls with stories. "It's a method of doing history, that I think we'll see more of in the future," he said of the vastness and accessibility of the Web.

McKeesport Daily News December 31, 2002

Glassport budget adoption delayed

By MELISSA SPANGLER, Daily News Staff Writer December 31, 2002

Glassport residents will have to wait even longer to find out if they will pay any more or less in taxes next year. At a special meeting last night meant to adopt the final budget for 2003, councilors agreed to table that motion until next year's tax anticipation loan is received. The proposed budget stands at 4.35 mills and $2,720,550, with a mill generating approximately $15,000.

One problem with the budget, according to Councilman John D'Angelo, is that there are not hard figures to look at - but estimates.

"I vote no for this budget and urge my colleagues to vote no, go back into session and present a real balanced budget to the people of the borough," he stressed.

He added that this year, the borough began with a deficit and if nothing changes, Glassport will again have a shortfall.

"It will snowball until we do the right thing and present a balanced budget to the residents."

Council agreed to have a special meeting Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. at the borough building to adopt the budget. D'Angelo said the borough has a 30-day extension period to adopt the final plan.

The sewage budget, set at $427,054, was adopted for next year. This figure is a decrease from last year's amount, $497,669, according to D'Angelo, who heads the sewage committee.

In other news, council agreed to pay the tax anticipation loan of $350,000, but in order to afford this, council had to borrow money from accounts in the budget.

The general fund is currently balanced at $158,619.07, so there was no other way to pay for this loan, according to council President Robert Stefanic.

In other action council:

* Noted letters were sent to state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, and state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, to stress that the borough wants to keep the magistrate office in Glassport, even when consolidation with Clairton occurs.

"We need (the office) in Glassport," Councilman Terry DiMarco said.

* Set regular monthly meetings for next year, which will take place the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the borough building, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News January 8, 2003

Glassport

Council sets meetings

Council will meet Monday at 7 p.m. for an executive session and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. for the regular meeting. Both meetings will take place at the borough building, located at the corner of Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue. At the regular meeting, council intends to pass the final budget. proposed at $2,737,550. Also, council will place bids out for a certified public accountant to do the 2002 borough audit and the borough also will seek proposals to lease out the swimming pool to interested qualified parties.

Tax forms available

W-2 forms for 2002 are available for any employees who worked for Glassport part- or full-time for street, swimming pool, police or other departments. Employees can pick up forms at the borough office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Recycling pickup set

The next recycling pickup will be during the week of Jan. 20 on the regularly scheduled garbage pickup date. Residents are reminded that the bin with the divider is for clear and colored glass articles and the other bin is for aluminum and tin cans. Items should be placed at the curb site.

Garbage, sewage due

Residents are reminded the fourth quarter garbage and sewage bills for 2002 are due this month. The borough is putting forth effort in the collection of delinquencies on both these bills, and anyone not paying is urged to due so to avoid further action.

McKeesport Daily News January 15, 2003

Glassport may lose pool in budget crunch

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport officials finally have adopted the borough's 2003 budget, but council may have to take drastic measures to avoid getting into more debt. The spending plan - which totals $2,737,550 -- calls for no tax increase and a millage rate of 4.35. One mill generates approximately $90,000 for the borough, Councilman James Uziel said at last night's meeting.

The budget passed 5-2, with councilors John D'Angelo and James Morningstar dissenting. Councilors James Foster, Ed Mihoces, Terry DiMarco, Uziel and council President Robert Stefanic voted in favor of the spending plan. D'Angelo opposed the budget, he said, because the borough is no better off than last year and most likely will go into more debt. "We didn`t do anything to adjust," he noted.

An option to save money is to close the community swimming pool. Money saved from the pool would go toward another line item on the budget. Council agreed to advertise for two months for any interested parties to lease the pool for a private organization or swim club, but if no one expresses interest, the pool will have to close. This vote passed 6-1, with Morningstar dissenting.

Mihoces said the community pool; located along Ninth Street, is a very expensive undertaking for the borough. "It cost a lot of money to operate that place," he said. "I think someone could make a lot of money with it." D'Angelo said if the pool opens this year, Glassport most likely will lose more money. "If we open, we could lose $40,000, knowing we (already) have a possible six-digit deficit," he explained.

Mayor Thomas Urbanski told council he'd like to set up several meetings each month to figure out how to improve Glassport's financial situation. , "We need to pass the budget and then have meeting after meeting," the mayor stressed. "The easiest way out is to raise taxes, but that's not the answer." The borough received a tax anticipation loan of $350,000, but Urbanski said he doesn't know how much of that money is owed in bills. "We should start at zero with the budget and start paying bills until we catch up," he suggested.

The mayor said drastic cuts might have to be made in Glassport later in the year. "I've seen times when we couldn't pay the police," he said. "We're in the same situation as 20 years ago ... we can't continue to borrow more money." Urbanski also said council should be careful with purchases. "We can't just keep buying things," he said. "If the roof is leaky, don't buy a new TV ... fix the roof." The mayor said a prime concern is the condition of borough streets. "It's important to have nice streets and houses," Urbanski reasoned. "When you invite someone into your town, it's like inviting them to your house."

McKeesport Daily News January 29, 2003

Officers announced

Glassport Athletic Association announced new officers for this year. New officers are Tim Zecchini, president: Denise Viehl, vice president; Tracy Carlson, treasurer: and Danette Lees, secretary.

McKeesport Daily News February 6, 2003

Glassport reports drop in crime

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Drug activity used to be a problem in Glassport, but police enforcement has caused it to drop in the borough, according to Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski. "Drugs went down about 30 percent (from 2001 to 2002) because of our efforts in drug enforcement," the chief said. "We've worked with Allegheny County on narcotics cases and the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team."

Glassport has four officers working with DANET. Skerkoski added.

Along with police efforts and investigation, the chief attributed arrests to information received from residents who notified police about drug activity.

According to Skerkoski. the department saw crack cocaine, marijuana and some heroin. "There's a very noticeable reduction." he said. "We arrested 28 individuals in 2001, and they were from all over."

Overall, adult arrests dropped from 506 filed charges in 2001 to 469 last year, the chief said. "It varied from summary to felonies."

Other significant changes included decreases in assaults, thefts and burglaries, as well as an increase in domestic cases. Assaults dropped approximately 8 percent, burglaries 13 percent, thefts 11 percent and domestic cases increased about 2 percent, the chief said.

Skerkoski said 32 Protection-From-Abuse orders were filed last year, but these are settled either through family court or at District Justice Ed Burnett's office.

The department has continuous involvement in a crime watch program and a bike safety campaign with Citizens Hose Co. No. 1.

Juvenile complaints increased in Glassport, but serious crimes decreased overall, he said. According to Lt. Ron Benoit, who handles juvenile cases, the number of calls for each incident differed slightly, but there was a definite decrease in certain crimes. You see the amount of calls fluctuate a little, but there was a reduction in severity," he explained. For example, Benoit said, there were no drug-related calls last year, and four were reported in 2001. When a juvenile drug complaint is made, Skerkoski said, the department tries to resolve it on a local level. without haying to go to juvenile court. "If we can't resolve it within the family." the chief said. "there are medical and other programs we try." In other juvenile crimes. assaults, fights and thefts saw significant decreases. Benoit said.

Also, disorderly conduct decreased from 2001's figure of 23 to 11 calls last year, according to the lieutenant.

Underage drinking calls decreased from 22 reports in 2001 to 18 calls last year, and criminal mischief dropped from 16 to 11 calls. Benoit attributed some of the decreases to a dependency program the department uses with juveniles. "If parents see a (potential) problem, but there is nothing to charge, they can file a dependency at juvenile court," he said. "The youths are brought to the judge with police and their parents, and the judge can court order treatment or counseling." The lieutenant added filing dependencies can help because court advocates and police can discuss the problem with the juvenile and hopefully straighten it out. Three dependencies were filed last year, an increase from none the previous year.

The lieutenant said juveniles committing crimes were in an age bracket of 14 to 17 years, depending on the crime. "We have a lot of lee-way dealing with the juveniles," he said. With underage drinking, Benoit said Burnett offers programs for juveniles so they can be handled locally. One program is a one-day class, and upon completion, the charge is dismissed, Benoit explained.

Benoit is involved with some juvenile programs and said he plans to continue this year. Last year, he talked to students at South Allegheny High School about every aspect of the juvenile justice system. Also, at the former Glassport Elementary School, he discussed fire and crime prevention with the children.

McKeesport Daily News February 12, 2003

In Glassport

Calls trigger home invasion alert

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport officials, like those in several other municipalities, are concerned about home invasions.

At last night's council meeting, Mayor Thomas Urbanski said some elderly residents have received suspicious phone calls. Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said the callers told residents they were from a utility company - mainly water - and wanted to come and check on the residence. "Everything has been over the phone at this point, but they are trying to make an appointment to visit the residence," the chief said. He added he contacted PennsylvaniaAmerican Water Co. - which serves the borough - and was notified there haven't been any employees calling residents. Skerkoski stressed anyone receiving these calls should contact police and not permit the caller to visit his or her home. Anyone with questions can contact the police department at 412-672-4514. Also, they should ask the caller questions to verify he or she actually is with the water company. "They should be able to give their office number," the chief stressed. If a utility worker visits the home, he or she should arrive in a marked truck and have proper identification, Skerkoski said. If residents can trace the call number, or if they have caller ID, they should bring that number to the department, the chief said.

In other business, council discussed opening Ohio Avenue behind the former elementary school to two-way traffic, since the school is closed. Councilman James Foster said the road should remain one-way because the intersection - Third Street and Ohio Avenue - has become an area for children to congregate as they wait for their school bus. The chief also recommended the road remain one way because of the children. "It's been designed as an easy pickup area," Skerkoski explained. "There are approximately 40 kids of elementary age waiting there." Skerkoski said before any changes are made, a traffic study should be conducted. Council agreed to keep Ohio Avenue oneway from Second to Third streets.

The millage rate was adjusted from 4.35 to 4.85 last night. This is not a tax increase, according to Councilman John D'Angelo, but a correction to the original figure. "The wrong number was approved the first time," the councilman explained.

McKeesport Daily News February 12, 2003

In Glassport

Dance aids victims of Dravosburg fire

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport police officer and firefighter who lost his Dravosburg home in a blaze is getting some support from his fire company - Citizens Hose Co. No. l.

The company is having a benefit dance Saturday, and all proceeds will go to Ray Johnson and his family, according to Jim Postman, leader of the company's rapid intervention team. Admission to the dance, which starts at 8 p.m., is $10, and activities include raffles, Chinese auction, 50/50 game and disc jockey entertainment. Beer and soft drinks will be provided at no additional charge.

The Monongahela Avenue home was lost to flames on Feb. 1. The fire started in the kitchen when a triple-wicked candle ignited a baby seat. The couple and their two children are staying with Johnson's wife's parents in Glassport, and they have secured an apartment to move into in the borough, Postman added.

"We have to take it one step at a time," Postman said. "He has a new place, and that's a big step." He stressed that it's difficult to narrow down what items should be donated. "You never think of what you lose ... what needs replaced," he said. "We put our heads together and we are doing what we can," Postman said. "We put the dance together in a halfhour, and everything just fell into place."

The night of the fire, members of Citizens Hose got together and washed Johnson's clothes that were salvaged. "There were five or six garbage bags full of clothes, and 25 of us were here working."

Signs have been posted through the borough about the dance, set for 8 p.m. at the company along Monongahela Avenue, and Postman said there has been a lot of response from businesses and residents. "We've had overwhelming support," the RIT leader stated. He explained that the dance is "taking care of your own," as the company is supporting one of its own firefighters.

Postman said the police department wanted to do something to help, but the fire company and police decided to work together. Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski said he posted a notice at the station to contribute to the fund, and there has been a lot of support by the department. "We've had a good response," the chief said. Johnson, according to Postman, also is a police officer for Liberty, and formerly worked for the Versailles department.

McKeesport Daily News February 19, 2003

Glassport church planning soup sale

Glassport United Methodist Church, Ohio Avenue and Fifth Street, will sponsor a soup and bake sale Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featured soups will be chicken noodle, vegetable, wedding, five bean, ham and bean, chili, stuffed pepper. clam chowder, mushroom and potato.

Take-out orders will be available at $3 per pint and $5 per quart. Meals at $4 each will include soup, sandwich and drink. Advanced orders may be placed by calling Vina March at 412-678-8312.

McKeesport Daily News February 19, 2003

Glassport mayor declares state of emergency

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

Because of hazardous road conditions due to recent heavy snowfalls, Glassport is in a state of emergency. Mayor Thomas Urbanski made the proclamation yesterday due to the amount of snow in the borough. "Our community, with the terrain, streets and alleys, is very dangerous and our borough men are helping us remove the snow," the mayor explained.

As of this morning, workers were clearing up Monongahela Avenue - the main street that runs through the borough - and were starting to work on side streets and alleys. "About 50 percent of our residents are elderly people," Urbanski said. "We've had constant calls to clear out driveways and streets so they can leave to get medicine and groceries." He explained that the snow is too high on the streets, and plowing is not always the answer. Urbanski said the trouble with plowing is that snow has to be pushed somewhere, and it usually ends up in front of another resident's driveway or garage, causing them to be snowed in. "Some people have been fighting over parking spaces," he said.

The mayor said residents should be patient, and the street department is doing its best to open borough streets. "We've hauled away about 400 to 500 truckloads," he said this morning. "The department has been working day and night." Urbanski said the borough should not be under a state of emergency by tomorrow, as warmer weather is expected in the region. Street Commissioner James Finneran said the department has been plowing alleys and streets and will continue. through the day.

Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski yesterday said, "We've opened up an emergency snow route." He explained this route goes from Monongahela Avenue to Seventh Street, and then up Delaware Avenue to Pacific Street, which leads to Washington Boulevard. Also, Monongahela Avenue was cleared both ways, to McKeesport and Elizabeth, according to the chief. "The street department (workers) have been pulling overtime and double shifts," he stressed. The borough's first priority was to clean out the snow around the fire companies and the main street, Urbanski added.

McKeesport Daily News February 25, 2003

Glassport

Multiple charges logged

A Glassport man was arrested on charges related to two separate incidents. Saturday at 3:10 a.m., police said James Goucker, 35, of Allegheny Avenue, Glassport, was charged with harassment, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment after allegedly threatening an employee at a club. Reportedly Goucker was asked to leave the scene after a confrontation and came back. He was then arrested.

Goucker also was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after allegedly physically assaulting a woman. This incident occurred Feb. 16. Goucker was arraigned and taken to Allegheny County Jail.

Assault arrest made

Police arrested John Rager, 25, of Fairview Avenue, Glassport, after he allegedly physically assaulted a woman yesterday. According to police, Rager entered the woman's home and punched her in the face. Police said Rager was intoxicated when they arrived. He was charged with criminal mischief, simple assault, harassment and burglary. Rager was arraigned and taken to Allegheny County Jail.

McKeesport Daily News March 3, 2003

At Glassport UM Church

Pre-school marks its first year in serving the community

By CAROL WATERLOO FRAZIER Daily News Lifestyles Editor cfrazier@dailynewsemail.com:

What started as an idea for an after-school program turned into a pre-school for children ages 3 through 5 and a playgroup for 2-year-olds. Glassport United Methodist Church has been home of the community's pre-school, which opened its doors a year ago today. There were four students that first day; today there are 24. "I prayed about it, and I was led to believe we needed a pre-school in town," said Linda Huziak, the facility's director and head teacher. "We haven't had a pre-school in town for a lot of years, and it was something we needed," she said, noting she worked at what she believes was the borough's last pre-school six years ago.

To get the rooms ready, the walls were painted and the floors carpeted. Donations of toys and other items were made to get the pre-school ready to open. "The efforts of the congregation," she said, "have been wonderful." Children gather Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The morning session is from 9-11:30; the afternoon group meets from 12:30-3. The playgroup for 2-year-olds is Tuesday mornings. Huziak said the four students involved in that learn socialization skills, and it gets them a chance to be away from their mothers for a few hours. She noted the school can accommodate physically challenged children, although none are enrolled.

Huziak has a degree in special education, elementary education and early childhood development. Two volunteers help with the youngsters. Stephanie Peck worked with Allegheny County's Headstart program for 15 years. Cindy Opfer is a member of the Glassport church and enjoys working with children.

Describing a day at the pre-school, Huziak said the youngsters spend about an hour in playtime, followed by cleanup to put away the toys. Next is circle time, when they sit on the floor and sing the hello song and talk about things they did since the last time they met. Next comes some activity songs like "Ring Around the Rosey" and finger play (things like "Itsy Bitsy Spider").

The sessions aren't all fun and games, though. Time is spent learning things like the Pledge of Allegiance and the calendar. "We're starting to work on phonics," Huziak said. "We do the consonants phonetically. All the children know the alphabet, but I want them also to learn to recognize the letters. We're also learning to count to 10 in Spanish." Older students, she said, have learned to tie their shoes and know their phone number and address. Also included during the sessions is a Bible story with a related craft.

Before leaving, there's a little more time for play. The Rev. Craig Forsythe is pleased with the pre-school's progress in its first year. "The kids have an opportunity to get a Christian education that's affordable," he said. "I believe that's what children need today." When presented with the idea of opening the facility, Forsythe said he was excited. "I wasn't hesitant at all," he said. Although not directly involved with the pre-school, the pastor praised Huziak and her volunteers. "They have excellent skills and talents for working with those ages," he said.

Huziak has been working with children for more than 30 years. "I love doing this," she said. "A lot of people can't understand how I can put up with this many kids at one time. But this is what I love doing. Each day here with them is a day filled with joy for me. When I'm not here, I don't know what to do." Forsythe expects the school to continue growing as an outreach ministry of the church. "The opportunity to meet the kids' family is great," he said. "We've had a chance to meet parents and grandparents that we otherwise wouldn't have." Because of the pre-school, he said. many people are "seeing the church as an organization serving the community, which is something we've had a hard time doing in the past. The pre-school is one way we are able to do that.''

When he first came to Glassport United Methodist in 1999, Forsythe said the building "had a musty smell, like the doors were only open Sunday mornings. Now, there is something going on here every day and night.'' Pre-school registration is planned later this month. For details, call Huziak at 412-673-2051 or 412-672-2866.

McKeesport Daily News March 4, 2003

Glassport native honored by N J company

A Glassport native recently was named "Most Dedicated Worker" at a New Jersey company. Paul Danzak, an account executive for the NEMF terminal in New Jersey, received the Arlene Walters Shevell Memorial Award at the company's annual dinner. Danzak, who services Union County and central New Jersey for NEMF, has been with the company for 15 years. This is the fifth time he has been presented one of the company's major annual awards. Most recently, he received the Jack Teicher Award as account executive of the year in 1997.

Before joining NEMF, Danzak was with Conway Eastern Express, starting in operations and later moving on to sales. Danzak now lives in Belmar, N.J., with his wife Susan.

The Arlene Shevell award is named for the late wife of NEMF chairman Myron P. Shevell. Based in New Jersey, NEMF is the largest LTL carrier in the Northeast region. It operates 30 terminals throughout the Northeast, Florida, Puerto Rico and Canada, including one in Irwin.

McKeesport Daily News March 12, 2003

Glassport police chief retires

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport Police Chief Eugene Skerkoski is retiring. Last night, council approved the reappointments of several borough officials, in addition to accepting Skerkoski's resignation. Skerkoski cited personal reasons for stepping down. No replacement has been announced. His retirement is effective in June, although council said he plans to use accrued comp time and other hours in the meantime.

In his resignation letter to council, Skerkoski said the decision to step down wasn't easy. Although many councilors said they weren't ready to see the chief go, they OK'd his resignation and a resolution honoring Skerkoski for his years of service.

Council also accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Darwin Levkus. Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Lewis will take his place. Levkus was appointed to a temporary position as the borough's BOCA fire official. The position is open until Richard Harris returns from back surgery. Council named Dave Godfrey to fill in as the assistant fire chief. The assistant BOCA fire official, Jeremy Levkus, also resigned because he's moving out of town.

Council is accepting letters from interested residents. In other business, council announced a list of properties to be demolished. They include 508 Vermont Ave., 518 Eighth St., 534 Cypress Way and a property along Harrison Street. Several residents addressed council with other properties they think should be added to the list. They cited dangerous structural conditions and problems with rats as the reason for the need to demolish the neighboring properties.

McKeesport Daily News March 13, 2003

Glassport

Democrats to meet

Glassport Democratic Committee will meet Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Glassport borough building.

Bill schedule made

Sewage and garbage bills for 2003 will not be sent out until the end of March. They will be due April 30 for the first quarter. If a resident would like to pay their garbage bill for the full year at $75 they will receive a $5 discount. Residents must pay in full by April 30 to qualify.

Centennial planned

Glassport Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 has scheduled a centennial meeting for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. The centennial is in October. Reliance Hose will be collecting items to use toward the centennial such as newspaper articles, pictures and any other items relating to the history of Glassport and/or Reliance Hose. Those who would like to share in the festivities by donating items should contact the fire department at 412-672-4422 or call John Bender at 412-751-0887. Items received with names will be returned.

Page last updated March 13, 2003