Glassport, Pennsylvania

News Articles

This page is for news articles which appear in present on-line newspapers, magazines, etc. concerning Glassport or Glassport people. The articles are copied directly from the source.

McKeesport Daily News March 18, 2006

South Allegheny Girl Scouts to receive awards, patches

Girls Scouts of the South Allegheny Community will gather Sunday at 8:15 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport to participate in the 8:30 a.m. Mass there with the Rev. Casimir Kedzierski as celebrant. Religious awards and the Rosary Patches will be distributed to deserving scouts.

Guardian Angel Awards will be presented to Daisy Scouts Taryn Boehm, Dayna Seeman and Amada Uziel of Troop 22; and Ashley Jackson of Troop 1082. The scouts studied with Barbara Sowko on the importance of the angels in the Bible as messengers and protectors.

I Live My Faith Religious Medals will be awarded to Anna Ferry, Melanie Girovsky, Rachel Kish, Sarah Kish, Emily Mitchell, Kaitlyn Trunzo and Victoria Whitney of Troop 355; and Paige Thir-Kovalski of Troop 1251. They studied the Catholic faith vrith Carol Dworek.

Kateri patches and certificates will be presented to Caleigh DeSue of Troop 912; and Theresa Dufalla, Kathryn Kish and Andrea Petrillo of Troop 71. They studied the life of Kateri and the sacraments she received with Sowko. They each will be presented with a Kateri Medal by Bishop Winter at St. Paul Cathedral on April 23.

The I Live My Faith and Kateri recipients also have completed the requirements for the Bishop Leonard Patch. Their service to the community included a contribution of peanut butter, jelly and crackers to the Auberle Home. Rosary patches will be presented.

The Sorrowful Mysteries patch will be presented to Ferry, Girovsky, R. Kish, S. Kish, Mitchell, Trunzo and Whitney of Troop 355; Thir-Kovalski of Troop 1251; Brianne Griffith, Julia Handra, Amanda Naccarato and Alexandra Ruhl of Troop 171; Katie Barnett, Candace Benoit, Julianna Burgman, Emily Cornish, DeSue, Breanna Gribschaw, Megan Losteter and Rachel Szmyd of Troop 912; Dufalla, K. Kish and Petrillo of Troop 71; and Robin Drowser, Brittany Hallick and Cassie McClelland of Troop 562. Ferry also earned the Joyful and Luminous Mysteries patches and Petrillo earned the Joyful Mysteries patch.

McKeesport Daily News March 22, 2006

Protection study next step in plan for Glassport fire station

By JENNIFER R. VERTULLO Daily News Staff Writer jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

A study of fire protection services is the next step in Glassport's plan to create a new fire station on vacant land along Allegheny Avenue.

During Tuesday's meeting, councilors authorized Solicitor Gary Matta to ask the state Department of Community and Economic Developinent for assistance in conducting a peer-to-peer review of fire protection services in the borough. The review is to be conducted in lieu of copies of bylaws for both Citizens Hose Co. No. I and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, which were requested last month.

Neither company submitted the requested bylaws. Citizens Hose President Nick Sorrentino said his firefighters would not agree to distributing copies of the company's bylaws without justification. He said council gave no reason for requesting the bylaws.

Councilors said the bylaws were requested for the "solicitor's review," which firefighters likened to a because-I-said-so response that held no merit.

Matta said bylaws were requested so he could research any potential for consolidation among fire departments.

Sorrentino and other firefighters said they don't believe consolidation has anything to do with plans for Citizens Hose Co. to construct a new facility on land that was promised to them during a council meeting in April 2006.

After a year of discussion, firefighters said they're beyond frustrated with new conditions that appear to surface each month regarding the property and its expected transfer to Citizens Hose Co.

Reliance Hose Treasurer Darwin Levkus spoke "strictly as a citizen of Glassport" when he voiced opposition to transfer of the property to Citizens Hose Co. "I think it's a waste of good property," Levkus said. "That land -could be sold."

He said the parcel is prime property for light industrial development, and it should not be transferred to an entity that qualifies for removal from the borough's tax rolls.

Glassport Meeting schedule changed

Dates for Glassport council's caucus meetings have been changed from the second Wednesday of each month to the second Tuesday.

Regular meetings will continue to be on the third Tuesday of each month.

Hydrant problems logged

Residents are asked to notify borough officials if anything appears to be wrong with a fire hydrant.

Councilors said valves were disturbed on a few hydrants in recent weeks, which could present a safety hazard if undetected.

Residents who witness anyone tampering with a hydrant are asked to notify a borough secretary by calling 412-6727400.

Transportation offered

WorkLink offers free transportation from Clairton to McKeesport and the Waterfront.

Regularly scheduled runs transport passengers to Port Authority bus stops for connections to jobs, job training and other essential activities.

For more information, call 412-351-2200 or visit www. worklinkvan. org.

McKeesport Daily News March 25, 2006

Glassport

Quad, dirt bike laws enforced

Glassport police said residents driving quads and dirt bikes on borough streets have been a problem in recent weeks.

It is illegal to drive quads and dirt bikes on the street. Police said they are going to strictly enforce the law, issuing citations for violations.

BB, pellet gun issue reported

Police said the windows of a number of vehicles and businesses have been hit by pellets or BBs within the last several davs. Vehicle windows were shot along the 600 block of Delaware Avenue, the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue and the 800 block of Ohio Avenue, according to police. The library along Monongahela Avenue also had its windows hit.

Police said they suspect that someone is shooting BBs or pellets from a vehicle. Anyone who has information is asked to contact police at 412-672-4514.

McKeesport Daily News April 5, 2006

Glassport

Police search for suspects

Two pedestrians reported an armed robbery Monday at 10:26 p.m. in the 400 block of Ohio Avenue.

Police said the alleged victims reported being approached by two light-skinned black men, wearing ski masks and dark clothing and wielding handguns. Both suspects are reported to be between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall. One has freckles below his eyes.

The men ordered both victims to empty their pockets onto the sidewalk. Police said cell phones, wallets and cash were taken.

Suspects reportedly ran south on Ohio Avenue and east on Fifth Street after the encounter.

Anyone with leads regarding this incident is asked to call Glassport police at 412-6724514 or 911.

Man arrested for conduct

Steven Bartko, 22, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault, criminal mischief, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Bartko was arrested Tuesday at 2:22 a.m., police said.

Burglary arrest made

Thomas Dausey, 34, of Glassport, is charged with burglary.

Police said charges stem from a March 18 burglary of a Sixth Street address.

Dausey was arrested Monday.

Another suspect in the crime is expected to turn himself in to authorities today.

Warrant arrest made

Edwin Moore, 35, of McKeesport, is charged with aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and corruption of minors, police said.

Moore was arrested Monday at approximately 9:20 p.m. at a Glassport apartment.

Multiple theft charges filed

Daniel Gribshaw, 29, of Glassport, is charged with theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception, police said. Gribshaw was arrested Saturday.

PNA donates to Glassport fire company

By JENNIFER R.VERTULLO Daily News StaffWriter jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

A local lodge of the Polish National Alliance has given a thank-you donation to a hometown fire company.

As a way of saying thanks to Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 for saving its roof from gathering water, PNA Lodge 750 donated two specialty tools, called Denver tools, to the company.

The company already had two large Denver tools, but they opted to purchase smaller ones, which are easier to handle in tight spaces. The tools can be used as axes or to tear down walls and ceilings.

"We donate to the fire companies, but we told them we wanted to do something extra to show our appreciation for what they did," Lodge President Rich Tyszkiewicz said.

Glassport firefighters still recall what happened on a cold February day when they were called to pump water off the roof at the PNA lodge, located at the intersection of Sixth Street and Indiana Avenue.

It was a frigid day that came after a bit of unseasonably warm weather and plenty of rain, they said. "That day we went up, it was so cold," Citizens Hose Chief Wayne Lewis said. "That wind chill had to be zero, and we were up there playing with water."

Lewis said fire company members weren't expecting anything in return for their work to save the PNA lodge roof. The act was part of their job as firefighters, he said.

While the donation wasn't expected, it certainly was appreciated, Lewis said.

Tyszkiewicz said they based their return favor on the concept of appreciation. He said it's good to have loyal firefighters who will come out on a cold day and help residents in need. "A lot of our members are their members and vice versa," Tyszkiewicz said. "We have a close relationship."

McKeesport Daily News April 11, 2006

Glassport hostage situation ends with man's arrest, and no injuries

By JENNIFER R.VERTULLO Daily News Staff Writer jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport man remains in Allegheny County Jail after barricading himself and a woman in his Delaware Avenue home early this morning.

Jeremiah Welker, 25, is charged with three counts of simple assault by physical menace, three counts of making terroristic threats, three counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of unlawful restraint.

Glassport police received a report of shots fired in the 800 block of Delaware Avenue today at 12:22 a.m.

The parents of the trapped woman reported an encounter with Welker in which he pointed a gun at them and told them to leave his home.

Glassport Lt. Ron Benoit said. "The (woman's) mother, father and her young boy left at that point," Benoit said. "She remained to calm him down, and when she couldn't do that, she hid."

Glassport, Clairton, McKeesport, Port Vue, Lincoln and Liberty police responded in an attempt to get both Welker and the woman out safely.

Allegheny County SWAT Team also was requested, but that call was canceled when Welker was taken into custody.

Benoit said Welker may not have known that the woman had remained in the home when he barricaded himself inside. The lieutenant went inside to speak with Welker, and Clairton Officer Tim Huschak entered through a secondstory window, unbeknownst to both Benoit and Welker.

"Huschak did a really good job," Benoit said. "I was inside and I shut down my radio. He scaled a trellis out back to get on the roof. He got over to the window that was open on the roof and came through."

Benoit said Huschak played an integral role.

Welker was arraigned in night court and transported to Allegheny County Jail.

McKeesport Daily News April 18, 2006

Glassport Women's Club

April meeting of the Glassport Women's Club is planned Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Glassport Library. Donna Kurucz will preside and the Club Collect will be read by Sandy Urbanski. Reporting will Be Betty Gaydos, secretary/ treasurer, and Anne Dzurko, library coordinator. Library board of directors and trustees will meet April 25 at 2 p.m. in the library.

McKeesport Daily News April 19, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Candace Abbott, 26, of Clairton, is charged with disorderly conduct. Abbott was involved in an incident Friday at 3:30 a.m. on the ramp to the Mansfield Bride, police said.

Public intoxication charged

James McMasters, 44, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxication. McMasters was found April 12 at 11 p.m. on the ground outside a Sixth Street bar. Police said he was visibly intoxicated.

DUI charge filed

Christopher Lacey, 23, of Elizabeth Twp., is charged with driving under the influence and violation of general lighting requirements. Lacey was arrested April 8 at 10:17 p.m. in the 1000 block of Ohio Avenue, police said.

McKeesport Daily News April 21, 2006

Glassport Town meeting called

Mayor Terry DiMarco has called a town meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post for residents and business owners interested in keeping borough streets safe and drug free.

DiMarco is looking for volunteers to conduct block patrols.

"We are going to set up a vigilant and safe system for volunteers to work with," DiMarco said. "I spoke with a council person from Elizabeth Twp. who adopted the system and claims that it is highly successful."

Speakers will be on hand to explain the system in detail.

McKeesport Daily News April 22, 2006

Glassport

Trespassing citations issued

Glassport police are warning area residents not to make the same mistake they made last week.

Nine people were cited April 15 at approximately 4:30 p.m. for simple trespassing.

Police said they were caught riding quads and other dirt bikes on the borough's Patterson Property. "I want to make the public aware that we are citing them," Chief Howard Kifer said.

McKeesport Daily News April 26, 2006

Glassport

Robbery suspects nabbed

Two juveniles were arrested on robbery charges Saturday.

Police were dispatched at 1:29 p.m. to the 400 block of Ohio Avenue to handle an armed robbery after a woman reported she and her son had been held at knife point in the 500 block of Hemlock Alley.

When the alleged victims said they did not have any money, the suspects fled, police said. A chase ensued, and two 17 year-old Glassport boys were taken into custody.

Glassport teen's rape hearing delayed as girl breaks down

By JENNIFER R.VERTULLO Daily News Staffwriter

The preliminary hearing of a Glassport teen charged with statutory rape and corruption of minors has been postponed.

A criminal complaint filed against Anthony Foster, 19, charges he engaged in sexual intercourse with a Glassport girl who was 16 years old or younger at the time of the incident. The complaint also reports the girl was impregnated as a result of the encounter.

At the beginning of a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin, the 15year-old girl testified to being 14 at the time of her encounter with Foster. When asked to recount the incident in detail, she broke into tears and could not continue.

A postponement was requested on her behalf. Foster's attorney Charles LoPresti objected to the postponement and moved for dismissal. The motion for dismissal was denied, and Foster's hearing is rescheduled for May 23.

McKeesport Daily News April 27, 2006

Glassport residents want borough to implement neighborhood watch

By JENNIFER R. VERTULLO Daily News StaffWriter jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents are ready to initiate a neighborhood watch program to help curb a laundry list of crimes becoming more prevalent in their community.

Almost 100 residents attended a town meeting Wednesday to voice their concerns about increases in armed robberies, burglaries, criminal mischief cases and juvenile crime. While some discussions were heated as residents asked for immediate answers, most attendees were willing to listen to Allegheny County Deputy Sheriff S. Jason Tarap's advice on how to implement a successful crime watch program.

"This isn't an opportunity to bash, point fingers and play blame games," Tarap said. "Everybody has to come together. Is this your town? Do you five here?"

Tarap's remarks were met with applause as he told residents they must work with their police department rather than against it. "You should have town meetings like this and you should talk to your public officials," Tarap said. "But if you're going to have a crime watch, you'll have to have town meetings every month and bring more people."

Tarap said placing crime watch signs around town won't help to curb criminal activity unless residents have the courage to back them up with action.

"We don't want you responding to calls, but I can tell you now, we're asking for a helping hand from you guys seeing things and reporting them."

Tarap asked that residents carry on the tradition of "nebby neighborism," a term he coined to describe residents taking a detailed interest in what happens in their immediate areas.

He cited his own grandmother as an example of "little old ladies" who know exactly what's going on in their neighborhoods.

Residents asked how to report nuisance and loitering complaints when suspects often know authorities are on their way because they possess police scanners.

Elizabeth Councilwoman Robin Miller said her borough crime watch uses Nextel cellular phones to communicate as if using walkie-talkies. While Glassport Sgt. Ron Benoit said that may not work in Glassport because some officers don't have those phones, he said a phone tree could help deal with nuisance calls.

"I think you'd solve a lot of the juvenile problems if you get the kids off the streets at 10 o'clock," resident Arlene Schinosi said. Schinosi suggested officers put a stronger focus on curfew enforcement to assist in stopping nuisance calls.

Aside from an interest in helping police resolve imposing crimes, residents said they also want to focus on giving borough teens something to occupy their time in a positive way. Some attendees suggested allowing teens to ride dirt bikes on the borough's Patterson Property. Borough officials said a separate meeting will be planned to discuss that issue.

A youth events committee will be part of the borough's crime watch, Benoit said. Also, block patrols, business registration and senior programs are on the organization's todo list.

"I need not only participants, but I need people who are really committed to organizing these types of committees," Benoit said. Residents said they're willing to follow Tarap and Benoit's direction, but they requested cooperation from the police department to better publicize crimes so they know what to expect.

"The people in the borough have to know what's going on," resident Angelo Norelli said.

Elizabeth Police Officer John Snelson said it's difficult to report all crimes to local newspapers. While arrest reports often are published, minor complaints and unsolved cases often are not.

Benoit said departments may choose not to share information about unsolved cases because such action could jeopardize an investigation.

Residents requested Glassport Police Department submit to The Daily News monthly police reports, logging crimes by category and number of incidents.

McKeesport Daily News April 28, 2006

McKeesport, Glassport firefighters heading west for combat challenge

By JENNIFER R. VERTULLO Daily News StaffWriter jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

Two local firefighters are putting themselves up to the ultimate physical challenge in their field.

McKeesport firefighter Chris Cerci and Jonathan Petrik of Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 left this morning for Indianapolis to participate in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, which has been broadcast on ESPN for more than a decade. The challenge, which encourages firefighter fitness while demonstrating the profession's rigors, draws hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments each year to more than 25 locations and is viewed by millions of people worldwide. Participants adorn themselves in "full bunker gear" and a Scott Air-Pak breathing apparatus before simulating the physical demands of real-life fire-fighting.

According to the challenge's official Web site, firefighters perform a series of five tasks including climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 lb. "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock.

"It's the hardest thing, competitively, I've ever participated in. They actually call it the toughest two minutes in sports," Cerci said. "As much fun as it is going down and coming back, when I'm running the course, I don't know why I'm doing it. That's how hard it is."

Cerci, who began participating in challenges in 2001, said he initially considered the challenge to be a hobby. ' But last year, his competitive side came through. He gained sponsorship from City Finance Group of McKeesport, Alexander's Athletic Club in Irwin, Susquehanna Fire Equipment in North Huntingdon Twp. and McKeesport Firefighters Local 10. Those same sponsors are assisting him in this year's challenge - his last in his current age group.

Now 39, he is ready for next year's entrance into a more senior group of firefighters. "I'm looking forward to turning 40 next ear because I go into a different age bracket," he said. "Right now, I'm going up against guys Jonathan's age who are 15 to 20 years younger than I am."

As a seasoned veteran in the challenge, Cerci is passing words of wisdom on to his 21-yearold travel mate, Petrik. "The best advice I can give him is, `Train as hard as you can,"' Cerci said. "The first time, I told him, is probably going to be harder than he thinks. I told him to use it as a baseline for how hard he needs to be working."

Training is essentially all Petrik has done in recent weeks, and fellow firefighters have noticed. "We're all pretty proud of what he's trying to accomplish," Citizens Hose Chief Wayne Lewis said. "He's been training at the fire station every day for at least three or four hours. We're behind him."

Petrik has taken on a strict regimen of running, cardio-training, weight-lifting and working on basic fire-fighting skills. He said his training has prepared him for the challenge, but he's taking Cerci's advice to consider it a practice run. "This is my stepping stone to get accustomed to the challenge," Petrik said. "But after this, I'm going for gold. Come Virginia Beach, it's going to be the real deal."

After this weekend's event in Indianapolis, Petrik said he plans to participate in five more events this year, beginning with a challenge at Virginia Beach in June. "I've always wanted to try this since I was little and I saw it on TV," Petrik said. "I'm just going to give it a shot."

Petrik has been a member of Citizens Hose Co. since he began as a junior firefighter at age 14. He said he was inspired to join by his uncle Frank Petrik, a life-long member.

McKeesport Daily News April 29, 2006

Rosary Society

Rosary Society of Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport will gather for the last meeting of the season Monday. The Rev. Casimir Kedzierski, moderator, will celebrate Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the church and the evening will include a May Crowning. Members will then meet in the social hall for a covered dish dinner.

Corrine Hopkins, president, will conduct the session and the election of officers will take place. Games will follow. Officers and group leaders will serve as hostesses.

McKeesport Daily News April 29, 2006

Glassport

Curfew to be enforced

Mayor Terry DiMarco has announced the borough's curfew will be strictly enforced.

Anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted to remain in or upon public highways, parks or other public places within the borough between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

A fire siren will sound every night to mark the start of curfew hours. Any minor found on borough streets during curfew hours will be taken into police custody. Their parents or legal guardians will be contacted.

McKeesport Daily News May 2, 2006

Glassport

Curfew notice revised

Mayor Terry DiMarco announced the borough's weekday curfew will remain 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through May.

Children younger than 18 have an extended curfew of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Curfew in June, July and August will be 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. every day.

Library schedule announced

Glassport Community Library is open Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Scheduled today are Anne Dzurko and Florence Gerstner; May 9, Bernice Palmiero and Patti Gribshaw; May 23, Ruth Whirl and Lois Sechrist; and May 30, S. Urbanski and Helen March. The library will be closed May 16 for Election Day.

McKeesport Daily News May 6, 2006

Glassport

Democratic rally planned

New Democratic committee candidates are sponsoring a rally at the Glassport Polish National Alliance lodge Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Chairpersons are Don Wiernicki and Rose Trunzo.

Committee candidates are Nancy M. Piazza-Whaby, District 1; Myrna Reynolds and Don Wiernicki, District 2; Shirley D'Angelo and Ted Zebroski, District 3; Rose Trunzo and Jim Uziel, District 4; Jamie Trunzo and Jeremiah Harding, District 5; and Nancy Crncic and Russell Geary, District 6.

The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

Credit union sets meeting

Copper & Glass Federal Credit Union will elect officers at its annual meeting lunch is scheduled for May 13 at noon, at the Son's of Italy lodge.

Tickets are available at the credit union office for $5, and must be purchased by Monday. For more information, call 412-673-9028 or 412-6732555.

Quads banned in skate park

Borough police and Mayor Terry DiMarco said quads are not permitted in the Harrison Street Skate Park. If anyone is caught, they will be prosecuted to the fullest in accordance with the borough ordinance.

The park is provided by the borough to enhance recreation for children and keep them of the streets. If people continue to run quads through the park, it will be closed and no one will be allowed to use the skate park.

Parents will be contacted and fined for damages if someone is caught destroying that area.

Police will provide frequent patrols to enforce the ordinance.

McKeesport Daily News May 9, 2006

Glassport

Fishing contest scheduled

The borough's fishing contest for children ages 6 to 15 is June 4 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Participants must register by May 30 at the municipal building.

McKeesport Daily News May 13, 2006

Copperweld Corp. was major employer

By GERRY JURANN For The Daily News

Copperweld Corp. started in 1928 in Rankin, but the demand for copper-covered steel wire made it necessary to relocate that same year to a 16-acre tract of land in Glassport.

The Glassport plant was known as the Wire and Cable Division. Its products were sold to power and communications utilities in the U.S. and around the world.

It provided nearly half the wire used to electrify the nation's farms. Products produced at Glassport include copper- and aluminum-covered steel rod, wire and strand, known as Copperweld and Alumoweld.

Alumoweld, a specialty wire, is the only successful application of a thick cladding of aluminum to steel by so-called "atomic" weld.

Copperweld Steel Co. and Superior Steel Corp. merged in 1957.

The company received a U.S. Army multi-million dollar contract to make copper-covered steel "fabric" and wire for use in reinforcing concrete linings for the sides of the Mississippi River in 1958.

Employment increased significantly in 1959 with the largest capital spending program in the company's history.

A three-story office was built along Ninth Street facing Monongahela Avenue in the spring of 1960. It incurred major damage in the storm of August 1963.

Another $4.5 million capital improvement was made to double production of Alumoweld because of the demand for the copper-covered goods in domestic and foreign markets.

By reducing the cost of production, in the hope of helping the company recapture lost markets, earnings jumped to $46 million in 1960.

In December 1964, the company purchased 8 1/2 acres and five buildings of the old U.S. Glass Co. to provide for expansion in new specialized metal fields. The step erased the last trace of the Glassport glass industry for which the borough got its name. The "glass house" was also a victim of the August 1963 storm and production never resumed.

By 1966, Copperweld Steel Co. built its first plant overseas in Japan. It had a tremendous impact on the Glassport plant. The firm acquired a 45 percent interest from the Japanese company which organized to manufacture and sell Alumoweld rods and wire. Until then it was solely produced in this country at the Wire and Cable Division in Glassport.

In April 1970, Copperweld reported a 64.4 percent gain in profits in contrast to losses for other steel products. Sales and earnings reached a new high in 1971 and aims for new acquisition led President Phillip H. Smith to state "quite literally a new Copperweld will emerge in 1972."

What happened next raised the question of allowing foreign interest to gain control over American industries and the fate of American jobs and American communities.

In 1975, Societe Imetal of France, owned by Baron Guy de Rothschild, formed a plan to take over what now was Copperweld Corp. Despite protests and efforts from all unions involved, as well as local and national governments, the deal went through. Imetal promised to keep the plant, saving 150 jobs but cutting 450.

Due to the continued slow recovery of the utility segment of the domestic economy in general, the sale of Alumoweld and Copperweld product continued to decline in 1977.

On April 26, 1978, Copperweld Corp. in Warren, Ohio, made it official that it was phasing out its Copperweld line at Glassport.

On Oct. 11, 1983, Copperweld management announced it was closing its Glassport facility, which once employed an average of 700 workers. At the end, there were 194 jobs.

Copperweld was Glassport's major taxpayer and employer.

Readers can reach Gerry Jurann through The Daily News at 412-664-9161 ext. 203 to comment on her column or to provide information or anecdotes for future columns.

McKeesport Daily News May 16, 2006

Glassport Sons of Italy to meet

Sons of Italy lodge will host a planning meeting Wednesday at 8 p.m. for the Feast of the Assumption. The lodge hall is located at Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue. A regular lodge meeting will follow the planning session.

McKeesport Daily News May 17, 2006

Scout earns Eagle Award

Members of Glassport Troop 54 gathered for a Court of Honor and Eagle Awards Presentation for Eagle Scout Michael B. McClellan, son of Wanetta McClellan of' McKeesport.

His project involved making a public park in an abandoned lot across from the Boys and Girls Club. He cleared the lot of debris and weeds and planted a flower garden and grass and added a picnic table. Members and leaders from his troop helped to finish the project.

He began his scouting career as Cub Scout with Pack 7 in Port Vue and received the Arrow of Light and then became a member of Troop 54. He has served as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, junior assistant scoutmaster and is serving as an assistant scoutmaster.

McClellan has earned 21 merit badges. McClellan has volunteered for activities at Renziehausen Park, Camp Breath Easy and the Boys and Girls Club.

He is a senior in high school and was awarded the Top of the Shop award and is going for his A+ Certification Exam.

Following graduation, he is planning to attend college for computer servicing.

McKeesport Daily News May 18, 2006

Glassport Women's Club

Glassport Women's Club will gather for the annual spring dinner tonight at 6 in Chesterfield's Restaurant, North Huntingdon Twp. Donna Kurucz, president, will extend the welcome and Ruth Whirl will offer the invocation. Kurucz will present this year's scholarship award to Lauren Borrelli, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Borrelli. She will be attending Pennsylvania State University in the fall. Door prizes and favors will be in charge of Betty Gaydos, Kurucz and Sandy Urbanski.

McKeesport Daily News May 19, 2006

Glassport

Crime watch forming

Glassport Police Department will host a meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the American Legion post home to organize a block watch and citizens patrol.

McKeesport Daily News May 20, 2006

Glassport

Construction project resumes

Residents are advised not to park on Marie Street between Reed and Harrison streets on l Monday. The Marie Street paving project, which was on hold due to inclement weather, will resume Monday. 1

McKeesport Daily News May 22, 2006

Glassport

Council to hear license bid

Borough council has schedule a hearing Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. in council chambers to receive input regarding a liquor license transfer by MFahey Inc. to 742 Monongahela Ave. The transfer is pursuant to terms of state Act 141 of 2000. The hearing will precede the regular 7 p.m. meeting of borough council.

McKeesport Daily News May 22, 2006

Glassport

Woman charged with assault

Police said Jennifer Bruni, 33, of Glassport is accused of indecent assault on a minor for an incident that reportedly occurred Saturday. Officers said the child's mother complained that Bruni was touching the juvenile.

Bruni was arraigned in Allegheny County Night Court.

Two charged in chase

Police said James Naughton, 22, address unknown, and Robert Peifer, 20, of Glassport, were arrested Sunday on charges of criminal attempt and harassment.

Officers said three juveniles complained the pair threatened them and chased them with knives.

The two men were arraigned in Allegheny County Night Court.

Man cited for assault

Police said Dirk Lucanish, 52, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault and harassment for an alleged incident of domestic violence Sunday.

Officers were told by a woman that Lucanish choked her, dumped hot liquid on her back and punched her repeatedly.

The woman was treated by Clairton EMS paramedics.

Lucanish was arraigned in Allegheny County Night Court.

Curfew violations reported Police said two youths were cited Sunday at 1:45 a.m. for violations of the borough's 10 p.m. curfew.

McKeesport Daily News May 23, 2006

Glassport

Couple cited after dispute

Police said Maura Connolly, 51, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault and harassment in connection with a Sunday afternoon incident for which her boyfriend also was charged.

As reported previously, Dirk Lucanish, 52, of Glassport, also is charged with simple assault and harassment. Officers were told by Connoll that Lucanish choked her. Lucanish told officers Connolly dumped hot liquid on his back.

Connolly was treated by Clairton EMS paramedics.

Police said Lucanish was treated for second-degree burns at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Both were arraigned in Allegheny County Night Court.

Home conditions cited

Police said Jamie Lombardi, 32, and Nancy Szinai, 33, were arrested Saturday for endangering the welfare of their children, ages 5 and 9.

Police said they responded to an anonymous call regarding the couple's home along Vermont Avenue. Officers said they found no electricity and found the children sleeping on the floor.

The children were turned over to the custody of a grandparent, while the matter was turned over to Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families, Chief Howard Kifer said.

Man arrested for retail theft

Police said Andrew Lesko, 36, of McKeesport, was arrested Friday night at the Foodland supermarket.

Officers called to reports of a robbery found the store manager holding down Lesko, who allegedly stuck four steaks inside his clothes.

Woman cited for intoxication

Police said Robin Coddington, 40, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication after an incident early Sunday in front of a bar along Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue. Police said Coddington was released into the custody of her husband.

McKeesport Daily News May 24, 2006

Glassport accident may prompt state to install guard rail

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

A recent traffic accident on Washington Boulevard in Glassport could be the catalyst to bring a long-desired safety improvement to that highway. Glassport officials said the Sunday afternoon crash near Emil Drive wasn't the first on a stretch between business districts in Port Vue and Glassport. They hope ways can be found to make it the last.

"(Residents) tried to get a guard rail put up by PennDOT up there for 12 years," Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco told borough council at its monthly business meeting Tuesday night.

Police said a 79-year-old motorist was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car. The car missed the intersection with Emil Drive, went through two yards and struck an above-ground swimming pool. Authorities said the driver did not appear to be seriously hurt, but was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

An aide to state Sen. Sean Logan, DMonroeville, said a meeting is being set up that could result in installation of that guard rail.

"The mayor had called and the police had called saying it was a recurring problem," Logan aide Bill Roland said Monday at the senator's McKeesport office. "(Logan) assured me that he will have PennDOT put in a guardrail," DiMarco told council.

Roland said Logan and PennDOT officials will meet with DiMarco and Police Chief Howard Kifer at the accident site along the 2800 block of Washington Boulevard. The Logan aide said borough officials cited the risk to youngsters making use of a nearby school bus stop.

Washington Boulevard winds its way over the hills inland from the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. It runs through all four South Allegheny School District municipalities and passes both the district's elementary school and its middle/high school campus.

In the council fire committee report given at Tuesday's meeting, Councilman James Foster applauded the efforts of rescue crews both at Sunday's accident scene and during a May 16 fire. "Things could have been a lot worse," Foster said about both situations.

McKeesport Daily News May 24, 2006

Glassport accepts arbitration reports concerning police

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News StaffWriter pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport council accepted two arbitration reports regarding borough police.

One, issued by state arbitrator William Miller, resolved differences over a contract with Teamsters Local 205 and its four-member bargaining unit.

As approved at Tuesday's council meeting, it includes a retroactive pay raise of 2.5 percent for the first half of 2005, another 2.5 percent for the second half of 2005, and 3 percent apiece for this year and 2007. The other, issued by state arbitrator John Morgan, upheld the firing of police Officer Shane Countryman, borough Solicitor Gary Matta said. Countryman was fired in November 2005 over his residency.

Countryman said politics triggered his dismissal, claiming his residency in Liberty is allowed under a May 2003 borough ordinance allowing him to live within five miles of Glassport's municipal building.

Council accepted the departure of another police officer Tuesday, but under different circumstances. Officer Philip Larcinese resigned effective May 11 to become a special agent for the state attorney general's Bureau of Criminal Investigations. "Phil was a very good officer, and we're going to miss him," Mayor Terry DiMarco said.

Council approved an emergency resolution hiring Shawn DiVerse as a full-time police officer. On a related note, borough officials said a community watch will be established at a meeting set for tonight at 7 at the American Legion post in Glassport.

It wasn't the only public safety issue raised. Matta said the borough's insurance company would not allow the use of all-terrain vehicles and other dirt bikes on the Patterson property. Some South Allegheny area residents asked last month for permission to use the site, but Police Chief Howard Kifer said there are liability problems. Matta concurred, saying the borough might lose what insurance coverage it has if it allows dirt bikes on the property.

Other personnel actions Tuesday included the resignation of Jeff Cadman as borough zoning officer because his day job was taking up too much of the time needed for his borough work. "He will still be available if we need him," Councilman James Foster said.

Five months after he was reappointed, Fire Chief Jeremy Levkus handed in his resignation, effective last week. Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Lewis was named to replace Levkus. "I worked with him on a couple fires," DiMarco said. "I think he is very capable."

The future of the two volunteer fire companies in Glassport, Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, will be the topic of a meeting of line officers, fire officers, borough officials and state Department of Community and Economic Development representatives June 12. Foster said the meeting will study options including consolidation of the two companies.

Matta said personnel matters also were discussed, as was possible litigation, in executive sessions both before and after the public session Tuesday. Additionally, there was a public hearing regarding the transfer of a liquor license from out of town to an establishment at 742 Monongahela Ave. Council later cleared the way for state Liquor Control Board action on that transfer.

Council also approved the codification of borough ordinances and a resolution asking local state and federal legislators to oppose any effort to revoke cable franchise fees the borough gets.

McKeesport Daily News May 25, 2006

Glassport AL Post 443

Glassport American Legion Post 443 will gather for its annual Memorial Day Services Sunday at the Honor Roll beginning at 6 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News May 26, 2006

Glassport plans community watch

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News StaffWriter pcloonan©dailynewsemail.com

Some three dozen Glassport residents gathered at the borough's American Legion post to do something about their community. It was an organizational meeting Wednesday night for the borough's new Block Watch and Citizens' Patrol programs.

As Glassport Police Lt. Ron Benoit made clear from the start, this was not a gripe session. He also made it clear that this was not an invitation to form vigilante groups. While the more the merrier is a good thing for the new borough block watches, police said effective resident control groups would contain approximately 10 members.

"You won't have police powers," Benoit said. "You should not confront anyone. In fact, if anyone comes to confront you, you should turn around and go the other way."

However, it is an opportunity to expand upon what at least one borough resident has been doing for some time. Benoit said that civilian "has 90 percent of the training that everyone is going to go through."

How effective is this man in his neighborhood? "The activity in that area has gone down to zero," Benoit said. "If we can do that with one man, think what we can do with two or three vehicles in contact with the police."

For the man's safety and future efficiency, at the lieutenant's request, the resident is not being identified. In fact, people looking for him at night won't find the task easy - he may drive around in two or three cars during one shift.

While one participant in Wednesday's meeting prompted the idea of having walkers, possibly covering the Ohio and Monongahela avenues from Foodland to the W.D. Mansfield Memorial Bridge, much of the legwork will take place on porches and looking out living room windows.

"Please get yourself a notebook," Benoit said. "Keep it with a pencil or pen. In the evening, when you go out on the porch, take them with you."

Also, he urged participants, don't wait when you hear or see something, especially if it wakes you up. "The first time you hear something, call and report it," Benoit said. "It only takes one kick to open a door, it only takes one gunshot to kill a person."

The Glassport police lieutenant urged participants to contact neighbors to get them interested in the program. Telephone trees are likely to provide multiple calls quickly as the need arises.

The program also may be divided among the borough's six precincts. That was one of the suggestions made by those sitting at the bingo tables in the Glassport veterans' hall.

For anyone interested in the citizens' patrols, one thing to expect is a criminal background check. "We don't want people out there breaking the law, saying they're trying to help us enforce the law," Benoit said.

One neighbor helping out Wednesday night was the Foodland, which donated soft drinks for participants.

Benoit said anyone interested in the block watches or citizens' patrols who did not attend Wednesday's meeting can contact him through the police department at 412672-4514.

McKeesport Daily News May 26, 2006

Glassport

Offices close for holiday

Borough offices will be closed Monday for Memorial Day. County Hauling will delay trash pickup by a day all next week.

Borough officials reminded residents that the haulers will not pick up building materials, shingles, bricks, tiles or tires. Paint cans left for pickup must have all paint removed by draining the can and blotting any residue with newspaper.

Borough seeks officers

Glassport is accepting applications for a full-time police officer as well as part-time officers. Applications for the hill-time post will be accepted until June 9. Applicants must take a written exam June 21 at 1 p.m. at Samuel A. Weiss Community Library, 440 Monongahela Ave.

Applicants for part-time positions must have Act 120 clearance.

Call the borough office at 412-672-7400 for information.

Demolition hearing is set

Borough council has schedule a public hearing June 7 at 6 p.m. to receive testimony about proposed demolition of structures at 532 Ohio Ave.; 736 and 1002 Delaware Ave.; 1809 Washington Blvd.; 218 N. Monongahela Ave.; 611, 613 and 615 Peach Alley; 412 Arch St.; and 499 Oregon Ave.

As noted this week at the borough council meeting, the borough mistakenly posted one address as being 1001 Delaware Ave., rather than 1002 Delaware Ave.

McKeesport Daily News May 27, 2006

Glassport hires part-time officer

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News StaffWriter pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport has a new part-time police officer with extensive experience in the U.S. Navy. Police Chief Howard Kifer said.

Timothy Daniel Stolar, 32, was sworn in Friday by Mayor Terry DiMarco. Stolar grewup on Pittsburgh's South Side and previously worked as a part-time officer in Coraopolis.

Kifer said Stolar also has experience and training from naval assignments in the U.S. and Italy. The police chief said Stolar was a watch commander for a force of 43 military patrolmen in Sicily, was involved in small boat security at Norfolk, Va., and also served in Key West, Fla. His experience includes K9 patrols and bomb security work, including training in Texas. He also attended naval college in Florida. Kifer said.

Glassport still is looking for part-time officers. Also Friday, DiMarco said a four-way stop has replaced a two-way stop sign situation at the intersection of Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue. "There have been two additional stop signs put in," the mayor said. "When you are coming up and down the hill, you will now have to stop at this corner."

Glassport

- Daily News Photo New officer welcomed Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco swears in new full-time police Officer Shawn DeVerse. DeVerse, 37, a part-time officer for the past 10 years, was promoted in an emergency move by borough council Tuesday night. DeVerse said he and Kathleen, his wife of five years, will move back to Glassport from White Oak.

McKeesport Daily News May 27, 2006

Glassport's Bob's Bar marks 50th anniversary

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News StaffWriter pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

There have been some changes to Bob's Bar at 642 Indiana Ave., in a quiet Glassport neighborhood up the hill from the downtown business district.

"They used to have the best hamburgers," Glassport Police Officer Shawn DeVerse recalled. "I used to have them all the time."

The grill was taken out some seven or eight years ago, owner Robert Wawrzeniak said, but a tradition that started nearly 30 years ago persists. In 1977, someone came up with the idea of tossing pennies on the ledges above the counters. Those pennies ... and a whole lot more ... have added up to $5,000 so far this year, $10,000 for all of last year and, over the decades, $138,000 for the Free Care Fund at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

"For the last 10 years, the guys just leave the money on the bar and they know what I'm going to do with it," the veteran tavern owner said. The count can be seen on the mirror behind the counter. "I change the total every $100," Wawrzeniak said.

Or it can be found on a new wooden knickknack on the counter. "This was made by a neighbor across the street whose name is Amber (Godfrey)," Wawrzeniak said. "I was really floored by it." On it is inscribed the words "Good Guys."

As Wawrzeniak has said over the years, the donors are "the good guys and gals."

On Tuesday, Bob's Bar marks its 50th anniversary, having had an impact that goes far beyond being a tiny neighborhood tavern, albeit one that only operates from 1-7 p.m.

"We have the schedule down pat," Jim Zebroski said.

Wawrzeniak's tavern was commended by Glassport Council at its meeting Wednesday night.

Children's Hospital also has commended Bob's Bar, with numerous plaques posted on the wall honoring Wawrzeniak for his contributions.

Well, no, Wawrzeniak will tell you, not his contributions. "Give them the most credit," he said about his patrons. "They're the ones that do it."

There's someone Bob can't share his joy with anymore. His wife Mary passed away in 2004. Wawrzeniak said his son, two daughters and nine randchildren "really stuck with me wile we were going to that nursing home for 13 months." Just as his patrons have stuck with a good cause for 30 years.

- Photo by Kathi A. Wilcox/Daily News

Robert (Bob) Wawrzeniak points with pride to what his customers have done, raising $5,000 so far this year for Children's Hospital's Free Care Fund.

McKeesport Daily News May 31, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

• Scott Jamison, 38, of Clairton, was arrested Sunday at the intersection of Ohio Avenue and Wall Street. Jamison is charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license, failure to obey stop and yield signs and careless driving, police said.

• George Kraly, 41, of Homestead, was arrested Sunday at 12:02 p.m. along the 300 block of Erie Avenue. Kraly is charged with simple assault, terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct, police said.

• Jessica Young, 25, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxication, harassment and disorderly conduct. Young was arrested Monday at 8:15 p.m. following an altercation along the 600 block of Vermont Avenue, police said.

• Chad Schantz, 18, of Glassport, is charged with underage drinking, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Schantz was arrested Monday at 8:15 p.m. along the 600 block of Vermont Avenue, police said.

Substance offenses reported

Amy Harris, 30, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Harris was arrested Saturday at 1:15 a.m. along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue, police said.

Disorderly conduct charged

• Dustin Riveria, 20, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Riveria was arrested Monday at 8:15 p.m. along the 600 block of Vermont

• George Hazaya, 33, of North Versailles Twp., is charged with disorderly conduct. Hazaya was arrested Monday at 8:15 p.m. along the 600 block of Vermont Avenue, police said.

• Holly Davis, 20, of McKeesport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Davis was arrested Monday at 8:15 p.m. along the 600 block of Vermont Avenue, police said.

•Christopher Barton Jr., 22, of Port Vue, is charged with disorderly conduct. Barton was arrested Saturday at 1:45 a.m. along the 700 block of Ohio Avenue, police said.

McKeesport Daily News June 2, 2006

Glassport

Stuffed cabbage served

Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 will host a stuffed cabbage dinner Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under. For more information call 412-672-4422 or 412-6721005.

McKeesport Daily News June 2, 2006

Editorial

Control at a bad curve

WE HAVE TO commend state Sen. Sean Logan, D Monroeville, for his quick action to seek a remedy to a driving hazard, a curve on Washington Boulevard just inside the Glassport side of the Port Vue borough line.

He secured a PennDOT pledge of rumble strips and a guardrail, while officials in the two boroughs pledged reduced speed limits.

We also have to commend the state senator for his handling of what could have been an ugly scene Tuesday as he dealt with a group of residents gathered along the 2000 block of Washington. Many of them fumed over problems that existed long before the May 21 accident involving a 79-year-old Port Vue man. As police and neighbors explained, the man apparently passed out, losing control of his car. The vehicle went up over the front yard of one home, over a driveway, clearing two parked vehicles, before landing against an above-ground swimming pool.

"The day before my wife and grandchildren were up there," pool owner Blaine Smith said. "He could have killed them." The owner of the other affected property, Heather Williams, wondered why PennDOT hasn't acted faster. "If that car had come down and killed my two kids, would the state have done anything?" Williams asked.

As if to put an exclamation point on the neighbors' remarks, drivers apparently in better control than that unfortunate senior citizen kept rolling through at higher-than-legal speeds, even as Logan was conducting his forum.

"We'll do everything we can," PennDOT Allegheny County Assistant Maintenance Engineer Louis Basciotta said.

We hope Logan can hold the state transportation agency to that pledge - and the boroughs continue a renewed commitment to keep the speed down.

McKeesport Daily News June 9, 2006

Glassport

Speed lowered on boulevard

Mayor Terry DiMarco reminds Glassport residents that the speed limit has been reduced from 35 to 25 mph on Washington Boulevard between the Port Vue bor­ough line and the Liberty bor­ough line. DiMarco said the area will be highly monitored by bor­ough police and residents who do not use caution may be cited for speeding.

McKeesport Daily News June 12, 2006

Glassport Lions Club

Board Board of directors of Glassport Lions Club will gather Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Edward Burnett will preside and host the meeting.

Glassport AL Post 443

Glassport American Legion Post 443 will celebrate its 77th birthday Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. in the social room. On June 21 at 7 p.m., the post will hold its election of officers in the post home

McKeesport Daily News June 15, 2005

— Daily News Photo Donation appreciated Glassport Citizens Hose Chief Wayne Lewis, right, and Lt. Jonathan Petrik, left, examine new tools purchased for $165 apiece by Mama Pepino’s. Joe Pici, center, represented the pizzeria, which donated the tools for use in handling auto accidents and other emergencies. Lewis said two smaller tools were donated recently for his company by Glassport’s Polish National Alliance Lodge 750.

McKeesport Daily News June 20, 2006

DISTRICT COURT RESULTS

Glassport

The following cases were heard recently by Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin. Guilty pleas

• Maurice Armstrong, 42, Clairton, disorderly conduct.

• Holly Diffendal, 34, Glassport, disorderly conduct.

• Heather Marie Drost, 32, Clairton, disorderly conduct.

• Shelia Hairston, 46, North Versailles Twp., disorderly conduct.

• Carl Nash, 54, Clairton, disorderly conduct.

• Mary Jane Selinsky, 35, Monongahela, disorderly conduct.

• Michael Swartz, 20, Glassport, disorderly conduct.

• Rebecca Woolheater, 24, Clairton, disorderly conduct.

Held for court

• Anthony Foster, 19, Glassport, corruption of minors. A charge of statutory sexual assault was dismissed.

• Brad L. Robinson, 26, Clairton, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and speeding.

Waived

• Christopher Lacey, 23, Elizabeth Twp., driving under the influence, no rear lights.

• Michael R. Madeja, 29, Lincoln Place, driving under the influence, speeding.

• Robert Miller, 29, homeless, theft, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property.

• Filip Amere Nelson, 21, Clairton, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance, possession of an offensive weapon, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence.

• Stuart Craig Price, 28, Clairton, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

• Gary L. Townsend, 41, Clairton, driving under the influence, improper signal.

McKeesport Daily News June 21, 2006

Glassport halts Civil Service tests

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Candidates for Glassport police positions need not report for Civil Service tests scheduled today.

At the suggestion of attorneys for the borough and the Civil Service Commission, five candidates instead will get refunds of fees they submitted, as Glassport officials deal with what Borough Solicitor Gary Matta termed a flawed process.

“There was no reorganization this year,” the solicitor told council Tuesday night. Prior to the meeting, Matta conferred with Michael Marmo, his counterpart with the Civil Service Commission. “

There are a number of flaws he is concerned about and I am concerned about,” Matta told council. “Everyone will have the ability to retake the test.”

Another problem with the commission is the need to fill a vacancy. A would-be nominee for the third position, Constable Joseph Steffan, was on the agenda but council took no action because it had no letter of intent from Steffan.

After the May council meeting, Glassport officials announced that the borough was accepting applications for a full-time police officer as well as part-time officers.

Part- time officer Timothy Stolar, was sworn in last month, but Police Chief Howard Kifer said the borough still is looking for additional part-timers.

Applications for the full-time post were accepted until June 9.

Applicants were to take a written exam today at Samuel A. Weiss Community Library.

Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Officer Clifford LeFever was promoted to sergeant and sworn into that position by Mayor Terry DiMarco. Council Police Chairman Eugene Skerkoski said LeFever has all the attributes needed for the leadership post, includng compassion.

In May, police responsed to 517 incidents, with 65 adult and 13 juvenile arrests report­ed, five of the latter for curfew violations.

McKeesport Daily News June 21, 2006

Glassport councilor resigns

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport Councilman Michael A. Ksiazek stunned his colleagues with a sudden decision to resign, citing personal inadequacy.

“I went into this position with all intention to do my best,” he wrote in a letter read by Council President John DeSue Tuesday, “but in the two years plus (since being elected) I have found that I cannot give my all to the task and feel that for the best interest of the position that I resign.” Ksiazek, who also serves on the borough planning commission, chaired council’s committee dealing with sanitation, parks and recreation, the borough swimming pool and the community youth center.

“Hopefully a person can be appointed to fill the remainder of my term who will be able to give more of themselves to the borough,” Ksiazek wrote.

Colleagues asked him to reconsider. “ I think you have been doing a good job,” Mayor Terry DiMarco said. “I’d like to see you finish the job.” “I wish I could,” Ksiazek responded.

In his last committee report, Ksiazek urged residents to make use of the Dumpster at the borough garage used for metal items and old appliances. Tube City LLC collects the contents for recycling and pays the borough for the materials.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, borough officials reported receiving a check for $193.20.

Ksiazek was second among seven candidates for four­year seats on council in the 2003 Democratic primary.

The top vote-getter, John A. D’Angelo, ended 27 years on council with his resignation in July 2005.

“I thank all the people of Glassport who supported me, voted for me and worked very hard to get me elected,” Ksiazek wrote. “I wish the best for everyone on council and hope what I was able to do was helpful for the betterment of this great town.”

Ksiazek told DeSue he would remain on the planning commission “for the time being” and on council until his replacement is named.

Would- be replacements can submit letters to borough Secretary Nancy Piazza­Whaby, at the municipal building at 440 Monongahela Ave., Glassport 15045.

Council also accepted the retirement of Casimir Pasinski as lead operator of the sewage treatment plant. Pasinski worked at the plant for 15 years.

Michael DeSue was chosen to fill the position, with his father John abstaining.

Council received an invoice from Building Inspector Steve Volpe for $900. “He’s made enough revenue that he doesn’t cost the borough anything,” John DeSue said, pointing out that the borough received $ 421 for building permits, and $35 for occupancy permits. Volpe also completed inspections of 10 residences, issued notices to five and zoning permits to nine properties.

Borough Solicitor Gary Matta said an ordinance intended to reduce the speed limit on Washington Boulevard would have to be modified and re-advertised.

While the measure lowering the speed from 30 to 25 mph on Washington Boulevard was meant to cover all of the roadway within Glassport borough limits, the ordinance as advertised only lowered that limit from Pacific Avenue to the Port Vue line.

McKeesport Daily News June 21, 2006

Thomas Fiore earns PhD

A former Glassport resident, Thomas M. Fiore, received a doctorate in pure mathematics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Son of Kevin Fiore and the late Ann Gribschaw, he is the grandson of Stephen and Theresa Gribschaw of Glassport and Marshall Fiore of Jefferson Hills and the late Ruth Fiore.

He is a 1995 graduate of Bethel Park Senior High School, received a bachelor of philosophy in Germanic languages and lit­erature and a bachelor of science in pure mathematics in 1999 from the University of Pittsburgh.

Fiore studied German literature and pure mathematics at the University of Augsburg in Germany in 1996 and 1998. He had two years of graduate work in pure mathematics at the University of Vienna in Austria.

He will reside in Chicago, Ill., with his wife, Eva. He is an L.E. Dickson instructor at the University of Chicago with a research focus on cat­egory theory and topology.

DR. THOMAS FIORE

McKeesport Daily News June 22, 2006

Glassport sweep nets 25 arrests

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Twenty- five persons were served 40 warrants, mostly for summary non-traffic violations, usually for failure to respond to summons from Glassport Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin.

In what was dubbed “ Operation Glassport Clean Streets,” officers from four area departments served the warrants in a sweep that began Wednesday afternoon. However, things went into high gear between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., as those named in the warrants were brought to the Glassport police station, usually to pay fines, although some wound up in the borough’s holding cell.

“ The warrant sweep was organized by the constables ( Joseph Steffan and Gerry Cavanaugh) in Magistrate Martin’s office in coopera­tion with the Glassport Police Department,” Sgt. Clifford LeFever said. “The operation was approved by Mayor Terry DiMarco.”

LeFever was aided by Glassport Officers Shawn Deverse, Ray Johnson, Dan Kolic and Tim Stolar. Warrants also were served by McKeesport, Port Vue and Liberty police.

Jeff Walker, 31, of Clairton was served a warrant for felony drug delivery.

Christopher Muic, 22, of Glassport was served a warrant for misdemeanor loitering and prowling at night.

Police said Chester K. Stone, 34, of Glassport sought to avoid a warrant for simple assault by hiding under the floor in his sister’s attic.

Blake A. Brown, 42, of Glassport and Colin Witney Perhacs, age and hometown not available, each were served five warrants; James E. Cogar Jr., age and hometown not available, was served four. Jason Sabo, 25, of Port Vue, Charles Moore, 45, of Greensburg, and Harry M. Naylor, age and hometown not available, each received two warrants.

Also served warrants were Scott Ely, 43, of Clairton; and Glassport area residents Brandon Keene Perhacs, 21, Gregory Dilts, Shelly Snyir, Candy Shaw, Tommy Taylor and Wendy Taylor.

Also served were Glassport area residents David Fricke, David P. Dolton, Kerry Felicitty, Alicia King, Michael Hershberger, Karen L. Larson, Justin Wargo and Edward J. Sody.

Police said the last warrant was served around 1 a.m. to Eric Durr, 23, of Glassport for unpaid fines.

McKeesport Daily News June 26, 2006

Glassport

Vacant property review set

Glassport residents interested in vacant properties are asked to write the borough office, telling what lots they’re interested in, so the borough can see what liens are attached to those properties.

Tax deadlines approach

Tax Collector Jennifer Pasinski advised that the 2006 borough taxes will enter face amount Saturday. To take advantage of the dis­count amount, payments can be accepted at the tax office, 439 Monongahela Ave., until Friday. Also, South Allegheny School District 2005 taxes will be turned over to Keystone Municipal for delinquent col­lections on July 14. To avoid delinquent collections, pay­ments can be made to the tax office until July 7. Call 412- 664- 7310 with questions or for more infor­mation.

McKeesport Daily News June 26, 2006

DISTRICT COURT

Glassport

The following cases have been heard by Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin. Pleaded guilty • Maurice Armstrong, 42, no address given, disorderly conduct. • Theresa Ann Scott, 46, Clairton, disorderly conduct. • George L. Wright, 42, Clairton, public drunkenness. Found guilty • Michael Goldberg, 21, Glassport, disorderly conduct. • Stephen G. Seman III, 19, Glassport, disorderly conduct. Held for court • Herbert Ranson, 19, Clairton, firearms violation, possession of a controlled sub­stance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled sub­stance. Waived • Kim Kruszka, 30, Glassport, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endanger­ing another person, resisting arrest. Dismissed • Dewayne L. Jackson, 41, Clairton, two counts of simple assault. Withdrawn • Anthony Piplica, 18, Liberty, criminal trespass, dis­orderly conduct, loitering and prowling.

McKeesport Daily News June 27, 2006

Glassport’s Bradley is interim head of Pittsburgh Diocese

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

A panel of eight priest-consultors has elected Glassport native Auxiliary Bishop Paul J. Bradley as administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Bradley, 60, will serve in that role until Pope Benedict XVI names a successor to former Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, now archbishop of Washington, D.C. The vote by the diocesan College of Consultors Monday at St. Paul Seminary in Crafton confirmed a role Bradley already held since Wuerl left Pittsburgh. Under church or canon law, as auxiliary bishop Bradley was responsible for running the diocese until that College of Consultors could be convened. The college is made up of pastors selected by Wuerl from the diocesan priests’ council, a group that meets monthly to discuss other matters of the diocese.

Bradley was named by Wuerl in November 2003 as general secretary and vicar of the diocese. A year later, he was named by Pope John Paul II as an auxiliary bishop.

“Growing up in Glassport was a tremendous foundation,” the son of the late John and Cecelia Bradley recalled at a news conference after that decision was announced. “Glassport was a wonderful community in those days, and still is. The focus of our life very much was the church, St. Cecelia’s parish in Glassport. Our family was very involved in the life of the parish and it became a part of our family existence.”

St. Cecelia’s today is part of Queen of the Rosary parish. More than 60 members of Queen of the Rosary were among well-wishers at Bradley’s ordination Mass in February 2005, as were relatives of Bradley from as near as Elizabeth and as far away as Florida.

“ He’s done a very good job with his other churches,” Bradley’s niece Katie Strutt said. “It’s very exciting.” Bradley attended St. Cecelia Grade School before going on to the Benedictines’ St. Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana. He also earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. After his ordination in 1971 by the late Bishop Vincent M. Leonard, Bradley served as a parochial vicar (assistant pastor) in Ross Twp., Butler and Lawrenceville. In 1982, the new diocesan administrator became part of Leonard’s staff as director of the diocesan Office of Family Life. Bradley became diocesan secretary for social concerns in 1988 and served in that post until 1994. Bradley returned to parish life in 1991, as co- pastor of Madonna del Castello in Swissvale. There he worked with the Rev. Daniel DiNardo, now archbishop of Galveston-Houston. DiNardo was involved in both Bradley’s installation and Wuerl’s last week in Washington, D.C.

Bradley returned to his first assignment, St. Sebastian in Ross Twp., as its pastor in 1994. In 2001, he began a two-year stint as pastor of St. Paul Cathedral, succeeding the Rev. Leo Vanyo, a Munhall native. Bradley’s other Mon-Yough ties included a seat on the boards of McKeesport’s Auberle and its Pauline Auberle Foundation. He also is on the boards of such organizations as the Chimbote Foundation, Duquesne University, Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and St. Anthony School.

The Rev. Lawrence DiNardo, diocesan vicar for canonical services and director of the diocesan Department for Canon and Civil Law, said Catholics will see very little change in the administration of the diocese during the transition. How long will that transition be?

Having passed the retirement age of 75, the Most Rev. Anthony Bosco resigned as bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg in August 2002. It took until January 2004 for Pope John Paul II to name his successor, the Most Rev. Lawrence Brandt, then chancellor of the Diocese of Erie.

On the other hand, in 1988, Wuerl was named a day after his predecessor in Pittsburgh, the Most Rev. Anthony Bevilacqua, was installed as archbishop in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh has two retired auxiliary bishops, the Most Rev. William J. Winter and the Most Rev. John B. McDowell.

BISHOP PAUL J. BRADLEY

Auxiliary Bishop Paul J. Bradley, right, will serve as administrator of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh until a permanent successor to Bishop Donald W. Wuerl is named.

Auxiliary Bishop Paul J. Bradley of Glassport could be named permanent successor to Bishop Donald J. Wuerl.

McKeesport Daily News June 27, 2006

Trunzo named JRMC ‘Cameo’

Jamie Trunzo, RN, of Glassport is the Cameos of Caring Award winner at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The registered nurse is team leader on 5 East and will represent the hospital at the 8th annual Cameos of Caring celebration sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. The event is Sept. 30 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Trunzo has been with Jefferson Regional for 19 years and is a registered nurse graduate of Community College of Allegheny County. At Jefferson, she has been honored as an Employee of the Month, a two-time Cameo of Caring nominee and nurse preceptor and has served as an acting patient care manager. She is involved in numerous activities at the medical center including serving as a member of the restraint committee, skin care committee, nursing- pharmacy documentation committee and the human resources- joint commission readiness team.

“Jamie has been a rock-solid presence to all of the staff on 5 East,” said co-worker Patty Lindelof, RN. “She has kept everything running smoothly in the face of several transi­tions.” Trunzo also has participated in community outreach projects such as administering flu shots, blood pressure screenings and stroke screenings. She is an active member at her church, where she serves as treasurer and is involved with the church preschool. Lee Baron, RN, patient care manager of 5 East, nominated Trunzo for the Cameo award. “Jamie does so much for 5 East and Jefferson Regional that the hospital will be well served to have her represent it as the Cameo of Caring,” he said.

Top “Excellence in patient care, effective leadership and keep­ing up the moral on 5 East are all part of her repertoire and words cannot describe what she means to 5 East and the medical center.” Trunzo lives with her husband Paul and mother, Vina March.

She said she believes the most satisfying part of her career as a nurse is “being involved with direct patient care. I know that working as part of an interdisciplinary team and delivering service excellence really does make a difference to patients and their outcomes.”

MaryAnn Farmerie, vice president, Patient Care, said the recipient is an exceptional nurse who possesses kindness, compassion and exemplary nursing skills. “We are proud to have her represent us at this prestigious event honoring the nursing profession.”

Six other Jefferson Regional registered nurses were nominated for the Cameos of Caring Award: Joanne Cook, emergency department; Pat Gamble, oncology; Brad Manown, respiratory care; Chris Struniak, intensive care; Karen Wilson, rehabilitation; and Eileen Winkler, respiraory care.

In addition, Gloria Strang, RN, MSN, health education specialist, Staff Development and Education, was nominated for the Cameos of Caring Advance Practice Award. Her nomination will be sent to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, where a panel of faculty members will select five awardees from area hospitals. Nurses representing more than 30 participating hospitals and medical centers throughout Western Pennsylvania will be honored at the Cameos of Caring Gala.

Jamie Tronzo, RN, is Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s Cameo of Caring recipient.

McKeesport Daily News June 30, 2006

Suspected Glassport vandals nabbed

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Police have arrested two Glassport residents they suspect are responsible for several incidents of vandalism in the borough.

James Rager, 19, and a juvenile have been charged with criminal mischief and institutional vandalism. The two were arrested late last week following a lengthy investigation, police said.

The two suspects are accused of using spray paint to mark dugouts and other facilities at the community ballpark at the intersection of Ninth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

Most recently, vandals tried to rip off the roof of a concession stand at the park, police said.

Rager and the juvenile also allegedly marked a new pavilon being built at the ballpark along the 400 block of Oak Alley.

Rager was taken to Allegheny County Jail, while the juvenile was released to parents.

— Photo Courtesy of Glassport Police Department

Glassport Officer Ray Johnson escorts suspect James Rager, who is accused of using spray paint to mark a ballfield and pavilion, into a police vehicle.

McKeesport Daily News July 1, 2006

Glassport

Harassment charges filed

Two Glassport residents are charged with harassment.

• Jessica Harmon, 27, was arrested Monday at 12:30 a.m. at Ruby D’s Bar, located at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue. Police said Harmon got into a fight, striking the victim in the right eye.

• A juvenile was arrested Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The actor reportedly grabbed his mother and pushed her against a wall, causing her to suffer an abrasion in her back.

Disorderly conduct charged

Two Glassport residents are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Allen O’Hara, 41, was arrested Tuesday at 10: 20 p.m. Police said O’Hara uttered obscene language to an on­duty police officer.

• Lee Christopher, 24, was arrested Tuesday at 10: 18 p.m. Police said Christopher was involved in a domestic dispute at his home along the 600 block of Summit Avenue. A screen door and other pieces of property were damaged in the incident, police said.

Juvenile arrested

A female juvenile from Glassport is charged with simple assault. The woman allegedly assaulted her mother at her apartment along the 900 block of Indiana Avenue, police said. The juvenile was arrested and taken to Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.

McKeesport Daily News July 5, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

James Lucy, 29, of Glassport, is charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct. Police said Lucy was seen arguing with another man inside Ruby D’s bar at 601 Allegheny Ave. Monday at 2:10 a.m. Lucy allegedly struck an intoxicated man in the face with his fist, and then kicked the man in his face after he fell to the ground. The victim was bleeding from his head and nose and had to be taken from the scene via medical helicopter, according to police.

Lucy fled the scene, police said. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Police report DUI

Barbara Janci, 55, of Glassport, was cited for possession of a controlled substance, restriction of alcoholic beverages and driving under the influence. Police said Janci was found driving near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue Sunday at 2:25 a.m. The woman had oxycotin and morphine pills in her possession, according to police.

Son and mother charged

Police said they found a 17 year-old male juvenile from Port Vue riding his bicycle, visibly intoxicated, along the 100 block of Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 1:52 a.m., thus violating the borough’s curfew for youth.

The juvenile is charged with public intoxication and under­age drinking. When police called the boy’s mother to pick him up, she refused, police reported. The mother is charged with endangering the welfare of children. Police took the juvenile home.

Disorderly conduct cited

Several people were cited for disorderly conduct within the last week, police reported.

• Al Csorba, 46, of Glassport, was cited along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue Friday at 2:47 p.m.

• Greg Dilts, 38, of Glassport, was cited twice Saturday, at 3:10 and 3:20 a.m., along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue.

• Kimberly Kruszka, 30, of Glassport, was cited Saturday at 3 a.m. along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue.

• John Rager, 27, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication Monday at 2:10 a.m. along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue.

• Wayne Layhoe, 55, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Sunday at 2:25 a.m.

Public intoxication noted

Several people were cited for public intoxication recently, police said.

• Terry Bezts, 31, of McKeesport, was cited Saturday at 1:40 a.m. near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

• Lisa Doyle, 42, of McKeesport, was cited Saturday at 1:45 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

• Joseph Karbowiak, 39, of Liberty, was cited June 24 at 3:10 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

• Kevin Cadieu, no age given, of Glassport, was cited Saturday at 6:22 p.m. along the 400 block of Plum Way.

• Martin Joseph Jr., 27, of McKeesport, was cited Monday at 2 a.m. along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue.

Criminal mischief reported

Two people are charged with criminal mischief, police said.

• Michael Solada, 39, of Glassport, additionally is charged with harassment following an incident that took place June 27 at 10:32 a.m. along the 700 block of Vermont Avenue.

• Douglas Biddle, 37, of Glassport, was charged with criminal mischief Sunday along Monongahela Avenue. He additionally was cited for public intoxication.

McKeesport Daily News July 5, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Eric Ykasik, 19, of Glassport, Brandon Sabol, 18, of Glassport, and two juveniles all are charged with disorderly conduct stemming from incidents police say occurred Tuesday at 11:15 p.m. along the 300 block of Erie Avenue. Police said Ykasik and Sabol were lighting fireworks and leaving the remains on the street.

Trespass charge filed

Dennis Haugh, 33, of Elizabeth, is charged with criminal trespassing and public drunkenness. Police said Haugh was trespassing on a property along the 700 block of Monongahela Avenue after being told to leave by the owner. Haugh was highly intoxicated and unable to walk by himself, according to police.

Underage drinking charged

Police charged two people with underage drinking Monday.

• Samantha Pearson, 19, of McKeesport, is charged stemming from an incident police said occurred at 11:42 p.m. along the 600 block of Hemlock Way. Police said Pearson attempted to consume two cans of beer.

• Johni Lehnock, 19, of Liberty, is charged stemming from an incident police say occurred at 11:45 p.m. along the 600 block of Hemlock Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News July 10, 2006

Colecchi charged with harassment

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport councilman has been arrested for allegedly harassing borough police officers. James Colecchi, 32, of Glassport, is charged with official oppression, harassment and intimidation of a witness.

Police said Colecchi’s brother Joseph Colecchi was involved in a fight Sunday around 3:05 a.m. at the Sons of Italy Club near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue. Also allegedly involved in the fight were Ryan Fasiska, 22, of Glassport, and Matthew Krunsky, 21, of Glassport.

The three men are charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment. Police said Joseph Colecchi was bleeding from the forehead and taken to UPMC McKeesport. He later was taken to the borough’s police station, according to police.

James Colecchi then called police Officer Shawn Deverse on his cell phone at 3:54 a.m. and made “derogatory remarks,” according to the police report.

The councilman allegedly called Officer Ray Johnson “ a fat ass” and called both Deverse and Johnson “cowards.”

James Colecchi also reportedly claimed the officers assaulted his brother. At 4:04 a.m. James Colecchi reportedly called Deverse again, stating Colecchi would “ take care of this incident” but he wanted to give Deverse a chance to speak with him. The councilman reportedly called a third time at 4:20 a.m. Police said James Colecchi advised Deverse it was in his best interest to call him back because, the report stated, “with one phone call in the morning” the councilman would have the police investigated.

Police also reported James Colecchi at 4:23 a.m. called the victim of the altercation at Sons of Italy club, asking the victim questions and remarking the police had assaulted his brother.

James Colecchi was taken to Allegheny County Jail, police said. He could not be reached for comment at presstime.

McKeesport Daily News July 11, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Chad Chantz, 19, and Jessica Young, 25, both of Glassport, are charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering another person. Police said Chantz and Young were involved in a fight at their home along the 700 block of Indiana Avenue Saturday around 10:30 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News July 14, 2006

Glassport

Assault charges filed

John Rager, 26, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Police said they were called to an apartment along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. A victim claimed Rager grabbed her by the hair and pushed her around, reports said.

Disorderly conduct charged

Greg Gretz, no age given, of Liberty, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public intoxication.

Police said Gretz was involved in a fight near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue Sunday at 2:57 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News July 21, 2006

Mickey Stetor named to Glassport council

By BRANDON CLEARY For The Daily News

Glassport has a new councilman.

Thursday night, council approved Mickey Stetor for the slot left vacant by Michael A. Ksiazek, who resigned last month. Stetor then accepted an offer to take the oath of office on the spot and sit in on the remainder of the meeting.

“ I would like to thank everybody for supporting me,” Stetor said to council and the audience. “I will do my best to put Glassport first.” Stetor and his wife have lived in Glassport for 20 years and own and operate the Red Hot Dollar store along Monongahela Avenue.

Stetor also had served in the U.S. Marine Corps. “Mr. Stetor has got the heart of the borough in mind,” said Councilman James Foster. Councilmen Eugene Skerkoski and James Uziel cast the only votes against Stetor.

“My no vote doesn’t reflect your ability,” Skerkoski said to Stetor. “I definitely believe that you’ll do a good job.”

Present at the meeting to support Stetor’s nomination was Bill Kortz, Democratic candidate for legislator in the 38th District. Kortz thanked everyone who had supported him, and pledged to spend much time in the borough in the months to come.

In other news, council heard complaints about conditions by the borough’s docks. A concerned resident said the area often is strewn with condoms, tampons, syringes and broken glass left over from teenage drinking parties.

“If the police knew it was going on, they would do something about it,” Mayor Terry DiMarco said. Skerkoski suggested a regular police patrol for the area. “Their mere presence might discourage that sort of thing,” Skerkoski said.

Another resident brought up the poor condition of many of the borough’s roads, and asked why Glassport has not obtained the same type of bond that Clairton has used to fix theirs. Council assured those gathered they already were investigating such a bond, but could not accept it at present due to the borough’s uncertain financial situation. “The bond in question is a loan,” said Council President John DeSue. “We need to be able to do the bond without raising taxes.” Uziel agreed. “We want to make sure we can handle additional debt first,” Uziel said. “The roads are the second most important service we provide ... We can only patch the potholes right now, and that’s like putting Band-Aids on things that need a tourniquet.”

Council also noted a Civil Service board meeting is slated for Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the borough library. The meeting will address the hiring of new police officers.

McKeesport Daily News July 21, 2006

Glassport Senior Citizens Association

Glassport Senior Citizens Association will gather for the July meeting Monday at the senior center along Monongahela Avenue beginning at 11 a.m.

Greeters will be Mary Spagnola and Barbara Tarli.

Highlighting the agenda will be guest speaker Valda Braziel, senior consultant for the Highmark Insurance Co. She will speak on Plan D of the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. A brief question and answer period will follow.

The business meeting will begin with Helen Nelson reviewing the minutes of the last meeting and Steve Oley and Tony Spagnola will discuss the remaining programs for the summers.

A luncheon will be served by Ethel Davis.

Flo D’Antonio will lead the blessing of the food.

Those attending the luncheon may call Frank Tarli at 412-678-3861. Meetings are open to the public.

McKeesport Daily News July 22, 2006

Glassport

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

210 Fifth Ave. Sunday — Sunday School, 9:30 a. m.; service and Super Church, 10:30; and evening service, 7 p.m. Wednesday — Adult Bible study , Walk On Youth Group Discipleship, Royal Rangers and Missionettes, 7 p.m. Thursday— Ladies Night Out (second Thursday), 7 p.m. Friday — Walk On Youth Group, 7 p.m. Saturday — Men’s ministries Fellowship (first Saturday), 10 a.m. ——————

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

614 Michigan Ave. Sunday — Sunday School, 9:30 a. m.; and combined service of preaching and fellowship, 10:45. Wednesday — Fast and prayer, 7:30 p.m. ——————

FIRST BAPTIST

519 Ohio Ave. Sunday — Sunday School, coffee and fellowship, 9:45 a.m.; summer informal program, 10:15; and ser­vice with Pastor Ira Kelly, 11:15. ——————

GLASSPORT UNITED METHODIST

501 Ohio Ave. Sunday — Sunday School, 10:15 a. m.; and service with the Rev. Thomas D. Carr, 11:15. ——————

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN

641 Vermont Ave. Sunday — Service with Judith Phelps, 10 a.m. ——————

QUEEN OF THE ROSARY

530 Michigan Ave., Glassport Saturday — Mass, 5 p.m. Sunday — Masses, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Monday — Mass, 8 a.m.; and confessions daily at 7:30 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News July 22, 2006

Glassport

Three agencies set meetings

Three meetings are scheduled in the coming week in the borough council chambers and at the borough library next door.

Glassport Development Corp. will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

A Civil Service meeting is set Wednesday at 7 p.m. in council chambers, involving committee members and their attorney.

The borough Zoning Hearing Board will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the borough library to discuss a subdivision request by Joseph and Barbara Sorrentino of Ohio Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News July 25, 2006

HISTORY

20 YEARS AGO

Glassport’s mayor and police department issue a warning that anyone caught dumping waste on the bor­ough’s Patterson Property will pay a $300 fine.

McKeesport Daily News July 26, 2006

None injured when woman drives through McDonald’s play area

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport woman escaped injury after her car hit the side of one Norwin Towne Square business and wound up in the playground area of another.

North Huntingdon Twp. police said five children playing in that area also escaped injury after a lunch hour accident Tuesday in the shopping center along Route 30 and Lincoln Way.

Township police Sgt. Rodney R. Mahinske said officers were called to the McDonald’s in the shopping center at 12:21 p.m. There a late model car belonging to Goldie Smith, 76, of Glassport, had pushed through an iron fence into the restaurant’s play area.

“Smith ... was attempting to park her vehicle in the (McDonald’s) lot,” Mahinske said in his report, “when she claims that the vehicle’s accelerator stuck.” Smith’s car jumped the curb, hit the rear of the Hollywood Video building, then glanced off that building toward the iron fence of the restaurant. “The vehicle went through the fence and into the play­ground area,” Mahinske said, “striking several tube slides.”

The five children were playing in another part of the enclosed area and were not injured, according to the township police report.

Personnel from the township’s Rescue 8 ambulance service examined Smith but found she also was not injured.

Estimates were not available, but Mahinske said Smith’s car caused severe damage to the playground area. Smith’s car had to be towed from the scene. A contractor was on the scene before township police left, examining how to repair the iron fence.

A McDonald’s manager supervising the work declined comment.

McKeesport Daily News July 26, 2006

Glassport

Parking in lot prohibited

Mayor Terry DiMarco said there will be no parking behind the borough building in the empty lot along the bike trail from Aug. 5 through 11 due to the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Convention. Violators will be prosecuted, tagged and towed.

Firefighters set session

Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will have a special meeting Thursday at 7 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News July 27, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Kimberly Harris, 42, of McKeesport, is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said Harris had drug paraphernalia in her possession at 2:45 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Sixth Street and Ohio Avenue.

Drug charge filed

George Bodzer, 48, of Glassport, is charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana. Police said they found Bodzer in possession of the drug Tuesday at 1 a.m. at Ruby D’s bar at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

Juveniles charged

Five juveniles — two of Glassport, two of Clairton and one of Port Vue — are charged with underage drinking. Police said the youth were discovered to be drinking at 2:10 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Ohio Avenue and the Clairton Bridge.

Public intoxication noted

Scott Deverse, 35, of North Versailles Twp., is charged with public intoxication due to an incident police said occurred at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday along the 300 block of Harrison Street. Deverse was taken to a McKeesport holding cell until he was deemed sober.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette July 28, 2006

Judge orders police to return money to Glassport bar owner; DA investigating

By Gabrielle Banks, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Allegheny County district attorney's office has launched an investigation into what happened to $4,000 that Glassport police failed to return to a local bar owner when drug charges against him were dropped.

"The fact that money was seized and placed in an evidence locker and turned up missing is unacceptable," said district attorney's office spokesman Mike Manko.

Before the case could make it to trial, a defense attorney argued successfully that police took the cash and about 60 grams of cocaine while executing an illegal search at Chuggers, a restaurant and bar owned by Gregg R. Cegelski.

On May 22, Common Pleas Judge Donald E. Machen dismissed four criminal charges against Mr. Cegelski, 41, of Glassport, and ordered police to return the money confiscated from his cash register.

Officers testified yesterday that the borough doesn't have a strict procedure for handling evidence and they don't know what happened to the money.

Glassport police recently gave Mr. Cegelski about $140, then he hired an attorney to help reclaim the rest of the money.

Judge Machen yesterday ordered the department to repay Mr. Cegelski the $4,048 he was owed and tacked on $300 for his attorney's fees.

In the meantime, a detective from the district attorney's office will investigate what happened to the money.

Glassport Officer Kevin Wright, who was involved in the drug bust, resigned this week, but local officials said his departure is unrelated to Mr. Cegelski's case.

Officer Wright and his partner, Shawn Deverse, testified at a pretrial hearing that they were doing a sweep of bars along Monongahela Avenue on Jan. 8, 2004, looking for underage drinkers.

The officers said they arrested a 20-year-old at Chuggers, and returned to the station to book him. They later returned to the bar after receiving a phone tip about drug activity there.

At the bar they found several small plastic bags of cocaine in the kitchen and more in the driver's side door of Mr. Cegelski's car.

McKeesport Daily News July 28, 2006

Colecchi hearing delayed

By RYAN KISH Daily News Staff Writer rkish@dailynewsemail.com

The preliminary hearing for a Glassport councilman has been postponed.

James Colecchi, 32, is charged with official oppression, harassment, and intimidation of a witness stemming from a July 9 incident in which the councilman allegedly made derogatory remarks over the telephone to borough police officers.

The preliminary hearing is rescheduled for Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. before Magisterial District Justice Robert L. Barner.

Attorney Charles R. LoPresti, representing Colecchi, said the postponement was agreed upon between the prosecution and defense to gather more information on the case.

Police said Colecchi allegedly made several menacing overnight phone calls to Glassport officers following the arrest of his brother, Joseph, following a July 9 fight at the Sons of Italy Club near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

Also reportedly involved in the fight were Ryan Fasiska, 22, and Matthew Krunsky, 21, both of Glassport.

The three men are charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Police said Joseph Colecchi was bleeding from the forehead and taken to UPMC McKeesport. He later was taken to the borough’s police station, according to police.

According to the police report, James Colecchi then called police Officer Shawn Deverse on his cell phone at 3:54 a.m. and made “derogatory remarks.”

The councilman allegedly called Officer Ray Johnson “a fat ass” and called both Deverse and Johnson “ cowards.”

James Colecchi also reportedly claimed the officers assaulted his brother.

At 4:04 a.m. James Colecchi reportedly called Deverse again, stating Colecchi would “take care of this incident” but he wanted to give Deverse a chance to speak with him.

The councilman reportedly called a third time at 4:20 a.m. Police said James Colecchi advised Deverse it was in his best interest to call him back because, the report stated, “with one phone call in the morning” the councilman would have the police investigated.

Police also reported James Colecchi called the alleged victim of the altercation at 4:23 a.m. at the Sons of Italy Club, asking the victim questions and claiming the police had assaulted his brother.

On Thursday, Joseph Colecchi, Fasiska, and Krunsky all agreed to pay $200 in restitution within 30 days to have the charges dropped.

McKeesport Daily News July 28, 2006

Judge orders Glassport to return money confiscated in police raid

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

A judge has ordered Glassport return money police confiscated in a raid, then apparently misplaced.

Police raided Chuggers Bar along Monongahela Avenue on Jan. 8, 2004.

Reports said they found 69 grams of cocaine and some cash, as well as a small amount of cocaine in bar owner Greg Cegelski’s car. Cegelski claimed only the drugs in his car were his. He suspects someone else dropped the rest in his bar.

He said the money came from bar revenue and rental properties he owned. “You go in any bar, you’ll find $3,000 or $4,000,” he said.

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges against Cegelski when the case was thrown out May 22 of this year. Cegelski attempted to reclaim the money through a court order. He said he called the police station several times, and police said they couldn’t find it.

The bills themselves had been misplaced.

The arrest report did not indicate the exact amount that was confiscated, said borough Solicitor Gary Matta, who represented Glassport in the case.

A $4,000 figure had been reported in The Daily News, and officers believed that number to be “in the neighborhood,” Matta said.

According to Matta, it was imperative a court decide how much money to return. “It’s not that we didn’t believe the money was missing,” the solicitor said. “We needed to verify how much.”

On Thursday, County Common Pleas Judge Donald Machen ordered the borough pay $4,000 to Cegelski.

“I’m glad everything is finally over with,” Cegelski said. Meanwhile, the District Attorney’s Office is investigating what actually happened to the cash.

Matta said the police storage area is in “disarray.” “We, as a borough, believe there needs to be a more stringent process put in place to keep track of money and belongings seized,” Matta said. “That’s why the DA is coming in.”

McKeesport Daily News July 29, 2006

Glassport Assembly of God VBS

Glassport Assembly of God, 210 Fifth St., Glassport, will host Vacation Bible School, “Fiesta,” Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. for children from 3 to 12 years of age.

A Grand Finale is planned Aug. 6. The program is free and will include Bible stories, songs, crafts, movies and snacks.

Pre-registration is available by calling the church office at 412-672-9002 through Monday.

Registration also will be accepted at the door.

McKeesport Daily News August 1, 2006

Glassport hosting WPFA convention

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Firefighters from around Pennsylvania will descend from their ladders to Glassport this week, as the borough hosts the 113th Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention.

Arriving Friday and staying for a week, participants will camp behind the Glassport police station along Monongahela Avenue.

Firefighters from Dravosburg, White Oak, Monessen, Monroeville, North Braddock, Jefferson, Ferndale, Washington Twp., Arnold, New Kensington, Rayburn, Kiski Twp., Montoursville, Kittaning, Leechburg and Horan will take part.

The event began in 1985, when firefighters set up “Tent City.” The firefighters would eat and sleep together in a collective space in order to promote bonding and camaraderie.

“They patronize the town for a week,” said Dan Kolick, president of the association and Glassport’s assistant fire chief. “They use the restaurants and grocery stores.” “ I’m looking forward to seeing the people we haven’t seen in the last year,” event co­chairman Anthony Moranelli said.

The fire departments will meet for discussion all week. “We keep up with legislation, bills being passed and safety codes,” Moranelli said. “There is business that’s taken care of.”

The week begins with a night at the races and Monte Carlo at Glassport Citizen Hose Fire Co. No. 1’s fire hall Friday at 7 p.m.

Registration for the convention will take place every day, starting Saturday, at 10 a.m. Souvenirs will be available. A parade will line up Saturday at 4 p.m. at the inter­section of Harrison Street and Monongahela Avenue. The parade will commence at 5 p. m., continuing on Monongahela to the campsites behind the police station.

The Red Knights, the Shriners, Pittsburgh Memorial Pipe Top Band and Serra Catholic High School Marching Band — plus firefighter bands from Kittaning, New Kensington and Mt. Pleasant — will participate in the march.

On Sunday, captains will meet at 9: 30 a. m., and a “Battle of the Barrel,” which is open for public viewing, is scheduled to take place.

The rest of the day will be “Family Day in Tent City,” in which firefighters’ families join in the festivities. A camp- boss meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a Mummers parade at 7.

A 46-participant golf tournament will take place at Butler’s Golf Course in Elizabeth Twp. Monday at 9 a.m. High- and Low- Hatters banquets are scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a caucus meeting at 7.

Scheduled events for Aug. 8 include a joint convention opening session at 9 a.m., an auxiliary meeting and luncheon at noon, a WPFA business meeting at 1 and campers and auxiliary past-president banquets, both at 6:30. WPFA will elect officers from 9 to 11 a.m.

A memorial service for members who have died will take place at the borough’s Memorial Park at 2 p.m. A WPFA meeting and closing session will take place at 3:30 p.m., followed by an “Old Timers” banquet.

For information, call 412­ 672-2025.

McKeesport Daily News August 1, 2006

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Two Glassport residents are charged with public intoxication.

• Walter Plesniak Jr., 42, uttered loud, obscene language Monday at 4:04 a.m. along the 400 block of Ohio Avenue, police said. Police said Plesniak was under the influence of alcohol in public, endangering himself and people around him. Plesniak reportedly was being questioned about an incident involving his vehicle. He additionally is charged with disorderly conduct, police said.

• Nicole Julian, 21, appeared intoxicated in a public place at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue Monday at 12:53 a.m., according to police.

Criminal trespassing charged

Daniel Dooen, 20, of Port Vue, and Brandon Crevar, 19, of Finleyville, are charged with criminal trespassing. Police said the two men entered the Patterson Property — near the intersection of Virginia Street and Delaware Avenue Extension — Friday between 9 and 9:30 p.m. The property had a “ no trespassing” sign, according to reports. Dooen additionally is charged with underage drinking because police said he was drinking at the scene.

McKeesport Daily News August 3, 2006

Glassport tackling trash woes

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport resident James Rocco fishes the Monongahela River several times per week. Lately, he says, the trash building up along the riverbank is beginning to outweigh the catch.

Rocco brought his concerns to Glassport council’s July meeting, reporting that the area often is strewn with condoms, tampons, syringes and broken glass from teenage drinking parties.

“It just upsets me,” Rocco said.

But Shirley D’Angelo, a member of the borough’s crime watch, said that although she saw some trash when she visited the area following the meeting, there were no condoms, tampons or syringes to be found. “It wasn’t bad at all,” she said.

Rocco said he witnessed about 20 underage drinkers along the river on the evening of July 21.

D’Angelo said she again went to the grounds following the weekend and found more trash than she had seen before, including bottles, cans, glass, nails and weeds. She said the garbage cans were missing and trash had been thrown where the cans previously had been. She and others cleaned the site.

Rocco accompanied Daily News reporters on a July 26 visit to the area, and again found beer and soda bottles, but no condoms, tampons or syringes. Weeds were high, and there were ashes at the site of what Rocco said he suspected to be a burned garbage can.

At the nearby skating park, the fence was lined with poison ivy and sumac. The fence also was tearing apart, and skating ramps were marked by graffiti.

“How is this presentable to the kids?” Rocco asked. “If you can’t see this, you need some serious eye work done to you.” The park could be shut down if it becomes too messy, Police Chief Howard Kifer warned.

Mayor Terry DiMarco said he, his wife Rose and other Glassport residents usually clean the area twice a week. “Every weekend, someone comes to clean it up,” he said. “If you would let it go for a week, you wouldn’t believe it.”

A County Hauling Dumpster was placed at the front of the skating park roughly three months ago, according to the mayor. But people often throw their trash right next to the Dumpster rather than putting it inside.

Rocco suggested a greater police presence could be one solution. “You want activities for the kids, but you need to patrol the area,” he said.

“It takes time.” DiMarco said police already patrol the area four to five times per evening.

D’Angelo said she has gone back to check the area four times since the council meeting. “ Everybody is trying,” D’Angelo said. “We just started this checking. We’re going to try to do our best.” “It’s a shame we have to,” DiMarco said.

“ The kids should take care of it themselves.”

“The problem is, whose job is it to clean it up?” Kifer said. “Somebody needs to take the responsibility to keep it clean.”

D’Angelo said she hopes those who use the grounds will be more responsible for its maintenance in the future. She suggested that visitors make sure their trash either is thrown away or burned.

“We know the children and adults like to fish, and if they would just pick up their own garbage, we’d appreciate it,” she said.

If Rocco’s report of underage drinkers on July 21 is true, it probably was an isolated incident, DiMarco said. “In the beginning, (police) caught a couple of people,” he said, “but there’s not much partying going on.”

Police Chief Howard Kifer reported that juveniles can hide under trees on far sides of the riverbank, and can’t be seen from the road. The rocky terrain makes it difficult for police to patrol the area. However, the chief said police do investigate when they see smoke or hear loud noise from a specific area, and when they receive a complaint.

Kifer said his department hasn’t received any complaints recently, though.

Borough officials and residents are looking to the skating park next. DiMarco said the street department plans to cut the poison ivy and sumac next week after patching the potholes.

D’Angelo said she plans to clean up the trash there. The skating park was added two years ago and has been successful in keeping children from riding bicycles and skate­boards on borough streets, the mayor said. “Putting it in was a good thing,” he said, “but keeping it clean is another story.”

McKeesport Daily News August 3, 2006

Glassport-based Tube City IMS Corp. opens office in Beijing

By THE DAILY NEWS

Tube City IMS Corp., headquartered in Glassport, announced its Tube City Division has opened its first representative office in Beijing.

A provider of products and services to steel mills and foundries throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, Tube City IMS has operations at 66 plants throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

J. David Aronson, Executive Vice President Outsourced Purchasing, Tube City Division, Tube City IMS, said the launch of the office in Beijing demonstrates the company’s long­term commitment to its customers and partners in the Chinese market.

“ The opening of the Beijing office is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to expand internationally,” Aronson said. “

This new office will allow the company to respond quickly to opportunities in a dynamic marketplace where significant growth is expected in the next decade. We look forward to long and fruitful business relationships between our company and China’s steel industry.”

Steven Liu will work in the office as a liaison with customers and suppliers to Tube City in the purchase and sale of scrap metal and other raw materials, as well as steel mill services, and presenting these products and services to potential new customers and suppliers.

Prior to joining the company, Liu worked as a project manager for a Beijing­based power company. Liu earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from North China Electric Power University and a master’s degree in business administration from Tsinghua University.

Tube City IMS Corp., through its Tube City and IMS Divisions, is a leading provider of outsource steel services, including raw materials purchasing and sales world wide, scrap management, scrap optimization, and slag processing and metal recovery services to integrated steel mills, mini­mills and foundries.

McKeesport Daily News August 4, 2006

Glassport

Street closed for parade

Monongahela Avenue will be closed Saturday from Riverview to Seventh streets from 3:30 p.m. until the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association parade concludes.

There will be no parking on either side of the street during that time

McKeesport Daily News August 4, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Jeffrey Sabo, no age given, of McKeesport, has been charged with disorderly conduct and harassment.

Police said Sabo was involved in a “road rage” incident Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Delaware and Pacific avenues.

He allegedly got out of his vehicle and yelled obscenities at a woman who was in another car with a baby. Sabo also reportedly hit the mirror on the woman’s vehicle.

McKeesport Daily News August 5, 2006

Glassport

Recreation committee forms

Councilman Mickey Stetor will host a meeting Thursday at 7 p. m. at the borough building to form a recreation committee. Any resident who would like to help in planning recreational events for the borough may attend.

McKeesport Daily News August 8, 2006

Fires injure Clairton woman, displace family in Glassport

By PATRICK CLOONAN and RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writers pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Fires in Clairton and Glassport injured one woman and left a family homeless, authorities said.

Glassport Fire Chief Wayne Lewis said flames were engulfing a house at 2236 Washington Blvd. when crews responded to a three-alarm blaze of undetermined origin Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported in that fire.

Meanwhile, Clairton Fire Chief John Lattanzi said an unidentified woman remains hospitalized in Pittsburgh after a Sunday morning fire. The woman, known as Jane Doe to fire officials, was trapped in her second-floor bedroom at 1414 Marion Circle.

Lattanzi said his department was called Sunday around 6 a.m. Initially, dispatchers were told there were multiple victims trapped in the building, a part of Allegheny County Housing Authority’s Millvue Acres project. Clairton firefighters said she was unresponsive but breathing. She was flown to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, where officials said Monday they could not release any information on her condition.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office said the fire apparently started in the kitchen of the woman’s apartment. Authorities believe the woman may have fallen asleep while cooking something. Clairton firefighters were assisted by crews from Glassport’s Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, Jefferson Hills 885 Volunteer Fire Co. and McKeesport Fire Department.

Lattanzi said they remained on the scene for approximately three hours. The Marion Circle fire was contained to the woman’s apartment, but smoke damage was reported to neighboring units in the 10-apartment building.

Lattanzi said that damage was minor and the smoke was vented out.

Glassport’s Citizens Hose and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 were not so fortunate Monday afternoon. “Half of the 1 1 / 2/ -story house was totally engulfed when we got there,” Lewis said.

On the other hand, fears that a woman and child were trapped inside were unfounded. “Luckily no one was in there,” the Glassport fire chief said.

Responding to the three-alarm fire were Citizens Hose and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 from Glassport, along with Elizabeth Twp. No. 1 and Central companies and firefighters from Port Vue, Liberty, Lincoln, Clairton and Dravosburg. West Mifflin Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 was on stand-by.

Hampering efforts was the location of the home, down a steep driveway. Also, Lewis said, the humid weather caused “extreme heat conditions” inside the home.

However, the Glassport chief said, crews were able to control the fire by 6:15 p.m. The cause of the fire remained under investigation by Glassport and county investigators.

The Salvation Army and American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter also were on hand to offer assistance.

McKeesport Daily News August 8, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Two Glassport residents are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Thomas Douglass, 21, appeared intoxicated, endangering himself and other people, Saturday at 3:25 a.m. at the intersection of Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue, police said. Police said Douglass was taken to a holding cell, where he spit on the floor and walls. He was kept there until deemed sober. Douglass additionally is charged with criminal mischief.

• Jamie Tewell, 26, appeared intoxicated and caused a disturbance along the 500 block of Allegheny Avenue Sunday at 1 a.m., police said. She additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

Criminal mischief charged

William Forkey, 35, of Clairton, is charged with crim­inal mischief. Police said Forkey had an argument with his friend and punched out the windshield of the friend’s vehicle Sunday at 8 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News August 8, 2006

Letter to Editor

Reader appreciates street lines

Thank you to Glassport Councilman Eugene Skerkoski, Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin, Walter “ Bo Bo” Cross, Clairton Street Commissioner Perry Ohm and Clairton City Manager Ralph Imbrogno for getting the long overdue, direly needed double-yellow lines painted on Pacific Avenue in Glassport.

Unless you traveled this road every day — like my husband did going to and from work — you couldn’t realize how dangerous it was not having a yellow guide line to follow, especially in the morning fog and at night when it was raining.

Judy Slater Feltz Glassport

McKeesport Daily News August 8, 2006

SOI to mark golden anniversary of feast

By JENNIFER NORELLI-BURKE Daily News Staff Writer jnburke@dailynewsemail.com

The Feast of the Assumption is an important event in the Catholic religion and the Italian community. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and commemorated by two events, the departure of Mary from her life on Earth and the assumption of her body into heaven.

The event is celebrated annually on Aug. 15. Locally the event is celebrated with a weekend feast at the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport.

This year is no exception. The lodge will be observing its 50th year anniversary of the celebration Saturday and Sunday with bands, homemade Italian foods, games, a parade and Zambelli International fireworks display.

Funds are donated each year by local businesses, patrons and lodge members to help defer the cost of the fireworks display and festival expenses.

The festival began five decades ago when “Little Italy” thrived in the 700 to 900 blocks of Monongahela Avenue. But as Glassport’s fortunes declined, the increasing number of deaths and the younger generation’s lack of involvement caused a decrease in membership and feast participation.

Four of the auxiliary’s original members — Virginia D’Angelo, 86, Elizabeth Angelo, 87, Rose Gladkowski, 85, and Hilda Przywarty, 86, — gather a few times a year and reminisce about “the good old days.” “We did all the cooking,” explained D’Angelo. “We worked for free and never got paid. Once in awhile, when we made enough to cover costs, we each got paid $3. Most of the money went back to the club.” Przywarty continued by saying, “We used to have everyone eating at one time and we did the dishes.” “We worked our butts off and I would not have changed a thing. You could have given me a million dollars and I would not have taken a thing,” D’Angelo said. “We did it all by hand, too! Today no one wants to work. It was a lot of hard work.”

All four women agree all the hard work was worth it. “We have so many good memories. Good clean fun,” D’Angelo said. “We had lots of laughs,” Przywarty chimed in.

A couple of the lodge’s traditions included the crowning of the queen and parading around town. Once the queen was crowned, a procession would go to St. Cecelia Church for Mass and continue through the town, making stops along the way to eat and drink wine with fellow lodge members and friends.

“My favorite memory of the feast is everyone stopping at the house and being in the front yard just having a good time,” Louis D’Angelo, past lodge president, recalled. The first queen was crowned in 1956. A selection of a queen and her court of four recent communicants to rule over the celebration was one of the weekend highlights.

The last queen to be crowned was in 1972. Since then the parade has been downsized to a couple of blocks and no stops. “After the fireworks, people used to march back down to the club and stay all night,” Przywarty explained. “Now everyone just goes home.” “All of Glassport would be out. The place was jammed,” she continued.

Serving on this year’s festival committee are Tony Campano and Tina Farine, chairpersons; Lou D’Angelo, Joe Borrelli, Tommy Reynolds, Duane Molinari, Nick Borrelli, Chris Machi and Gary Farine.

Entertainment will feature Bo Reynolds performing a Frank Sinatra show beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, Egidio Faiella will provide dinner music beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Red Coat Band from New Castle at 7:30.

The annual feast is an opportunity to celebrate community and religious spirit. People from all over come to the annual festival hoping to see familiar faces and reminisce about past festivals.

Even though the feast is not celebrated like it used to be, the newer generations still are coming back for that piece of nostalgia.

History of Sons of Italy lodge includes many families

The history of the lodge is truly a story of the times.

Italian immigrants coming to this country at the early part of the century found a need for communal living and self-preservation. This need expanded into the realm of insurance and fringe benefits, which in turn led to the formation of the Sons of Italy Order in the United States.

Local chapters began when colonies of Italians became aware of the organization. In 1918, Italians in Glassport became aware of the organization and began laying the groundwork for the charter. The first meeting of the group took place at 742 Monongahela Ave.

Elected as the first president was Nicola Borrelli and the first set of officers included Luigi D’Angelo, financial secretary; Guiseppe Schillance, recording secretary; and Filippo Fasano, treasurer.

Each member of the group was to contribute $5 to cover the initial cost of the charter. At that time, $5 was a considerable amount.

With the establishment of a membership and elected officers for government, the application was submitted to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for admittance into the Order of the Sons of Italy in America. The charter was granted June 8, 1919, under the official name of Loggia Libera Italia No. 941.

Elected at the first chartered meeting of the lodge were Borelli, venerable; Guiseppi DiTommasso, assistant venerable; Firorindo DiLullo, ex-venerable; Pasquale DiCioia, orator; Pasquale Tiberi, recording secretary; D’Angelo, financial secretary; and Giovanni Orlando, treasurer.

Trustees were Francesco Salvi, Antonio DiDesaro, Antonio Moranelli, Antonio Fanti and Fedele D’Antonio. Luigi Como and Antonio Campano were in charge of ceremonia and Raffaele Rossi was voted sentinel.

The lodge originally began with 43 members and grew to more than 100 in the next few years. One of the lodge’s greatest achievements was the Columbus Day Celebration in 1928. A standout feature of the parade was a replica of Columbus’ flag­ship, the Santa Maria. It gave the illusion of the boat floating up Monongahela Avenue.

The cultural side of the lodge was not overlooked. The lodge sponsored the Glassport Community Band, under the direction of Edward George, and also conducted a short-lived Italian language school for two years. The idea for the school was the brainchild of Frank Molinari and Paul Trunzo taught classes. Insufficient interest caused the school to close.

Molinari also motioned to celebrate the Feast of Assumption. Anthony D’Angelo was in charge of the event, assisted by Vincenzio Spagnola, Tom Reynolds, Joe Borelli, Tony DeVito, Anthony DeSimone, Al Ferrara and other members.

Another community service project was a “Welcome Home” party sponsored by the lodge for the servicemen returning home from World War II.

In 1940, a building fund committee was composed to raise money for a new building at its present location at Allegheny Avenue and Sixth Street. Serving on the committee were Molinari, Dom Borelli and Arch Buano. The group moved to its new building in September 1951. At that time, an auxiliary was formed and played a key role in the success of the lodge. The women were involved in raising funds by sponsoring dinners, preparing the food and catering weddings and community events. Through their dedication and hard work, the complete kitchen and dining rooms were furnished.

Their financial help also was instrumental in eliminating the mortgage debt. Honored for the efforts were Carmella Reynolds, president; Elizabeth Truby, vice president; Mary Martino, treasurer; Esther DeJulius; Jane Dragoski, recording secretary; Jean D’Angelo, financial secretary; and Elizabeth Angelo, Rose D’Angelo and Flo Bonadio, trustees.

The next step taken by the lodge when business was good and the mortgage debt gone was to grant free dues to all members over the age of 65 with 25 years of membership. Free dues were granted from 1953 to 1969. Because of poor business, endowed members were asked to pay half of their dues ($1) per month until the financial situation was cleared. I

n the mid 1960s, the financial structure of the organization was beginning to collapse. Business still was declining and the auxiliary was unable to pay the $35 per month to help defer costs. Sick benefits continued to be a problem and drained a non-existent treasury. The monthly minimum charge by the Grand Lodge Mortuary was $1.65 and the member’s dues were $1.50. Money was borrowed to pay the sick and the Grand Lodge, causing corrective action to be taken.

Troubleshooters were sent in 1966 and as a result, Joseph Borrelli volunteered to run the organization. His officers were hand-picked and they assumed the responsibility of the heavy bank debt, unpaid property taxes and several months of unpaid bills. Because of the state of the organization, sick benefits were eliminated, dues were raised to $2 per month and free dues were partially eliminated. Within the next two years, all debt was eliminated.

The lodge was in need of renovation to compete for entertainment dollars. A program was initiated in 1968 to completely revamp the clubroom. Borrelli was responsible for the financing, planning and supervising of the entire remodeling process.

To this day, the lodge remains active whether it is gathering to reminisce about the good old days or to celebrate a feast.

McKeesport Daily News August 10, 2006

Glassport

Police report DUI

Hetti Pido, 38, of Munhall, is charged with driving under the influence, an accident involving damage to an unattended vehicle or property and disorderly conduct.

Police said Pido’s car bumped into a parked vehicle at 3:30 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

Disorderly conduct charged

Two people are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Nicholas Colombus, 28, of West Pittsburgh, used obscene language and created a physical offense toward a police officer Wednesday at 1:35 a.m. at the Polish National Alliance bar along Sixth Street, according to police. Police said Colombus was highly intoxicated. He additionally is charged with public intoxication.

• Bryan Brolley, 41, of Glassport, allegedly broke two windows along the 300 block of Erie Avenue Saturday at 5:25 a.m. He additionally is charged with criminal mischief, police said.

Public drunkenness charged

Jake Holmes, 20, of Lincoln, is charged with public drunk­enness and underage drinking. Police said Holmes was intoxicated to the point he was endangering himself and others Monday at 8:55 p.m. along Lincoln Boulevard.

McKeesport Daily News August 11, 2006

Charges dropped against Colecchi

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Charges have been withdrawn against a Glassport councilman who was accused of making derogatory remarks to borough police officers.

Glassport police withdrew charges against James Colecchi, 32, before Magisterial District Judge Robert Barner Thursday. Colecchi had been charged with official oppression, harassment and intimidation of a witness stemming from a July 9 incident.

“I’m glad it’s over and it’s behind everybody,” Colecchi said.

The police report said Colecchi made several menacing overnight phone calls to Glassport officers following the arrest of his brother Joseph, who had been involved in a fight at the Sons of Italy Club near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue. Police said Joseph Colecchi was bleeding from the forehead and taken to UPMC McKeesport, and later the borough police station.

According to the report, James Colecchi called police officers Shawn Deverse and Ray Johnson several times, calling them derogatory names, claiming the officers assaulted his brother and stating he would have the police investigated.

Police also reported that James Colecchi called the alleged victim of the altercation at Sons of Italy, asking the victim questions and remarking the police assaulted his brother.

“It was a misunderstanding to begin with,” James Colecchi said. “ The misunderstanding revolved around a set of emotional factors that involved Mr. (James) Colecchi’s brother,” his attorney Charles LoPresti said. “ And like any person who is a family guy, he was concerned about his brother. On all sides of this, when emotions run high, things are subject to misinterpretation, and I think that’s what everybody did. Everybody shaking hands today and walking out in that understanding is the best way that this could have been done.”

Glassport police declined comment.

McKeesport Daily News August 12, 2006

Glassport

‘Post no bills’ on phone poles

Mayor Terry DiMarco said there will be no signs posted on telephone poles of any kind.

Those who disregard that will be prosecuted, the mayor said, adding that all existing signs must be taken off.

DiMarco said borough police will be checking on this.

Firefighters set meeting

Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 has rescheduled its monthly meet­ing until Monday at 7 p.m. at the fire hall, along Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2006

Howdy partner, it’s festival time ... Queen of Rosary Parish will sponsor its annual festival Friday through Sunday at the parish social hall, 530 Michigan Ave., Glassport. A country cookout will be featured on Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. with entertainment provided by the Harmony Scott Band at 7. Saturday hours are from 3 to 10 p.m. and will feature Ray Jay and the Carousel performing at the Polka Mass at 5 and dancing in the social hall from 6 to 9. Sunday’s hours are noon to 6 p.m. featuring children’s activities. Included in the event will be activities and games, balloon art, story time, water balloon booth, moon walk and live music. Ethnic foods, funnel cakes and refreshments will be served Saturday and Sunday. Parking will be available. Among those planning the event are, from left, Rose Piccioni, the Rev. Casimir Kedzierski and Anthony Piccioni.

McKeesport Daily News August 19, 2006

Glassport

Police report DUI

Matthew Petrick, 25, of Glassport, was charged with driving under the influence after police said he was driving intoxicated near the intersection of Seventh and Spruce streets on Aug. 11 at 12:26 a.m.

Harassment charge filed

Jason Sabo, 25, of Port Vue, faces harassment charges in connection with an incident Thursday at 7:10 p.m. at the borough social hall at the intersection of Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue.

Juveniles charged

Three Glassport juveniles are charged with criminal mischief. Police said they stole a bicycle for its parts from the 400 block of Ohio Avenue Wednesday at 6:50 p.m.

Public drunkenness reported

James Thomas, 51, of Clairton, was charged with public drunkenness after police said he was intoxicated and endangering himself and others on a sidewalk along the 800 block of Ohio Avenue Thursday at 8:34 p.m.

Weeds, grass law enforced

Nine borough property owners have been cited for violations of borough Ordinance 730, Subsection 10-301, per­taining to high weeds and grass. No ages were available for any of the people charged.

Police said the owners are:

McKeesport Daily News August 23, 2006

Glassport ballerina taking her talent to Canada

By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer slee@dailynewsemail.com

Alexandra Napoli of Glassport can say she has been involved with ballet since before she was born — literally.

Her mother Nancy Napoli still was dancing at The Dance Company in North Versailles Twp. while she was pregnant with Alexandra and her twin brother Sam.

Although the impending birth of the twins ended Nancy Napoli’s own ballet training, she encouraged her daughter to start training.

At the age of 6, Alexandra followed in her mom’s shoes — or ballet slippers, in this case. She hasn’t stopped dancing since. “I’ve just always loved it,” Alexandra said.

She started her ballet training at Lisa Digorio’s School of Dance when it was in Glassport.

When she was 9, she switched to The Dance Company, training under its owner Patty McKeown.

Now 23, Alexandra is moving to Vancouver, B.C., today to become a principal dancer with Ballet Classique, under the direction of Roberta Taylor and Graham McMonagle. After advancing her studies through summer workshops at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and graduating from South Allegheny High School in 2002 with high honors, Alexandra headed to Wright State University as a dance major.

After her freshman year, the Glassport native was invited to apprentice with Columbus Dance Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, for two years. That’s where McMonagle and Taylor came on the scene.

Whenever Alexandra returned to Glassport, she was sure to make a guest appearance at The Dance Company, which marks its 25th anniversary this year under McKeown.

The studio owner said Alexandra’s mother Nancy encouraged her to teach ballet classes at McKeesport YMCA in the late 1970s before McKeown started her own studio. McKeown said her dance students always are excited when Alexandra comes to perform. She said the girls argue over who gets to bring Alexandra her tutu.

“She’s very popular at the school,” McKeown said. “All the girls fight over her.” Alexandra said two dancers she met at The Dance Company inspired her. Melissa Framiglio and Frances Chiaverini, both of White Oak, became professional dancers. Framiglio joined the Louisville Ballet in Kentucky. Chiaverini spent time with the Pittsburgh Ballet, went to Juilliard in New York and performed with the Netherlands Dance Theater in Europe.

Alexandra said she once considered becoming an interior designer because she never realized she could make a career out of dancing. She said Framiglio and Chiaverini showed her she could.

McKeown said such success stories of her students show even girls from small towns can really move on to something big. “What’s important is how you pass on the tradition,” McKeown said.

Alexandra also has studied modern dance and jazz, but her main focus is on classical and modern ballet. She said she prefers classical ballet.

So far in her career, Alexandra said her favorite performance was when all the apprentices at the Columbus Dance Theatre appeared together on stage.

Alexandra said she practices approximately eight hours a day and has little time to do anything but ballet. She performs at many local festivals and has traveled to Tampa, Fla., to dance in “The Matchgirl,” based on the Hans Christian Andersen story with choreography by Tim Veach, Columbus Dance Theatre artistic director.

Her classical repertoire includes various roles in “The Nutcracker,” the fairy from “Sleeping Beauty,” and as a member of the corps and Four Little Swans in “Swan Lake.” She’s also danced in “The Magic Flute,” “Nightingale,” mixed variations to Harry Connick Jr. and “D’Amour,” a tribute to Edith Piaf.

“My goal right now is to perform as much as I can,” Alexandra said.

She will be in Vancouver for a six-month trial period on a working visa with Ballet Classique. “She loves to perform,” McKeown said of her former pupil.

Taylor and McMonagle, who will direct the new company, have strong ties to Canada. Taylor trained at National Ballet School of Canada and danced with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Xing Ballet, Ballet Met, was prima ballerina at Empire State Ballet, and Columbus Dance Theatre. She has choreographed many works, as well as restaged established works in classical and romantic styles. She is in collaboration with McMonagle in costume and production design. McMonagle trained at Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Pacific Youth Ballet. He danced with the Columbus Dance Theatre and performed throughout Ohio, Michigan and British Columbia. McMonagle has produced many works and is an accomplished costume designer in contemporary and traditional styles.

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News Glassport native and South Allegheny High School graduate Alexandra Napoli is taking her talent and training to Canada, where she will be principal dancer for Ballet Classique in Vancouver. “I’ve always just loved (dancing). ... My goal right now is to perform as much as I can.” — Alexandra Napoli

McKeesport Daily News August 26, 2006

Glassport residents volunteer to help beautify their borough

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN DAY News StaffWriter rpefferman@Dailynewsemail.com

A group of Glassport residents is taking borough maintenance into its own hands.

Councilman Mickey Stetor formed the Citizens of Glassport Parks and Recreation Committee Aug. 10 to help maintain Glassport's public parks and recreation areas. "Glassport volunteer citizens are trying to bring Glassport back to a point where you'd be proud to live in the town," resident John McCombs said.

The eventual plan is for the group to file for 501(c)(3) exempt nonprofit status, Stetor said. "When we had the first meeting, I said that was what I ultimately wanted to do, to turn this over to the citizens," said Stetor, who now serves as president of the organization.

The group hopes to employ volunteers to keep Glassport beautiful when borough and state funding is not sufficient or is delayed, according to Stetor. "The borough doesn't have the money. That's why I started this," Stetor said. "There's money available, but you can't just rely on that. We want to do things we can do on our own."

The group's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at Glassport Library. Stetor said residents of all ages are welcome. "We're trying to get young and old people alike together," McCombs said. "The first big project of the group has been improving the borough's skating and basketball courts along the Monongahela River. "It has been ongoing since I took over," Stetor said.

Borough workers and volunteers worked together to remove poison ivy, oak and sumac from fences, which were repaired. New nets were adder to the basketball hoops, and lines on the court were repainted. Volunteers are in the process of painting the sides of skateboarding ramps, which were marked with graffiti. Tagging marks on the ramps, however, will be maintained in order to preserve the skaters' "ritual," Stetor said.

He does hope to stain the ramps, though. "The borough workers did a great job, along with a lot of volunteers," Stetor said. "Kids, remember to keep it that way."

In an effort to prevent new vandalism, the court now is being locked from dusk to dawn. Cleanup crews also patrol the area every night. Stetor said the group also is looking toward a sprucing of the tot lot in Ninth Street Park, which he said has only one set of rusted swings. "Things are moving; they move slow," Stetor said. "You need to crawl before you walk."

The committee hopes to raise funds by selling a 2007 "Glassport Memories" calendar. Stetor has asked anyone who has old-time pictures of Glassport to contact him at 412-673-0148. All photographs will be returned.

Additional information about the group is available online at www.citizensofglassport.com.

McKeesport Daily News August 26, 2006

Glassport

Three people charged

Three people face charges stemming from an incident that took place Monday at 2:56 a.m. along the 600 block of Hemlock Alley Rear.

Anthony Pitlica, 18, of Liberty, and Jamie Jones Jr., 25, of McKeesport, are charged with disorderly conduct. Police said the two men were involved in a fight.

Anna Mainwarning, 19, of Port Vue, is charged with underage drinking and disorderly conduct. Mainwarning was causing a disturbance, according to police.

Disorderly conduct charged

George Ross, 19, of McKeesport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Ross was in possession of a small amount of marijuana at 12:50 a.m. Sunday along the 500 block of Oak Alley.

Public drunkenness charged

Mike Gothie, 43, of Glassport, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Gothie appeared in public highly intoxicated Aug. 19 at 2:25 a.m. at the Sons of Italy Club near the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

Gothie was asked to leave three times but refused, according to reports. Police held the man until he became sober.

Borough ordinance enforced

Barrett Blase, no age given, of Pittsburgh, is charged with violating the borough's high weeds and grass ordinance. The charge was filed Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.

Police said Blase had been found guilty of having weeds and grass that was too high, but never trimmed them at his property at 410 Lemon Alley. As a result, police charged the man a second time.

McKeesport Daily News September 1, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Erik Durr, 23, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly con­duct. Police said Durr was drunk and fighting with his father at his home along the 200 block of Ohio Avenue Tuesday at 8:25 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News September 6, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Douglas Gallo, 22, of Greensburg, was cited for disorderly conduct at 12:10 a.m. Saturday in the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue.

Public intoxication noted

Judy Datig, 46, of Glassport, faces public intoxication charges following an incident at 4:20 a.m. Saturday in the 600 block of Sixth Street.

McKeesport Daily News September 7, 2006

Glassport

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

Weekend barbecue

From left, Willi Harding, Albert Csorba and Capt. Charlie Anderson prepare for Reliance Hose Fire Co. No. 2’s corn roast and barbecue.

The event — which will feature food, games and prizes — is scheduled for Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight at the fire hall, located at the intersection of Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue in Glassport.

Friday festivities will include a DJ and karaoke.

There is no admission charge.

McKeesport Daily News September 18, 2006

Glassport

Fall festival planned

Glassport’s fall festival is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Honor Roll along Monongahela Avenue.

Festivities will include food, music, games, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a bake sale, and crafts.

Businesses and organizations interested in purchasing a booth for the event can call Jamie Trunzo at 412-678­ 8312. Deadline is Sept. 29.

McKeesport Daily News September 19, 2006

Glassport

Two men charged

Two men are charged with disorderly conduct stemming from an incident police said took place along the 700 block of Vermont Avenue Sept. 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Stephen Seman, 19, of Glassport, was involved in a fight, police said.

Michael Seman, 18, of Glassport, reportedly used a baseball bat to damage a railng. He additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

Disorderly conduct charged

Albert Csorba, 46, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Csorba was highly intoxicated, using obscene language and harassing family members Sept. 11 at 10:30 p.m. along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News September 19, 2006

Glassport Women’s Club

Glassport Women’s Club will begin the new term with a meeting Thursday at 1 p.m. in LaRomana’s in Glassport.

The annual Appreciation Luncheon honoring members and volunteers will be hosted by the library board officers Anne Dzurko, Jane Drogoski and Florence Gerstner

McKeesport Daily News September 20, 2006

Glassport looking to fill council vacancy

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

For the second time in as many months, a Glassport council seat is open.

Tuesday night, council accepted Councilman Jamie Colecchi’s letter of resignation. Colecchi said he was promoted to the position of community assistance manager at his job with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. He now falls under the Federal Hatch Act as working with federal funding for community and economic development programs.

“As I will be working with 549 municipalities in the region, a conflict of interest does become an issue,” Colecchi wrote in his resignation letter.

The council position will be advertised in the near future, Council President John DeSue said. Next month’s workshop will be a special voting meeting so the vacancy can be filled.

Colecchi said he was sorry he had to step down. “I really felt that I could be part of some positive developments in the borough,” he said. “And it was especially difficult to step aside after only nine months on council.” Colecchi said he was concerned about letting down the residents. “But I also feel that I am leaving behind six other capable and professional council members,” he added.

He will remain a member of the Glassport Democratic Committee. Colecchi ended his letter by stating: “I wish only the very best for this borough.”

In July, Mickey Stetor filled the council seat left vacant by Michael A. Ksiazek

In other news, council plans to meet publicly with representatives of Citizens Hose Fire Co. No. 1 concerning the use of funds from the borough’s fire tax. Fire Chief Wayne Lewis inquired about whether fire hydrant rental fees were coming out of the fire tax.

The amount used to pay the fees was roughly $22,000, Lewis said. “Our budget is set up that that’s the way it is,” DeSue said. “My understanding is we are allowed to do that. That was the understanding that, I believe, council voted on.” Lewis said he asked council behind closed doors whether the rental fees would come from the tax and he was told that they would not. The fire company already had planned to purchase new equipment, Lewis said. “Being shortfalled almost $22,000 of the fire tax money, we want to know why this wasn’t brought to our attention,” the chief said. “Twenty-two thousand dollars in fire service is a lot of money. We could do a lot of things with that.”

“I was under the impression that every cent collected from this fire tax went to the fire departments,” Councilman James Foster said. “That was the idea of having a fire tax, to relieve the borough of the responsibility of funding the fire department.”

Solicitor John Rushford said he believed — following extensive discussion at budget meetings — that the use of the funding was permissible because hydrant rental fees aren’t specifically excluded from the fire tax. “It’s an issue that council must decide how to deal with,” he said.

In other business:

• Rosanna DiMarco was named to the Civil Service Commission.

• The borough’s Halloween parade will take place Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News September 20, 2006

Glassport

Harassment charges filed

Terrance Burnett, 24, of North Versailles Twp., is charged with harassment.

Police said Burnett threatened an elderly man and took his money Thursday at 2:45 a.m. in front of the Glassport Diner, near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

Two charged in fight

John Perlick, 38, of Clairton, and Carla Sacco, 34, of Glassport, both are charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Perlick and Sacco allegedly were drunk and involved in a fight that took place Saturday around midnight at Ruby D’s bar, 601 Allegheny Ave.

Sacco had drug paraphernalia in her possession, police said.

Drug charges filed

Angelo Buti, 23, of Glassport, is charged with noxious weed. Police said Buti had a small amount of marijuana in his possession at the Sons of Italy Club — Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue — Saturday at 2:04 a.m.

Public drunkenness charged

Two Glassport residents are charged with public drunkenness.

• Kevin Cadieu, 38, was intoxicated and fighting with his wife along the 400 block of Ohio Avenue Saturday at 6:30 p.m., police said.

• Kathy Witman, 51, was highly intoxicated to the point of causing a disturbance Saturday at 12:20 a.m. along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue, according to police. Police reports said the woman also fought with police while receiving emergency medical treatment. Witman also allegedly smacked a woman in the face. Witman additionally is charged with harassment and disorderly conduct.

McKeesport Daily News September 22, 2006

GHS Class 1946

Glassport High School Class of 1946 will gather for its 60th year reunion Saturday in Westwood Golf Club, West Mifflin.

McKeesport Daily News September 25, 2006

Glassport Lions Club

Glassport Lions Club will gather Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Zone chairperson, Geoffery Temple, will be in attendance.

Annual White Cane Days will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 3 at Sky Bank, Copper and Glass Credit Union and Foodland.

McKeesport Daily News September 27, 2006

Glassport

New signs placed

A stop sign will be erected at the bottom of Pacific Avenue at its intersection with Sixth Street. A 25 mph speed limit sign also will be placed for drivers going down the hill. Police will monitor the area heavily.

Trick-or-treat set

Trick-or-treat will take place Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. A siren will sound when the event begins and ends.

Children are reminded to wear protective clothing and carry flashlights for the traffic to see them when crossing streets. Parents are reminded to check children’s candy bags thoroughly.

Those residents who are distributing candy should turn on their porch lights.

Firefighters and police will patrol the area.

Council seat open

Letters of interest are being accepted for a vacant seat on Glassport council. The new council member would be appointed by council to serve through the May 2007 primary.

If a candidate wins the election to the seat that year, they would maintain the position through Dec. 31, 2009.

Letters must be turned in to the borough office by the end of the business day Oct. 5.

Council meetings set

Council’s caucus meeting will take place Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

It will be a voting meeting. The regular monthly meeting is set for Oct. 17 at 7 p.m

Bonanza tickets sold

Tickets for the “ Steelers Bonanza” are being sold to benefit the Citizens of Glassport Parks and Recreation Association. Ticket numbers will coincide with the Pennsylvania Lottery daily evening drawing on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 23.

For a $2 donation, ticket purchasers have the chance to win two tickets to the Steelers­Buccaneers game, $500 cash, a gift certificate to Tambellini’s Restaurant and a Steelers gift basket.

Tickets can be obtained by calling Jade Wargo at 412­ 853-0555 or Andrea and Jim Foster at 412-672-8930.

A misprint on the tickets states they are being sold to benefit Glassport American Legion Post 443. Although the tickets are sponsored by the legion, all money will benefit the Parks and Recreation Association.

McKeesport Daily News October 2, 2006

Glassport Halloween activities planned

Glassport’s annual Halloween parade will be at 5 p.m.

It will start near Sky Bank along Sixth Street and end at the honor roll along Monongahela Avenue, where costumes will be judged and prizes awarded. Children can register at the borough building along Monongahela Avenue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Evening registrations are scheduled Oct. 16 and 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, also along Monongahela Avenue.

On Oct. 28, the Glassport American Legion will pass out flashlights to children younger than 12 to use on Halloween night. Children must be present to receive flashlights.

McKeesport Daily News October 3, 2006

Glassport Lions Club

Glassport Lions Club is announcing planned meetings and events.

A business meeting is slated Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Co-hosts will be Tony DeJulius and Joe Spagnolo.

The 40th Annual Rigatoni Night is slated Oct. 10 at the Sons of Italy Lodge in Glassport. The event is open to the Lions in District 14-B. Reservations are necessary.

McKeesport Daily News October 4, 2006

Glassport

Boats must be moved

All boats parked at the dock near the intersection of Harrison Street and Monongahela Avenue must be removed by Friday.

Tax office to be closed

In observance of Columbus Day, the Glassport tax collector’s office will be closed Monday.

McKeesport Daily News October 4, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Three people are charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

• Anthony Ellis, 27, of Glassport, was involved in a fight at Ruby D’s Bar at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said. Ellis also allegedly appeared intoxicated on a public street.

• Rick Gracino, 38, of Blawnox, was involved in a disturbance at 1:05 a.m. Sunday at Ruby D’s Bar, police said.

• Leroy Richel, 24, of McKeesport, allegedly was involved in a fight in the middle of the 500 block of Ohio Avenue while intoxicated Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Harassment charges filed

Two people are charged with harassment.

• Chester Stone Jr., no age given, of Glassport, entered a home along the 700 block of Indiana Avenue Thursday at 7: 44 p. m., according to police. The man allegedly used obscene language and struck a resident.

• David Kelly, 27, of Liberty, is accused of assaulting a victim along the 500 block of Allegheny Avenue Saturday at 3:30 a.m., police said

Criminal mischief charged

Dustin Rivera, 21, of Glassport, is charged with criminal mischief. Police said Rivera kicked a driver’s side door of a vehicle Thursday at 7:15 p.m. along the 700 block of Indiana Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News October 6, 2006

Glassport man indicted for conspiracy

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted a Glassport resident on a conspiracy charge.

According to the indictment, John Andrew Foster, 22, acted with another individual in and around March to manufacture and pass counterfeit U.S. currency.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Kay B. Lee — who presented the case to the grand jury — indicated the law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. “An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt,” U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said.

McKeesport Daily News October 7, 2006

No one injured in Glassport fire

By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer slee@dailynewsemail.com

Allegheny County Fire Marshal Donald Brucker, Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 responded to a shed fire at the Patterson Property, a dump site in Glassport.

Captain Bruce Snyir of Citizens Hose said the fire call came in Friday night at 6:50. He said no one was injured. Snyir said property damage was only to the shed, which used to house a communications tower.

“The fire was under control within 20 minutes,” he said.

Liberty Borough Volunteer Fire Department, Glassport Police Department and Clairton EMS also responded to the scene.

Snyir said the fire is under investigation.

McKeesport Daily News October 9, 2006

Glassport firefighter grateful for support during recovery

BY RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents Michael and Heather McCall spent a recent summer afternoon biking on the Youghiogheny River Trail from Ohiopyle to Confluence. It was 22 miles roundtrip, with an additional four because of a wrong turn.

Michael endured extreme pain and exhaustion throughout. “If we would’ve known how many miles it was, we wouldn’t have done it,” Heather said.

For Michael, 36, returning to a normal life has been a welcome challenge. He’s just thankful he has the chance.

A little more than a year ago, the Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 firefighter barely was able to walk. He was hospitalized for several months because of pulmonary hypertension, which had caused his heart and lungs to begin to fail. “Everything we would take for granted was a chore for him,” Heather said.

The community came together in Michael’s support to help fund a transplant and other medical expenses. Citizens Hose set up a fund for donations. Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 hosted a pancake breakfast benefit. Calvary Baptist Church in West Mifflin planned a spaghetti dinner. “All donations really helped,” Michael said.

Family and friends flooded him with letters of support, encouraging him to hang on as he waited for viable organs. As a fireman, Sept. 11 always was a significant day for him. On that date in 2005, it would take on an even more personal significance. “Something good happened on Sept. 11,” he said.

Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

Michael and Kodi McCall surf the Internet together.

That morning, Michael learned that he was getting a heart and lung transplant, which would take place over a 12-hour period later that day. The McCalls still haven’t met the family of the donor. Such a meeting can be arranged only at the donor family’s discretion. “I want the family to know that there’s not a day that goes by that we’re not grateful for their decision to donate to Michael,” Heather said.

Michael’s family members also want to thank a woman who wrote a letter to the editor in support of Michael, published Sept. 23, 2005, in The Daily News. “I’m praying for him to recover,” wrote Phyllis Gallo of North Versailles Twp.

“The operation cost $350,000, and now his anti-rejection drugs will cost $4,000 a month and the medical insurance won’t pay. I think all the people in the area should send him money and food, clothing and anything else they need. This is where Christians help their brother.”

To thank Gallo, Michael’s aunt, Linda Zentner, of North Irwin, sent a letter and photos of Michael to The Daily News in hopes that Gallo’s address had been maintained, but the woman could not be located. “You wrote such kind words of support, and I just thought that I would like to thank you personally,” Zentner wrote.

In the hospital, Michael recovered quickly — working his way up to 25 minutes on a treadmill during physical therapy sessions. Ten days after the surgery, he was moved to UPMC Montefiore for further rehabilitation. “They don’t believe in laying around anymore,” Heather said.

Although Michael said doctors told him he always would suffer some chest pain, he is in good health, enjoying his time with his children, Katterina, 10, and Kodi, 4. Michael has returned to Citizens Hose, responding to intown calls to direct traffic.

He said he is considering three options: a return to auto-repair work, teaching car repair, or a new career. The firefighter has hopes of participating in the 2008 Transplant Olympics in Pittsburgh.

Michael said he learned through an MSN support group that the average person who receives a transplant could reject their new organs well after the critical post-surgical period. For that reason, Heather, who had been a stay-at-home mother, now attends Community College of Allegheny County South Campus. “It’s always in the back of our minds that it can happen again,” she said. The family now considers every day a gift. “ You don’t sweat the small stuff,” Heather said.

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

Michael McCall is healthy following his heart and lungMichael McCall is healthy following his heart and lung transplant, which he still was awaiting in the picture at right. Pictured above are wife Heather, daughter Katterina and son Kodi.

McKeesport Daily News October 9, 2006

Glassport

Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 in Glassport will host an open house Oct. 14 from noon to 7 p.m.

That company will join Vigilant Hose Co. No. 1 in Port Vue in making a presentation at South Allegheny Elementary, although a definite date wasn’t set at presstime

McKeesport Daily News October 10, 2006

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Two people are charged with public intoxication.

• Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, was in public highly intoxicated, endangering himself and others, along the 700 block of Hemlock Alley Wednesday at 9:50 p.m., police said.

• Judy Jatig, 46, of Glassport, was highly intoxicated and involved in a fight, causing a disturbance in public along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue Thursday at 9:06 p.m., police said. The woman also is charged with disorderly conduct.

Disorderly home charged

Chester Stone Jr., no age given, and Chrysta Stone, 33, both of Glassport, are charged with keeping a disorderly home.

Police said a party — which included drinking and loud noise — was taking place at a house along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue Thursday at 8:50 p.m. According to police, Chester Stone Jr., who was present at the home, and Chrysta Stone, property, violated a borough ordinance by allowing the party.

McKeesport Daily News October 11, 2006

Zebroski appointed to Glassport council

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Ted Zebroski is a new Glassport councilman.

Zebroski was chosen by council Tuesday to fill the seat vacated by Jamie Colecchi. The new councilman is a life­time borough resident.

Now retired, he formerly worked in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. He also served five years in the Air Force.

Zebroski said he always has been extremely proud to call Glassport home. “I felt like I had something to contribute,” he said. “Now that I’m retired, I have more time on my hands. I want to work for the betterment of the community.”

Council President John DeSue said Zebroski previously interviewed for another open council seat. “We thought, at that time, he was very capable of the job,” DeSue said. “He came across very well in the interview.” The vote for Zebroski was 5- 1, with councilmen DeSue, Paul Trunzo, James Uziel, Eugene Skerkoski and James Foster voting yes. Only Councilman Mickey Stetor dissented.

Zebroski said he would like to see Glassport restored to its condition from the time when he was growing up. He said he hopes to bring new businesses to town. “I remember, when I was a kid, there were stores all the way up and down the streets,” he said.

Colecchi resigned last month because of his new position as community-assistance manager at his job with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. He now falls under the federal Hatch Act as working with federal funding for community and economic development programs.

Council also proclaimed Oct. 22 Glassport Tidy-Up Day. The Citizens of Glassport Parks and Recreation Association has asked community youth and Scout groups to pick up litter and pull overgrown weeds along main streets.

McKeesport Daily News October 11, 2006

Glassport

Halloween parade set

Glassport’s annual Halloween parade will be Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.

It will start near Sky Bank along Sixth Street and end at the honor roll along Monongahela Avenue, where costumes will be judged and prizes awarded.

Children can register at the borough building along Monongahela Avenue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Evening registrations are scheduled Monday and Oct. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, also along Monongahela Avenue.

On Oct. 28, the Glassport American Legion will pass out flashlights to children younger than 12 to use on Halloween night. Children must be present to receive flashlights.

McKeesport Daily News October 12, 2006

Glassport

Police crack down on quads

Police Chief Howard Kifer has warned that if a driver of any quad is noticed on a borough roadway, the driver will be cited, and the quad will be towed.

Glassport Multiple charges filed

Chester Stone Jr., 34, and Chrysta Stone, 33, both of Glassport, are charged with keeping a disorderly home. Police said a drinking party at a home along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue was causing loud noise, violating a borough ordinance, Wednesday at 4 a.m.

Chester Stone Jr., who police said resides at the home, and his sister Chrysta Stone, who owns the property, both face charges stemming from the incident.

Chester Stone Jr. also is charged with public drunkenness. Police said he was roaming borough streets early Wednesday morning before being found at 4 a.m. on a porch along the 700 block of Vermont Avenue

McKeesport Daily News October 13, 2006

Glassport

Public drunkenness charged

Chester Stone Jr., 34, of Glassport, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Stone entered the borough office along Monongahela Avenue under the influence of alcohol at 1:51 p.m. Wednesday.

Reports said he demanded to see Mayor Terry DiMarco and refused to leave at the request of borough employees.

Disorderly conduct charged

Ralph Johnson, 59, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said Johnson was about to park in the Foodland lot at the intersection of Ohio and Broadway avenues Wednesday at 7:07 p.m. when an auxiliary officer who was directing traffic told him only customers could park in the lot.

Johnson allegedly parked his car somewhere else, got out and made insulting remarks toward the officer.

McKeesport Daily News October 17, 2006

Glassport traffic stop results in 2 drug arrests

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Two men face charges after Glassport police stopped their vehicle and seized suspected crack cocaine and marijuana.

Police said they were on patrol when they spotted a blue Chevrolet Corsica with a burned-out license plate light and a loud exhaust system Saturday at 2:41 a.m. at the intersection of North Monongahela and Harrison avenues. The officers conducted a traffic stop and asked the operator of the vehicle for his license when they detected a strong odor of marijuana, according to the police report.

Along with the driver, who faces no charges, Ronald Eugene Mitchell, 33, of Clairton, was in the front passenger seat, and Solomon Reddick, 26, whose last known address was in Wilkinsburg, was in the back, police said.

Police said they ordered the three men to “put their hands where officers could see them.” At that moment, Mitchell allegedly pulled a large plastic bag of suspected marijuana from his pocket and attempted to hide it under the front passenger seat. Officers removed Mitchell from the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs, according to reports.

Three plastic bags of suspected marijuana reportedly were found in Mitchell’s front coat pocket. The two other men then were removed from the vehicle and handcuffed “for officers’ safety,” the report said.

Police then searched the vehicle and reportedly discovered a red container with two large pieces of suspected crack cocaine and a plastic bag of an unknown substance in the middle console.

After being taken to the police station, Mitchell gave a written statement that all the narcotics belonged to him, according to police. He faces seven counts of possession with intent to deliver. He later was taken to Allegheny County Jail.

The suspected crack cocaine weighed about 8.4 grams, and the marijuana was approximate­ly 70 grams, police said. Police said they also seized $81 from Mitchell. All the narcotics were placed into a safe.

While in custody, Reddick allegedly said his name was “ Romance Dixion.” He also reportedly provided a false date-of-birth and address. He is charged with false reports.

Reddick was transported to Allegheny County Jail, where it was discovered that he was wanted for state probation violations.

McKeesport Daily News October 17, 2006

Glassport Women’s Club

October meeting of the Glassport Women’s Club will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Glassport Library.

Donna Kurucz will preside and the Club Collect will be read by Sandy Urbanski. Reporting will be Betty Gaydos, secretary/treasurer, and Anne Dzurko, library coordinator. Hostesses will be Kurucz and Gaydos.

McKeesport Daily News October 18, 2006

Glassport

Fire company will meet

Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. A possible major purchase will be discussed.

Committee plans festival

The Glassport Democratic Fall Festival Committee will set up for the Fall Festival Friday at 9 a.m. at the honor roll along Monongahela Avenue. Anyone who can help may attend.

The festival will take place Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at the honor roll. Oct. 28 will serve as a rain date.

The event will feature music, food, games, crafts and hayrides. There is no admission cost.

At the festival, absentee ballots for voting will be offered.

‘Tidy Up Glassport Day’ set

Council has proclaimed Sunday “Tidy Up Glassport Day.” The Glassport Parks and Recreation Association and other volunteers will meet at the honor roll at 9 a.m. and proceed to pick up litter.

They will begin along Monongahela Avenue and proceed through town. All residents also are encouraged to clean up around their properties and a little further.

Garbage bags and gloves will be passed out

McKeesport Daily News October 18, 2006

Suspected meth lab found in Glassport

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police discovered a suspected methamphetamine lab inside an abandoned building along the 600 block of Hemlock Alley.

Lt. Ron Benoit said police received a call that someone had heard a noise inside the building around 6 p.m. Tuesday. When police entered, they didn’t see anyone inside, but they did notice several drug lab instruments, Benoit reported.

“It’s stuff we’re taught to associate with meth labs,” he said. “Pretty much all the material was there you would need for a meth lab.” At that point, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency was called.

Several pieces of drug-making equipment were removed from the home, but no actual drugs were found.

Police estimate the lab had not been in use for years and had been shut down. Preliminary tests showed acids and solvents, but no narcotics, Benoit said.

Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 also were present to seal off the area and in case of explosions.

Benoit said the structure is so dangerous even firefighters won’t enter. It’s possible to see the basement from the second floor.

Glassport police are waiting for the final report from the DEA.

Benoit said police would attempt to investigate, but it could be difficult due to the amount of time since the lab was in use.

McKeesport Daily News October 18, 2006

Glassport council looking to improve senior center amid reports it will close

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport council is looking at ways to improve the borough’s senior citizens center following reports it eventually could be shut down.

The building at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue is owned by the borough and serviced by LifeSpan in Homestead, through Allegheny County, Councilman Ted Zebroski said.

Though many of LifeSpan’s senior centers have a myriad of activities for the elderly, “This place has kind of died off,” Zebroski said at a council meeting Tuesday. Zebroski reported the center only has one manager who opens the center at 9 a.m. and closes it at 1 p.m., following a lunch.

Meal preparation begins at roughly 10 a.m., cutting into the amount of time available for activities. LifeSpan is in the process of doing a feasibility study on the facility, Zebroski said.

The councilman said he consulted with representatives from the facility who said it might eventually close if help doesn’t come due to poor attendance. “It isn’t today or tomorrow,” Zebroski clarified. “It might be a year or two, maybe even three. But that’s probably what’s going to happen.” The new councilman said he would investigate the issue further. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep that place open,” Zebroski promised. “I feel that there is money out there somewhere.” Zebroski said he would like to see the center open until at least 3 p.m.

He said such work would require the borough hiring additional workers or, more likely, volunteers. “We just can’t leave it open and hope that somebody comes,” Zebroski said.

The councilman reported there are evening meetings at the facility in which outside groups use the building, sometimes leaving furniture in disarray, along with trash.

Mayor Terry DiMarco said he wasn’t aware of the mess being left. He said he would speak with the people in charge of the groups.

In other news, council approved a five-year contract with street department and sewage plant workers. A drug-testing policy — which is still to be discussed — will be included in the agreement.

McKeesport Daily News October 26, 2006

Glassport cracks down on drug deals

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police say they are cracking down on drug use in the borough.

Police have charged Justin Peoples, 22, of Glassport, with three counts of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officer Shawn Deverse said police had received calls about heavy traffic through the house. Police found 100 suspected “diapers” — plastic bags in which corners are cut out for cocaine use — while inspecting Peoples’ garbage outside his home along the 600 block of Indiana Avenue for several weeks, Deverse reported. Mail found in the trash, on which Peoples’ name and address appeared, verified that the garbage belonged to him, Chief Howard Kifer said.

Deverse said the most recent trash pull took place Oct. 18. “As a result of that trash pull, we had enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant,” he said. The warrant was obtained Friday, and police conducted a search of the residence Saturday at 5:57 a.m. Liberty police Chief Luke Riley joined Glassport and Clairton police in the operation.

In Peoples’ bedroom, police found and confiscated between 2 and 2.5 ounces of powdered cocaine, roughly $415 in cash, a scale, plastic bags that are believed to have been used to create the diapers, scissors that allegedly were used to cut the bags, and Inositol powder dietary supplement, which police think was mixed with the drugs, Deverse reported.

Police said Peoples turned himself in at 9 a.m. Wednesday. He was arraigned before South Allegheny Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin and taken to Allegheny County Jail. Deverse said police continue to investigate the incident, expecting to make related arrests in the future.

In the past, Glassport police sometimes made agreements with drug dealers to lessen charges in exchange for information about other users or sellers, Mayor Terry DiMarco said. However, police will make no more such deals, DiMarco warned. Instead, anyone caught dealing or using drugs will be taken to jail. “We are going to practice zero tolerance,” he said. For the past three months, the borough has employed a special unit to target drugs. Police dogs are being trained to sniff out illegal substances, DiMarco said.

Several residents had reported being afraid to come out of their homes due to drug activity, the mayor said. “We want to give the town back to the people who belong here,” he said. “At least we’re making the people feel safe.”

— Daily News Photo

Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco, front, Officer Shawn Deverse, left, and Chief Howard Kifer display drugs, money and other confiscated items.

McKeesport Daily News October 27, 2006

Glassport

Three charged in disturbance

Three people face charges stemming from what police said was a disturbance along the 600 block of A Street Monday at 11:50 p.m.

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, and Karen Kimmell, 36, of Glassport, are charged with disorderly conduct. Police said they heard screaming and yelling from the home.

Inside, Plavko allegedly was pushing and hitting a woman, and Kimmell reportedly was in a loud verbal altercation with several people.

Homeowner Gary Kimmell, age not given, of Glassport, faces charges of a disorderly house.

Disorderly conduct charged

Two men face disorderly conduct charges.

• Adam Pastories, 26, of Port Vue, was intoxicated and involved in a fight at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Monday at 1:55 a.m., police reported. He additionally is charged with public intoxication. Pastories was taken to the police station and held until deemed sober, according to police.

• Charges have been filed against John Foster, 23, of Glassport. Police said they found Foster in possession of a crack pipe along the 700 block of Vermont Avenue in August.

Public intoxication alleged

Judy Datig, 46, of Glassport, was charged with public intoxication Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News October 31, 2006

Glassport Democrats to meet

The Glassport Democratic Committee will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Glassport Polish National Alliance. Final plans for the Nov. 7 election will be made. A report on the Oct. 21 Fall Festival will be given. Election Day workers will be assigned.

McKeesport Daily News November 4, 2006

Glassport

Police report DUI

John Ross Jr., 21, of McKeesport, is charged with driving under the influence and driving the wrong way on a one-way roadway. Police said they noticed Ross driving the wrong way near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. When officers pulled him over, they smelled a strong odor of alcohol, according to reports.

Public intoxication noted

Two people are charged with public intoxication.

• Sue DeFrancisco, 47, of North Versailles Twp., was intoxicated, endangering herself and others, along the 500 block of Hemlock Alley Oct. 26 at 3:15 p.m., police said.

• Michael Solada, 39, of Glassport, was intoxicated, endangering himself and others, Tuesday at 11:30 p.m. along the 700 block of Vermont Avenue, according to police.

Four men charged

Four men face charges stemming from an incident police said occurred Oct. 28 at the intersection of Third Street and Monongahela Avenue at roughly 3:40 a.m. Mark Bryos, 20, of McKeesport, David Hart, 20, of Elizabeth, and Jason Smith, 20, of Elizabeth, all are charged with underage drinking. Kevin Brennfleck, 25, of Elizabeth, is charged with public intoxication. Police said Brennfleck was intoxicated, endangering himself and others.

Bryos additionally is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Bryos was taken to a holding cell at the Glassport police station along Monongahela Avenue. While there, he allegedly urinated on the floor and spit on a camera at 4:20 a.m.

Disorderly conduct charged

Two men are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Carl Mackolin, 72, of Glassport, was involved in a domestic dispute along the 100 block of Ohio Avenue at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, police said. When police responded, Mackolin allegedly used profane language.

• Richard Stewart, 37, of Penn, purchased cigarettes at Puff Discount Tobacco at 741 Monongahela Ave. Thursday at 4:54 p.m., reports said. After paying, the man allegedly grabbed the cigarettes and change from the cashier’s hands. Stewart also is accused of using obscene language. He additionally is charged with harassment

McKeesport Daily News November 9, 2006

Glassport

Two charged in fight

John Swantek, 42, and Greg Schillaci, 45, both of Glassport, are charged with disorderly conduct and fighting. Police said the two men were involved in a fight at Ruby D’s Bar, 601 Allegheny Ave., at 9:39 p.m. Friday.

Public intoxication noted

Two men are charged with public intoxication.

• Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, was in public under the influence of alcohol along the 600 block of Eighth Street Saturday at 8:41 p.m., police said.

• Devon Kubinsky, 22, of McKeesport, was highly intoxicated at Ruby D’s Bar, 601 Allegheny Ave., Sunday at 3:05 a.m., according to police.

Three juveniles charged

Three juveniles are charged with disorderly conduct stemming from an incident that took place along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue Sunday at 9:02 p.m. Police said a 16 year-old from Versailles was swearing at people on the street. A 15-year-old and a 16-year­old, both of Glassport, allegedly were involved in fighting.

McKeesport Daily News November 10, 2006

Tradition chugs along

Glassport family to share love of trains during weekend expo

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

All tracks will lead to Monroeville this weekend as Pittsburgh Expo Mart presents the Great Train Expo.

The event will run Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Model and toy train experts will present exhibits. Visitors can see operating train layouts in a variety of sizes and scales. Demonstrations and clinics are scheduled throughout the weekend, including topics such as starting a layout, developing scenery and maintenance.

The hobby market will offer thousands of model and toy trains from all leading manufacturers. Kits for children also will be available. Additionally, train parts and accessories, scenery supplies, hobby tools and the latest how-to-videos and publications will be on sale.

The show travels to cities nationwide, stopping in Monroeville three times annually.

Admission — good for both days — is $7. Children 11 and younger will be admitted free.

More than 5,000 attendees are expected to witness 50,000 square feet of display, Expo Media Liaison Frank Hicks said.

Ken’s Trains in Glassport will be one of the vendors, filling several tables with trains of all brands and time periods, although the shop specializes in trains from 1900 to 1950. Owner Ken Feterick has been attending the shows for 15 years, since before he created the shop at 621 Monongahela Ave.

Feterick’s wife Mary Louise Feterick and father-in­law Domenic Norelli also were instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the store, which also offers Boy and Girl Scout equipment.

Mary Louise Feterick said she and her father never had trains when she was growing up, but they both became interested in them through her husband. “He had so many trains that he wanted to start a hobby shop,” she said.

The Fort Pitt HiRailers also will exhibit. A local chapter of the national Train Collectors Association, the group meets every Wednesday in Plum to set up tracks and trains for display at train shows. The organization works with a combination of the traditional o-scale track combined with trains that are 1/48 the size of a real locomotive, a larger proportion than traditional model trains.

HiRailers member Anthony Kulfan said the show is busiest during the holiday season. “ During Christmas time, people want to set up trains around the Christmas tree,” he said. “People attend the November show in higher numbers.”

Like many people, it was working with his father to set up the train every Christmas that inspired Kulfan’s hobby. Western Pennsylvanians, in particular, have an affinity for trains, an interest that was passed down from their parents, Mary Louise Feterick said. “A lot of men worked on the railroads and bought their children trains,” she said.

There are several reasons why people enjoy model railroading, Kulfan said. “For some people, it’s nostalgia,” he said. “Some are just into modeling. A significant number of people just love trains; they go to the real railroads and take pictures.

For older people — once their kids are out of the house — it can be a way to recapture their youth.”

Exhibitors at the show enjoy a camaraderie, Mary Louise Feterick said. “ They’re all friends,” she said. “ It’s spending time together, enjoying their hobby. Just like some women can’t have enough shoes or purses, they can’t have enough trains.”

Kulfan said he expects to see a wide range of people at the Expo. “It crosses all sorts of boundaries,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what race or age group. It brings people together whom you wouldn’t expect through a hobby.”

The Expo Mart is located at 105 Mall Blvd. Additional information can be found at www.greattrainexpo. com.

— Photos by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily

News Ken’s Trains in Glassport will be a featured vendor at the upcoming Great Train Expo at Pittsburgh Expo Mart in Monroeville. The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Above, Mary Louise Feterik shows off the model train collection at Ken’s Trains. At left, 10-year-old Daniel Downes of Glassport checks out things he may want to add to his personal train collection.

McKeesport Daily News November 11, 2006

Glassport

Cans to be recycled

Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will collect aluminum and steel cans from borough homes today, beginning at 7 a.m. Residents are asked to place the cans at the curbs of their homes. No paper or glass will be accepted.

Council meetings set

Borough council will have a caucus meeting Tuesday, and it will be a voting meeting to discuss any borough matter. Council's regular monthly meeting will take place Nov. 21. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m. at council chambers along Monongahela Avenue. They are open to the public.

McKeesport Daily News November 13, 2006

Glassport Lions Club

Glassport Lions Club is announcing planned events. The club will be attending District 14-B Joint Zone meeting at Hoss’s Restaurant, Pleasant Hills, tonight at 6:30.

Board of directors will convene Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport with Edward Burnett presiding. Hosts will be Tom Urbanski and Rich Ziemianski.

A dinner is planned for Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport.

McKeesport Daily News November 14, 2006

Glassport Women’s Club

November meeting of the Glassport Women’s Club will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Glassport Library.

Donna Kurucz will preside and Sandy Urbanski will read the Club Collect. Reports will be given by Betty Gaydos, secretary/ treasurer, and Anne Dzurko, library coordinator. Hostesses will be Jane Drogoski and Florence Gerstner.

McKeesport Daily News November 15, 2006

Thanksgiving dinner

The Senior Citizens Committee of the Glassport Democratic Committee has invited senior borough residents to a free Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Polish National Alliance Hall. From left, Mayor Terry DiMarco, Secretary Nancy Piazza Whaby and Councilman Ted Zebroski examine applications, which can be acquired at the Glassport Senior Citizens Center at Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue and some local businesses. The forms must be returned to the senior center today. The menu will include roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, dressing, candied yams, pumpkin pie and beverages. Rides will be provided to those who need transportation. Call 412-855-5513 for information.

McKeesport Daily News November 16, 2006

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, is charged with public intoxication. Police said Plavko was found passed out on steps along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue Rear Tuesday at 3 p.m. The man was brought to the police station and held until sober, police reported.

Glassport School district taxes due

Monday will be the last day to pay South Allegheny school taxes in the face amount.

Taxes mailed and post­marked by Monday will be acceptable. Payments also may be made in the mail slot on the office’s front door. If a receipt is required, include a self-addressed stamped enveope.

The Glassport tax office will be open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. next week. Normal business hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News November 16, 2006

New owners

Gateway Mini Mart at 601 Monongahela Ave. in Glassport is open under new owners Danny and Asif Javed. The con­venience store is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The owners have plans to open a fast­food restaurant inside the store in the near future. The store can be reached at 412­ 672-1708.

McKeesport Daily News November 22, 2006

Glassport

— Photos by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

The Senior Citizens Committee of the Glassport Democratic Committee hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for senior borough residents Tuesday at the Polish National Alliance Hall. Here, Glassport Democratic Committee members prepare the food. Hall. Here, Glassport Democratic Committee members prepare the food.

From left, Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco; Tim Joyce, deputy chief of staff to state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville; and Glassport Councilman Ted Zebroski presented borough resident Margaret “Marge” Hanley with awards for her outstanding community service from both Logan’s office and District 8 of the Polish National Alliance as part of the dinner festivities.

McKeesport Daily News November 24, 2006

Glassport

Two men charged

Police charged two men with possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance and public drunkenness Saturday at 3:05 a.m.

• John Boyd, 31, of Glassport, was charged at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

• James Hildebrand, 40, of West Mifflin, was charged at the intersection of Fifth Street and Oak Alley, police said.

Public intoxication noted

Two people were charged with public intoxication.

• Mark Ethridge, 34, of McKeesport, was publicly intoxicated Saturday at 3:15 a.m. at the intersection of Fifth Street and Oak Alley, police said.

• Thomas Taylor, 37, of Glassport, was intoxicated in public at the intersection of Sixth Street and Oak Alley Saturday at 2:20 a.m., according to police.

Drug charge filed

John Kuzel, 27, of Port Vue, was charged with possession of noxious weed. Police said Kuzel was in possession of marijuana and a pipe known for smoking the drug Saturday at 1 a.m. at a business at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

Disorderly conduct charged

Two people were charged with disorderly conduct.

• John Rager, 31, of Glassport, fought with a woman and struck her in the face — causing redness and swelling — at his home along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 5:30 a.m., police reported. He additionally is charged with harassment.

• Ashley Jones, 20, of South Park Twp., slammed a door on a woman, hitting her lower ankle and leg, while awaiting a hearing before South Allegheny Magisterial District Judge Armand Martin Nov. 14 at 2:40 p.m. at 1 Allegheny Square

Man charged twice

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, faces two counts of public intoxication. Police reported Plavko was publicly intoxicated Thursday at 8:34 p.m. at the intersection of Seventh Street and Monongahela Avenue, as well as Monday at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Ninth Street and Ohio Avenue.

Multiple charges filed

Angelo Buti, 23, of Glassport, was charged with recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, fleeing and eluding police, driving without lights to avoid prosecution and reckless driving.

Someone reported hearing gunshots near the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue Tuesday at 3:17 a.m., police said. When police responded to the scene, they heard three more shots, reports said.

Police said they noticed a silver vehicle moving with its lights out. Police reported noticing an arm come out of the sun roof and firing three shots into the air.

Officers reportedly chased the vehicle before stopping it at Eighth Street and Monongahela Avenue.

Afterward Buti, the driver, was taken out of the vehicle, police said, and a handgun was found in his waistband.

McKeesport Daily News November 28, 2006

Glassport

Public drunkenness charged

Seven people are charged with public drunkenness.

• Thomas Ludwig, 46, of Elizabeth, was publicly intoxicated and causing a disturbance at the American Legion along the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 4:58 p.m., police said.

• Richard Crammer, 22, of Duquesne, was verbally disorderly toward police while in lockup at the police station along Monongahela Avenue Thursday at 3:05 a.m., police reported. Police said the man also was intoxicated to the point that he couldn’t stand. Crammer additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, was intoxicated when police responded to a domestic call along the 700 block of Ohio Avenue Friday at 8: 14 p. m., according to reports.

• Courtney Cloherty, 25, of Pittsburgh, was intoxicated, endangering herself and others along the 700 block of Delaware Avenue Saturday at 2:14 a.m., police said.

• Keith Nolder, 40, of Glassport, was intoxicated and engaged in a fight at 5:48 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue, according to police. He additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Anthony McCellister, 19, of Glassport, was drunk and engaged in a fight at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 5:15 p.m., police said. He additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

• Adam Pastores, 23, of Port Vue, was found lying on a sidewalk at the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Thursday at 1:24 p.m., according to police. The man reportedly was intoxicated to the point he couldn’t function

McKeesport Daily News November 28, 2006

Glassport investigating vandalism incidents

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police continue to investigate a recent rash of vandalism to borough vehicles.

On the morning of Nov. 9, the owners of more than 30 cars reported their vehicles had been scratched by a key or other metal object, Police Chief Howard Kifer said.

The first call came in to police at 8:20. Kifer said the vehicles borough-wide were marked at locations along Euclid, Indiana, Ohio, Vermont and Delaware avenues.

The next morning, tires were reported to be slashed on five borough vehicles along Vermont and Euclid, Kifer said.

The chief said police are looking for the assistance of Glassport residents. He suggested neighbors watch each others’ vehicles, and keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or people in all-black dress.

In addition, residents are advised to keep their outside lights on. “If neighbors see anything, they should notify us,” he said. “We would appreciate any information they can give us.

McKeesport Daily News November 29, 2006

Remembering the past

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

Proceeds from the 2007 “Glassport Memories” calendar will help fund future projects for the Citizens of Glassport Parks & Recreation Association. Above, from left, association President Douglas C. Sicchitano, Councilman Mickey Stetor and association Treasurer Tara Czekaj display the calendar, the cover of which is pictured next.

Glassport keeping memories alive with new 2007 calendar

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport organization is bringing back Glassport’s memories to create a brighter future. The Citizens of Glassport Parks & Recreation Association is selling “Glassport Memories,” a 2007 calendar filled with photographs of the borough’s past, as a way to raise funds for its community projects.

The 16-month, 12-by-12-inch calendars are being sold for $6 at Red Hot Dollar, 706 Monongahela Ave., as well as at other businesses and social halls within the borough. They also will be on sale during the borough’s parade and light-up night Sunday.

The calendar provides a broad trip through time, including pictures as early as the 1890s and as recent as the 1960s. There are photographs of businesses, police, parks, waterways and schools. Several photographs exist of the devastating 1963 tornado.

Near the end of summer, Mickey Stetor, the borough council liaison for the association, began asking citizens to contribute their photographs for the calendar, promising to return them after the project was completed. “It was slow at first,” Stetor said, “but they finally started coming in.” Eventually, huge stacks of photographs began arriving.

Additional pictures came from McKeesport Heritage Center, as well as from Richard Uher, whose Web site — http://pong.telerama.com~/urichard/glasscv.htm — features a classic Glassport picture weekly.

By the time the calendar was released, some 200 photographs had been collected, according to association President Douglas C. Sicchitano. “We want to thank everybody who donated pictures,” he said.

Treasurer Tara Czekaj was involved in the project. Some of the photographs were so fragile she had to place them on a scanner with tweezers. “Residents were very trusting of us with their heirloom photos,” she said.

Czekaj additionally credited graphic designer Dana Brown for her help in the project. PsPrint in Bethlehem served as publisher, Czekaj said. “We tried to keep the production in the state,” the treasurer said.

Growing up in Glassport with her grandparents, Czekaj heard stories about the devastating tornado, as well as the famous Mazur Hotel, which was gutted by fire in 1975 after becoming the Markette Hotel just a year earlier.

Czekaj said she became more aware of the events’ importance in the lives of her grandparents. “It was really neat to see the photos,” she said. “It was seeing family history come alive.”

The calendar is special because it was made from residents’ contributions, Sicchitano said. “It just seems that everyone is caught up in recapturing the glory days of Glassport,” he said.

Stetor emphasized all funding will go to parks and recreation in the borough. The association’s first goal is to use proceeds to get the water fountain and clock at the borough’s honor roll in working order, Sicchitano said.

Stetor said plans already are under way for another calendar next year, as there still are more photographs that haven’t been used. However, Sicchitano and Czekaj need more pictures for the next edition. They can be reached by calling 412-675-6366.

More information on the association is avail­able at www.citizensofglassport.com.

— Photo Courtesy of Glassport Parks & Recreation Association

This photo shows the Copperweld Wire inspection department in 1926.This photo shows the Copperweld Wire inspection department in 1926.

McKeesport Daily News November 29, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Several people are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Scott Deverse, 36, of North Versailles Twp., was urinating in public Saturday at 5:38 p.m. along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue, police said. Deverse also allegedly stole a bottle of Jacquin’s rum, valued at $14.99, from the Wine and Spirits store, 739 Monongahela Ave., Friday at 5:15 p.m. He additionally is charged with retail theft.

• Eric Durr, 23, of Glassport, threw a chair at another person during a fight along the 200 block of Ohio Avenue Friday at 11:32 p.m., police reported. He additionally is charged with harassment.

• Jake Holmes, 20, of Glassport, urinated in public along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue Saturday at 5:38 p.m., according to police.

• Joey Mansfield,33, of Port Vue, was engaged in a fight with medics and police Sunday at 4 p.m. along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue, reports said

McKeesport Daily News November 30, 2006

Glassport trail woes addressed

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Residents’ concerns about dust generated by a bicycle trail in Glassport have been addressed. At an August council meeting, several citizens aired gripes about the unpaved portion of Allegheny Avenue, which runs between the road’s intersections with Fifth and Third streets.

The road is designated a bicycle trail, part of the larger Steel Valley Trail. Emergency vehicles also use the roadway. The passage connects with the Montour Trail in Clairton to the south. It runs to the Jerome Street Bridge in McKeesport, where it connects to the Youghiogheny River Trail, as well as a continuation of the Steel Valley Trail through McKeesport to Duquesne that is under construction. It is part of the larger “ Great Allegheny Passage” project, meant to connect Southwestern Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C.

Dust from the trail was coming into yards, pools and homes, according to the residents. “Over the years, it got very dusty,” Councilman James Uziel said. “It was like a mud hole back there,” said Joe Segina, a member of the Steel Valley Trail Council’s board of directors. “It was an eyesore, and it was an inconvenience, with the dust and dirt being produced.”

The trail council took action at the beginning of the month, tarring and chipping the roadway for several days. Segina said the work cost roughly $18,000 and U.S. Steel helped to coordinate the project. Uziel said it is an advantage if more people use the trail. “ You’re saving the environment if people are riding bikes,” he said.

Meanwhile, the trail council and U.S. Steel continue to work on other sections of the trail, including the removal of gas lines to establish a part of the trail from Kennywood to Whitaker near the Rankin Bridge. That work is about 90 percent complete, Segina said. The plan eventually is to have the trail run from Clairton and continue north through municipalities including Glassport, McKeesport, Duquesne, West Mifflin and Homestead, eventually connecting with the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh.

— Daily News Photo The Steel Valley Trails

Council recently tarred and chipped this bicycle trail in Glassport. Dust from the trail had been causing a headache for borough residents. Dust from the trail had been causing a headache for borough residents.

McKeesport Daily News November 30, 2006

Glassport Holiday parade

Glassport Parks and Recreation Association will host a Christmas parade Sunday at 5 p.m. The parade will begin at Seventh Street and Monongahela Avenue and proceed on Monongahela to the borough’s honor roll. Light-Up Night will follow. Children will be able to visit Santa Claus at American Legion Post 443 along Monongahela Avenue, and they are encouraged to bring their letters. Pictured from left are event organiz­ers John McCombs, activities chairwom­an Jade Wargo, and association secre­tary Andrea Foster.

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

McKeesport Daily News November 30, 2006

Glassport Lions Club

Glassport Lions Club is announcing planned activities. The annual Christmas party is planned Friday at the Elks Lodge 11, Buttermilk Hollow Road, West Mifflin, beginning at 6 p.m.

Club members will be attending Christmas Around the World Dec. 8 at The Palisades in McKeesport.

Board of directors for the Glassport club will convene Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Edward Burnett will preside and hosts will be John Palmiero and Chip Walker.

McKeesport Daily News December 2, 2006

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, was charged with public intoxication when he was found sleeping on steps along the 600 block of Indiana Avenue Thursday at 4:50 p.m., police said. He reportedly was highly intoxicated and unable to stand. Plavko was brought to the police station and held until he became sober, police said.

McKeesport Daily News December 4, 2006

READERS’ VIEWPOINT

Committee thanked for dinner

My wife and I, among 100 senior guests, recently attended a free Thanksgiving dinner at the remodeled dining room of Glassport’s Polish National Alliance hall.

Glassport is a nice, quiet, well-run borough.

What made this affair very nice is that it was sponsored by the Senior Citizen Committee of the Glassport Democratic Committee. Our thoughts were: “ Gee, they didn’t have to do that.” But they put the good effort into it and therefore should be recognized.

The committee even included, and presented an award, to resident Marge Hanley, who is 98 years old. We just thought it would be proper to say a big thanks to the Glassport Democratic Committee.

Dick and Teet Smith Glassport

McKeesport Daily News December 6, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, is charged with public intoxication and trespassing. Police said they responded to a call and found Plavko sleeping in the rear of an open garage along the 600 block of Eighth Street Monday at 5:55 a.m.

Plavko reportedly had a nearly empty bottle of vodka with him. Plavko was held at the police station until deemed sober, police said.

McKeesport Daily News December 8, 2006

READERS’ VIEWPOINT

Participation commended

I am writing to pay tribute to Glassport's residents for their participation in the community's Light Up Night festivities Dec. 3. Record crowds attended the kick-off holiday events held at the Honor Roll and American Legion.

In spite of cold weather and relatively low holiday parade enrollment, residents remained staunch in their support of the borough's programming and activities.

This collective act of encouragement should be commended when group apathy is on the rise. Lack of interest and concern is a community development organization's biggest fear but this show of support confirms that indifference hasn't enveloped the entire Mon Valley populace. For that, I am personally grateful.

Thank you.

Tara Czekaj

Citizens of Glassport, Parks & Recreation Association

McKeesport Daily News December 8, 2006

Glassport Seniors

Glassport Senior Citizens Association will gather for its December meeting Tuesday in the Glassport Center beginning at 11 a.m. Greeters will be Josie Tarli and Mary Spagnola. Helen Nelson will read the minutes of the last meeting. Guests will be Melissa Jakuk of the Unison-Advantage Senior Health Plan. She will review the plan covering Medicare plan AB and D. A free informational bingo will be followed by a question and answer period.

Steve Oley will review the by-laws and Tony Spagnola will announce plans for the new year. A luncheon will follow with Flo D'Antonio offering the blessing. Ethel Davis and Angie Barch will serve the lunch.

The meeting is open to the public and a reservation is needed for the lunch. Additional information may be secured by calling Frank Tarli at 412-678-3861.

McKeesport Daily News December 9, 2006

Glassport

Retail theft charged

Scott Deverse, 36, of McKeesport, is charged with retail theft. Police said Deverse attempted to leave Foodland at the intersection of Ninth Street and Ohio Avenue without paying for bagged groceries during the morning of Nov. 22.

The store manager stopped Deverse on the way out.

Public intoxication noted

John Rager, 28, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxi­cation. Police said Rager was intox­icated and unable to stand Wednesday at 1:15 a.m. along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News December 12, 2006

Glassport

Council meeting set

Glassport council’s caucus meeting, which has been advertised as a voting meeting, will begin at 6 tonight.

Council will discuss the bud­get at 6:30, and other business may continue afterward.

Council’s regular monthly meeting will be Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Glassport Women’s Club

Glassport Women’s Club will convene Thursday at 6 p.m. in LaRomana’s in Glassport for its annual Christmas dinner.

Dorothy Manzlak will offer the invocation.

Members are to provide a paper or personal item for the group’s project, Womansplace.

Table arrangements are in charge of Donna Kurucz and Sandy Urbanski.

McKeesport Daily News December 13, 2006

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Anthony Coleman, 33, of Glassport, is charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. Police said Coleman kicked a police officer in her knee along the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue Sunday at 4:05 p.m.

Minor reportedly brought to bar

Albert Csorba Jr., 25, of Port Vue, is charged with representing a minor as being of age. Police said Csorba brought a minor who pretended to be of drinking age into Ruby D’s Bar, 601 Allegheny Ave., Sunday at 12:15 a.m

Underage drinking charged

Two people are charged with underage drinking.

• Anthony Foster, 20, of Glassport, was drinking inside Ruby D’s bar, 601 Allegheny Ave., Sunday at 12:26 a.m., according to police.

• Aaron Paul, 20, of Elizabeth, allegedly was drinking Saturday at 3 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Oak Alley, police said.

Disorderly conduct charged

Corey Williams, 19, of McKeesport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Williams was in possession of a pipe known for smoking marijuana Saturday at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Oak Alley and Sixth Street.

Trespass charge filed

Brandon Kreagan, 28, of Clairton, is charged with simple trespass. Kreagan reportedly entered Allegheny Rebar Co. at 10 Allegheny Square without permission Sunday at 12:07 p.m., police reported.

Public intoxication noted

Four people are charged with public intoxication.

• Ronald Arnold Ackerman, 33, of Glassport, was highly intoxicated to the point that he was unable to stand Sunday at 12:30 a.m. along Seventh Street, police reported.

• Scott Butrym, 45, and Judy Jatig, 46, both of Glassport, reportedly were intoxicated Sunday at 1:05 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Oak Alley, police said.

• Juliann Kapfer, 26, of Elizabeth, allegedly was intoxicated along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue Tuesday at 2:30 a.m., police reported.

McKeesport Daily News December 19, 2006

Glassport

Retail theft charged

Chriss Gamble, 45, of Glassport, is charged with retail theft. Police said Gamble exited the Dollar General along Monongahela Avenue without paying, Dec. 12 at 5:15 p.m.

Public intoxication noted

Two people are charged with public intoxication stemming from incidents that allegedly took place near Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 at the intersection of Ninth Street and Allegheny Avenue.

• Michele Bloom, 22, of Port Vue, was highly intoxicated and sitting on the street outside the fire hall Sunday at 12:10 a.m., police said.

• Robert Buchina Jr., 28, of Elizabeth Twp., reportedly was intoxicated to the point in which he was endangering himself and others inside the fire hall Dec. 12 at 1:02 a.m., police said. He additionally is charged with disorderly conduct.

Multiple charges filed

Erik Maselli, 26, and Shaun Maselli, 28, both of West Elizabeth, are charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief and attempt. Police said the two men were seen on the roof of Allegheny Rebar Co., 10 Allegheny Square, cutting copper wire and throwing it down from the building Friday at 2:03 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News December 20, 2006

Glassport maintains tax rate

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents won’t see their taxes raised in 2007.

At a meeting Tuesday, council adopted next year’s budget, keeping the tax rate at 7.6 mills.

The borough plans to spend $2,095,467, which it also will take in in revenue. Each mill generates roughly $87,000 in the borough.

Just three years ago, the borough was more than $667,000 in the red, Mayor Terry DiMarco said. “Glassport was in the hole a lot of money,” he said. “This council brought us back to where we have no debt. I’d like to commend everybody. I think, all in all, everything is starting to look a little bit better.”

“With this mayor and this council working together, we’ve come from being thousands of dollars in debt to probably a surplus this year,” Council President John DeSue said. “It was an effort by a group of people working hard.” DeSue said council rebounded by cutting expenditures and raising taxes.

“The bad thing is, now we have a lot of repairs in town that we didn’t vote for for three years,” the mayor said.

One issue being addressed is the maintenance of borough streets. According to Councilman James Uziel, 70 to 80 percent of the borough’s roads are in poor condition. Council plans to seek funding for the paving of all borough roads, to be started in the spring and finished by the end of 2007, DeSue said. In addition, a few alleys will be paved each year, Uziel said. “We’re in a position where we can afford to do that now, through the hard work of this group of people,” DeSue said.

In other business, council unanimously reimbursed Citizen’s Hose Co. No. 1 and Reliance Hose Co. No. 2 approximately $22,000 in fire tax money for 2006. The fire companies had questioned whether the money, which had been used by the borough to pay for hydrant­rental fees, should’ve been taken out of the tax funds. Citizens Hose Fire Chief Wayne Lewis had said his company had already planned to use the funds for the purchase of new equipment.

McKeesport Daily News December 21, 2006

Glassport cracks down on speeding

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are responding to residents’ concerns about quad riding and speeding.

Chief Howard Kifer reminded residents that the riding of quads on any borough street is illegal. “

If this continues, ( quad drivers) will be stopped and cited, and we’re going to tow the quads,” he said.

Police have received reports of quads speeding on Wall Street, an area police will patrol heavily. Speeding in general also is a concern. Residents said at a meeting this week that vehicles are frequently exceeding the speed limit on Ohio Avenue from Wall Street to Broadway Avenue, where travelers come into the borough after traveling on the 40-mph Lincoln Boulevard.

Kifer said the speed limit on Ohio is 25 mph, even though a sign on the road indicates it to be 15. The chief suspects the sign was erected decades ago without council approving an ordinance.

“We want the public to slow down coming through that area of town,” he said. Drivers also are warned to stop at Monongahela Avenue’s intersections with Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth streets to allow pedestrians to cross.

McKeesport Daily News December 23, 2006

Glassport police warn residents of phone scam

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are warn­ing residents about a reported phone scam.

Callers are contacting borough residents asking for their checking account numbers and the numbers of the checks they last used, Sgt. Cliff LaFever said. Several calls were reported to both police and Sky Bank, he said. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, and the numbers were used to create fake checks, LaFever said. He warned residents not to give out their checking account, check or Social Security numbers, or any other personal information, over the phone.

“If the bank is calling, they’ll already have your information,” he said. Residents who receive suspicious calls are asked to contact police at 412- 672- 4514, as well as their banks.

McKeesport Daily News December 23, 2006

Glassport Man charged twice

Robert Sanetta, 24, of Elizabeth, faces two counts of public intoxication.

Police said Sanetta wondered into a home along the 300 block of Eerie Avenue Wednesday morning. He reportedly was found sleeping in the house at 4:44 a.m.

Later that day, Sanetta and Eric Durr, 20, of Glassport, were charged with public drunkenness. Police said the two men were drinking in the middle of the 300 block of Monongahela Avenue at 4:40 p.m.

Public drunkenness charged

Wendy Ressler, 31, of Glassport, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Ressler was under the influence in a public place along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue Wednesday at 10 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News December 28, 2006

Glassport

Two charged in fight

Two Glassport residents face charges stemming from a fight police said took place Tuesday evening in an alley behind a home along the 600 block of Indiana Avenue.

Chester Stone, 34, is charged with simple assault, harassment, ethnic intimidation, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Osman Munga, 29, is charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said they received a call at 6:15 p.m. that Stone was kicking a door at Osman’s home with extreme force. When police arrived, they reportedly saw Stone with his arms around Munga’s neck.

Police said they took both men to the ground and into custody.

At the police station along Monongahela Avenue, Stone allegedly kicked the holding cell walls and used profanity. He was transported to Allegheny County Jail, while Munga was released

McKeesport Daily News December 29, 2006

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Two people are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Joseph Veltre, 68, of Dravosburg, was engaged in a physical dispute while he was a passenger in a vehicle in the 600 block of N. Monongahela Avenue Wednesday at 5: 13 p.m., police said.

• Candice Dilembo, 47, of Glassport, allegedly acted in a disorderly manner at a resi­dence along the 800 block of Vermont Avenue Dec. 21 at 1:20 a.m., police reported.

McKeesport Daily News January 2, 2007

Public nuisance

— Daily News Photos

At 419 Iowa Ave., the remains of a Glasport home that reportedly burned down add to concerns in the neighborhood.At 419 Iowa Ave., the remains of a Glasport home that reportedly burned down add to concerns in the neighborhood.

Glassport vacant lots upset residents

By RAYMOND PEFFERMAN Daily News Staff Writer rpefferman@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents are asking borough officials to take action concerning three vacant lots that they say are causing unsafe conditions. Twenty-seven area residents have signed a petition asking that vacant lots at 418 and 419 Iowa Ave. and 408 Lemon Alley be maintained by the borough.

Resident Joann Decolati said the lots have been overrun with high weeds and rodents. Rats have gotten inside nearby homes, she said. “It’s an eyesore,” Decolati said. “Everyone on the block hopes something will be done.”

In a letter dated Dec. 18, state Sen. Sean Logan, D­Monroeville, asked Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco to examine the situation. “I am aware that Glassport has cited the owner of one property in the past and has tried to contact the other property owners to no avail,” Logan wrote. “However, I would respectfully request that you review Ms. Decolati’s concerns again and see if there is any help the Borough of Glassport can provide on this important matter.”

DiMarco said he has been in contact with representatives from Logan’s office. The mayor said he asked Building Inspector Steve Volpe to send letters to the property owners asking them to clean the lots. Allegheny County Health Department also has sent letters to the owners. If the owners don’t respond within a set amount of time, the borough will take them to court, the mayor said. At that point, the borough would clean the lots and bill the owner.

DiMarco said it would cost the owners roughly three times as much to have the borough do the work. “It will definitely be handled as soon as the time limit is up,” the mayor promised. “It will be taken care of, one way or the other.”

Residents say rodents have entered their homes as a result of this lot at 418 Iowa Ave. not being maintained.

McKeesport Daily News January 3, 2007

Glassport

Meeting changed

The starting time for Citizens Hose Fire Co. No. 1’s Thursday meeting has been changed to 6 p.m. Re-election of a second lieutenant will be discussed. Only members who attended the last meeting may vote on that position.

A possible major purchase also will be discussed.

The fire company is asking all members to attend.

McKeesport Daily News January 3, 2007

Glassport Disorderly conduct charged

Eight people are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Kevin Cadieu, 39, of Glassport, was causing a disturbance while intoxicated at his residence along the 400 block of Ohio Avenue Tuesday at 1:55 a.m., police said.

• Michael Onderico, 50, address not given, reportedly was staggering and falling on the sidewalk of the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue Monday at 8:20 p.m. He additionally is charged with public drunkenness, police said.

• Deray Reed, 42, of Clairton, was in possession of a small pipe known for smoking crack cocaine Saturday at 1:45 a.m. along the 1100 block of Ohio Avenue, according to police.

• Sonya Shockley, 35, of Clairton, allegedly had a pipe known for smoking crack cocaine in her vehicle near the intersection of Eighth Street and Monongahela Avenue Sunday at 12:55 a.m., police said.

• Robin Coddington, 42, of Glassport, struck and pushed her daughter Sunday at 6:07 p.m. along the 1100 block of Minnesota Avenue, police reported. She additionally is charged with harassment.

• Adam Pastories, 23, of Port Vue, and Patrick Rodgers, 24, of Scottdale, reportedly were intoxicated and involved in a fight at the intersection of Monongahela Avenue and Seventh Street Monday at 2:50 a.m. Both additionally are charged with public intoxication, police said.

• Lydia Ulokovic, 20, of Pittsburgh, was drinking alcohol and causing loud noise along the 800 block of Vermont Avenue Monday at 12:58 a.m., police reported. She additionally is charged with underage drinking.

Multiple charges filed

Wendy Ressler, 31, of Glassport, is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

According to the police report, officers were attempting to perform a field sobriety test on a driver at the intersection of Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue at roughly 12:30 a.m. when Ressler began yelling at police. She refused to calm down when asked to do so, police said.

As an officer attempted to escort her to a police vehicle, Ressler allegedly kicked the officer in the groin area.

Upon arriving at the police station via police car, Ressler refused to exit the car, placing both feet in the door jams and holding onto her seat belt, police said.

After Ressler used profanity toward police, the officers employed a taser, but the prongs missed. The officers again used the taser, stunning the woman in her leg area. Clairton EMS assisted in removing the darts.

After being treated, Ressler was taken to Allegheny County Jail

Public drunkenness noted

Eric Pistelli, 28, of Elizabeth, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Pistelli was intoxicated to the point in which he was endangering himself and others at the intersection of Fifth Street and Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 1:43 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News January 6, 2007

Glassport

Two charged in drug sting

Rudolph Wright, 31, no address given, and John Foster, 23, of Glassport, are charged with criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver. Wright additionally is charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Police said an informant set up a drug exchange and met the two men in a parking lot at the intersection of Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue Dec. 31 at 4:10 a.m. One-eighth of an ounce of crack cocaine was exchanged, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News January 8, 2007

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

John Rager Jr., 28, and Gina Thompson, no age given, both of Glassport, are charged with disorderly conduct. Rager punched and kicked Thompson Friday at 9:15 p.m. in an apartment along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue, police reported.

Police said the two residents were involved in a fight in the middle of the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue Saturday at 4:55 a.m. Rager, who allegedly was intoxicated at the scene, also is charged with public intoxication, police said.

Disorderly conduct charged

Samantha Schhaut, 18, and Carl Lockhart Jr., 21, both of McKeesport, are charged with disorderly conduct. Police said the two residents were causing a disturbance at the intersection of Sixth Street and Oak Alley Sunday at 2:15 a.m.

Public intoxication noted

James Naughton Jr., 22, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxication. Police said Naughton was found intoxicated, endangering himself and others, at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue Saturday at 3:30 a.m.

Assault charges filed

Dirk Louchanish, 43, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and unlawful restraint. A woman entered the borough police station bruised all over and possibly with a broken nose, police reported. The man allegedly assaulted her along the 1000 block of Minnesota Avenue Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News January 12, 2007

Glassport

Two charged in fight

Chester Stone, 34, and Julie Kapfer, 26, both of Glassport, are charged with disorderly conduct. Stone additionally is charged with public intoxication.

Police said the two residents were involved in a fight Wednesday at 7 p.m. along the 600 block of Monongahela Avenue. Stone reportedly was intoxicated to the point at which he hardly could stand.

Multiple charges filed

Charles Coddington Jr., 46, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault and harassment. Police said the man was involved in a physical altercation Thursday at 1: 11 a.m. along the 700 block of Minnesota Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News January 13, 2007

Glassport

ASSEMBLY OF GOD 210 Fifth Ave.

Sunday — Sunday School, 9:30 a. m.; service and Super Church, 10:30; and evening service, 7 p.m.

Wednesday — Adult Bible study , Walk On Youth Group Discipleship, Royal Rangers and Missionettes, 7 p.m.

Thursday— Ladies Night Out (second Thursday), 7 p.m.

Friday — Walk On Youth Group, 7 p.m.

Saturday — Men’s ministries Fellowship (first Saturday), 10 a.m.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST 614 Michigan Ave.

Sunday — Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; and service, 10:45.

FIRST BAPTIST 519 Ohio Ave. Sunday —

Sunday School, coffee and fellowship, 10 a.m.; service with Pastor Ira Kelly, 11:15; and worship in the chapel at Kane Regional Center with Kelly, 2:30 p.m.

GLASSPORT UNITED METHODIST 501 Ohio Ave.

Sunday — Sunday School, 10:15 a. m.; and service with the Rev. Thomas D. Carr, 11:15.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN 641 Vermont Ave.

Sunday — Service with Judith Phelps, 11 a.m.

QUEEN OF THE ROSARY 530 Michigan Ave., Glassport

Saturday — Mass, 5 p.m.

Sunday — Masses, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Monday — Mass, 8 a.m.; and confessions daily at 7:30 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News January 16, 2007

Glassport

Democratic Committee

Glassport Democratic Committee will gather Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Polish National Alliance Hall, Sixth Street, Glassport.

Glassport United Methodist Church

Glassport United Methodist Church will host a pork cutlet dinner Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. Dinners are $8 per adult and $4 per child. Take-out orders will be available.

Additional information and tickets may be secured by calling 412-678-8312.

The menu will feature breaded pork, mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, apple sauce, roll and butter, dessert and beverage.

McKeesport Daily News January 17, 2007

Glassport trying to clean lots

By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer slee@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport council Vice President James Uziel had a lengthy response to recent resident complaints about overrun vacant lots.

At the Tuesday council meeting, Uziel stressed that he, Building Inspector Steve Volpe and borough officials are doing all they possibly can to address the problem. “We do realize we have a serious problem with vacant lots,” Uziel said. “There is a process that we need to follow.”

Uziel said sometimes borough employees go onto the lots to clean them, but only five workers are available. Furthermore, he said those workers have many more responsibilities than lot maintenance.

He said when sending clean­up warning letters fails, the borough tries to maintain them. Uziel said one deplorable lot along Washington Avenue had poison ivy growing on it, as well as varmints. He said work crews were able to clean it up, but they were also able to get heavy equipment in there, which is not always the case.

He said often the size of some vacant lots is so small that borough employees cannot get a backhoe onto the property.

Uziel said Volpe works very hard at trying to take care of this issue. “He pursues all these complaints about vacant lots,” Uziel said. “He has to identify the owners of the vacant lots, which is one of the biggest problems. He’s relentless.

McKeesport Daily News January 17, 2007

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Two people are charged with disorderly conduct.

• Anne Kolick, 60, of Glassport, allegedly entered the police station along Monongahela Avenue and caused a disturbance Sunday at 3:43 a.m. She reportedly refused to leave when asked.

• Breanne Fagan, 24, of Port Vue, was intoxicated to the degree police deemed she was endangering herself and others at the Sons of Italy Club, Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue, Sunday at 2:20 a.m. After being asked to leave by police officers, the woman tried to return, reports said. Fagan additionally is charged with public intoxication.

Multiple charges filed

Sandra Yacavace, 48, of Glassport, is charged with running a red light, running a stop sign, careless driving and driving under the influence near the intersection of Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 1:42 a.m. Police said she was intoxicated.

McKeesport Daily News January 24, 2007

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Jessica Harmon, 28, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Harmon created a disturbance Saturday at 2:30 a.m. along the 500 block of Eighth Street.

Multiple charges filed

Harvey Kaduck, 29, and Brian Gladish, 20, both of Glassport, are charged with recklessly endangering another person, causing a catastrophe and false reports. Police said the men made two false fire calls concerning a home along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue Friday at 1:10 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News January 26, 2007

Glassport

Fire company to meet

Citizens Hose Fire Co. will have a special meeting Saturday at noon to discuss state recommendations on possible consolidation. The fire company is asking all members to attend.

McKeesport Daily News January 26, 2007

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Kevin Cadieu, 39, of Glassport, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Police on patrol reported seeing Cadieu, who appeared suspicious, at the intersection of Fifth Street and Hemlock Alley Wednesday at 10: 30 p.m. Police said they saw the man drop a package on the ground. Six small bags of crack cocaine reportedly were found inside the package.

McKeesport Daily News January 30, 2007

Glassport

Council candidates sought

Candidates for borough council who are seeking the Glassport Democratic Party’s endorsement should send a letter of intent to Chairperson Arlene Schinosi, 1013 Vermont Ave., Glassport.

Candidates should include their names, addresses, phone numbers and brief biographies.

Letters must be received by Feb. 12.

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

David Flowers, 46, of Elizabeth, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Flowers kicked the door to an apartment Friday at 10 p.m. along the 700 block of Indiana Avenue after being asked to leave several times.

Retail theft reported

Chriss Gamble, 45, of Glassport, is charged with retail theft. Security personnel caught Gamble attempting to steal meat from Foodland, Ohio and Broadway avenues, Saturday at 6: 30 p. m., according to police.

Multiple charges filed

Brian Runion, 21, of Port Vue, is charged with receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police reported discovering drug paraphernalia in Runion’s vehicle during a traffic stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and Allegheny Avenue Friday at 1:01 a.m. Officers also said they determined the man’s license plate to be stolen.

McKeesport Daily News January 31, 2007

Glassport

Calendar sale continues

“Glassport Memories” calendars still are available for purchase. The 16-month, 12-by-12­ inch calendar, filled with pictures of Glassport’s past, is $6 and can be purchased at Red Hot Dollar along Monongahela Avenue, through the www.citizensofglassport.com Web site, or from Citizens of Glassport officers.

The calendars may be shipped anywhere at the standard postal service shipping rate.

Proceeds from the calendar’s sales benefit the Parks and Recreation Association’s community projects. Fundraising committee chairwoman Tara Czekaj said reviews of the calendar have been positive, bringing back memories for current and former residents.

Glassport

Public intoxication charged

Adam Pastories, 23, of Port Vue, is charged with public intoxication. Police said Pastories was staggering and endangering himself and others along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue Tuesday at 3:15 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News January 31, 2007

1 killed in three-vehicle crash

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Police continue to investigate a three-vehicle crash in McKeesport that killed a 65-year-old woman.

Deputy Fire Chief Ed Harmon said the incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday along Route 48 near Tom Clark Chevrolet.

Authorities said the driver of the vehicle, Madalen Minydzak, of West Mifflin, was attempting to pull onto the northbound lanes of the highway from a nearby car wash and the vehicle eventually collided with that of a female motorist.

The accident occured on Minydzak’s 65th birthday.

The impact of the crash pushed the woman’s car into the southbound lanes of Route 48 and into the path of an oncoming 18-wheel tractor­trailer, Harmon said. “The truck driver really did not have any time to react,” he explained.

Harmon said the impact of the second collision violently compressed the driver’s side door of the woman’s car. “She was T-boned on the drivers’ side,” he said.

An autopsy is scheduled to be completed later today.

McKeesport Daily News February 6, 2007

Glassport

Public drunkenness charged

Andrew Semian Jr., 61, of Glassport, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Semian was intoxicated to the point he was endangering himself and others Saturday at 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth Street and Euclid Avenue.

Retail theft charged

Joseph Ramirez, 36, of Clairton, is charged with retail theft. Police said Ramirez was caught on camera putting three packages of steak in his coat pocket at Foodland, 931 Ohio Ave., Saturday at 11:23 a.m. The meat was valued at $27.35.

Drug charges filed

Two Glassport men face charges stemming from a reported drug deal at the intersection of Fifth Street and Hemlock Alley Jan. 24 at 10:30 p.m. Robert Yeager Jr., 49, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Kevin Cadieu, 39, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Police said they were on patrol when they saw the two men walking away from a vehicle, and Yeager putting something in his pocket. Cadieu dropped a package that included 4 grams of crack cocaine, police reports said. Two small rocks of the drug also were found in Yeager’s pocket, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News February 7, 2007

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Chester Stone Jr., 35, of Glassport, is charged with public intoxication. Police said Stone was intoxicated to the point he was endangering himself and others inside the Monterey Lounge, 607 Monongahela Ave., Monday at 9:08 p.m

Multiple charges filed

A 16 year-old boy from McKeesport is charged with stop sign violation, fleeing and attempting to elude police, driving without lights on, reckless driving, possession of stolen property and underage drinking.

Police said they noticed the juvenile fail to stop at a stop sign in the 1000 block of Delaware Avenue Tuesday at 12:04 a.m. The vehicle’s headlights were turned off, according to the police report.

After pulling over the car, officers reportedly discovered the car had been stolen, and the juvenile had been drinking alcohol.

The boy was taken to Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.

McKeesport Daily News February 9, 2007

Glassport

Can recycling set

Citizens Hose Fire Co. No. 1 will collect cans for recycling Saturday between 8 and 10 a.m.

Park locking prohibited

Mayor Terry DiMarco has announced that anyone caught locking gates at public playgrounds or parks will be prosecuted by police. Specifically, anyone caught locking entrances to the Ninth Street Park and Ballfield or the borough’s skate parks without being authorized by the borough will be fined.

Intersection parking limited

Residents are required to park at least 20 feet away from the intersection of Iowa Avenue and Fourth Street. Violators will be tagged and could be towed

McKeesport Daily News February 12, 2007

Glassport Lions Club

Glassport Lions Club is announcing planned activities. A board of directors meeting is slated Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Co-hosts will be George Branick and Bob Stefanic.

On Feb. 27, a work session for the Sight Seal Campaign will take place in the Sons of Italy Lodge beginning at 7 p.m.

Glassport

Council meetings set

Glassport council’s caucus meeting will be Tuesday, and its regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20. Both will begin at 7 p.m. at the municipal building along Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News February 12, 2007

The next Hollywood?

Movie studio sets up shop in Glassport

By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer slee@dailynewsemail.com

If actor and business owner John Yost gets his way, Glassport could become the next Hollywood — or at least an East Coast version of it.

Yost, of McKeesport, CEO and owner of Mogul Mind LLC, has asked Glassport council to help him obtain 9 acres behind his current Mogul Mind studios.

Yost’s attorney Michael Wessel met with borough Solicitor Gary Matta on Thursday to discuss ways to acquire the land. “We are going to proceed,” Yost said. “We’re going to look at this property to see what is possible with it. I’m very eager to move ahead.”

Yost said if the current property behind the studio is too hard to obtain because of the out-of-state owner, they will look at other areas in Glassport. “I was extremely impressed with what they have there,” Matta said. “I believe the facility could be an anchor for the business community in Glassport. We’re looking at different areas of Glassport.”

Mogul Mind is located at 7 Allegheny Square on 7,000 square feet of land. Yost wants to tear down the old Copperweld Steel Co. plant next to his building. Yost said this expansion could bring more than 100 jobs to the area. Yost has plans for movie and recording studios, production offices, possible apartments or townhouses, a cafe, a large screening room and much more.

His biggest plan is to team up with a company called Lambda to create an electronic set, where just a few buttons changes the floors and walls, for an entire set change in 15 minutes. “We’re going to create a facility that has never been built in the United States,” Yost said.

Lambda-designed facilities are in use in Europe and Asia. He said this will attract producers because it will knock off days of film production to save thousands of dollars.

Also, he said people from all over world will come to see the facility.

Mogul Mind, started in August 2004, is the umbrella company for six other businesses. They are HOTCARDS. COM, BlackBox Studios, S. net, The Film Mafia and Sonic Pictures. All are owned by Yost, and were created as separate companies in April 2005. They all are housed in the Glassport buildings.

“ We divided the companies so each one can be branded to what they do,” Yost said. “It allows me, with my financial background, to see where the money comes in, which one of the units is profitable. Thankfully, they are all profitable. Last of all, it allows for outside investment. Since I own 100 per­cent of everything, if someone wanted to come in, they could invest or even buy one of these, but Mogul Mind would stay intact.”

“We started out three years ago,” Yost said. “We started in an apartment. We’ve increased our revenue over 25 percent each year.”

Shaun O’Donnell of Homestead is the studio manager for Mogul Mind. He’s also an actor and writer and worked on the television show “Dawson’s Creek” in North Carolina. O’Donnell pointed out that the Wilmington, N.C.,-based Screen Gems Studio is the biggest movie studio on the East Coast.

HOTCARDS. COM is a graphic design company that also specializes in Web design and direct mailing. It produces business cards, post cards, CD inserts, event tickets and schedules, calendars, banners and much more. Casey King of Baldwin is the manager and lead designer for the company. The company owns the franchise of HOTCARDS.COM in Pittsburgh and New York City. “We’re promoting in New York City,” King said. “We go out there and try to make contacts.”

He said most of his business is from the Pittsburgh area and he gets a lot of orders from the Internet. If the orders are made within the local area, they still go through the Glassport site.

BlackBox Studios deals with the rental of the studios for commercials, photo shoots, movies or recording sessions. It offers a 900- square foot sound stage, a sound booth, a green room, a hair/make-up salon, editing bay and more. BlackBox Studios does casting as well, with clients from all over the country. “We’re not a casting agency per se,” O’Donnell said. “We do have the capability of casting a fairly decent size project.” He said the company usually needs just 24 hours notice to find the appropriate actor.

“We’ve cast over 1,200 commercials out of this location,” Yost said. BlackBox Studios also offers voiceover work and has a package in which the company will put real actors reading a screenplay on CD for submission to producers. Dom Shuck of McKeesport is the audio engineer for the company. “The one thing we didn’t do a year ago is music,” he said. “Then I came into play. We do everything from record bands to voiceovers and original scores.”

Shuck also co-owns his record company, Pistol Vania LLC, with McKeesport fire­fighter Matt Holtzman. Shuck also plays percussion, while Holtzman raps in their own hip-hop/funk band Brick Alley. Holtzman, of McKeesport, also is the Web designer for Mogul Mind.

S. net, first called Sonic Network, focuses on the creative side for film and television. It handles ideas for projects and welcomes idea submissions. S.net has three feature film options and more than 40 commercials in production.

Shuck said S.net is working to produce a reality show called “Payin’ Dues,” featuring recording artists Reuben Studdard and Mario Winans. “It’s the fight between staying with their church roots while partying and getting caught up in the hype,” he said. Shuck said the show is being marketed to MTV, VH1 and TV1.

S.net is also working on a “CSI” meets “The Apprentice” reality show, “Case Closed,” with former Allegheny County Coroner Cyril Wecht, Yost said. “We at present have over 40 shows, everything from reality shows to game shows to heavy duty dramas to films to documentaries,” Yost said.

The Film Mafia is a small nonunion company that focuses on commercial production. Its slogan is, “We don’t kill people, we just shoot ’em!” The Film Mafia is producing a travel cooking show called “Resort Too Cooking,” in which the first episodes were shot in Wisconsin Dell, the water park capital of the world. “ We’re hoping it comes through,” O’Donnell said. “That’s one of the handful of shows that are actively placed with companies and major networks. We’re just waiting on the OK to do them. It may never happen, but a lot of them are very, very close.”

Sonic Pictures is a unionized film company that deals with larger film projects and commercials. “We had the top three independent film premieres in Loews’ history,” Yost said. The films were “Why We Had to Kill Karen,” “Playhouse” and “The Chill Factor.” “There’s a lot of really good contacts in LA and New York that are from Pittsburgh and they are very willing to listen to anyone from here,” O’Donnell said. William A. Tenenbaum of Wilkes-Barre is an editor.

Along with being a camera man, John Zellar of North Hills is an editor. David Baker of Greensburg is a project manager, Scott Kopolovich of McKeesport is the key grip. Brenda Miller of Brookline is the art designer while Jim Duffy of McKees Rocks is the courier and Grant Carroll of South Park is the creative director. J. P. Spanbauer of Glassport is an intern at the company. “We all have our specialty, but we all work together,” O’Donnell said.

McKeesport Daily News February 14, 2007

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charged

Robert Butrym, 45, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Police said Butrym was causing a disturbance Tuesday at 3:15 a.m. along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue.

Multiple charges filed

George Ross, 19, of McKeesport, is charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. Police said Ross — who had been drinking alcohol — was involved in a fight Monday at 7:38 p.m. along the 700 block of Monongahela Avenue.

Police report DUI

James Lafrankie, 42, of Clairton, is charged with driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without an inspection sticker. Police said they determined Lafrankie to be intoxicated at a traffic stop along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue Friday at 5: 25 p. m. There reportedly was no inspection sticker on his vehicle

Assault charge filed

Chester Stone Jr., 35, of Glassport, is charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. Police said Stone assaulted a woman along the 600 block of Allegheny Avenue at 8:50 p.m. Monday.

McKeesport Daily News February 21, 2007

Glassport

Fight nets charges

A fracas near a local watering hole led to multiple charges of disorderly conduct Sunday. Police said six people were charged after a fight occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the vicinity of a bar located at the intersection of Seventh Street and Monongahela Avenue.

Justin Warman, 18, of Glassport; Tyler Tudick, 22, of Glassport; Edward Iwanowski Jr., 24, of Glassport; Jason Sabo, 25, of Liberty; David Detman, 22, of New Stanton; and a 17-year-old Glassport male all face charges of disorderly conduct, police said. Warman also was charged with underage drinking

Disorderly conduct charged

• Erica Bryant, 28, of Glassport, was charged Sunday at 1:48 a.m. near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue with disorderly conduct. Police said she refused to leave the area after causing a disturbance.

•John Perlick, 38; Carla Sacco, 35; and Robin Coddington, 42, all of Glassport, face charges of disorderly conduct in connection with an incident Tuesday at 4:20 a.m. at a residence along the 800 block of Hemlock Alley, police said

Multiple charges filed

John Gatchie, 45, of McKeesport, was charged Saturday at 7:03 p.m. in the vicinity of the intersection of Monongahela Avenue and Lincoln Street with driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, and duties at stop signs, police said.

McKeesport Daily News February 22, 2007

Glassport

Public drunkenness noted

Ronald Plavko, 46, of Monessen, is charged with public drunkenness. Police said Plavko was intoxicated and unable to stand along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue Tuesday at 9:20 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News February 27, 2007

Glassport

Public intoxication noted

Three people are charged with both public intoxication and disorderly conduct following weekend incidents.

• Chester Stone Jr., 35, of Glassport, was charged after police found that the door to his home along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue was open Saturday at 6:15 p.m. Police said they smelled gas at the scene and called local fire departments. Stone allegedly returned home in a highly intoxicated state. Stone faces an additional count of public intoxication stemming from an incident that took place Sunday at 2:40 a.m. He reportedly was intoxicated as he walked between homes along the 600 block of Ohio Avenue.

• Adam Pastories, 23, of Port Vue, was walking in the 600 block of Ohio Avenue while drinking from a bottle of vodka Saturday at 8 p.m., police said.

• James Brown, 37, of Clairton, allegedly was involved in a fight inside Carol’s Cafe, Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue, Saturday at 3:15 a.m. Police said they took Brown to the ground and found he had a repeat air pellet gun

Multiple charges filed

James Smith, 50, of McKeesport, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession or distribution of marijuana and driving under the influence of alcohol. Police said they noticed a silver Mustang that was not moving at the intersection of Eighth Street and Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 9:45 p.m. As a police car was about to pull up next to the Mustang, Smith began to drive away, police reports said. Police said they followed his vehicle in the 100 block of Monongahela Avenue as the car swerved between lanes. Marijuana was found inside the vehicle, police said.

McKeesport Daily News March 3, 2007

Queen of the Rosary

Rosary Society of Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport will gather Monday in the social hall. Reservations will be accepted for the March 28 retreat at St. Emma’s. Reports will be given by officers and a short film will be presented. Hostesses for the evening will be Group V led by Betty Pater.

McKeesport Daily News March 13, 2007

Glassport

Multiple charges filed

Brandon Younkin, 27, of White Oak, is charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Police Younkin was intoxicated when he failed to obey police directions Saturday at 3:30 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Street and Allegheny Avenue

Disorderly conduct charged

Ann Kolick, 60, of Glassport, is charged with disorderly conduct. Kolick allegedly caused a disturbance at Mama Pepino’s pizza restaurant along Monongahela Avenue Saturday at 8 p.m., police said.

Public drunkenness noted

Melissa Detman, 24, and Steven Kitas, 25, both of Glassport, are charged with public drunkenness. Police said the two resi­ dents were highly intoxicated and causing a disturbance at the Sons of Italy Club along Sixth Street and Oak Alley on Sunday at 3:20 a.m.

Harassment charged

Robin Coddington, 41, of Glassport, is charged with harassment. Police reported Coddington ripped off a man’s T-shirt along the 1100 block of Minnesota Avenue Monday at 2:10 a.m.

Page last updated March 13, 2007