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 14, 2009

Glassport Sons of Italy Lodge 941

Glassport Sons of Italy Lodge 941 will host its election of officers Wednesday at 7 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News March 14, 2009

Glassport

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

210 Fifth Ave.

Sunday — S.S. Journey for kids pre-K thru 6th grade, 9 a.m.; adult worship service, Journey Kids infant thru 6th grade, 10 a.m.; adult life groups, i/path Student Ministries for Jr. & Sr. High School, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday — Adult Bible study, i/path Life Group for Sr. High School students, Girls Ministries, Royal Rangers, 7 p.m.

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

614 Michigan Ave.

Sunday — NO Sunday services in Glassport. Meet at the World Conference Center in Greensburg, 10 a.m.

Wednesday — MBA, 7:30 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST

519 Ohio Ave.

Sunday — Sunday school, coffee, and Bible study, 10 a.m.; worship lead by Pastor Jo Ann Kelly, 11 a.m.; worship in chapel at John J. Kane Regional Center lead by Pastor Kelly, 2:30 p.m.

GLASSPORT UNITED METHODIST

501 Ohio Ave.

Sunday — Sunday school, 10:15 a.m.; worship service, 11:15 a.m.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN

641 Vermont Ave.

Sunday — Worship service with the Mrs. Judith Phelps delivering the sermon, 11 a.m.

QUEEN OF THE ROSARY

530 Michigan Ave.

Saturday — Mass, 5 p.m.

Sunday — Mass, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Monday through Friday — Mass, 8 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News March 19, 2009

Glassport

DUI suspect charged

Keith Anderson, 24, of Clairton, was arrested for DUI and violating a restriction on possession of alcoholic beverages Friday at 10:03 p.m. at the intersection of Third Street and Ohio Avenue.

Police allege that Anderson drank too much and fell asleep behind the wheel of an automobile. When police discovered the sleeping suspect, they said the door to his vehicle was locked, the engine was running and the car was in drive. Police also said Anderson had an open can of beer between his legs.

When Anderson awoke, the car began moving forward but he was able to stop it with the brake. Police said Anderson failed numerous field sobriety tests.

Pair charged

Police arrested Chriss Gamble, 48, and John Swantek, 48, both of Glassport, for disorderly conduct and public intoxication Saturday at 2:06 p.m. in the 500 block of Ohio Street. Police alege both men were fighting.

McKeesport Daily News March 25, 2009

Glassport

Trash reminder issued

Nicholich Sanitation’s weekly garbage collections begin at 6 a.m.

Garbage must be placed curbside the evening before the scheduled pick-up day. Collectors cannot enter private property for garbage.

Items that will not be collected include building materials, tires and refrigerators.

Garbage billing will be conducted by Keystone Municipal Collections. Quarterly bills will be mailed this week. For more information, call 412-672-4000.

Council meetings set

Glassport council will have its workshop meeting April 14 at 7 p.m. The regular council meeting is April 21 at 7 p.m. Both meetings are in council chambers, at 440 Monongahela Ave.

McKeesport Daily News March 30, 2009

Glassport

Misconduct charges filed

Alana Tewel, 44, of Glassport, and a 16-year-old female were cited for disorderly conduct on March 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the 600 block of Vermont Ave.

Alcohol-related arrests made

• John Rager, 31, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of Ohio Avenue.

• Robert Bodazer Jr., 31, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Tuesday at 10:50 p.m. in the 800 block of Hemlock Aley.

Pair arrested

Robert Becoate, 18, and Chris Brownfield, 38, both of Glassport, were arrested for receiving stolen property in the 700 block of Detroit Avenue on Thursday at 11 p.m. Police allege the men were in possession of an ATV that was reported missing from McKeesport.

Assault charge filed

Valerie Burke, 42, of Clairton, was cited for aggra­ated assault and simple assault at the Magisterial District Court in Glassport on March 20. Police allege Burke struck a constable while she was in custody on another matter.

Juveniles charged

Glassport police on Tuesday charged three juveniles with criminal mischief in connection with a December 2007 incident in which they allegedly vandalized a fence in the 300 block of Fifth Street. Police Chief Howard Kifer said the youths had made arrangements with the owner of the fence to replace it but failed to do so, so the owner went back to police to pursue charges.

McKeesport Daily News April 1, 2009

Glassport

Meeting set

Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. to elect a recording secretary.

Harassment cited

Megan Whitney, 23, of McKeesport, was cited with four counts of harassment on March 18 at 2:45 p.m. at the Magisterial District Court in Glassport, police said.

Alcohol-related citations filed

• John Rager, 30, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct on Saturday at 2:33 a.m. in the 700 block of Hemlock Way. Police said the suspect was held until sober in the McKeesport lock-up.

• David Kruzek, 53, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Friday at 5:40 p.m. at Gateway Mini Mart. Police said the suspect was held until sober at the McKeesport lock-up.

McKeesport Daily News April 3, 2009

Glassport

Easter event set

Glassport’s Parks and Recreation department is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt with a visit from the Easter Bunny at the Honor Roll on April 11 at 11 a.m. All borough children ages 10 and younger are welcome.

Breakfast meeting planned

Copper & Glass FCU will have its annual breakfast meeting April 18 at 10 a.m. at the Sons of Italy in Glassport. Officers will be elected at the meeting. Tickets cost $5 and are available at the credit union office.

The deadline for purchasing tickets is April 13. For more information, call 412-673-9028 or 412­673-2555.

Landlord meeting scheduled

An informational meeting for landlords in Glassport will take place April 7 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Club. The event will be hosted by Magisterial District Senior Judge Edward Burnett and examine a new ordinance affecting the owners of rental properties, recently passed by borough council. For more information about the meeting, call 412-672-7400.

McKeesport Daily News April 6, 2009

Glassport Sons of Italy

Glassport Sons of Italy will honor Art Rooney II at a dinner May 23 at 6 p.m. at the club to raise funds for Cooley’s Anemia, a debilitating and sometimes fatal blood disease that could potentialy affect 2 milion Americans.

Cost is $30 and tickets are available from any of the folowing committee members: Tony Campano, Walter “Bobo” Cross, Luke Riley, Mayor Terry DeMarco, Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whaby, Tina Farine or Tom Reynolds.

Single-line ads in the evening’s program will be available for $25.

For more information, contact any committee member or call the Sons of Italy at 412­673-3915.

McKeesport Daily News April 7, 2009

Glassport’s Bradley is Kalamazoo’s bishop

Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News Bishop Paul J. Bradley, a Glassport native, is pictured at his installation as auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh in Feburary 2005. The Vatican appointed him bishop of Kalamazoo, Mich. on Monday.

By PATRICK CLOONAN and ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriters pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport native will be installed as the fourth Roman Catholic bishop of Kalamazoo, Mich. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Pope Benedict XVI’s diplomatic representative in the United States, announced the appointment of the Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley on Monday.

“It is often said that one cannot understand Southwestern Pennsylvania without realizing that we are a people of generous spirit and deep faith,” Bradley said. “I have seen that firsthand throughout my life. Now, I look forward to learning firsthand of that same generosity of spirit and depth of faith in the people of Southwestern Michigan.”

Bradley, 63, currently is the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s vicar general and general secretary.

“It’s a tremendous honor for our community and for him,” said Sandy Urbanski, a parish council member and Eucharistic minister at Queen of the Rosary Church in Glassport. “We certainly wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Bradley’s new assignment covers nine counties in southwest Michigan. There are 101,888 Catholics among the 952,812 who live in the Kalamazoo region.

“We are losing an adviser, a leader, a spiritual mentor and a friend who has served the church of Pittsburgh so well since his ordination as a priest nearly 38 years ago,” Bishop David A. Zubik said.

Bradley was diocesan administrator for 15 months between the elevation of Bishop Donald W. Wuerl to the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and Zubik’s transfer back to his hometown from the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisc.

“Our loss will be the gain for Kalamazoo,” said the Rev. Casimir Kedzierski, Queen of the Rosary’s pastor. “He will be a wonderful bishop.” Queen of the Rosary is a successor to St. Cecelia’s parish, where the son of the late John and Cecilia Bradley grew up and went to grade school. Kedzierski said many of the bishop’s siblings still live in the Mon Valley area.

“Glassport was a wonderful community in those days, and still is,” Bradley said in 2004, when Pope John Paul II named him as an auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh. “Our family was very involved in the life of the parish and it became a part of our family existence.”

After attending grade school in Glassport, Bradley went on to the Benedictines’ St. Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana. “From the day of my birth to the day of my ordination to the priesthood and then to the episcopate, I have been profoundly inspired and blessed by the depth of your faith, beginning with my parents, and inclusive of everyone I know and love,” Bradley said. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Bradley’s assignments over the years included Madonna del Castello parish in Swissvale and two years as rector of St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland, where he succeeded the late Rev. Leo Vanyo, a Munhall native.

Bradley’s area ties include serving on the board of the Pauline Auberle Foundation. “Bishop Bradley has been extremely involved at Auberle going back to the days he was a priest,” Auberle CEO John Lydon said. “He played a major role here and was on the board for many years. I don’t think anyone is surprised he was given his own diocese.” Lydon said Bradley is a caring person who always put the welfare of Auberle children first. “His passion is about people,” Lydon said. “I think they’ll appreciate him from the day he arrives (in Kalamazoo).”

McKeesport Daily News April 8, 2009

Landlords get answers, but Glassport ordinance questions remain

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriter eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport landlords have plenty of questions about an ordinance the borough approved earlier this year that could hold them responsible for the actions of their tenants. A few of their questions were answered at a meeting hosted by Magisterial District Senior Judge Edward Burnett at the American Legion in Glassport on Tuesday, but more questions remain.

The ordinance requires landlords to pay an annual $25 fee per each unit they rent for up to four units, and have inspections of their properties performed each time a new tenant moves in at a cost of $35. Burnett told the scores of landlords who attended the meeting that the requirements of the new ordinance won’t be that hard to comply with. “It’s a $35 fee that you’re going to pass on to the new renter,” he told the audience. “It’s very simple.” Burnett, who also holds a real estate license and offered his advice on property ownership in that capacity and not as a judge, said that if a potential renter can’t afford the extra fee, the landlord shouldn’t offer them a lease.

“It’s to benefit you,” was a refrain Burnett repeated several times throughout the night, referring to the ordinance. He told the landlords that they need to be more careful about whom they allow to rent their properties. Renting to “undesirables” — people with police records, who’d desecrate the community, or will be forever behind on their rent — is a bad idea that has a negative impact on the borough and on landlords’ properties, Burnett said.

Burnett offered information on how to go about having a tenant evicted when landlords are having trouble, but he didn’t talk in specifics about the new ordinance, which takes effect May 14, and some at the meeting took exception. “He didn’t address what we’re here to talk about,” said landlord Andrea Norelli, who had concerns about potential privacy violations the ordinance could impose on tenants by having them file their Social Security numbers on borough paperwork. “What happens if that gets into the wrong hands? Who’s going to be responsible for that?”

Others at the meeting were concerned that they would be held legally liable for the bad behavior of their tenants. Burnett, who is a judge in Glassport, said landlords would not be held responsible for tenants if the police are called to their home on a single occasion. If tenants are repeatedly having police called, or involved in criminal activity, then he said the court could hold the owner of the property responsible.

“Let’s use some common sense here,” he said. Landlords seemed glad to hear they weren’t absolutely responsible for all of their tenants’ behaviors but said the ordinance itself does not include enough specific language on their liabilities.

Burnett said questions about privacy issues, fee structures and specific interpretations of the ordinance are something that should be taken up with borough council. “What you need to do is get into compliance and then challenge it,” he said. Council plans to give landlords the opportunity to address specifics of the ordinance at a workshop meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. “We’re still going to have another meeting with the landlords and tweak the specific language,” Mayor Terry DiMarco said.

McKeesport Daily News April 10, 2009

Glassport boy to compete in Deaf Teen America Pageant

— Photo Courtesy of Ken Jugan Eighth-grader Maggie Donaldson and 10th-grader Blaise Jugan were named “Mr. & Miss WPSD.”

By STACY LEE Daily News StafWriter slee@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport teen and his date are set to compete in the national Deaf Teen America Pageant.

Blaise Jugan, 16, and friend Maggie Donaldson, 13, of Deer Township, will face other hearing impaired students from across the country Saturday at the Emerald Theatre in Detroit, Mich. “I feel excited and motivated to show everyone that (Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf) in Pittsburgh is number one,” Blaise said.

The pair earned the chance at a national title after being named Mr. and Miss Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf WPSD by a panel of judges in November when they went up against other students from eighth to 11th grade at the Edgewood school. “I competed against two other boys and the girls had six competing,” Blaise said. “It took a lot of evenings of practice and work to develop acting skills and preparation.” He said he acted out a story about soccer using every symbol in American Sign Language for the school-level talent competition. Maggie sang and signed a song in ASL.

For the national competition, Blaise and Maggie will perform a story with acting and ASL. “The entire event involves an opening introduction, platform presentation, state spirit, talent and formal wear,” Blaise said.

Blaise’s father Ken Jugan said he and his wife Rosa are very excited for Blaise. “He didn’t want to do it at first,” he said. “His girlfriend talked him in to it. Then he won and is going with the winner of the girls competition.”

Blaise has been attending WPSD since he was 2 years old and had a WPSD parent-infant teacher visiting his house prior to that since he was a few weeks old. Blaise and his brother, 19­year-old Adam, both have hereditary deafness, Ken Jugan said.

Blaise said he uses total comminication that is taught at WPSD, including ASL. “Total communication means any means necessary to communicate,” the 10th-grader said. Blaise said he’d like to further his education in heating, ventilation and air conditioning and follow in his brother’s footsteps by attending Triangle Tech. He said he’s thinking about attending Forbes Road Career and Technology Center in Monroevile next year while he attends WPSD.

Blaise’s hobbies include soccer, basketbal, track and chess. His WPSD soccer team was the Co-National Deaf School Champions.

McKeesport Daily News April 10, 2009

Glassport

Pair charged

Glassport charged an adult and a juvenile whom they allege were involved in a physical altercation at Sixth Street and Vermont Avenue on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Ted Govola, 50, of Glassport, and a 16-year-old male, were each charged with harassment.

Disorderly conduct charge filed

David Fite Sr., 51, of Glassport, was charged with disorderly conduct on Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. in the 400 block of Erie Ave.

Alcohol-related charge filed

Kevin Smith, 52, of Clairton, was cited for public intoxication in the 200 block of Monogahela Ave. on Tuesday at 11:58 a.m.

Assault suspect charged

Garnett Sainiak, 26, of West Mifflin, was cited for simple assault in relation to an incident that occurred at Ruby D’s bar at 1:20 a.m. on Sunday.

McKeesport Daily News April 13, 2009

Glassport Lions Club

Board of Directors of the Glassport Lions Club will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. President Linda Aquilante will preside. Members plan to attend the District Governor’s spring party in the South Hils Country Club Friday.

McKeesport Daily News April 16, 2009

Glassport deaths officially ruled a murder-suicide

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Allegheny County police say results from the medical examiner’s office essentially confirm their initial suspicions about the shooting deaths of an elderly couple in Glassport.

“It’s a murder-suicide and Charles Watson is the responsible person,” Lt. Bill Palmer of the county’s homicide department said. Palmer said Watson’s wife Nancy “seemed to have been suffering. I don’t want to call this a mercy killing but that is a possible motive.”

Charles Watson was 83. Police and residents said Nancy Watson, 79, had been suffering from a number of medical ailments. The bodies of the Watsons and their dog, Rags, were discovered Tuesday at approximately 10:10 p.m. by a family member inside the couple’s home at 410 Marie St. The husband and wife each died from single gunshot wounds to the head, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Police said Charles Watson shot his wife in her bed in the upstairs of the house with a .357-caliber revolver sometime on Tuesday, then went downstairs to the basement and shot their pet dog and himself.

News of the incident shocked many Glassport residents. Neighbors John and Bernice Palmiero said Charles Watson had been somewhat depressed but had shown no signs that he was about to do something drastic. John Palmiero said his neighbor had even been making preparations for growing a garden this year by getting stakes ready for his tomatoes. “He was an exceptional husband and she was a sweet person,” Bernice Palmiero said. “I just can’t believe that he would do that.

Even with all their health problems, they were still happy.” John Palmiero said Charles Watson had fallen last week on the steps in his house and bumped his head, causing it to bleed. The neighbors said Charles Watson ignored their advice to go to the doctor and have the injury examined. They said they couldn’t help wondering if the incident might have been a factor in the shooting.

The Palmieros said they think Charles Watson worried about becoming disabled and not being able to take care of his wife. In addition to owning a pet dog, the Watsons had been active with raising American Kennel Club dogs.

Glassport police Chief Howard Kifer said the couple was well-known and respected in the community. He said it is unfortunate the way events unfolded. “It’s not some messed-up crime scene the way people are trying to present it,” Kifer said. “It’s shocking to go down there for a call like that.”

McKeesport Daily News April 16, 2009

Glassport

Alcohol-related arrest made

Nathaniel Assenti, 19, of Glassport, was cited for underage drinking Saturday at 12:19 a.m., police said.

Disorderly conduct charge filed

Susan Farally, 24, of McKeesport, was cited for disorderly conduct Saturday at 4:10 p.m. in the 1600 block of Spruce Alley, police said.

Assault suspect arrested

Elias Zepeda, 18, of Port Vue, was cited for aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, public intoxication and underage drinking in the 1600 block of Delaware Avenue on Monday at 7:42 p.m., police reported.

McKeesport Daily News April 18, 2009

Glassport man arrested in weapons case

By MICHAEL DIVITTORIO Daily News StafWriter mdivitorio@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport man was taken to the Alegheny County Jail after county bomb squad personnel dismantled an explosive device at an apartment along Monongahela Avenue in the borough.

Jason Edwards, 27, was apprehended for a violation of probation, possession of prohibited offensive weapons and other charges to be determined later in connection with an incident Friday at approximately 6:30 p.m. at 433 Monongahela Ave., in an apartment above the old Discount Center across from the Glassport Honor Roll Memorial.

Glassport Lt. Shawn Deverse said police were assisting probation officers with one of their clients involved with weapons violations. Probation officer Bruce Cunningham said Edwards was on probation for an incident involving Pleasant Hils police finding a Glock hand­gun under Edwards’ driver’s seat. He was charged with carrying a firearm without a license in connection with that incident.

Officers assisting found an explosive device without its activating powder, and contacted the county’s bomb squad, which disassembled the device, DeVerse said. Officers obtained a search warrant and recovered swords, knives, a gas mask, a bulet­proof vest, ammunition for handguns and rifles and were in the process of recovering more weapons at presstime.

McKeesport Daily News April 21, 2009

Glassport firemen go to training

By THE DAILY NEWS

Eleven members of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 in Glassport recently attended fire training courses in Fallensbee, W. Va. They received instruction in incident safety, structure fire fighting, confined space rescue, building construction, vehicle rescue, and leadership in fire service.

Attending were Josh Bettell, Josh Hickman, Ray Johnson, Katie Lewis, Holly Brownfield, Craig Rice, Mike McCall, Willy Harding, Tori Martin, Marshall Campagne and Nicole Sorrentino.

McKeesport Daily News April 23, 2009

Deteriorating building in Glassport will be razed

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriter eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport is getting closer to tearing down an abandoned building in its business district.

The three-story Food & Tavern Supplies building at 620 Monongahela Ave. began falling at least six years ago but had a significant interior collapse in February. Borough officials applied then for emergency funds to tear down the building.

Mayor Terry DiMarco announced at a council meeting Tuesday that the borough has received a commitment from a local demolition company to demolish the building this spring even though the borough does not have all of the money to pay for the project.

DiMarco said the borough has $62,500 from the county for the project. He said Pittsburgh Container submitted a low bid of $84,000 for the job but will do the project anyway. DiMarco said the company agreed to do the job because of the building’s dangerous condition.

DiMarco said the borough will try to get additional funds to cover the whole cost of the job but he is unable to guarantee if or when that will happen. The demolition is costing more than the borough initially expected, the mayor said, noting that the added costs include moving three families who live in a building that is attached to the collapsing structure during the time the demolition project is to occur.

Two residents had complaints about deteriorating or malfunctioning infrastructure. Tiffany Truby said she is upset at the borough’s slow action in responding to a problem with a crumbling alley behind her house in the 200 block of Erie Avenue that has damaged the steps to the home.

Tom Jaskolski said his mother’s house in the 500 block of Spruce Alley has water from an unknown source draining into the yard. He said he’s contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection about the matter and doesn’t believe the water is coming from a mine.

Borough officials made arrangements with both residents to work with them on their problems.

McKeesport Daily News April 25, 2009

Daily News carrier profile

Thomas Harmon, 13, of Glassport, has delivered The Daily News along five streets in his hometown for about a month. He shared the folowing information about his route.

How many customers do you have? : 47

Why did you choose to deliver The Daily News? : It’s working in my own town, and I can do it after school.

What do you like best about delivering The Daily News? : Meeting new people in my hometown and having a little bit of extra money.

Other interests/hobbies : footbal, playing video games, and playing outside with friends.

The Daily News is seeking current and former carriers to be featured over the course of our 125th anniversary year. For more information or to be featured in The Daily News , contact Jennifer R. Vertulo at 412-664-9161, ext. 1956, or jvertulo@dailynewsemail.com .

McKeesport Daily News April 25, 2009

(Photo not downloadable)

Glassport councilman and former police Chief Eugene Skerkoski presented a resolution from borough council to retired auxiliary police Chief Bob Yeager, honoring him for 48 years of service. Yeager, 69, retired in February. Skerkoski commended Yeager for his voluntary commitment to the community. 'Whenever you called on Mr. Yeager his response was 'As soon as I get dressed, I'll be there,'' Skerkoski said. Also honoring Yeager for his service were Mayor Terry DiMarco and the offices of state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville; state Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg; and county Councilman Bob Macey, D-West Mifflin. Earlier this month, current police Chief Howard Kifer honored Yeager with a plaque. DiMarco said Yeager deserves the accolades. 'The countless hours he gave to us, it's amazing.'

McKeesport Daily News April 27, 2009

Glassport man linked to thefts

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News StafWriter pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

Authorities are looking for a man who allegedly stole numerous items from locations in North Carolina — and possibly from his neighbors, too — and stored them in a yard in Glassport.

Glassport police said Andy Perza drove home in a green pickup truck, then took off as they arrived at his home along the 400 block of Harrison Street Saturday afternoon with borough volunteer firefighters and a towing company.

Perza may have been turned in by a relative, authorities said. “We’ve been working on this for a month and a half,” police Lt. Shawn DeVerse said. He and Glassport officers David Shalenberger and Nick Caito were assigned to the case.

Neighbors saw a home air conditioning system and four lawnmowers among items towed away in an effort that lasted into Saturday night. Citizens Hose Co. volunteer firefighters and all three towing companies with contracts with the borough were called in to help haul away merchandise.

Police said the merchandise included two quad riding vehicles, a boat, a boat trailer, at least two mobile home-type trailers, 15 ladders with stages, an air compressor and a pressure washer. There also were a number of house trailers, some filled with tools and other items, and a number of vehicles. S

ome neighbors inquired about items missing from their homes.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” Mayor Terry DiMarco said. The quads had been contained within a walled-up section of the property.

Police said the vehicle identification number of a motor­cycle registered to an address in Lexington, S.C., apparently was linked to the suspect. Another vehicle was traced back to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Pennsylvania State Police auto theft investigators also are involved in the probe. “They actually know the man real good,” DiMarco said.

When an unidentified man, not the suspect, expressed concern about two Rottweiler dogs penned outside the home, police said the house and the dogs were not included in their investigation.

Police waited to get a search warrant from Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, then proceeded onto the property. Officers said the search warrant only covered the yard outside and not the home.

McKeesport Daily News April 28, 2009

Glassport police work to identify contraband

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriter eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are working to identify the owners of construction equipment and other big ticket items recovered from a Harrison Street property during the weekend and also track down the man they allege stole it.

Theft suspect Andrew Perza fled from authorities as they arrived at his home Saturday, acting on what has been a month­and-a-half-long investigation. Perza was seen leaving the area of his home in a green pick-up truck as police, fire crews and a towing company arrived. Materials recovered Saturday and Sunday include two quad riding vehicles, a boat, a boat trailer, mobile home-type trailers, ladders, air compressors and other construction equipment.

The materials, which were stored in Perza’s yard and in trailers on the property, are believed to have been stolen from construction companies in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

“We don’t believe anything was stolen from town,” police Lt. Shawn DeVerse said. He said the department is expecting construction company representatives to come to town to identify property belonging to them.

He said the Pennsylvania State Police auto theft unit may be called in to identify some of the trailers. DeVerse said the department is working with out-of-state police to get the equipment returned to its owners. If there is equipment that cannot be identified, DeVerse said police probably will send out a bull etin about the unclaimed goods to police departments nationwide.

McKeesport Daily News May 1, 2009

Glassport

Fund-raiser set

Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will host a Schwan’s truck load event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the department’s lot at Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue. Proceeds of food sales will benefit the fire department.

McKeesport Daily News May 1, 2009

Glassport

Alcohol-related citations filed

• Michael Hershberger, 68, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication Wednesday at 10:17 p.m. at Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue, police said.

• David Hasok, 29, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication in the 500 block of Ohio Avenue Tuesday at 7:17 p.m., police said.

• Georganne Best, 24, of Glassport, was arrested for furnishing alcohol to minors Friday at 6 p.m. in the 600 block of Indiana Avenue, police said.

Assault suspect cited

Charles Eagle, 18, of Glassport, was cited for simple assault and harassment Wednesday at 11 p.m. in the 700 block of Indiana Avenue. Police allege the suspect struck a female victim in the face.

Disorderly conduct cited

• Alicia Nolfi, 30, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct in 300 block of Erie Avenue Wednesday at 10:50 p.m., police said.

• Johnny Burkett, 35, of McKeesport, was cited for disorderly conduct Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Eighth Street and Monongahela Avenue, police said.

• James Bumbaugh, 41, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct and possession of a noxious weed Sunday at 2:05 a.m. at Ninth Street and Spruce Way, police said.

McKeesport Daily News May 2, 2009

Glassport

Collection event noted

Spring clean-up for Glassport residents is May 9 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nickolich Sanitation will place a garbage container behind the police station at Fifth Street and Allegheny Avenue for most items.

Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners may be disposed into a receptacle at the borough garage at Fourth Street and Monongahela Avenue. The borough is not accepting tires and batteries.

McKeesport Daily News May 4, 2009

Queen of the Rosary Parish

Rosary Society of the Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport will meet in the church Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for Mass and Benediction with the Rev. C. Kedzierski officiating. The meeting will follow in the social hall with President Jean Cunningham presiding. A covered dish dinner and a specials-only bingo will follow the meeting.

McKeesport Daily News May 8, 2009

Glassport

Permit reminder issued

Glassport’s building inspector reminds residents that they need to secure building permits prior to doing any type of construction work. Failure to secure a building permit is in violation of the International Building Code and violators wil be subject to penalties within the code.

To secure a permit, contact the building inspector at the borough office at 440 Monongahela Ave. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 12:45 to 4 p.m.

Council meetings set

Glassport council will have its workshop meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Its regular voting session is set for May 21 at 7 p.m. Both meetings are in council chambers at 440 Monongahela Ave.

Police issue warning

Glassport police have issued a warning that destroying, defacing or removing signs advertising political candidates without permission is against the law and violators will be prosecuted.

McKeesport Daily News May 15, 2009

Glassport Birthday event planned

Glassport Senior Citizens Center will celebrate all May birthdays on May 20 at 11:30 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News May 21, 2009

Evanovich shocks incumbent mayor in Glassport race

— Photo by Eric Slagle/Daily News

Michael “Mitch” Evanovich’s Democratic primary victory in Glassport’s mayoral race assures that incumbent Mayor Terry DiMarco won’t be on the ballot in November.

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Michael “Mitch” Evanovich has defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor Terry DiMarco in Glassport by a vote of 519 to 405 in the primary, according to complete but unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division.

The retired Glassport postmaster said during a victory celebration at his house that he was ecstatic about his win. “It’s basically the people who made the choice and are ready for change. They showed it when they voted,” said Evanovich, a Vietnam veteran. “I’m ready to dig in and do some hard work.”

DiMarco, who took office four years ago after serving five years on council, conceded the loss and said he wasn’t sure what the future held for him politically.

“I’m done,” he said when initially asked about it in a somber Sons of Italy club after the returns had come in. A few minutes later he said he might get involved in politics again, possibly running for the state legislature if state Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, follows through with his plans to run for the U.S. Senate.

“I’m just sad,” Councilwoman Nancy Crncic, a supporter of DiMarco’s, said. She said borough government has worked well under the current mayor.

McKeesport Daily News May 22, 2009

Glassport

Senior events set

Glassport Senior Citizens monthly bingo is set for June 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. There will be $15, $20 and $25 packages available.

There will be a bus trip to the Meadows Racetrack and Casino June 3. The bus leaves the center at 9 a.m. and departs from the Meadows at 4 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. The center needs a minimum of 30 people to register for the trip. Those interested should sign up at the center by June 1 or call the center at 412-672-2310.

McKeesport Daily News May 22, 2009

Greenwood receives Eagle Scout honors

Cory Charles Greenwood received the rank of Eagle Scout May 12. He is the son of Chuck and Karen Greenwood of Glassport and the grandson of Ronald and Patricia Meisl, also of Glassport. His leader is Henry Herold.

Greenwood has been involved in scouting for 13 years starting with Tiger Cubs in kindergarten and then Cub Scouts in Troop 954 in Glassport for five years, where he reached the Webelos rank and the Arrow of Light Award.

While in Cub Scouts he worked on and received the Parvuli Dei Award, a religious award through the Roman Catholic Church. He also won the Pinewood Derby in his troop and competed at the district level where he placed 14th.

In fifth grade, Cory advanced to Boy Scouts under the leadership of Donald Kerklo where he was immediately given the position of troop Bugler. That involved playing “Reveille” and “Taps” at various scout functions, mainly the troop’s annual camping trip to West Virginia. He also was Patrol Leader.

While in Boy Scouts, he worked on and received the Ad Altare Dei Award, parts 1 and 2, a Roman Catholic award for Boy Scouts. He was presented the award at a ceremony in St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oakland by Bishop Donald Wuerl.

Greenwood earned 22 badges while working toward his Eagle rank. For his Eagle Project, he, in cooperation with the Alegheny County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Sheriff Jason Tarap, fingerprinted about 800 students in kindergarten through sixth grade in the South Alegheny School District. The fingerprints are important for families in the event of a disaster, child abduction or terrorist attack. The project involved printing permission slips that had to be signed by the child’s parent or guardian to be finger­printed because of the privacy act. The Sheriff’s Department donated the fingerprinting kits for the project.

He was also asked to fingerprint the children in Port Vue Methodist Preschool. He also placed signs in area businesses advertising a free fingerprinting night at his scout meeting. He taught his troop members the proper way to fingerprint, helping them earn their Fingerprinting Badge.

To thank teachers, secre­taries and PTA members that helped at South Alegheny, he had Smiley cookies donated from a local Eat’ N Park Restaurant. Greenwood spent 45 hours working toward his project, which included 115 volunteer hours.

He is a senior at South Alegheny High School where he is a member of the marching, concert and jazz bands. He was elected president of the band this year and at their spring concert received the Arion Award, which is voted on by the members of the high school band. He tried out and was one of 130 musicians chosen from approximately 400 to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Honors Band at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland in November and was chosen by his band director Wiliam Riffle to play in the PMEA District Band Concert at Belle Vernon High School in January.

While at district band, he was able to try out and was selected for the PMEA Regional Band and performed in the concert at Ambridge High School in March.

In addition to his Boy Scout and school activities, Greenwood is a member of Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport where he was an altar boy for seven years and has been the instrumentalist at Sunday Mass, First Communion, Confirmation and other special events for the past seven years. He recently played at the Farewell Mass in honor of Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley who was a member of St. Cecilia’s Church in Glassport and was named Bishop of Kalamazoo, Mich.

Greenwood works at Spagnolo’s Foodland in Glassport as a cashier. After graduation, he plans to attend Slippery Rock University where he will study math and actuarial science and hopes to be an actuary after college.

McKeesport Daily News May 26, 2009

Boy’s drowning death saddens ex-neighbors

By MICHAEL HASCH Tribune-Review News Service

Memorial Day was somber for residents along Delaware Avenue in Glassport, where they fondly remembered the boy they knew as “Little Augie.”

August Berg Jr., 13, whose family moved from the neighborhood several months ago, died Sunday when he disappeared beneath the surface while swimming in the Youghiogheny River in White Oak. His body was recovered by divers shortly before midnight after a four-hour search.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy Monday and ruled Berg’s death an accidental drowning.

“I’ve been crying allday,” said Yolanda Majzer, Berg’s former neighbor and school bus driver who took the boy and his two brothers to South Allegheny Elementary School. “Everybody around here is in shock. Everybody is in mourning.” “He was always smiling with those big blue eyes. He’d be so good on the bus. I’m just so sad over this. This is terrible,” Majzer said. “That little boy, he was a joy.”

Berg, whose family recently moved to Versailles, was swimming with an 11-year-old girl when he went under, possibly because of wake from a passing boat, White Oak police Chief Joe Hoffman said. Another boat picked up the girl, who is not related to Berg, but there was no sign of the boy, Hoffman said.

The call for help came in at 7:39 p.m., Hoffman said. Divers from Monroeville and Homestead found Berg’s body.

“It really breaks my heart, thinking about what he must have went through in those final moments, how scared he must have been,” said Nancy Webb, another former neighbor. “It makes me feel so bad. It’s really a tragedy.”

Guido Dabruzzo said he always caled Berg “Little Augie,” and the boy always called him, “Mister Guido.” “He was a good kid, always taking care of his little brothers. He was adventurous, always looking for snakes, always looking for crickets, always looking for ladybugs. It’s realy sad. This is realy devastating,” Dabruzzo said. “He was always on the go. I’d tell him, ‘You got more energy than three kids. Do you have a motor on your tush?’ He would always sit in the tree (in his family’s front yard.) He loved music. You could always hear him singing.”

Dabruzzo, Webb and Majzer said the Berg family had financial difficulties and that shortly after they moved from Delaware Avenue to a home on Indiana Avenue in Glassport, they were displaced by a fire. “The family didn’t have a whole lot, so I think he appreciated and valued the things he had and would share with other people,” Webb said. “He would come into the pharmacy and say, ‘Miss Nancy, can I have a sucker?’ No matter when he came in, he always asked for some to share with others. He would always give up his bike or skateboard for the other little kids to ride.”

McKeesport Daily News May 27, 2009

Glassport

Theft charge filed

Ronnel McCullough, 49, of McKeesport, was cited for retail theft on Saturday at 5:23 p.m. at Dollar General, police reported.

Harassment charges filed

• Alex Humphries, 19, of Glassport, was cited for harassment on May 16 at 5:20 p.m. in the 200 block of Ohio Street.

• Robert Bodzer, 31, of Glassport was cited for harassment and simple assault on Sunday at 5:39 a.m. Bodzer was also wanted on an arrest warrant.

• Robert Smith, 38, of Glassport, was arrested for harassment and two counts of stalking on Friday at 11:25 p.m. in the 700 block of N. Monongahela Avenue.

Disorderly conduct charges filed

• Brittany Heller, 18, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct Sunday at 11:03 p.m. in the 500 block of Allegheny Avenue.

• Justin Wieinicky, 19, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct on Sunday at 11:03 p.m. in the 500 block of Alegheny Avenue.

• Jason Murin, 35, of McKeesport, was cited for disorderly conduct on Saturday at 2:30 a.m. at Sixth Street and Cypress Alley.

Alcohol-related charge filed

Police said John Faraly II, 21, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication in the 600 block of Delaware Ave. May 15 at 11:20 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News May 27, 2009

Letter to the Editor

Y members sorry to see closing

Another McKeesport institution bites the dust. After serving the people of McKeesport for nearly 90 years, the swimming pool at the McKeesport YMCA (closed) on May 9. Closing the doors to all fitness activities and membership on June 1 will follow.

We have been members of the McKeesport YMCA for years. Allwe have seen in recent years is decline; it reflects the decline of McKeesport itself. We had a lot of good years here, as did many retirees, working people with families and young people.

Most of the young people are no longer here because they have left McKeesport and, of course, many of the retirees have passed on. But guess what? We couldn’t keep the membership up because of the McKeesport decline, and because the Y management has been discouraging new membership. The Y management was also not able to obtain grants and other contributions, while other YMCAs from around the district were able to secure this funding.

And now we face a severe problem. For some reason, the management wants to close the place down. Another McKeesport institution will be gone. The National Tube, Murphy’s and many others have gone. The proposal of the Y management, God bless them, is to turn the Y of McKeesport into a welfare house, housing the homeless and no more deserving of the name of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), which it once was.

We do not see this as the way of McKeesport’s future. This was a great town, an area where we raised our kids. It has declined over the years, but now there are small signs of recovery, here and there. Closing another institution may reverse the progress made.

Signed by 40 members Of the YMCA of McKeesport (Including Glassporters)

McKeesport Daily News May 29, 2009

- Photo by Kelly Fennessy/Daily News

Ken Brownfield of Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, right, presents Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco with a $561 check for the borough's Fourth Annual Fishing Contest, which is June 7 at 8 a.m. along the banks of the Monongahela River by the Harrison Street playground. The event is organized by the mayor and Glassport police. The fire department is among dozens of local individuals, businesses and organizations that support the event with financial and material donations. Borough residents 15 and under who wish to participate in this year's event must sign up at the borough building no later than Monday. All kids who fish in the event receive breakfast, lunch, beverages and prizes. Contestants should bring their own rod and reel. Bait will be provided.

McKeesport Daily News May 30, 2009

Glassport

Woman charged

Lori Koontz, no age available, of Glassport, was cited for simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Puff Discount Tobacco, according to police.

McKeesport Daily News June 3, 2009

Community coming together to aid family grieving loss of teen son

By MICHAEL DIVITTORIO Daily News StafWriter mdivitorio@dailynewsemail.com

August Berg holds a portrait of his son August Berg Jr., 13, who drowned on May 24, while sitting with his other sons, James and Joey, his wife Melanie and nephew Gene Buettner.

___________________________________

Organizations and community members are coming together to help support a Versailles couple coping with the loss of their son.

August Berg Jr., 13, died May 24 while swimming in the Youghiogheny River in White Oak. His body was recovered by divers shortly before midnight.

Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the teen’s death an accidental drowning. The teen, whose family moved to Versailles from Glassport roughly a month ago after their house burned down, was swimming with an 11-year-old girl when he went under. He is survived by his mother Melanie; his brothers James, 12, and Joey, 8; and his father August, who was doing his best to remain strong for the family Monday afternoon. “Just picture yourself having a young son or a young daughter drowning in a river,” he said. “How would you feel? Would you feel devastated? Would you feel mad or angry? Would you feel that? It’s hard for me to say my feelings. I keep my feelings inside. That’s why I’m the strong one in the family.”

Joey Berg wore a junior firefighter helmet donated by Reliance Hose Co. No. 2, an out­of-service fire company in Glassport, as the family gathered around a photo of the dead teen.

August Berg said his son was hoping to become a junior firefighter when he turned 14. Melanie Berg said her son loved nature, and was making new friends at McKeesport Area School District’s Founders Hall, where he was entering the seventh-grade. “We go on with the memories,” she said. “That’s what keeps us going, but it’s still hard.

He wasn’t just a son, he was more like a best friend. He had that personality and the heart. You could have the lousiest day, and he would come in with this smile on his face and it would just cheer you up.” “That was like my little brother,” said Gene Buettner, August Jr.’s cousin.

Since the tragedy, neighbors such as Don Brown and organizations such as Jamie’s Dream Team, a White-Oak based nonprofit, have puled their resources to help the Berg family in their time of need.

Dream Team Vice President Kim Shidel said her group collected clothes for the family as well as a variety of gift cards and Kennywood tickets, and All About You Hair Salon styled Melanie Berg’s hair for the funeral last week. Jobe’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Turtle Creek conducted services on Friday, and the boy was buried at Restland Memorial Cemetery in Monroevile that day.

“We tried to help her as much as we can,” Shidel said. “We’re still not finished. I have some other things that I want to do.” Melanie Berg said the Dream Team has been very supportive and very caring toward her family. The Berg family originaly is from Baltimore, Md., and moved to Glassport in 2005.

James Berg said a barbed wire fence should be put up along the river because “I don’t want anybody dying in the river again.” Others who helped the Berg family include Woody’s Catering, Todd’s By the Bridge, PJ’s Grile & Bar, Hoot’s Bar, Stan’s Restaurant, Brown’s Painting, Phyllis Fashions and Queen Beads.

A fund has been set up at Huntingdon Bank in White Oak for the Berg family.

McKeesport Daily News June 3, 2009

Glassport

Alcohol-related charges filed

• John Faraly, 21, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication in the 500 block of Cypress Way on May 27 at 11:10 p.m. Police allege the suspect had threatened several people with a knife shortly before he was arrested.

• Christie Riley, 34, of West Mifflin, was arrested for DUI at Third Street and Monongahela Avenue on Sunday at 2:50 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News June 10, 2009

Glassport man held for bomb facsimile

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport man who allegedly built a bomb replica, which experts say was so lifelike that it would have worked if it had contained explosives, has been held for court on various weapons charges.

Jason Edwards, 27, did not testify at his preliminary hearing before Magisterial Senior Judge Edward Burnett on Tuesday, but attorney John Knorr said his client “didn’t intend any harm” when he and a friend built what appeared to be an improvised explosive device as an accessory to a Halloween costume.

Edwards has been held in the Allegheny County Jail on $1 million bail since authorities raided his home in the 400 block of Monongahela Avenue on April 17 and discovered the device.

The raid by Glassport police and the Allegheny County Bomb Squad was prompted by a call from a probation officer who saw the device while he was visiting Edwards at his home over an alleged firearms violation.

Edwards is charged with facsimile of weapons of mass destruction, possession of prohibited offensive weapons and two counts of person not to possess firearms.

Probation officers initially spotted the device — which authorities said was comprised of three plastic cylinders wrapped partially with duct tape, phone cord, a computer circuit board, C-batteries and light bulbs — inside a bedroom closet. An officer from the Allegheny County Bomb Squad who examined the device that night told the court, “It has func­ tioning circuitry minus the explosives.” If it had been loaded with an explosive material, the officer said, “It could have been used as a bomb.” Edwards’ girlfriend, Angela Dixon, tes­tified on his behalf. “It was part of his costume. It was sup­posed to be a fake bomb,” she told the court. Knorr presented a photo of his client to the court showing Edwards wearing a white sheet and holding the device for what, he said, was intended to be a terror­ist costume. Dixon said outside the hearing that her boyfriend had created the costume in October with the hopes of winning a trip to Las Vegas through a contest at a local bar. Knorr argued that the fac­simile charge should be dis­missed because Edwards had not intended to use the device to cause alarm, terror or harass people. “I’m not saying it didn’t,” he alowed, but said his client didn’t fit the provision of the statute caling for intent. Police closed Monongahela Avenue in front of Edwards’ home the night they discov­ered the facsimile bomb. Prosecuting attorney Ryan Tutera said Edwards should be held on the facsimile charge because Edwards intended to create a bomb and succeeded. “It’s operable. The only thing that makes it not a bomb is that it didn’t have the explo­sives in it,” he said. Authorities

also recovered ammunition, body armor and a gas mask from Edwards’ apart­ment. A .380-caliber handgun and an assault-type rifle that Edwards had given to acquain­tances also were recovered by authorities shortly after the raid. After the hearing, friends of Edwards said the defendant’s motives were misunderstood. “I think it’s a bum rap,” said Gary Bickerton, of Jefferson Hils. Bickerton said Edwards, who is his daughter’s friend, stayed with his family several years ago after moving to the area from Florida. The daughter, Jaime Bickerton, of Clairton, agreed. She said Edwards had shown his costume to alhis friends. “It never crossed anybody’s mind that it could be used as a bomb,” she said. “There are appearances and then there is reality,” Knorr said afterward. “I think at this point (Edwards) is being pros­ecuted on appearances.” Glassport police Lt. Shawn DeVerse, who arrested Edwards but did not testify Tuesday, said he was glad the judge held the charges. “It created a pretty good disturbance,” he said, referring to alarm in the community the night of the raid.

McKeesport Daily News June 9, 2009

Glassport

DUI suspect charged

George Rudge, 46, of Clairton, was arrested for DUI and careless driving Friday at 11:01 p.m. in the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue. Police said they charged the suspect after he allegedly hit a parking sign with his vehicle.

McKeesport Daily News June 10, 2009

Glassport fire may have been arson

By MICHAEL DIVITTORIO Daily News StafWriter mdivitorio@dailynewsemail.com

Allegheny County police and fire marshal believe arson could be the cause of a vacant house fire in Glassport.

The blaze at a single-family home at 7 Monongahela Ave. broke out around 12:10 this morning, Glassport Lt. Ron Benoit reported. “The house was pretty welrun down inside to start with,” he said. “Fire marshals came on the scene, and arson is suspected in the case. We do have a couple of suspects in mind.”

No names or descriptions of the suspects have been released.

The fire is believed to have started on the first floor at the rear of the house.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Glassport police at 412-672-4514 or Allegheny County police a 412-473­3000.

McKeesport Daily News June 12, 2009

Glassport

Senior events noted

Glassport Senior Citizens Center will hold the folowing events in June:

• June birthdays will be celebrated June 19 with lunch at 11:30 a.m. folowed by cake at noon.

• Hot meals are served every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

• Chair exercises are every Tuesday, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

• Silver Sneakers exercise classes are every Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

The center will host a bingo game July 7. A trip to the Meadows racetrack is planned for Aug. 12. The center is available to rent for special events.

For more information, call 412-672-2310.

McKeesport Daily News June 13, 2009

Glassport

Police issue pool warning

Glassport police are reminding the public that there is no trespassing allowed at the borough’s closed swimming pool. The pool is fenced off but people recently have broken into the property, sparking concerns that somebody is going to be injured on the property, police said.

“The pool is empty. We’re afraid people are going to get in there, fall and get hurt,” police chief Howard Kifer said Friday, estimating that the drop into the pool is between 3 to 11 feet depending on where one is standing. Kifer said police are stepping up patrols in the area because of the trespassing and that anyone caught on pool grounds will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The pool, which is located on 3 acres of land along Ohio Avenue, closed in 2004 because of maintenance expenses. The borough said it was losing approximately $32,000 a year by running the facility when it made the decision to close it. A borough official estimated several years ago that it would take hundreds of thousands of dollars to reopen the pool.

Alcohol-related charge filed

Ronald Warnick, 45, of Glassport, was arrested for public intoxication on Friday at 1:45 p.m. at Seventh Street and Monongahela Ave. Police said they saw the suspect leaning against a wall in that area, got out to check on his well being and discovered that he appeared to be highly intoxicated.

McKeesport Daily News June 13, 2009

Glassport Assembly of God

Uncommon Grounds Cafe, located in the Student Union Building at Glassport Assembly of God, corner of Ohio Avenue and Fifth Street in Glassport. Events are planned today, July 25 and Aug. 22 (open stage night) from 7 to 10 p.m.

The cafe is for folks 18 and older and there is a $3 entrance fee. The will be entertainment and door prizes; food, drinks and coffee will be available at a minimal cost. Childcare is available for children 3-12 at a cost of $2 per child. For more information, call 412-672-9002.

McKeesport Daily News June 16, 2009

Glassport

Alcohol-related citations filed

• John Rager, 30, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Saturday at 2:05 a.m. in the 600 block of Spruce Aley, police said.

• Susan DeFrancisco, 53, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Friday at 4:20 p.m. in the 700 block of Indiana Avenue, police said.

Police arrest four

Four men who allegedly were stealing scrap metal from Tech Met in Alegheny Square have been charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal conspiracy.

They are:

• Shannon Dixon, 27, of McKeesport

• Shane Simeral, 50, of McKeesport

• Brandon Cregan, 30, of Clairton

• Richard Kostyzak, 21, of Glassport.

McKeesport Daily News June 18, 2009

Glassport

Theft charges filed

Susan DeFrancisco, 53, of Glassport, and Bryan Gilbert, 44, of Clairton, each were charged with retail theft at Foodland on Tuesday at 8:51 p.m., police reported.

Alcohol-related citation filed

Lea Morrison Best, 45, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication Monday at 8:35 p.m. in the 600 block of Indiana Avenue, police said.

McKeesport Daily News June 24, 2009

South Allegheny teen will study in Russia for 7 weeks

By STACY LEE Daily News StafWriter slee@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny student Eve Lanyi will be travelling halfway around the world compliments of the U.S. Department of State.

The 16-year-old Glassport teen will depart Thursday for Russia for seven weeks as part of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“It seems like a very mysterious place,” said Eve, who recently completed her junior year. “I’m more interested in seeing how the people live and the different culture than seeing the sights.” She’ll be staying with a family in Gatchinia, Russia. “I’lbe living with a host family and going to language classes in the morning,” Eve said. “In the afternoon, they have planned group activities.”

She said she doesn’t speak Russian, but has been learning the alphabet. “I’m trying to work on the pronunciation,” Eve said. “Once I get there to hear and read it, I’ll understand it better.” She said she’ll also be given some free time in the evenings.

Eve arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for a predeparture orientation and her group plans to do some sightseeing in Moscow when they first arrive on Thursday. She said she’d like to see Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Eve said she first heard about the NSLIY program after teacher Abigayle Good posted an announcement about it. “I filed out the application and did an interview with them,” Eve said. “I was then chosen to receive a full scholarship.”

She said she was only responsible for passport fees, and she already had a passport. “They pay for my transportation, lodging with the host family and schooling,” Eve said. “They also pay for the meals, travel and hotel in Washington, D.C.”

She said program applicants were asked to rank the countries they wanted to visit in order to learn a new language, choosing from destinations such as China and Taiwan for Mandarin, Turkey for Turkish, India for Hindi, South Korea for Korean, Tajikistan for Farsi, along with Egypt, Jordan and Morocco for Arabic.

“Russia was my first choice,” Eve said. “It’s See a place I found interesting and wanted to go. We learned about the early history of Russia in ninth grade, then I took AP European History in 10th grade. “Also in American History, we learned about the Cold War and World War II in which Russia was involved.” She said she has researched ways to go overseas for scholastic programs for awhile. “It was always very expensive,” Eve said. “This offered a full scholarship. There was no reason not to go.”

Eve’s Gifted and Talented Education teacher Bonnie Brock said she’s not surprised Eve was chosen to go on the trip. “Everything she gets involved in, she becomes a leader,” she said. “Nothing is done halfway with her.” Brock said it would be a wonderful experience for Eve not only to take in the Russian culture, but to show others about American culture and be a good representative for the school district.

Just some of the organizations Eve is involved in include the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Majorettes, Yearbook Staff, Young Filipino Americans of Pittsburgh and National Honor Society. She’s also on the high honor roll, national honor roll and has a 4.32 grade point average.

Eve said she had been getting a little more anxious as it became closer to her departure date. “I’m sure everything will work out,” Eve said. “It will be a little bit of a culture shock at first.” She said her parents are supportive of her taking the trip. Eve previously traveled out of the country to Argentina in 2006 for a mission trip and the Philippines in 2000 to visit family.

McKeesport Daily News June 25, 2009

Clairton, Glassport air pollution targeted in EPA report

By KELLY FENNESSY and ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriters kfennessy@dailynewsemail.com eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Two Mon Valley communities are among some 600 neighborhoods across the country breathing concentrations of toxic air polutants that put them at a much greater risk of contracting cancer, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Ranking just behind parts of Los Angeles and Madison County, Il., Clairton has a cancer risk of 762 in 1 milion and Glassport has a cancer risk of 700 in 1 milion. Parts of Los Angeles rank highest with 1,200 in 1 milion, with Madison County, Il., close behind with 1,100 in 1 milion, according to the EPA data.

The levels of 80 cancer-causing substances released by automobiles, factories and other sources in these areas exceed a 100 in 1 million cancer risk. That means that if 1 milion people breathed air with similar concentrations over their lifetime, approximately 100 of those people would be expected to develop cancer because of their exposure to the polution.

The average cancer risk across the country is 36 in 1 milion, according to the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment, which was released by the EPA Wednesday. That’s a decline from the 41.5 in 1 milion cancer risk the EPA found when it released the last analysis in 2006. That data covered 1999 emissions.

“If we are in between 10 in 1 milion and 100 in 1 milion, we want to look more deeply at that. If the risk is greater than 100 in 1 milion, we don’t like that at al.. we want to investigate that risk and do something about it,” said Kelly Rimer, an environmental scientist with the EPA, in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday.

“It certainly scares me,” Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco said of the latest findings. “It seems like a high rate. What it’s from, I wish I knew.” Clairton is home to the Mon Valley Works’ Clairton coke plant and Glassport is just down the Monongahela River from the plant on the other side. Earlier this year, the steelmaker suspended a planned $1.2 bilion upgrade to the plant that was designed to reduce pollution, because of the sagging economic climate.

DiMarco noted that the water quality in the river has been improving over the years. Of the project to make air quality improvements at the plant, he said, “I’d definitely like to see that project get back on track.” U.S. Steel spokeswoman Erin DiPietro said the Clairton project “remains delayed at this time due to current economic conditions.” DiPietro said she couldn’t speculate on when it would restart. “We are currently reviewing the report the EPA issued today so it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the findings at this time,” she said.

Clairton Councilman Rich Lattanzi said the EPA’s latest findings “caught me off guard.” “If I was from somewhere else I’d think, ‘Those poor people,’” Lattanzi said. Still, he noted, “Sometimes numbers don’t always tell the whole truth either.” Lattanzi added, “U.S. Steel has been correcting their problems, but the standards have been getting tougher.”

Anti-pollution groups also reacted to the latest EPA statistics. “There have been enough reports to make the case that the air in Allegheny County is not healthy. It is time to stop attacking the reports and roll up our sleeves and clean up the air,” said Tom Hoffman, Western Pennsylvania Director for Clean Water Action in a prepared release. “This EPA study shows that we have dangerous hotspots of pollution in Allegheny County. This is exactly the sort of problem that could be vastly improved by passing the new Air Toxics Guidelines.”

This spring, the American Lung Association ranked the Pittsburgh metropolitan area as worst in the country for fine­particle soot pollution, and second worst for year-round particle pollution. Some said the Steel City’s ranking in that report was skewed because air quality samples for the study were taken from the Liberty-Clairton area of the Mon Valley.

In the latest report from the EPA, people living in parts of Coconino County, Ariz., and Lyon County, Nev., had the lowest cancer risk from air toxics. The counties with the least toxic air are Kalawao County, Hawai, and Golden Valey County, Mont.

“Air toxic risks are local. They are a function of the sources nearest to you,” said Dave Guinnup, who leads the groups that perform the risk assessments for toxic air pollutants at EPA. “If you are out in the Rocky Mountains, you are going to be closer to 2 in a milion. If you are in an industrial area with a lot of traffic, you are going to be closer to 1,100 in 1 milion.”

The analysis predicts the concentrations of 124 different hazardous air pollutants, which are known to cause cancer, respiratory problems and other health effects by coupling estimates of emissions from a variety of sources with models that attempt to simulate how the pollution will disperse in the air. Only 80 of the chemicals evaluated are known to cause cancer, EPA officials said.

The Asociated Prescontributed to this story.

McKeesport Daily News June 25, 2009

For the kids

— Photo by Cindy Shegan Keeley/Daily News

Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco, Council Parks & Recreation Chair Nancy Crncic and 7-year-olds Lindsay and Meghan DeVerse invite the community to the annual Fun To Be A Kid Day Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ninth Street ballfield. Attractions include bouncing equipment, crafts, magic, face painting, balloon art, a petting zoo, pony and fire truck rides and a free T-shirt and refreshments for pre-registered borough youngsters 12 and younger. Glassport police will fingerprint children for identification purposes and Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will demonstrate fire safety. The event is sponsored by local businesses, organizations and individuals and is funded by a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant administered by Twin Rivers Council of Governments.

McKeesport Daily News June 25, 2009

Man falsely claims he was stabbed

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriter eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport man accused of falsely telling authorities that someone had stabbed him in the stomach with a sword has been arrested. Daniel Joseph Ciminaro, 56, of Glassport, was arrested Wednesday at about 5:14 p.m. for risking a catastrophe and providing false identification to police after he allegedly notified authorities he’d been stabbed by a woman with a sword in a residence in the 600 block of Ohio Avenue.

Glassport police Lt. Shawn DeVerse said that when he arrived at the scene, Ciminaro was in a bathroom, pretending to be injured. “He was holding his stomach like he was stabbed,” said DeVerse, who noted the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The suspect had not actualy been stabbed.

Ciminaro allegedly told police that a woman who’d barricaded herself in a bedroom in the residence was the culprit. DeVerse said the door to the bedroom was locked so he had to forcibly gain entry to the room. When he entered, he said a woman was inside sleeping, who also apparently was under the influence of alcohol. DeVerse said a Samurai sword and three rifles were inside the room with her, but he didn’t believe she’d taken them in to use as weapons. “I think that’s just where they were kept,” he said.

The suspect and the woman both refused treatment from Clairton EMS. DeVerse said Ciminaro would be taken to Allegheny County Jail to await his arraignment.

McKeesport Daily News July 1, 2009

Glassport man arrested on burglary charges

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News StafWriter eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport man who pleaded guilty to charges related to several area break-ins last year has been arrested again for burglary.

John Foster, 25, of Glassport, was arrested Saturday shortly after 5 p.m. for allegedly burglarizing a bar and a home that day, police reported. He is charged with burglary, theft by unlawful taking, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, receiving stolen property and possession of an instrument of crime.

Foster is alleged to have broken into Bob’s Bar at Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue in the early morning hours Saturday using a crowbar to force open a basement door. Once inside, the suspect allegedly used the bar to break open and take cash from three poker machines, according to Glassport police Lt. Shawn DeVerse.

Police were investigating that incident later in the day when they got a call that a house in the 600 block of Vermont Avenue had been burglarized. Investigating officers discovered Foster near the scene of the alleged burglary.

A witness told police that Foster had climbed a ladder and entered the home through an upstairs window. Police arrested Foster. The suspect confessed to both incidents when he was interviewed at the station, DeVerse said.

Foster was taken to Allegheny County Jail. “He won’t get out anytime soon,” said DeVerse, noting that Foster was on probation and until recently had been on house arrest after serving a jail sentence.

Foster pleaded guilty in October to charges related to a series of break-ins that occurred in Glassport in January 2008 at Bob’s Bar, Chugger’s, and the Polish National Aliance Lodge.

McKeesport Daily News July 2, 2009

Glassport

Events noted

The following events will be held at the Glassport Senior Citizens Center.

• There will be a bingo game on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

• July birthdays will be celebrated on July 15 at the 11:30 a.m. lunch with cake following at noon

• Hot meals are served every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

• Chair exercises are held every Tuesday from 10 , to 10:45 a.m.

• Silver Sneakers exercise classes are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• A trip to the Meadows Racetrack is planned for Aug. 12.

For more information about these events or hall rentals, call 412-672-2310.

McKeesport Daily News July 2, 2009

Glassport

Harassment suspect charged

Mary Estock, 58, of Glassport, was arrested for disorderly conduct and three counts each of harassment and criminal after she allegedly threw animal waste on a porch in the 1100 block of Indiana Avenue late Sunday. Police said she was arrested Monday at 1 a.m.

Assault charges filed

• Jonathan Bobojelick, 23, of Glassport, was arrested for simple assault and harassment on Monday at 11 a.m, in the 400 block of Iowa Avenue.

• John Rager, 30, of Glassport, was arrested for simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct on June 24 at 11 p.m. at Seventh Street and Oak Alley.

Robbery suspects sought

Police are searching for two men who reportedly robbed two people at gunpoint near the riverbank off Harrison Street. Glassport police Lt. Shawn DeVerse said one of the actors was armed with a sawed-off shotgun and the other was carrying a pistol when they approached the victims at 10:30 p.m. on June 17. He said the suspects were wearing black, hooded sweat shirts.

They reportedly demanded money from the victims and took a necklace and $5 in cash. Anyone with information about this incident should call 412-672-4514.

Theft charges filed

Paul Zapf, 36, of Glassport, was arrested for theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and theft of leased property on Tuesday at 9 p.m. in the 400 block of Euclid Avenuc.

McKeesport Daily News July 3, 2009

READERS VIEWPOINT

Discrimination in Glassport?

Explain how seven African-American juveniles get arrested for picking one flower and receive 29 days of house arrest, but a car can get destroyed and can't get a police report filed?

Two stolen quads received from two addresses but only one family of African-Americans gets arrested.

Children who are African-American cannot play at the basketball court without being asked to leave.

Explain how Glassport Borough gets away with all this.

Chris Brownfield Glassport

McKeesport Daily News July 3, 2009

- Photo by Michael Palcsey/For The Daily News

A Glassport police vehicle blocks traffic at the intersection of Cherry Alley and Ninth Street during Thursday's water main break.

Residents without water after line break

Residents of a Glassport apartment building were left without water service because of a line break. Neighbors living adjacent to the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Ninth Street called 911 Thursday just before 7 p.m. to report water gushing from the road, and parts of the brickpaved Ninth Street were buckling.

Glassport police Lt. Sean DeVerse requested the fire department report to the scene for traffic control because of the possibility of the road caving in.

Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 Assistant Chief Bruce Snyir reported that only one house seemed to have water in the basement and the resident was not home. Snyir also said Pennsylvania American Water Co. was on scene within 10 minutes of the initial dispatch.

The water company shut off water on Ninth Street at the intersections of Indiana Avenue and Vermont Avenue and called Pennsylvania One Call to address the problem.

Approximately six apartments were affected by the break. Officials estimated water service would be restored within 12 hours.

The fire department continued to monitor the situation as it developed.

Ninth Street between Vermont Avenue and Indiana Avenue was closed as of presstime.

McKeesport Daily News July 8, 2009

Glassport

Man cited

Kenneth Moore, no age available, of Munhall, was cited for scattering rubbish in the 300 block of N. Monongahela Avenue Friday at 9 a.m., police said.

Alcohol-related charges filed

• Glassport residents John Rager, 30, and John Farally, 22, were cited for public intoxication Friday at 1:15 a.m. at Fifth Street and Iowa Avenue. Police said Rager was wanted on a warrant for a probation violation.

• Kammie Gori, 29, of Clairton, was charged with DUI on Saturday at 2:22 a.m. at the railroad tracks at Harrison Street, police reported.

McKeesport Daily News July 11, 2009

Vandals break lights at Glassport shrine

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are searching for the person or persons responsible for breaking four spotlights at the Veterans Honor Roll along Monongahela Avenue.

“They broke the lenses and the lights that shine on the monuments,” Glassport police Chief Howard Kifer said. He said police don’t have any suspects and aren’t sure exactly when the incident occurred.

Betty Ferguson, steward at the American Legion Post 443 hall across the street from the memorial, noticed the vandalism Thursday at about 12:30 p.m. while she was tending to flags at the monument, as she regularly does. “I went out to fix the flags and said, ‘Oh, my goodness. Somebody broke the whole thing,’” Ferguson said. “I think it’s a shame.” Ferguson reported the incident to police.

Since then, two of the lights have been replaced but two others that shine on the WWI memorial remained broken Friday. “This is a memorial,” Ferguson added. “It hurts.”

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 412-672-4514.

McKeesport Daily News July 14, 2009

Glassport

Preschool classes forming

Glassport United Methodist Christian Preschool is having its open house and pre-registration for the fall semester on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

The school, located at 501 Ohio Ave., serves children ages 3 to 5 and offers a pre­kindergarten and nondenominational religious curriculum. Full- and half-day classes are available.

Teachers have Act 33/34 clearances and the lead teacher is state certified. A classroom computer is available to students. Children attending the program must be potty trained. Classes begin Sept. 1.

Parents must bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate, immunization record and $25 non-refundable fee upon completion of the registration form. For more information, call 412-673-2051.

McKeesport Daily News July 16, 2009

— Photo by Michael Palcsey/For The Daily News

Glassport firefighters Wayne Lewis III and Brad Case, in the background, rake and level stones with volunteer Ken Brownfield Jr. under a large tent along Allegheny Avenue in preparation for Citizens Hose Company No. 1’s Annual Street Fair. Patrons will get to have fun with horse rides, a moonwalk, a dunk tank, fire truck rides and other various games. The fair runs today through Saturday at the station with musical entertainment Thursday by firefighter Craig Rice, live band Heads Up on Friday, and live country western musician Dallas Marks on Saturday. The grounds open every day at 7 p.m. The Battle of the Barrel is scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. and the parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday from Ninth Street to Third Street on Monongahela Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News July 16, 2009

Glassport

Flea market set

Glassport parks and recreation is sponsoring a community flea market on Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Ninth Street ballfield by Rite Aid. Vendors from all communities are welcome.

Size of vendor spaces provided are 20 feet by 15 feet at a cost of $15. Vendor vehicles will be permitted to drive onto the field. Signup is at the borough office at 540 Monongahela Ave.

For more information, call 412-672-7400.

McKeesport Daily News July 23, 2009

Glassport

Senior activities noted

Glassport Senior Citizens Center is collecting dues for 2009-10. The cost is $5 a year for existing members and new registrants. Please pay by July 31.

The center will have bingo on Aug. 4. A bus trip to The Meadows is planned for Aug. 12.

For more information, call 412-672-2310.

McKeesport Daily News July 23, 2009

Juvenile problems reported in Glassport

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

An angry Glassport resident’s comments at council’s monthly meeting helped call attention to juvenile problems in the borough. Bill Donofrio’s comments concerned excessive noise outside homes along Fifth and Sixth streets, Hemlock Alley and Ohio Avenue. He also suggested at Tuesday’s meeting that South Allegheny School District should institute programs to teach children good character.

Donofrio was asking if the borough has any way to measure how loud the noise can be. Councilman Eugene Skerkoski said the borough does not have anything that could measure the decibel level. “But we do have a nuisance ordinance,” the councilman noted. The borough also has a curfew, as other councilors and Mayor Terry DiMarco noted. During the summer months, it’s 11 p.m. seven days a week, while when school is open it’s 10 p.m.

— Photo by Patrick Cloonan/Daily News Glassport officials said the honor roll outside the borough building has been restored after recent vandalism — but said youthful vandals still are a problem there.

Council Recreation Chairwoman Nancy Crncic said there also are continuing problems at the veterans’ honor roll along Monongahela Avenue. “They’re riding bicycles on the honor roll steps. They’re riding skateboards,” Crncic said. “They’ve destroyed flowers.” Flowers are donated by area funeral directors who “bring them up here to make the honor roll look nice,” Crncic said. Someone also broke some lights there recently. Crncic said the lights had been repaired but the culprits still are at large. Anyone with information could call the borough police department at 412-672-4514.

Amid the discussion, and questions raised by Donofrio about where the parents are, Skerkoski said, “not all parents in Glassport are ignoring their children.” DiMarco confirmed that in his report, saying there were 20 complaints involving juveniles last month, most of which were settled with the parents. Only one citation was reported. “We do have some parents who come down,” the mayor said. “We work it out with them.” Skerkoski said residents with complaints in their neighborhoods can call the police. “I understand there is fear involved,” Skerkoski acknowledged. “Call the police; they will handle it.”

Glassport does not lack for activity for its young people. Crncic said the recent “Fun To Be A Kid” day was a “huge success.” Youngsters in Glassport and other South Allegheny boroughs also can take part in an upcoming All-Star Kids’ Camp at Manor ball field in Liberty on Aug. 15. They have to sign up at the Liberty borough building.

Another problem in town involves shopping carts people take from Spagnolo’s Foodland and sometimes destroy. The owners told borough officials that each cart costs them $90. DiMarco said anyone who sees an abandoned cart is asked to call the supermarket at 412-673-2800.

The mayor read a letter from Allegheny County District fAttorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.’s office hailing the effort o borough police Sgt. Clifford LeFever in a recent domestic violence court case before county Common Pleas Judge Anthony Mariani. “We had a difficult defendant who was, initially, unwilling to plead guilty,” deputy prosecutor Rebecca A. Auld wrote. “Sgt. LeFever provided pictures of the victim’s injuries, which quickly changed his mind. Most officers do not take the time to take photos and had we not (had those pictures), the victim would have been forced to testify, which she was reluctant to do.”

Also Tuesday, Crncic reported that the borough Parks and Recreation Community Flea Market will be Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ninth Street Ballfield. Vendor spaces are available for $15 and can be obtained at the borough office.

McKeesport Daily News July 25, 2009

Glassport Assembly of God

Barbecue night is planned tonight from 7 to 10 at Uncommon Grounds Cafe, the Glassport Assembly of God Student Union Building at the corner of Ohio Avenue and Fifth Street. Entertainment will be by Chalice. Cost is $3. There will be door prizes; food, coffee and beverages will be available at a minimal cost. Child care will be available. For more information, call the church office at 412-672-9002.

McKeesport Daily News July 30, 2009

Glassport

Disorderlies cited

Anita Laberta, 40, and David Husok, 29, both of McKeesport, are charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication for a domestic dispute Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth Street and Euclid Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News August 4, 2009

Glassport

Harassment cited

• Michelle McCallister, 21, of Glassport, was cited for harassment Thursday at 4:12 p.m. in the 500 block of Cypress Way, police said.

• Melissa Faralley, 23, of Glassport, was cited for harassment Thursday at 4:12 p.m. in the 500 block of Michigan Avenue, police said.

• Andrew Petrik, 58, of Glassport, was cited on two counts of harassment Thursday at 10 p.m. in the 2200 block of Scenic Street. Police allege Petrik was videotaping two of his neighbors without permission.

• Robert Nestor, 34, of Glassport, was cited for harassment Friday at 8:30 p.m. for allegedly choking a juvenile in the 2200 block of Washington Boulevard, police said.

DUI suspect arrested

Melanie Sphar, 33, of Glassport, was arrested for DUI on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Ohio Avenue and Wall Street.

Glassport police said they were notified by police in Elizabeth to be on the lookout for Sphar’s vehicle for suspected drunk driving.

Pair charged

Misty Jordan, 20, of McKeesport, and Amanda Aschmiller, 20, of Glassport, were charged with simple assault for attacking another woman in the 800 block of Hemlock Alley on July 22 at 1:31 p.m., police reported.

McKeesport Daily News August 12, 2009

Glassport councilor Pasinski dies at 66

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport Councilman James Pasinski has died of complications from cancer. Pasinski, who was 66, died Tuesday at home where he was receiving hospice care.

He had been elected to a two-year term on council in 2007 and was running again for a four­year term this November.

The owner of a commercial cleaning company, Service Master by Pasinski, Pasinski had survived a battle with melanoma several years ago. The cancer returned approximately a year ago, according to his daughter, Jennifer Pasinski.

The councilman was receiving radiation treatment for the disease but she said his health had deteriorated rapidly over the course of the last three weeks. Jennifer Pasinski said her father’s ties to the community where he was born were strong, having worked for the borough’s street department when he was a teenager.

Pasinski had served as an appointed member of council for a time before he was elected two years ago. Pasinski’s late wife Carol also served on council and was the borough’s tax collector. His daughter Jennifer is current tax collector for the borough.

Jennifer Pasinski said her father graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in drafting. He served in the U.S. Army and worked for U.S. Steel for 17 years before starting his cleaning company in 1990.

He also worked for Aramark, over­seeing cleaning operations at UPMC’s Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic.

In addition to Jennifer Pasinski, the councilman is survived by daughter Janelle Pasinski and son Jimmy Pasinski, both of Glassport; brother Casimer Pasinski of Glassport; and sister Sally Mahady of Beaver; also nieces and nephews.

Council members who held a regular work session meeting Tuesday night said they were saddened by Pasinski’s death. “We had an empty seat there that reminded everyone that Jimmy wasn’t there,” council President John DeSue said. “He was a wonderful person and he was very dedicated to his family.”

Councilman Eugene Skerkoski said he’d been friends with Pasinski for 40 years. “If you ever wanted to meet a man with integrity, that was Mr. Pasinski,” Skerkoski said. “His plan was to continue serving the community. It came on all of a sudden.”

Friends will be received at Wojciechowski Funeral Home in Glassport on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Queen of the Rosary Church with interment following at Round Hill Cemetery.

McKeesport Daily News August 12, 2009

Glassport native turns computer repair hobby into local business

— Photo by Eric Slagle/Daily News Aquilis owner Nick Aquilante custom builds, sells and repairs computers at his shop at 842 Monongahela Ave. in Glassport. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., he’ll host an open house at the shop

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

At first glance, Nick Aquilante III looks too young to be running a business. The 19-year-old from Glassport opened Aquilis, a computer sales and repair shop and multimedia design center in Glassport this spring, just one year after Aquilante graduated from South Allegheny High School.

But the Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus electrical engineering student has years of experience building computers and troubleshooting under his belt, because he got started early. Aquilante began tearing apart computers when he was 12 to figure out how they worked. At 13, he repaired his mother’s work computer one day when her employer’s tech staff couldn’t diagnose the problem. Later, his fellow members at Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 gave him the nickname “Compaq” after he put together a Web page for the station.

A year ago, Aquilante custom built his first computer for a friend who was heavily into gaming. “I’d fixed computers for friends and people in Glassport,” said Aquilante, who began thinking about opening a shop two years ago. During that time, he also began studying engineering at Penn State with an emphasis on consumer electronics and minoring in small business, all the while he was working jobs for big box retailers.

The dream to go into business for himself became a reality this spring when Aquilante’s father, Nick Jr., suggested his son look into renting a shop at 842 Monongahela Ave. in a former front office for Reliance Hose Co. With lots of support getting the space ready for business from family, friends and Reliance, Aquilante opened his doors in April. “It’s a good location. We have lots of traffic coming by here and I’ve had tons of support from the community,” he said.

On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the shop will host an open house. Specials that day will include $100 off any custom-built computer, 20 percent off computer repairs, 50 percent off on personal computer tune-ups and $50 discounts on virus and spyware removals.

Aquilante said anyone thinking of buying an off-the-rack computer should consider getting a custom-made computer instead. He said people often discover after they’ve bought a computer that it doesn’t suit all their needs. Upgrading after the fact can be a costly proposition.

Graphic and video design are also shop specialties, including VHS analog to digital transfers.

For more information on services and shop hours, call the shop at 412-896-1540 or visit its Web site at www.aquilis.com .

McKeesport Daily News August 13, 2009

Glassport

Disorderly conduct charges filed

• Joshua Tack, 20, of East Pittsburgh, was cited for disorderly conduct Wednesday at 11:40 p.m. at Eighth Street and Monongahela Avenue. Police allege that Tack was involved in a fight at that location.

• Maryjane Estock, 58, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct Tuesday at 10:10 p.m. in the 1100 block of Indiana Avenue. Police said the arrest stems from an argument the suspect was having with a neighbor.

McKeesport Daily News August 15, 2009

Glassport

Three cited

Police said three people were cited in two separate incidents Thursday night.

Officers said Penelope McAllen, 22, of Penn Hills, was cited for public intoxication after an incident on the sidewalk along the 800 block of Monongahela Avenue.

Police cited Michael Yavorski, 29, of Glassport, for disorderly conduct. Officers said he argued with police as they arrested McAllen during the 10:50 p.m. incident.

Earlier in the evening, John Farally II, 22, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication. Police said he was seen yelling obscene remarks as he was holding a can of beer along the 500 block of Cypress Street.

Police said Farally and McAllen both were placed in the McKeesport lockup and held until deemed sober.

Florida landlord nets citation

Police said William Williams of North St. Petersburg, Fla., will receive a citation by mail for a violation of the borough’s weed and grass ordinance. Police said the citation was issued due to the state of the yard around a vacant house owned by Williams along the 100 block of Ohio Avenue.

McKeesport Daily News August 15, 2009

Glassport man arrested on assault charges

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

A Glassport man is in Allegheny County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bond after an incident along Ohio Avenue.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said Steven L. Floyd, 25, was arrested on aggravated assault and other charges after the Thursday night incident. Kifer said officers were called shortly before midnight to a house along the 800 block of Ohio Avenue where a large fight reportedly was happening.

The chief said Floyd attempted to drive from the scene with another man and a juvenile passenger. A chase ensued that ended with police blocking Floyd’s car on Eighth Street. Kifer said Floyd was found to have a bloodied face and required treatment at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. There was no report of injuries to others in Floyd’s car.

Floyd was arraigned early Friday in Pittsburgh on the assault count as well as charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, harassment and disorderly conduct. Floyd was scheduled for a hearing Tuesday at 1 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge Armand A. Martin in Glassport.

McKeesport Daily News August 17, 2009

Liberty man wanted in luring attempt

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police say they hope to make an arrest soon in an alleged child luring incident. Police have an arrest warrant for Jeffrey Mazzei, 60, of Liberty, whom they say tried to lure two 11-year­old boys into a limousine that he owns. The incident was reported to police at about 9 p.m. Friday, according to Glassport police Lt. Shawn DeVerse.

DeVerse said the juveniles reported the man approached them in his vehicle in the area of Harrison and Marie streets and invited them to get inside. DeVerse said the youths initially showed interest in the limousine then became frightened and ran from the vehicle. The boys reported the incident to police, who located the suspect and his vehicle, described by the youths as “an older male in a white limo with a blue roof,” a short time later in Port Vue. DeVerse said they did not arrest Mazzei during the stop in Port Vue because they did not yet have sufficient information to do so.

After additional interviews with the youths and their parents, police obtained an arrest warrant for Mazzei. Police went to Mazzei’s home at approximately 11 p.m. Friday to make the arrest, but the suspect was not there. “We’re confident that we’ll make the arrest,” DeVerse said Sunday. Mazzei is wanted on two counts of luring a child into a vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor offense.

McKeesport Daily News August 18, 2009

Child luring suspect is arrested in Glassport

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

A Liberty man accused of a weekend child-luring incident has been arrested. Jeffrey Mazzei, 60, turned himself in to Glassport police Monday afternoon and is now being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $50,000 bail. Mazzei is charged with two counts of luring a child into a vehicle after an incident that occurred at about 9 p.m. Friday in Glassport.

Police allege Mazzei approached two 11-year-olds in the area of Harrison and Marie streets in a limousine he owns and asked them to get inside. The boys ran and told police, who obtained a warrant for his arrest several hours later. Police went to Mazzei’s house to serve the warrant but he was not home.

His lawyer, Scott Lautner, said, after his client’s arraignment in Glassport before Magisterial District Judge Thomas Torkowski on Monday, that Mazzei was out of town Saturday but never out of contact with police. Lautner said he contacted police on behalf of Mazzei on Sunday to make arrangements for his arrest. The judge scheduled Mazzei’s preliminary hearing for Aug. 25 at 1 p.m.

Arresting Glassport police officer Shawn DeVerse said Mazzei also was wanted on a retainer from Butler County on corruption of minors charges. Lautner said his client was approached by the boys, who asked him for a ride, and that he would be vindicated as the case progressed through the legal system.

DeVerse said the two victims both said Mazzei asked the boys to get into his vehicle but he said another witness to the incident gave a statement that contradicted the statements by the victims. DeVerse said there is a surveillance video from a private property in the area of the alleged luring, but he had yet to see the tape.

In August 2008, Mazzei was charged with three counts of corruption of minors and various drug and ordinance charges after authorities found marijuana, Vicodin pills, a scale, pornographic DVDs, alcohol, $274 in cash and thousands in post-dated checks in his home during a probation inspection. Three juveniles were among the eight people arrested during the raid. Authorities also found 15 cats inside the home. Mazzei offered no comment after his arraignment.

McKeesport Daily News August 19, 2009

Glassport council creates deputy police chief position

— Photo by Kelly Fennessy/Daily News Glassport Mayor Terry DiMarco swears in new Deputy Police Chief Shawn Deverse after council approved the creation of the position at its Tuesday meeting.

By KELLY FENNESSY Daily News Staff Writer kfennessy@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport Police Department’s administration is expanding. At Tuesday’s meeting, council members approved the creation of a deputy police chief for the borough and appointed Lt. Shawn Deverse to the position.

“We created the position to help the chief,” Mayor Terry DiMarco said. “We have some standing issues in the borough that we think we can overcome with the help of the deputy chief.” Deverse, who said he’s ready for the added responsibility, will work with Glassport police Chief Howard Kifer to better serve the borough’s citizens.

Councilman Eugene Skerkoski hopes one issue that will be resolved is the number of calls for which the animal control officer is summoned. Skerkoski said animal control responded to nine calls throughout the borough in July. He said, after reading the report, that the police department could have handled six of those calls without assistance. Each call creates an additional financial burden for the borough. “I thought we took care of this last meeting,” Skerkoski said. The councilman said he was disappointed that Kifer was unable to attend the meeting and could not participate in discussions about the issue.

Also at the meeting, council observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Councilman James Pasinski, who died Aug. 11 following a battle with melanoma. Pasinski had been elected to a two-year term on council in 2007 and was running for a four-year term this November. “He was a wonderful person to have on this council,” council Vice President James Uziel said. “He was a wonderful man, and I’m sure everyone, not only on this council, but in Glassport overall, will miss him.”

Later in the meeting, James Foster, who previously served on council, was appointed to serve on council temporarily through the end of the year.

Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Nancy Crncic said the borough has begun work on the revitalization of the Ninth Street Playground. Street department members have lifted much of the asphalt from the old basketball court at that location. Crncic said the borough will order new playground equipment and surface material in the coming days and hopes to have the site operational in approximately two months. The project is funded through a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant. Uziel said he’s glad to see the site revitalized because it had become a popular spot for vandalism and graffiti.

He encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activity to the police. “There’s all this new equipment coming in,” he said. “We’d like to keep it in good shape.”

McKeesport Daily News August 24, 2009

Glassport

Police issue warning

Glassport police are issuing a reminder to juveniles in the community that loitering and littering on borough streets, in front of businesses and notably on the Queen of the Rosary property violates local ordinances and that lawbreakers will be prosecuted.

McKeesport Daily News September 1, 2009

Glassport Offices to close

Borough offices and the Public Works Department will close Monday for Labor Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday. Garbage collection will be Tuesday through Saturday, a day later than the regular scheduled day.

McKeesport Daily News September 2, 2009

Liberty man to stand trial in Glassport child-luring case

By ERIC SLAGLE Daily News Staff Writer eslagle@dailynewsemail.com

Charges against a Liberty man accused of a child-luring incident in Glassport have been held for court. Jeffrey Mazzei, 60, was held on two counts of child luring at his preliminary hearing on Tuesday before Glassport Magisterial District Judge Armand A. Martin.

Mazzei allegedly approached two boys, ages 11 and 12, on Aug. 14 in the area of Harrison and Marie streets in a limousine he owns and asked them to get inside. The boys ran and told police. Mazzei, who turned himself in to police a few days later, has been in the Allegheny County Jail since his arrest. In addition to the luring charges, he is being held on a Butler County retainer for corruption of minors charges.

Referring to Tuesday’s hearing, Mazzei’s lawyer, Scott Lautner, said, “I’m disappointed in the decision.” Lautner said the testimony presented in court by the 12-year-old alleged victim “wasn’t truthful” and that other witnesses have provided written accounts that refute claims that Mazzei approached his alleged victims. He also said a short surveillance video of the incident wasn’t shown at the hearing.

The 11-year-old boy did not testify.

As the case moves forward to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, Lautner said, “We expect to be filing motions for dismissal.”

Glassport police Deputy Chief Shawn DeVerse said he was pleased with the judge’s decision. DeVerse said police have received no statements from witnesses refuting the claims by the boys that Mazzei approached them about a ride. “At no time did these victims give conflicting statements to us,” DeVerse said. “Neither has ever changed their story.”

DeVerse was also dismissive of evidence contained on the surveillance video. “You can’t see what’s happening,” he said. “It shows nothing.”

McKeesport Daily News September 2, 2009

Glassport

Alcohol-related charges filed

• Michael Hershberger, 69, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication on Thursday at 1:50 p.m. at Ninth Street and Monongahela Avenue, police said.

• John Farally II, 22, of Glassport, was cited for furnishing alcohol to minors and corruption of minors on Saturday at 2:58 a.m. in the 700 block of Hemlock Alley, police said.

McKeesport Daily News September 2, 2009

Glassport class reunion

— Photo by Carol Waterloo Frazier/Daily News

The 50th reunion of Glassport High School will be Friday at the Georgetown Centre. A social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. A picnic is planned Saturday at the pavilion at Butler’s Rock Run Inn with lunch at 1 p.m. Getting ready for the festivities are Chairman Carol Mastrovich Davelli, seated, and Gloria DiMarco Sikora, left, and Peggy Karnas Major. Also on the planning committee are Frances (Frankie) Vach Nosich, John Steffan and Sarah (Sally) Shaw Wozniak.

McKeesport Daily News September 5, 2009

Suspicious Glassport fire investigated

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

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a suspicious fire in Glassport. A fire broke out on Friday a little after 3 a.m. near Third Street and Oak Alley, Citizen’s Hose Fire Co. No. 1 Chief Wayne Lewis said. “It was at a very large pile of debris consisting of trees and railroad ties,” he said. “Crews were on the scene for at least three hours to put the fire out. Flames rose 60 to 70 feet in the air. With everything being so dry, it just took off.”

Lewis said no injuries were reported and the fire marshal was called to investigate. Though there has been no official ruling, Lewis said the fire appears to be an arson because of its location. “We had to contain CSX traffic because of the heat,” he said. “It didn’t pose any danger to the tracks.”

Citizen’s Hose called Lincoln Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. to assist with water. Also on the scene were Glassport police and Clairton EMS.

Anyone with information should call the fire marshal’s anonymous tip line at 412-473­2776.

McKeesport Daily News September 8, 2009

Glassport

Candidate meeting set

Glassport Democratic Committee will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Glassport Senior Citizens Center to discuss a council vacancy.

Interested parties may submit a letter today to co-chair Louis D’Angelo, 1000 Indiana Ave., Glassport,15045.

McKeesport Daily News September 8, 2009

Glassport American Legion

Glassport American Legion will have a candlelight vigil ceremony Friday at 7 p.m. at the Honor Roll along Monongahela Avenue in memory of those lost on Sept. 11.

McKeesport Daily News September 10, 2009

Dorothy Vay blood drive will help replenish supply

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

[Note: Dorothy Moonis Vay and Nick Vay are GHS'57]

Just as she has her entire life, Lincoln’s first lady Dorothy “Dot” Vay is looking out for the community, trying to replace some of the blood supply she has used during treatments for cancer.

Lincoln Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. will host the Dorothy Vay Replenishment Blood Drive on Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Lincoln Borough Fire Hall. “She needs so much blood, and she felt it was a good thing to give some of it back,” Lincoln Mayor Nick Vay said. “That’s part of her giving to the community to replenish what she took,”

Lincoln VFRC Chief Don Bertok said. “That’s the way she is,” said Vay’s friend Loretta Perozich, a Lincoln VFRC member. “She just gives and gives.”

Dot Vay, who is the Lincoln VFRC EMS director, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia in April. “She went to the hospital in April and was there for about a month,” Nick Vay said. “She was in intensive care for 12 days. She was home for Memorial Day.”

Dot Vay was in and out of the hospital for a couple of days before returning to UPMC Shadyside on July 7. She has remained there since. “She’s had four different kinds of chemo­therapy,” Nick Vay said. “She’s used 50 to 60 pints of blood, plus platelets.”

Nick Vay said he believes the chemotherapy has helped, but leukemia is incurable. They can only hope the disease will go into remission. He said his wife is expected to start new shots.

Dot Vay, who will celebrate her 70th birthday on Sept. 20, has made quite a name for herself in Lincoln and the surrounding community. A paramedic, she has been running the Lincoln VFRC EMS company since its inception in 1970, volunteered with Elizabeth Township Area EMS for numerous years, been a Lincoln Girl Scout leader for 40 years and drove a bus for Pennsylvania Coach Lines for approximately 25 years.

“I long considered her a mentor going back to when I was a junior firefighter,” Elizabeth Township Area EMS Director Chris Dell said. “She makes contributions not just to EMS, but to the community at large. She takes ownership in everything she’s involved in. Dorothy would do anything for anybody.”

“I just hope everyone turns out to give blood for all she and her husband have done for the borough,” Lincoln Councilwoman Tammy Firda said. “All her friends, family and other people have come around to help,” Nick Vay said. “We’ll never be able to thank everyone. I’m not a really religious person, but it’s the power of prayer. They said there’s nothing that can be done about half-way to three­quarters through intensive care. Everyone I talked to said they were praying for her and it must be helping.”

Lincoln Borough Fire Hall is located at 4312 Liberty Way. To express interest in donating and let Central Blood Bank get a better idea of who is donating, log on to www.centralblood­bank.org and enter Vay’s sponsor code ZRTN0552.

Page last updated September 13, 2009