Category: News || By Staff and Submitted Reports

McKeesport Trail Commission has announced its schedule of meetings for the year.

Meetings are open to the public and will be held at 6 p.m. in McKees Cafe in the Palisades ballroom, Fifth Avenue at Water Street, Downtown, on March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.

In addition, the commission's Winter 2011 newsletter has been distributed and is available for free download from Tube City Online. The six-page newsletter includes stories about the new trailhead informational kiosk located near the McKees Point Marina and recent cleanup days along the trail.

Current Trail Commission members are Linda Brewster, president; Kimberly Myers, vice president; Bob Baum, treasurer; Joyce MacGregor, secretary; Mayor Regis McLaughlin; Darlene Allen; Lynn Dougherty; Rev. Brian Evans, newsletter editor; and Laura Jenkins.

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Mansfield Bridge Closings Begin: Allegheny County Public Works today announced long-term lane restrictions on the William D. Mansfield Bridge.

Beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday, traffic on the Mansfield Bridge will be restricted to one lane in each direction until further notice. Traffic exiting the bridge will have no restrictions. The lane closures are necessary for contractors to work on the bridge.

In addition, between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. on Monday, the contractor will completely stop traffic in both directions for up to 15 minutes to conduct repairs. After the closure, the bridge will reopen to traffic with one lane in each direction. There will be no detour posted for this short-term closure.

Opened in 1951, the more than 1,900-foot-long bridge that connects Dravosburg with Glassport and McKeesport is owned and maintained by Allegheny County. A three-year-long, $35 million complete reconstruction program is scheduled to begin later this year.

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Dorothy's Candies Boosts Robotics Team: White Oak-based Dorothy's Candies is pledging its support to help the McKeesport Area High School robotics team attend two competitions later this month.

Through March 15, any promotional fundraising candy ordered through the store's website will be available at a 10 percent discount, and a portion of the sale will be contributed to the robotics team. Customers must type the promotional code "MASDROBOT" to receive the discount.

The discount is limited to web orders only, and only to items listed in the fundraising section, a spokeswoman said.

Coached by teacher Mike Dischner, McKeesport Area's Team 1708 competes in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, robotics league for students. The Pittsburgh Regional FIRST competition is slated for March 10 to 12 at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland.

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CCAC Job Fair Planned: Community College of Allegheny County will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9 at its South Campus in West Mifflin.

The event will take place on the fourth floor of the campus' commons building.

Representatives from many of the region's employers will be present to answer questions and discuss job opportunities for full-time, part-time and summer employment.

The job fairs are open to CCAC students, alumni and the general public, a spokesman said. Attendees should dress in professional attire and bring copies of their resumes. For more information, call (412) 469-6214.

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MVI Homebuyer Workshop Slated: The Mon Valley Initiative will host a Homebuyer Education Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26.

Topics include budgeting to purchase a home, shopping for a loan, closing procedures and home maintenance, said Mike Mauer, MVI housing counselor. Attendees also will be taught qualification guidelines for low-to-moderate income loan products that offer down payment and closing cost assistance. Free parking as well as a light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The workshop will be held at MVI's office, 305 East Eighth Ave., Homestead. For more and to register, call Mauer at (412) 464-4000, ext. 4008.

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