McKeesport’s Fawcett Plan and Haler Heights task forces invited public safety
organizations and city officials to take part in National Night Out festivities on August 1.
Across the United States, municipal police, fire departments and ambulance agencies use
National Night Out to engage with their community – often by visiting block parties and
other neighborhood gatherings.
“We look to take part in as many opportunities as possible to interact with our community,”
Assistant Police Chief Adam Alfer said. “National Night Out is a fun-filled event that promotes
a community-police partnership and strengthens our neighborhoods.”
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said he was impressed with yet another great year in
both the Fawcett Plan and Haler Heights.
“The people of our neighborhoods always pull together to create a fun-filled night for their
friends and families, while creatively teaching neighborhood children about public safety
and fire prevention,” the mayor said.
PurePenn breaks ground for McKeesport facility
State, county and city officials dug into the RIDC Riverplace
Industrial Center of McKeesport grounds alongside investors from
PurePenn LLC for a July 27 groundbreaking ceremony to mark the
start of medical cannabis production in the city.
PurePenn will build and operate a 21,000-square-foot growing
and processing facility at 411 Industry Road in the industrial
park where the expansive National Tube Works once stood. The
company was formed by a family of business leaders and health
experts who have partnered with medical cannabis manufacturer
Moxie to bring their vision to McKeesport. PurePenn anticipates
being fully operational in December, as mandated by the state.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said PurePenn
undoubtedly will have a positive impact on the local and regional
economy, as well as health care across Pennsylvania.
“Time will tell how,” Cherepko said. “It’s just wonderful to play a
small part in that impact and to be on the forefront of this up-and-
coming industry.”
After the groundbreaking, PurePenn welcomed hundreds of
prospective employees to a job fair at the nearby Palisades. The
event was intended to inform the public about job opportunities at
PurePenn and the qualifications associated with those jobs.
“That says a lot about our city,” Cherepko said. “All of these people
are willing to come out and learn more about work opportunities
that are new to our community. We have a workforce that is ready
for any and all jobs coming to McKeesport.”
PurePenn CEO Gabe Perlow said the City of McKeesport has
welcomed the company, and he’s thankful for that. Perlow
announced that PurePenn will give back to the city with the
establishment of the McKeesport Community Fund. He presented a
$50,000 check to local officials after the groundbreaking.
“We intend to give one percent of profits each year at a minimum
of $50,000 to the fund,” Perlow said.
For more information on PurePenn LLC, visit www.purepenn.com.
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