Friday, November 26, 2010

Move to create task force on facilities fails in Carlynton

Carlynton school directors have rejected a proposal to create a task force to evaluate a feasibility study, which has 10 options for upgrading facilities, curriculum and programs.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - Post-Gazette.com
By Kim Lawrence


> Read more on the Post-Gazette.com

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Woman On Bar Surveillance ID'd In $16,000 Giant Eagle Theft Case

CRAFTON, Pa. -- Allegheny County police on Wednesday released information about the suspect in a theft of more than $16,000 from the Giant Eagle supermarket in Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center. Read more on WTAE

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Former Crafton Cop Gets 1-2 years

By Paula Reed Ward, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A former Crafton police officer pleaded guilty this morning to a fatal 2007 hit-and-run pedestrian accident on West Carson Street in the South Side.

Donnie Breeden, 39, must serve one to two years in state prison as part of a plea agreement with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.

Read more on the Post-Gazette.com

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Common Sense?

Have we forgotten what this is?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tom Phillips - Lost on Public Safety

Well they're at it again...... Tom Phillips will be investigating the feasibility of brining in outside fire protection to protect the residents of Crafton Borough. The important thing to keep in mind here is the Crafton Vol. Fire Department is superb in the service they provide and has an outstanding record in the county. Tom Phillips' desire as well as some other members of council to bring in outside fire service is nothing more than a personal vendetta.

It is beyond my imagination how someone like Tom Phillips, spewing such ridiculous ideas was actually elected to council..... Well the answer is YOU, those of you who voted for him.

The reality is the CVFD has a very small budget, in 2009 the total borough budget was approximately 3.9 million, the CVFD accounted for about $121,000 ($25,000 of that was for hydrant rental), Police Service was $1 million, Public works was $685,000, Garbage Contract $384,000 and subtract the hydrant rental from the CVFD budget and Recreation is more at $119,000. I hope you get the point by looking at these numbers. If you want to save money, start cutting where things can be cut. Does the police department need at Police Secretary at $35,000 a year? Do other municipalities, that are comparable in size have a Police Secretary?

The CVFD supports themselves in many ways by doing their yearly fund drive and other fundraisers throughout the year. Many other boroughs in this area rely on the services, equipment, and knowledge of the CVFD, just as the CVFD relies on the mutual aide of these boroughs. The CVFD is key in protecting Crafton and an important partner in protecting the surrounding communities.

Final thought...... Mr. Phillips, you should stick to your day job.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Crafton SWAT Incident Ends With 1 In Custody

Report Of Shots Fired Brings Police To Crafton Boulevard

CRAFTON, Pa. -- One person was taken into police custody after a SWAT situation in Crafton early Monday morning.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Home Burglarized - Promenade Street - 1 More Time

On 7/7/10 around 7:15 PM there was a burglary on Promenade Street. The home was entered by prying open a locked a sliding glass door at the rear of the home. A 32" television was stolen. The home owner was only gone from the residence for a short period (15 Minutes) when this occurred.

If anyone has information that would assist the police, please contact the Crafton Borough Police at 412-921-2016.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Home Burglarized - Promenade Street - and Again

On 6/30/10 a home on Promenade Street was burglarized. Entry into the home was possibly made through a sliding glass door at the rear of the home. Stolen from the home was two lap top computers, a Nintendo DS, Digital camera and jewelry.

If anyone has information that would assist the police, please contact the Crafton Borough Police at 412-921-2016 or through 911.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Home Burglarized - Promenade Street - Again

On 06/01/2010 a home on Promenade Street was burglarized. Entry was gained by breaking in through a set of sliding glass doors. Stolen from the residence was a 50" Panasonic TV, an IPOD, X-box 360, remote controls and Jewelry.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Home Burglarized - Promenade Street

A home was burglarized on Promenade Street during the day on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The rear door to the home was forced open. Taken during the burglary was cash & jewelry.

If you have any information please contact the Crafton Police Department @ 412-921-2014 or
412-921-2016.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Charges Filed on Hit & Run Driver - Broadhead Ave

On 02/13/10 at about 8:30 PM on Broadhead Avenue near Parke Street a man and dog were struck by a dark colored SUV driven by a white male with short dark hair. The SUV struck the man causing him to land about 10 feet away and injuring both of his ankles. The SUV also struck the dog that the man was walking killing the dog. After the SUV struck the man and dog it sped away on Broadhead Avenue towards St Philips Church.

The following day Crafton Police searched the area and located a piece of plastic from a vehicle at the accident scene. The area was then searched and a suspect vehicle with fresh damage was located at a home on Broadhead Avenue. A piece of plastic was taken from that vehicle and sent to the crime lab for comparison. The result of that testing revealed that the part found at the scene came form the suspect vehicle.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Friday, May 14, 2010

URGENT: Crafton Resident Robbed on Busway

On May 14, 2010, at approximately 12:30 A.M., three unknown males attacked and robbed a resident that had just got off a Port Authority Bus. The males took a cell phone and $30.00 in cash.

The males were described as being black, between the ages of 18-23 years old. All three males were reported as wearing all black with one of them wearing a black bandanna across his face. Two of the males had short cropped hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crafton Police at 412-921-2014 or 412-921-2016.

Information obtain from the Crafton Crime Watch Alert email.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Blacks Bridge On Waiting List - Poor Financial Planning

This is clearly the result of poor financial planning by this council as well as others. Maybe Crafton should clear up the lawsuits, ie. Duncan property and there would be money going to Crafton projects rather than attorneys.

What methodology did HDR use to estimate this project? Seems someone likely made a mistake, with bids being twice as HDR anticipated.

Note to Ed Stewart - The bridge is in Crafton, no where else. It's not the responsibility of the Port Authority to pay for Crafton's lack of planning. Should all bridges be the responsibility of those who own the land under the bridge? What if your idea actually made sense (it does not)? Would PennDot have those who own land under their bridges pay for fixes? You examined the bridge, really? What exactly did the entail?

At the end of the day it's about being financially responsible, something Crafton lacks.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Attempted Home Entry - Maplewood & Harris Ave's

On May 4th, 2010 between 10:20AM and 12 noon unknown actor(s) attempted to enter a home on Maplewood Avenue. Entry was attempted through an unlocked rear window. Window screen was removed and plastic (winter barrier) was removed. Nothing was reported missing, taken or disturbed.

All home owners are reminded to keep your doors and windows closed and locked when not at home.

CORRECTION TO CRIME WATCH ALERT ISSUED 05/04/2010

Home on Maplewood that was an attempted entry on May 4th, 2010 WAS entered and cash / change had been taken. A white male, 18 to 20 years old, short and heavy, waering jeans and
a sports type jersey with lettering on it was seen leaving the area carrying a gallon jug which contained change.

Also

On May 4th, 2010 between 5:45PM and 8PM unknown actor(s) attempted to enter a home on Harris Avenue.Rear door was found ajar to the basemnet and slide lock was bent. No entry was made.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crafton Police at 412-921-2014 or 412-921-2016.

All information including corrections, obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Carlynton S.O.S - Save Our Schools - Sign Petition

The Carlynton School District is currently conducting a feasibility study which may recommend CLOSING our neighborhood elementary schools in favor of new construction.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Dog Bites Crafton Boy, 5, - REMS sends Scott Township EMS

Update: Police are attempting to locate the owner of this dog to verify its vaccination records. If the dog is not located with in 7 days the child may have to undergo rabies treatment If you have information call the Crafton Police Department at 412-921-2016.

On Saturday 4/9 Robinson EMS was dispatched to a call in Crafton for a child who was bit by a dog. Robinson EMS transferred the call to Scott Township EMS (STEMS) because REMS was in Coraopolis covering for Valley Ambulance, NOT in Crafton Borough. This is the second turnover to STEMS in less than 1 week. The Crafton QRS team responded prior to the ambulance and administered care, the ambulance was canceled by the QRS when family decided to take the child to the hospital on their own.

Northwest EMS turned 2 calls over in 9 months, answered approximately 350 calls. REMS has turned 2 calls over in less than 1 week, with approximately 12 calls.

So again..... is this what Crafton wanted?? Is REMS in Crafton 24/7?

Just remember the council members that voted for this change to our Ambulance service when election time rolls around.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

URGENT COMMUNITY ISSUE: Residents of Crafton

The information below was provided by a resident and is posted as received.

Please ATTEND the community input meetings regarding the future of the Carlynton School District and the possibility of closing CRAFTON Elementary School.

The potential loss of CRAFTON Elementary School

HOME OWNERS – Potential property tax increase and a decline in property values.

PARENTS – The loss of a smaller, caring learning environment for our children which encourages student achievement - overall 2009 PSSA RESULTS are in the 88th percentile. Math proficiency is 92.6%.

BUSINESS OWNERS – A decline in customers and sales.

RESIDENTS – The loss of a stable community hub.

HAVE YOUR OPINION HEARD!

Feasibility Study Meeting #1
Location: Carlynton High School Auditorium
Date: March 31, 2010
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Feasibility Study Meeting #2
Location: Carlynton High School Auditorium
Date: April 14, 2010
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

REMS Celebrates - Takes 14 mins To Answer Call - UPDATE 4/7/10

Update: Mr. Cindric posed a question to REMS at the 3/30/10 council meeting regarding this posting/blog. According to REMS the actual call was rear end accident and it took them 11 minutes to respond. While the ambulance was responding they were advised by police that there were no injuries so they reduced their response speed, not lights and sirens, and followed standard traffic signs/lights to ensure the safety of other motor vehicles.

Given that this information is correct, I wonder how long it takes to get from REMS station in Robinson to where this accident occurred had they been at their station and not in Crafton that night.

Last night Crafton council voted to accept the Robinson EMS proposal for ambulance service. REMS employees packed council chambers to hear who council would appoint as EMS provider, as if they didn't already know.

Unfortunately, as REMS celebrated their political victory in Crafton a head on motor vehicle accident occured in Robinson Township. It took a REMS ambulance 14 MINUTES TO RESPOND. It looks like we're off to a good start in Crafton........

The members of Crafton council who voted to remove Northwest should be embarassed and are a disgrace to the borough of Crafton. Common sense surely to win in this case. But, again you get what you vote for, so........

Monday, March 8, 2010

Chief Harold Rost to Retire

Chief Harold Rost will retire as Police Chief of Crafton Borough, his last day will be April 15, 2010.

Details of his retirement package will be forthcoming.

Residents of Crafton should be relieved that the CPD can now get on with doing professional, effective police work that protects the residents of this borough and ensures our safety long tern, rather than being subjected to the unprofessional rants of Chief Rost.

As morale rises in the department, I think residents will quickly see a completely different side of the the fine officers that make up the CPD. You'll see a police department that's run efficiently and effectively while minimizing costs and increasing the safety of all residents.

A key to an effective police department is the retention of officers, long term. This has been an issue over the past several years with a few young, professional officers leaving the borough of Crafton.

Let's hope for the best!!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Chief Harold Rost Gives Contractor Hard Time

On February 19 Chief Rost proceeded up Bar Avenue where he stopped near a vehicle owned by the contractor who was clearing the snow from Crafton roadways. The contractor's vehicle was blocking the road because of the work that was going on. After the contractor didn't hear Chief Rost blowing his horn, Chief Rost exited his vehicle and began screaming and swearing at the contractor, causing residence to come out of their homes to see what the commotion was. It's believed the contractor contacted the borough manager and asked for an apology or he would kindly leave town.

Unfortunately, this is the kind of police Chief Crafton has. He's been able to get a way with treating people like garbage his entire career with no consequences. Again, that will be the case here as well. It's believed that the contractor will not make a formal complaint.

If you have any additional information regarding this incident, please feel free to post a comment or email craftonwatch@gmail.com

Friday, February 19, 2010

Crafton Police Hiring?

It appears the Crafton Police Department is taking applications and testing. Information was recently posted on the Crafton Borough website. This is likely to replace the position once held by Donnie Breeden.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

87-Year-Old Crafton Woman Dies, Found In Snow

CRAFTON, Pa. -- An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death for an elderly Allegheny County woman who was found lying in snow.

Crafton Man Injured, Dog Killed - Hit and Run

CRAFTON, Pa. -- A black labradoodle, rescued by a Crafton man and his wife from an Ohio shelter, was hit and killed by an SUV while walking with his owner Saturday night.

If you have information you are asked to call police.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Crafton Borough Will Soon Choose EMS Provider

Updated 2-18-10: THE PRESENTATIONS FOR EMS PROVIDER HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 25 6:30 p.m. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This is a re-post of a comment left on a previous post:

Residents of Crafton: This week Crafton Council will be having presentations from prospective EMS Providers on Thursday February 11, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Community Center. All those who have shown appreciation for the 24 hour professional in community service that has been in place for the last 6 months are asked to attend. Those of you who didn't understand the issues and why the contract was opened in the first place are also encouraged to attend.

Crafton Watch Comments:

Remember prior to Northwest EMS being chosen as the EMS provider in August 2009 Robinson EMS (REMS) did not provide 24 hour service. However, now that the 2010 council has moved to open this issue up, simply for political reasons, REMS will likely match any service provided by Northwest. It's unfortunate that an important service such as this has been politicized by a handful of council. Northwest has provided superior 24 hour service and significantly reduced call times. Council voted 6-3 to cancel Northwest's contract and open the floor for new proposals. Jack Donovan, Debbie Sappie and Doug Johnston voted against it.

You'll hear folks like President Cindric make quotes like this one "It will give council the ability to review other options." Keep in mind though that back in July when it was approved to bring Northwest to Crafton, Mr. Cindric voted against it.

Don't be fooled, demand great service and response times. Speak Up and attend the meeting. The info below speaks for it self.

This is a report provided by Northwest EMS to the residents of Crafton Borough:
  • Since the start of operations on 8/5/09, we have answered 270 emergency calls in Crafton.
  • Our overall average response time in the Borough is 3.5 minutes.
  • Crafton Borough now has the fastest EMS response times in Allegheny County.
  • Of the 270 total calls, 76 occurred between the hours of 11p-7a.
  • Approximately 28% of the emergencies in Crafton occurred between the hours of 11pm and 7am— That is approximately 1 in 4 emergencies in the community.
  • Crafton residents did not have an ambulance staffed in the community during the hours 11pm to 7am until— NorthWest EMS proved it was possible.
  • Now that you have a NorthWest EMS ambulance staffed in the community during those hours…..you now get an ambulance— in an average of 3 minutes during the hours of 11pm to 7am.
  • NorthWest demonstrated our ability to cover major incidents such as a motor vehicle accident on W. Steuben which required—4 ambulances and an EMS supervisor.
  • Another example of our ability to assist the community is when a major fire on Afton Avenue occurred. This incident required—3 ambulances and an EMS supervisor.
  • NorthWest EMS has the most resources available to meet all of your needs. No other EMS provider can match our ability to deliver the fastest and most professional care to you.
Neighboring community EMS average response times:
  • Carnegie Borough: 4 minutes
  • Collier Township: 5 minutes
  • Ingram Borough: 6 minutes
  • Robinson Township: 7 minutes
  • Greentree Borough: 8 minutes
  • Rosslyn Farms: 8.5 minutes
  • City of Pittsburgh: 10 minutes

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Fraud Alert - Mystery Shopper

A resident reports that her daughter was the victim of a fraud. She reports that her daughter told her about a letter she received along with a check from a company calling itself MSC Marketing Logistics. This company stated in the letter that the victim had expressed interest in becoming a "Mystery Shopper" and if she still wanted to do this all she had to do was cash the enclosed check and they enclosed a check for $2,950.00. After she deposited the check she had to call a number and receive her first assignment within 24 hours. The victim did this on Friday January 15, 2010 and received instructions to make a purchase and evaluate the company and forward the receipt to the company. The victim did this and called them back. The second assignment she got was to try and send $2,250.00 by moneygram to an address that they gave her. She was told that any amount over $2,000 should be denied as Moneygram does not allow any amount over that to be wired. She was instructed that if the retailer accepts the money that she should let it go through but to get the persons name and contact them for disciplinary purposes.The victim did this and the money was accepted and wired to England. When the victim attempted to contact the company again she did not get an answer and tried to do so for three days before advising anybody what happened. Then on Thursday January 21, 2010 the victim was advised by the bank that the check was fraudulent and was declined. The victims bank account was cleaned out and because her father's name was also on the account all of his other accounts were frozen by the bank as well.

Through contact with Moneygram by the victim it was discovered that their policy is not to send any amount over $3,500.00. The bank advised them that it usually takes 10-14 days for a check to actually clear, but most banks make funds available in 24 hours as a courtesy to their customer.

You should be aware that if any job offer requires you to allow someone access to your bank account or for you to send them money should be considered by you to be a scam. If the victim had taken the time to check the policy of the Moneygram company that are posted in each store she may have noticed that something was wrong. The victim is working with the bank, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to see if they can help with this matter. If you receive a letter or email that feel may be a scam please contact any of the above agencies anmd the Crafton Police.

Information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Report a Pot-Hole in Crafton on the Map

Click on the map to add a pot-hole location.


Monday, January 11, 2010

Masked Man Robs 5 In Crafton Bar - Mug Shots

CRAFTON, Pa. -- Police are investigating after a masked man robbed five people inside a Crafton bar early Monday morning. Read more from the local news below.

If you have any information, you're asked to call police.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Reorganization Meeting - Prediction Comes True

Crafton Council reorganized last night and left many people wondering WTF......

However, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Ed Stewart was appointed to council, filling Mayor Bloom's vacant 3rd ward seat. If you attended the meeting you noticed this was a very calculated effort on the part of a few council members, even a few newly elected members. Mayor Bloom did an excellent job exposing Mr. Cindric's lie when questioned about Mr. Stewart's name being on documents he prepared for the meeting. Watch a replay of the council meeting Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Note to Mr. Stewart: You're old, spend time with your friends and family. You weren't reelected for a reason. Maybe you'll remember to attend council meetings.....

Yes, the council that is so good at stating how much they want to work for the residents of the borough, voted to cancel the contract with North West as the borough EMS provider. They'll solicit RFPs and hopefully make a decision that provides the residents of Crafton with 24x7 EMS coverage.

I'd like to thank Mr Cindric for abstaining from casting a vote on the "official borough paper" motion since a family member works for the Post Gazette. Did you forget Mr. Cindric that you're on the REMS board? Why did you cast a vote to cancel the NW EMS contract?

The 2010 borough budget was also reopened...... Remember, there "was" a surplus, let's see what happens...... Maybe that surplus will increase when a few members of council have their way with the CVFD budget......

The majority of you council members are an absolute disgrace to this borough. The wool you've pulled over the residents eyes in the past will be removed and your lies will be exposed.