Feb 10, 2016 4 min read

Here’s our reminder to those who tend to procrastinate: You still have time – albeit not much – to buy a Valentine’s Day card, flowers or candy for the love of your life or make a last-minute attempt to book dinner reservations.

With that unsolicited PSA firmly in place, let’s take a random sentimental backward glance at some of the news that grabbed the attention of readers on this date in history.

Monday, Feb. 11, 1946

Parkers at the free lot, Fifth and Railroad, Charleroi, sent the week’s totals over the 3,000 mark, the Chamber of Commerce reported. Influence of the steel strike and resultant effects on the mines has not been felt at the free parking lot, where a total of 3,282 machines were parked the past week. The busiest day was Saturday, with 597 vehicles parked at the lot.

James F. Baird, one of the most respected and efficient employees of Monongahela Railroad, is retiring after 46 years of service as an engineer. A veteran of the Spanish-American War, he resides in Brownsville.

Andy Smith of Monongahela leads the WPIAL Section IV scoring race with 123 points (48 field goals, 27 free throws) and has a comfortable lead over his nearest challengers, Emil Guffa of Monessen and Lou Cecconi of Donora, each with 88.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1956

Monessen has added a new member to its police force. Effective Feb. 16, Nello C. DiBiaso will become the 20th member of the department. DiBiaso is a graduate of Monessen High School and a veteran of World War II.

California nipped Donora 51-50 in a Section 5-A thriller at the Cal gym. Byron Parkins and Ewing Bell each had 20 points for the Trojans, but game honors went to Gene Massari of Donora, the section’s top scorer who ripped the nets for 38.

Friday, Feb. 11, 1966

Finley Junior High notched its third straight Section 3 victory with a 42-34 decision over Charleroi. Harry Miale (16) led the Blue Knights, while John Rockidge looked best for the Little Cougars with 12.

A new mercantile tax was levied on retail and wholesale firms in Monessen by a 3-1 vote of City Council. Voting for the measure, which taxes gross receipts, were Councilmen David Victoria, Andrew Kritsky and John Billy. Councilman Stephen Sinchak voted against the measure, and Mayor Hugo J. Parente was absent.

Martin Rechichar, president of the Rostraver board of commissioners, had his tongue firmly planted in his cheek when he said he expects a “population explosion” in the township.

Rechichar recalled that during the recent snowfalls in the township, he was often told by complaining residents that snow should be cleared on their roads because “there is a pregnant woman living her and she may have to go to the hospital.”

“If the stories were all true,” Rechichar said, “we should have about 400 new babies born in the township within the next week of so.”

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1976

Roscoe will provide police protection for neighboring Elco by virtue of an agreement between the communities. Roscoe will extend the service for one year at a cost of $125 a month to Elco. As part of the accord, Roscoe has agreed to provide 1,000 rounds of ammunition for improving the marksmanship of police officers.

A crowd estimated at 2,000 watched Ringgold top Monessen 88-74 in their Section 4-AAA showdown. Leading the Rams, who are now 7-1 in first place, were Chuck Finder and Gil Nedrow, 19 points each, and Neil Bassi, 18. Monessen, 6-2 in third place behind Belle Vernon Area (7-2) got double digit performances from Delvin Miller and Bob Yakovac, 16 apiece

Tuesday, Feb.11, 1986

Jennifer Russell and Dawn Haywood of Charleroi Area High were among the WPIAL Soccer All-Stars honored at a banquet sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania High School Coaches Association.

Rax restaurant on Route 201 at Pricedale is featuring “hot deals and sizzling savings on hour favorite meals.”

Diane Todd scored 24 points to lead Charleroi Area to a 57-48 exhibition win over Southmoreland at Scottdale. This marked the ninth consecutive game Todd has scored 20 or more points for the Cougarettes.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 1996

(Feb. 11 was a Sunday.)

Monessen Chamber of Commerce has elected these officers for the new year: Ron Chromulak, president; Ron Pergola, vice president; Pierre Luti, secretary; Ernie Phillippi, treasurer; Buzzy Byron, projects coordinator. Ernie Coccari is executive director of the Chamber, and Susan Boyles is the office secretary.

Charleroi Area clinched the WPIAL Section 4-AAA championship with a 71-65 win over Connellsville Geibel at the CAHS gym. P.J. Wrigley’s 25 points set a hot pace for coach Mickey Hornack’s Cougars (19-4, 16-1).

California Area Historical Society will present a program on the history of public schools in the community Feb. 22 at the California Methodist Church. Featured in the presentation will be current students Maria Hurley, Kelly Santo, Dave Safin, Darrell Bolin, Jason McCrory and Mike Mayovich. Audrey Sepesy, gifted program teacher, is coordinating the presentations.