Ghost tours returning in October

This year’s theme will be “Ghosts of Main Street”

Monday’s council work session provided a look into some of Monongahela’s upcoming goings-on, including the announcement of the Monongahela Paranormal Theater Tour.

Christine Somales informed council and residents in attendance that tickets for the ghost tours will go on sale Aug. 1. Tours are scheduled for Oct. 11, 12, 25 and 26, and this year’s theme is “Ghosts of Main Street.”

Somales and city residents Dorothea Pemberton and Susan Bowers banded together to bring ghost tours back to the city. One of the spooky tales told on the tour is expected to involve architect John Blythe’s former house in the 800 block of West Main Street.

Follow Monongahela Paranormal Theater Tour on Facebook for updates and ticket information.

Also Monday, George Eckert, Monongahela Area Revitalization Corporation president, revealed that the organization will host its annual town hall meeting at the fire hall Sept. 16. MARC aims to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers give a presentation about the effects that removing Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 will have on the Aquatorium.

The USACE is set to demolish the first 50-foot section of Locks and Dam 3 on Wednesday.

Former fire chief honored

Frank Hnatik, who was a member of the Monongahela Fire Department for 41 years, passed away Friday.

Pemberton said the city extends its condolences to Hnatik’s family.

“Frank was a lifetime member of the fire department, and I’m sure he’ll be sorely missed,” Pemberton said.

Hnatik served as the department’s chief from 2007 to 2015.

“He served with honor and gained the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters and the community at large,” the Monongahela Fire Department wrote in a social media post.

In other business:

• Rivers of Steel partnered with the Monongahela Main Street Program to place a mural of Monongahela founder Joseph Parkison and his original log house on the side of the Main Street Barber & Supply building last week.