White Oak firefighter, business owners honored

Casey Donahoe traveled to Minnesota in August to help battle wildfires in the state.

Five White Oak residents were recognized by Mayor Ina Jean Marton for their contributions to the community during Monday’s council meeting.

Beverly Rudberg, owner of Pretty Pets by Bev, was honored for her 30 years of business in White Oak borough. Sarah Pellis / Mon Valley Independent

The five individuals honored were firefighter Casey Donahoe, and business owners David and Karen Thomas, Beverly Rudberg and Margo Germek.

Donahoe, a lifetime member of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company, went to help fight wildfires in Ely, Minn., from Aug. 1-20.

On July 15, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen announced that 17 fires were active and 55,000 acres had been burned. As of July 20, at least 8,000 people had been evacuated.

“Firefighters are engaged in one of the most hazardous conditions in the United States, and whereas these men and women work to stabilize property and infrastructure, and precious natural and cultural resources,” Marton said. “White Oak Borough is honored to recognize and celebrate the value of the contribution of Casey Donahoe, whose compassion and genuine commitment to the welfare of other human beings is a source of inspiration to everyone.”

Also recognized was David Thomas, who owned Bill and Walt’s Hobby Shop in the borough starting in 1987. He showcased a variety of model trains, remote control cars and boats, comics, game cards and more until his retirement in 2024.

David’s wife, Karen, had a store next door to him called The Queen’s Beads, a bead and handmade jewelry business where she taught jewelry making and sold clothes. Karen who also retired in 2024, was recognized for her 16 years in business.

Pretty Pets by Bev is a professional pet grooming and boarding service owned and operated by Rudberg and her daughter, Stormi, that has been in the community for 30 years. Rudberg is now retired.

“I started my career as a hairdresser, and I met a lot of wonderful people from White Oak,” she said. “When I decided to stop doing hair, I went to grooming school, learned how to groom and the wonderful clients that I did their hair with, they brought their dogs to me.”

Germek and her husband, Larry, founded L Germek Heating and Cooling, where they have provided installation services for residential and commercial customers for 52 years. Larry died in 2006, and Margo has continued his legacy.

“Beyond its business success, the company has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service through supporting charitable organizations, first responders, local fundraisers and local sports programs,” Marton said.

Street paving issues

During a workshop meeting held before Monday’s regular meeting, engineer Amber Yon said there will be a delay in the street paving schedule.

A kickoff meeting for paving was held Aug. 13, and council approved the list of streets that need paved a couple months ago.

The borough’s primary contractor for the project is Tresco Companies, which hired a subcontractor who has failed to show up and is unresponsive, according to Yon. Tresco has to get rid of the subcontractor and bring somebody else in to complete paving.

The notice to proceed was approved July 27, and it’s a 60–day contract, according to Yon, which means it will expire this week.

“Tresco is aware that they need to file a 30-day extension,” Yon said. “That’s all they are going to get. We aren’t taking this past the end of October. I am willing to grant the 30-day extension. Tresco has told me today in writing that they are committed to completing this project this season, and getting it done for the borough.”

Yon said outdoor conditions are rarely compatible for paving past October because it needs to be done with temperatures 45 degrees or higher. Yon was told they will have a start date soon, and that the paving will be completed by the end of October.

The borough has a provision in the contract for liquidated damages if work is not completed in the 60 day time frame, Yon said, adding that she would rather give Tresco a 30-day extension so the paving is completed. After the extension, the provision will be enforced.

When Yon was asked why the subcontractor backed out of the project, she said she never got a reason.

“I’m assuming that they just have too much work on their schedule,” Yon said. “With paving, you only have a small window that you get into the fall. The prime contractor is being responsive. It’s just their subcontractor isn’t, and there is the unfortunate position of getting rid of them, and hiring a new subcontractor.”

In other business:

• Council authorized for quotes to be explored for several insurance policies, along with quotes for rock salt for the upcoming winter. The borough is still a participant of the South Hills Area Council of Governments purchasing alliance for rock salt, but council may entertain other options.

• The borough’s website redesign project is almost complete, with an unveiling expected in the next month or two after staff is trained.