Self-defense lessons teach women to spot, thwart attack
Latest News
January 16, 2019

Self-defense lessons teach women to spot, thwart attack

By Mon Valley Independent

By JILL RUNFOLA 

For the Mon Valley Independent

Protecting women against personal physical harm was the focus of a free self-defense seminar Sunday at Full Circle Karate in Monongahela. 

Instructor Scott Goetz told the participants the purpose of the class is “to be safe, for women to feel they are in control of their lives, and to take back their self-determination about how they want to live their lives.”

“Part of the reason you are here today,” he said, “is to give you tools to take proactive steps such as walk away/avoidance, using your voice, legal/institutional involvement, submission, physical, weapons, lethal and what is the line in the sand? You should not have any tools you refuse to use — the four pillars of self protection are intuition, awareness, attitude and knowledge info.”

 

Leopards advance in PIAA tournament
Latest News, Main
March 9, 2026
Belle Vernon freshman Lyla McConnell (3) leaps into the arms of teammate Saylor Lee as the Leopards claimed the second state playoff victory in program history with a 58-46 win Saturday at Clearfield....
Funds secured for local communities
Latest News, Main
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 9, 2026
The money will go toward public safety, infrastructure and parks and recreation projects. State Sen. Pisciottano, D-West Mifflin, announced last week that he and other local state lawmakers helped sec...
Drug plan middlemen are facing new oversight push as Pa. pharmacies close
Latest News, Main
March 9, 2026
The new proposal would also ban ownership of pharmacy licenses by corporate middlemen accused of driving pharmacy closures. By ED MAHON Spotlight PA HARRISBURG — Some Pennsylvania lawmakers want to gi...
McKeesport firefighters respond to house fire
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 9, 2026
The McKeesport Fire Department responded to a fire Sunday, rescuing two cats in the process. According to McKeesport Deputy Fire Chief Geno Esken, the department responded to the fire around 11:55 a.m...
Semi-pro team asks to use Monessen’s football stadium
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
March 9, 2026
The PA Dawgz would host four games in May & June. Representatives of PA Dawgz Football are seeking permission to use Monessen City School District’s stadium for football games. The semi-professional f...
Workshop series offered for local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
March 9, 2026
The three-part series is being presented by the cfsbank Business Resource Center. Local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders looking to sharpen their skills and grow their organizations will have a new...