Latest News
November 6, 2019

Walsh, Stewart win seats on Westmoreland bench

By Mon Valley Independent

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Three candidates were running for the two open seats for Common Pleas Judge in Westmoreland County, with the newly-elected candidates most likely being assigned to family court once seated.

Seeking the seats on the bench in Tuesday’s election were Mike Stewart of Hempfield Township, Jessica Rafferty of Unity Township and Justin Walsh of Rostraver Township. 

As early results were coming in, Stewart took an early and commanding lead, with the remaining two candidates battling with just a few percentage points between them as the count went on. Unofficial results from the Westmoreland County Election Bureau showed Stewart in the first position with 55,225 votes, followed by Walsh with 43,742 and Rafferty in third place with 39,598 votes, making Stewart and Walsh the apparent winners, according to unofficial Westmoreland County Election Bureau results. 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

No tax hike in Washington County’s 2026 budget
Latest News, Main
December 8, 2025
It will be the 16th straight year that taxes have held steady in the county. By the MVI Washington County property owners will not see a county tax hike next year. On Thursday, the Washington County B...
Squires reelected president of West Mifflin Area school board
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 8, 2025
Nicholas Alexandroff and three reelected board members were sworn in at the reorganization meeting. West Mifflin Area school board held its reorganization meeting Thursday. Nicholas Alexandroff is the...
Valley man charged after 24 shots fired during fight outside restaurant
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 8, 2025
Springdale police have charged a Monessen man after two dozen shots were fired outside a borough business late Saturday night. By BRIAN C. RITTMEYER TribLive Police charged Armando Antonio Diaz, 22, w...
Rostraver welcomes holidays with Christmas celebration
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 8, 2025
Hundreds of area residents attended the event at the John DiVirgilio Sports Complex. The smell of hot chocolate and the sounds of carolers filled the air Sunday during the annual Rostraver Christmas c...