Student artwork chosen for calendar

By Mon Valley Independent

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Two Mon Valley students were recently recognized for their artwork, which was selected for the state Attorney General’s 2020 Drug-Free Calendar.

Anthony Sawa, who attends Marion Elementary School in the Belle Vernon Area School District, and Dolche’ Ochap, who attends Mt. Vernon Elementary School in the Elizabeth Forward School District, were treated to lunch in Harrisburg as part of the award.

Sawa is the son of Jessica Sawa of Belle Vernon. Dolche’ Ochap is the daughter of Angela Schifino and Geremiah Ochap.

The winning posters earned the fifth-grade students a $529 contribution to a Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Account and a tour of the Capitol. Their school districts will receive 100 copies of the calendar featuring the student artwork.

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

Latest News, Main

Cleanup begins from flooding, storm damage

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 5, 2026

High water shut down several roads Thursday night, prompting rescue teams to be dispatched. Communities across the Mon Valley and southwestern Pennsylvania were cleaning up Friday after severe storms ...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

Charleroi’s Little Great Race continues to make a big impact

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 5, 2026

Over the race’s nearly four-decade history, more than $100,000 has been raised for local organizations, scholarships and nonprofits. What began in 1987 as a warm-up for Pittsburgh’s Great Race has gro...

Latest News, Main

Property tax hike hasn’t been considered in Monongahela

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 5, 2026

City officials clarify that it’s far too early to begin that process. City officials say no property tax increase has been proposed for 2027 as Monongahela begins the early stages of its budget proces...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

Three-vehicle crash in North Charleroi

September 5, 2026

Around noon Friday, firefighters from multiple departments responded to a three-vehicle crash in North Charleroi at the intersection near the Charleroi-Monessen bridge. One person was trapped inside o...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

Study: Eviction filing rates drop statewide

September 5, 2026

Allegheny County recorded roughly 13,600 cases in 2025. By MEGAN TROTTER TribLive Where a Pennsylvania renter lives may play a significant role in what happens after an eviction case is filed. A new s...