Latest News
February 19, 2021

Second cancellation for Monessen food distribution

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A food distribution that would help more than 1,000 families in the Mon Valley has been canceled until further notice. 

The Farmers to Families Food Box, part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, was developed last May in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has provided more than 132 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the pandemic and in its fifth round of distribution was set to make deliveries in the Mon Valley.

Originally set to begin Feb. 5, it had to be postponed because of a delay in deliveries, likely because of inclement weather. 

The distribution, rescheduled for Friday, had to be pushed back again. 

Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw said the issue falls on the federal government. 

“Unfortunately, we must cancel the food distribution program for Mon Valley residents, until we get confirmation from the USDA on when the truck will be scheduled to arrive,” Shorraw said, citing problems from the USDA and delivery schedules. 

“The USDA’s distribution network has failed to follow through on the promises made for the Monessen food distribution,” he said. “So there will be no food distribution until organizers receive confirmed dates in writing from the USDA.”

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

Charleroi glassmaking memories buried in time capsule
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 2, 2025
Former Corelle workers were joined by public officials for an emotional ceremony in Charleroi. Charleroi stood in the cold Monday in Meadow Avenue Park to say goodbye to the plant that shaped its peop...
Kennel contract renewed despite public objections
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The new agreement with Hoffman Kennels will run for one year. Elizabeth Township commissioners renewed a contract with Hoffman Kennels for one year for deer removal and dog control services despite so...
Season’s first big snowfall hits Mon Valley, western Pa.
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The worst part of the storm is forecast for today’s morning commute. The first big snowfall of the season hit Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, coating the ground and roadways. Speed limits hav...
Elizabeth Twp. hydrant replaced after failing during fire
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water installed the new hydrant Monday and submitted the broken one to the manufacturer. Pennsylvania American Water has replaced a fire hydrant on Dillon Road in Elizabeth Towns...
Annual McKeesport Festival of Trees opens Thursday
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
The long-running holiday celebration will feature dozens of decorated trees. By the MVI Renziehausen Park’s Jacob Woll Pavilion will be converted into a village of Christmas trees this week, which is ...
Two-vehicle crash in Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
Charleroi Fire Department responded Monday night to a collision involving two cars at Fifth and Washington Avenue in Charleroi. Charleroi FIre Department