6-year-old gets new home after mother dies

By Mon Valley Independent

By TAYLOR BROWN

Senior Reporter

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A Charleroi kindergarten student who lost her mother a few days before Christmas is being cared for by her community. Ruth Sara Simeon, 6, arrived in Charleroi several months ago with her mother, Marie Michelle Degeon, to begin a new life. Degeon, 42, was born in Haiti and eventually moved to Brazil. She decided she wanted a better life for her young daughter and three adult children, so she decided to embark on a journey to the United States.

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

Latest News, Main

Good, clean fun at Village for Kids

By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com

August 18, 2026

A bubble-foam party has become one of the favorite attractions at the McKeesport festival. Children from throughout the McKeesport area gathered Monday at Renziehausen Park to enjoy games, food, prize...

Latest News, Main

Judge rules Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency exempt from Right-To Know Law

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

August 18, 2026

An appeal of a decision by the state Office of Open Records was denied. A Washington County judge has sided with the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency in a long-running dispute over access to...

Latest News, Main

Former area priest accused of embezzling $740K

August 18, 2026

State investigators allege Gregory Madeya misappropriated church funds, stole a gold chalice and drained his elderly mother’s accounts. By PATRICK VARINE TribLive A Ukrainian Catholic priest is charge...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

3-vehicle crash in Speers

August 18, 2026

Charleroi firefighters responded to a three-vehicle crash near State Street and Maple Drive in Speers Monday afternoon. Charleroi Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. said the call came in around 3:50 p.m. Fo...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

BVA Rotary Club gears up for 6th annual regatta

August 18, 2026

The fundraising event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the boat launch area of Cedar Creek Park By the MVI The Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club is ready for its annual Regatta on the Yough t...

Latest News, Main

Judge orders Allegheny County to begin full property reassessment by 2027

August 18, 2026

The reassessment of the county’s 500,000plus properties must be completed by 2032. By PAULA REED WARD TribLive In a decision that will affect more than a half-million property owners, a judge on Monda...