Blackhawk gets upset win, ends Leps’ season

By Mon Valley Independent

By LIAM BELAN

lbelan@yourmvi.com

In what was a tumultuous season for the Belle Vernon softball team, it still managed to put together a 13-6 record and grab a No. 6 seed in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs against No. 11 Blackhawk.

The Leopards (13-7) saw their year come to an end Monday at Peterswood Park in a 7-5 setback against the Cougars (10-7).

The matchup featured two programs in different positions. Belle Vernon was the defending district champion but dealt with injuries to college softball playe...

Latest News, Main

Clairton cuts ribbon on new library

By By THOMAS LETURGEY For the MVI

September 28, 2026

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis was among the speakers at Friday’s ceremony. After a several-year project to help improve downtown, local, county and state officials as well as about 100 residents turned out Fr...

Latest News, Main

Worker dies in accident at Cleveland-Cliffs coke plant in Monessen

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 28, 2026

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Jeffrey Smith of Newell. A Newell man was killed Sunday after becoming pinned between two door machines while working at the Cleveland-Cliffs coke plant in Mon...

Latest News, Main

Two Expressway sections set to open in November

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

September 28, 2026

Work on other portions of the project is continuing. Sections 53A1 and 53A2 of the Mon/Fayette Expressway are now scheduled to open in late November. According to construction engineers in the Pennsyl...

Around The Valley, Latest News

City man charged with sexual assault of juvenile

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 28, 2026

Fifty-three charges were filed against Joshua Rioux of Monessen for the alleged attacks over two years. A Monessen man is being held without bail on 53 charges after police said he sexually assaulted ...

Latest News, Main

7 local schools get funds to provide fruits, vegetables

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

September 28, 2026

The federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program promotes healthy eating. Seven Mon Valley-area schools and learning centers will share more than $192,000 in federal funding to provide fresh fruits and v...

Latest News, Main

Monessen Public Library welcomes new director

By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com

September 28, 2026

Carrie Gessner takes over for Dave Zilka, who retired in August. Monessen Public Library welcomed new director Carrie Gessner on Saturday with a small reception at the library featuring desserts and p...