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...

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Hank and Harry’s Alpaca-Tastic Day

July 30, 2026

Above, Hank, an alpaca at the exhibition farm at Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township, looks out from the doorway of his barn Wednesday afternoon, while Harry, another alpaca, peers through a fence. ...

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Lawmakers, workers plan to keep pushing for Pa. to raise the minimum wage

July 30, 2026

Lawmakers, workers plan to keep pushing for Pennsylvania to raise the minimum wage by Emily Scolnick, Pennsylvania Capital-Star July 28, 2026 Emily Scolnick is a 2026 Dow Jones News Fund intern at the...

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Dollar Tree coming to former Rite Aid location in Charleroi

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

July 30, 2026

Discount retailer Dollar Tree is set to move into the former downtown space in Charleroi, which has been sitting empty since the pharmacy chain’s widespread closures. As former Rite Aid stores continu...

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EF approves new teacher’s contract

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

July 30, 2026

While details were not released Wednesday, both EF officials and union members applauded the new pact. With just a month before students head back to the classroom, it appears Elizabeth Forward School...

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PennDOT, state police highlight stop sign vandalism

By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com

July 30, 2026

Over the past two weeks, eight stop signs have been damaged or knocked down in Jefferson and Franklin townships. PennDOT is partnering with the Pennsylvania State Police to raise awareness about a rec...

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McKeesport promotes police officer to sergeant

July 30, 2026

City leaders are looking forward to a Riverfront Festival this weekend and International Village next month. By THOMAS LETURGEY For the MVI As McKeesport police Chief Jason Alfer looked on, Assistant ...