BACK TO SCHOOL FOR EF, SERRA CATHOLIC STUDENTS

More area students headed back to school Thursday for the first day of classes. Above, from left, Elizabeth Forward Middle School Principal Dr. Trisha Martell posed with Lola Triplett, Giana Hartung, Emma Stevens, Bryson Dorazio, Eliza Holloway and Dominick Champ. At right, freshman J’Kaiachavez Mathis smiles as she arrives at Serra Catholic High School. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent

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Mt. Calvary Baptist Church hosts Black History Month celebration

February 17, 2026

Members of the Gems youth program walk down the aisle at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Monessen during Sunday’s celebration of Black History Month. Heather Hart / For the Mon Valley Independent

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Divers search river for Monongahela man missing since last weekend

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

February 17, 2026

Shelby Rhodes hasn’t been seen since Feb. 7. Fire departments from across the region have logged dozens of hours along the Monongahela River in an ongoing search for Shelby Rhodes, a 26-year-old man m...

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Still one of the three R’s: Mon Valley school administrators react to Pennsylvania’s emphasis on cursive writing

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

February 17, 2026

For generations, learning cursive was a rite of passage in elementary school classrooms. Now, after years of fading from daily use, the looping letters are making a comeback as Pennsylvania schools pr...

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Salt shortage leads to state of emergency in White Oak

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

February 17, 2026

Borough officials said the public shouldn’t be alarmed, as it just provides more options to replenish the supply. White Oak council declared a state of emergency during Monday’s meeting due to a deple...

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West Newton Bridge project: Temporary span to keep town connected

February 17, 2026

The renovation of the permanent bridge — which includes replacing the deck and repairing the trusses and substructure — is expected to be completed in 2028. By JOE NAPSHA TribLive Don Lewandowski of W...

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Rostraver commissioners honor student for reporting incident with gun

By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com

February 17, 2026

Tyler Miller’s actions resulted in the recovery of two stolen firearms. A Belle Vernon Area Middle School student was recognized Monday by Rostraver Township commissioners and the police department af...