Festival of Trees brings twinkly lights, creativity to Renzie

By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com

Santa arrives to help celebrate the opening day of the City of McKeesport’s Festival of Trees at the Jacob Woll (Main) Pavilion in Renziehausen Park. The festival continues noon to 9 p.m. today through Monday. See more photos on A2 and in our online photo gallery at www. monvalleyindependent. com. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent

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Christians mark Ash Wednesday

February 19, 2026

Many Christians headed to church yesterday for Ash Wednesday services. It also marks the beginning of Lent —the 40-day period of abstinence and self restraint leading up to Easter. Ashes are placed on...

Latest News, Main

Veterans working to resurrect VFW post in Charleroi

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

February 19, 2026

The former Charleroi VFW Arden Calvert Post closed its doors Dec. 31, 2013, but local veterans got approval to start a new Veterans of Foreign Wars charter. More than a decade after Charleroi lost its...

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It’s ‘offishially’ fish fry season in the Mon Valley

By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com

February 19, 2026

Churches, fire departments and community organizations across the Valley heated up the fryers for the Ash Wednesday kickoff to the Lenten fish fry season. Ash Wednesday, which also signifies the start...

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Elizabeth Forward to seek appraisals for elementary school properties

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

February 19, 2026

The school board is also moving forward with a local tax abatement program. Several motions were added to Elizabeth Forward School Board’s regular meeting agenda following the workshop meeting last we...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

Rivers remain below flood levels despite snowmelt

February 19, 2026

Allegheny County Emergency Services officials are closely watching ice movement along the Yough. By the MVI Valley emergency providers and public safety officials are keeping a close watch on river le...

Around The Valley, Features

City Mission to host annual Sweet Sunday Event with a savory twist

February 19, 2026

The 32nd annual event is set for Sunday at Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. For the MVI City Mission will host its biggest — and sweetest — fundraiser on Sunday. The 32nd annual Sweet and Savory Sund...