Child quickly rescued after falling into river
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
June 9, 2025

Child quickly rescued after falling into river

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 

His mother offered thanks to first responders in a social media message.

A child is recovering after being rescued Sunday from the Monongahela River in California.

According to a report from Washington County 911, first responders and firefighters were called to the river near the Union Street boat launch for a child in the water.

Dispatch said a 7-year-old boy, who was not identified, fell into the water and was quickly rescued.

His mother, identified on Facebook as “Laquanda DeeTee” confirmed the incident and said her son is OK following the rescue.

She took to a community group on social media to thank everyone who helped avoid what could have been a tragedy.

“Thank you to everyone that was there to console me and help me get my baby out of the river, it meant so much to me to see everyone care so much,” she wrote. “God was with us today and I am so so thankful. Lost it but any parent would. I’ve told them time and time again to stay away from that river. (He) was supposed to be in front of the house playing but he wondered off while I went inside to finish dinner. I’m just blessed and thankful that I can still talk to my baby.”

She was with her son at the hospital Sunday night and was unable to provide additional details prior to press time.

California Borough Police could not be reached for comment.

WTAE contributed to this report.

NBV fire extinguished in difficult conditions
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
February 9, 2026
Cold weather caused much of the water that firefighters were using to freeze right away. Challenging conditions complicated firefighting efforts Sunday as crews worked to contain a fire involving two ...
Bitter cold doesn’t stop Frosty Frolic fundraiser
Latest News, Main
February 9, 2026
PennWest California University football players line up next to a heater while awaiting their turn to take the plunge the plunge during Saturday’s Frosty Frolic 2026 “Shiver in the River” fundraiser a...
Water main break floods fire station; boil advisory in place
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
February 9, 2026
The break occurred late Friday outside Elrama VFC in Union Township. Days after a catastrophic water main break flooded a fire station and disrupted service across two counties, thousands of residents...
Pa. Trolley Museum offering free admission for youths
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
February 9, 2026
The promotion will last throughout February. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is having Free Kid February this month, which offers free admission for everyone up to age 17. Sponsored by Alex E. Paris C...