Letter writing enjoys a revival as fans seek connection and a break from screen time
Features
January 22, 2026

Letter writing enjoys a revival as fans seek connection and a break from screen time

By By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY Associated Press 

At a time when productivity means optimizing every second and screens blur the line between work and home, some people are slowing down and disconnecting by looking to communication devices from the past.

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church hosts Black History Month celebration
Latest News, Main
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
Divers search river for Monongahela man missing since last weekend
Latest News, Main
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...
Salt shortage leads to state of emergency in White Oak
Latest News, Main
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...
West Newton Bridge project: Temporary span to keep town connected
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
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...
Rostraver commissioners honor student for reporting incident with gun
Latest News, Main
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...