The importance of supporting rural health care
Opinion
March 25, 2026
GUEST COLUMN

The importance of supporting rural health care

By By STEVE FONTAINE CEO, Penn highlands Healthcare 

Communities throughout the United States should be concerned about the state of health care. In 2025, the American Hospital Association (AHA) released a report, “Hospitals and Health Systems Squeezed by Persistent Economic Challenges,” emphasizing hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant obstacles that impact our ability to provide essential care. These challenges pose a financial strain particularly in rural communities here in Pennsylvania.

Ready to roll at Kennywood Park
Latest News, Main
April 18, 2026
Park employees test ride the Sky Rocket roller coaster Friday afternoon as Kennywood Park in West Mifflin prepares to open today. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Data center bills get bipartisan support
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
April 18, 2026
House members from both parties see the need to provide legal protections. The Pennsylvania House passed two pieces of legislation this week that aim to protect state residents from the negative effec...
Supreme Court rules Bartolotta challenger can stay on ballot
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
April 18, 2026
It decided in favor of Al Buchtan, upholding a Commonwealth Court decision by a 4-3 margin. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ended the legal fight over whether Republican state Senate candidate Al B...
Fern Fitness: Workouts in a welcoming atmosphere
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
April 18, 2026
The Elizabeth Township fitness studio opened its doors in March. A new fitness studio has arrived in Elizabeth Township. Cousins and Elizabeth Township natives Molly Watterworth and Kelly McHolme open...
$11M in upgrades nearly complete at Elrama plant
Latest News, Main
April 18, 2026
The improvements became necessary after a drop in Monongahela River water levels. By the MVI Pennsylvania American Water says it is completing more than $11 million in upgrades at its E.H. Aldrich Wat...
Monessen Lions present 10-year anniversary gift to MVI
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
April 18, 2026
Monessen Lions Club presented a donation to the Mon Valley Independent as the newspaper commemorates its 10year anniversary. From left are 1st Vice President Lion Mark Panicucci, Treasurer Lion Debbie...