Around The Valley, Features
May 16, 2026

THE AGENDA

Meetings in local government next week Every week, the Mon Valley Independent editorial staff will share upcoming government meetings around the Mid-Mon Valley. If there’s an item or other event of public interest, we’ll include that below the listed meetings, too.

EF Students Flock to ‘Chicks in the Sticks’
Latest News, Main
May 16, 2026
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Elizabeth Forward Elementary Center hold baby chicks Friday afternoon during recess at the school’s “Chicks in the Sticks” chicken coop. Introduced in 2023, the pro...
Carroll Twp. OKs rules for data centers
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
May 16, 2026
Modifications to the zoning code also cover projects involving alternative energy. New rules governing data centers, solar facilities, wind energy systems and other alternative energy projects are off...
Flash Fitness grew from need to ‘get strong’
Latest News, Main
By By PEG LUKETIC McKeesport Community Newsroom 
May 16, 2026
Jessica McCauley has been operating the McKeesport gym since February 2025. Jessica McCauley threw herself into fitness as an escape when tragedy hit her family in 2014. The father of her infant son w...
EF addresses rumors about high school renovation work
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
May 16, 2026
The district and school board issued separate statements regarding the status of the project. Elizabeth Forward is trying to set the record straight when it comes to rumors and speculation involving t...
Charleroi Area Crowns Prom Royalty
Latest News, Main
May 16, 2026
Mon Valley IndependentDerek Karpiak and Anna Kondratowicz were crowned prom king and queen of Charleroi Area High School during grand march ceremonies Friday evening.
Cook facing primary challenge
Latest News, Main, Politics
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
May 16, 2026
The incumbent House member will battle Waynesburg Councilman Ben Humble on Tuesday. State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Township, is facing one Republican primary challenger in the 50th District, while o...