James W. Russell Jr. – formerly of Belle Vernon
Obituaries
May 21, 2026

James W. Russell Jr. – formerly of Belle Vernon

James W. Russell Jr., 73, formerly of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 8, 2026, in Fuquay Varina, N.C. Born Dec. 13, 1952, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James W. Russell Sr. and Theresa (Coreau) Russell. Jim began his college career at University of South Alabama after being recruited for the baseball team as a third baseman, outfielder and power hitter. He completed his college degree at California University of Pennsylvania, then began his career as a foo...

Volunteers work to bring Memorial Day traditions back to Belle Vernon Cemetery
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Volunteers work to bring Memorial Day traditions back to Belle Vernon Cemetery
May 21, 2026
Thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers, led by Donna Santoro, flags were placed on veterans’ graves and a Memorial Day service will be held at the Belle Vernon Cemetery. By the MVI On a recent...
EF approves tentative budget with tax increase
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EF approves tentative budget with tax increase
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
May 21, 2026
Several staffing positions were eliminated and two administrators resigned from their positions. The proposed general fund budget for the 2026-27 school year passed unanimously at Elizabeth Forward, a...
Charleroi Area budget holds the line on taxes
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Charleroi Area budget holds the line on taxes
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
May 21, 2026
District officials said retiree and replacement staffing changes helped reduce costs. Rising cyber school charter tuition, health care expenses and special education costs continue to pressure the Cha...
McKeesport Area prom royalty
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
McKeesport Area prom royalty
May 21, 2026
McKeesport Area High School will celebrate prom tonight. Shown are members of the 2026 prom court, front row, from left, Teagan Gallagher, Kelsey Alesius, Ni’Zhay Jefferson, Rakihya Freeman and Kimia ...
Water main break in McKeesport
Latest News, Main
Water main break in McKeesport
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Drivers are alerted to use caution in downtown McKeesport as crews work to resolve a water main break on Walnut Street. As of press time Wednesday, the road was closed between Lysle Boulevard and Sixt...
Monongahela Main Street project will tell the stories behind historic buildings
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Monongahela Main Street project will tell the stories behind historic buildings
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
May 21, 2026
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