Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday In Belle Vernon

“Let Freedom Ring in Belle Vernon” was celebrated Friday and Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park. The event was part of the nationwide America250 observance and was organized by Council Vice President Denise Stasko and community volunteer Melanie Stringhill Patterson. Above, Claire Brand, 6, and Enzo Brand, 2, of Charleroi traveled in style at the event. Heather Hart / For the Mon Valley Independent

See more photos in our online photo gallery at monvalleyindependent.com

Latest News, Main

Community mourns slain PennWest student

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

August 22, 2026

Fundraisers have been set up to aid the family and to create a scholarship in memory of Karoline Heintz. Support is pouring in for the family of Karoline Heintz after the 18-year-old PennWest Californ...

Latest News, Main

Welcome Weekend begins at Pennwest California

August 22, 2026

At left, PennWest California freshman and track team member Markus Edwards of York arrives with his guitar Friday as he prepares to move into Johnson Hall during New Student Move-In Day. At right, fre...

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WASHINGTON COUNTY

WCTPA ruling will be appealed

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

August 22, 2026

Commissioners voted 2-1 to continue the legal battle with the tourism agency. Washington County commissioners will continue their legal fight with the county’s tourism promotion agency, voting 2-1 Thu...

Elections, Latest News, Main

Borello to challenge Bartolotta in November election

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

August 22, 2026

The former Republican replaces Evan Snyder, who withdrew from the race. After the Democrat running against Republican state Sen. Camera Bartolotta withdrew from the race in June, another candidate is ...

Around The Valley, Latest News, Main

Summer spent raising pigs is filled with lessons

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

August 22, 2026

Eight-year-old Laina Johnson of Monessen got Honey and Bear ready for the Fayette County Fair. By 6:30 most summer mornings, 8-year-old Laina Johnson was already awake and getting ready to work. Somet...

Latest News, Main

Animal cruelty charges filed after dead cats discovered

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

August 22, 2026

Police said the North Charleroi property was in extreme disarray and emitted a strong odor. A North Charleroi man is facing animal cruelty charges after police executing a search warrant allegedly dis...