FREE! JULY 2024 Vol. 21 Issue 2
Read us online at Donora Fire Company 15th Annual Car Show Page 14
messengerpaper.com St. George WWII Monument Dedication Page 16
Washington Health System and UPMC Complete Affiliation Page 18
“YOU CAN’T COACH HEART” Thomas Jefferson Wins 2-1 Walk-Off Thriller for First PIAA Softball Championship Throughout the 2024 season, the Thomas Jefferson High School softball team has used one of long-time head and assistant coach John “Hoppy” Mitruski’s steadfast beliefs and popular phrases as a point of focus and motivation.....“You Can’t Coach Heart.” The beloved Mitruski passed away suddenly in May 2023 after serving as the Jaguars’ head softball coach for 33 years, followed by seven more years assisting Heidi Karcher.
(See page 21 for complete story.)
The Thomas Jefferson High School Softball team poses with their PIAA 5A State Champion Trophy
Community Flea Market in Monessen Planned for September 7 All are invited to the Monessen’s Community Flea Market set for Saturday, September 7 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, rain or shine. The proceeds will benefit the programs at the Monessen Civic Center. The flea market will be held on the corner of Donner Avenue and Fifth Street and is a “bring your own table” event. The cost of a 15-foot space is $10. Food vendors are welcome – the cost of a 20-foot space is $20. All food vendors must provide copies of up-to-date vehicle licenses, certificate of insurance and PA Department of Agriculture registration with their signed contract. Food vendors must be set up by 9:00AM. General set up is between 7:00AM – 9:00AM on the day of the event. Event registration forms can be downloaded from the City of Monessen’s website www.cityofmonessen.com and are also available at the City Building, 575 Donner Avenue. All registration forms must be submitted to the City by Friday, August 30. Fees will be collected and booth numbers assigned on the date of the event. Vehicles must be moved after unpacking. Contact Karen Cosner, 724-396-9592, kcosner@cityofmonessen.com for additional information. After shopping, take a walk around Monessen and visit the Greater Monessen Historical Society, the Monessen Public Library, our outstanding restaurants, businesses and our nine(9) beautiful parks! You are guaranteed to be surprised by everything that Monessen has to offer.