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Bethlehem Apostolic Temple Moving Forward With $1 Million Community Expansion

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Bethlehem Apostolic Temple Moving Forward With $1 Million Community Expansion

WHEELING, W.Va. — A major redevelopment project is underway in North Wheeling as Bethlehem Apostolic Temple moves forward with more than $1 million in renovations aimed at expanding community resources.

Demolition has begun at the former Columbia Sales building, which church leaders plan to transform into an indoor community gymnasium. The project has been in development for nearly a decade and is expected to be completed within the next three years.

Church leaders say the gym will provide a safe space for local youth and families while helping strengthen the surrounding neighborhood.

At the same time, renovations are continuing inside the North Wheeling Community Dream Center, where plans are underway to open a daycare serving children from infancy through sixth grade.

According to church officials, the daycare is intended to help address the growing need for affordable childcare in the Ohio Valley, where some families face lengthy waiting lists for available openings.

An opening date for the daycare has not yet been announced as organizers continue searching for a provider to operate the facility.

Once completed, the projects are expected to expand recreational opportunities and childcare services for families throughout the North Wheeling community.

Italian Festival Expands Family Fun with New Kids Zone

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Italian Festival Expands Family Fun with New Kids Zone

WHEELING, W.Va. — Families attending Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival will have even more to enjoy this year with the debut of an expanded Kids Zone featuring inflatables, rides, games and a Toy Story-themed Foam Dance Party.

The new attraction will be located in the grassy area in front of WesBanco Arena next to the splash pad and will offer activities for children throughout the three-day festival.

New this year is a free Toy Story Foam Dance Party, complete with music, dancing, giant beach balls, foam and appearances by Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and other beloved characters. The dance party is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

In addition to the foam party, festival-goers can enjoy inflatables, carnival rides, games for all ages, an air-conditioned arcade and character meet-and-greets throughout the weekend.

Festival organizers say the expanded Kids Zone is designed to give families even more reasons to spend the day enjoying the event alongside the Italian food, live entertainment and vendor marketplace.

The Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival will take place July 24-26 in downtown Wheeling. Admission is free, with food, rides, games and vendor purchases available throughout the weekend.

Wintersville Launching New Alert System to Keep Residents Informed

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Wintersville Launching New Alert System to Keep Residents Informed

WINTERSVILLE, Ohio — Village officials are introducing a new multichannel communication system designed to deliver emergency alerts and service updates directly to residents as work continues on Wintersville’s ongoing waterline project.

The new system will provide notifications through text messages, voice calls and email, allowing the village to quickly communicate information about water main breaks, service interruptions, road projects and changes to trash collection schedules.

Mayor Mike Petrella said the decision was driven by residents who wanted faster updates, particularly those who do not use social media.

Officials say the alert system will play an important role as the village continues work on its new water system and the waterline project along Cadiz Road.

According to Petrella, the goal is to reduce confusion during water-related issues by notifying residents before problems such as discolored water or low water pressure begin generating calls to village offices.

Village leaders say the new communication system will improve emergency response and help keep residents informed about important community updates as infrastructure improvements continue.

Ohio Valley Attorney, Wife Appear in Court on Elder Fraud Charges

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Ohio Valley Attorney, Wife Appear in Court on Elder Fraud Charges

HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — An Ohio Valley attorney and his wife appeared in magistrate court Thursday after being charged in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud an elderly veteran of more than $100,000.

Lawrence Manypenny and his wife, Constance Manypenny, each face four felony charges, including fraudulent schemes, conspiracy and two counts of financial exploitation of an elderly person.

The case is being overseen by Special Magistrate William “Mike” Lemon of Ohio County, while Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden has been appointed as the special prosecutor.

During Thursday’s hearing, both defendants waived their right under West Virginia law to a preliminary hearing within 20 days of posting bond. The hearing will be rescheduled for a later date.

According to West Virginia Magistrate Court records, Lawrence and Constance Manypenny each posted a $20,000 bond and were released pending further court proceedings.

The charges stem from allegations that the couple defrauded an elderly veteran of more than $100,000. The case remains under investigation.

Two Men Face Federal Charges in Separate Child Exploitation Cases in West Virginia

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Two Men Face Federal Charges in Separate Child Exploitation Cases in West Virginia

WHEELING, W.Va. — Two men appeared in federal court this week in unrelated cases involving child sexual abuse material and sex offender registration violations, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Robert Allen Welborn, 58, of Joppatowne, Maryland, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after failing to update his sex offender registration.

Federal prosecutors said Welborn was required to register as a lifetime sex offender following a previous conviction involving a crime against a child in North Carolina. Authorities said he was living and working in Fairmont, West Virginia, in 2023 without notifying law enforcement of his change of address, as required by law.

In a separate case, Brian Richard Pack, 57, of Fairmont, pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to federal authorities, the FBI received a tip alleging child sexual abuse material had been downloaded, leading investigators to Pack’s residence. During the execution of a search warrant, agents seized an iPhone, laptop, flash drives and hard drives.

Prosecutors said investigators found more than 500 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material on the devices.

Pack faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentence will be determined by a federal judge after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The cases are being prosecuted separately by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Ohio Lawmakers Scrutinize Medicaid Fraud as New Law Takes Effect This Fall

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Ohio Lawmakers Scrutinize Medicaid Fraud as New Law Takes Effect This Fall

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are taking a closer look at the state’s efforts to combat Medicaid fraud as a new law aimed at increasing oversight and penalties prepares to take effect later this year.

During a recent meeting of the Ohio Controlling Board, legislators questioned officials from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office about the software used by the state’s Medicaid Fraud Unit to detect potential fraud, waste and abuse.

The discussion comes ahead of the implementation of Senate Bill 315, which takes effect Oct. 8. The law increases penalties for Medicaid fraud and adds new verification and accountability requirements for home healthcare providers.

State Rep. Mike Dovilla, R-Berea, questioned why the Attorney General’s Office has continued using the same fraud analysis software since 2019 without seeking competitive bids from other vendors. Officials responded that changing systems while 29 active investigations are underway could disrupt ongoing cases, but said future alternatives may be considered.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the software has helped investigators conduct 125 Medicaid fraud investigations and recover approximately $24 million over the past seven years.

However, State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, questioned whether claims about widespread Medicaid fraud are being overstated. She noted that if every fraud referral is being investigated, the number of confirmed cases may not support claims that the system is overwhelmed by fraud.

Despite those concerns, lawmakers from both parties supported Senate Bill 315, which passed the General Assembly with bipartisan backing. The new law is expected to strengthen Ohio’s efforts to detect and prosecute Medicaid fraud while increasing oversight of healthcare providers.

ACLU Sues Huntington Over Approval of Flock Safety Camera System

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ACLU Sues Huntington Over Approval of Flock Safety Camera System

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The City of Huntington is facing a lawsuit after approving a contract to install Flock Safety cameras and other surveillance technology throughout the city.

The lawsuit, filed in Cabell County Circuit Court by the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia along with the Haslam Law Firm and Glazer, Saad, Anderson L.C., was brought on behalf of a Huntington resident.

The legal challenge follows a 6-4 vote by the Huntington City Council to approve a contract allowing the Huntington Police Department to use a network of surveillance technology, including 40 automated license plate readers, 17 security cameras, two drones and two gunshot detection devices.

Flock Safety’s technology uses artificial intelligence to identify license plate numbers, vehicle makes, models and colors. It can also detect the sound of gunshots to assist law enforcement.

The ACLU alleges the city violated its own municipal code by approving the agreement without following the required procedures for allowing a private company to use city property. According to the lawsuit, those procedures should have included public notice and a public hearing.

“The legal issues with this contract are numerous, but we are starting with how it was awarded in the first place,” ACLU-WV Legal Director Aubrey Sparks said in a statement. “Simply put, the city acted hastily and did not follow its own laws when approving this contract.”

The debate has also prompted discussion in other communities. Officials in Barboursville have said they have no plans to pursue a similar agreement, while the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has paused its consideration of the technology pending additional research. In neighboring Ironton, Ohio, city officials are expected to consider legislation that would prohibit contracts involving AI-powered automated license plate reader systems.

A timeline for the installation of the Huntington camera system has not been announced.

Weirton Water Treatment Plant Project Nears Completion as Residents Voice Ongoing Concerns

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Weirton Water Treatment Plant Project Nears Completion as Residents Voice Ongoing Concerns

WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Weirton Area Water Board received updates Thursday on several major infrastructure projects, including a water treatment plant upgrade that is now approximately 90% complete.

According to project officials, construction on the treatment plant is expected to be finished by Nov. 16.

During the meeting, several residents and local officials spoke about ongoing concerns surrounding the city’s water quality and called for greater transparency from the water board.

Ward 5 Councilwoman Brittany Holloway asked board members about pump reports dating back to the 2023 East Palestine train derailment after receiving documents from a resident seeking additional information. Utilities Director A.D. “Butch” Mastrantoni said he had not received the reports but would review them if provided.

Resident Chris Gruda, a former water board employee, also addressed the board, saying he believes more public communication would help rebuild trust with the community. He said residents continue to seek answers about the city’s water system and encouraged officials to provide more meaningful public updates.

In addition to the treatment plant improvements, engineers discussed plans to replace aging iron and galvanized water lines throughout the city. The proposed infrastructure project carries an estimated cost of $190 million and remains in the planning stages after a report was submitted to the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council.

Bellaire Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in AEP Meter Theft

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Bellaire Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in AEP Meter Theft

BELLAIRE, Ohio — Bellaire Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of stealing an AEP electric meter Thursday morning.

According to police, the theft occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. Officers say the suspect is described as a white male with dark hair and a dark beard.

Authorities said the man was last seen walking in the area of 32nd Street and Guernsey Street in Bellaire.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact the Bellaire Police Department at (740) 676-3322.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.

Upper Ohio Valley Gospel Fest Returns to Wheeling This Sunday

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Upper Ohio Valley Gospel Fest Returns to Wheeling This Sunday

WHEELING, W.Va. — The Upper Ohio Valley Gospel Fest is returning to Heritage Port this weekend, bringing a full day of worship, music and community fellowship to downtown Wheeling.

The third annual event will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 19, and is free and open to the public. Organizers say people of all denominations and backgrounds are invited to attend.

The festival will feature gospel choirs, musicians, speakers and praise dancers, with several churches planning to cancel their regular Sunday services so members can attend the event.

New additions this year include a variety of food trucks and, for the first time, a gospel rap performance.

Organizer Bishop D.W. Cummings said gospel music offers encouragement during difficult times and hopes the event will bring the community together through faith and fellowship.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outdoor celebration at Heritage Port.

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