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Wellsville Business Owner Reports Sharp Decline in Customers During Main Street Closure

WELLSVILLE, Ohio — More than three months after a section of Main Street was closed over safety concerns tied to a deteriorating building, at least one local business owner says the impact on nearby businesses has been severe.

Ryan Burgess, owner of Slacks Antique Mall, said customer traffic has dropped dramatically since the closure began. He estimates daily visitors have fallen from dozens of customers to only a handful, creating challenges for both his antique business and event venue located upstairs.

Burgess said limited access and the loss of nearby parking have made it difficult for customers and event guests to reach the property. While he supports efforts to keep the public safe, he questioned whether the entire block needs to remain closed.

Village officials maintain the shutdown is necessary due to ongoing concerns about the unstable structure. Mayor Bob Boley said public safety remains the top priority as the village works toward a resolution.

The village has filed legal action against the property’s owner in an effort to address the situation. Officials say the closure will remain in place until the area is deemed safe.

Burgess said he hopes the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining properties before conditions reach a crisis point.

Wheeling Water Department: Algae Bloom Causing Taste and Odor Issues in Drinking Water

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WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Water Department says an algae bloom in the Ohio River is responsible for recent taste and odor concerns reported by customers throughout the city.

According to city officials, the algae bloom has affected the source water used in the treatment process, resulting in noticeable changes to the taste and smell of drinking water.

To address the issue, the department has implemented several measures, including increasing the use of well water, flushing portions of the distribution system, and adjusting treatment procedures.

Officials emphasized that the water continues to undergo daily testing both at the treatment plant and throughout the distribution system to ensure it remains safe for customers.

The city says the taste and odor concerns are related to naturally occurring algae in the river and do not pose a health risk.

Residents are encouraged to continue using and drinking the water as normal while crews work to minimize the effects of the algae bloom.

The Wheeling Water Department says it will continue monitoring conditions and making adjustments as needed until the issue subsides.

BELLEVIEW POOL SET TO REOPEN JUNE 29

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — City officials are aiming to reopen Belleview Pool on June 29 after the facility remained closed throughout the 2025 season due to infrastructure concerns.

During a meeting Monday evening, officials announced the tentative reopening date, marking a significant milestone in efforts to restore the popular community pool. If final preparations are not completed in time for the June 29 opening, the city expects the facility to welcome swimmers sometime during the following week.

Belleview Pool did not open at all in 2025 after multiple infrastructure problems were identified. Since then, renovation and repair work has been completed to address those issues and prepare the pool for public use.

The reopening would bring the facility back into service after a year-long closure and provide residents with a local option for summer recreation.

City officials have not announced an exact opening schedule or admission details but say additional information will be released as the anticipated reopening date approaches.

Oglebay Good Zoo Names Amy Rutherford as New Zoo Director

WHEELING, W.Va. — Oglebay Good Zoo has selected Amy Rutherford to serve as its new Vice President and Zoo Director, bringing extensive experience in conservation, education, and visitor engagement to the position.

Rutherford joins the Good Zoo with more than 15 years of leadership experience in the zoological field. Throughout her career, she has worked with several prominent zoological organizations, focusing on conservation initiatives, educational programming, and organizational growth.

Before accepting the role at Oglebay, Rutherford served as Vice President for Learning and Engagement and Managing Director of the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, part of the Audubon Nature Institute. In that position, she oversaw educational programs, volunteer operations, ambassador animal programs, and guest engagement efforts across multiple facilities.

Oglebay officials say Rutherford’s background and leadership experience make her a strong fit for the organization as it continues to expand its conservation and educational mission.

“We are excited to welcome Amy to the Oglebay team,” said Bob Peckengpaugh, President and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “Her expertise in conservation and public engagement will help guide the Good Zoo into its next chapter.”

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Rutherford has longstanding connections to the region and is familiar with Oglebay through years of professional involvement within the zoo and aquarium community.

Rutherford said she has visited Oglebay numerous times throughout her career and considers the facility an important part of the industry’s professional development network.

She expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization and helping shape the future of the Good Zoo while continuing its commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement.

$1 Million Awarded to Advance Market Street Bridge Replacement Project

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Efforts to replace the long-closed Market Street Bridge took a significant step forward this week as $1 million was allocated to begin the engineering work needed for a future replacement.

Congressman Riley Moore presented a ceremonial check for the funding, which will support the initial engineering and planning phase of the project.

The Market Street Bridge, which connects Steubenville and Wheeling, has been closed for more than a year due to safety concerns. Local officials say the funding marks the beginning of a process that could eventually restore a direct connection between the Ohio and West Virginia communities.

Steubenville Mayor Ralph Petrella called the funding a major milestone, noting that the engineering study will help determine where a new bridge could be built and what the final design may look like.

Moore said the $1 million allocation adds to more than $87 million in federal funding that has already been secured for the project. He described the bridge replacement as a priority and emphasized its importance to the Ohio Valley’s transportation network and economy.

The closure of the bridge has forced commuters, businesses, and residents to rely on alternate crossings, resulting in longer travel times and added challenges for communities on both sides of the Ohio River.

Local leaders say a replacement bridge would improve regional connectivity, support economic development, and strengthen the relationship between Steubenville and Wheeling.

Planning and engineering work are expected to continue as officials move forward with the next phase of the project.

River News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Market Street Bridge replacement and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Lane Closure to Impact Travel Along U.S. 40 Beginning June 19

WHEELING, W.Va. — Motorists traveling along U.S. 40 (National Road) in Ohio County should expect delays beginning later this week as a street light replacement project gets underway.

According to officials, a section of U.S. 40 between Romney Road and Washington Avenue will be reduced to a single lane from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, beginning Friday, June 19, and continuing through mid-July.

Traffic will be maintained with the assistance of flaggers, and drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

Officials say weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances could affect the project schedule.

Motorists should plan for possible delays and allow extra travel time while work is being completed.

Child Airlifted to Pittsburgh Hospital Following Serious Bicycle Accident in Jefferson County

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TORONTO, Ohio — A 10-year-old boy was airlifted to a Pittsburgh-area hospital Monday evening after suffering serious injuries in a bicycle accident in Toronto.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of North 5th Street and Belmont Street at approximately 8:30 p.m.

According to first responders, the child sustained a severe leg injury when a bicycle brake pedal became lodged in his leg during the crash.

Toronto Fire Department Captain Carl Hinerman said crews worked quickly to stabilize the child before transporting him to the Toronto High School football stadium, where a medical helicopter was waiting.

“Upon arrival, first responders on scene noticed the bike brake pedal was stuck into the kid’s leg,” Hinerman said. “We had the area stabilized and brought him over here to the Toronto football stadium where he was life flighted to Children’s for better care.”

The child was flown to a Pittsburgh-area children’s hospital for treatment.

Officials described the injuries as critical but non-life-threatening. No additional information has been released.

Jingle Bar Teases Big 2026 Announcement

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Jingle Bar has announced that the reveal of its 2026 pop-up location is coming soon.

The holiday-themed attraction shared a teaser on social media, building anticipation for its next season. While the location has not yet been revealed, organizers say an announcement is on the way.

Additional details are expected in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to River News for more updates.

Alliance Police Seeking Public’s Help in Search for Missing 20-Year-Old Man

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ALLIANCE, Ohio — Authorities and family members are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing Alliance man who has not been seen since the early morning hours of June 3.

According to information shared by family members, 20-year-old Nathaniel “Nate” Hang was last seen around 3:16 a.m. on June 3. He was reportedly wearing a black shirt and gray sweatpants at the time of his disappearance.

Hang is described as having dark brown hair, a small build, and weighing approximately 160 pounds. Family members have also noted concerns regarding his mental health.

Investigators say Hang was last known to be driving a white 2010 GMC Canyon pickup truck with Ohio license plate KTM3203. The vehicle was reportedly traveling north on State Route 225 near Armour Street NE in Alliance.

Loved ones are urging residents in the area to review home security footage, Ring camera recordings, and other surveillance systems from the morning of June 3, particularly between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m., for any sign of Hang or his vehicle.

The search has now extended nearly two weeks, and family members continue to seek information that could help bring him home safely.

Anyone who sees Hang, spots the vehicle, or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Alliance Police Department at 330-821-3131.

Authorities encourage anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.

Tornadoes Confirmed, Infrastructure Funding Secured, Former Fire Chief Arrested

Two tornadoes touched down in Columbiana County on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. A survey team confirmed an EF-1 tornado near Salem that tore the metal roof from a warehouse, snapped trees, and scattered debris while causing road closures in the area. Cleanup efforts in Perry Township are expected to continue throughout the week. A second tornado near the Beaver County line is still under review, with an official rating pending.  

Meanwhile, federal funding is heading to two major transportation projects in the Upper Ohio Valley. U.S. Representative Riley Moore presented a $2 million check in Wheeling to support a full reconstruction of the deteriorating Northern Parkway route. In Steubenville, Moore also delivered $1 million for engineering work tied to the planned replacement of the Market Street Bridge. The project follows more than $87 million previously secured through efforts led by Shelley Moore Capito to ultimately replace the aging span.  

In Marshall County, former Moundsville Fire Chief Gary Brandon has been released on bond following his arrest Friday on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors say Brandon faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Brandon was terminated by the City of Moundsville in April amid an ongoing corruption and law enforcement investigation. He is scheduled to appear in magistrate court on June 25.  

RiverNews.org will continue to follow these developing stories and provide updates as more information becomes available.