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River News Headlines: Rate Changes, Court Cases, Tax-Free Weekend and Community Events Across the Ohio Valley

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River News Headlines: Rate Changes, Court Cases, Tax-Free Weekend and Community Events Across the Ohio Valley

OHIO VALLEY — Here are some of the latest headlines from across the Ohio Valley for Tuesday, Aug. 4.

West Virginia regulators have approved a smaller-than-requested rate increase for Mon Power customers. The Public Service Commission approved the increase in two stages, with customers expected to pay about $3.65 more per month beginning this month and another increase of just over $4 scheduled for June 2027. The average monthly bill is expected to reach $145.52, representing an overall increase of approximately 5.6%.

In Belmont County, 20-year-old Autum Sky Palmer is facing a murder charge in connection with the shooting death of her 1-year-old daughter on Buttermilk Road in Morristown. Palmer appeared in court by video and could face decades to life in prison if convicted. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

A Bellaire man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child sex offenses. James White, 26, pleaded guilty to importuning and pandering obscenity involving a minor. Judge John Vavra sentenced White to two and a half years in prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years, with address verification every six months.

St. Clairsville City Council members are divided over a proposed 3% cost-of-living raise for 10 non-union city employees. While funding is reportedly available, some council members expressed concern that the increase could widen existing differences in employee pay. A special council meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.

Ohio’s sales tax holiday returns this weekend, allowing shoppers to make qualifying back-to-school purchases without paying state or local sales tax from midnight Friday through Sunday night. The Ohio Valley Mall is anticipating additional traffic during the weekend as Academy Sports + Outdoors celebrates its grand opening.

The Columbiana County Fair is underway in Lisbon and continues through Sunday. Events include a draft horse pull and Bike Night, with demolition derbies scheduled as part of the fair’s final day.

Steubenville will host the U.S. premiere of the Italian film “The Value of Life” at the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County on Thursday. The film was produced by Salvatore Pate, whose acting career began with “The Godfather.” His son, Steubenville resident Carmine Pate, is scheduled to present the film. Reservations are required.

In Weirton, a new printmaking exhibition titled “Simulated Process” is opening at Summit Art Gallery inside the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau. The exhibition features work by WVU graduate Evan Clough and will remain on display through Aug. 26. A free public reception with the artist is scheduled for Aug. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Stay with River News for continuing coverage of news and events across the Ohio Valley.

Questions Grow Over Flock Camera Use Across the Ohio Valley

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Questions Grow Over Flock Camera Use Across the Ohio Valley

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The use of automated license plate reader cameras continues to generate questions across the Ohio Valley as residents seek more information about why the technology is being installed and how it is being used.

Some of those concerns have surfaced in St. Clairsville, where residents have reported noticing Flock cameras around the community.

Local officials and law enforcement supporters say the cameras are intended to improve public safety by helping authorities identify vehicles connected to crimes, locate wanted individuals and assist with investigations.

Michael Shaheen, an attorney with Shaheen Law Group and solicitor for the Village of Bridgeport, said he believes the technology can be a valuable public safety tool. However, he also acknowledged that communities could provide residents with more information about the cameras and their purpose.

Shaheen said a lack of information can naturally create uncertainty and concern among residents, adding that local administrators have a responsibility to clearly communicate how and why the technology is being used.

As an example of the potential benefits, Shaheen pointed to a previous child abduction case in which he said authorities were able to locate the child in St. Clairsville.

He said the ability to assist law enforcement in situations involving missing or abducted children, wanted individuals and people fleeing authorities demonstrates the potential value of the camera network.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers that capture information from passing vehicles that can then be searched by participating law enforcement agencies.

The growing presence of the cameras has also raised broader questions among residents about surveillance, transparency and how information collected by the systems may be accessed or shared.

The debate comes as more Ohio Valley communities consider how to balance the potential public safety benefits of the technology with residents’ concerns about privacy and government transparency.

Follansbee Secures Additional Federal Funding for Downtown Water Upgrades

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Follansbee Secures Additional Federal Funding for Downtown Water Upgrades

FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. — Follansbee is receiving more than $300,000 in additional federal funding to support a major water infrastructure project planned for the city’s downtown area.

The city has been awarded an additional $312,000 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help fund its ongoing “219 Project,” which focuses on improvements to Follansbee’s downtown water system.

City officials received notification of the additional funding last week.

Mayor Scott McMahon said the money will provide the city with added financial protection if construction expenses exceed initial estimates. While the project already includes funding set aside for typical contingencies, the additional federal money could help cover further cost overruns without requiring the city to take on those unexpected expenses.

The funding comes as Follansbee continues seeking outside financial assistance to improve its aging water infrastructure.

According to McMahon, city officials are also looking at upgrades to several components of the water system, including valves, filters and pumps.

The city hopes to begin work on the improvements as early as next month.

Officials have continued pursuing state and federal funding opportunities as Follansbee works to address infrastructure needs while limiting the financial burden placed on the city and its water customers.

AI-Generated Poster Wins Ohio State Fair Contest, Prompting Backlash and Rule Changes

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AI-Generated Poster Wins Ohio State Fair Contest, Prompting Backlash and Rule Changes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An AI-generated poster awarded first place in an Ohio State Fair competition is drawing criticism from artists and fairgoers, and organizers say artificial intelligence will be prohibited from the contest next year.

The winning entry was created by Christin Billips of Westerville and earned a $1,000 first-place prize. Both professional and amateur artists were permitted to enter the competition.

This year’s theme centered on America’s 250th anniversary while showcasing Ohio history and State Fair traditions.

Following the announcement of the winner, attention quickly turned to the use of artificial intelligence in creating the poster. Critics also pointed to apparent AI-generated errors within the artwork, including inaccurate details on American flags and problems with some of the poster’s lettering and labels.

The controversy has sparked a larger discussion about whether AI-generated work should compete alongside artwork created through traditional methods.

Some artists and fairgoers argued that allowing AI-generated entries creates an unfair comparison with contestants who spend significant time developing and creating their work by hand or through traditional digital design methods.

Art educator Victoria Douglas was among those calling for changes, arguing that rewarding AI-generated work in an art competition diminishes the time, skill and creativity involved in producing original artwork. Douglas has publicly called for AI-generated entries to be prohibited from future state fair competitions.

Despite the criticism, the winning entry did not violate the rules in place for the 2026 competition.

An Ohio State Fair spokesperson acknowledged that advances in artificial intelligence have occurred faster than organizers anticipated and said the competition’s policies will be reevaluated ahead of 2027.

As part of those changes, AI-generated work will be prohibited from the poster competition beginning next year.

Fair officials noted that several other Ohio State Fair art competitions already prohibit artificial intelligence, including its fine arts exhibition, creative arts competition, mural contest and plein air painting.

The controversy comes as art competitions, schools and other organizations across the country continue to determine how AI-generated content should be treated alongside traditionally created work.

West Virginia Woman Facing Attempted Murder Charge Following Randolph County Shooting

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West Virginia Woman Facing Attempted Murder Charge Following Randolph County Shooting

RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. — A West Virginia woman is facing an attempted murder charge following a shooting that authorities say left another person with a gunshot wound to the face.

West Virginia State Police responded to Turkey Bone Road in Pickens on July 31 after receiving a report of shots fired. Deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department and officers with the Elkins Police Department also responded.

According to a criminal complaint, officers encountered 45-year-old Regina Collette of Philippi at the scene. Authorities said Collette was going in and out of consciousness and was transported for medical treatment.

Investigators later interviewed witnesses about what happened before the shooting.

One witness told police that he and the victim had been camping along Turkey Bone Road when Collette and another person approached them and an argument began. According to the complaint, the confrontation escalated into a physical fight between Collette and the victim.

Investigators allege Collette then went to a truck, retrieved a firearm and pointed it toward the victim’s face before firing.

Collette provided authorities with a different account of the confrontation. She reportedly told investigators that the victim was on top of her, hitting her and threatening to kill her before she fired the weapon.

However, another witness told investigators that Collette was standing when she fired after retrieving the gun, according to the complaint.

Collette has been charged with attempted murder and is being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

The charge is an allegation, and Collette is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Free Haircuts, School Supplies Offered to Wheeling Island Students Ahead of New School Year

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Free Haircuts, School Supplies Offered to Wheeling Island Students Ahead of New School Year

WHEELING, W.Va. — Students living on Wheeling Island will have an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year with free haircuts and other back-to-school essentials later this month.

House of the Carpenter will host its “A Fresh Look for School” event on Monday, Aug. 24, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 200 South Front Street in Wheeling. The event is open to school-aged children who live on Wheeling Island. Participating students will be able to receive a haircut along with school supplies and personal hygiene products. Dinner will also be provided.

Organizers say the event is intended to help students begin the academic year feeling prepared and confident. Rev. Dr. Bill Wendell, executive director of House of the Carpenter, said the effort reflects the organization’s mission of addressing immediate needs while helping young people build a stronger future through education.

The organization hopes that providing students with basic necessities and a fresh haircut will help them head back to the classroom ready to focus on the school year ahead. Registration is required to participate in the Aug. 24 event. change the title

Bellaire Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison for Child Sex Offenses

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Bellaire Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison for Child Sex Offenses

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A Bellaire man will spend two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple sex offenses involving minors.

James Louis White, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of importuning and two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor during a court appearance in Belmont County.

Judge John Vavra accepted White’s guilty pleas and imposed a 30-month prison sentence as part of a plea agreement reached in the case.

In addition to serving time in prison, White will be classified as a Tier II sex offender.

Under that classification, White will be required to register his address with authorities every 180 days for 25 years following his release from prison.

The sentence was imposed immediately after White entered his guilty pleas.

Children’s Day Activities Planned at Cockayne Farmstead Farmers Market

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Children’s Day Activities Planned at Cockayne Farmstead Farmers Market

GLEN DALE, W.Va. — Families will have a little extra to look forward to at the Cockayne Farmstead Farmers Market this week, with a special Children’s Day planned for Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The event will run from 3 to 6 p.m. at the historic Glen Dale property and will feature activities geared toward children alongside the market’s regular weekly vendors.

Children will be able to participate in games, cool off in a sprinkler and take part in hands-on activities. Volunteers will also help children plant herbs in pots and create souvenir keychains to take home.

Visitors can also shop a special sale featuring plants, T-shirts, crafts and other merchandise, with proceeds benefiting the Cockayne Farmstead.

The farmers market is held each Wednesday afternoon throughout the season, although participating vendors and available products may change from week to week.

Typical offerings include locally grown produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, herbs, plants, wildflower bouquets, handmade soap, beverages, crafts and other locally made products.

The Cockayne Farmstead is owned by the City of Glen Dale and operated by the Marshall County Historical Society.

Additional information about the farmers market and other events at the historic property is available through the Cockayne Farmstead or by calling 304-845-1411.

Belmont County Mother Charged With Murder in Death of 1-Year-Old Appears in Court

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Belmont County Mother Charged With Murder in Death of 1-Year-Old Appears in Court

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A 20-year-old Belmont County woman accused of killing her 1-year-old child made her first court appearance Monday following a fatal shooting in Morristown.

Autum Sky Palmer appeared by video from the Belmont County Jail, where she is being held in connection with the death of her child, identified in court records by the initials A.S.

The child died Friday following a shooting at a residence on Buttermilk Road in Morristown. Records indicate the child had been born in July 2025 and was one year and three days old at the time of death.

During Monday’s hearing, Belmont County Western Division Court Judge Eric Costine informed Palmer of the murder charge against her and the potential penalties she could face if convicted.

Those penalties could include 20, 25 or 30 years to life in prison, or life without the possibility of parole. An additional three-year prison term could also apply because of a firearm specification attached to the charge.

Palmer requested that a public defender be appointed to represent her.

The court ordered Palmer to remain in the Belmont County Jail without bond while she undergoes a psychological evaluation. Officials also indicated there are concerns regarding Palmer’s potential for self-harm, and precautions have been taken while she remains in custody.

Court officials also clarified confusion surrounding Palmer’s last name. Authorities said Palmer is her maiden name. She previously used the married name Stotelmyer but returned to Palmer following her divorce.

Palmer is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 11.

The case remains pending, and the charge against Palmer is an allegation. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

River News Headlines: August 3, 2026

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River News Headlines: August 3, 2026

Steubenville Road Closure — A busy section of Washington Street in Steubenville is closing for approximately one week beginning Monday. City officials say crews are completing a roughly $25,000 concrete repair to fix pavement damaged by heat.

West Virginia Tax-Free Shopping Ends Tonight — West Virginia’s back-to-school sales tax holiday ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. Qualifying clothing, school supplies, instructional materials, sports equipment and laptops can be purchased without the state’s 6% sales tax, subject to price limits.

Two Motorcycle Riders Killed in Weekend Crashes — Two separate crashes claimed the lives of motorcycle riders in Ohio over the weekend. Trinden Powell, 22, of Meeker, Colorado, died Saturday night after an off-road motorcycle crash on State Route 524 in Jefferson County. Marcus Miller, 26, was killed Sunday in a three-vehicle crash on State Route 39 in Tuscarawas County.

Update Expected in Belmont County Murder Investigation — Authorities are expected to release additional information Monday about a death investigation on Buttermilk Road in Belmont. Autum Stotelmyer, 20, was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated murder. The victim’s identity had not yet been released in the provided newscast.

East Liverpool Man Arrested Following Police Chase — Robert Leroy Byrd, 27, remained in custody early Monday following a pursuit through Mahoning County. The provided newscast reports that Byrd was driving a stolen GMC Acadia that lost tires and vehicle parts during the chase before troopers used a Taser and arrested him near Jackson Township. His bond was set at $50,000.

New Disc Golf Course Opens at Oglebay — Oglebay Park Resort has opened a free 18-hole disc golf course at “The Ridge at Oglebay.” The course is designed for beginners and experienced players and is open from dawn to dusk for both resort guests and the public.

Barton Polka Fest Draws Nearly 1,200 — Rain didn’t stop the 32nd annual Polka Fest in Barton, where nearly 1,200 people gathered for music, dancing and food. The event also raised money toward a new fire station, with visitors reportedly traveling from as far away as Maine and Wisconsin.

WVU Medicine Cancer Center and Federal Drug Program — A federal report cited in the newscast says hospitals purchased $100 billion in discounted drugs last year, including $61.9 billion in cancer treatments. The report connects the program to a planned WVU Medicine cancer center expected to treat approximately 40,000 patients annually.

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