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River News Headlines — October 5, 2026

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Ohio Voter Registration Deadline Today

Monday is the final day for Ohioans to register to vote ahead of the November election. The deadline is 9 p.m., with county boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office remaining open until then.

More Than 8,000 Visit The Wall That Heals in Belmont County

More than 8,000 people visited The Wall That Heals during its four-day stop at the Belmont County Fairgrounds. The three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial concluded its local visit with a closing ceremony Sunday.

Missing Teen Sought in New Martinsville

New Martinsville Police are asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Lillyonna Thompson, who was reported missing Saturday. Police say she also goes by Lilly or Jackson and has red-and-black hair. As of early Monday morning, she remained missing. Anyone with information is asked to call New Martinsville Police at 304-455-9100.

Weirton Water Board Searching for New Director

The Weirton Area Water Board is preparing to interview candidates as longtime director Butch Mastrantoni prepares to retire Oct. 16 after 35 years. Three applications have been received, and board members say an interim director could be named Oct. 15.

Ohio Deer Hunters See Strong Start to Archery Season

Ohio hunters checked in more than 8,400 white-tailed deer during the early portion of archery season, nearly 60% more than during the same period last year, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Hopedale Haunted Trail Continues This Month

The Hopedale American Legion Post 682 Haunted Trail returns for several more weekends in October. Upcoming dates are Oct. 9–10, Oct. 16–17 and Oct. 23–24. The trail opens at 7 p.m., admission is $10 per person and children under 5 are admitted free.

Canfield Fair Incident Draws Dispute Over Cooperation

Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro said Friday that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton’s campaign was “ghosting” law enforcement in connection with an alleged assault attempt at the Canfield Fair. Acton’s campaign disputes that characterization and says it has cooperated by providing a list of people who were in the tent and eyewitnesses’ cell phones.

49ers Owner Jed York Suspended

San Francisco 49ers owner and Mahoning Valley native Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000 following a prostitution sting in East Palestine, according to the supplied newscast, which attributes the information to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The newscast says York is expected to return Oct. 20.

Woman Injured in Reported Stabbing in Steubenville

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Emergency crews responded to West Adams Street Sunday afternoon following a report that a woman had been stabbed.

The incident was reported around 1:45 p.m. Responders were advised that a woman had suffered a stab wound to her side.

Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the area. Radio traffic indicated officers were also searching for a male who was reportedly seen moving through the area of Washington Street, 10th Street and South Penn Street. His connection to the reported stabbing had not been officially confirmed.

Air medical transportation was requested and was reported on the ground shortly after 2 p.m. The woman was transported around 2:15 p.m., according to initial radio traffic.

Her condition was not immediately available.

No information was provided regarding what led to the incident, whether anyone had been taken into custody or whether charges had been filed.

This incident still remains under investigation.

Motorcycle Crash Reported on Route 250 in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — Emergency crews responded to a motorcycle crash along Route 250 Saturday afternoon.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the crash was reported around 3:28 p.m. The initial call indicated a motorcycle had gone over a guardrail and the rider may have been thrown from the motorcycle.

Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene, and air medical transportation was initially contacted. Shortly after crews arrived, however, units advised air medical to stand down.

By approximately 3:42 p.m., responders indicated the roadway could reopen once the ambulance cleared the scene.

No information was immediately available regarding the rider’s condition, the exact location of the crash or what caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.

Additional details have not been released.

Buildings Reportedly Broken Into at Wheeling I-470 Ballfields

WHEELING, W.Va. — Authorities are investigating after multiple buildings at the I-470 Ballfields in Wheeling were reportedly broken into overnight.

According to initial emergency radio traffic Sunday morning, Wheeling Parks and Recreation reported around 9:45 a.m. that all of the buildings at the ballfield complex appeared to have been entered.

Officials were taking inventory of the buildings to determine whether any property was missing.

Police were notified of the reported break-ins. No information was immediately available regarding possible suspects, the extent of any damage or whether anything had been stolen.

The incident remains under investigation.

Free Haunted House Coming to Moundsville This October

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — A free, family-friendly haunted house is coming to Moundsville for several nights leading up to Halloween.

The Moundsville Free Haunted House will be held at 40 Henry Lane beginning Thursday, Oct. 15. The attraction will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31.

Thursday hours will run from 7 to 10 p.m., while the haunted house will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Organizers describe the attraction as family-friendly and say admission is completely free.

The event gives local families another Halloween activity to enjoy throughout the second half of October, with multiple opportunities to visit before Halloween night.

Hopedale American Legion Haunted Trail Returns for 2026 Halloween Season

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HOPEDALE, OH — A Halloween tradition is returning to Harrison County this October as Hopedale American Legion Post 682 prepares to open its Haunted Trail for the 2026 season.

The Haunted Trail begins Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, with additional nights scheduled for Oct. 9–10, Oct. 16–17 and Oct. 23–24.

Tickets will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night, with the trail opening at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person, while children under 5 can enter for free.

The attraction features local participants bringing a variety of scares to the trail throughout the evening. Organizers describe the event as a community tradition that also supports local veterans and the surrounding community.

The Haunted Trail is hosted by Hopedale American Legion Post 682 and the Sons of the American Legion in Hopedale.

Three-Vehicle Crash Reported on I-70 West

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OHIO VALLEY — Emergency crews responded to a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 West Wednesday evening.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the crash was reported around 6:43 p.m. near mile marker 7.

Police, fire and EMS units were dispatched to the scene after reports indicated three vehicles were involved.

No information was immediately available regarding injuries, the extent of damage or what led to the crash.

Motorists traveling through the area could experience delays while emergency crews work at the scene.

River News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

River News Headlines — October 2, 2026

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Wintersville Residents Report Missing Water and Sewer Bills

Wintersville residents say water and sewer bills have repeatedly gone missing in the mail for more than a year. Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi attributed the problem to mail processing in Pittsburgh during Thursday’s council meeting. Residents can pay their bills in person or online, and payments remain due on the 20th. News headlines 100226

Ohio Gas Tax Paused for 90 Days

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 Thursday, temporarily pausing the state gasoline tax for 90 days. The change amounts to about 38 cents per gallon for unleaded gasoline and 47 cents per gallon for diesel. Retailers have a three-day grace period, with the savings expected to reach drivers no later than Sunday. Newscast B 100226

John Marshall High School Reopens, Homecoming Activities Continue

John Marshall High School is reopening Friday after Marshall County Schools canceled all activities at the school Thursday, including the homecoming parade. The district says homecoming activities scheduled for Friday will continue as planned. Newscast A 100226

Investigation Continues Into Moundsville Double Homicide

Law enforcement continues to investigate a double homicide in Moundsville. Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty identified the victims as David and Monica Will, with Monica identified as a teacher at John Marshall High School. According to the newscast, deputies encountered 25-year-old Cyle Fabrizio holding the couple’s 16-year-old daughter at gunpoint when they arrived early Thursday. A deputy fatally shot Fabrizio, and the couple’s children are now safe with family. Newscast A 100226

Ohio Preparing New Requirements for Math Textbooks

Ohio is preparing a list of approved mathematics textbooks, expected to be released in April 2027. According to the newscast, roughly 450 lower-performing schools will be required to use approved materials. The changes have raised concerns among some educators about the state having greater control over classroom materials. Newscast A 100226

Google Opening Satellite Office at Ohio State

Google plans to open a satellite office at Ohio State University this fall, described in the newscast as the company’s first space on a university campus. The partnership is expected to provide Ohio State researchers with access to Google DeepMind while offering students internships, AI tools and career resources. Newscast A 100226

Jefferson County Commissioners Discuss Prime Time Levy

Jefferson County commissioners discussed funding for senior services and the Prime Time levy during Thursday’s meeting. The levy is scheduled to appear on the November ballot, while the nonprofit Our Place is seeking a share of the funding. Commissioner Tony Morelli said he wants to consider the potential impact before making a decision. Newscast B 100226

West Virginia Revenue Finishes September Above Estimates

West Virginia collected approximately $570 million in revenue during September, finishing nearly $16 million above estimates. Officials cautioned that inflation and higher interest rates could create financial challenges later. Newscast B 100226

Historic Train Station Could Reopen to Visitors

A nearly 200-year-old train station tied to the early history of American rail travel could soon welcome visitors again. The newscast notes plans for the historic site but does not provide additional details about its location or reopening timeline. Newscast B 100226

Two-Vehicle Crash Reported on Route 250 Near Cameron

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CAMERON, W.Va. — Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash along Route 250 in Marshall County Thursday morning.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the crash was reported around 9:46 a.m. in the area of Highland Cemetery near Cameron.

Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene. Initial reports indicated there were no injuries.

Both vehicles remained drivable following the crash, and a tow truck was not needed.

No additional information about the circumstances leading to the crash was immediately available.

Multiple Vehicles Reportedly Entered Overnight in Wheeling Area

WHEELING, W.Va. — Authorities were investigating reports of vehicles being entered overnight in the Mil Acres area of Wheeling Thursday morning.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, a caller on Courtland Avenue reported a theft from a vehicle shortly before 9 a.m. The caller also believed other vehicles in the neighborhood may have been entered during the overnight hours.

Three vehicles were being added to the report as officers investigated.

Authorities also responded to the Glen Hollin area to review surveillance footage connected to the incidents. Additional video footage was reportedly located near Faircrest Drive later Thursday morning.

The investigation was continuing as of approximately 10:14 a.m. No information was immediately available regarding what was taken, whether any vehicles were damaged or whether authorities had identified a suspect.

Residents in the area may want to check their vehicles and security cameras for anything unusual from overnight. Vehicle owners are also encouraged to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside.

River News will update the story if additional information is released by authorities.