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Hazardous Materials Cleanup Planned at Abandoned Oceana Property

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Hazardous Materials Cleanup Planned at Abandoned Oceana Property

OCEANA, W.Va. — State and federal environmental agencies are preparing to remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners property in Wyoming County.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection inspected the abandoned building after receiving a complaint from a resident. Inspectors found the property in significant disrepair, with a partially collapsed roof, unsecured entrances and containers holding dry-cleaning chemicals and other waste. Some of the containers were reportedly open or leaking.

Materials found at the site include tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or “perc,” a synthetic solvent commonly used in dry-cleaning operations.

WVDEP issued an enforcement order requiring the property to be cleaned and coordinated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 3 office to arrange a federal removal operation.

EPA contractors were expected to arrive Friday, with initial waste-containment work scheduled to begin Saturday.

Officials said removing the materials now will reduce the possibility of additional releases caused by severe weather or further deterioration of the building.

No immediate threat has been identified for neighboring residents or businesses.

WVDEP and the EPA will continue evaluating the property as work progresses and may adjust safety measures based on conditions found during the cleanup. Additional updates are expected to be provided to the Oceana community.

Wellsburg Kiwanis Continues Decades-Long Chicken Dinner Tradition

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Wellsburg Kiwanis Continues Decades-Long Chicken Dinner Tradition

WELLSBURG, W.Va. — The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club held its annual chicken dinner fundraiser Thursday, continuing a community tradition that began in 1950.

Club members expected to sell approximately 450 dinners during the event. Each meal included a half chicken prepared by Chef Jim DeMundo, along with a baked potato, roll and cookie.

Money raised through the sale supports Kiwanis projects benefiting children and families throughout Brooke County.

The club’s local work includes installing buddy benches at schools, supporting community shelters and completing other projects focused on area youth.

Wellsburg Kiwanis President Eric Fithyan said early versions of the fundraiser involved club members building pits and cooking the chicken themselves. Although the preparation has changed over the years, the dinner has continued with support from generations of Wellsburg residents.

The organization plans to continue the annual fundraiser in the years ahead.

New Jefferson County JVS Program Prepares Students for Fire and EMS Careers

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New Jefferson County JVS Program Prepares Students for Fire and EMS Careers

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School can now receive training for careers in firefighting and emergency medical services.

The new program launched with the start of the 2026-27 school year after approximately five years of planning. School officials worked with Wintersville Fire and Rescue and the Gary R. Fellows Training Academy to develop the course.

Local emergency departments have reported difficulty finding qualified firefighter-EMTs. The program is intended to introduce students to the field earlier and create a pipeline of trained first responders within the region.

Jefferson County JVS Principal Heather Hoover said the course complements the school’s existing career-technical pathways while addressing a workforce need found locally and across Ohio.

Students will receive classroom instruction and practical training related to fire and emergency medical response. Those who complete the program are expected to graduate with professional Firefighter II certification and EMT credentials, along with other supporting training.

Wintersville Fire and Rescue Chief Rob Herrington said the program could help area departments recruit locally instead of searching outside the Ohio Valley for qualified employees.

Harmony House Celebrates 15 Years of Child Advocacy in Belmont County

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Harmony House Celebrates 15 Years of Child Advocacy in Belmont County

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Harmony House is celebrating 15 years of providing therapy, advocacy and other services to children and families in Belmont County.

The organization’s St. Clairsville location opened Aug. 25, 2011. Its services include forensic interviews, therapy and support for children and families affected by abuse and trauma.

During the past year, Harmony House served 565 clients and family members, conducted 346 interviews and provided 592 therapy sessions. Staff members also completed more than 2,000 advocacy efforts, while community education programs reached over 10,000 people.

Referrals to Harmony House generally begin with law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office or child protective services. Once a referral is made, the organization provides its services at no cost to families.

During its anniversary celebration, Harmony House recognized the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, county commissioners and the Department of Job and Family Services for supporting its work.

The organization also honored Pam McCort, who helped establish Harmony House in Ohio, founding Executive Director Leslie Vassilaros and recently retired Executive Director Rita Coyne.

Harmony House officials said the anniversary recognizes both the organization’s history and the people who will continue its mission of protecting and supporting local children.

WVNCC Begins Academic Year Under New Leadership

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WVNCC Begins Academic Year Under New Leadership

WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia Northern Community College welcomed students back to class Monday while beginning the academic year with a new president and recently completed exterior renovations.

Dr. Andrew Langrehr officially assumed the presidency last week. He comes to WVNCC from Iowa and has held several leadership positions within the community college system.

Langrehr succeeds Dr. Daniel Mosser, who announced his retirement in June.

The new president said his priorities include ensuring the college’s academic programs meet regional needs and continuing to invest in WVNCC employees.

Langrehr also emphasized the role community colleges play in preparing students for employment or additional education. Programs such as nursing and welding can provide direct paths into the workforce, while other students may use WVNCC as an affordable starting point before transferring to another institution.

He said the college is positioned to demonstrate the value of its programs through lower education costs and career opportunities for graduates.

United Way Launches Annual Jefferson County Campaign

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United Way Launches Annual Jefferson County Campaign

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The United Way of Jefferson County opened its annual campaign Thursday during the organization’s Day of Action Breakfast.

The event brought together volunteers, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members to discuss priorities for the coming year and encourage local service.

Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford said the Day of Action demonstrates the United Way’s role in connecting community partners with nonprofit organizations that need volunteer assistance.

The organization also recognized Linda Slowikowski as its Volunteer of the Year. Slowikowski emphasized the importance of cooperation in maintaining services for residents who need additional support.

Snyder-Crawford pointed to a previous Meals of Hope project as an example of what coordinated volunteerism can accomplish. During that effort, participants prepared 38,000 meals in approximately two hours.

Residents interested in volunteering or supporting the campaign can visit unitedway-jc.org or contact the United Way of Jefferson County at 740-284-9000.

United Way Launches Annual Jefferson County Campaign

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United Way Launches Annual Jefferson County Campaign

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The United Way of Jefferson County opened its annual campaign Thursday during the organization’s Day of Action Breakfast.

The event brought together volunteers, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members to discuss priorities for the coming year and encourage local service.

Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford said the Day of Action demonstrates the United Way’s role in connecting community partners with nonprofit organizations that need volunteer assistance.

The organization also recognized Linda Slowikowski as its Volunteer of the Year. Slowikowski emphasized the importance of cooperation in maintaining services for residents who need additional support.

Snyder-Crawford pointed to a previous Meals of Hope project as an example of what coordinated volunteerism can accomplish. During that effort, participants prepared 38,000 meals in approximately two hours.

Residents interested in volunteering or supporting the campaign can visit unitedway-jc.org or contact the United Way of Jefferson County at 740-284-9000.

Hillndale Fire Department Adds Upgraded Ambulance to Fleet

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Hillndale Fire Department Adds Upgraded Ambulance to Fleet

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The Hillndale Fire Department received an upgraded ambulance Thursday, marking its first major ambulance acquisition in approximately 20 years.

The department funded the unit through taxpayer support and community fundraisers. Hillndale Fire Chief Jeffrey Cline said the department answers approximately 200 calls each year within a 12-mile service area.

To control costs, the department reused the patient compartment from its 2005 ambulance and mounted it on a new 2027 chassis. The updated unit also includes improvements to its heating and cooling equipment, electrical system and emergency lighting.

Cline said a new ambulance purchased two decades ago cost approximately $90,000. Comparable units now typically cost between $350,000 and $400,000 before customization.

Department officials expect the upgraded ambulance to improve response times and reduce Hillndale’s reliance on emergency medical assistance from neighboring communities.

Cadiz Appoints New Water Treatment Operator of Record

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Cadiz Appoints New Water Treatment Operator of Record

CADIZ, Ohio — Cadiz Village Council has formally appointed Austin McCann as the community’s water treatment operator of record.

Council members approved an emergency ordinance Thursday creating a full-time position for the role. McCann was selected for the job after serving in the position since former operator Jim Jenkins left earlier this month.

McCann holds a Class III water treatment operator certification, qualifying him to oversee operations at the village’s water treatment facility.

The emergency designation allowed the ordinance to take effect immediately.

National Collectors Visit Bellaire to Explore Glassmaking History

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National Collectors Visit Bellaire to Explore Glassmaking History

BELLAIRE, Ohio — Glass collectors from across the country visited the Imperial Glass Museum on Thursday to learn more about Bellaire’s industrial heritage.

Members of the National Milk Glass Collectors Society toured the museum as part of the organization’s annual convention in Belmont County. Attendees traveled from several states, including Texas, Arizona and California.

The organization studies and preserves milk glass, a type of opaque glass produced in a variety of decorative patterns and colors.

During the museum tour, visitors viewed historic pieces manufactured in Bellaire and learned about the workers and companies that helped establish the village as the “Glass City.”

Museum representatives also discussed the former Imperial Glass Factory, known for producing decorative American-made glass. Displays highlighting factory employees gave visitors a closer look at the people behind the region’s glassmaking industry.

Following the tour, the museum hosted a roundtable discussion featuring former Imperial Glass Factory employees, who shared their experiences and knowledge of the facility’s history.

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