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Two-Vehicle Crash Reported on State Route 88 in Marshall County

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Two-Vehicle Crash Reported on State Route 88 in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — Emergency crews responded Tuesday morning to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 88 near the Mount Olivet ball fields.

The crash was reported at approximately 10:52 a.m., prompting a response from firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel.

Officials at the scene reported that one person was transported to a local hospital. The extent of the individual’s injuries has not been released.

No additional information has been made available regarding what led to the crash, and authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

The incident remains under investigation. River News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Ohio Valley Headlines: What You Need to Know Today

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Ohio Valley Headlines: What You Need to Know Today

OHIO VALLEY — From storm damage and road closures to courthouse projects, public safety, education and community events, here’s a look at some of the top stories making headlines across the Ohio Valley today.

In Jefferson County, engineers are expected to evaluate the extensive damage to Township Road 156 in Wells Township after flash flooding washed out a section of the roadway. The road remains closed while officials determine how it can be safely rebuilt.

In West Virginia, the Department of Education is preparing to launch “Bridging the Future,” a new initiative designed to support students in grades six through eight during the transition into high school. State education leaders say the program will focus on helping middle school students succeed during a critical stage of their academic careers.

A longtime Ohio Valley tradition continued with a heartfelt tribute at Wheeling’s Heritage Port, where this year’s annual car cruise honored its late founder, Rusty Jebbia. Organizers led the event with Jebbia’s own Jeep, celebrating the public servant’s lasting impact on the community.

In Weirton, City Council is expected to consider a proposal to redirect more than $127,000 in federal community grant funding toward the construction of an outdoor gathering space at the Weirton Senior Center. The proposal has generated discussion after concerns were raised about reallocating funding without input from the city’s park board.

Federal drug cases also resulted in lengthy prison sentences for two Ohio Valley residents. Jamie Ann Tanner of New Martinsville was sentenced to 12½ years after pleading guilty in a methamphetamine trafficking case, while Joshua Carney of Wheeling received a five-year federal prison sentence for his role in a drug trafficking operation connected to Cleveland.

Authorities continue investigating two fatal crashes that occurred over the weekend. In Wheeling, police are investigating a fatal bicycle crash on the Heritage Trail near the I-470 Veterans Memorial Bridge. In Belmont County, a motorcyclist was killed after leaving the roadway on County Road 214 and striking a guardrail before colliding with a tree.

Motorists should also be aware of a temporary road closure beginning today as State Route 9 north of St. Clairsville closes for culvert replacement work through July 24. A signed detour will direct traffic along U.S. 40 and State Routes 331 and 9.

Communities across the region also spent the weekend celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Cadiz hosted a day of festivities featuring pancakes, pie contests and fireworks, while Jewett revived its Community Days celebration, bringing residents together with games, food and family activities.

Stay with River News for continuing coverage of these stories and the latest news from across the Ohio Valley.

Big Boy No. 4014 Draws Huge Crowds During Stop in Struthers

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Big Boy No. 4014 Draws Huge Crowds During Stop in Struthers

STRUTHERS, Ohio — Thousands of rail enthusiasts gathered in Struthers over the weekend to welcome Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, as it made a stop during its America 250 Coast to Coast tour.

The historic locomotive traveled through the Mahoning Valley on Norfolk Southern tracks as part of a special collaboration between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Leading the excursion was Ed Dickens, Union Pacific’s senior manager of Heritage Operations and the locomotive’s chief engineer. Dickens has spent years helping restore Big Boy No. 4014 from a museum display into a fully operational steam locomotive.

After seeing the large turnout in Struthers, Dickens said the enthusiastic reception from the community was one of the most memorable moments of the tour.

The restoration and operation of the 1.2-million-pound locomotive has required years of planning and the dedication of hundreds of railroad employees, mechanics and volunteers. Some retired railroad workers even returned to assist with the ongoing operation of the historic engine.

Originally restored in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Big Boy No. 4014 returned to service in 2019 after decades on display and has since traveled thousands of miles across the country, giving communities a chance to experience a living piece of American railroad history.

The Struthers stop was one of several scheduled appearances as the locomotive continues its cross-country journey, drawing large crowds and celebrating the legacy of America’s railroads ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Wintersville to Rebid Cadiz Road Improvement Project After Construction Costs Exceed Estimates

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Wintersville to Rebid Cadiz Road Improvement Project After Construction Costs Exceed Estimates

WINTERSVILLE, Ohio — The Village of Wintersville will seek new bids for its planned Cadiz Road improvement project after all three construction proposals came in well above the project’s estimated cost.

Village Council voted Thursday to reject each of the submitted bids after officials determined they exceeded the engineer’s estimate of approximately $1.83 million by more than Ohio law allows.

Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi said the unexpectedly high bids will require the project to be reevaluated before it can move forward.

Officials now plan to review the project’s specifications to identify areas where costs may be reduced and determine why construction estimates came in significantly higher than anticipated.

The project includes replacing approximately one mile of water line between the village water tank on Woodridge Drive and Park Drive, resurfacing Cadiz Road from Canton Road to Park Drive, replacing sections of sidewalk and installing new ADA-accessible curb ramps.

Three contractors submitted proposals ranging from roughly $2.35 million to more than $2.57 million.

Kosegi said one potential cost-saving measure could involve having the village’s police department handle traffic control during construction rather than contracting that work. Officials also believe uncertainty surrounding future asphalt prices may have contributed to the higher bids.

Mayor Mike Petrella said the village hopes to make revisions quickly and advertise the project for rebidding by the end of July, pending discussions with the project’s engineers and contractors.

In other business, village officials announced that new LED lighting has been installed along Grove Street and the Village Building parking lot, with additional lighting planned for Cadiz Road.

Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli also presented the village with $10,000 in county recreation funding to support local parks and community programs.

The village’s Summer Parks Program will continue through July 31 for children ages 5 to 13, and officials welcomed Lock and Load Coffee Co. as one of Wintersville’s newest businesses.

Council also learned the village received $69,176.53 in marijuana tax revenue from the State of Ohio for June and approved annual dues to the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission.

Village officials said a new text notification system for emergencies such as water main breaks and boil advisories is expected to be available to residents soon.

The next Wintersville Village Council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Motorcyclist Killed in Belmont County Crash; Investigation Still Ongoing

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Motorcyclist Killed in Belmont County Crash; Investigation Still Ongoing

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a rider Saturday afternoon in Belmont County.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers responded to County Road 214 near County Road 30 after receiving reports of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash.

Preliminary findings indicate the motorcycle was traveling west on County Road 214 when it entered a left-hand curve. Investigators say the motorcycle traveled off the right side of the roadway before striking a guardrail and then colliding with a tree.

The rider suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Neff’s Fire and EMS responded to the incident, while the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. T and K Towing removed the motorcycle.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Vehicle Found Submerged in Ohio River Near Rayland Marina Was Unoccupied

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Vehicle Found Submerged in Ohio River Near Rayland Marina Was Unoccupied

RAYLAND, Ohio — Emergency responders were called to the Ohio River Thursday afternoon after reports of a vehicle submerged near Rayland Marina with unknown occupants inside.

The Benwood Fire Department Dive Team responded at the request of Jefferson County, dispatching multiple rescue units, boats and seven personnel to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews used a handheld sonar system to locate and assess the submerged vehicle while dive team members prepared for an underwater search.

Divers entered the river and confirmed the vehicle’s make, model and color before determining that no occupants were inside.

The dive team remained on scene while officials evaluated the situation and ultimately decided the vehicle would not be removed from the river at that time.

The Benwood Fire Department thanked the Brilliant Volunteer Fire Department and the Wheeling Fire Department for assisting during the response, noting that cooperation between neighboring agencies played an important role in safely handling the incident.

Authorities have not released additional information about how the vehicle entered the river or who owns it. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Officer Clark Returns to Shadyside Parade After Three Decades of Service

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Officer Clark Returns to Shadyside Parade After Three Decades of Service

SHADYSIDE, Ohio — A familiar face returned to the Village of Shadyside this week as Officer Clark joined the community’s parade escort, receiving a warm welcome from residents.

Community members celebrated the longtime officer’s return with signs and smiles as he helped lead the parade through town.

According to village officials, Officer Clark dedicated 30 years of service to the Village of Shadyside, earning the respect of residents through his commitment, professionalism and years of service.

His return for the community celebration gave many residents an opportunity to thank him for his decades of dedication and recognize the lasting impact he has made on the village.

Village leaders said it was a special moment to welcome Officer Clark back to Shadyside and honor his years of service to the community.

Belmont County Veterans Plaza Project Set to Begin in August

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Belmont County Veterans Plaza Project Set to Begin in August

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Construction is expected to begin next month on the long-awaited Veterans Plaza project at the Belmont County Courthouse, marking a major milestone after years of planning.

Belmont County officials say work is scheduled to get underway in mid-August on the approximately $4 million project, with completion expected by May 31, 2027.

The Veterans Plaza project has been in development for nearly a decade and is designed to improve both accessibility and the appearance of the historic courthouse grounds.

Planned improvements include upgrades to the courthouse’s exterior stairways, railings and sidewalks, along with the creation of a new public plaza honoring military veterans.

County officials said construction will temporarily impact pedestrian access around portions of the courthouse. However, the lower-level public entrance will remain open throughout the project to ensure residents can continue accessing county offices.

Commissioners say preserving the courthouse while improving its accessibility has been a priority throughout the planning process.

The Belmont County Courthouse, one of the county’s most recognizable landmarks, recently underwent an extensive restoration project. Officials say the new Veterans Plaza will complement those improvements while creating a welcoming public space for visitors and honoring those who have served in the nation’s armed forces.

Once completed, the plaza is expected to become a permanent gathering place for ceremonies, community events and veterans’ memorial activities in the heart of downtown St. Clairsville.

Smithfield Car Show Attracts Nearly 80 Vehicles, Celebrates Automotive History

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Smithfield Car Show Attracts Nearly 80 Vehicles, Celebrates Automotive History

SMITHFIELD, Ohio — Classic cars, motorcycles and modern vehicles filled the grounds in Smithfield this week as nearly 80 entries gathered for a community car show celebrating more than a century of automotive history.

Organizers said this year’s turnout far exceeded expectations, growing significantly from last year’s event, which featured just over 20 vehicles.

The show was organized by the Smithfield Historical Society as part of the community’s new Community Advisory Committee, a partnership of township officials and local organizations focused on bringing additional events and activities to the village.

Visitors had the opportunity to admire a wide variety of vehicles, including antique automobiles, classic muscle cars, motorcycles and brand-new 2026 models.

One of the event’s standout attractions was a 1977 Dodge Charger Daytona owned by Jim Crews. The rare vehicle, one of only 5,225 produced, has remained remarkably well preserved and still retains its original factory paint after nearly five decades.

In addition to the vehicles on display, the event featured food vendors, a Chinese auction and dozens of awards presented to participants, including 50 commemorative dash plaques.

Organizers said hosting the show at the historic Smithfield Spartan Stadium added a nostalgic atmosphere, allowing many attendees to reconnect with memories of the community while showcasing vehicles from different eras.

Local leaders credited strong community support for the event’s success and said they hope to continue expanding activities that bring residents and visitors together.

Following this year’s strong turnout, organizers say they are already looking ahead to making next year’s Smithfield Car Show even bigger.

Harrison County Museum Preserves the Region’s Coal Mining Legacy

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Harrison County Museum Preserves the Region’s Coal Mining Legacy

CADIZ, Ohio — Visitors to the Harrison County History of Coal Museum can step back in time and explore the industry’s lasting impact on the Ohio Valley and Appalachian region.

Located on East Market Street in Cadiz, the museum houses hundreds of artifacts, photographs, tools and exhibits that tell the story of coal mining and the generations of workers who helped shape the area’s economy.

Museum officials say the goal is to preserve the history of an industry that played a vital role throughout eastern Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the broader Appalachian region.

The museum’s location in Harrison County reflects the area’s deep mining roots. Numerous coal mines once operated throughout the county, and many of the exhibits highlight equipment and stories unique to the Ohio Valley.

Among the museum’s most notable displays are exhibits dedicated to the massive earth-moving machines that once operated in Harrison County, including the legendary GEM of Egypt and the Mountaineer. These enormous machines were among the largest of their kind and became symbols of the region’s mining industry.

Museum representatives say the exhibits are designed not only to showcase the equipment used throughout mining history but also to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who worked in the coal industry.

The Harrison County History of Coal Museum continues to serve as an educational resource for residents and visitors alike, preserving an important chapter of local history while honoring the workers whose efforts helped build communities across the Ohio Valley.

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