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Seeing Hand Association to Host Bob Hicks Memorial Scholarship Steak Fry in Wheeling

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Seeing Hand Association to Host Bob Hicks Memorial Scholarship Steak Fry in Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. — The Seeing Hand Association will bring the community together this October for its annual Bob Hicks Memorial Scholarship Steak Fry.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at American Legion Post 1 in Wheeling.

Tickets are $30 per person and include a steak dinner, soda and draft beer. The evening will also feature music from DJ Johnny O, a cash bar and a 50/50 drawing.

The annual event supports the Bob Hicks Memorial Scholarship and is presented by the Seeing Hand Association, a Wheeling-based organization serving people who are blind or visually impaired.

Organizers note that outside alcohol will not be permitted at the event.

Those interested in attending can purchase tickets or get additional information by calling 304-232-4810.

River News Headlines: Murder Trial, Missing Teen, School Funding Lawsuit and Well Pad Explosion

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River News Headlines: Murder Trial, Missing Teen, School Funding Lawsuit and Well Pad Explosion

OHIO VALLEY — Several court, public safety and education stories are developing across the Ohio Valley, including an upcoming Belmont County murder trial, the search for a missing Barnesville teenager and a legal challenge involving West Virginia’s school funding system.

Andrew Isaac Griffin is headed to trial after a plea deadline passed without an agreement. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Oct. 21, with opening statements set for Oct. 26. Griffin is accused of killing Thomas and Angela Strussion at their Belmont home and faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

In Barnesville, law enforcement agencies are asking for the public’s help locating 17-year-old Taylor Stine. Police say she has been missing since Sept. 24. Stine is described as 5 feet, 2 inches tall with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Barnesville Police at 740-425-1976.

In Marshall County, an explosion and fire occurred Friday morning at the EQT Hines Pad near Limestone. Marshall County Emergency Management Director Tom Hart said a condensate tank exploded. No injuries were reported, and firefighters extinguished the fire in less than an hour.

Meanwhile, the West Virginia chapter of the ACLU has filed a lawsuit asking the state Supreme Court to order changes to the formula used to fund the state’s 55 county school systems. The organization argues the current funding structure violates the West Virginia Constitution, while the governor’s office has characterized the lawsuit as premature.

Across the river in Ohio, State Senate Education Chairman Andrew Brenner is raising questions about how taxpayer dollars are distributed among school districts. Brenner said on the Senate Majority’s podcast that rural and suburban taxpayers pay higher property taxes to finance urban districts.

In Harrison County, two new cemetery markers in Cadiz are honoring veterans from early periods of American history. One recognizes a veteran of the American Revolution, while the other honors a veteran of the War of 1812. The Ohio Sons of the American Revolution assisted in acquiring the markers.

Trunk or Treat Planned in Downtown Wheeling

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Trunk or Treat Planned in Downtown Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. — Families are invited to celebrate Halloween in downtown Wheeling with a Trunk or Treat event hosted by The Health Plan.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. at 1110 Main Street in Wheeling.

The Halloween gathering will give children and families an opportunity to enjoy a community Trunk or Treat as the holiday approaches.

The event is being organized by The Health Plan, with additional information expected to be shared closer to the date.

Fantasy in Lights Parade Returns to Wheeling in November

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Fantasy in Lights Parade Returns to Wheeling in November

WHEELING, W.Va. — A holiday tradition will return to downtown Wheeling this November as the Main Street Bank Fantasy in Lights Parade prepares to welcome the Christmas season.

The annual parade is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, bringing holiday lights, decorated floats and community groups together for one of Wheeling’s seasonal celebrations.

Organized by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fantasy in Lights Parade traditionally draws spectators downtown as local organizations, businesses and other participants make their way through the city in holiday-themed displays.

This year’s event is once again presented under the Main Street Bank name.

Additional information, including the parade start time, route and other event details, was not included in the announcement.

$11 Microchip Clinic Coming to St. Clairsville in October

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$11 Microchip Clinic Coming to St. Clairsville in October

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Local pet owners will have an opportunity to have their animals microchipped at a reduced cost during an upcoming clinic hosted by The Road Home Animal Project.

The microchip clinic is scheduled for Oct. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kevin Barr Event Center, formerly the Ruritan Building, at 124 S. Sugar St. in St. Clairsville.

Microchips will be offered for $11 per animal. The small identification chip can help reunite lost pets with their owners when the chip is scanned and the owner’s contact information is properly registered.

Advance registration is required for the clinic. Those interested can call 304-312-6882 to receive the registration and payment link. Registration is not considered confirmed until payment has been made.

The clinic provides area pet owners with a low-cost opportunity to add a permanent form of identification for their animals ahead of the fall and holiday seasons.

I-70 East On-Ramp from Market Street Closed in Wheeling

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I-70 East On-Ramp from Market Street Closed in Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. — Drivers traveling through downtown Wheeling should be aware of a reported ramp closure Sunday morning.

The Interstate 70 East on-ramp from Market Street leading toward the Wheeling Tunnel is closed as of approximately 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, according to a post from Ohio Valley Sirens and Shenanigans.

Motorists who normally use the Market Street entrance to access I-70 East should plan for an alternate route and allow additional travel time.

The duration and reason for the closure were not immediately provided.

River News will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Bath & Body Works Returning to Hollywood Shopping Plaza

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Bath & Body Works Returning to Hollywood Shopping Plaza

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Bath & Body Works is returning to the Hollywood Shopping Plaza in Steubenville.

The retailer is expected to open a location at the shopping plaza, bringing the popular fragrance and personal care store back to the area.

Bath & Body Works is known for its body care products, candles, home fragrances, soaps and seasonal collections.

Additional details, including an official opening date and store hours, have not yet been announced.

River News will provide updates as more information about the new location becomes available.

Inaugural Chili Cook-Off Brings Community Together in Brooke County

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Inaugural Chili Cook-Off Brings Community Together in Brooke County

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. — A new community tradition got off to a successful start as the inaugural Chili Cook-Off brought local businesses, organizations and residents together for a day of friendly competition.

Three winners were recognized during the event. Lee Day Report Center earned the People’s Choice Award, while Uncle Davee’s took home the Judges’ Choice Award. The Brooke County Sheriff’s Department won the Battle of the Badge competition.

Organizers credited the success of the first-year event to the support of 22 sponsors, volunteers and community partners.

Judging duties were handled by Twila from McDonald’s, Craig from the Herald-Star and Tony from Howard Hanna Real Estate. Members of Brooke High School’s FBLA also volunteered during the event.

Co-chairs Taylor and Jess helped organize the cook-off, which was created as an opportunity to strengthen connections between the community and area businesses.

Following the inaugural turnout, organizers described the event as a success and thanked the sponsors, judges, volunteers, participants and residents who helped make the first Chili Cook-Off possible.

Harvest Moon to Light Up Ohio Skies Saturday Night

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Harvest Moon to Light Up Ohio Skies Saturday Night

OHIO — Ohio residents will have a chance to catch September’s Harvest Moon lighting up the night sky this weekend.

The moon officially reaches its full phase at 12:49 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, Sept. 26, according to astronomical data from the U.S. Naval Observatory. Because the exact moment occurs during daylight hours, the full moon will be best viewed after sunset Saturday evening as it rises into the eastern sky.

The Harvest Moon is the name traditionally given to the full moon occurring closest to the autumn equinox. This year’s autumn equinox occurred on Sept. 22, making Saturday’s full moon the Harvest Moon.

The name dates back to a time when farmers relied on the moon’s evening light to continue harvesting crops after sunset. Around the Harvest Moon, the time between successive moonrises is shorter than usual in the Northern Hemisphere, providing several evenings of additional light.

For Ohio residents hoping to see it, no special equipment is necessary. The moon will be visible with the naked eye, although binoculars can provide a closer look at features on the lunar surface.

The moon will appear nearly full Friday and Saturday nights, but Saturday marks the official full moon, making Saturday evening the main opportunity for Ohioans to head outside and take in this year’s Harvest Moon.

Source: U.S. Naval Observatory

Ohio Awarded $273 Million to Upgrade Electric Grid Infrastructure

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Ohio Awarded $273 Million to Upgrade Electric Grid Infrastructure

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is set to receive $273 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to modernize the state’s existing high-voltage electric infrastructure as electricity demand continues to increase.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced the funding on Sept. 24 as part of the federal Speed to Power through Accelerated Re-conductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades initiative, known as SPARK. Ohio Governor’s Office announcement

According to the Governor’s Office, $137 million of the award will be allocated to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. PUCO will work with transmission utilities to deploy technology designed to increase how much electricity existing transmission infrastructure can carry.

State officials estimate the improvements could add the equivalent of 5,820 megawatts of capacity to Ohio’s electric grid. The goal is to increase capacity through upgrades to infrastructure already in place, reducing the need for additional power plants or transmission lines.

The investment comes as Ohio prepares for increased electricity demand over the next decade, including demand associated with new businesses, manufacturing operations and other large electricity users.

Ohio had already taken steps toward using advanced transmission technology through House Bill 15, which was enacted in 2025. PUCO has also studied opportunities for deploying the technology across the state.

The $273 million award will allow Ohio to move forward with those efforts while focusing on increasing the capacity of the existing transmission system.

Source: Ohio Governor’s Office, Sept. 24, 2026.

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