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Records Show Butyl Acrylate Reached Ohio River Water Intakes After East Palestine Derailment

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Records Show Butyl Acrylate Reached Ohio River Water Intakes After East Palestine Derailment

TORONTO, Ohio — Records from the City of Toronto show that butyl acrylate associated with the February 2023 East Palestine train derailment was detected in the Ohio River and in raw-water samples taken from several regional locations.

Testing conducted Feb. 8, 2023, showed butyl acrylate at 12.5 parts per billion at Lock 57 Park. Samples also showed 2.94 ppb at the Buckeye water treatment plant raw-water intake and 1.23 ppb at the Steubenville water treatment plant raw-water intake.

At Toronto’s raw-water intake, results were reported as less than 1.0 ppb, meaning the sample did not contain a quantifiable concentration at or above that reporting level.

The City of Toronto said the chemical traveled through waterways connected to the derailment site before reaching the Ohio River.

City officials said Toronto increased its use of powdered activated carbon and utilized other treatment measures as precautions. According to the city’s Feb. 14, 2023 statement, those processes were being used to remove butyl acrylate from raw water before it entered the finished drinking-water supply.

The records document conditions immediately following the February 2023 derailment and should not be interpreted as evidence that butyl acrylate is currently present in the region’s drinking water.

UPDATE: U.S. 250 Reopens After Utility Line Debris Cleared From Roadway

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UPDATE: U.S. 250 Reopens After Utility Line Debris Cleared From Roadway

HARRISON COUNTY, Ohio — U.S. Route 250 has reopened after utility line debris forced the highway to close in both directions Tuesday morning.

The closure was reported at Mizer Road near mile marker 11.6 along U.S. 250, between the Cadiz and Dennison areas. Utility lines and debris had been blocking the roadway, prompting officials to close the highway and advise motorists to use alternate routes.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the debris has been cleared and traffic is once again able to travel through the area.

The closure was initially reported Tuesday morning, with the roadway still closed as of 8:29 a.m. No estimated reopening time had been provided at that point.

Motorists traveling along U.S. 250 can now proceed through the previously affected section.

Flock Camera Alert Leads to Arrest in Belmont County

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Flock Camera Alert Leads to Arrest in Belmont County

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A license plate reader alert led authorities to a vehicle connected to a wanted person late Monday night, ultimately ending with one person being taken into custody in Bellaire.

The incident began around 11:19 p.m. when a Flock automated license plate reader generated an alert for a black Toyota Echo near Marion and Howard streets in Bridgeport. The vehicle was reportedly associated with a person wanted out of Bellaire.

Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified following the initial alert.

A short time later, the vehicle reportedly triggered another Flock camera. Authorities then located the vehicle at the Circle K in Bellaire, with troopers responding to the location around 11:26 p.m.

Law enforcement was on scene at the Circle K by approximately 11:34 p.m.

By 11:51 p.m., one person had been taken into custody. Ohio State Highway Patrol later cleared the scene, with Bridgeport authorities retaining custody.

The specific identity of the person taken into custody and the nature of the warrant were not immediately available.

The incident comes as automated license plate reader systems continue to expand across the Ohio Valley. The technology automatically captures vehicle and license plate information and can generate alerts when a vehicle matches information entered into law enforcement databases.

At the same time, the growing use of Flock cameras has raised broader questions about privacy, data retention and how information collected by the systems is shared among law enforcement agencies.

River News has previously reported on the locations and use of Flock cameras throughout the Ohio Valley and will continue following their deployment and use by local agencies.

Martins Ferry Without Water After Crash Damages City Water System

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Martins Ferry Without Water After Crash Damages City Water System

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — Residents across Martins Ferry are without water service following a traffic crash Tuesday morning that damaged part of the city’s water system.

According to an update from the City of Martins Ferry, water service will remain off until further notice while crews work to repair the damage.

City crews are actively working on the system and attempting to restore service as quickly as possible.

Officials have not provided an estimated time for when repairs will be completed or when water service will return.

The city is asking residents for patience while the work continues and says water will be restored as soon as repairs are completed.

River News will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

River News Headlines: Drug Raid in Bellaire, Data Center Cost Protections, Route Closures and More

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River News Headlines: Drug Raid in Bellaire, Data Center Cost Protections, Route Closures and More

OHIO VALLEY — From a five-person drug bust in Bellaire to new protections involving data center electricity costs, several stories are making headlines across the Ohio Valley.

Five Arrested Following Bellaire Drug Investigation

Five people are facing felony drug charges following a raid on Hamilton Street in Bellaire.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Organized Crime Investigators seized fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine during the operation late last week.

Those arrested were identified as Damon Pernick, 34, of Bridgeport; Blake Yates, 38, of Bellaire; Adam May, 36, of St. Clairsville; Leahann Sullivan, 39, of St. Clairsville; and Eli Sullivan, 23, of St. Clairsville.

Ohio Regulators Move to Protect Customers From Data Center Costs

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has ordered AEP Ohio to protect regular customers from electricity price increases associated with data centers.

The issue has also emerged in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race. Former Sen. Sherrod Brown has made data center costs a campaign issue as he challenges Sen. Jon Husted ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

East Liverpool Man Sentenced in Fatal Shooting

An East Liverpool man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison in connection with the May 2025 shooting death of James Powell.

Daniel Whitley was sentenced Monday after previously entering a guilty plea in June.

Marshall County Eyes New Development District Around Grand Vue Park

Marshall County commissioners are seeking to establish a new tax increment financing district involving Grand Vue Park.

The proposed district would merge two areas and encompass 46 parcels. County Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel said the plan would not increase taxes but would instead redirect revenue toward future development.

Weirton School Police Program Approved for Another Year

Weirton City Council has approved continuing the city’s school police program for another year.

Prevention Resource Officers will serve at Weir High School, Weir Middle School and Weirton Elementary. Hancock County Schools will pay the city just over $244,000 under the agreement.

Drivers Face Detours and Delays

Drivers are also dealing with road disruptions in parts of the region.

Eastbound U.S. 22 near Cadiz is facing a 90-day detour after ODOT closed Exit 220 Monday for a major pavement project.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Route 7 turning lanes in Steubenville that had been closed following a crash Saturday have reopened. Drivers should still expect delays around University Boulevard.

Ohio Tightens Oversight of Recovery Housing

Ohio is increasing oversight of more than 1,700 sober living homes across the state.

Gov. Mike DeWine has placed oversight of the facilities under the state’s Behavioral Health Department as Ohio moves to address concerns involving unsafe and overcrowded recovery housing.

Loose Emu Leads to Unusual Rescue in Columbiana County

And in one of the day’s more unusual stories, a loose emu led authorities on a chase near Cedar Road in Lisbon.

Humane agent Fabian Pike pursued the bird through the woods and was attacked once and charged at twice before successfully getting it into a van. Pike suffered cuts and bruises.

The emu is now receiving veterinary care and was found to be underweight.

River News will continue following these stories and other developments across the Ohio Valley.

Belmont County Fair Returns for 177th Year This September

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Belmont County Fair Returns for 177th Year This September

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A longtime Ohio Valley tradition will return this September as the Belmont County Fair celebrates its 177th year.

The 2026 Belmont County Fair is scheduled for Sept. 7 through Sept. 13, bringing a full week of activities and entertainment to the county.

Fairgoers can expect many of the traditions that have made the annual event a staple in Belmont County for generations, including carnival rides, fair food, livestock, live entertainment and other attractions throughout the week.

Now entering its 177th year, the fair continues to bring together families, exhibitors, local organizations and visitors from across the region.

The week also provides an opportunity for local youth and agricultural participants to showcase their work through the fair’s livestock and other exhibits.

Tickets for the 2026 Belmont County Fair can be purchased in advance online through the fair’s website or at the gate.

The fair runs Monday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 13.

Additional information about this year’s schedule, entertainment and events is expected to be available as the fair approaches.

U.S. 250 Closed in Both Directions Due to Utility Line Debris on Roadway

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U.S. 250 Closed in Both Directions Due to Utility Line Debris on Roadway

HARRISON COUNTY, Ohio — U.S. Route 250 is closed in both directions Tuesday morning due to utility line debris blocking the roadway.

According to OHGO, the closure is located at Mizer Road near mile marker 11.6 along U.S. 250.

The incident was reported as debris on the roadway, with utility lines creating a hazard for motorists. Traffic is currently unable to travel through the affected section of the highway in either direction.

OHGO is advising drivers to use an alternate route until the roadway can be safely reopened.

The closure is along the U.S. 250 corridor between the Cadiz and Dennison areas.

As of 8:29 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, the road remained closed in both directions. No estimated reopening time was provided.

Motorists traveling through the area should expect delays and avoid the affected section of U.S. 250.

River News will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

River News Headlines: Traffic Changes in Steubenville, WVU Medicine Expansion, Bridge Replacement Plans and More

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River News Headlines: Traffic Changes in Steubenville, WVU Medicine Expansion, Bridge Replacement Plans and More

OHIO VALLEY — Here are some of the top stories making headlines across the Ohio Valley from River News.

A weekend crash is creating an indefinite traffic change along State Route 7 in Steubenville. City officials say a two-vehicle crash Saturday damaged the traffic signal control cabinet at Dean Martin Boulevard, knocking out the signals and forcing the closure of left-turn lanes leading to University Boulevard and the Veterans Memorial Bridge. City engineers have not provided a timeline for repairs.

Meanwhile, planning continues for the eventual replacement of Steubenville’s Market Street Bridge. Officials have completed field reviews of five potential alternatives for the project. Alternative Four, which would replace the bridge at its current Market Street location, emerged as the public’s preferred option, although a final decision has not yet been made.

In Ohio County, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital is preparing to expand its presence at The Highlands with a new 17,000-square-foot outpatient clinic. Plans call for the facility to offer urology, eye care, sports medicine and additional services. The WVU Health System has also signed an affiliation agreement with Fulton County Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

A Marshall County man is also facing significant prison time following a shooting at a home on Dragon Highway. Prosecutors say Matthew Horn of Cameron pleaded guilty Friday to attempted murder and wanton endangerment. Investigators said 15 rounds were fired into a residence where 15 people were inside. Horn could serve up to 30 years in prison.

In Wellsburg, City Council members are considering new rules governing how meetings are conducted. Proposed changes include requiring phones to be muted, allowing one person to speak at a time and limiting debate to items listed on the meeting agenda. Council is expected to continue discussing the proposed rules at its next meeting.

And West Virginia lawmakers are taking a closer look at automated license plate readers. A legislative committee spent approximately two hours Sunday reviewing the technology, including systems such as Flock cameras. Supporters point to their ability to help locate stolen vehicles and missing children, while critics have raised concerns about surveillance and the collection of information involving drivers who are not suspected of crimes.

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

More Than 1,000 Without Power in Brooke County as Trees, Power Lines Come Down

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More Than 1,000 Without Power in Brooke County as Trees, Power Lines Come Down

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. — More than 1,000 customers are without electricity in Brooke County as downed trees and power lines are being reported throughout the area.

According to the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency director, multiple locations across the county have been impacted by fallen trees and electrical lines.

Officials also responded to a tree that caught fire near the Beech Bottom Public Works building. The fire was quickly extinguished, according to the EMA director.

As of shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, PowerOutage.com reported approximately 1,079 customers without electricity in Brooke County.

Residents should use caution around any downed power lines and avoid approaching or touching them.

Additional information regarding restoration efforts and the extent of the damage was not immediately available.

River News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Free ‘Snip & Snack’ Event Helps Belmont County Students Prepare for School

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Free ‘Snip & Snack’ Event Helps Belmont County Students Prepare for School

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Students in the St. Clairsville area received free haircuts and snacks over the weekend as a local church worked to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Relevant Worship Center, located near the top of Blaine Hill outside St. Clairsville, hosted its first “Snip & Snack” event Saturday.

Several local hairstylists volunteered their time to provide free haircuts to children attending the event. Students were also given snacks and coloring books as part of the afternoon.

Organizers said the event was created as a way to ease some of the financial burden families face during the back-to-school season while helping students return to the classroom feeling confident.

Ginny Glandenning, an executive committee member at Relevant Worship Center, said rising costs can make preparing for a new school year difficult for families and that the church wanted to find a practical way to give back.

In addition to helping families financially, organizers said the event provided another opportunity for the church to connect with children and families throughout the community.

Following the success of the first Snip & Snack, the Relevant Worship Center Executive Committee is working on additional community events, including its annual fall festival.

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