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River News Headlines — October 7, 2026

Steubenville Adopts Hazard Mitigation Plan

Steubenville City Council adopted a hazard mitigation plan Tuesday night as part of a collaborative effort across Jefferson County. Officials say adopting the plan helps the city qualify for grant funding.

Recall Petition Effort Begins in Wheeling

Petitioners began collecting signatures Tuesday in an effort to recall Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder. Organizer Johnny Haught says the effort needs just under 1,800 valid signatures, representing 10% of city voters under existing law. Haught indicated other members of Wheeling City Council could also be targeted.

Local Wealth Manager Makes Case for Data Centers

Local wealth manager David McKinley spoke in support of data centers during a Wheeling Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday. McKinley pointed to Loudoun County, Virginia, where he said 234 data centers generate $1.8 billion in property taxes.

Former Weirton Elementary School Approved for Apartments

Weirton’s zoning board has approved plans to convert the former Marland Heights Elementary School into 12 higher-end, two-bedroom apartments. The developer says the existing playground and ball field will remain available to the public, with work potentially beginning in three to four months.

Rabies Confirmed in Bat Found in Ohio County

A bat found near Route 88 in Ohio County has tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s third laboratory-confirmed animal rabies case. Health officials are reminding residents to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current and watch for animals displaying unusual or aggressive behavior.

Missing 15-Year-Old Found Safe

New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil says missing 15-year-old Lillyonna Thompson has been found safe and is returning home. Police located her in Duluth, Minnesota, with an adult man who was taken into custody.

Graffiti Threat Prompts Lockdown at Bellaire High School

Bellaire High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday after a threat was found written on a bathroom wall. Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack says the person responsible could face charges related to inducing panic and disrupting public service, with the county prosecutor to determine whether charges will be filed.

St. Clairsville Water System Upgrade Moving Forward

St. Clairsville officials say Phase 2 of the city’s water system upgrade is moving forward. The project will replace aging pipes that are prone to breaks, with officials saying the improvements are expected to reduce water loss and could potentially lower bills. Work is scheduled to begin in January.

Crews Battle House Fire Near Cameron

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CAMERON, W.Va. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire Monday night along Burley Hill Road near Cameron.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the fire was reported around 9:20 p.m. Responding crews reported heavy smoke while approaching the area and found a one-story modular-style home with heavy fire coming through the roof.

Additional tankers and firefighters were requested as crews worked to establish a water supply. A fill site was set up at the high school to support tanker operations.

Firefighters initially entered the residence as crews attacked the fire, but all personnel were later ordered out of the building as conditions prompted a switch to defensive operations.

Emergency radio traffic also indicated responders were advised that ammunition was reportedly inside the residence.

Additional crews continued arriving throughout the evening, and the electric company was called to the scene.

By approximately 11:14 p.m., crews reported the fire was under control. Firefighters remained at the scene checking for hot spots and possible extension.

No information was immediately available regarding injuries, whether anyone was inside the home when the fire began or the cause of the fire.

The details are based on initial emergency radio traffic and may change as additional information becomes available.

Vagabond Kitchen Announces New Menu and Expanded Hours in Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. — Vagabond Kitchen is making changes to its schedule and menu, giving customers more opportunities to visit the downtown Wheeling restaurant.

The restaurant announced it will temporarily close ahead of the changes before reopening Friday at 11 a.m. with a new menu and expanded operating hours.

The new hours are:

  • Wednesday: 4–8 p.m.
  • Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 2–8 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The restaurant said the changes follow nearly a year of planning and feedback from customers. Along with the expanded schedule, Vagabond Kitchen is introducing a new menu while bringing back some previous favorites.

The restaurant described the changes as a return to its roots, emphasizing good food and a relaxed setting where customers can sit down and spend time together.

Vagabond Kitchen is located at 1201 Market Street in downtown Wheeling.

The new schedule and menu begin Friday, Oct. 9, with the restaurant opening for lunch at 11 a.m.

Cambridge Fall Festival Draws Community to Downtown

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — Downtown Cambridge was filled with fall activities, entertainment and local vendors as the 2026 Cambridge Main Street Fall Festival brought the community together for a day of seasonal fun.

The festival featured vendors offering handmade goods, food and other items while downtown merchants and restaurants welcomed visitors throughout the event.

Live entertainment was provided by Blathmac, Corey Hager, Carson Clouse and Dad Bods.

Families also had several activities to choose from in the Kids Zone, including pumpkin painting, the Crafty Art Bus, balloon art and games. A Scarecrow Contest and work from local artists added to the fall atmosphere throughout downtown.

Following the festival, Cambridge Main Street thanked the sponsors, grant partners, community supporters, vendors, businesses, entertainers and volunteers who helped make the event possible.

Organizers also thanked the community members who attended and supported local businesses throughout the day, calling the 2026 Fall Festival an event to remember.

The festival is part of ongoing efforts to bring people into Downtown Cambridge while highlighting local businesses and the community.

River News Headlines — October 6, 2026

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Ohio Orders Prediction Market Operators to Halt Sports Contracts

Ohio’s casino regulator has ordered 10 prediction market operators, including Polymarket and Robinhood, to stop offering sports betting contracts in the state. The companies have until Oct. 16 to comply with the order.

New After-School Program Opens in Wintersville

The Sycamore Youth Center opened its third Jefferson County after-school program Monday. The new Wintersville location, known as The Ark, is launching with seven classes, with organizers reporting that many students have already signed up.

Break-In Reported at Wheeling I-470 Baseball Complex

Police are investigating a break-in at Wheeling’s Interstate 470 Baseball Complex. Locks were reportedly broken and supplies were taken from the concession stand and storage areas at the complex, which includes the Miracle League Field for children with special needs.

No Trial Date Yet in McNinch Primary School Case

A teacher and administrator charged in connection with the McNinch Primary School case have waived their right to a speedy trial. Kiersten Moses and Erin Cuffaro face felony child abuse charges in a case involving a 6-year-old autistic child. Both are scheduled to return to court Nov. 19.

Belmont County Woman Sentenced in Infant’s Death

A 33-year-old Belmont County woman will serve two years in prison after pleading guilty to child endangering as part of a plea agreement in connection with the death of her 9-month-old child. Prosecutors said the child suffocated after the woman rolled onto the baby while sleeping and said drugs were found in her system.

Marshall County Chamber to Hold Annual Dinner

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce will hold “A Night to Celebrate Marshall County” Wednesday at Reilley’s Reception and Event Center in Glen Dale. West Virginia University President Michael Benson will deliver the keynote address. The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and will recognize local businesses, individuals and school achievements.

President Trump Scheduled for Youngstown Rally

President Donald Trump is scheduled to headline a midterm rally Monday, Oct. 12, at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, according to the Republican National Committee. Doors are scheduled to open at 2:30 p.m., with Trump expected to speak at 6 p.m.

$4.2 Billion Loan Offered for Regional Nuclear Plant Upgrades

Federal energy officials say Vistra has been offered a conditional $4.2 billion loan to modernize the Perry, Davis-Besse and Beaver Valley nuclear power plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Officials say the projects could support approximately 3,000 jobs.

Bridgeport Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine Seizure

Belmont County Sheriff’s detectives say a traffic stop led to the arrest of 50-year-old James Pyle on Friday. Investigators say a subsequent search of his Bridgeport home uncovered nearly three-quarters of a pound of suspected cocaine and approximately $52,000. Pyle faces first-degree felony drug charges.

Kids’ Turn Halloween Dance Party Coming to The Jingle Bar in Benwood

BENWOOD, W.Va. — A Halloween dance party designed especially for kids is coming to The Jingle Bar in Benwood later this month.

The Kids’ Turn Halloween Dance Party will be held Monday, Oct. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Jingle Bar, located at 205 N. Marshall St. in Benwood.

Admission is $25 per person, and costumes are encouraged.

The Halloween celebration will include dancing along with a DIY Halloween cookie, a themed mocktail and a pepperoni roll.

The event offers local families a chance to celebrate Halloween with an evening of music, costumes, food and seasonal activities.

The Jingle Bar is located at 205 N. Marshall St., Benwood, WV 26031.

Teen Pleads Guilty in Fatal Ohio Crash Involving Two Off-Duty Police Officers

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ohio — An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty in connection with a 2025 crash that killed one off-duty Wellston police officer and seriously injured another.

The teen pleaded guilty Monday in Jackson County Juvenile Court to aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, and aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony.

The case stems from a crash that happened around 2 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2025, in Wellston. The defendant was 17 at the time.

According to information released in the case, the teen was driving a 2014 Hyundai Accent while intoxicated when the vehicle struck the rear of a golf cart traveling south on South Pennsylvania Avenue near Sixth Street.

The impact sent the golf cart off the roadway and into a tree.

Matthew Juniper, 25, of Wellston, was a passenger in the golf cart and suffered fatal injuries. Juniper had served with the Wellston Police Department for four years and previously worked as a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

The golf cart’s driver, 40-year-old Brant Derrow of Wellston, was seriously injured. Derrow is also a Wellston police officer.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the crash.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. A disposition hearing, the juvenile court proceeding at which the court determines the outcome of the case, is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.

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.