Good news and bad news for the historic McLure House in downtown Wheeling. A municipal judge says the owner of the condemned hotel is making a good-faith effort to sell the property, with a closing date set for Sept. 4. However, Judge Jeffrey Miller says the owner will still face a minimum $250,000 fine, and another court hearing could take place the week of Sept. 7.
A Belmont County woman accused in the death of her 1-year-old daughter has now been indicted. A grand jury returned an aggravated murder indictment with a firearm specification against 20-year-old Autum Palmer. Prosecutors allege Palmer shot and killed her daughter and she remains jailed without bond.
Wellsville Police are asking for the public’s help locating a suspect wanted in connection with the assault of a teenager. Authorities have issued a warrant for 27-year-old Gavin Irvine of East Liverpool, who is accused of severely beating a 16-year-old boy during an incident at a Clark Avenue home. Police say the victim suffered a broken nose, and a motive has not been determined.
The Wheeling Nailers are entering a new era on the ice. After 29 years affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team will begin its partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets this season. Team President Brian Komorowski says the move is a strong geographic fit and assures fans that professional hockey is here to stay in Wheeling.
A proposed income tax increase in Martins Ferry will not appear on the November ballot after City Council missed the filing deadline. Rather than abandoning the measure, council voted to table it and prepare an updated version with revised dates for future consideration.
Jefferson County officials say they’ll have enough road salt for winter despite the state’s unsuccessful bidding process. County leaders joined forces with Steubenville and neighboring communities to secure a joint purchase, resulting in better pricing and a reliable supply ahead of the winter season.
St. Clairsville City Council remains divided over a proposed 3% pay raise for nonunion city employees. A special meeting Thursday failed to revive the ordinance after it was tabled earlier in the week, leaving the measure at a standstill.
The future of the McLure House remains uncertain as a sale moves forward. While a buyer is expected to close on the property Sept. 4, the court says financial penalties against the current owner will still move ahead.
Wheeling’s Heritage Music Bluesfest returns to Heritage Port this weekend to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Under new ownership, organizers have expanded the festival to feature more than 30 musical acts from 25 states during the three-day event.
