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.
