OHIO VALLEY — Here’s a look at some of the top stories making headlines across the region Friday, August 14.
A swastika was discovered painted on Temple Shalom in Wheeling, the Ohio Valley’s only synagogue, sometime before Thursday morning. The symbol has since been removed, and Wheeling Police responded to the incident. Additional security is planned for Friday evening’s Shabbat service.
In Belmont County, an endangered eastern hellbender brought an ODOT construction project to a temporary stop for two days. Wildlife officials were called in to safely remove the approximately two-foot salamander. The animal is now being cared for at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with hopes of eventually returning it to the river where it was found.
In Steubenville, demolition is underway on a downtown building featuring a mural honoring Tuskegee Airmen brothers Jerome and John Edwards. Artist Kyle Holbrook said he learned about the demolition after work had already begun and is invoking federal artist-rights law. The College of Saint Joseph the Worker, which owns the building, says significant roof failures made rehabilitation impractical and demolition necessary because of a public-safety risk.
A new pavilion at Glen Robbins Park in Jefferson County was destroyed by strong winds during this week’s storms. County Commissioner Jake Kleineke said the architectural firm is expected to examine why the structure failed, while plans are already underway to rebuild it.
James Robert Meade II, an alleged co-conspirator in the Marshall County Assessor embezzlement case, pleaded not guilty Thursday to 14 felony charges, including fraudulent schemes and conspiracy. The case is connected to former Assessor Eric Buzzard’s kickback scheme. Meade’s trial is scheduled for October 26.
Two education projects are also moving forward in the region. Tuscarawas Central Catholic broke ground Thursday on a privately funded field house and community center, while Bridgeport schools celebrated the opening of “The Bridge,” a new 31,000-square-foot facility combining education, health care and workforce training.
Finally, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will waive shooting-range permit requirements Saturday for Free Range Day at Class A, B and C public ranges across the state during regular operating hours.
Stay with River News for updates on these stories and more from across the Ohio Valley.
