OHIO VALLEY — Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including plans for a new Market Street Bridge, significant savings on road salt in Jefferson County and the return of a volunteer dive team searching for a woman missing since 2011.
Transportation planners are reviewing six possible locations for a new Market Street Bridge connecting Ohio and West Virginia. Public feedback has favored keeping the crossing near its current location, while planners are also considering future traffic needs and the role of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Plans call for a wider span that would directly connect West Virginia Route 2 with Ohio Route 7.
In Jefferson County, officials secured their own road salt agreement rather than purchasing through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s program. The agreement is expected to save the county and participating communities more than $150,000 while securing 10,000 tons of salt at a lower price.
The Ohio Supreme Court has also upheld a decision allowing six Midwest wind farms to sell electricity in Ohio. The justices rejected a challenge involving certification requirements, clearing the way for the projects to sell energy in the state.
Meanwhile, volunteer dive team Chaos Divers has returned to the area to search for Karen Adams, who has been missing since 2011 near Mountaineer Casino. The group has helped locate 23 missing people during the past four and a half years.
In Youngstown, K-9 officer Penelope has recovered after being exposed to a substance while searching for contraband inside a private prison operated by CoreCivic. Her handler administered Narcan, and CoreCivic reported that Penelope made a full recovery.
Samaritan’s Purse also partnered with Newbridge Church over the weekend to provide free medical, dental and vision services to approximately 400 area residents at WesBanco Arena. Volunteers traveled from 22 states to participate.
River News will continue following these and other developments across the Ohio Valley.
