Several government, legal and community developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley and Ohio.
Jefferson County officials are investigating who authorized waterline work along state Route 213. Commissioners said none of them approved the work, known as Project 213. The county auditor is withholding payments to contractors and vendors while the matter is reviewed. Commissioner Tony Morelli said the county prosecutor’s office has authorized commissioners to hire outside legal counsel.
Cadiz Village Council has created a full-time water treatment operator position and appointed Austin McCann to the role. McCann recently earned his Class III certification and succeeds former operator Jim Jenkins. The change follows regulatory concerns involving cloudy water and residual sludge at the village water system. Residents have experienced intermittent bottled-water advisories over the past year.
A Moundsville woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree arson in connection with a house fire that spread to a neighboring residence. Mary Chamberlain, 56, admitted to setting clothing on fire inside a home on Second Street. She faces a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison.
The Urban Mission received approximately 40,000 pounds of food ahead of Hunger Action Month. The donation included 24 pallets of dry goods provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through its JustServe program. Volunteers unloaded the shipment Thursday. Urban Mission officials expect the donation to help supply local families for several months.
Wheeling has rescheduled two Toe Tappin’ Tuesday concerts that were postponed because of weather. The Ron Retzer Trio will perform Sept. 8 at Garden Park in Warwood, followed by On The Rocks on Sept. 15. Both free concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Ohio plans to appeal a federal judge’s decision blocking part of a state law that requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Supporters argue the requirement protects election integrity, while the judge determined that the law conflicts with federal voting regulations.
The State Library of Ohio is moving approximately two million books and records from a building scheduled for demolition. The 209-year-old institution will transition to appointment-only access for physical materials. Ohio residents can also register for a digital library card without obtaining a physical card.
