Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including another planned auction for the former East Ohio Regional Hospital, delayed funding for the Sistersville Ferry and new details about major county projects.
The former East Ohio Regional Hospital property was offered at auction Wednesday, but no bidders came forward. The buildings and approximately seven acres were offered as a single parcel with an opening bid of more than $2.6 million.
Another auction is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Elsewhere in Belmont County, commissioners approved another cost-saving change for the new county health department and records building. Officials agreed to eliminate staining planned for a retaining wall as they continue looking for ways to reduce expenses.
The project carries an estimated total cost of approximately $16 million. Commission President Jerry Echemann said construction remains on schedule for completion by Dec. 28.
In Sistersville, the city’s ferry remains out of service while officials wait for state funding. Mayor Bill Rice said the replacement vessel is ready to operate but has not yet been fully paid for.
Two state contributions of $25,000 each are still pending. Rice said he hopes ferry service can resume in October.
Ohio County officials are also considering the financial and practical effects of closing the Ohio County Correctional Facility on Eoff Street. County Administrator Randy Russell said the county will lose approximately $220,000 in annual rental revenue from the state after the facility closes Sept. 30.
The closure will also eliminate an estimated $750,000 in needed repairs. Officials said finding another use for the property could be difficult because of the building’s specialized jail design and security features. Inmates and employees are expected to be transferred from the facility.
In Brooke County, a dispute over sanitary sewer rates is heading to mediation. The Brooke County Public Service District filed a complaint with the West Virginia Public Service Commission, alleging that Wellsburg increased rates without providing proper notice.
City officials dispute the allegations. The state commission has scheduled a mediation hearing for Sept. 11.
In Cambridge, the Ohio Casino Control Commission and local police seized or disabled approximately 24 suspected illegal gaming machines during a search of a Dewey Avenue business. Investigators also recovered an undisclosed amount of cash. The operation followed complaints about possible unlawful gambling activity.
The Riverview Animal Protective League has received a donated building that will become the organization’s new home in Columbiana County. The structure, built in 1884, has been vacant since 2017.
The organization plans to renovate the property and use it to shelter animals removed from cruelty and neglect situations.
