Several developing stories are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including continued debate over license-plate readers, a council meetings and the opening of two area fairs.
Steubenville City Council’s Safety Committee is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers. Residents are expected to raise questions about the city’s use of license-plate-reading cameras.
Marshall County Sheriff Michael Dougherty has also addressed concerns surrounding his department’s Flock camera system. Dougherty said the cameras do not establish guilt or automatically result in traffic stops. Deputies must independently confirm each alert before taking action.
According to the sheriff, the equipment was purchased with money forfeited in drug cases rather than taxpayer funds. Access is limited to trained and authorized deputies, and system activity is recorded for review.
In Steubenville, the community is mourning longtime teacher and coach Joe Pierro. Officials said Pierro died Friday after being struck by lightning while mowing grass at his home. He had retired three weeks earlier following more than 30 years at Steubenville High School.
Elsewhere in Ohio, authorities are reviewing an incident at the Canfield Fair involving a campaign tent for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Police said 38-year-old Patrick Havas moved through a crowd and knocked down two elderly attendees before security intervened. The Mahoning County sheriff said misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct charges were expected.
West Virginia is allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to serve as poll workers statewide for the first time. Participating teenagers can earn as much as $300 for working a full Election Day. Secretary of State Kris Warner said the opportunity will provide students with firsthand experience in the election process.
Ohio’s Controlling Board is expected to consider releasing nearly $28 million on Sept. 14 for improvements at the Belmont Correctional Institution. The money would be used to replace the prison’s aging restrictive-housing unit.
The Belmont County Fair opened Monday for its 177th year. Livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, live music and other activities are scheduled through Sunday.
The 2026 West Alexander Fair is also underway. Events continue through Saturday, when the fair will conclude with a market-animal sale at 11 a.m. and the Farmers Olympics at 8 p.m.
On the national entertainment stage, Houston native Regan Hutsell has been crowned Miss America 2027.
