Three Indicted in Nearly $20 Million Eastern Gateway Community College Fraud Case
A special Jefferson County grand jury has indicted three individuals in connection with an alleged racketeering scheme tied to the collapse of Eastern Gateway Community College. Prosecutors allege Michael Perik, Nicole Rowe Colclasure and Michael Geoghegan diverted nearly $20 million in federal and state student aid between 2017 and March 2022. Ohio Auditor Keith Faber says the alleged scheme contributed to the college’s closure.
Historic Marshall County Cemetery Vandalized
More than 40 graves at Mount Rose Cemetery in Marshall County were reportedly damaged Thursday. The cemetery dates back to 1799 and includes the graves of Civil War veterans. Caretakers reported that several headstones were marked with swastikas and offensive language. Moundsville Police are investigating the vandalism.
One Person Dies in Guernsey County House Fire
One person died following an early Thursday morning house fire in Oxford Township, Guernsey County. Fairview fire officials say an electric utility company alerted emergency dispatchers after a smart meter indicated a power outage. Firefighters arrived around 4:18 a.m. and found the residence had collapsed. The victim’s identity has not been released, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Amtrak Announces Additional Daily Service Between Pittsburgh and New York City
Amtrak plans to introduce a second daily round trip on its Pennsylvanian route between Pittsburgh and New York City beginning November 18. The new afternoon train will depart Pittsburgh at 1 p.m., while the existing morning departure will move to 7:10 a.m. The expanded schedule will also include checked bicycle service on one train in each direction.
Early Voting Events Planned Across the Ohio Valley
Community activist groups are organizing early voting awareness events in Weirton, Steubenville and Toronto on Saturday, October 17. Organizers, including members of Indivisible, plan to encourage participation in the upcoming midterm elections. Volunteers are expected to gather at area intersections with signs promoting early voting.
Two South Carolina Men Plead Guilty in Wheeling-Area Drug Conspiracy
Two South Carolina men have pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges involving the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in the Wheeling area. U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey identified the defendants as Phillip Johnson and Mark Chisholm. Both face up to 20 years in prison, while Johnson faces additional charges carrying potential sentences of five to 40 years.
Steubenville Organization Offering College Student Free Trip to Italy
The Italian American Cultural Club of Steubenville is accepting applications for its Voyage of Discovery program, which will provide one college student with an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy next summer. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applications are open through November 15.
