OHIO VALLEY — Here are today’s top headlines from River News, covering developments across Ohio, West Virginia and beyond.
Weirton Medical Center Plans $15 Million Emergency Room Expansion
WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center is planning a $15 million expansion of its emergency department. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced $2.45 million in federal funding toward the project, which is expected to enhance emergency medical services for patients in the region.
Bellaire Pickleball Court Setback Could Cost an Additional $110,000
New information surrounding Bellaire’s pickleball court construction project has raised questions about planning, communication and financial responsibility.
Paving contractor T.A. Robinson Asphalt Paving Inc. says it did not receive engineering drawings until after being awarded the contract. The contractor reports that newly installed asphalt had to be removed because the elevation was too low, resulting in an estimated $110,000 in additional construction costs.
The village and engineering firm have not confirmed the contractor’s account, and it remains unclear who will ultimately be responsible for the expense.
Warwood Data Center Lawsuit Faces October 28 Deadline
Residents challenging the proposed data center development at the former Centre Foundry property in Warwood have until October 28 to respond to a motion to dismiss their lawsuit.
Ohio County Circuit Judge David Sims denied a request for additional time to gather evidence. The residents are seeking to block the development proposed by Silicon Foundation. Their attorney declined to comment on the ruling but indicated a response would be filed.
Ohio Senate Race Approaches $400 Million in Advertising
The race between Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat continues to attract major campaign spending.
According to advertising tracker AdImpact, spending is approaching $400 million as Election Day draws closer. The closely watched contest could play a significant role in determining control of the U.S. Senate.
Democrats Bring Kitchen Table Tour to Hancock County
West Virginia Democratic lawmakers and candidates visited Hancock County as part of their Kitchen Table Tour, giving residents an opportunity to discuss issues affecting their everyday lives.
State Delegate and Senate candidate Shawn Fluharty emphasized that participants could ask questions about any topic. The event also served as an opportunity to encourage voter participation ahead of the November election.
FBI Investigating Suspicious Letter Sent to Ohio Secretary of State
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says postal investigators intercepted a letter addressed to his office containing an unidentified white powder.
The FBI is investigating the incident, which follows reports of similar letters being sent to election officials in other states. LaRose said Ohio’s election systems remain secure.
Moundsville Recreation Center Construction Reaches New Milestone
Construction of Moundsville’s new recreation center is progressing, with crews beginning structural steel work this week.
The facility is being built at the former Sanford Elementary School property. City Manager Rick Healy said the steel installation phase is expected to take approximately one month.
West Virginia Youth Hunting Season Opens Saturday
West Virginia’s youth deer and bear hunting season begins Saturday, October 17, with a notable change for young hunters.
For the first time, eligible youth hunters will be permitted to harvest an antlered deer during the season, with that deer counting toward the state’s two-buck limit.
Hunters age 65 and older who hold a lifetime hunting license may also participate, although they are limited to antlerless deer.
Vigilant Books and Coffee Celebrates New North Wheeling Location
Vigilant Books and Coffee is celebrating its move into a former firehouse at 650 Main Street in North Wheeling with a grand opening weekend.
Festivities begin Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. and continue through Sunday. Free activities include live music and a touch-a-truck event featuring a fire truck.
The celebration offers residents an opportunity to explore the business’s new location and enjoy a weekend of community activities.
Search Continues for Missing Dog in Yellowstone
A search is underway for a missing dog in Yellowstone National Park as colder weather approaches.
With winter conditions becoming an increasing concern, efforts to locate and safely recover the animal are drawing attention. Additional details about the search were not included in the available newscast.
Stay connected with River News for the latest headlines, breaking news and community updates from across the Ohio Valley.
