OHIO VALLEY — From major court decisions and local budget concerns to community celebrations, here are today’s top stories from across the Ohio Valley and surrounding region.
Ohio Appeals Court Rules Private School Voucher Program Unconstitutional
An Ohio appeals court has ruled the state’s EdChoice private school voucher program unconstitutional, raising questions about the future of taxpayer-funded private school tuition assistance.
The court cited constitutional concerns surrounding the program, which has reportedly cost Ohio taxpayers approximately $1.4 billion.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson says the state plans to appeal the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Jefferson County Faces Potential $6 Million Budget Shortfall
Jefferson County commissioners are preparing for a challenging 2027 budget, with current projections indicating a possible $6 million gap.
County Auditor E.J. Conn cautioned that the estimate does not include available carryover funds.
One of the largest financial pressures is employee health care. The county’s health insurance plan recommends a 23% increase in funding or adjustments to existing coverage.
Commissioners will need to evaluate spending priorities as they work toward balancing next year’s budget.
Belmont County Man Dies Following September Crash
A Belmont County man has died from injuries sustained in a September 18 crash in Flushing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the victim as 55-year-old Shaun Adams, who died Thursday.
Investigators say Adams was traveling along State Route 149 when his vehicle left the roadway, striking three mailboxes and two trees.
Troopers confirmed that Adams was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Former Eastern Gateway President and Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty
Former Eastern Gateway Community College President Mike Geoghegan and two co-defendants have entered not-guilty pleas to aggravated theft and related charges.
Geoghegan, Michael J. Perik and Nicole Rowe Colclasure are accused of participating in a scheme involving millions of dollars intended to support financially disadvantaged students.
Prosecutors allege the activity resulted in at least $20 million in taxpayer losses.
The charges remain allegations, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
East Palestine to Receive $20 Million Hazardous Materials Training Center
Plans are moving forward for a regional hazardous materials training facility in East Palestine, Ohio.
Norfolk Southern is contributing $20 million and four freight railcars toward the project, while Youngstown State University will oversee the facility’s design and construction.
The center is intended to strengthen emergency response training for firefighters and other personnel handling hazardous materials incidents.
According to the village manager, construction could begin within the next 12 to 18 months.
WVU President Michael Benson Outlines University’s Future
West Virginia University’s new president, Michael Benson, delivered a message of determination during his inauguration Thursday.
Benson acknowledged the challenges facing higher education and emphasized that maintaining WVU’s competitiveness will require significant effort.
His remarks focused on the university’s commitment to meeting those challenges while preparing for the future.
Wheeling Park High School Celebrates 50 Years
Wheeling Park High School continues its 50th anniversary celebration with homecoming festivities and special alumni events.
An alumni tailgate begins Friday at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Admission is $30 and includes a ticket to the homecoming football game, which kicks off at 7 p.m.
The school’s alumni band and choir are scheduled to perform during halftime.
On Saturday, October 17, alumni can return to campus for guided tours from 9 to 11 a.m., offering an opportunity to see improvements made to the school over the years.
Video Gaming Industry Marks 55-Year Milestone
The video game industry is marking 55 years since the first commercially sold video game debuted.
The anniversary highlights the industry’s evolution from early electronic games to today’s global entertainment market.
Stay connected with River News for local headlines, breaking developments and community stories from across the Ohio Valley.
