OHIO VALLEY — From a major road closure in Belmont County and plans for a new Ohio River bridge to hospital developments, economic opportunities and the start of early voting, here are the latest headlines from across the Ohio Valley for Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Major Sinkhole Forces Indefinite Closure of Country Club Road in St. Clairsville
A growing sinkhole has forced the indefinite closure of Country Club Road in St. Clairsville. What initially appeared to be a small hole has developed into a much larger problem.
Belmont County Engineer Terry Lively believes a deteriorating culvert is responsible for the damage. The underground structure measures approximately nine feet wide and sits 17 feet below the roadway, making repairs both complicated and potentially expensive.
Motorists are being directed to use a detour through Warnock, adding approximately four to five miles to their trips. No reopening date has been announced.
Follansbee Supports South Street Location for New Market Street Bridge
Follansbee City Council voted unanimously Monday to support the South Street location for a proposed replacement of the Market Street Bridge.
The location, identified as Alternative 5, is also favored by the U.S. Coast Guard because it would provide approximately 800 feet of river clearance.
Regional planners estimate the replacement project could cost approximately $177.5 million.
The council’s decision represents an important step in determining where the future bridge could connect communities on both sides of the Ohio River.
Trinity Health System Officially Becomes UPMC Trinity
Steubenville’s Trinity Health System formally introduced its new name, UPMC Trinity, during a community announcement Monday.
Interim President Dwayne Richardson said additional healthcare provider services have already been introduced, while improvements to hospital facilities are underway.
The name change marks a new chapter for the Steubenville healthcare institution as it continues expanding services and upgrading its facilities.
Ohio Governor Celebrates Maritime Academy Expansion in Monroe County
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Monroe County Monday to celebrate progress on a maritime training initiative designed to prepare workers for careers on the Ohio River.
DeWine participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the Maritime Academy’s first phase, which includes a visitors center.
The governor also helped break ground on the second phase of development, which will include a deckhand training center.
Ohio River Commission representative Taylor Abbott emphasized that maritime careers can provide stable employment and competitive wages, creating new opportunities for residents interested in working in the river transportation industry.
Belmont County Man Sentenced to 13 to 17 Years in Prison for Sex Offenses
A Belmont County man has received the maximum prison sentence following his guilty plea to sexual offenses involving two children.
Joey Fogle, 51, was sentenced Monday by Belmont County Judge Chris Berhalter to 13 to 17 years in prison.
Fogle pleaded guilty to sexual battery and gross sexual imposition involving two girls, ages 9 and 10.
He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Early Voting Begins Wednesday in West Virginia
West Virginia residents can begin casting early ballots Wednesday, October 21, ahead of the November 3 general election.
Secretary of State Kris Warner is reminding voters that state law requires an acceptable form of identification when voting.
Examples include a driver’s license, passport, military identification or public school teacher identification.
Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may sign an affidavit and cast a provisional ballot.
Sample ballots for all 55 West Virginia counties are available through the state’s election website at GoVoteWV.com.
National Developers Express Interest in 70 Acres Near Steubenville Campus
A 70-acre property near Youngstown State University’s new Steubenville campus is attracting interest from major national developers.
Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli discussed the interest during a recent Wintersville Village Council meeting.
Morelli said large development firms have been contacting local officials about the property, suggesting the site could become an important location for future investment.
Specific development proposals, potential buyers and project timelines have not been announced.
For more local news and updates from across the Ohio Valley, visit RiverNews.org.
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