BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Several major developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including a double murder trial, overnight bridge closures, new restrictions on license plate cameras and legal action involving the Fort Steuben Mall.
Double Murder and Arson Trial Begins in Belmont County
Jury selection began Wednesday in the trial of Andrew Griffin, who is accused of killing Thomas and Angela Strussion and setting fire to their Belmont home in September 2021.
Opening statements are scheduled for Monday morning. Court officials expect the trial to last approximately eight weekdays.
Griffin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Veterans Memorial Bridge Closing Overnight for Cable Work
Motorists traveling between Steubenville and Weirton should prepare for overnight closures of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
The bridge is scheduled to close Thursday, October 22, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday. A second closure is planned for Friday, October 23, beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing until 8 a.m. Saturday.
The closures are necessary for cable replacement work. Police will assist along designated detour routes.
Fort Steuben Mall Legal Case Faces Delay
Steubenville’s legal efforts involving the Fort Steuben Mall have encountered a procedural delay.
Municipal Judge John Mascio indicated that the city’s complaint against the mall’s owner cannot proceed until the required legal documents have been served.
City Manager Mike Johnson maintains that the city intends to continue pursuing legal action concerning the property.
Moundsville Approves Stricter Rules for Flock Cameras
Moundsville City Council has unanimously approved additional oversight measures for the police department’s four Flock license plate reader cameras.
Under the new rules, a police sergeant will review the system every 30 days. Misuse of the technology could result in termination.
The changes establish additional accountability requirements for the department’s use of the cameras.
Bellaire Mayor Taking Temporary Medical Leave
Bellaire Mayor Robert Dodrill Sr. is temporarily stepping away from his official duties as he prepares to undergo triple bypass heart surgery.
Dodrill was hospitalized last week and was unable to attend the October 15 Village Council meeting.
Village services and operations are expected to continue during his absence.
Wetzel County Students Win Statewide Culinary Competition
Students from the Wetzel County Technical Education Center have won the Culineering Challenge for the second consecutive year.
The competition, held Wednesday in Charleston, brought together students from nine West Virginia counties. This year’s theme, “Crash Test Yummy,” challenged participants to create edible crash test dummies inspired by West Virginia state parks.
Wetzel County earned $5,000 for its classroom. Wheeling Park High School finished second, while John Marshall High School received recognition for the best flavor collision cake.
Ohio Governor’s Race Draws Attention Over Campaign Advertisement
A campaign advertisement from Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy featuring the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton has sparked controversy in Ohio’s governor’s race.
Vice President JD Vance criticized Republican objections to the advertisement, while Republican U.S. Senator Jon Husted said he would not have chosen to run it.
The disagreement comes as economic concerns remain an important issue for Ohio voters.
River News will continue covering these developments and other stories affecting communities throughout the Ohio Valley.
