OHIO VALLEY — October 23, 2026 — Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including an overnight bridge closure, a confirmed rabies case in Ohio County, new restrictions at a historic Barnesville tunnel and updates involving local businesses, education and politics.
Veterans Memorial Bridge to Close Overnight Friday
The Veterans Memorial Bridge connecting Steubenville, Ohio, and Weirton, West Virginia, is scheduled to close Friday, October 23, at 8 p.m. for cable replacement work.
The closure is expected to continue until 8 a.m. Saturday, October 24.
Brooke County EMS Director Greg Moore said the contractor will allow emergency vehicles to cross during the closure. Other motorists should plan to use alternate routes.
Rabies Confirmed in Ohio County Raccoon
The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department has confirmed that a raccoon found along Peters Run Road tested positive for rabies.
The case marks the fourth confirmed animal rabies case in Ohio County this year. Additional cases have also been reported in southern Brooke County.
The latest finding serves as a reminder for residents to avoid contact with unfamiliar or potentially sick wildlife.
Barnesville Restricts Horse-Drawn Buggies From Historic Railroad Tunnel
Barnesville officials have prohibited horses and horse-drawn buggies from using the village’s historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad tunnel.
Mayor Jake Hershberger cited safety concerns involving buggies sharing the paved trail with pedestrians and families using strollers.
The tunnel had previously served as a shortcut into town for Amish drivers. Complaints involving horse droppings also contributed to concerns about its use.
Signs have been posted notifying visitors of the restrictions.
Former Schwebel Baking Company Assets Heading to Auction
Equipment and vehicles from the closed Schwebel Baking Company facility in Youngstown are scheduled to be sold through an online auction next month.
According to auction company Maynards, bidding will take place November 17 through November 19.
The sale includes industrial bread-making equipment and the company’s vehicle fleet, with equipment scheduled to be auctioned before the vehicles.
John Marshall High School Launches Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program
John Marshall High School has introduced a new carpentry pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with the Upper Ohio Valley Building and Trades Council.
Officials announced the program Thursday, describing it as the first of its kind at a West Virginia high school.
The initiative is designed to provide students with an early opportunity to explore careers in carpentry and the skilled trades.
West Virginia Early Voting Sees Strong First-Day Turnout
More than 16,000 West Virginia voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting, according to Secretary of State Kris Warner’s office.
Officials reported that participation increased approximately 41% compared with the first day of early voting during the 2022 midterm election.
Early voting continues through October 31.
Sherrod Brown Visits Martins Ferry as Ohio Elections Approach
Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown visited Martins Ferry on Thursday, speaking at United Steelworkers offices as he campaigns for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat.
Brown criticized state tax policies and reductions in local government funding during his appearance.
He is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted.
Meanwhile, Ohio’s governor’s race continues to draw attention following a controversial campaign advertisement released by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy involving the mother of Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton.
Live Radio Drama Returns to Weirton Saturday
Cloak & Dagger on the Air will continue its ninth season Saturday, October 24, with a live performance beginning at 4 p.m.
The production will feature an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Tommy & Tuppence Return at the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau in Weirton.
The performance continues the group’s tradition of bringing classic radio-style entertainment to the Ohio Valley.
River News will continue following these stories and other developments affecting communities throughout the region.
