OHIO VALLEY — October 26, 2026 — Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including a stabbing at an East Liverpool football game, a prosecutor’s ruling in a deadly Marshall County incident, a house fire in Valley Grove and questions surrounding the cost of recall elections in Wheeling.
Teen Injured in Stabbing at East Liverpool Football Game
East Liverpool police have charged a 19-year-old man following a stabbing during Friday night’s football game.
Romelo Harrison faces charges of felonious assault and tampering in connection with the incident. Police said the juvenile victim approached officers after being attacked inside a stadium restroom.
The victim suffered serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Counselors are expected to be available Monday for students affected by the incident.
Marshall County Prosecutor Rules Deputy’s Use of Force Justified
Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro has determined that a deputy was justified in using deadly force during an October 1 incident that left two residents dead.
According to investigators, Cyle Fabrizio killed David and Monica Will at their home before holding their 16-year-old daughter at gunpoint.
Deputy Christopher Minder fired one round, ending the threat. The couple’s two children survived.
The determination was announced Friday following an investigation by West Virginia State Police. The Marshall County sheriff acknowledged that the findings do not diminish the loss suffered by the Will family.
Valley Grove Home Heavily Damaged by Fire
Emergency crews responded to a house fire along Farmers Road in Valley Grove late Sunday afternoon.
The residence sustained significant damage, and the cause remains under investigation.
In a separate incident, Moundsville police reported that a vehicle pursuit ended in New Martinsville with a suspect taken into custody. Authorities have not released details about what prompted the pursuit or whether anyone was injured.
Wheeling Recall Elections Could Cost Taxpayers Thousands
Wheeling officials are outlining the potential financial impact of holding special elections to recall city leaders.
Under the city’s charter, a recall petition targeting the mayor or a council member must receive signatures from at least 10% of eligible voters.
City administrators estimate that each special recall election would cost approximately $52,000. If separate recall elections were held for all seven council members, the combined expense could reach $364,000.
Ohio County election officials confirmed that the city would be responsible for the election costs.
Ohio Ends Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s License Program
Ohio Registrar Charlie Norman has announced the end of the state’s non-domiciled commercial driver’s license program following changes to federal regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented stricter requirements in March.
According to federal officials, 17 fatal truck crashes in 2025, resulting in 30 deaths, involved drivers who would no longer qualify under the updated rules.
Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has not issued new licenses in this category over the past year. Approximately 3,000 existing license holders will receive 30 days before their licenses are downgraded.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Welcomes Largest Cadet Class in Nearly a Decade
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is preparing to welcome recruits for its 181st Cadet Class.
Recruits are gathering Monday at district headquarters, including the Cambridge Patrol Post, to sign letters of intent alongside family and friends.
The Patrol says the incoming group is its largest cadet class in nearly 10 years. Training is scheduled to begin Tuesday at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus.
Marshall County Republicans Hold Annual Community Picnic
The Marshall County Republican Party hosted its annual picnic Sunday at Riverfront Park in Moundsville.
The event featured food, live music and raffles, with West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner attending as the featured guest.
Organizers described the gathering as an opportunity for community fellowship and voter engagement ahead of the November election.
River News will continue following these stories and other developments affecting communities throughout the Ohio Valley.
