OHIO VALLEY — October 30, 2026 — Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including new testimony in a Belmont County double murder trial, funding for water infrastructure improvements in Brooke County, and plans to evaluate a major property in Jefferson County.
New Testimony Heard in Belmont County Double Murder Trial
The trial of Andrew Griffin continued Thursday with testimony involving an alleged confession and cellphone evidence connected to the 2021 deaths of Thomas and Angela Strussion.
Longtime family friend Arthur Cole testified by video that Griffin told him he had killed two people while attempting to recover money. Cole said Griffin did not provide additional details.
An FBI analyst also testified about a cellphone purchased with cash in Marion, Illinois, that later traveled to Belmont County, arriving around 3:43 a.m. According to the testimony, Griffin’s personal cellphone remained in Oklahoma.
Testimony was scheduled to resume Friday at 9 a.m. Griffin remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
West Virginia Announces Water Infrastructure Funding for Beech Bottom
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey visited Beech Bottom Thursday to announce $283,000 in funding for repairs to two water storage tanks serving approximately 550 residents.
The state will also contribute an additional $400,000 toward a $3 million water main improvement project along Route 2.
The funding is intended to help address infrastructure needs and improve the community’s water system.
Jefferson County Officials Consider Future of Former Eastern Gateway Property
Jefferson County commissioners have approved funding for a market study and appraisal of 62 acres at the former Eastern Gateway campus.
The study is expected to take approximately 12 weeks and will help officials evaluate potential uses for the property.
Port Authority Executive Director Robert Naylor said no decision has been made about whether the land will be sold or developed.
Salineville Man Indicted Following Police Pursuit
A 24-year-old Salineville man is facing five felony counts of failure to comply with a police officer following an incident in September.
According to court records, Nathaniel Ford allegedly ignored an officer’s signal to stop in Salem before fleeing on foot.
Authorities located Ford the following day. He was arraigned Thursday on the charges.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Ramaswamy Confirms Campaign Advertisement Is No Longer Airing
Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy confirmed Thursday that a controversial campaign advertisement featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother is no longer airing.
Ramaswamy said the advertisement had completed its scheduled run.
An Acton campaign spokesperson criticized the advertisement and maintained that it should never have aired.
The controversy comes as both candidates continue campaigning ahead of Ohio’s November 3 election.
Weirton Opens New Outdoor Fitness Court
Weirton residents now have another opportunity to exercise outdoors following the unveiling of a new Fitness Court at Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Park.
City officials introduced the facility Thursday. The free-to-use fitness area features seven workout stations designed to provide residents with accessible outdoor exercise opportunities.
Families Celebrate Halloween at Wheeling’s Great Pumpkin Party
Families gathered at Heritage Port in Wheeling Thursday evening for Dr. William Mercer’s annual Great Pumpkin Party.
The celebration included trunk-or-treating, photo opportunities and a showing of the Halloween classic It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
In addition to providing family-friendly entertainment, the annual event promotes a message encouraging children to avoid smoking and vaping.
For more local news and updates from across the Ohio Valley, visit RiverNews.org.
