OHIO VALLEY — November 6, 2026 — Steubenville is receiving a new federal economic development designation, Wheeling’s long-running Streetscape Project is approaching completion, and Oglebay’s Festival of Lights has officially returned for the holiday season.
Meanwhile, election results are changing the balance of power in Ohio, a Cadiz council vote has sparked questions about new village positions, and a Wheeling mother has received an additional prison sentence.
Here are the latest headlines from across the Ohio Valley.
Steubenville Selected for Federal Opportunity Zone Designation
Steubenville has been named to a new federal Opportunity Zone list, a designation intended to encourage investment and economic development in qualifying communities.
The announcement was made Thursday, November 5.
Mayor Ralph Petrella said the designated area includes downtown Steubenville and much of University Boulevard.
According to Petrella, more than 15 development projects are either planned or already underway within the area.
The designation could help attract private investment and support future development. Local schools are also expected to benefit, according to city officials.
Oglebay’s Festival of Lights Returns for 42nd Year
One of the Ohio Valley’s most popular holiday traditions is officially underway.
Oglebay’s Festival of Lights began Thursday evening, November 5, marking the attraction’s 42nd year.
The holiday displays will remain available through January 3, 2027.
Several new attractions are featured this season, including a 30-foot Frosty the Snowman display, illuminated singing faces and walk-through light tunnels.
The annual event draws visitors to Wheeling throughout the holiday season.
Wheeling Streetscape Project Nears Completion After Four Years
After approximately four years of construction, Wheeling’s Streetscape Project is finally approaching completion.
State highway officials say the remaining work should take only a few more weeks.
District Manager Brian Kucish reported that the project’s concrete work is finished, with crews now completing final details, including street lighting.
Kucish attributed some of the project’s lengthy delays to unexpected underground conditions and the challenges of construction in an older city.
The project has involved extensive improvements to Wheeling’s downtown streets and infrastructure.
Ohio House Republicans Lose Supermajority Following Election
Ohio’s political landscape is changing following Tuesday’s general election.
As of early Friday morning, November 6, five Ohio House races remained too close to call.
However, the election results indicate Republicans will no longer hold the 60 seats needed for a supermajority in the Ohio House, even if they win all five outstanding contests.
That change could have major implications for incoming Democratic Gov. Amy Acton.
Without a House supermajority, Republicans would be unable to override a governor’s veto without support from additional lawmakers.
Republicans are expected to maintain their supermajority in the Ohio Senate.
In another statewide election result, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was elected state auditor.
LaRose also pointed to the approval of Issue 3, which received support from more than 65% of voters, as evidence of continued public support for Republican-backed policies despite Democratic victories in several major races.
Cadiz Mayor Breaks Tie to Approve Two New Village Positions
A divided Cadiz Village Council has voted in favor of creating two new full-time municipal positions.
During Thursday’s meeting, council members split 3-3 on proposals to establish a public works director position and a compliance and grants analyst position.
Mayor R. Kevin Jones cast the deciding vote in favor of the proposals.
Some residents questioned whether the additional positions were necessary.
Village officials said three recent employee departures have created staffing shortages, making the new positions important for maintaining municipal operations.
The proposals still require review and approval by the village solicitor.
Wheeling Mother Receives Additional Prison Sentence in Marshall County Case
A Wheeling woman has received another prison sentence in connection with crimes involving her teenage daughter.
Kelly Pulliam pleaded guilty Wednesday in Marshall County to using her daughter to produce sexually explicit videos.
She was sentenced to an additional 10 years in state prison.
The sentence follows a separate Ohio County human trafficking case in which Pulliam previously received a prison term of five to 20 years.
Pulliam will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Bridgeport Police Department Recognizes Officers at Annual Awards Ceremony
The Bridgeport Police Department recognized its officers Thursday during its fourth annual awards ceremony.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson delivered the keynote address, recognizing the challenges law enforcement officers face while serving their communities.
Wilson emphasized that awards and public recognition cannot fully capture the responsibilities and difficulties officers encounter in their work.
The annual event provides an opportunity to recognize department personnel for their service.
Clarksburg City Manager Fined Following Ethics Violation
Clarksburg City Manager Tiffany Fell has agreed to pay a $2,000 fine following a finding by the West Virginia Ethics Commission.
According to the commission, Fell improperly had city employees care for her newborn child during working hours.
The agreement described an instance in which an assistant typed meeting minutes in a darkened room to avoid disturbing the baby.
Fell acknowledged the violation but maintained that her actions were not intentional.
The agreement resolves the ethics matter with the financial penalty.
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