OHIO VALLEY — November 11, 2026 — Two American soldiers missing for decades are returning home to the Ohio Valley, Wheeling Health Right is expanding access to free medications, and a former Moundsville fire chief is facing criminal charges.
Here are the latest River News headlines for Wednesday, November 11.
Two Fallen Soldiers Return Home to the Ohio Valley
Two Ohio Valley communities are preparing to honor American soldiers whose remains were identified decades after their deaths.
U.S. Army First Lieutenant Raymond Gilbert, who died in 1951 while being held as a prisoner of war in North Korea, was brought home to Steubenville on Tuesday. Residents lined the streets with American flags as a motorcade escorted his remains from Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, the remains of Army Air Forces Technical Sergeant Raymond Richmond, who died in a Japanese prison camp during World War II, are scheduled to return to Marshall County on Veterans Day.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified Richmond’s remains more than 80 years after his death.
Both soldiers will be honored Saturday, November 14. Services for Richmond are scheduled for 11 a.m. in Moundsville, followed by burial at Salem Cemetery. Gilbert’s services are scheduled for noon in Steubenville.
A public visitation for Richmond will also take place Friday at Grisell Funeral Home.
Wheeling Health Right Offering Free Prescription Medications
Uninsured patients at Wheeling Health Right may now qualify for free prescription medications through a new partnership with the nonprofit Dispensary of Hope.
The clinic says the partnership is the first of its kind in the Ohio Valley.
Eligible patients will receive medications without copays or enrollment fees.
The program is available to existing Wheeling Health Right patients who meet federal poverty guidelines. Applications must be completed in person at the clinic.
Former Moundsville Fire Chief Indicted by Grand Jury
A Marshall County grand jury has indicted former Moundsville Fire Chief Gary Brandon in connection with allegations involving sexually explicit material depicting minors.
Prosecutors allege Brandon used a city computer to distribute and exhibit the material.
The City of Moundsville terminated Brandon’s employment earlier this year after an investigation began in April. He was subsequently arrested in June.
The indictment represents formal criminal charges, and Brandon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Brooke County Reports Fourth Rabies Case of the Year
The Brooke County Health Department is warning residents after a raccoon found near Bethany tested positive for rabies.
Health officials say this is the county’s fourth reported rabies case of 2026.
Residents are encouraged to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations and avoid leaving pet food or unsecured garbage outdoors, which can attract wildlife.
Anyone who encounters an animal behaving unusually should avoid contact and notify the appropriate authorities.
Shadyside Considers Mandatory Trash Collection
Shadyside Village Council is considering an ordinance that would require residents receiving village water service to participate in trash collection.
The proposal would also require garbage to be stored in secure containers.
Mayor Mike Meintel has raised concerns about increasing wildlife and rodent activity, particularly raccoons on the village’s west side and rats on the east side.
Village officials hope improved trash management could help reduce the problem.
The proposal remains under consideration and has not yet been adopted.
Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan Elected House Republican Minority Leader
Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan has been selected to lead House Republicans as minority leader in the next Congress.
Jordan defeated Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise in a leadership vote Tuesday, receiving 106 votes to Scalise’s 73.
The leadership change comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the House and have indicated plans to investigate President Donald Trump and his administration.
Jordan has said he intends to challenge Democratic legislative priorities.
River News will continue providing updates on these stories and other developments affecting communities throughout the Ohio Valley.
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