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River News Headlines — October 6, 2026

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Ohio Orders Prediction Market Operators to Halt Sports Contracts

Ohio’s casino regulator has ordered 10 prediction market operators, including Polymarket and Robinhood, to stop offering sports betting contracts in the state. The companies have until Oct. 16 to comply with the order.

New After-School Program Opens in Wintersville

The Sycamore Youth Center opened its third Jefferson County after-school program Monday. The new Wintersville location, known as The Ark, is launching with seven classes, with organizers reporting that many students have already signed up.

Break-In Reported at Wheeling I-470 Baseball Complex

Police are investigating a break-in at Wheeling’s Interstate 470 Baseball Complex. Locks were reportedly broken and supplies were taken from the concession stand and storage areas at the complex, which includes the Miracle League Field for children with special needs.

No Trial Date Yet in McNinch Primary School Case

A teacher and administrator charged in connection with the McNinch Primary School case have waived their right to a speedy trial. Kiersten Moses and Erin Cuffaro face felony child abuse charges in a case involving a 6-year-old autistic child. Both are scheduled to return to court Nov. 19.

Belmont County Woman Sentenced in Infant’s Death

A 33-year-old Belmont County woman will serve two years in prison after pleading guilty to child endangering as part of a plea agreement in connection with the death of her 9-month-old child. Prosecutors said the child suffocated after the woman rolled onto the baby while sleeping and said drugs were found in her system.

Marshall County Chamber to Hold Annual Dinner

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce will hold “A Night to Celebrate Marshall County” Wednesday at Reilley’s Reception and Event Center in Glen Dale. West Virginia University President Michael Benson will deliver the keynote address. The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and will recognize local businesses, individuals and school achievements.

President Trump Scheduled for Youngstown Rally

President Donald Trump is scheduled to headline a midterm rally Monday, Oct. 12, at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, according to the Republican National Committee. Doors are scheduled to open at 2:30 p.m., with Trump expected to speak at 6 p.m.

$4.2 Billion Loan Offered for Regional Nuclear Plant Upgrades

Federal energy officials say Vistra has been offered a conditional $4.2 billion loan to modernize the Perry, Davis-Besse and Beaver Valley nuclear power plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Officials say the projects could support approximately 3,000 jobs.

Bridgeport Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine Seizure

Belmont County Sheriff’s detectives say a traffic stop led to the arrest of 50-year-old James Pyle on Friday. Investigators say a subsequent search of his Bridgeport home uncovered nearly three-quarters of a pound of suspected cocaine and approximately $52,000. Pyle faces first-degree felony drug charges.

Kids’ Turn Halloween Dance Party Coming to The Jingle Bar in Benwood

BENWOOD, W.Va. — A Halloween dance party designed especially for kids is coming to The Jingle Bar in Benwood later this month.

The Kids’ Turn Halloween Dance Party will be held Monday, Oct. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Jingle Bar, located at 205 N. Marshall St. in Benwood.

Admission is $25 per person, and costumes are encouraged.

The Halloween celebration will include dancing along with a DIY Halloween cookie, a themed mocktail and a pepperoni roll.

The event offers local families a chance to celebrate Halloween with an evening of music, costumes, food and seasonal activities.

The Jingle Bar is located at 205 N. Marshall St., Benwood, WV 26031.

Teen Pleads Guilty in Fatal Ohio Crash Involving Two Off-Duty Police Officers

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ohio — An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty in connection with a 2025 crash that killed one off-duty Wellston police officer and seriously injured another.

The teen pleaded guilty Monday in Jackson County Juvenile Court to aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, and aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony.

The case stems from a crash that happened around 2 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2025, in Wellston. The defendant was 17 at the time.

According to information released in the case, the teen was driving a 2014 Hyundai Accent while intoxicated when the vehicle struck the rear of a golf cart traveling south on South Pennsylvania Avenue near Sixth Street.

The impact sent the golf cart off the roadway and into a tree.

Matthew Juniper, 25, of Wellston, was a passenger in the golf cart and suffered fatal injuries. Juniper had served with the Wellston Police Department for four years and previously worked as a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

The golf cart’s driver, 40-year-old Brant Derrow of Wellston, was seriously injured. Derrow is also a Wellston police officer.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated the crash.

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. A disposition hearing, the juvenile court proceeding at which the court determines the outcome of the case, is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.

River News Headlines — October 5, 2026

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Ohio Voter Registration Deadline Today

Monday is the final day for Ohioans to register to vote ahead of the November election. The deadline is 9 p.m., with county boards of elections and the Ohio Secretary of State’s office remaining open until then.

More Than 8,000 Visit The Wall That Heals in Belmont County

More than 8,000 people visited The Wall That Heals during its four-day stop at the Belmont County Fairgrounds. The three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial concluded its local visit with a closing ceremony Sunday.

Missing Teen Sought in New Martinsville

New Martinsville Police are asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Lillyonna Thompson, who was reported missing Saturday. Police say she also goes by Lilly or Jackson and has red-and-black hair. As of early Monday morning, she remained missing. Anyone with information is asked to call New Martinsville Police at 304-455-9100.

Weirton Water Board Searching for New Director

The Weirton Area Water Board is preparing to interview candidates as longtime director Butch Mastrantoni prepares to retire Oct. 16 after 35 years. Three applications have been received, and board members say an interim director could be named Oct. 15.

Ohio Deer Hunters See Strong Start to Archery Season

Ohio hunters checked in more than 8,400 white-tailed deer during the early portion of archery season, nearly 60% more than during the same period last year, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Hopedale Haunted Trail Continues This Month

The Hopedale American Legion Post 682 Haunted Trail returns for several more weekends in October. Upcoming dates are Oct. 9–10, Oct. 16–17 and Oct. 23–24. The trail opens at 7 p.m., admission is $10 per person and children under 5 are admitted free.

Canfield Fair Incident Draws Dispute Over Cooperation

Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro said Friday that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton’s campaign was “ghosting” law enforcement in connection with an alleged assault attempt at the Canfield Fair. Acton’s campaign disputes that characterization and says it has cooperated by providing a list of people who were in the tent and eyewitnesses’ cell phones.

49ers Owner Jed York Suspended

San Francisco 49ers owner and Mahoning Valley native Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000 following a prostitution sting in East Palestine, according to the supplied newscast, which attributes the information to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The newscast says York is expected to return Oct. 20.

Woman Injured in Reported Stabbing in Steubenville

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Emergency crews responded to West Adams Street Sunday afternoon following a report that a woman had been stabbed.

The incident was reported around 1:45 p.m. Responders were advised that a woman had suffered a stab wound to her side.

Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the area. Radio traffic indicated officers were also searching for a male who was reportedly seen moving through the area of Washington Street, 10th Street and South Penn Street. His connection to the reported stabbing had not been officially confirmed.

Air medical transportation was requested and was reported on the ground shortly after 2 p.m. The woman was transported around 2:15 p.m., according to initial radio traffic.

Her condition was not immediately available.

No information was provided regarding what led to the incident, whether anyone had been taken into custody or whether charges had been filed.

This incident still remains under investigation.

Motorcycle Crash Reported on Route 250 in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — Emergency crews responded to a motorcycle crash along Route 250 Saturday afternoon.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the crash was reported around 3:28 p.m. The initial call indicated a motorcycle had gone over a guardrail and the rider may have been thrown from the motorcycle.

Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene, and air medical transportation was initially contacted. Shortly after crews arrived, however, units advised air medical to stand down.

By approximately 3:42 p.m., responders indicated the roadway could reopen once the ambulance cleared the scene.

No information was immediately available regarding the rider’s condition, the exact location of the crash or what caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.

Additional details have not been released.

Buildings Reportedly Broken Into at Wheeling I-470 Ballfields

WHEELING, W.Va. — Authorities are investigating after multiple buildings at the I-470 Ballfields in Wheeling were reportedly broken into overnight.

According to initial emergency radio traffic Sunday morning, Wheeling Parks and Recreation reported around 9:45 a.m. that all of the buildings at the ballfield complex appeared to have been entered.

Officials were taking inventory of the buildings to determine whether any property was missing.

Police were notified of the reported break-ins. No information was immediately available regarding possible suspects, the extent of any damage or whether anything had been stolen.

The incident remains under investigation.

Free Haunted House Coming to Moundsville This October

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — A free, family-friendly haunted house is coming to Moundsville for several nights leading up to Halloween.

The Moundsville Free Haunted House will be held at 40 Henry Lane beginning Thursday, Oct. 15. The attraction will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31.

Thursday hours will run from 7 to 10 p.m., while the haunted house will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Organizers describe the attraction as family-friendly and say admission is completely free.

The event gives local families another Halloween activity to enjoy throughout the second half of October, with multiple opportunities to visit before Halloween night.

Hopedale American Legion Haunted Trail Returns for 2026 Halloween Season

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HOPEDALE, OH — A Halloween tradition is returning to Harrison County this October as Hopedale American Legion Post 682 prepares to open its Haunted Trail for the 2026 season.

The Haunted Trail begins Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, with additional nights scheduled for Oct. 9–10, Oct. 16–17 and Oct. 23–24.

Tickets will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night, with the trail opening at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person, while children under 5 can enter for free.

The attraction features local participants bringing a variety of scares to the trail throughout the evening. Organizers describe the event as a community tradition that also supports local veterans and the surrounding community.

The Haunted Trail is hosted by Hopedale American Legion Post 682 and the Sons of the American Legion in Hopedale.

Three-Vehicle Crash Reported on I-70 West

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OHIO VALLEY — Emergency crews responded to a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 West Wednesday evening.

According to initial emergency radio traffic, the crash was reported around 6:43 p.m. near mile marker 7.

Police, fire and EMS units were dispatched to the scene after reports indicated three vehicles were involved.

No information was immediately available regarding injuries, the extent of damage or what led to the crash.

Motorists traveling through the area could experience delays while emergency crews work at the scene.

River News will provide additional information if it becomes available.