Three Candidates Enter Race for Belmont County Commissioner Seat
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffBELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The race for an open Belmont County commissioner seat being vacated by Commissioner Jerry Echemann, who has announced he will not seek another term in office, is beginning to take shape as three candidates filed with the county election board before Wednesday’s deadline. Dave Shafer, a Republican and former Belmont County
Wheeling Suspension Bridge to Remain Closed to Vehicle Traffic
On February 5, 2026 by River News Network StaffWHEELING, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Transportation has determined the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge will not reopen to vehicle traffic. Transportation officials said the agency has commissioned a study focused on preserving the bridge for pedestrian use while ensuring it meets federal historic preservation standards. The decision follows a 2019 incident in which
Environmental Group Raises Concerns About Former Austin Master Services Cleanup
On February 5, 2026 by River News Network StaffMARTINS FERRY, Ohio — Members of the public interest group Buckeye Environmental Network raised questions during the most recent Martins Ferry City Council meeting regarding the cleanup of the former Austin Master Services site. Representatives of the group told council members they have concerns about the status and thoroughness of environmental remediation efforts at the
DeWine Appoints Styer to Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Ryan Styer to the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Division. Styer, of New Philadelphia, will assume office March 2, 2026. He will fill the seat formerly held by Judge Elizabeth Thomakos, who resigned. Styer will serve the remainder of
Acton, Pepper to Hold Meet-and-Greet in Rayland
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffJEFFERRSON COUNTY, Ohio — Democratic candidates for Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Amy Acton and David Pepper, will hold a meet-and-greet this weekend in Jefferson County. The event is scheduled for Saturday at Buckeye Local High School in Rayland. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the event set to begin at 5 p.m.
Brit Floyd Bringing 2026 World Tour to Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffWHEELING, W.Va. — Brit Floyd, widely known as one of the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute bands, is set to bring its 2026 world tour to Wheeling this summer. The band will perform at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, July 30, as part of its “The Moon, The Wall and Beyond” tour celebrating the group’s
Wheeling Fire Department Now Accepting Applications for Firefighters; Two Career Open Houses Scheduled
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffWHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Fire Department has announced that testing for probationary firefighters will be held on March 4, 2026. Interested candidates must apply online no later than February 27, 2026, on the City of Wheeling’s website. To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of testing;
Wheeling Secures Federal Earmark Funding for Local Improvement Projects
On February 4, 2026 by River News Network StaffWHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling City Manager Bob Herron announced the city will receive funding through federal congressional earmarks for several local improvement projects. Herron said the funding will support initiatives involving the Wheeling Park Commission, improvements to the Northern Parkway, and development of the Gateway Center Trail Connector. City officials say the projects are aimed
Community Kickoff Meeting Planned for The Wall That Heals Visit to Belmont County
On February 3, 2026 by River News Network StaffBELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The Wall That Heals Committee is inviting the public to attend a Community Kickoff Meeting ahead of the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica’s visit to Belmont County this fall. The Community Kickoff Meeting will be held Thursday, February 5 at noon at the St. Clairsville American Legion. The meeting will provide
Three Men Sentenced in Separate Sexual Assault Cases in Ohio County
On February 3, 2026 by River News Network StaffWHEELING, W.Va. — Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Turak announced sentences for three recent sexual assault and solicitation cases this week. Chris Lipscomb, 54, received a sentence of 3 to 15 years on Tuesday for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old guest in his home in January 2025. Upon release, Lipscomb will face 25 years of supervised