Home Blog Page 158

Local man charged with multiple sex crimes

Karen Fatula-News Director
-
0
Local man charged with multiple sex crimes

GUERNSEY COUNTY, Ohio – Timothy Allen Smith, 50, of Old Washington, Ohio was charged with multiple sex crimes according to Guernsey County Sheriff Jeffrey Paden’s social media post.

Smith was charged Thursday with rape, a felony of the first degree, sexual battery, a felony of the third degree, and three counts of having weapons while under disability, felonies of the third degree.

Smith was arraigned on Thursday after officials filed charges in the Cambridge Municipal Court. Paden anticipates additional charges to be filed when the case is presented to a Guernsey County Grand Jury.

Bond was set at $300,000 with no 10%.

West Virginia child dies in house fire

Karen Fatula-News Director
-
0
West Virginia child dies in house fire

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – A 12-year-old male was the victim in a fatal house fire in Parkersburg in Wood County overnight, according to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office

The fire occurred at a home on Elder Street at approximately 12:40 a.m. Friday.

The Parkersburg Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire and found the victim.

Investigators with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office were then dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

The victim has been taken to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and positive identification.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

President Biden issues order barring sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese firm

Karen Fatula-News Director
-
0
President Biden issues order barring sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese firm

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden (D) issued an order today, Friday, Jan. 3, prohibiting the proposed acquisition of United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) by Nippon Steel Corporation of Japan. U.S. Steel is headquartered in Pittsburgh.

President Biden said in his order Friday that the sale to the Japanese firm “might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States.” He cited the Defense Production Act of 1950.

The proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by the Purchasers (Proposed Transaction) is prohibited, and any substantially similar transaction between the Purchasers and U.S. Steel, whether effected directly or indirectly by the Purchasers, through the Purchasers’ shareholders or shareholders’ immediate, intermediate, or ultimate foreign person beneficial owners, or through the Purchasers’ partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates is also prohibited.

President Joe Biden’s (D) order prohibiting sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel Corp.

President Biden also released a statement calling the steel industry a vital part of the backbone of American that needs to be protected from foreign interests.

As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation.  A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.  That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.

President Joe Biden’s (D) statement on his prohibiting the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel Corp.

President Biden’s order states that the “Purchasers and U.S. Steel shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the Proposed Transaction no later than 30 days after the date of this order, unless such date is extended by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)”

He added that the “Attorney General is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce this order.”

You can read President Biden’s full order on U.S. Steel here.

You can also read President Biden’s statement on his decision to prohibit the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp. here.

Who’s in court today?

River News Network Staff
-
0
Who’s in court today?

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Here is the Belmont County court docket for Friday, January 3 from the court website.

1 case is scheduled.

The schedule is subject to change per the site, which states “that not all events may be represented in the event list. The court has discretion over the information displayed. Also, the user must be a party or associated with a party on the case for the event to be listed in the event list. If you do not see an event in the list, do not assume that it does not exist.”

Check back here with the River News Network website and Facebook page and X for daily court docket updates.

Event type/Judge/Location/Case description:


Case Description
12:00 PMTelephone ConferenceVavra, John AJAV Belmont County Courthouse, Room 30924 CR 0135 State of Ohio VS. Stepler, Henry Leon JAV

Monroe County under snow emergency

Karen Fatula-News Director
-
0
Monroe County under snow emergency

MONROE COUNTY, Ohio – Sheriff Derek Norman has placed Monroe County under a Level 1 snow emergency, according to the department’s Facebook page.

A Level 1 snow emergency means roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.

Any non-emergency calls can be made to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 740-472-1612, ext. 2. DIAL 911 for all emergency situations.

What do Ohio’s snow emergency levels mean?

Level 1

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and roads could be icy. Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously. 

Level 2

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, and they could be covered in ice. Drivers should try to stay off of roads, unless they feel as though it is absolutely necessary to drive. Officials encourage drivers to contact their employers to see if they should come into work. 

Level 3

Roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. This means nobody should be driving in the current conditions, unless there is an emergency. Drivers should contact their employers to see if they should report to work. Those who decide to travel in a Level 3 county are putting themselves at risk of being arrested.

County sheriffs in Ohio issue snow level warnings.

While the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) does not issue snow level information, they offer the following winter driving tips:

Leave Early

Monitor weather conditions before you plan to leave and expect any trip to take double the normal amount of time. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

Use OHGO, ODOT’s real-time traffic information website and mobile application, to see current traffic speeds, live traffic cameras, and current weather conditions.

Plan Your Route

Avoid steep upgrades and lightly traveled roads where deep snow drifts may form.

Clear Your Vehicle

Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights, and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen while on the road.

Inspect Your Car

Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts, and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day – and dangerous on a bad weather day.

Proceed with Caution

Slow Down

When snow and ice are present, the posted speed limit is NOT a safe speed. Drive an appropriate speed for the conditions you encounter.

Increase Following Distance

It can take 3 to 10 times farther to stop on slick pavement than on a dry road. The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. Allow a large space between yourself and the car ahead of you.

Accelerate and Stop Gradually

Never slam on your brakes or begin accelerating quickly in ice or snow. Slick pavement conditions can cause reduced traction and loss of control.

If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.

Maintain Control of Your Vehicle

When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. When merging into traffic, take it slow. Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.

Remain Vigilant of Your Surroundings

Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

Don’t Crowd the Plow

Watch Out for Blind Spots

The plow driver’s field of vision is limited. As a general rule: If you can’t see the plow truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you. Always stay two to three car lengths behind the plow.

Ice and Snow, Take it Slow

Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. Be patient and provide plow drivers the room they need to complete their work. Try not to pass the plow. Watch for sudden stops or turns.

Beware of Snow Clouds

Additional, plow trucks have a tendency to leave snow clouds as the push snow accumulations off the roadways, creating a limited visibility for drivers around them.

Follow River News Network online, on Facebook and X for updates.

Gianangeli sworn in as Belmont County commissioner, will focus on economic development

Karen Fatula-News Director
-
0
Gianangeli sworn in as Belmont County commissioner, will focus on economic development

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – Vince Gianangeli (R) was sworn in Thursday as Belmont County’s new commissioner by Common Pleas Court Judge John Vavra at the county courthouse.

It was a packed house in the courtroom with around 60 of Gianangeli’s supporters, friends and family on hand to witness him take the oath of office.

Gianangeli tells River News Network that he plans to tackle many issues in his new role including the ten-year delay of the cracker plant in Dilles Bottom, economic development and animal welfare. But he says his first priority is to meet with county employees.

I think the first order of business has to be me going around to the various departments and meeting the employees that I don’t already know.

Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner

Gianangeli told the crowd at his swearing in ceremony that there is riverfront property in Belmont County that can be developed, including the land designated for the cracker plant.

so for ten years now we’ve talked about this cracker plant and I’m in favor of it. I have no problem with it. I’m in favor of good jobs, bringing people into our community that will attend our schools, who will be spending money at the malls, in the grocery stores. but let’s face it, ten years. That’s a decade. perhaps the state could come and build it, or allow us to have our property released so we can develop it.

Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner

He plans to find out the status of the cracker plant from state officials in Columbus.

I’m going to talk to Jobs Ohio in Columbus about it and so I need to get a hold of Scott Owens with Jobs Ohio and have a discussion with him.

Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner

Gianangeli will remain Colerain Township Fiscal Officer and cited an opinion by the attorney general stating that those types of positions are compatible with his new role.

He thanked people involved in animal rescue groups, especially Belmont County PAWSitive Placements, for their dedication to helping pets find homes and for their work in supporting his campaign. He said he hopes to bring volunteers back to the Belmont County Animal Shelter.

I’ve also talked about these animal groups and the dog shelter. I think it’s wonderful that we’re going to be building a new animal shelter, but that animal shelter should be housed with employees and volunteers, the volunteers who are not there any longer. And that’s free help. I look at those animal groups as public servants also
Because they’re protecting our animals that were being euthanized. they are no longer are being euthanized. So we’re just gonna make those animals much better so that they get adopted.

Vince Gianangeli (R), Belmont County Commissioner

Gianangeli said he is beginning his 41st year of public service but does not consider himself a politician. He instead says he is a public servant who reports to the people of Belmont County. He served as Director of Belmont County Job & Family Services and showed the crowd an award of appreciation those employees gave him.

He thanked his wife, Patti, family and supporters. Following the ceremony, he honored them with a luncheon at the Sons of Italy in Bellaire.

His four-year term as commissioner commenced today, Jan. 2.



Ohio students can now take absences for religious expression

River News Network Staff
-
0
Ohio students can now take absences for religious expression

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released guidance and a non-exhaustive list of religious expression days students can take as absences.

Ohio schools and districts must now adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs and practices for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system.

Every Ohio school district, charter and STEM school must adopt a policy that allows students three days off each year to observe religious holy days. The deadline for schools to adopt the policy is January 22.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3320.04, which became effective on Oct. 24, 2024, the
Department of Education and Workforce compiled a non-exhaustive list of major religious
holidays for the next two school years which schools and districts may use and add to when
creating their policy for excusing students for religious expression.

Students are given up to three religious expression days per school year provided that the
parent or guardian provides written notice to the school or district of the selected days within 14 school days of the start of school (or within 14 days of a newly enrolled student’s first day in the school or district).

The policy must allow students to participate in interscholastic athletics or other extracurricular activities on a religious expression day.

Schools and districts must post and communicate the policy to families and students. Each
school or district must collaborate with the student and family on accommodations needed
when there is a conflict between a religious expression day and a school assessment or
academic requirement.

The Department of Education and Workforce says no inclusion or exclusion of a religious holiday or festival on the list below shall preclude a student from full and reasonable accommodations for any sincerely held religious beliefs and practices for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system.

These three religious expression days do not count toward parental notification requirements under ORC 3321.191 (C)(1) for excessive absences.


The Container Store filing bankruptcy

River News Network Staff
-
0
The Container Store filing bankruptcy

Texas – Home and office organizing goods retailer The Container Store announced late Sunday that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The retailer had multiple years of declining sales.

Founded in 1978, The Container Store Group, Inc. is the nation’s only retailer with a solution-oriented offering of custom spaces, organizing solutions, and in-home services that they say are designed to transform lives through the power of organization.

The bankruptcy doesn’t include its Elfa business in Sweden.

There are more than 100 stores nationwide plus an online retail site.

The Container Store locations nearest the Ohio Valley are Pittsburgh and Columbus.

Other retail stores are also experiencing losses with Big Lots and Party City announcing last week they are closing.

Ohio minimum wage going up in 2025

River News Network Staff
-
0
Ohio minimum wage going up in 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a news release, the Ohio Department of Commerce announce the new Ohio minimum wage effective January 1, 2025. 

Ohio’s minimum wage increased Jan. 1, 2025, to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.35 per hour for tipped employees. The minimum wage will apply to employees of businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $394,000 per year.

The current 2024 minimum wage is $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.25 per hour for tipped employees. The 2024 Ohio minimum wage applies to employees of businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $385,000.

The Constitutional Amendment (II-34a) passed by Ohio voters in November 2006 states Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 each year by the rate of inflation. The state minimum wage is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) for urban wage earners and clerical workers over the 12-month period prior to September. The CPI-W index increased by 2.4 % over the 12-month period from Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024.

For employees at smaller companies with annual gross receipts of $394,000 or less per year after Jan. 1, 2025, and for 14- and 15-year-olds, the state’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. For these employees, the state wage is tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which requires an act of Congress and the President’s signature to change.

Employers can access the 2025 Minimum Wage poster for display in their places of business by visiting the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance’s Bureau of Wage and Hour website. 

Ohio to Lead Class-Action Lawsuit Against Software Company Blamed for Nearly $80 million OPERS & STRS Pension-Fund Losses

River News Network Staff
-
0
Ohio to Lead Class-Action Lawsuit Against Software Company Blamed for Nearly $80 million OPERS & STRS Pension-Fund Losses

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal judge has appointed Ohio as lead plaintiff in a securities class-action lawsuit against ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., a software company accused of deliberately misleading investors, fueling $75.9 million in losses for two state pension funds.

On Nov. 13, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a motion asking that Ohio be named lead plaintiff in the suit.

In a motion filed on Nov. 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Yost sought the lead-plaintiff status on behalf of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and the State Teachers Retirement System.

The lawsuit accuses ZoomInfo of committing securities fraud by concealing a slowing demand for its product after a temporary revenue boost early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Late last week, U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright ruled in Ohio’s favor.

ZoomInfo, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, provides its business clients with contact information for potential customers through subscription-based software. According to the lawsuit, the company engaged in deceptive tactics to inflate the value of its stock while falsely crediting its growth to the strength of its product.

1...157158159...183Page 158 of 183