Originally published Sept. 10, 2024

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio – Martins Ferry City Schools Superintendent Jim Fogle told River News Network that he lifted the soft lockdown on campus at the end of the school day Tuesday.

Martins Ferry City Schools was one of several Ohio Valley schools targeted by alleged threats this week. On Tuesday night, Buckeye Local School District officials announced on Facebook that school would be closed Wednesday, September 11 due to additional threats. St. Clairsville-Richland City School District was under a soft lockdown Tuesday, and Buckeye Local School District had a soft lockdown Monday.

Students remain on campus with doors locked and no visitors permitted during a soft lockdown. Martins Ferry school board members emphasized that school doors are always locked when school is in session.

Fogle says the string of local social media threats could be linked.

Fogle explained how his district learned about the threat and the actions they took to ensure the safety of their students.

The Martins Ferry Police Department called the Martins Ferry School Resource Officer Tuesday morning to alert him to an alleged social media threat against the school.

The Martins Ferry Police dispatcher said there was a threat on social media and we were added to the list.

Jim Fogle, Superintendent, Martins Ferry City Schools

The list possibly referred to all the schools receiving threats on social media this week.

Fogle placed the school campus under a soft lockdown “out of an abundance of caution.” Classes remained in session but visitors were not permitted to enter the buildings. School staff escorted students to meet parents as requested.

Fogle said Martins Ferry police interviewed a person concerning the social media post and that person provided police with names of other persons possibly involved.

The superintendent said Martins Ferry Police Chief Jerry Murphy did not find credible evidence of a threat. Police did not have a copy of the post, he said.

Fogle thanked the Martins Ferry Police Department for their fast response and added that additional officers were on campus Tuesday in response to the incident.

Classes were scheduled to resume with no restrictions Wednesday.

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Property taxes are rising by 20 percent in Belmont County but other parts of the state are seeing increases up to 50 percent, according to Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry.

Belmont County property taxes could increase by 20 percent

The increases are part of a state-mandated property revaluation system that requires counties to reassess property values every six years.

Henry says the tax system is broken and her office has no control over the increases.

We have to do something to fix our fractured tax system, and I have no control over it. The state dictates what we do.

Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry

Henry said in addition to the six-year state review, her office does also does a triannual review to check for property upgrades. Villages and cities also report upgrades or property changes to the auditor’s office.

She said new software the auditor’s office now uses makes the revaluation process easier for her staff and property owners. She has also found procedural and other errors that have now been fixed.

We have uncovered so much with our new software.

Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry

Henry explained that auditor’s office staff is allowed to step on a resident’s property to complete an assessment but they do not enter backyards or inside homes. They take a photo of the front of the house which can be seen online but Henry said property owners can request that photos not be posted.

Henry said the auditor’s office has been revamped since she came onboard three years ago. One of their biggest improvements was a new website that breaks down where your taxes go to the penny.

You can see your updated property value on the auditor’s site here.

The site also shows how much of your tax money goes to levies, which can be substantial.

Follow River News Network online and on Facebook for more details on the new Belmont County auditor’s website and how much of your tax money goes to levies.

Originally published Sept. 3, 2024

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. – An elderly man was stabbed Sunday night near West Liberty, West Virginia, according to Chief Deputy Nelson Croft of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office.

Croft said deputies responded to a residence on Girtys Point Road near West Liberty a little after 9 p.m. Monday night.

Authorities discovered a 64-year-old man who was allegedly stabbed. Croft says the alleged victim was transported for medical treatment.

Croft says a 24-year-old man was arrested for malicious wounding. The suspect has not yet been named.

Croft says the alleged victim and suspect are not related to one another.

Croft emphasized that this incident has no relation to or bearing upon West Liberty University.

Originally published

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Belmont County Commissioners met with county auditor Cindi Henry Wednesday for the Belmont County Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2025 on Wednesday.

Henry noted that county sales tax is down $500,000 this year but said half of this year is still ahead for the county to make up and collect the deficit. She added that the state of Ohio tax-free shopping days were increased this year, which could have lowered tax revenues.

The extended tax-free holiday could have impacted sales tax.

Cindi Henry, Belmont County Auditor

Governor DeWine expanded the length of Ohio’s Sales Tax holiday to 10 days this year, allowing tax-free purchases made in-person or online on all eligible items of up to $500. Per the Governor’s office, “Previous sales tax holidays ran three days, included only school-related items, and offered much lower purchase price limits ($75 maximum on an item of clothing; $20 per item of instructional material and/or school supplies).”

Commissioner J. P. Dutton added that there does not seem to be a way to recoup the tax money.

There is no state mechanism to reimburse counties for the tax-free holiday.

Belmont County Commissioner J. P. Dutton

The officials also discussed tax levies and property taxes. Dutton expressed his support for the children’s services levy, which is dropping.

I’d love to see the levy passed in November then dropped.

Belmont County Commissioner J. P. Dutton

Commissioners explained that children’s services has a cash balance they will tap into but noted that Ohio is ranked 49 out of the 50 states in the dollars it spends on children’s services statewide.

Henry added that there are a number of levies in Belmont County that contribute to higher property taxes that burden residents. This is on top of the projected 20 percent increase in county property taxes following a mandated property revaluation this year.

We keep putting a burden on taxpayers and they can’t keep absorbing it.

Cindi Henry, Belmont County Auditor

Henry said property owners have the opportunity to appeal their revaluations through an informal hearing process.

How can you reduce your property taxes in Belmont County?

The hearings will take place at the Belmont County Courthouse the first two weeks of September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Auditor’s staff will be on hand weekdays and even on Saturdays. Henry said 300 slots were available and one-third of those are already filled.

You can request an informal hearing with the Belmont County Auditor’s office online or by calling (740) 699-2131.

Originally published Aug. 29, 2024

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio – Local dog lovers have a chance to watch their favorite breeds this Labor Day weekend at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

The Friendship Cluster of Dog Shows is presenting their annual four days of dog shows Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2 at the fairgrounds just

outside of Smithfield, Ohio.

More than 500 dogs are entered, representing 120 breeds.

Three clubs, St. Clairsville, Ohio Kennel Club, Fort Steuben Kennel Association, and Trumball County Kennel Club have joined their efforts to put on these shows.

There is a lot you can learn about dogs at the show. You can learn about what dog breed might be best to complete your family.

Jane Hendricks, Show Chair and President, St. Clairsville, Ohio Kennel Club

Exhibitors from 25 different states as well as Canada will travel to the Ohio Valley for this top notch, top dog event.

Each day will start at 9 a.m. with individual breed judging and will conclude with crowning that day’s Best in Show winner. This part of the show is called conformation since the dogs are

judged according to the breed’s standard describing how the ideal dog of each

breed should be structured and look like to do the job they need to do that is

written by their parent club.

There will be an under 6 months Puppy Competition (a mini practice dog show for the puppies) is offered as a special attraction with AKC’s permission. Junior Showmanship is also being offered for kids from ages 9 up to 18 where the kids are judged on their handling abilities.

You can also see dogs compete in dock diving and watch the dogs enjoy

jumping in the pool or you can “try it” yourself if time is available.

There will also be competition in obedience and rally each day where dogs and

their owners, both mixed breed and purebred, compete as a team to perform

required exercises that will help the dog be able to be a good family member and

a good neighbor in their communities and can earn titles as well.

You must be pre-entered for these events except for dock diving “try its” and entries have closed.

Dog show organizers ask that you leave your own dog at home since the show atmosphere could be overwhelming for them and be a distraction for the dogs competing. Hendricks added that the hot weather is another reason to let your own dog stay home and chill out in front of the fan.

For everybody’s safety, please leave your pet dog at home. This is going to be a hot weekend.

Jane Hendricks, Show Chair and President, St. Clairsville, Ohio Kennel Club

The dog show exhibitors are equipped to handle the warm weather, though, and have fans and other methods to keep their dogs cool.

You can also go shopping at the dog show. Vendors with general and dog related items as well as food will be there. There also be a basket raffle.

The Friendship Shows are an affordable family experience. Hendricks says there is no admission fee, just a parking fee, and you can bring a carload of friends and family for a $5.

Originally published Aug. 28, 2024

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – A Martins Ferry City Schools bus driver was charged with OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol) on Monday evening in Cambridge, Ohio, according to Chief Dave Peoples of the Cambridge Police Department 

Ronald D. Irvin Vah Jr., 58, of Martins Ferry, was charged with OVI, implied consent to a chemical test, physical control, and endangering children.

Vah reportedly was driving a bus carrying Martins Ferry City Schools students and coaches to a sporting event in Cambridge.

Cambridge Patrolman Zach Smith found a cooler allegedly belonging to Vah on the bus with medicine bottles and a stainless steel tumbler with liquid that reportedly smelled like alcohol.

The Cambridge Police Department had responded to a complaint about a reportedly impaired man at Cambridge Middle School during a student volleyball game. Parents at the game witnessed Vah allegedly “stumbling, screaming and wobbling” at the volleyball game.

Martins Ferry Coach Nikki Baranski told police Vah was driving “really bad” and that that she and two other coaches witnessed Vah allegedly almost hit other cars with the bus in traffic on Interstate 70 in St. Clairsville. Baranski told the officer the bus left Martins Ferry around 3:30 p.m. and arrived at Cambridge Middle School around 5 p.m.

Vah apparently did not stop driving after the alleged near-miss accidents in St. Clairsville, and allegedly drove on to Cambridge, which is approximately another 45 minutes’ drive.

Baranski told the Cambridge officer that students would not be riding back on the bus with Vah and that she had made arrangements, with parental permission, to take the students home.

Cambridge Patrolman Zach Smith interviewed Vah who was sitting on the bench at the game, about what others called “subpar” driving. Vah reportedly said he was tired from a weekend trip to the Tappan Lake and was working two jobs. He said he was a substitute school bus driver for the last 8 to 9 months

Vah reportedly told Smith he was being treated for prostate cancer and took multiple medications for multiple issues. Trooper Miller from the Ohio Highway Patrol also interviewed Vah and Vah reportedly said he takes pain medications. Smith asked if Vah’s medications had warnings about not using them while operating heavy machinery, and Vah reportedly said there were warnings.

Smith was offered preliminary breathalyzer tests by Cambridge police and refused one breathalyzer when he was taken to the Ohio Highway Patrol office. He then asked for a lawyer.

Vah was able to call his wife, and after the police interview, they left the Ohio Highway Patrol office.

Vah scheduled for a hearing Wednesday, August 28, in Cambridge Municipal Court.

Originally published Aug. 27, 2024

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The weather wasn’t the only thing heating up in Shadyside Monday evening.

Tempers flared and the debate became heated when Shadyside council members met in executive session concerning a personnel matter for more than one hour.

Only council members, Mayor Bob Newhart and attorneys were permitted inside the executive session, but even people outside the building and on the street could hear council members yelling at one another from inside the meeting room.

The meeting began at 6 p.m., then council and the mayor went into executive session at 6:05 p.m. with attorneys Michael Shaheen and Diane Senakievich of the Shaheen Law Group. Council met with the attorneys for nearly one hour, but remained in executive session approximately another 15 minutes after the attorneys left the meeting.

The regular meeting then reconvened and council voted to retain the Shaheen Law Group regarding a personnel matter.

Council member Brandon Parr told River News Network that the new policy for requiring residents requesting to be on the council agenda 24 hours prior to the meeting for questions is working well. Parr said the policy allows council members to be better prepared to answer residents’ questions.

Councilwoman Melanie Haswell asked prior to council entering executive session why attorneys Shaheen and Senakievich were not on the agenda. Parr explained the mayor did not do this since the attorneys were there for executive session.

Council also discussed the ongoing sewerage plant issues. 80 diffusers need changed and the the south basin ones will be completed and brought back online and up to full capacity by this weekend. Once those are checked and found functional, the north basin diffusers will be completed. The EPA recommended the plant be switched from a fine diffuser system to a medium diffuser system.

Village Administrator Erica Tamburin said the village has been in regular contact with the EPA concerning the sewerage plant problem.

Haswell said the village is working to fix the issue.

It’s not like we don’t care. We are trying to get this figured out.

Melanie Haswell, Village of Shadyside Councilwoman

Other council members discussed whether residents disposing of adult diapers and wipes contributed to the sewerage plant problem.

Haswell also acknowledged the work of the Shadyside Police Department following the arrest of an armed suspect.

In other business, council approved two handicapped parking spaces for village residents. Council also made decisions on building permits and referred the ones denied to the variance committee.

Council members also discussed paving projects, some of which may delayed until next year.

Originally published Aug. 26, 2024

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Property taxes in Belmont County could increase by 20 percent or more following the latest property revaluation mandated by the state of Ohio.

You can see your updated property value on the auditor’s site here.

Belmont County Auditor Cindi Henry explained that Belmont County itself is not increasing your taxes. Belmont County conducts property revaluations every six years in compliance with the Ohio Department of Taxation. Property revaluations are staggered across Ohio’s 88 counties, and this year is Belmont County’s turn.

Belmont County property taxes could increase by 20 percent

However, there are ways to potentially lower your property taxes. The Belmont County Auditor’s Office sent thousands of bright yellow postcards to property owners last week with the office website and a QR code to go to for information concerning the new rates.

The Homestead Exemption can potentially reduce property taxes for senior citizens and the disabled. To qualify, the homeowner must have a maximum income of $38,600 for 2023. The Belmont County Auditor’s office accepts applications year round.

Property owners can determine their taxes for the new revaluation on the Belmont County Auditor’s website under the property search feature.

If you disagree with the revaluation, you can request an informal hearing with the Belmont County Auditor’s office online or by calling (740) 699-2131. You can also scan the QR code on the yellow postcard. Henry strongly encourages residents to take advantage of the informal hearing. Informal hearings will be held at times convenient for most people, including after hours and Saturdays.

If you are unhappy with the informal hearing, you can later request a state hearing.

Follow River News Network online and on Facebook for more details on the new Belmont County auditor’s website and how much of your tax money goes to levies.

Originally published Aug. 23, 2024

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – No one is coming out smelling like a rose in Shadyside this summer.

That’s because the village’s sewerage plant is being repaired.

Shadyside Mayor Bob Newhart says that the smell is bad, and he knows firsthand since his house is right across the road from the sewerage plant.

What people are smelling, to put it bluntly, is ammonia and poop.

Shadyside Mayor Bob Newhart

Newhart tells River News Network that the plant needs new clog diffusers. He says about half of those clog diffusers have been ordered.

Newhart says the village has been actively trying to fix the smelly situation which has plagued residents for the past two months. The heat and dry weather has made the smell worse, Newhart says. He uses wax burners to mask the smell in his own home.

He says the EPA is aware of the problem and has not issued any health warnings.

Newhart expects the sewerage plant to be repaired and the smell to be eliminated within a month or two.