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REAL ID Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Know Before May 7

River News Network Staff
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REAL ID Deadline Approaching: What You Need to Know Before May 7

Starting May 7, you will need a federally compliant form of identification — known as a REAL ID — to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. The clock is ticking, and officials are urging everyone to prepare now.

The REAL ID is not a new concept. It stems from the REAL ID Act of 2005, a post-9/11 measure aimed at enhancing the security of state-issued identification. The law sets strict standards for state driver’s licenses and ID cards, requiring tamper-resistant materials, stronger verification procedures, and added security features.

REAL ID-compliant cards are easy to spot — they include a star in the upper right-hand corner. In most states, that star is gold, black, or yellow, while in California, it’s represented by a gold bear.

Why It Matters

Without a REAL ID — or an alternative TSA-approved form of identification — travelers will not be able to board domestic flights beginning May 7, 2025. The ID will also be required for access to secure federal facilities, including military bases and nuclear power plants.

This change affects millions of Americans. Whether you’re traveling for business or taking a family vacation, having the correct ID is essential.

What Are Your Options?

Aside from a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID, other acceptable forms of identification include:

  • U.S. passport book or card
  • Military ID
  • DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

How to Get a REAL ID in Ohio

To apply for or renew your REAL ID in Ohio, visit your local BMV office. Be sure to bring documents that verify:

  • Your full legal name and date of birth
  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of Ohio residency (two documents required)
  • Proof of lawful status in the U.S.

The cost of a REAL ID in Ohio is the same as a standard driver’s license or ID card.

You can learn more about the REAL ID in Ohio at the Ohio BMV website.

How to Get a REAL ID in West Virginia

Visit the West Virginia of Motor Vehicles website.

West Virginia offers an online option to start the REAL ID process called REAL ID Headstart Pre-Enrollment Service available to West Virginians. The new service from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is the easiest and fastest way to upgrade a current “Not for Federal Identification” type WV Driver’s License or State ID to a REAL ID.

Enter your information, upload your documents, then book your appointment (once approved.) Spend up to 50% less time at the DMV during your in-person appointment. Click on the link for more details.  http://go.wv.gov/realidheadstart

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

With the deadline just a few weeks away, officials encourage you to check your current identification and take action if needed. If you plan to fly domestically or need access to federal buildings after May 7, 2025, make sure your ID is REAL ID compliant — or be prepared to present an alternative approved document.

Two law firms file a class action lawsuit against EORH

River News Network Staff
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Two law firms file a class action lawsuit against EORH

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio – Attorneys from two law firms filed a class action lawsuit Monday against East Ohio Regional Hospital and Dr. John Johnson, alleging serious violations of both federal and state wage laws, as well as the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

The legal action, brought on behalf of former hospital employees by two law firms, claims they were denied their rightful wages and given no advance notice of the hospital’s sudden closure. The employees are represented by the law firms of Gold, Khourey & Turak of Moundsville, West Virginia and employment law specialists Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP of Columbus, Ohio.

According to the complaint, numerous employees were not paid properly for their work, including missing final paychecks that should have included compensation for regular and overtime hours. The plaintiffs also allege that the hospital failed to provide the 60-day advance notice required under the WARN Act before executing mass layoffs and shutting down operations.

East Ohio Regional Hospital closed March 21.

Local man arrested on firearms, drug charges after traffic stop

River News Network Staff
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Local man arrested on firearms, drug charges after traffic stop

MONROE COUNTY, Ohio – Monroe County Sheriff Derek Norman announced Monday that a New Matamoras, Ohio man was arrested on drug and weapons charges.

Deputies arrested Andrew Creighton, 33, on Jan. 31 following a traffic stop along State Route 800. During the course of the traffic stop deputies reportedly located methamphetamine, as well as numerous firearms. Further investigation showed that Creighton was reportedly prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal history.

Creighton is currently being housed at the Monroe County Jail on various drug and firearm related charges.

Do you know this man? Authorities ask public to help identify deceased Ohio man wearing rosaries around his neck

River News Network Staff
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Do you know this man? Authorities ask public to help identify deceased Ohio man wearing rosaries around his neck

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nate Overmire are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man whose body was found on Dec. 19 in Columbus.

“Take a close look at this photograph to see if you know this man – somebody surely knows him, and his loved ones deserve answers,” Yost said. “Give us a call if you recognize him.”

A post-mortem image, which is based on photographs taken after the man’s death, was released to the public. The image was completed by a forensic artist from Attorney General Yost’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, at the request of the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.  

“My office is responsible for identifying any person who is found dead in our jurisdiction,” Overmire said. “We put ourselves in the situation, as if we lost a loved one. Our goal is to connect unidentified individuals with their loved ones so they can have closure.”

The man was found dead in a shed behind a home in the 2200 block of Sullivant Avenue. His age is unknown but estimated to be around 50. He was 5 feet, 2 inches tall, weighed 154 pounds, and had shaggy, dark gray hair with a mustache and beard. He had no visible tattoos, scars or piercings.

Authorities believe he was a Hispanic male known to some as Pedro, but his full identity cannot be confirmed by law enforcement. He was found wearing two rosaries around his neck.

BCI’s Criminal Intelligence Unit also released a public bulletin.

Anyone with information is asked to call BCI at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or the Franklin County Coroner’s Office at 614-525-5290

How many illegal aliens are in West Virginia? Gov. Morrisey pledges to work with ICE, protect citizens from “ravages of illegal immigration and drugs” 

River News Network Staff
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How many illegal aliens are in West Virginia? Gov. Morrisey pledges to work with ICE, protect citizens from “ravages of illegal immigration and drugs” 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey pledged to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to support President Trump’s policies on illegal immigration, he said in the following press release.

Governor Morrisey announced a series of actions being taken by his administration to engage ICE, state and local law enforcement, and the Division of Corrections to help detain and deport illegal aliens in West Virginia.  

Governor Morrisey announced he has signed an executive order (EO) to direct the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia Division of Corrections to fully cooperate with ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies. The EO also directs all officials, departments, divisions, agencies, boards, and employees under the authority of the Governor to cooperate and implement this order. The full EO can be read here. 

Watch Governor Morrisey’s full remarks.

Governor Morrisey also sent a letter to local law enforcement urging them to aid ICE and provide support in any way possible. In the letter, Morrisey highlights President Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Securing our Borders” and states his intent to take any legal action necessary to protect the residents of our state from criminal illegal aliens.


Morrisey briefed the press on the number of detainees in West Virginia and their immigration statuses. As of 9:30 a.m. on January 30, 2025, 13 illegal aliens are housed in West Virginia prisons who were convicted of crimes and serving a sentence. 23 have been arrested on federal or local charges and have active ICE detainers. 36 are being detained on immigration charges, including for matters such as failing to appear before a deportation judge or entering the country after being previously deported.

West Virginia had a total of 72 detainees as of January 30, but 10 have recently been transferred out of state by ICE. 53 of these detainees have been picked up since January 20, 2025, President Trump’s first day in office.

“I am so thankful that we have President Trump in the White House. President Trump has actually taken on this illegal immigration problem, he’s taken the bull by the horns and he is acting. And West Virginia is going to partner with President Trump… And as long as I’m in the governor’s mansion, we’re going to do everything we can to partner with them on these critical issues. And that’s because I think President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, just as I’m committed to keeping West Virginians safe from the ravages of illegal immigration and drugs,” said Governor Morrisey. 
 

Explosion and multiple fires claim the lives of four West Virginians

River News Network Staff
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Explosion and multiple fires claim the lives of four West Virginians

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State fire investigators are probing multiple fatal fires and an explosion that claimed four lives across West Virginia, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.


A person died in a house fire in Prosperity, Raleigh County on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 25th. The home was located on Vireo Lane. The victim was a 77-year-old female. The fire is undetermined in cause due to the amount of damage sustained to the home during the fire.

On Sunday, Jan. 26th, a home exploded in Clarksburg, Harrison County around 3 p.m. The home was located on Kramer Drive. One male was rescued from the home and taken to the hospital, where he died overnight. A five-block radius of the surrounding area had to be evacuated for a time due to the explosion. The WVSFMO and Clarksburg Fire Department are working together to determine the cause.


Sunday, a fatal fire occurred outside of Parkersburg. A 65-year-old female died in that fire, which happened around 6:30 p.m. on Hill Street. Investigators have ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined but believed to be accidental in nature.


On Monday morning, Jan. 27, a fatal fire occurred in the Prenter area of Boone County. That fire happened at a home on Prenter Road in Seth at around 6:45 a.m. The age and gender of that victim is unknown at this time.


All of the above victims have been taken to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification and autopsy.

Wheeling firefighter injured battling housefire

River News Network Staff
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Wheeling firefighter injured battling housefire

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Fire Department reports that it responded to a housefire in the Warwood section of the city around 9:25 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The home is in the 2500 block of Vance Avenue in Warwood.

Firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke coming from the rear first-floor area of the unoccupied home.

The fire caused significant damage to the home, and a neighboring residence sustained minor heat damage.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury; no other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

B Platoon Units with Engine Co. 2, 5, 8, and 9, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, and Squad 2 responded to the scene.

Local woman bags a buck, wins a prize

River News Network Staff
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Local woman bags a buck, wins a prize

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio Valley woman bagged a big buck and won a big prize.

Sandy Blake of New Martinsville, W.Va. is a winner in the West Virginia Big Buck Photo contest sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

Blake was one of four Resident Adult Division Winners. She will have her choice of a of a stay in a West Virginia state park cabin or a Cabela’s gift package.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced the winners of the state’s fourth annual Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

“West Virginia’s hunting traditions are a big part of what makes our state so special and the Big Buck Photo Contest is just one of the ways we celebrate that heritage,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “I want to thank everyone who participated in the contest because your contributions not only help us showcase the excellent hunting opportunities in our state but will help us keep our outdoor tradition alive for generations to come.”

The Big Buck Photo Contest, which was sponsored again this year by the WVDNR and West Virginia Department of Tourism, was open to resident and nonresident youth and adult hunters. To enter, hunters were required to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2024 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Each entrant was required to show proof of a valid 2024 West Virginia Hunting License and had to include their personal 13-digit DNR-issued game check number.

Finalists were chosen by random drawing from all eligible entries and winners were selected by a judging committee. Winning photos were selected based on photo composition, size of the buck’s antlers, number of antler points and how well the hunt was described.

The 16 winners included five resident adults, five resident youths, one non-resident youth and five non-resident adults who were selected from a list of more than 320 finalists. One resident adult grand prize winner was selected and will receive a lifetime hunting license or a West Virginia State Park cabin stay. The remaining resident adults and non-resident adult winners will receive a State Park cabin stay or a Cabela’s prize package. All youth winners will receive a Cabela’s prize package.

Grand Prize Winner

  • – Katie Brooks — Cool Ridge, W.Va.

Resident Adult Division Winners

  • – Sandy Blake — New Martinsville, W.Va.
  • – Jeromy Hauser — Walker, W.Va.
  • – Gary Riley — Inwood, W.Va.
  • – Stephanie Tinnel — Nettie, W.Va.

Resident Youth Division Winners

  • – Lilly Diule — Elkins, W.Va.
  • – Cambrie Legg — Winfield, W.Va.
  • – Leevi Martin — Sutton, W.Va.
  • – Rayden Meade — Kermit, W.Va.
  • – Michael Miller — Normantown, W.Va.

Non-Resident Youth Division Winner

  • – Josie Shobe — Gallipolis, Ohio

Non-Resident Adult Division Winners

  • – Xavier Aya-ay — Lutz, Fla.
  • – Jevon Miller — Millersburg, Ohio
  • – David Patton — Lincolnton, N.C.
  • – Dylan Shaffer — Belpre, Ohio
  • – Wyatt Whitfield — Bedford, Pa.

For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia and to purchase a 2025 license and stamps, visit WVdnr.gov.

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Goodbye, former Wheeling Inn…hello, Gateway Center! Demolition complete

River News Network Staff
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Goodbye, former Wheeling Inn…hello, Gateway Center! Demolition complete

WHEELING, W.Va. – Tipping Point Development and the Wheeling Convention & Visitors Bureau announced Friday that the demolition of the former Wheeling Inn is complete.

The building was demolished to make way for the Wheeling Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center.

Visitors to the Friendly City now have a completely unobstructed view of the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge for the first time in decades due to the demolition.

Project leaders say this transformative project is set to redefine the City of Wheeling’s primary entrance from the I-70 corridor and bolster economic growth through tourism in the Northern West Virginia panhandle.

The contract closeout process for the remediation and demolition phase of the project is in progress. As a part of this scope ending, the livestream of the project site will be temporarily removed from wheelinggateway.tippingpointdev.com until the construction phase kicks off. The next phase of the project will begin soon, with engineers and architects beginning the development of construction drawings.

As a part of this process, the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), in conjunction with Wheeling Heritage, Wheeling National Heritage Area Foundation, and Ohio County received nine proposals for the design of a heritage focused experience inside the future Wheeling Gateway Center.

The scoring committee assessed each proposal based on criteria established by the project team, and the top three scoring submissions are short-listed for interviews, which will take place in the following weeks. Project teams were evaluated on their alignment with the project’s vision and mission, ability to create new and innovative experiences, qualifications of proposed project team members, and project scope outline. 

“All of the proposals submitted were exceptional, which made scoring them a difficult task for the project team,” said Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of the Convention Visitors Bureau. “What we can confirm is that our region will have a high-quality heritage experience that blends history and innovation to inspire visitors and drive growth in the area.”

The firms with the top three scores are TimeLooper, Hilferty & Associates, and Ralph Applebaum Associates. The final selection is anticipated in late-February after each team is interviewed.

ODNR Forestry Crew heads to California to support firefighters

River News Network Staff
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ODNR Forestry Crew heads to California to support firefighters

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine dispatched a nine-person fire management team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to assist firefighters battling the devastating wildfires that continue to rage in California. 

Fire managers in southern California issued a request for additional resources as wildfires continue to be fueled by the state’s dry conditions and strong winds.

“We’ve been anticipating that California may call on our skilled ODNR wildfire response team, so we were prepared and ready to answer the call for help,” said DeWine. “I commend the members of our brave crew who are leaving their loved ones in order to support their counterparts on the West Coast.”

The wildfire response team, which operates as part of ODNR’s Division of Forestry, left Columbus enroute to Beaumont, California, where they will receive more details of their assignment. The team is bringing its own protective equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, and a wide variety of other supplies.

“Our fire management crews train year-round to be prepared to step up when called upon,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We wish them a successful and safe journey as they fight to protect communities in southern California.”

Support from ODNR was requested for 14 days, and the crew is expected to begin work on Monday. A typical daily shift lasts between 14 to 16 hours.

Last year, the ODNR Division of Forestry provided wildland firefighting assistance in California at the Cleveland National Forest (east of San Diego), the Los Padres National Forest (west of Los Angeles), and the Sequoia National Forest (east of Bakersfield).

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