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River News Headlines – Thursday, July 30

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River News Headlines – Thursday, July 30

Ace Parsi Begins Campaign for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District
Democratic candidate Ace Parsi is stepping up his campaign for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, sharing his priorities and vision as he seeks a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the upcoming election.

TCL Specialties Pauses Marshall County Chemical Plant Project
Construction at TCL Specialties’ chemical manufacturing facility in Marshall County has been temporarily suspended as the company undergoes internal restructuring. Officials say crews remain on site and work is expected to resume soon.

Marshall County Back-to-School Fun Fair Draws Large Crowds
Families filled the John Marshall Field House for the 26th annual Back-to-School Fun Fair, where students received school supplies and other resources before the new school year. Organizers said long lines continued even after the event’s scheduled ending time.

Steubenville Bakery Expands Business Hours
Steubenville Bakery, a longtime local favorite that has served the community since 1937, is expanding to five days a week. Owner Matt Belardine said the change is aimed at better serving loyal customers.

Brooke County Renews Funding for Route 2/I-68 Authority
Brooke County commissioners approved a $4,000 contribution to the West Virginia Route 2/I-68 Authority for another year. While some residents questioned the expense, county leaders said the organization helps keep transportation projects moving at the state and federal levels.

DeWine: No Planned Immigration Raids in Springfield
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says federal officials have assured the state there are currently no plans for immigration enforcement raids in Springfield, despite speculation following changes to Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals.

Hancock County Man Charged With Embezzling Youth Baseball Funds
A Hancock County man is facing felony embezzlement charges after investigators say more than $11,000 was taken from the Oak Glen Junior Baseball and Softball organization. Authorities allege the money was used for personal expenses after the organization’s treasurer admitted to the theft.

Shadyside Lawsuit Ends With Confidential Settlement
A lawsuit involving Shadyside’s former village administrator and a former councilman has been resolved. The case stemmed from a previous menacing by stalking charge, with both sides agreeing to keep the settlement details confidential under a non-disclosure agreement.

Hancock School Board Hears Concerns Over Counselor Staffing
Parents and community members voiced concerns to the Hancock County Board of Education over plans to operate with six certified school counselors, raising questions about student support services heading into the new school year.

Morrisey Announces $1.8 Million for Follansbee Water Upgrades
Gov. Patrick Morrisey visited the Northern Panhandle this week to announce more than $1.8 million in funding for water system improvements in Follansbee following recent issues at the Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant.

New ‘West Virginia’ Landmark Unveiled in Moundsville
During his visit to Marshall County, Gov. Patrick Morrisey also unveiled a new “West Virginia” sign at Riverfront Park in Moundsville, commemorating the city’s founding and adding a new landmark along the riverfront.

Cedar One Realty Launches ‘Keys to Kids’ Program to Help Local Students Head Back to School

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Cedar One Realty Launches ‘Keys to Kids’ Program to Help Local Students Head Back to School

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — A new community program is stepping in to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year after Jefferson County’s clothing voucher program came to an end.

Cedar One Realty’s charity committee has launched “Keys to Kids,” an initiative designed to provide children with new back-to-school clothing through donations from businesses, organizations and community members.

Committee member Melissa Yant said the group recognized a growing need after learning the county’s clothing voucher program and other assistance services were no longer available.

The program is working to raise donations that will allow eligible children to shop for clothing before classes begin. Organizers already have a list of children who qualify for assistance and plan to begin contacting families during the first two weeks of August.

To stretch every donated dollar, the initiative is partnering with the new Once Upon a Child store opening in Jefferson County to provide clothing for preschool through middle school-aged children. Older students will be able to shop at other retailers, including Walmart.

Organizers hope this year’s effort becomes the foundation for a larger annual program, with plans to expand its reach throughout the Ohio Valley, including parts of West Virginia.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting the Keys to Kids program are encouraged to contact Cedar One Realty for donation information.

Betty Zane Days Festival Continues in Martins Ferry with Weekend of Family Events

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Betty Zane Days Festival Continues in Martins Ferry with Weekend of Family Events

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — The annual Betty Zane Days Festival is underway in Martins Ferry, bringing several days of community activities, entertainment and fundraising to City Park.

The festival opened Wednesday with a 5K run and walk benefiting the Martins Ferry High School cross country team, while food vendors, craft booths and other attractions welcomed visitors throughout the park.

Longtime Martins Ferry resident Christine Lewis said the festival has remained one of the city’s most cherished traditions, drawing families and former residents back together each summer.

“It’s lots of fun, and the whole community comes out and supports it,” Lewis said, adding that this year’s 5K saw one of its largest turnouts in recent years.

The celebration continues through Saturday with several events planned, including a cornhole tournament on Friday and a full day of activities Saturday featuring the Betty Zane Days Parade, the popular firefighter water battle and a live performance by Bedrock to close out the festival.

Also on Friday, Johnny O from 100.5 WOMP-FM will broadcast live from the festival during the station’s House Party remote, giving attendees a chance to enjoy live radio, music and community coverage from the event.

Festival organizers encourage residents and visitors to stop by throughout the week to enjoy the entertainment, local vendors and longtime Martins Ferry tradition.

Steubenville Officials, Residents Debate Use of Flock License Plate Cameras

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Steubenville Officials, Residents Debate Use of Flock License Plate Cameras

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The use of Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras became the focus of discussion during this week’s Steubenville City Council meeting, where residents and city officials debated whether the technology improves public safety or raises concerns about privacy.

The cameras, which were installed in Steubenville last September, use artificial intelligence to capture images of passing vehicles and record license plate information. Law enforcement agencies use the system as an investigative tool to help locate suspect vehicles, missing persons, and other vehicles connected to criminal investigations.

During the meeting, resident Marc Gregory questioned whether the cameras are necessary, saying police officers successfully investigated crimes long before the technology existed.

City Manager Michael Johnson defended the system, saying the cameras have already proven valuable in local investigations. He pointed to a recent shooting in Steubenville, saying the technology helped investigators identify vehicles believed to be connected to the incident while traditional police work remained a key part of the investigation.

According to publicly available mapping data, Steubenville has approximately 19 known Flock cameras, including several located in the city’s North End.

Fourth Ward Councilman Royal Mayo also raised concerns during the meeting, questioning why a larger number of cameras are located in his ward than in other parts of the city. He said unequal camera placement could result in some neighborhoods being monitored more heavily than others and called for additional public discussion.

Steubenville Police Chief Wes Crawford later issued a statement explaining that the department uses the Flock system as a force multiplier during investigations. Crawford said officers must enter specific vehicle information and document the reason for every search conducted within the system, with all searches being tracked and subject to administrative oversight.

Mayo announced plans to hold a Safety Committee meeting to examine how the cameras are being used, how long data is retained, and whether the current deployment will become permanent.

Mayor Ralph Petrella said he also plans to discuss the issue with the city’s new police chief in the coming weeks as city leaders continue reviewing the program.

CyberTip Leads to 20-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Wheeling Man in Child Exploitation Case

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CyberTip Leads to 20-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Wheeling Man in Child Exploitation Case

WHEELING, W.Va. — A CyberTip submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children led investigators to a Wheeling man who has now been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, 22-year-old Gage Heckman was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after investigators connected him to child sexual abuse material shared online.

The investigation began after suspicious activity was reported on an Instagram account through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. The report prompted a joint investigation involving the Wheeling Police Department and the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Authorities later executed search warrants at Heckman’s South Wheeling residence, where electronic devices were seized. Investigators said forensic examinations of those devices uncovered evidence linking him to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey said the sentence reflects the commitment of federal and local law enforcement to identifying those who exploit children and holding them accountable.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handed down the 20-year sentence, with federal officials noting the case demonstrates how a single CyberTip can quickly lead to a coordinated investigation and criminal prosecution.

Flock Cameras in the Ohio Valley: Current List of Known Locations

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Flock Cameras in the Ohio Valley: Current List of Known Locations

Hundreds of drivers pass ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) cameras across the Ohio Valley every day—often without knowing where they are. Agencies generally are not required  to publicly announce where these cameras are located, when they are installed, why they are being used, how long they keep the data, or who it is shared it with. 

The list below includes the currently known ALPR (license plate reader) cameras in the Ohio Valley. Because there is no official public list of ALPR camera locations, River News identified the locations below using publicly available camera data and GPS coordinates. Locations are approximate and listed by the nearest major roadway or intersection.

Bridgeport / Brookside

  • U.S. 40 (National Road) near Howard Street
  • U.S. 40 (National Road) west of Bridgeport near Lombardy Heights
  • U.S. 40 (National Road) approaching Brookside
  • U.S. 40 (National Road) east of Bridgeport

Aetnaville

  • State Route 250 (Main Street) at the Ohio River bridge approach
  • State Route 250 (Main Street) north of the bridge approach

Martins Ferry / Yorkville

  • North Zane Highway at Colerain Pike (SR 647)
  • North Zane Highway near downtown Martins Ferry
  • Deep Run Road (County Road 4) near SR 647
  • State Route 2 (Ohio River Road) near Yorkville, south of Short Creek

Elm Grove / Bethlehem

  • National Road (U.S. 40) near Wheeling Park
  • National Road (U.S. 40) at the Interstate 470 corridor
  • National Road (U.S. 40) west of the Interstate 470 interchange
  • U.S. 250/National Road near Upper Belvedere and Boggs Run

Wheeling / Warwood

  • Warwood Avenue (WV 2) near Clearview
  • Bethany Pike (County Route 3) near Yorkville/Clearview
  • Bethany Pike (County Route 3) north of Clearview

Moundsville

  • U.S. 250 (Jefferson Avenue/Lafayette Avenue) through downtown
  • 4th Street/Tomlinson Avenue area

Triadelphia

  • Interstate 70/U.S. 40 (National Road) near Cabela Drive and Fort Henry Road (The Highlands)

This list reflects the camera locations identified during River News’ review of publicly available ALPR mapping data and will continue to be updated as additional cameras are identified throughout the Ohio Valley.

According to the public DeFlock transparency project, an anti-Flock movement, more than 6,400 agencies across the country use Flock Safety license plate readers and can share information with one another. However, only about 900 agencies have a public transparency page, and only about 530 publicly identify which agencies they share data with. Many agencies do not publish that information. Reasons unknown. 

River News Headlines

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River News Headlines
  • Shadyside officials confirm a lawsuit between the village’s former administrator and a former councilman has been settled. Terms of the agreement will remain confidential under a non-disclosure agreement.
  • Concerns over school counselor staffing were raised during Monday night’s Hancock County Board of Education meeting, with educators questioning whether current staffing levels meet state requirements.
  • Brooke County will receive more than $1.8 million in state funding to upgrade the Hooverson Heights Water Station. Officials say the investment will modernize the system and allow local funding to be redirected toward additional water infrastructure projects.
  • Wheeling City Council has approved demolition of the long-vacant TCI building along National Road. The project will include asbestos removal and demolition using funding from West Virginia’s Dilapidated Properties Program.
  • Authorities have identified the man found dead near Beatty Park in Steubenville as Randy Bake. The Jefferson County Coroner says his injuries are consistent with a fall after hikers discovered him Friday morning.
  • Bellaire homicide suspect Sandton Browder is scheduled to stand trial in January and remains jailed on a $3 million bond.
  • In a separate case, an East Liverpool woman faces charges connected to a fatal hit-and-run after a previously sealed indictment was unsealed.
  • Larry Harvey has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for making bomb threat hoax calls that disrupted the community and led to injuries during evacuations.
  • Former Hancock County deputy Patrick Hoder could be released from prison as early as August 5 following a scheduled parole hearing. He will remain on the sex offender registry for life.

Brooke County Receives $1.8 Million for Water System Improvements

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FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. — Brooke County is set to receive a major investment in its water infrastructure after the State of West Virginia awarded $1.8 million to support upgrades at the Hooverson Heights water facility.

State officials announced the funding during a visit to Follansbee this week, saying the project will modernize the facility and strengthen the area’s water system.

Brooke County Commissioner Tom Diserio said the state funding will cover improvements that otherwise would have required local dollars, allowing those funds to be redirected toward other water system needs throughout the county.

According to Diserio, the investment will provide greater flexibility for future infrastructure projects while addressing critical upgrades at the Hooverson Heights station.

He also welcomed the governor’s visit, saying it highlights the importance of Brooke County’s infrastructure needs and could help attract additional state support for future projects.

Construction timelines for the improvements have not yet been announced, but local officials say the project represents a significant step toward improving the reliability of the county’s water system.

TCL Specialties Temporarily Suspends Operations at Marshall County Facility

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TCL Specialties Temporarily Suspends Operations at Marshall County Facility

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — TCL Specialties has temporarily suspended operations at its manufacturing facility under construction in Marshall County as the company undergoes an internal organizational restructuring.

The India-based specialty chemicals and food ingredients manufacturer first announced plans to build its first U.S. facility in Marshall County in 2023. Construction activity increased significantly last year as work on the project progressed.

Company officials said the operational pause is related to internal restructuring efforts and is not the result of construction delays.

A project executive for TCL Specialties said construction crews remain active at the site and work on the facility continues despite the temporary suspension of operations.

The company indicated it expects the pause to be short-term and said operations are anticipated to resume in the near future.

TCL Specialties has not announced a specific timeline for restarting operations or provided additional details about the restructuring.

Steubenville Leaders Explore Solutions as Homeless Encampments Become More Common

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Steubenville Leaders Explore Solutions as Homeless Encampments Become More Common

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Steubenville officials say they are looking at new ways to address homelessness after a growing number of encampments have been reported throughout the city.

The issue was discussed during Tuesday night’s Steubenville City Council meeting, where City Manager Michael Johnson said city officials have recently identified several homeless camps in different locations.

According to Johnson, one encampment was discovered behind the Steubenville post office, while others have been found in additional areas of the city.

Johnson said the increase has become more noticeable in recent months, echoing concerns that have also been raised by residents.

Earlier Tuesday, Johnson and Mayor Ralph Petrella participated in a webinar hosted by the State of Ohio that focused on homelessness and the growing challenge of housing affordability.

Johnson said the online session provided information about state resources and programs that could help communities respond to homelessness. He plans to review those materials to determine whether any could benefit Steubenville.

While the webinar did not provide specific solutions tailored to the city, Johnson said it offered valuable insight into approaches being used elsewhere in Ohio and could help guide future discussions locally.

City officials said they recognize homelessness as an increasing concern and plan to continue exploring available resources and potential partnerships as they work to address the issue.

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