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Cadiz Officials Hope Long-Running Water Problems Are Nearing a Resolution

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Cadiz Officials Hope Long-Running Water Problems Are Nearing a Resolution

CADIZ, Ohio — Village officials in Cadiz say they are optimistic a solution is in sight after more than a year of water quality concerns that have intensified over the past two weeks.

The village remains under a boil advisory as crews continue working around the clock to restore normal service. Residents across the community have reported brown, discolored water, forcing many to seek drinking water elsewhere and, in some cases, travel outside the village to shower.

The ongoing issues have also affected local businesses. Restaurants operating under the boil advisory cannot serve fountain beverages unless they have an approved alternative water source, prompting some establishments to bring in commercial water deliveries and portable water tanks so they can remain open.

Mayor R. Kevin Jones said village officials and plant operators have identified what they believe is the source of the problem and are actively working to correct it.

Jones acknowledged residents’ frustrations, noting that the discolored water has affected homes and businesses throughout the community. He said local organizations have stepped up to donate bottled water, and the village is making every effort to ensure residents have access to safe drinking water.

Anyone needing bottled water can pick it up at the village garage on Jarvis Avenue. Officials also said they will assist residents who are unable to travel to the distribution site.

Village leaders are also exploring ways to help residents facing expenses related to the water problems, including damage to appliances, hot water tanks and clothing. Officials have reached out to community partners, including Omega, to identify additional assistance.

According to village officials, crews made significant adjustments to the water treatment process at Tappan Lake over the weekend. Because it takes approximately 16 hours for water to move through the treatment system, storage tanks were drained so newly treated water could replace the existing supply before the system was fully restarted.

Officials say the village continues to work closely with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which has been monitoring the treatment process.

If repairs continue as expected, residents could begin seeing noticeable improvements in water quality within the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Cadiz Village Council is scheduled to meet Thursday evening, where officials are expected to provide an update on the ongoing situation.

Six Revolutionary War Veterans Honored With New Grave Markers in Belmont County

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Six Revolutionary War Veterans Honored With New Grave Markers in Belmont County

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Six Revolutionary War veterans buried in Union Cemetery were honored Wednesday during a memorial service celebrating their military service and preserving their stories for future generations.

The new grave markers were installed by the Ebenezer Zane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution as part of a broader effort to recognize Revolutionary War veterans throughout eastern Ohio.

The project was made possible through a community partnership. American Legion Post 159 funded the aluminum used to create the markers, while students at the Belmont Career Center fabricated the signs.

Each marker includes a QR code that visitors can scan with a smartphone to learn more about the veteran buried at the site, including details about their military service and personal history.

Organizers say the initiative is designed to ensure the sacrifices of America’s earliest veterans are remembered while making local history more accessible to the public.

Larry Perkins, a member of the Ebenezer Zane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, said the organization is expanding the project beyond Belmont County.

According to Perkins, volunteers are currently installing similar markers in Jefferson and Harrison counties as part of an effort to recognize approximately 300 Revolutionary War veterans buried throughout the region.

Organizers hope the new markers will encourage more people to visit local cemeteries, learn about the nation’s founding generation and preserve the legacy of those who fought for American independence.

Foundation Fight Series III Returns to Benwood This September

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Foundation Fight Series III Returns to Benwood This September

BENWOOD, W.Va. — Black Ledger Promotions is bringing another night of combat sports to the Ohio Valley with the return of Foundation Fight Series III: Expanding the Ledger.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at Benwood Industrial Park and will feature a full evening of boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts competition.

Organizers say this year’s event expands beyond traditional boxing, offering fans a wider variety of combat sports throughout the night.

In addition to the fights, attendees can enjoy live entertainment from a DJ, along with beer and wine sales and a selection of local food vendors.

The Foundation Fight Series has continued to grow since its debut, attracting fighters and spectators from across the region while showcasing local and regional talent.

Tickets for the event are available now through Black Ledger Promotions’ online ticketing platform. Organizers encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance as the event is expected to draw a large crowd.

Belmont County Underground Railroad Museum Moves Closer to Opening

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Belmont County Underground Railroad Museum Moves Closer to Opening

MORRISTOWN, Ohio — Renovations are progressing rapidly at the historic Black Horse Inn, bringing Belmont County one step closer to opening its long-awaited Underground Railroad Museum.

The brick building, originally constructed in 1807, sat vacant for years before restoration efforts began. Today, major interior work has been completed, including the installation of electrical service and drywall, with painting expected to begin soon.

Project leaders say the renovation remains on schedule thanks to grant funding that requires construction to be completed by the end of October.

The next phase will focus on designing and installing museum exhibits. This weekend, the exhibit design team will visit the site to map out the full-scale layout of each display inside the building. The walkthrough will allow planners to make any final adjustments before fabrication begins in August.

Throughout August and September, crews will build and install exhibits that will tell the story of the Underground Railroad and Belmont County’s role in helping enslaved people seek freedom.

Jackee Pugh, executive director of Belmont County Tourism, said the project is steadily moving toward its final stages as preparations continue for opening day.

A soft opening for the museum is planned for late October, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in early November.

Once complete, the Belmont County Underground Railroad Museum will give visitors the opportunity to explore local history inside one of the county’s oldest surviving buildings while highlighting the area’s significant role in the Underground Railroad.

Flood Watch Issued for Parts of the Ohio Valley Through Tonight

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Flood Watch Issued for Parts of the Ohio Valley Through Tonight

OHIO VALLEY — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia as rounds of heavy rain could lead to flash flooding Thursday.

The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. and includes the following counties:

West Virginia:

  • Ohio
  • Marshall
  • Wetzel
  • Tyler

Ohio:

  • Belmont
  • Monroe
  • Noble

Communities included in the watch include Wheeling, Triadelphia, Moundsville, New Martinsville, Middlebourne, Sistersville, St. Clairsville, Barnesville, Woodsfield and Caldwell, along with surrounding areas.

Forecasters say widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is possible, with isolated areas receiving up to 3 inches. Because the ground is already saturated from recent rainfall, additional heavy downpours could quickly lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations.

While not every community is expected to experience heavy rain, storms that repeatedly move over the same area could produce excessive rainfall in a short period of time.

The greatest threat for flooding is expected through this evening before storms gradually diminish as the Flood Watch expires at 10 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Drivers should never attempt to travel through flooded roadways, as water depth and road conditions can be difficult to judge.

Wetzel County Hospital Expands Hours at Outpatient Infusion Center

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Wetzel County Hospital Expands Hours at Outpatient Infusion Center

NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — Wetzel County Hospital has expanded the operating hours of its Outpatient Infusion Center, giving patients greater access to specialized treatments closer to home.

Hospital officials announced the center now offers appointments Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with additional weekend hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The extended schedule is designed to provide patients and caregivers with more flexibility while improving access to outpatient services throughout Wetzel County and the surrounding region.

Hospital President and CEO Tony Martinelli said the expansion reflects the hospital’s continued commitment to delivering quality healthcare locally.

“Every service we can provide locally is one less trip our patients have to make outside the community,” Martinelli said. “Expanding the hours of our Infusion Center is another example of our commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our region.”

The Outpatient Infusion Center works with referring physicians to coordinate treatment plans, obtain physician orders and schedule appointments that fit each patient’s needs.

Services offered at the center include intravenous (IV) infusions, hydration and electrolyte replacement, blood and blood product administration, antibiotic therapy, iron infusions, monoclonal antibody treatments, immunotherapy, chemotherapy pump takedown, specialized injections, vascular access device maintenance, wound care and catheter care.

Hospital officials say the expanded hours will help more patients receive specialized care without having to travel long distances, allowing them to remain closer to their families, physicians and support networks during treatment.

Brooke County Considers Upgrading EMS Cardiac Monitors With Opioid Settlement Funds

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Brooke County Considers Upgrading EMS Cardiac Monitors With Opioid Settlement Funds

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. — Brooke County officials are considering a proposal to upgrade emergency medical equipment by purchasing new cardiac monitors for local EMS agencies using opioid settlement funding.

The request, presented by the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency, would provide five new cardiac monitors to emergency responders across the county.

Before making the recommendation, county officials evaluated proposals from two manufacturers, Zoll and Stryker. After reviewing both options, the Brooke County Ambulance Authority Board recommended selecting Zoll monitors, citing their compatibility with the equipment and systems already used by local EMS providers.

Brooke County EMA Director Greg Moore said the upgraded monitors would significantly improve emergency medical services throughout the county.

“We decided to go with the Zoll monitor, and it’ll benefit the county immensely,” Moore said. “They’re up-to-date with their monitors, and it’ll be a very good thing for this county to have brand new monitors.”

If approved by the Brooke County Commission, the monitors would be purchased using opioid settlement funds that have not yet been allocated.

County officials say replacing the aging equipment with newer technology will help first responders provide advanced patient care and improve emergency medical treatment in the field.

The Brooke County Commission is expected to consider the funding request during an upcoming meeting.

Narcan, Harm Reduction Vending Machine Now Available in Belmont County

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Narcan, Harm Reduction Vending Machine Now Available in Belmont County

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — Belmont County residents now have around-the-clock access to free overdose prevention and health supplies through a new harm reduction vending machine unveiled by the Belmont County Health Department.

The machine is located outside the Wayne L. Hays Towers in Martins Ferry and is available to the public 24 hours a day. Although it was officially introduced Tuesday, health officials said it has been operating quietly for about a month and has already seen steady use.

The vending machine offers more than just Narcan, the medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It also provides Deterra medication disposal bags, hygiene kits, first aid kits, sharps containers, safe sex kits and Belmont County resource guides — all at no cost.

Health educators with the Belmont County Health Department said the goal is to make lifesaving supplies and other health resources more accessible while reducing the stigma that can prevent some people from seeking help.

Officials said the machine allows individuals to obtain supplies privately, without having to enter the health department or speak with staff, making resources available at any time of day or night.

The temperature-controlled vending machine was funded through a $75,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Health. Health department employees regularly monitor and restock the machine to ensure supplies remain available.

Officials are asking users to take only what they need so resources remain available for others.

The Belmont County Health Department also plans to install a second harm reduction vending machine outside the Belmont County Jail in the near future.

Ohio Drivers, Passengers Must Identify Themselves During Traffic Stops Under New Law

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Ohio Drivers, Passengers Must Identify Themselves During Traffic Stops Under New Law

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio drivers and passengers will soon be required to provide identifying information during traffic stops after Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 492 into law Tuesday.

Beginning Oct. 5, 2026, anyone in a vehicle stopped for a moving violation must provide their name, address and date of birth to a law enforcement officer upon request.

The new law also increases the penalty for refusing to provide that information. Individuals who fail to comply could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge for interfering with an arrest.

House Bill 492 was sponsored by State Reps. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, and Cindy Abrams, R-Harrison.

Supporters of the legislation say it is intended to improve officer safety during traffic stops, which are considered among the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers encounter. They argue the law gives officers another tool to help identify the people they interact with during roadside investigations.

The legislation takes effect 90 days after Gov. DeWine’s signature, making the law effective Oct. 5, 2026.

The new requirement applies only to providing basic identifying information and does not require drivers or passengers to answer additional questions beyond their name, address and date of birth.

KURT WEINSCHENKER NEWS HEADLINES

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KURT WEINSCHENKER NEWS HEADLINES

Chaos on Interstate 70 After Two Boys Run Into Traffic

Two boys, ages 9 and 11, ran away from Fox Run Hospital and onto Interstate 70 Tuesday night, throwing sticks at passing vehicles. A Belmont County deputy spotted the children and called for backup. Sheriff James Zuscak says both boys were safely recovered, but noted the sheriff’s office has responded to dozens of similar runaway incidents this year.

Revolutionary War Soldiers Honored in St. Clairsville

Six Revolutionary War veterans buried at Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville have received new grave markers. The project was completed by the Sons of the American Revolution with funding from American Legion Post 159. Belmont Career Center students built the aluminum markers, each featuring a QR code that allows visitors to learn more about the soldiers’ lives.

Data Center Town Hall Planned in Guernsey County

The Guernsey County Farm Bureau and county commissioners will host a public town hall on July 23 at 6 p.m. at Buckeye Trail High School to discuss proposed data centers and their potential impact on the region. Ohio Farm Bureau’s Dale Arnold will answer questions from residents. Additional information, including how to submit public comments, is available at RiverNews.org.

New Ohio Traffic Stop Law Takes Effect This Fall

Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 492 into law, requiring drivers and passengers to provide their name, address or date of birth during lawful traffic stops if requested by police. Refusing could result in up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The law takes effect in October and does not require individuals to answer additional questions.

DeWine Signs Additional Public Safety Bills

Governor Mike DeWine has also signed legislation allowing law enforcement to use drones while executing search warrants and in certain criminal investigations. Another new law increases oversight of catalytic converter sales by requiring scrap dealers to maintain daily transaction logs for precious metals.

Ohio Valley Weekend Events

The St. Michael Parish Festival in Wheeling begins tonight at 6 p.m. with three days of live entertainment, food and raffles.

Shadyside’s America 250 celebration continues Saturday with a parade, live music and a hot dog eating contest beginning at 4 p.m.

The McMechen Volunteer Fire Department Street Fair returns Friday for the first time in 22 years at Ninth and Marshall streets.

A bizarre traffic stop in Georgia is today’s installment of the “We Don’t Make This Up” department. Stay tuned for the full report from Matt Murphy.

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