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Former OSU football coach Jim Tressel Sworn In as Ohio’s 67th Lieutenant Governor

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Former OSU football coach Jim Tressel Sworn In as Ohio’s 67th Lieutenant Governor

COLUMBUS, Ohio —During a ceremony in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse on Friday, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick DeWine officially swore in Jim Tressel as Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine nominated Tressel last week to replace Ohio’s previous lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, who is now serving in the U.S. Senate. The Ohio General Assembly confirmed Tressel’s nomination last Wednesday.

“We have important unfinished business to address during the remainder of my administration; Jim Tressel will make our team stronger, and he will make me a better governor,” said Governor DeWine. “Jim has been a strong and inspiring leader in every job he has ever had. As a coach, as an administrator, and as president of Youngstown State University for nine years, Jim has always excelled. He is a man of great integrity who knows and loves Ohio and has a real passion for helping young people.”

Tressel enjoyed a successful career as a college football coach. Having served as an assistant coach at the University of Akron, Miami University, Syracuse, and The Ohio State University, Lt. Governor Tressel was named YSU head football coach in 1986. In January 2001, he became the head football coach at Ohio State, guiding the Buckeyes to seven Big Ten championships and the 2002 National Championship.

Tressel graduated from Berea High School in suburban Cleveland, received a bachelor’s degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace College, and a master’s degree in education from the University of Akron. 

An accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, Second Lady Ellen Tressel is a graduate of YSU. She remains actively engaged in charitable causes and community organizations in cities where she and Jim have built careers and raised their family. The Tressels have four children – Zak, Carlee, Eric, and Whitney – along with their grandchildren, whom they say are their pride and joy. 

Federal grand jury indicts Ohio man for extremely graphic child pornography, obscenity crimes that involve computer-generated content

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Federal grand jury indicts Ohio man for extremely graphic child pornography, obscenity crimes that involve computer-generated content

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender who resides in Vinton County was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly committing child pornography and obscenity crimes that involve the use of computer-generated content, according to Acting United States Attorney Kelly A. Norris, Southern District of Ohio.

Cody L. Prater, 27, of McArthur, Ohio, is charged with receiving and possessing child pornography and obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse. He is also charged with transporting obscene matters.

According to the indictment, between August 2023 and July 2024, Prater allegedly committed numerous child pornography and obscenity crimes. He also allegedly attempted to hide his various crimes by using a computer operating system that leaves no traces of internet activity on the digital devices it is connected too.

Prater allegedly received child pornography depicting children as young as infants and toddlers that included sadistic and masochistic abuse.

It is also alleged that Prater received digital files of computer-generated minors engaged in bestiality and sex acts with adults and subjected to sadistic and masochistic abuse. Prater also allegedly possessed online visual depictions of child mutilation and torture.

If convicted as charged, Prater could face up to 40 years in prison.

Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Tyler Aagard are representing the United States in this case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Belmont County EMA Director placed on leave following arrest on charges for soliciting a minor

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Belmont County EMA Director placed on leave following arrest on charges for soliciting a minor

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Glenn Trudo, 60, of the St. Clairsville area, Assistant Director of the Belmont County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was placed on unpaid administrative leave Thursday by the Belmont County Commissioners following a warrant being issued for his arrest, officials say.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office arrested Trudo Wednesday after being notified by federal law enforcement of an ongoing investigation involving Trudo. Subsequently, Belmont County Sheriff’s Detectives assisted the United States Secret Service and the Virginia State Police in executing search warrants at Trudo’s residence and place of employment.

As a result of this investigation, a warrant has been issued for Trudo’s arrest on two counts of soliciting a minor. While the case is being prosecuted in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office will also forward the investigative findings to the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Belmont County Commissioners discuss Job & Family Services agreements, infrastructure projects

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Belmont County Commissioners discuss Job & Family Services agreements, infrastructure projects

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners convened Wednesday morning for a regular meeting filled with funds transfers, employee travel and an update from Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services Director Jeff Felton on his agency’s collaboration with the Community Action Commission.

Partnerships and Community Support

Felton praised the county’s longstanding partnership with the Community Action Commission (CAC) highlighting their collaborative efforts in youth employment, job fairs, and social service outreach. Felton noted that both agencies often assist overlapping populations.

Felton also updated commissioners on the recent BCDJFS Rapid Response job fair and information meeting for East Ohio Regional Hospital employees. The meeting featured representatives from the state-level Ohio DJFS unemployment insurance professionals and helped connect local service workers with employment opportunities.

Community Workforce Initiatives

The board approved a contract between the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) and the Belmont County Community Action Commission (CAC) to provide a summer employment program for TANF-eligible families. The contract, running from May 1 through December 30, 2025, is not to exceed $61,323 and is fully funded by TANF.

Additionally, the commissioners signed a sub-grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Medicaid, and the Department of Children and Youth. The agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, ensures JFS can continue receiving federal and state funding for public assistance, child support, and children’s services.

Travel Approval

Commissioners granted permission for a Belmont County DJFS employee to travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 19–23, 2025, to attend the Treatment Foster Care Conference.

911 Infrastructure and Utility Relocation

Regarding infrastructure, the board approved a letter of agreement with Ohio Bell Telephone Company (doing business as AT&T) for $34,350.28 to relocate communication lines tied to the 911 building. The relocation is part of a broader utility project on State Route 331, involving AT&T, Columbia Gas, and other providers, and impacts the Belmont County Health Department, Records Center, and the Coroner’s Office.

The board approved the bid for $166,226 from Border Patrol LLC to remodel the restroom and shower at the Sargus Juvenile Center.

ODOT Salt Contract and Sewer Project Funding

The commissioners adopted a resolution allowing the county engineer to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 2025 road salt contract. They also approved a $434,757.96 pay request to Ohio-West Virginia Excavating for improvements to the Blaine Hill Gravity Force Main. This project enhances sewer capacity for key retail areas near the Ohio Valley Mall and is funded, in part, by the Ohio Department of Development.

Landslide Repairs and Water Main Relocation

A preliminary resolution was adopted to support landslide repairs on State Route 147 at two locations. As part of this, Belmont County Water and Sewer District will relocate a water main, with an estimated cost of $24,600 to be paid from the N22 Capital Improvement Fund.

Transfers and Appropriations

The board approved three intra-fund transfers, three inter-fund transfers, and 19 additional appropriations. They approved a $387,022.86 transfer for the employees’ share of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) holding account chargebacks for March 2025.

Commissioners also moved to request certification from the Belmont County Budget Commission for a previously signed-off budget request.

Next meeting

The Belmont County Board of Commissioners will have its next public meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at the Belmont County Courthouse in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

New York firm selected for Wheeling Gateway Center’s Heritage Experience Design

River News Network Staff
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New York firm selected for Wheeling Gateway Center’s Heritage Experience Design

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling-Ohio County Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB), in conjunction with Wheeling Heritage, Wheeling Heritage Foundation, Ohio County, and Desmone Architects recently completed interviews with Hilferty & Associates, TimeLooper, and Ralph Appelbaum Associates  for the Wheeling Gateway Center’s Heritage Experience Design request for proposals (RFP).

Members from each of these organizations evaluated each team on their overall project methodology, proposed key milestones, schedule, communication plan, and overall capacity to lead the discovery, planning, and design of the heritage exhibit that will be featured inside the Gateway Center project. 

Each stakeholder provided their own scores on each of the categories, and in the end, the New York-based exhibit planning and design team with TimeLooper received the highest score, followed by Hilferty & Associates, and then Ralph Appelbaum Associates. The procurement process followed the State of West Virginia’s 5G guidelines, which means that the TimeLooper team will enter into contract negotiations to complete the work.  

“Each firm presented thoughtful and innovative design solutions and methodologies tailored to attracting visitors to the region and this transformative project,” said Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of the Convention Visitors Bureau.

O’Brien added, “This exhibit will focus on creating a meaningful connection between our past and our present. TimeLooper brings a unique approach to making history feel alive and relevant, ensuring that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can engage with our stories in powerful ways.”

The project is set to redefine the City of Wheeling’s primary entrance from the I-70 corridor, situated next to the iconic and historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and bolster economic growth through tourism in the Northern West Virginia panhandle.

Once contract negotiations are complete, the next step towards completion of the heritage experience design will be for the selected firm to begin the discovery and pre-design process, which will include historical research and the engagement of regional and community stakeholders to lay the foundation for the future exhibit.

“When completed, the design of this heritage experience will be unparalleled in its ability to present the history of our area in unique ways.  Telling the Wheeling story and getting visitors and locals excited to go out and explore all our area has to offer has always been the goal.  Wheeling Heritage is grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to play a part in this project, and we are so excited for the outcome that TimeLooper will deliver to the community,” said Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage.

The RFP for Discovery, Planning, and Design of the Heritage Experience was released on November 18th, 2024. Nine proposals were received, with three finalists announced on January 24th, 2025.

Former Martins Ferry Schools bus driver released from jail after 10-day sentence, OVI charge dismissed

River News Network Staff
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Former Martins Ferry Schools bus driver released from jail after 10-day sentence, OVI charge dismissed

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – Former Martins Ferry City Schools bus driver Ronald D. Irvin Vah Jr. was released from jail April 9 after serving ten days in jail after being found guilty of physical control, according to Cambridge Municipal Court officials.

Vah, 59, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was arrested August 26, 2024 and charged with OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol), implied consent to a chemical test, physical control, and endangering children while driving a Martins Ferry City Schools bus.

Vah reportedly was driving a bus carrying Martins Ferry City Schools students and coaches to a volleyball game in Cambridge. A police report details the statement of a Martins Ferry coach telling 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.

Vah’s case came to a conclusion on March 21 in Cambridge Municipal Court when he reached a plea agreement in which the OVI and endangering children charges were dismissed and he was found guilty of physical control.

In Ohio, a “physical control” charge, as defined in Ohio Revised Code 4511.194, means being in the driver’s seat of a vehicle with the keys or ignition device in reach while under the influence, even if the vehicle isn’t running or being driven, and is a first-degree misdemeanor. 

The online court disposition notes show Vah was also ordered to submit to random drug testing, not use alcohol or non-prescription drugs and participate in substance abuse treatment.

Local filmmaker wants his film to be a HIT. 

River News Network Staff
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Local filmmaker wants his film to be a HIT. 

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Seth Nardo, an award-winning filmmaker from Shadyside, Ohio, is set to debut his highly anticipated first feature film, Hitman: The Slaughter, on February 22nd at the Highlands Marquee Cinemas.

Written by Ian Falcione  this project is a testament to their shared vision and determination.

Shot primarily in the Ohio Valley, the film offers local audiences the thrill of spotting familiar locations. Hitman: The Slaughter  tells a bone-chilling story of two hitmen—Foxy and Chachi—who part ways when Chachi decides to retire. Feeling betrayed, Foxy dives into his work with ferocious intensity, leading to disastrous hits, vengeful mobsters, and an encounter with a deranged pig farmer.

Bringing the script to screen has been a labor of love for Nardo and Falcione, and the result is a bold, innovative approach to filmmaking, free from the constraints of a Hollywood, with a very low budget around the area. 

You can attend the premiere at the Highlands Marquee Cinemas in Triadelphia on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Schedule

6 p.m. Doors open, meet and greet backdrop red carpet photos 

7 p.m. Film starts

9 p.m. After the film, in the theater room a Q&A from the writer and director 

Steubenville Water Department to Close Road for Emergency Valve Repair Tonight

River News Network Staff
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Steubenville Water Department to Close Road for Emergency Valve Repair Tonight

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The City of Steubenville Water Department has announced an emergency closure of Lovers Lane this evening, Wednesday, April 16, beginning at 7 p.m.

The road will be closed to all traffic between Preston Road and Sinclair Avenue, including access from Bryden Road, as crews begin critical repair work on a leaking water valve.

According to the department, a replacement valve has been secured and workers will begin isolating a 12-inch main water line to shut off flow to the damaged 6-inch valve. The repair is part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the city’s aging water infrastructure.

Residents in the affected area may notice lower-than-normal water pressure or temporary water discoloration while the work is underway.

“We want to thank our residents for their patience while we continue to make repairs and improvements to our water system,” the department said in a statement. “We expect the work to be completed before morning.”

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the city’s filtration plant at 740-283-6041. For further assistance, residents can also call or text the City of Steubenville at (740) 762-4296.

Fort Steuben Mall Heads Toward Sheriff’s Sale After Court-Ordered Foreclosure

River News Network Staff
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Fort Steuben Mall Heads Toward Sheriff’s Sale After Court-Ordered Foreclosure

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The Fort Steuben Mall is officially heading into foreclosure, following a court order signed by Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Michelle Miller on April 7.

The ruling grants summary judgment in favor of Total Finance LLC, which claims the struggling shopping center owes more than $8.1 million in unpaid debt.

Total Finance LLC filed for foreclosure earlier this year, citing the mall’s continued financial instability. The court’s ruling enables the lender to recover the debt through the sale of the property.

The decision paves the way for a sheriff’s sale that could lead to new ownership for the long-beleaguered mall. A date and time for the sale have not yet been scheduled.

Wheeling Police to Hold Career Open House on Feb. 27

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Wheeling Police to Hold Career Open House on Feb. 27

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Police Department will hold a career open house for individuals interested in becoming a police officer. The event will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at police headquarters in Center Wheeling at 2115 Chapline Street.

No registration is required, and all are welcome to attend. The open house will offer an opportunity to learn about the hiring process and the responsibilities of a police officer.

Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a practice physical fitness test, which is a key component of the application process. In addition, police officers and human resources staff will be available to answer questions about employment opportunities, benefits, and the application process.

Wheeling PD’s next civil service test is set for Saturday, March 29. Applications can be filled out online by visiting wheelingwv.gov/policejobs or calling 304-234-3694.

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