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East Ohio Regional Hospital could face foreclosure if $1.5 million tax bill is not paid, employees say health insurance also not paid

River News Network Staff
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East Ohio Regional Hospital could face foreclosure if $1.5 million tax bill is not paid, employees say health insurance also not paid

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio – Management at East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry must deal with a financial crisis.

Employees at East Ohio Regional Hospital have raised concerns about their health insurance being terminated on Feb. 17, despite insurance deductions from their recent paychecks. The hospital’s COO informed staff that they are addressing the financial issues with the insurance provider and encouraged them to continue using their insurance.

Screenshots shared with the River News Network by hospital employees suggest the hospital hadn’t paid health insurance premiums.

A public records search revealed that the property — owned by Access Martins Ferry LLC — has over $1.5 million in unpaid taxes dating back to 2019.

The payment was due by Friday, Feb. 21, and if it wasn’t postmarked by that date, Belmont County officials warned that foreclosure proceedings could begin — potentially as soon as today.

Belmont County Treasurer says EORH foreclosure imminent if next payment is missed

River News Network Staff
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Belmont County Treasurer says EORH foreclosure imminent if next payment is missed

MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — East Ohio Regional Hospital has just over a week until its next payment on delinquent taxes in due to Belmont County.

Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich confirms that East Ohio Regional Hospital (EORH), operated by Access Martins Ferry Inc., remains in compliance with its tax repayment contract — but the next payment of $33,732.14 is due by April 30.

Kelich said EORH is still within the terms of its monthly contract.

“At this point in time, EORH (Access Martins Ferry Inc.) are still in compliance with the contract,” Kelich said. “It is a monthly contract, so they have until the 30th of this month to make the payment.”

East Ohio Regional Hospital (EORH) in Martins Ferry, Ohio, owes approximately $1.2 million in delinquent property taxes to Belmont County. To address this debt, EORH entered into a repayment agreement with the county on March 3, committing to monthly payments of $33,732.14 over a three-year period .​

The first installment was paid on March 3, 2025, using funds from the City of Martins Ferry, sourced from income tax revenues collected from hospital employees.

Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies personally delivered a $33,732.14 check from withheld income tax funds to the Belmont County Auditor to avoid foreclosure proceedings.

“That payment is coming due,” Davies warned. “If they do not make that payment, they will foreclose on the hospital.”

Should EORH fail to meet its upcoming April 30 tax payment deadline, Kelich confirmed that foreclosure proceedings will begin.

“A foreclosure action will be started, which means that the parcels will be sent to legal counsel for title examination and then proceed from there,” Kelich explained.

Google lists the hospital as “permanently closed,” but its Facebook page remains active.

Follow River News Network as we follow this developing story.

I-70 on-ramp in Wheeling area closing

River News Network Staff
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I-70 on-ramp in Wheeling area closing

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va.. – The Interstate 70 eastbound Exit 10 on-ramp in Triadelphia will
be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April
22, 2025, for pothole patching, according to the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Motorists are advised to use these suggested alternate routes: US 40 eastbound or Interstate 70 exit 11 (Fort Henry Road).

Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule.

Belmont County DJFS focuses on keeping kids safe and developing foster homes at annual luncheon

River News Network Staff
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Belmont County DJFS focuses on keeping kids safe and developing foster homes at annual luncheon

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio – More than 100 leaders, child advocates and community members gathered Thursday at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville for the Annual Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Luncheon, hosted by the Belmont County Department of Job & Family Services (DJFS).

The annual luncheon was held in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and was a reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting children along with awareness about opportunities for people to help youth through foster care. Belmont County DJFS has held the luncheon for more than 20 years.

Belmont County DJFS Director Jeff Felton opened the luncheon with a message of unity and responsibility, emphasizing the essential role each person in the room plays in fostering a safer, healthier environment for children.

All three Belmont County Commissioners (J. P. Dutton, Jerry Echemann and Vince Gianangeli) were present along with Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack and members of his department plus Belmont County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile and Probate Judge Albert Davies and other dignitaries.

“Each of you plays a vital role in this mission,” Felton said. “Together we are creating a stronger, safer community where children grow up healthy, safe, and loved.”

Belmont County Fiscal Administrator Jack Regis Jr. led those assembled in an opening prayer.

Felton praised the exceptional cooperation between local agencies, including disabilities services, mental health providers, law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office and the courts.

“We don’t often hear this locally, but when I travel across the state, it’s clear—our collaboration here is unsurpassed in Ohio,” he said. “It makes me proud to attend state-level meetings and share what we’re accomplishing in Belmont County.”

The keynote speaker, Stephanie Beleal, Program Director of Connect Our Kids, spoke about the importance of kinship connections — where children are supported within their extended families instead of being separated from them — and family-focused support in preventing child abuse and neglect.

She commended Belmont County’s early adoption of the Connect a Family initiative, a program focused on developing kinship supports for children entering the child welfare system.

“This year’s theme is Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention—and hope really is at the center of what we do,” Baleel said. “We believe that people can change. Families can heal. Children can thrive—not in isolation, but in connection.”

Felton recalled how Belmont County came to be involved in the program after hearing about its success elsewhere. “I asked, ‘Why not us?’ And reached out,” he said. “And like many of the great initiatives we’ve taken on, our team has embraced this wholeheartedly, even if it means a little more work.”

Beleal cited growing evidence that children fare significantly better—mentally, physically, and emotionally—when they maintain connections with family.

“Kinship is normal. It’s going to your grandparents during the summer or staying with your aunt after school,” she said. “We’ve all experienced it. And the children we serve deserve those same opportunities.”

Belmont County DJFS Children’s Services Administrator Christine Parker echoed Beleal’s emphasis on the importance of kinship and connections for children.

Parker and Felton also emphasized the need for foster families, particularly treatment foster care homes where youth may need extra mental or physical care.

If you are interested in offering foster care or treatment foster care, please call CHRISTY DEVORE, the Treatment Foster Care Supervisor for Belmont County DJFS at (740) 579-0354 or email her at Christy.Devore@jfs.ohio.gov

The Band Perry coming to Old Washington Music Fest!

River News Network Staff
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The Band Perry coming to Old Washington Music Fest!

GUERNSEY COUNTY, Ohio – The Band Perry has just been added to the all-star country music lineup at the Old Washington Music Festival.

The group will perform Friday, July 18 at the event at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington, Ohio.

Tickets are available now. Click here for tickets and information.

“Ohio’s hands-free law is saving lives.” Distracted driving crashes decrease in Ohio.

River News Network Staff
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“Ohio’s hands-free law is saving lives.” Distracted driving crashes decrease in Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving remains a significant concern in Ohio, new data indicates that two years after the state’s “phones down” law took effect, Ohio is seeing positive, lifesaving results.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 in 2023. The bill strengthened the state’s distracted driving laws by making it a primary offense to use handheld electronic devices while driving.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the average number of crashes in Ohio has dropped by 8%, injuries are down 3%, and traffic fatalities have declined by 4% since the law took effect in April 2023.

Data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) continues to show about a 10% drop in cell phone use in Ohio among drivers who share their device data as part of employer-based safety programs or in exchange for insurance discounts. CMT estimates the law has saved Ohio at least $337 million in economic damages.

“We’re certainly seeing less distracted driving than before the law went into effect, but we still have a long way to go,” said Governor DeWine. “I appreciate all the drivers who have chosen to stay focused on the road, and I encourage more drivers to do the same. Distracted-driving crashes are completely avoidable.”

2024 Recap
While underreported, there were 8,571 distracted-driving-related crashes on Ohio roadways last year. These crashes resulted in 29 people killed and 4,458 people injured.

Of the distracted driving-related crashes, 36% occurred at an intersection, which emphasizes the importance of drivers paying attention at intersections where vehicles are turning and people are crossing.

Cell phone data in Ohio and nationwide typically shows that drivers are more distracted Monday through Friday during the afternoon commute.  Weekends also see steady distractions after 10 a.m.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has put enhanced focus on distracted driving over the past two years and will continue to do so during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Ohio’s hands-free law is saving lives,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “With increased enforcement, we are seeing fewer crashes – but the responsibility on the road starts with every driver. No distraction is worth the risk.”

Distracted Driving Demographics
Younger male drivers are more likely to drive distracted than young female drivers. From 2019 – 2024, 63% of the distracted driving crashes involved drivers 35 or younger with 60% being males.

Location Matters
Most distracted driving crashes occurred on roads with a speed limit of 35 MPH, followed by roads with posted speeds of 25 and 55 MPH. The most distracted-driving-related fatalities occurred on 55 MPH roadways.

The top five counties with the highest number of distracted-driving crashes between 2020 and 2024 were Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin, Montgomery, and Lucas.

Driving Distracted Has a Cost
Fines under the state’s distracted driving law start at $150 and increase to $500. Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.

According to NerdWallet, a driver with an at-fault crash on their record pays $1,110 more per year for a full-coverage policy than a driver with no violations.

Beyond the dollar figure, the loss of a life has a ripple effect that can’t be calculated.

Public Education and Awareness
More than 25,000 distracted drivers have completed the state’s online distracted-driving safety course since enforcement started in October 2023. This free course, created by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), allows first-time offenders to be eligible for reduced fines and points when they submit their course completion certificate to the court. The top ten cities for course completions are Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, Lorain, Youngstown, Elyria, Akron, Lima, Ashtabula, and Mansfield.

Avoiding Distracted Driving
The best way to combat distracted driving is to put away distractions. Drivers should let a passenger act as a co-pilot to read and send texts or adjust navigation apps.

As a general rule, activities that take your eyes off the road and your mind off driving for longer periods of time are the most dangerous. Wait to complete these activities when you can stop in a safe place.

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Announces Disaster Assistance Fund

River News Network Staff
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Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Announces Disaster Assistance Fund

WHEELING, W.Va. — Recovery efforts continue across the Mountain State after the
severe flooding that occurred earlier this month. Several counties have experienced
generational flooding resulting in loss of life, property, and livelihood. More than
ten counties remain under a State of Emergency. With many roads just
being re-opened, the scope of the devastation is becoming more visible.


Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, has
approved a special collection to be held the weekends of February 22-23 and
March 1-2 in all parishes and missions throughout the diocese to support recovery
efforts related to the series of disasters that have occurred. Checks should be made
out to your respective parish with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line. Donations
can also be made on the diocesan website at https://dwc.org/disaster-relief/.
All of the money collected will remain in West Virginia and will be managed byCatholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa). Money will be allocated along a four-
tier priority list as follows:

  1. Parishes in and around the affected area who directly assist families will
    receive funds to give aid to those in need.
  2. CCWVa Regional staff will receive funding for direct, short-term
    recovery assistance to victims.
  3. Partner agencies who work with CCWVa to administer relief to West
    Virginia residents affected by the flooding.
  4. Funds will be given to CCWVa for long-term humanitarian and recovery
    efforts. This fund assist families long after other organizations have
    moved out help families and individuals in the rebuilding process to
    restore safe, secure, and sanitary living conditions.

To help jumpstart the collection and speed funding to assist West Virginia families,
Bishop Brennan, has authorized a challenge grant in the amount of $50,000
through the West Virginia Catholic Foundation. These funds will be immediately
distributed for relief efforts in the state. Bishop Mark hopes the donation will spur
others to give generously to help our neighbors in need.

New Ohio Southeast Economic Development leader visits Belmont County, highlights local opportunities

River News Network Staff
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New Ohio Southeast Economic Development leader visits Belmont County, highlights local opportunities

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Economic development in southeastern Ohio was a major topic at the Belmont County Commissioners meeting Wednesday and one new leader was on hand to discuss his agency’s mission to facilitate success in the region.

Matt Abbott, the new President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development addressed the commissioners on economic partnerships and opportunities.

Originally from New Concord in Muskingum County, Abbott brings more than a decade of experience in local development and says his focus is on expanding cooperation, investing in critical infrastructure, and making southeastern Ohio more competitive for business and industry. Abbott was the prior Director of the Muskingum County Port Authority.

Abbott is visiting the area as part of his early efforts to engage with community stakeholders and understand each county’s unique assets and challenges.

“This isn’t my first trip to Belmont County, but I’m excited to be back in this new role. We’re spending time looking at sites, exploring the area’s attributes, and talking with local partners about how we can align resources to support future growth.”

Matt Abbott, President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development 

Ohio Southeast is one of seven regional network partners working with JobsOhio, the state’s economic development agency. As a nonprofit organization, Ohio Southeast plays a pivotal role in project management, business retention and expansion, workforce support, and site development across a 25-county region.

Abbott explained that business outreach is a top priority, with Ohio Southeast engaging more than 300 companies annually to understand their needs and link them to incentive programs from state, federal, and regional sources. Finding suitable land for development is part of his mission.

“Site development is more than just finding land. It’s making sure it has the infrastructure to be competitive — water, wastewater, fiber, gas, electric. All the things a business looks for when deciding where to invest.”

Matt Abbott, President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development 

Beyond physical infrastructure, Ohio Southeast also offers workforce and HR support — particularly important for the region’s many small businesses that may not have large back-office teams. Their talent services help with recruiting, wage analysis, and best practices in human resources.

Larry Merry, long-time Executive Director of the Belmont County Port Authority, emphasized how crucial Ohio Southeast’s role has been in recent years.

“When Jobs Ohio was created, there wasn’t a strong presence for this part of the state. Ohio Southeast filled that gap. It’s an organization built to work hand-in-hand with Jobs Ohio, and now with Matt at the helm, I think it’s going places we haven’t even imagined yet.”

Larry Merry, Director of the Belmont County Port Authority

Merry pointed to several successful collaborations, including current projects in local riverfront communities. With access to state resources and a growing team of project managers familiar with local needs, the organization is helping communities seize opportunities for economic revitalization.

Abbott echoed those sentiments, highlighting the shared vision and mutual support required between local and regional partners.

“Economic development doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s about lifting each other up, sharing what works, and being proactive. Programs like the Rural Industrial Park Loan Program, the Appalachian Community Grant Program, and the Ohio Site Inventory Program are giving us the tools — we just need to continue working together to use them effectively.”

Matt Abbott, President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development 

Abbott also addressed the misconception that rural areas like Belmont County are often forgotten when it comes to development efforts.

“There is truth in feeling left behind sometimes, but I also believe we can’t wait for someone to rescue us. This region has incredible assets — from power and water infrastructure to river access and transportation. It’s our job to make sure we’re showcasing those strengths and attracting the right opportunities.”

Matt Abbott, President and CEO of Ohio Southeast Economic Development 

As Ohio Southeast continues to build momentum under new leadership, Belmont County commissioners say they’re optimistic the partnership and potential for new development and jobs.

West Virginia DOH issues Wheeling traffic advisory for Tuesday

River News Network Staff
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West Virginia DOH issues Wheeling traffic advisory for Tuesday

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Highways issued a traffic advisory for motorists traveling in the Wheeling area next week.

A portion of US 40 (National Road), between the intersections of Glenwood Road and Merwin Street in Wheeling will be restricted to one lane from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15 for electric line maintenance.

Traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Motorists are advised to slow down and expect delays.

Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances may change the project schedule.

Local city gets a new ride

River News Network Staff
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Local city gets a new ride

WEIRTON, W.Va. – The City of Weirton has commenced rebranding the transit service previously run by Weirton Transit Corporation.

Transit Director Kevin Davis says he worked with the West Virginia Department of
Transportation to arrive at the new name – “Weirton Ride.”

Residents will soon see the firm’s new logo and color scheme on buses and other signage.

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