COLUMBUS, Ohio — At a time when property taxes remain a concern for homeowners across Ohio, state lawmakers are considering whether new data centers should continue receiving significant tax exemptions.
The issue puts two parts of Ohio’s tax system in the spotlight: homeowners who pay property taxes on their homes and large data center projects that can qualify for tax incentives.
House Bill 957, introduced by State Rep. Tristan Rader of Lakewood, would stop Ohio from approving new sales tax exemptions for data centers. The bill was introduced in May and is currently before the House Ways and Means Committee.
Another proposal goes directly to property taxes.
House Bill 999, introduced by State Rep. Daniel Troy of Willowick, would prohibit property tax exemptions for data centers. The legislation was introduced Sept. 2 and has not received a vote.
The amount of money involved has drawn attention.
An analysis by the nonpartisan Ohio Legislative Service Commission reported that the state’s data center sales and use tax exemption represented approximately $1.57 billion in foregone revenue in calendar year 2025.
That does not mean homeowners paid an additional $1.57 billion because of data centers. Sales taxes and property taxes are separate, and there is no evidence establishing that the data center exemption directly caused individual homeowners’ property tax bills to increase.
Still, the proposals are raising a broader question for Ohio communities: which properties should receive tax breaks, and which should pay their full tax obligations?
A graphic published by Axe Ohio Tax lists $26.63 billion in property value under the category of abatements. That number represents property value receiving abatements — not $26.63 billion in unpaid taxes — and the graphic does not identify how much of that property is connected specifically to data centers.
Property tax exemptions are particularly important to the discussion because property taxes help fund local governments, schools and other public services. Unlike Ohio’s state-level data center sales tax incentive, property tax abatements can be granted locally.
Previous legislation considered by lawmakers would have limited new data center property tax abatements to 50% of a project’s increased property value. The Legislative Service Commission said such a change could increase local property tax revenue, while also noting that restricting incentives could affect decisions about future data center investments in Ohio.
For homeowners, neither HB 957 nor HB 999 would automatically reduce a residential property tax bill. The bills instead address whether data centers should continue receiving exemptions from taxes that would otherwise apply to their projects.
Both proposals remain pending, meaning Ohio’s existing tax structure has not been changed by either bill.
Source: Ohio General Assembly; Ohio Legislative Service Commission; WCMH/NBC4 Columbus; Axe Ohio Tax.
OHIO VALLEY — Several stories are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including a new agreement involving the proposed Warwood data center, new details surrounding a fatal Monroe County crash, controversy over license plate-reading cameras and several upcoming community events.
Wheeling City Council has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Silicon Foundry involving its proposed data center project in Warwood. Under the agreement, the facility would remain below 90 megawatts and be subject to Wheeling’s zoning and taxation requirements. In return, the city would assist with permitting and pursue the creation of a tax break district connected to the project.
New information has also been released following Tuesday’s fatal crash on State Route 7 in Monroe County. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said a driver residing near Marietta crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The other driver, identified as 54-year-old Duff Mahoney of Clarington, died from his injuries. According to the patrol, both drivers were wearing seat belts.
In Ohio County, a grand jury returned 25 indictments involving 26 people this week. Among those named were Jennifer Sherman of Wheeling, who faces embezzlement and credit card fraud charges; Donald Ewing of Bridgeport, who is accused of fraudulent schemes; and John Lynch II of Wheeling, a former web manager at WTRF, who faces three counts of embezzlement. Those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Debate surrounding automated license plate readers is continuing on both sides of the Ohio River. Steubenville City Council voted 6-1 to keep its Flock cameras operating, although a petition effort could put the issue before voters. In Moundsville, residents have raised questions about the purchase of similar cameras without a City Council vote. Police maintain that the purchase was legal. Eight cameras have been installed across Marshall County.
In downtown Steubenville, crews are working to repair electrical infrastructure after a building being demolished as part of a brewery project collapsed into Market Street. The collapse damaged three street lights, and City Manager Michael Johnson said AEP would need to rewire the affected lights.
At the state level, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation Tuesday establishing a new commission focused on defense and aerospace development. According to the newscast, the commission will work on attracting aerospace investment, addressing drone threats and supporting job creation in Ohio.
Several community events are also approaching. Big Willie 105.5 will broadcast live Saturday from Rafter M Arena during an evening of bull riding and family entertainment. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.
And Shadyside is preparing for its inaugural Winter Festival on Dec. 19. Plans include food trucks, a pie contest, a dog contest and other holiday activities.
River News will continue following these stories and other developments across the Ohio Valley.
ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University Police are investigating the death of a first-year student who was found inside a residence hall on the university’s Athens campus Monday afternoon.
The student, identified as Mason Bohm, was found in McDavis Hall after authorities received a report of an unattended death at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Bohm was a first-year student in Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology and lived in McDavis Hall. His next of kin has been notified.
Ohio University Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details surrounding Bohm’s death are not being released at this time. Authorities have said there is no reason to believe the death poses a threat to the safety of the university community.
Investigators are asking anyone who recently interacted with Bohm or may have information relevant to the investigation to contact Ohio University Police Lt. D.J. McCollister at 740-593-1911. Information can also be provided to the department by email at police@ohio.edu.
Following Bohm’s death, Ohio University made counseling and support resources available to students and members of the campus community. Counseling and Psychological Services also offered opportunities for students and employees experiencing distress to speak with staff.
University officials encouraged members of the campus community to support one another as they process the student’s death.
The circumstances and cause of Bohm’s death have not been publicly released.
River News will provide additional information if it becomes available from Ohio University or investigating authorities.
CLARINGTON, Ohio — One person was killed and another was flown to a hospital following a two-vehicle crash on State Route 7 near Clarington Monday morning.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of the crash shortly before 7 a.m. Initial information indicated that one person had died and another was injured and trapped inside a vehicle.
Emergency crews worked to extricate the injured person. An air medical helicopter was called to the scene and was expected to land on Route 7 near State Route 78. The injured person was subsequently transported by air for medical treatment.
Route 7 was closed while emergency personnel responded to the crash. Tow trucks were requested for both vehicles, and a crash reconstruction team was also notified.
Authorities were working to obtain next-of-kin information following the fatality. No identities were included in the initial information provided.
The roadway remained closed for several hours during the emergency response and investigation before reopening around 9:15 a.m.
Additional information about what caused the crash and the condition of the injured person was not immediately available.
River News will provide updates if additional information is released by authorities.
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write a non plagarised story: Ohio University police investigating student’s death in campus residence hall A spokesperson for the university said Mason Bohm was a first-year student in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University police are investigating a student’s death in a residence hall at the university’s Athens campus.
According to the Ohio University Police Department, a student identified as Mason Bohm was found dead around 4:30 p.m. on Monday in McDavis Hall.
Police said there is no threat to the community’s safety. The department is asking anyone who may have recently interacted with Bohm to contact Lt. D.J. McCollister at 740-593-1911 or email their contact information to police@ohio.edu.
A university spokesperson said Bohm was a first-year student in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
Close Ad College Freshman Found Dead Inside Dorm Room. Now, Police Are Hoping to Speak with Anyone Who Last Interacted with Him The Ohio University student has been identified as Mason Bohm, officials said
A freshman at Ohio University, Mason Bohm, was found dead inside his dorm, McDavis Hall
Police said that there is “no reason to believe the death represents a threat to the safety of the community”
The university’s Counseling and Psychological Services hosted processing and discussion spaces as well as drop-in hours to provide counseling to students or faculty members experiencing acute distress
A first-year college student was found dead in his dorm at Ohio University.
On Monday, Sept. 14, the Ohio University Police Department shared that officers were investigating an “unattended death” that was reported around 4:30 p.m. local time in McDavis Hall, according to a statement shared to social media.
The late student was identified as freshman Mason Bohm, and authorities later stated that there is “no reason to believe the death represents a threat to the safety of the community.”
Anyone who may have interacted with Bohm, who was a resident of McDavis Hall, prior to his death is asked to contact Lt. D.J. McCollister at (740) 593-1911 or email police@ohio.edu. His next of kin have been notified.
In a message to students, the Office of the Dean of Students expressed how “deeply saddened” they were to share the news of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology freshman’s death.
“As our Athens and University communities continue to process this unexpected death, our entire team would like to share a reminder of the campus outreach and resources that stand ready to support you as we work together to uplift one another in the days and weeks ahead,” the university’s Interim Dean of Students, Scott Bye, wrote in the letter.
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Following the incident, the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services staff members hosted processing and discussion spaces as well as drop-in hours to provide counseling to students or faculty members experiencing acute distress or with an urgent need to speak to a counselor.
“As we process this loss together, remember to prioritize self-care and to always look out for one another,” Bye wrote. “Supporting your health, well-being and success is our top priority — today and always.”
Ohio University police said that, while they are not able to release additional details at this time, the investigation into Bohm’s death remains ongoing.
The Ohio University Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Ohio University Police Investigating Death of First-Year Student in Campus Residence Hall
ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University Police are investigating the death of a first-year student who was found inside a residence hall on the university’s Athens campus Monday afternoon.
The student, identified as Mason Bohm, was found in McDavis Hall after authorities received a report of an unattended death at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Bohm was a first-year student in Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology and lived in McDavis Hall. His next of kin has been notified.
Ohio University Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details surrounding Bohm’s death are not being released at this time. Authorities have said there is no reason to believe the death poses a threat to the safety of the university community.
Investigators are asking anyone who recently interacted with Bohm or may have information relevant to the investigation to contact Ohio University Police Lt. D.J. McCollister at 740-593-1911. Information can also be provided to the department by email at police@ohio.edu.
Following Bohm’s death, Ohio University made counseling and support resources available to students and members of the campus community. Counseling and Psychological Services also offered opportunities for students and employees experiencing distress to speak with staff.
University officials encouraged members of the campus community to support one another as they process the student’s death.
The circumstances and cause of Bohm’s death have not been publicly released.
River News will provide additional information if it becomes available from Ohio University or investigating authorities.
MONROE COUNTY, Ohio — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is inviting area children and teens to spend a day outdoors later this month as part of its Outdoor Adventure Day at Shadow Lake.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, and is open to children ages 2 through 18. Children younger than 10 must have a parent present.
Activities are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Shadow Lake, located at 38347 Miltonsburg-Calais Road.
Fishing will be among the activities offered during the event, with fishing poles provided for participants. Lunch will also be provided.
The Broken Timber Outdoor Education Center is scheduled to participate, bringing additional outdoor education opportunities to the event.
Families interested in participating are asked to register by calling the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 740-472-1612 and selecting option 2. Registration is requested by Sept. 21.
The event provides local young people an opportunity to spend time outdoors while connecting with law enforcement and learning more about nature and outdoor activities.
BEALLSVILLE, Ohio — The Beallsville Fall Festival will return Saturday, Oct. 3, bringing a full day of food, contests, games and family activities to the Monroe County community.
Activities begin at 11 a.m. with vendors and food trucks, along with soup beans and apple crisp available in the lodge basement. Entries for the festival’s pumpkin decorating contest are also due at that time. A country store will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The festival will feature a chili cook-off, with entries to be dropped off by 11:30 a.m. Judging begins at noon, and the chili entries will be available for purchase following the competition.
Children can take part in a pedal pull beginning at 1 p.m., with registration starting at 12:30 p.m. Various children’s games and Plinko will also be available throughout the festival.
From 2 to 4 p.m., families can take a pumpkin train ride sponsored by Joe’s Tires. Car races will run from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring Sheen slot car races at a cost of $5 for three races. That activity is also sponsored by Joe’s Tires.
The evening schedule includes bingo at 5 p.m., followed by a square dance and cake walk with Little Creek from 6 to 9 p.m.
Organizers say the festival is centered around food, family, friends and small-town fall fun. The schedule is subject to change.
The Beallsville Fall Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 3, with activities beginning at 11 a.m.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Big Willie 105.5 is heading to Rafter M Arena this weekend for a live broadcast during an evening of bull riding and family entertainment.
Sebra Bullriding is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at Rafter M Arena. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
Big Willie 105.5 will be on-site broadcasting live from the event, bringing listeners coverage from the arena as spectators arrive for the evening.
The event will feature bull riding along with Mutton Bustin’ for children weighing 55 pounds or less. Food and shopping vendors will also be available on-site.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and younger.
The event offers another opportunity for Big Willie 105.5 to connect with country listeners in person while supporting events happening throughout the Ohio Valley.
River News will continue highlighting local events and community activities across the region.
OLD WASHINGTON, Ohio — Big Willie 105.5 is heading to the Guernsey County Fair Tuesday for a live broadcast and several giveaways for fairgoers.
Greg McCullough of The Greg McCullough Morning Show will broadcast live from the fairgrounds from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, as the 179th Guernsey County Fair continues in Old Washington.
The live appearance is being held in partnership with PACT Containers, a sponsor of the Guernsey County Fair.
Visitors can stop by during the event and register for several prizes, including tickets to see Whiskey Myers at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, exclusive Whiskey Myers merchandise and a family four-pack of admission tickets to the Guernsey County Fair.
The prize drawing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The appearance gives listeners an opportunity to meet McCullough in person while catching part of the Big Willie 105.5 broadcast live from one of the region’s longstanding county fairs.
The Guernsey County Fair is being held at the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in Old Washington.
River News will continue highlighting events and activities happening throughout the Ohio Valley.
OHIO VALLEY — Several stories are developing across the region, including changes in leadership at Brooke High School, an alleged attack on sheriff’s deputies in Columbiana County and the sentencing of a former Bellaire teacher and coach.
The Brooke County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to terminate Eric James as principal of Brooke High School. Superintendent Jeffery Crook said James submitted a resignation letter after the agenda for Monday’s meeting had already been released. Trey Zambito is now serving as interim principal.
James is also facing two additional wiretap violation charges following a preliminary hearing Monday. A magistrate set bond at $200,000 in connection with the latest charges. His attorney requested additional time to consolidate the matters into one hearing, which was continued until Sept. 21. Nearly two dozen protesters gathered outside the hearing calling for accountability.
In Columbiana County, authorities say a man became violent after being sentenced on assault charges Monday. Timothy Reaggle allegedly attacked two sheriff’s deputies while being escorted from the courtroom, leaving one deputy injured and requiring hospital treatment. Reaggle fled the courtroom before deputies used a Taser to subdue him. He was taken back into custody and could face additional charges.
In Belmont County, former Bellaire High School teacher and coach Shawn Valloric was sentenced Monday to 14 to 15 years in prison for possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra imposed the sentence. Following his release, Valloric will be required to register as a sex offender every six months for 25 years.
St. Clairsville officials are also considering possible pay increases for city department leaders. The city’s finance committee discussed the issue Monday, with officials saying any increases would be funded through money already left unspent rather than through new taxes.
In Ohio County, livestreaming of County Commission meetings could return as early as next month. The broadcasts were discontinued after equipment problems developed last fall. County Administrator Randy Russell said new equipment has been ordered to address unreliable internet service in the boardroom.
And in Wheeling, 7 Brew has opened a new location along National Road. The coffee chain held its grand opening Monday, drawing enough traffic that the Wheeling Police Department issued a congestion warning.
River News will continue following these and other developing stories throughout the Ohio Valley.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two Morgantown business owners are facing federal consequences in separate cases involving the misuse of COVID-era small-business relief funds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.
The cases involving James Baldwin II and Kurt Ly are part of a larger nationwide enforcement effort targeting fraud connected to the Paycheck Protection Program and other pandemic relief programs.
Federal prosecutors said enforcement actions across the country involved more than 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses to taxpayers between June 12 and Sept. 1.
Baldwin, 46, owner of Morgantown-based Select Decks, was sentenced to 30 days in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,007,223 in restitution.
Investigators said Baldwin received $738,230 through multiple PPP loans. Some of the applications were connected to Select Decks, while others were submitted for three businesses that authorities said were not operating before the pandemic.
According to federal prosecutors, Baldwin provided false documentation to obtain the loans and later received forgiveness through the Small Business Administration.
Investigators also found that Baldwin failed to pay $258,993 in federal payroll taxes. Authorities said employees received pay stubs and W-2 forms showing taxes had been withheld, but the required money was not sent to the Internal Revenue Service.
Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation handled the Baldwin investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin prosecuted the case.
A separate federal case involves Kurt Ly, 69, owner and operator of Vin Phat Inc. in Morgantown.
Ly admitted to participating in a scheme involving pandemic relief programs. Investigators said he received PPP funds, spent money on expenses that were not permitted under the program and later obtained loan forgiveness after falsely certifying that the money had been used for eligible business expenses.
Authorities said Ly also received a $146,600 Economic Injury Disaster Loan in August 2020 after certifying that the money would be used as working capital for Vin Phat.
Investigators determined that portions of the money instead went toward personal expenses. Those expenditures included a $15,000 vehicle payment, cryptocurrency investments and transfers to Ly’s personal bank account.
The Federal Reserve’s Office of Inspector General investigated the Ly case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer T. Conklin and Eleanor F. Hurney are prosecuting the case.
The two Morgantown cases were included in a broader federal initiative involving 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and multiple federal and state investigative agencies. The enforcement effort is focused on recovering taxpayer money and pursuing cases involving alleged or admitted fraud in pandemic-era business assistance programs.
The Paycheck Protection Program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help qualifying businesses cover payroll and other approved operating expenses. Businesses seeking the loans and subsequent forgiveness were required to provide accurate information and certify that the money was used for authorized purposes.
River News will continue to follow developments in the cases.
