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River News Headlines: Local Cases, Community Support and New Opportunities Across the Ohio Valley

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River News Headlines: Local Cases, Community Support and New Opportunities Across the Ohio Valley

Several major stories are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including developments in two criminal cases, a deadly ATV crash investigation and new efforts aimed at fighting hunger.

In Belmont County, former Bellaire High School teacher and track coach Shawn Valloric pleaded guilty Monday to 52 charges involving child sexual abuse material. His bond was revoked, and he will remain in custody ahead of his Sept. 14 sentencing. Valloric also faces Tier II sex offender registration for 25 years.

In Wheeling, former Wheeling Middle School Principal Richard McCardle was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse by a person in a position of trust. McCardle pleaded no contest and received a 90-day jail sentence that was suspended in favor of 12 months of probation, along with a $1,000 fine.

Meanwhile, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office identified 16-year-old Oak Glen High School student Carter Pesacreta as the victim of a deadly ATV crash. Deputies said the ATV left Wylie Ridge Road and rolled down an embankment. The crash remains under investigation.

Urban Mission Ministries is also preparing for a major food donation Thursday. A truck carrying up to 40,000 pounds of food donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expected to arrive as part of a nationwide effort involving 250 shipments to help families facing hunger.

At the Monroe County Fair, a new “Fill the Freezer” program will allow bidders at Thursday’s livestock sale to donate purchased animals, with the resulting meat going to local food pantries.

And in Cambridge, Guernsey County has opened a new public services building housing both the Veterans Service Office and Board of Elections. Officials say the facility provides additional space, parking and improved public access.

For more local news from across the Ohio Valley, follow River News.

49ers Owner Jed York Arrested in Ohio Prostitution Sting, Drawing Attention to His CommonSpirit Human Trafficking Work

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49ers Owner Jed York Arrested in Ohio Prostitution Sting, Drawing Attention to His CommonSpirit Human Trafficking Work

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — San Francisco 49ers principal owner and CEO Jed York was arrested in East Palestine over the weekend after authorities say he responded to an undercover prostitution advertisement, a case drawing additional attention because of York’s leadership role with a health foundation that supports programs combating human trafficking.

York was arrested Sunday, Aug. 23, during an operation involving the East Palestine Police Department and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Court records say York responded to an advertisement on a website known for prostitution and arranged to meet a woman in exchange for money.

York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution. That charge was later amended to disorderly conduct. He pleaded no contest Monday to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, with the latter charge connected to the cellphone used in arranging the encounter.

York was sentenced to concurrent one-day jail terms and received credit for the time he had already spent in custody. He was also fined a total of $1,150. He had previously posted a $5,000 bond following his arrest.

Authorities also seized $160 from York. As part of the resolution of the case, that money was forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.

York’s Connection to CommonSpirit Health Foundation

Beyond York’s prominence as an NFL owner, the circumstances of the arrest have attracted attention because of his connection to CommonSpirit Health Foundation.

Public nonprofit records identify York as chairman of the CommonSpirit Health Foundation board. CommonSpirit’s own philanthropy materials have also identified him as its foundation board chairman.

CommonSpirit Health operates a system-wide program aimed at identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking, abuse, neglect and violence. Human trafficking response is specifically listed among the initiatives supported through CommonSpirit Health philanthropy.

York has also been publicly recognized by the organization. In May 2024, CommonSpirit Health Foundation honored York with its Humankindness in Action Award, describing him at the time as the foundation’s board chairman and recognizing his community and philanthropic work.

The 2024 CommonSpirit event raised money supporting several national initiatives, including human trafficking response and violence prevention, according to information published about the event.

That connection is notable because the law-enforcement operation resulting in York’s arrest involved the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. However, York was not charged with human trafficking, and his foundation position should not be interpreted as evidence that CommonSpirit Health or its human-trafficking programs had any connection to the conduct alleged in Ohio.

The criminal case instead stemmed from an undercover prostitution operation. York ultimately was convicted of the two misdemeanor offenses after entering his no-contest pleas.

The NFL is reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy, which applies to team owners as well as players and other league personnel.

The 49ers have acknowledged that the legal matter was resolved and declined further comment.

Former Bellaire Teacher Pleads Guilty to 52 Charges Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material

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Former Bellaire Teacher Pleads Guilty to 52 Charges Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A former Bellaire High School teacher and track coach has pleaded guilty to 52 felony charges involving child sexual abuse material and will remain in custody while awaiting sentencing.

Shawn Valloric entered the guilty pleas Monday in Belmont County. Seven of the charges are second-degree felonies. The remaining counts, 15 through 52, are fourth-degree felony charges of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person.

The second-degree felony charges carry potential prison terms of eight to 12 years and fines of up to $15,000 per count. The fourth-degree felonies carry potential sentences of up to 18 months and fines of up to $5,000 per count.

Valloric will also be classified as a Tier II sex offender for 25 years.

During Monday’s hearing, Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra revoked Valloric’s bond and ordered him immediately taken into the custody of the sheriff.

Vavra cited the seriousness of the second-degree felony charges when explaining the decision to revoke bond ahead of sentencing.

Valloric is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 14 for sentencing. His actual prison sentence will be determined by the court at that hearing.

Summer Heat Returns to the Ohio Valley After Brief Cool Stretch

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Summer Heat Returns to the Ohio Valley After Brief Cool Stretch

OHIO VALLEY — A short stretch of cooler, drier weather is coming to an end as warmer temperatures and increasing humidity return to the region through the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Tuesday began with temperatures in the mid-50s in many areas, with river valley fog developing before sunrise. Sunshine is expected to push temperatures into the low 70s by midday and into the 80s by late afternoon.

Temperatures will cool again Tuesday night, falling into the low 60s by midnight and into the mid- to upper 50s overnight. River valley fog is expected to redevelop before dawn Wednesday.

Wednesday will begin cool before winds shift from the west and southwest, allowing temperatures to rise quickly. Highs are expected to reach the upper 80s during the afternoon. Humidity will also increase, though conditions are not expected to be as oppressive as earlier in the month. A stray shower is possible in far eastern areas near the West Virginia-Virginia border late in the day.

Clouds will increase Wednesday night as another cold front approaches from the west. Overnight lows are expected to remain in the upper 60s, with showers possible before daybreak Thursday.

Thursday will bring a chance for morning showers and a few thunderstorms as the front moves through the region. Scattered downpours and isolated storms could continue into the evening. Some heavier showers may produce standing water on roadways and temporarily slow travel.

Conditions should begin to dry out Thursday night, although clouds may linger. Overnight lows are expected to remain near 70 degrees.

Friday will stay warm and humid, with a mix of sun and clouds and afternoon highs in the mid- to upper 80s. Temperatures will remain mild Friday night, dropping into the mid- and upper 60s.

The heat becomes more noticeable Saturday, with widespread upper 80s and some locations potentially reaching 90 degrees. Mostly sunny skies are expected, although humidity will continue to make conditions feel warmer.

Sunday is expected to be even hotter, with temperatures near 90 degrees across many lowland communities. Higher humidity could push heat index values toward 100 degrees by late afternoon.

Similar conditions are expected Monday, with highs in the low 90s. An isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorm may develop in the heat and humidity, though most areas are expected to remain dry.

The return of hotter weather will close out August on a much more summer-like note after several days of cooler-than-normal conditions.

Another Deadly Crash Raises Safety Concerns at Charleston Interstate Split

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Another Deadly Crash Raises Safety Concerns at Charleston Interstate Split

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A deadly crash at the I-77/I-64 split in Charleston has renewed scrutiny of a section of elevated interstate where five vehicles have gone over the side since 2020, prompting questions about what additional safety measures may be needed and how much those improvements could cost.

The most recent crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the I-77/I-64 split. Charleston Police said a vehicle left the elevated interstate and fell into a lot in the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Four Raleigh County young men were killed: James McDaniel, 20; Colten Garcia, 20; Kaden Ashby, 21; and Kaiden Radford, 21. All four were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Charleston Police, the crash was the fifth tragic incident since 2020 involving a vehicle going over the side of the interstate at that location.

Previous incidents include a May 2020 crash that left one person with an incapacitating injury; a November 2022 crash that injured two people and killed two dogs; a May 2025 crash that killed two people and seriously injured two others; and a July 2026 crash that left one person with an incapacitating injury.

West Virginia Transportation Secretary Stephen Rumbaugh said state highway officials were already developing a project before the latest crashes to install high-friction surface treatment on several elevated portions of the interstate.

The treatment is intended to improve roadway traction, and transportation officials anticipate installation later this fall.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation also plans to coordinate with Charleston Police to continue reviewing crashes in the area and determine whether additional safety measures should be considered once investigations are completed.

However, the information released so far does not specify how much the high-friction surface treatment project will cost, how much additional countermeasures could cost, or whether any further construction has been funded.

That leaves an important question unanswered as the number of serious crashes continues to grow: what level of investment will ultimately be necessary before additional physical changes are made to the interchange?

Transportation officials maintain that the roadway currently meets safety standards.

West Virginia Transportation Executive Director of Communications Brent Walker said the stretch is considered safe and emphasized that motorists should reduce speed, avoid distractions and remain alert while traveling through the interchange.

Officials have also addressed calls to increase the height or length of concrete barriers along the elevated roadway. Walker said raising barriers could create other safety concerns by potentially redirecting a vehicle back into moving traffic and increasing the risk of a multi-vehicle crash.

Charleston Police Sgt. Travis Bailes similarly said the interchange is considered safe for drivers and noted that previous crashes in the area have involved contributing factors such as speed, distraction or impairment.

The circumstances surrounding Friday’s fatal crash remain under investigation.

For now, the state has committed to the high-friction surface treatment project and continued monitoring of the interchange. Whether additional structural changes will follow — and what those changes would cost — has not yet been determined based on the information released publicly.

Weirton American Legion Riders Raise Thousands to Support Service Dogs for Veterans

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Weirton American Legion Riders Raise Thousands to Support Service Dogs for Veterans

WEIRTON, W.Va. — A group of motorcycle riders in Weirton took to the road Sunday to raise money for a program that provides service dogs to veterans at no cost.

The Northern Panhandle American Legion Riders Post 10 organized a ride spanning more than 100 miles to benefit Train a Dog Save a Warrior, also known as TADSAW.

The program provides medical alert service dog training for veterans, including those living with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

According to Charlie Pollan, vice commander of American Legion Post 10, money raised through the effort helps cover the cost of the dogs and their training. Pollan said funds raised locally remain within the district.

Organizers reported that approximately $15,000 to $16,000 had already been raised as of Sunday, with hopes that the total could approach $20,000 by the end of the event.

The Northern Panhandle American Legion Riders group was established in November 2025 and has since participated in several community fundraising efforts.

The project is part of a broader effort involving members of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion to support veterans in the region.

TADSAW’s mission is to provide service dog training to wounded veterans at no cost to veterans or their families, with the goal of helping participants gain additional support and independence in their daily lives.

Evert Maki American Legion Post 10 is located at 3140 Pennsylvania Ave. in Weirton.

Volunteer Dive Team Searches Ohio River for Woman Missing Since 2011

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Volunteer Dive Team Searches Ohio River for Woman Missing Since 2011

HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — A volunteer search-and-recovery team is continuing efforts to locate a woman who disappeared more than 15 years ago near Mountaineer Casino.

Chaos Divers, a southern Illinois-based group, is searching the Ohio River near New Cumberland for Karen Adams and her vehicle. Adams disappeared in March 2011, and the group has been investigating her case since 2021.

The team uses boats equipped with sonar technology to search waterways for submerged vehicles. Before entering the water, members gather information about a missing person’s last known location, intended destination and other available details that could help narrow the search area.

When sonar detects an object that could be a vehicle, the team marks the location and sends divers into the water to determine what was found. If a vehicle connected to a missing-person case is located, law enforcement is contacted to oversee the recovery process.

Chaos Divers has helped locate 23 missing people over the past four and a half years. The organization focuses much of its work on cases in which leads have become limited over time.

The group is funded through its YouTube and Facebook platforms and does not accept reward money offered in missing-person cases.

The search for Adams and her vehicle remains ongoing in the Ohio River near New Cumberland.

Two Children Killed, Third Critically Injured in West Virginia Crash

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Two Children Killed, Third Critically Injured in West Virginia Crash

INDORE, W.Va. — Two children were killed and another was critically injured in a single-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in Clay County, according to West Virginia State Police.

The crash was reported around 2:15 p.m. on Clay Highway near the Indore Post Office.

State Police said an SUV left the roadway and struck the rear of an unoccupied loader.

Two boys, ages 7 and 13, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third boy was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was also transported for treatment and to assist with the investigation.

According to State Police, all of the SUV’s occupants were members of the driver’s family.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No additional information has been released.

River News Headlines: Bridge Planning, Road Salt Savings, Wind Energy Ruling and More

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River News Headlines: Bridge Planning, Road Salt Savings, Wind Energy Ruling and More

OHIO VALLEY — Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including plans for a new Market Street Bridge, significant savings on road salt in Jefferson County and the return of a volunteer dive team searching for a woman missing since 2011.

Transportation planners are reviewing six possible locations for a new Market Street Bridge connecting Ohio and West Virginia. Public feedback has favored keeping the crossing near its current location, while planners are also considering future traffic needs and the role of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Plans call for a wider span that would directly connect West Virginia Route 2 with Ohio Route 7.

In Jefferson County, officials secured their own road salt agreement rather than purchasing through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s program. The agreement is expected to save the county and participating communities more than $150,000 while securing 10,000 tons of salt at a lower price.

The Ohio Supreme Court has also upheld a decision allowing six Midwest wind farms to sell electricity in Ohio. The justices rejected a challenge involving certification requirements, clearing the way for the projects to sell energy in the state.

Meanwhile, volunteer dive team Chaos Divers has returned to the area to search for Karen Adams, who has been missing since 2011 near Mountaineer Casino. The group has helped locate 23 missing people during the past four and a half years.

In Youngstown, K-9 officer Penelope has recovered after being exposed to a substance while searching for contraband inside a private prison operated by CoreCivic. Her handler administered Narcan, and CoreCivic reported that Penelope made a full recovery.

Samaritan’s Purse also partnered with Newbridge Church over the weekend to provide free medical, dental and vision services to approximately 400 area residents at WesBanco Arena. Volunteers traveled from 22 states to participate.

River News will continue following these and other developments across the Ohio Valley.

Jefferson County Child Among 100 to Receive Wish Through MrBeast Philanthropy Project

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Jefferson County Child Among 100 to Receive Wish Through MrBeast Philanthropy Project

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — A 4-year-old Jefferson County boy was among 100 children whose wishes were granted as part of a philanthropy project organized by YouTube creator MrBeast and Beast Philanthropy.

Neiko Boni and his family traveled to Florida after connecting with A Special Wish Foundation, an Ohio-based organization that grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Neiko was diagnosed at age 2 with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, or LCH, a rare disorder that affected his skull and orbital bone. According to his mother, Keasha Barz, Neiko underwent a craniotomy and chemotherapy as part of his treatment.

The family selected a trip to Universal Studios and Disney World based on Neiko’s interests, including Mario Kart and Toy Story.

While in Florida, the family learned Neiko would also participate in a larger wish-granting project involving MrBeast and other children and their families.

Neiko was ultimately among 100 children included in the project organized by MrBeast and Beast Philanthropy. According to A Special Wish Ohio Valley Chapter Executive Director Annmarie O’Grady, MrBeast covered the cost of Neiko’s trip and reimbursed the organization.

For Neiko’s family, the experience offered time away from the medical appointments and uncertainty that had been a significant part of their lives since his diagnosis.

Wish trips are intended to provide children and their families with positive experiences and lasting memories while they navigate serious illnesses.

Neiko is now officially in remission, according to his family.

A Special Wish Foundation’s Ohio Valley Chapter serves eligible children and families throughout the region.

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