News

Legislation would force review of utility company projections

Local News June 11, 2026

A pair of Ohio state senators want to tighten scrutiny of utility company electric-usage projections, hoping to avoid expensive new power plants that may not be needed. “The forecasts must be real,” State Sen. Mark Romanchuk, R-Ontario, said at a news conference Tuesday. “Forecast is not demand. A speculative project that may never use a single megawatt in Ohio should not become the excuse for costs that real customers are forced to pay.” Romanchuk co-sponsored Senate Bill 457, the Electricity Forecast Integrity Act, to “encourage more accurate forecasting to prevent ...

Trial date set for former Martins Ferry fire chief

Local News June 10, 2026

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A trial date has been set for former Martins Ferry volunteer fire chief William Rinderer. Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter scheduled a jury trial for Aug. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Rinderer appeared before Berhalter on Monday morning. He was indicted last week on one count each of gross sexual imposition and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. On Monday, Rinderer's bond remained unchanged from when he was indicted at $75,000, with certain conditions. Berhalter said Rinderer is to have no contact with the alleged victim or any minors. The ...

BELMONT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Local News June 10, 2026

BELMONT COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT Sunday — 11:48 p.m., an officer responded to an address on Phillips Road in Fairpoint for a reported fight. — 10:24 p.m., a caller reported that a suspicious female approached her vehicle on Valley Plaza Drive in St. Clairsville and harassed her. Officers responded and located the suspect near Anytime Fitness. The caller declined to pursue charges. — 9:30 p.m., a caller reported a break-in at Lansing Limited on Commercial Drive in Bridgeport. Officers responded and collected information for a report. — 9:19 p.m., a caller from Hawthorne ...

Chemo care bags a labor of love for Hibbits

Local News June 10, 2026

STEUBENVILLE — What began as a service-learning project has become a labor of love for Sarah Hibbits. Hibbits, the Orton-Gillingham specialist for Indian Creek Local Schools, created chemo care bags in 2015 to help people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the Tony Teramana ...

Catch the World Cup at Wheeling Park watch parties

Local News June 10, 2026

WHEELING – A worldwide event will take on some local flair as the Wheeling Park Commission and FC Wheeling are hosting three free World Cup watch parties so the public can come cheer on the United States men's national team. “Soccer has a way of bringing people together,” explained Thomas Olivier, director of FC Wheeling. “It’s called ‘the world’s game' for a reason. We’re hoping for hundreds of people, especially families.” Olivier hopes those attending will get in the spirit by wearing red, white and blue. The watch parties will take place at the White Place on ...

Students Sweep Loop Area Ahead of Festival

Local News June 10, 2026

SHADYSIDE — Students in the C-CAP program spent Tuesday sweeping the historic Loop area of Shadyside in preparation for next week’s Loop Festival. C-CAP probation officer Aaron Walker said the program regularly includes community service, programming and evidence-based instruction. He ...