Breaking News

Lawmakers push equal rules for private schools

A group of bipartisan lawmakers in Ohio want private schools that receive public taxpayer dollars to follow the same rules and academic accountability as the state’s public schools. While the proposed legislation would not force those private schools with students who receive school vouchers to follow the state’s open meetings and open records, it would increase what schools must make public with record and transparency mandates on data about academic performance. In July 2023, Republicans passed and Gov. Mike DeWine signed a universal school voucher law, which allowed every child ...

Belmont County’s new health hub takes shape

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Health Department construction project is on schedule for a fall completion. The new building will combine the county’s health department, coroner’s office and records departments. Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton said Grae-Con Construction ...

Grant opens new chapter for St. Mary’s library

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — St. Mary’s Central School will receive $5,000 from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The foundation awarded more than $1 million in library grants this year, with St. Mary’s being one of 220 schools from 38 states. The Laura Bush Foundation for ...

Police Reports

Belont County Sheriff's Office — 11:39 p.m. Tuesday, the Kent Police Department requested a welfare check on a male who was potentially in a mental health crisis. Officials went to an address on National Road in Belmont where his phone was pinging. The area was checked, but officers did not locate the male. — 11:04 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy accompanied a female inmate from the Belmont County Jail to Trinity Medical Center in St. Clairsville. The inmate was returned to jail at 12:41 a.m. — 10:48 p.m. Tuesday, a sergeant picked up two individuals who were walking on Interstate 70. ...

Belmont County gets one bid for DJFS family team meeting facilitator

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont County Commissioners opened the lone bid for the county's Job and Family Services department's family team meeting facilitator on Wednesday morning. Kendall Behavioral Solutions based out of Martins Ferry placed a bid of $200 per meeting for its services. The ...