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A positive move forward

An Ohio state law has already made a positive impact locally, on the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Martins Ferry resident Hannah Patterson was named to the board, becoming the first person with a lived experience to be a member of the board. Ohio law now requires that appointing authorities include at least one person with a developmental disability when making initial appointments or filling vacancies on county boards. Patterson, who has cerebral palsy, said her place on the county board of developmental disabilities is an important move. “I feel it is ...

A clearer outlook for weather

Belmont County will be better prepared for storms before they even hit the area, thanks to a new web-based weather data software product procured by the county’s Emergency Management Agency. The technology, from Baron Weather, Inc., gives the agency access to weather information that the general public doesn’t have access to, Belmont County EMA Director Dave Ivan said. With the program, the agency can set perimeter rings at various distances so, when the storm crosses that perimeter, the agency will know how much lightning is in the area. But the most important things about the ...

The Wall That Heals an important visitor

Let American Legion Post 159 adjutant Rick Johnson explain how important it will be to have The Wall That Heals make a stop in Belmont County later this year. The wall is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. Johnson is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Air Force. “When I came home I got eggs thrown at me when we were on the bus transporting us down to the Los Angeles Airport. Tomatoes and eggs were thrown at the bus. We were called baby killers,” he said. “It’s heart wrenching, even for me today to have somebody walk up to me and thank ...

Help local businesses

Been stuck in the house for a while? Made one last run at the big box store before the snow, ice and frigid temperatures hit and haven’t spent an extra dime since? One day, we will be through this arctic spell. We’ll need to venture out and do a little shopping. Maybe we’ll just be ready to eat at a restaurant after having gone through everything in the pantry at home. When that time comes, consider spending your money with a smaller, locally owned establishment. Those who have either been forced to close or have seen VERY little traffic because of this weather may be in ...

Stay safe in this weather

There are few situations where the phrase “abundance of caution” is more fitting than where the Ohio Valley stands now with its weather. The winter storm of the past weekend dumped several inches of snow —up to 16 inches in places like East Liverpool — on the ground. Residents have been digging themselves out ever since. State, county and city crews have been working around the clock to make the streets as safe as they can. This isn’t going to be an easy, or quick, fix. The biggest fly in the ointment will be the frigid temperatures the region will see for the next ...

Check out unclaimed funds

Looking for something to do while snow, ice and frigid temperatures have perhaps kept you home for more time than you’d like in recent days? It could be a good time to check out the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds website. According to a recent report by the Akron Beacon Journal, the state still holds more than $4 billion in dormant bank accounts, utility deposits and uncashed checks. That’s a huge chunk of YOUR money just sitting (virtually) in Columbus. And remember, if you don’t claim it after more than ten years, you run the risk of it being used ...