STEUBENVILLE — He left for war more than 75 years ago and never made the journey home. On Nov. 14, 1st Lt. Raymond Banker Gilbert finally will return to Steubenville, the hometown he left behind when he went to fight in Korea. The Steubenville High School graduate was wounded and captured by enemy forces in December 1950. He later died as a prisoner of war, leaving his family without the opportunity to bring him home or lay him to rest in his hometown. Now, after his remains were identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on June 4, 2026, that long wait is nearing its end. Gilbert is expected to return to Steubenville under military escort and be buried at Union Cemetery. A service is scheduled for noon Nov. 14, according to a family announcement. Charles Dodson, who identified Gilbert as an extended family member, is urging the Steubenville community to turn out to honor the fallen soldier’s return. In a public Facebook group post, Dodson called Gilbert “a son of Steubenville” and encouraged residents, particularly members of veterans organizations, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and City Council, to help spread the word and attend the homecoming service. Dodson also asked whether anyone knew which city office oversees the veterans flags displayed throughout Steubenville. He said the family has a photograph of Gilbert and would like to see the city honor him with a flag. Gilbert’s return represents more than the conclusion of a decades-long wait for answers. It is the homecoming of a loved one whose absence has stretched across generations — and an opportunity for his hometown to recognize his service and sacrifice. Gilbert served in the U.S. Army with Battery B, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was among the American troops fighting in North Korea during the Battle of the Ch’ongch’on River in late November and early December 1950. On Dec. 1, 1950, Gilbert was reported missing in action after he was wounded and captured during his unit’s withdrawal from Kunu-ri toward Sunchon, North Korea. Through statements from American prisoners of war who were repatriated, the Army later determined that Gilbert died from his wounds on Jan. 31, 1951, near Mining Camp, a prisoner-of-war camp. Although his death was eventually established, his remains remained unidentified for decades. An unknown soldier for generations After the war, remains recovered near Kunu-ri were returned to U.S. custody in 1954 as part of Operation Glory, an exchange of war dead between United Nations and communist forces. The remains could not be identified at the time and were buried as an unknown service member at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. For decades, the remains that would eventually be identified as Gilbert’s rested thousands of miles from Steubenville, while his name remained among those of Americans missing from the Korean War. On July 1, 2024, the remains were disinterred and sent to a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory for scientific testing and possible identification. Laboratory analysis, combined with circumstantial and historical evidence, ultimately confirmed that the remains belonged to Gilbert. The agency announced his identification on June 4, 2026. The identification could not give Gilbert’s family back the years spent without answers. But it established what happened to him and made it possible for him to return to the community where his story began. A final journey home Gilbert is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. His name also is inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., which was updated in 2022 to include the names of fallen service members. Now, his return to Steubenville will give his family and the community an opportunity to remember the man behind the name and honor a sacrifice made more than seven decades ago. According to the family announcement, Gilbert will return to Steubenville under military escort before being buried at Union Cemetery. A service is scheduled for noon Saturday, Nov. 14, with surviving family members expected to attend. Dodson’s appeal asks residents and local organizations to help ensure Gilbert’s homecoming is recognized across the community. His request for a veterans flag bearing Gilbert’s memory also raises the possibility of a visible tribute from the city to one of its own. More than 75 years ago, Gilbert went to war and never returned. His family was left with unanswered questions, and his remains were buried far from home without his name. This November, that separation finally will end.

From emergency access during Veterans Memorial Bridge closures to the future of the condemned Fort Steuben Mall, this today's local briefing looks at issues affecting the Ohio Valley.  Emergency vehicles to cross bridge during overnight closures STEUBENVILLE — Ambulance crews will be permitted to cross the Veterans Memorial Bridge during overnight construction closures without calling ahead, but emergency medical providers are preparing for detours that could affect hospital transport times. Brooke County EMS said the contractor agreed to allow emergency vehicles to cross the bridge during the closures. The next shutdown is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. today and continue until 8 a.m. Saturday. Additional closures are planned from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, until 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, and from 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, until 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. TEMS Joint Ambulance District said crews may avoid Weirton Medical Center during the shutdowns because detours could lengthen travel times. Brooke County EMS has a contingency route through Wellsburg for patients who need to reach Trinity Medical Center. Drivers also should plan alternate routes. Northbound traffic can use U.S. 30 toward East Liverpool, Ohio, and Chester, West Virginia, then cross the Jennings Randolph Bridge. Southbound traffic can use Ohio Route 7 and West Virginia Route 2 toward Brilliant, Ohio, and Wellsburg, West Virginia, crossing the Wellsburg Bridge. The schedule is subject to change because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. City weighs further legal action over condemned mall STEUBENVILLE — The city is considering additional legal steps against the owner of the condemned Fort Steuben Mall after a municipal judge said the code enforcement case cannot proceed until the complaint is properly served. Municipal Judge John Mascio scheduled the case for review in 30 days after the city’s attempt to serve the owner’s Mississippi-based agent by certified mail was unsuccessful. Mascio said the city could serve the company’s Ohio agent through other permitted methods. The mall was condemned in June after inspectors and firefighters reported code violations, including mold, broken glass, chained exits and roof leaks. Tenants in the affected portion of the building were required to leave in July, with 7Ranges and J.C. Penney excluded because they have separate access and roofs. City Manager Mike Johnson has said the city will continue pursuing legal remedies and may file a public nuisance action in common pleas court. If the owner does not make the required repairs, the city could seek court authorization to demolish the property. Chamber grants fund new learning opportunities for Brooke County students FOLLANSBEE — Classroom projects across Brooke County are receiving a boost through more than $4,000 in grants awarded Wednesday at the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual educational summit. The grants, worth $300 each, support projects ranging from testing drone battery performance to encouraging science learning and using board games to build teamwork skills. Chamber President Eric Fithyan said the funding comes from money raised throughout the year at chamber events. Since the Follansbee and Wellsburg chambers merged last year, the organization has invested about $8,000 in education. West Liberty University President Tim Borchers, the summit’s featured speaker, discussed the value of critical thinking, creativity and curiosity, highlighting hands-on learning and practical experiences as ways to develop those skills. Weirton Salvation Army prepares for holiday fundraising drive WEIRTON — The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers and business sponsors to help raise money for holiday assistance to families in Brooke and Hancock counties, with its annual Red Kettle Campaign set to begin Nov. 14. The organization held an appreciation luncheon Thursday for volunteers who staffed kettles during last year’s campaign. This year’s fundraising goal is $55,000. Corps Officer Tonya Roberts said donations help families facing difficult choices between necessities such as prescriptions and household bills. The Salvation Army also provides food and toys to families in need. The organization is recruiting bell ringers and seeking five business sponsors willing to contribute $500 each toward the campaign. Airpark seeks taxiway expansion amid rising aircraft traffic STEUBENVILLE — Officials at the Jefferson County Airpark are pursuing a taxiway extension they say would improve airport safety as more jets and smaller aircraft use the facility. Airpark Authority board member Tom Gentile said the airport has secured significant grant funding this year for improvements, including plans to extend a taxiway used by aircraft moving between runways and other airport facilities. The project would reduce the need for pilots to taxi along a runway to reposition their aircraft, a maneuver known as back-taxiing. Gentile said the increase in jet traffic also provides an economic benefit to the region. Franciscan graduate returns to enrollment leadership role STEUBENVILLE — A familiar face is taking charge of enrollment management at Franciscan University of Steubenville as the institution reports more than 4,200 students for the fall semester. Christopher Krivoniak, a two-time Franciscan graduate, has been named vice president of Enrollment Management. He previously led the university’s Admissions Department beginning in August 2016 and most recently served as executive director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, a position he assumed in June 2025. University President the Rev. Dave Pivonka said Krivoniak’s experience as a student and in admissions and alumni relations positions him to lead recruitment efforts. Franciscan reported 1,285 new students among its fall 2026 enrollment, spanning undergraduate, graduate and online programs. The university’s student body includes people from all 50 states and 50 countries.

STEUBENVILLE — Local journalism is finding a new way forward, and a new digital publication is working to make sure the stories that matter to the Upper Ohio Valley continue to be told. The Ohio Valley Current has officially launched, bringing a new source of locally focused news and community coverage to readers in Steubenville, Weirton and surrounding communities in Ohio and West Virginia. Founded by veteran journalist Stephanie Elverd, The Current is built around a straightforward mission: deliver meaningful local journalism that informs residents, holds public officials accountable and highlights the people, organizations and businesses that shape the region. In an era when newspapers are shrinking, newsrooms are consolidating and communities are increasingly competing for attention in a crowded media landscape, The Current aims to put local coverage at the center of its work. “Local journalism matters because the decisions being made in our communities affect our everyday lives,” Elverd said. “People deserve to know what is happening in their schools, their local governments, their neighborhoods and the places where they work and do business. Those stories deserve attention, and the people who live here deserve to have them told.” The Current will focus on the issues and events that directly affect residents across the Upper Ohio Valley, including local government, education, public safety, business, sports and community life. The coverage area includes Steubenville and surrounding Jefferson County communities in Ohio, along with Weirton and neighboring communities in West Virginia. The digital publication intends to build its coverage around the needs and interests of the people who call the region home. For Elverd, the launch represents a commitment to the idea that local news does not have to disappear simply because the traditional business model for delivering it has changed. “Print may be dying, but that makes the digital delivery of local news all the more crucial,” she said. “Communities still need reliable, locally focused journalism. The format may change, but the need for accurate reporting, accountability and coverage of the issues that affect people’s everyday lives has not gone away.” The Current is a digital-first publication, allowing news and information to reach readers online without waiting for the next print edition. Its website will remain free to access, with no paywall standing between readers and local reporting. For Elverd, keeping the website free is about more than attracting readers. It reflects her belief in journalism's role in a functioning community. “At the end of the day, journalism is a public service,” she said. “People should be able to access the news that affects their lives without having to pay to find out what is happening in their own communities. The website will remain free, and there will be no paywall between our readers and the local news they need.” Readers who want a more direct way to keep up with the news will have another option beginning Nov. 1, when The Current officially launches its paid daily newsletter, Currently. The newsletter will deliver headlines straight to subscribers' email inboxes, making it easier to keep up with the latest developments across the region. At $5 per month — less than 17 cents a day — Currently will offer readers a convenient way to have local headlines delivered directly to them. The newsletter is an optional service. Readers will continue to be able to visit The Ohio Valley Current's website and read its news coverage for free. Along with readers, The Current is counting on the communities it covers to help build a stronger local news resource. Residents, organizations, schools, teams and community groups are encouraged to submit news tips, announcements, sports results, accomplishments and upcoming events for publication. The digital publication also is building its community calendar as a resource for residents looking for things to do and opportunities to participate in activities across the region. Community members can help make that calendar more useful by sharing information about fundraisers, festivals, meetings, performances, school activities and other events. Elverd said community participation will help The Current reflect the breadth of life across the Upper Ohio Valley, including stories and events that might otherwise go unnoticed. “A local news outlet cannot be everywhere at once, and the community has an important role to play in helping us know what is happening,” she said. “If a team has an accomplishment to share, an organization is holding an event or someone is doing something positive in the community, we want to hear about it. This is your community, and we want to help tell its story.” Along with reporting on major developments, The Current will cover the everyday moments that give communities their character — from high school athletics and local events to small-business news, community initiatives and the people working to make a difference. Elverd brings decades of experience in print journalism, including reporting, editing, headline writing and newspaper production. Her work has included local government coverage and reporting on issues affecting the Ohio Valley. That experience informs the digital publication’s emphasis on original reporting, careful editing and a strong connection to the communities it serves. “The Ohio Valley has stories worth telling,” Elverd said. “There are people doing important work, businesses investing in their communities, students and athletes accomplishing great things, and decisions being made that will shape our future. Those stories should not be overlooked simply because they happen outside a major metropolitan area.” As The Ohio Valley Current begins building its audience, community support will play an important role in sustaining its work. The digital publication plans to work with local businesses and community partners while maintaining its commitment to providing free news coverage for readers. The goal is to create a sustainable digital news operation that serves readers while giving businesses and organizations opportunities to reach the communities they serve. For Elverd, the launch is about more than creating another website. It is about reinforcing the importance of paying attention to what happens close to home. “Local journalism is not just about reporting what happened yesterday,” she said. “It is about understanding why it matters, asking what happens next and making sure the people affected have the information they need. That is the kind of journalism we want The Current to deliver.” As The Ohio Valley Current establishes itself, its mission will remain focused on the region and the people who make it what it is. “If it matters to you, it matters to The Current,” Elverd said.

STEUBENVILLE — A potential artificial intelligence data center in Jefferson County has received an initial expression of interest from county commissioners, but significant questions remain about where the proposed facility would be located and how far development plans have progressed. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 27 to forward correspondence to Cedar One Realty expressing a willingness to enter preliminary, noncommittal discussions concerning a potential data center proposed by SableCore. The action comes amid separate efforts to redevelop the former W.H. Sammis Power Plant in Stratton and the nearby Hollow Rock facility for data center and energy-related operations. Commissioners acknowledge SableCore proposal According to the Aug. 27 commissioners' minutes, Commissioner Eric Timmons moved to forward correspondence to Cedar One Realty concerning a possible data center facility proposed by SableCore. Commissioner Tony Morelli seconded the motion, and Commissioner Ronald K. Kleineke joined them in voting in favor. “The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is open to having preliminary noncommittal discussions regarding the potential development of a data center facility on property located within Jefferson County by SableCore,” the commissioners wrote. The letter expressed optimism about the possibility of economic development, job creation and investment. However, the commissioners made clear that their willingness to discuss the proposal did not constitute approval. “This letter is not a commitment, approval, or endorsement of any specific plans, permits, or agreements, and does not bind the County to any particular course of action,” the correspondence states. The action is recorded in Volume 80, Page 609, of the commissioners' minutes. The letter does not identify a proposed location, acreage, construction timetable, investment amount or anticipated number of jobs. It also does not explain Cedar One Realty's precise role in the project beyond being the recipient of the correspondence. SableCore Capital promotes the development of large-scale, power-intensive infrastructure for data centers and related computing operations. Whether the company has purchased land, secured options or identified a specific site in Jefferson County has not been established by the commissioners' correspondence. No newer public announcement confirming a specific SableCore site or development agreement could be independently verified for this report. Former Sammis plant eyed for new development While details of SableCore's proposal remain limited, separate plans to transform the former W.H. Sammis Power Plant property and nearby Hollow Rock facility have been publicly outlined. Energy Transition & Environmental Management, or ETEM, acquired the two properties from Energy Harbor in September 2023, following the retirement of the coal-fired Sammis generating station. The Houston-based company is positioning the properties for potential data center and energy infrastructure development. ETEM identifies approximately 170 acres at the Sammis property and roughly 900 acres at Hollow Rock. The former power plant has existing high-voltage electrical infrastructure that could be useful for energy-intensive operations. ETEM's published plans also envision potential on-site natural gas generation and additional utility infrastructure to serve future tenants. The company has outlined a possible 300 megawatts of utility power by 2030, with a potential earlier timeline, as well as an additional 1-gigawatt load request. Those figures represent development plans rather than confirmed operating capacity. ETEM's published project information identifies the fourth quarter of 2026 as a target for completing demolition and remediation at Sammis. The company also projects approximately 200 permanent jobs from the broader redevelopment effort. Those employment figures remain projections, not confirmed positions. There is no verified agreement establishing that SableCore intends to locate at Sammis or Hollow Rock or that it is participating in ETEM's redevelopment plans.  State funding supports redevelopment The former Sammis property has received state funding intended to support environmental cleanup and redevelopment. In December 2024, the Ohio Department of Development awarded the Jefferson County Port Authority $422,500 through the Brownfield Remediation Program for asbestos abatement involving the plant's coal conveyor system and associated structures. A second award, totaling $300,000, was announced in May 2026 for a project identified as the “ETEM Sammis Plant Site Assessment.” According to the state, the funding will support Phase II environmental investigations, a groundwater classification study, a limited human-health risk assessment and preparation of a remedial action plan. The state estimates that the project could create 220 jobs, although those positions are projected rather than confirmed. Together, the two awards total $722,500 in state brownfield funding. County commissioners also took separate action in support of redevelopment. On July 31, 2025, commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-12, requesting Priority Investment Area designation for property at or near Sammis and Hollow Rock. The designation was sought to encourage redevelopment of the former industrial properties and provide a five-year tax exemption for certain qualifying electricity and natural gas transmission equipment under Ohio law. The resolution cited the closure of the Sammis plant, which formerly employed more than 300 people, and the resulting losses in employment and tax revenue. The action illustrates the county's interest in attracting new investment to industrial properties affected by the retirement of traditional energy facilities. Wellsville project adds to regional interest The potential Jefferson County developments are not the only large-scale data center proposals attracting attention along the Ohio River. Near Wellsville, in Columbiana County's Yellow Creek Township, developer Zuharis is pursuing plans for Project Astralus, a proposed campus combining artificial intelligence computing infrastructure with on-site natural gas electricity generation. According to the developer, the proposed project would include 3 gigawatts of generating capacity and a minimum of 2.5 gigawatts of data center computing capacity. One gigawatt equals 1,000 megawatts. Zuharis describes the facility as a behind-the-meter development, meaning electricity generated on-site would be dedicated to serving the computing campus. The company has identified 2027 as its target for the first phase of operations. The proposed development was discussed during a public meeting in May, when residents raised questions about potential environmental impacts, water use, noise and other effects on surrounding properties. The company's announced capacities and construction schedule remain projections. The public meeting and ongoing development activity do not, by themselves, establish that all necessary permits have been issued. Warwood data center proposal faces legal challenge Another proposed data center in the Upper Ohio Valley is facing organized opposition just south of Brooke County, in Warwood. The proposal involves the former Centre Foundry and Machine Co. property along Route 2, where Silicon Foundation Energy LLC has announced plans for a data center and energy technology campus. The approximately 15-acre industrial property was purchased for a reported $1.5 million. The proposed project has drawn scrutiny from residents concerned about its potential effects on the surrounding neighborhood, including noise, air emissions, increased lighting, stormwater runoff, flooding and electricity demand. On Sept. 16, Wheeling City Council agreed to a memorandum of understanding with the developer. According to WV MetroNews, the agreement limits the proposed operation to no more than 90 megawatts of power and allows the city to explore using tax increment financing for economic development projects. The agreement does not mean the facility has been built or that all questions about the project have been resolved. On Oct. 15, Warwood residents filed a civil lawsuit in Ohio County Circuit Court seeking temporary and permanent court orders to prevent construction and operation of the proposed facility. The lawsuit challenges whether the development is permitted under the property's existing industrial zoning and questions the constitutionality of provisions in West Virginia's House Bill 2014, which governs data center development. Residents also have raised concerns about electricity reliability, utility costs and nearby property values. The controversy illustrates how proposed data center developments can generate questions about land use, infrastructure, environmental oversight and public involvement before a project reaches operation. Residents organize, questions grow The prospect of large-scale data centers has also prompted organized opposition and calls for greater public scrutiny. Local Facebook groups, including Jefferson County Ohio Residents for Responsible Development and Jefferson County Concerned Citizens, provide forums for residents following the issue. Aubriana DiCarlo has publicly promoted the Conserve Ohio petition effort, encouraging residents to participate in signature collection and directing them to Jefferson County Ohio Residents for Responsible Development for additional information. In a Facebook post promoting a June petition drive, DiCarlo invited residents to sign the statewide petition during Steubenville's First Friday event. Conserve Ohio is seeking a constitutional amendment that would prohibit construction of new data centers exceeding a 25-megawatt electrical demand threshold. Organizers initially sought a place on the November 2026 ballot but have shifted their goal to November 2027. In a Sept. 8 update, the organization reported collecting more than 130,000 signatures statewide. The proposal has not been enacted and does not currently prohibit data center construction. Among the concerns raised by opponents of large-scale data centers are potential increases in electricity costs, demands on water resources, environmental impacts, noise and the amount of permanent employment generated relative to the size of the developments. The actual effects of any individual project would depend on its location, equipment, energy sources, cooling systems and utility agreements. For Jefferson County residents, the absence of a publicly identified SableCore site leaves many project-specific questions unanswered. Without knowing where the facility might be built, its electrical requirements or its water needs, it remains difficult to assess how the proposal could affect nearby communities. Questions remain unanswered The emerging proposals offer the possibility of new industrial investment in a region that has experienced the closure of major energy and manufacturing facilities. At the same time, the scale of proposed AI computing operations raises questions about infrastructure, environmental oversight and the economic benefits that would reach surrounding communities. The projects are not all at the same stage. ETEM has acquired the Sammis and Hollow Rock properties and undertaken redevelopment activities supported by state brownfield awards and county economic development action. Zuharis has publicly outlined a multi-gigawatt project near Wellsville. In Warwood, the proposed data center faces a legal challenge from residents. SableCore's potential Jefferson County development, however, remains at an earlier publicly documented stage, with county commissioners expressing willingness to participate in preliminary discussions. The Ohio Valley Current has sought information from companies, public officials and community representatives regarding proposed data center development and redevelopment efforts in Jefferson County and the surrounding region and will update this report as additional information becomes available and responses to its inquiries are received.

Fundraiser established for local man seriously injured in pedestrian crash HAMMONDSVILLE — A local man is facing multiple surgeries and months of recovery after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night along state Route 213. Preston Collins suffered life-threatening injuries in the Oct. 17 crash, which occurred shortly before 8:45 p.m. near Brown's Hobby Shop. Initial emergency dispatch reports indicated a vehicle had struck a deer, but the information was subsequently updated to reflect a pedestrian-involved crash. Collins suffered extensive injuries to his arms and legs and was transported by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. The driver of the vehicle also received medical treatment following the crash. His wife, Faith Martin, has established a GoFundMe campaign to help the family meet household expenses while Collins recovers. According to the fundraiser, Collins faces seven additional surgeries and is expected to be unable to work for several months. Martin said her husband is the family's sole source of income and will require assistance at home during his recovery. The campaign seeks $6,500 to help cover bills, living expenses and the needs of the couple's children. Donations can be made through the family's GoFundMe campaign. Additional details about the circumstances of the crash have not been released. Medical examiner to identify body found after house fire HANCOCK COUNTY — A body recovered from a Hancock County residence following a fire Monday morning have been sent to Charleston for identification. Emergency personnel were dispatched shortly after 7 a.m. to 5684 Washington School Road, where a body was discovered after firefighters brought the blaze under control, according to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. The West Virginia Medical Examiner's Office will work to establish the identity of the deceased. Authorities have not released additional information about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the fire. Steubenville demonstrators emphasize voter turnout during rally STEUBENVILLE — With the November general election approaching, Ohio Valley residents took to the streets of Steubenville to encourage voter participation during a local demonstration connected to the nationwide "No Kings" movement. Demonstrators encouraged eligible voters to consult their county boards of elections for information about early voting hours, locations and procedures. Damaged drainage line prompts $38,000 repair authorization FOLLANSBEE — What initially appeared to be a routine pipe repair along Shannon Boulevard has developed into a more extensive infrastructure project, with Follansbee officials preparing to replace an entire damaged line. The trouble dates to August, when heavy rainfall contributed to drainage problems and minor flooding reported by nearby homeowners. According to council, an initial inspection by city crews revealed a collapsed pipe. Additional investigation, however, showed that replacing a small section would not adequately address the damage. A sinkhole subsequently became visible along the roadway, prompting concerns about the condition of the underground infrastructure. City Council discussed the issue during a special meeting. Council also authorized spending up to $38,000 for the replacement project. Two parents receive prison terms in child neglect case WELLSBURG — A February fire at a Follansbee residence led to the discovery of living conditions that have resulted in prison sentences for two parents. Kyron Coleman and Natasha Thomas each received sentences of four to 40 years after pleading guilty to four counts of child neglect, according to Brooke County Prosecutor Kim Cowden. Coleman was sentenced Oct. 5, followed by Thomas on Monday, Oct. 19. The charges stemmed from a Feb. 26 fire at a home on Virginia Avenue. Follansbee police responding to the scene discovered a 5-year-old child living in conditions prosecutors described as deplorable. The investigation resulted in charges against both parents. Cowden said protecting the child was the primary concern of her office throughout the case. She encouraged residents who suspect children are being neglected or endangered to report their concerns to Child Protective Services, local police or the prosecutor's office. Free workshop to help residents prepare for emergencies WELLSBURG — Ohio Valley residents can learn how to safeguard their families, finances and essential belongings when disaster strikes during a free preparedness programs scheduled this week. The session, planned for Friday in Wellsburg, is part of a collaborative effort involving the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, Tygart Valley United Way and United Way of Central West Virginia. Organizers will offer guidance on assembling emergency supply kits, securing financial information and taking necessary steps following a disaster. The program is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Brooke County Public Library, 945 Main St. Those attending will receive free disaster preparedness bags and light refreshments. Participants also will have an opportunity to win raffle prizes, including a solar power station. There is no charge to attend.

STEUBENVILLE — For drivers in Steubenville and throughout Jefferson County, Ohio’s gas tax holiday could mean keeping a few extra dollars in their pockets each time they fill up. How much they save depends on how much gasoline they buy and whether the tax savings are reflected in the price they pay at the pump. The 90-day holiday took effect Oct. 4 and runs through Jan. 2, 2027, suspending Ohio’s 38.5-cent-per-gallon state gasoline tax. The state’s 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax also has been suspended during the same period. Under the law, retailers must pass the full value of the tax savings on to consumers. For drivers, that translates into potential savings of several dollars per fill-up — and more for households with multiple vehicles or long daily commutes. Here’s what the holiday could mean for your wallet: 10 gallons: $3.85 in state gasoline tax savings. 12 gallons: $4.62 in savings. 15 gallons: $5.78 in savings. 18 gallons: $6.93 in savings. 20 gallons: $7.70 in savings. The calculations use Ohio’s regular gasoline tax rate of 38.5 cents per gallon. They represent the tax removed, not a guarantee that the price displayed on a station’s sign will fall by precisely that amount compared with an earlier price. For someone who buys 15 gallons twice a week, the suspended tax represents about $11.55 per week, or roughly $50 over an average month. If that buying pattern continues throughout the 90-day holiday, the potential savings would total about $150. Drivers who fill up less frequently will save less, while those who regularly purchase larger quantities of fuel could see greater savings. Why prices may still vary The tax holiday does not freeze gasoline prices. Crude oil costs, fuel distribution expenses, supply disruptions and competition among retailers continue to influence what drivers pay. That means motorists may see prices rise or fall during the holiday even though the state gasoline tax is suspended. A change in the posted price does not, by itself, establish how much of that change is attributable to the tax break. Drivers should also remember that the federal gasoline tax remains in place. Ohio’s action removes the state gasoline tax temporarily; it does not eliminate every tax or cost included in the price of fuel. What about diesel? Commercial drivers and other motorists who use diesel fuel are included in the holiday. Ohio’s regular diesel tax of 47 cents per gallon has been suspended, potentially reducing fuel costs for truckers, businesses and drivers of diesel-powered vehicles. The broader economic effects will depend on how fuel prices change and how businesses respond to lower fuel costs. A temporary break, not a permanent change Ohio lawmakers approved the suspension as a temporary measure intended to provide relief to motorists. The state is using reserve funds to offset the lost motor fuel tax revenue and protect transportation funding during the holiday. The suspension is scheduled to end Jan. 2, 2027, after which the regular state fuel taxes are set to return. For Steubenville-area drivers, the practical takeaway is simple: The holiday offers a chance to save on every gallon purchased while the suspension remains in effect, but individual savings depend on fuel consumption and pump prices. Keeping track of local prices and comparing stations can help motorists determine where to fill up while making the most of the temporary tax break.

STEUBENVILLE — A familiar artist is leaving another mark on Steubenville, this time transforming a wall along Martin Luther King Boulevard into a tribute to the civil rights leader whose name the street bears. Pittsburgh muralist Kyle Holbrook, who restored the city's now-demolished Tuskegee Airmen mural in 2025, has returned to Steubenville for a new project honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The artwork, located on the wall of American Legion Post 274 along North Seventh Street, is part of a broader neighborhood beautification effort organized by the Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. Association. The mural features King's likeness and a message that association members believe remains relevant today: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The project is supported by a $15,000 grant from the Pugliese Foundation, which is helping fund public art and the development of green spaces in the community. Holbrook's involvement brings a familiar connection to Steubenville's public art history. In 2025, he restored the Tuskegee Airmen mural at 421 Washington St., originally painted in 2019 by the late Claude “Rusty” Baker. The artwork honored Steubenville brothers John “Ellis” Edwards and Jerome Edwards, who served with the famed Black military aviation unit during World War II. Holbrook completed the restoration in August 2025, but the mural was lost a year later when the building was demolished. The College of St. Joseph the Worker, which owned the building, cited deteriorating structural conditions and public safety concerns as reasons for the demolition. The loss of the artwork drew attention to the challenges of preserving public art on aging buildings. Holbrook's other work in Steubenville includes a mural depicting the Lewis and Clark expedition and a previous tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the city's MLK Recreation Center. His latest project continues his work combining public art, historical recognition and community involvement. On Oct. 3, residents were invited to contribute to the new King mural during a Community Paint Day organized by the Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. Association and The Outlet Unplugged. The event, held near the Little Snack Shack at 301 N. Seventh St., brought together young people, families and other community members for an opportunity to paint alongside Holbrook. Community participation is central to the approach Holbrook has developed through Moving Lives of Kids, an arts organization he founded in 2002. The initiative uses mural painting to engage young people in creative projects while encouraging education, cooperation and neighborhood pride. Participants contribute to the early stages of a mural, allowing their work to become part of the completed artwork. Over more than two decades, the program has involved thousands of young people and artists in public art projects across the United States and internationally. For the Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. Association, the project represents an opportunity to improve the appearance of the neighborhood while recognizing the legacy of the civil rights leader. Association President Jim Baber has emphasized the organization's commitment to beautifying the community and creating spaces residents can take pride in. The mural also adds to Steubenville's longstanding identity as the City of Murals, where public artwork has been used to recognize prominent figures, commemorate historical events and celebrate the community's heritage. Along North Seventh Street, the newest addition places King's image and words in a neighborhood that carries his name.