Local news briefs
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.
