Lede News

It’s football, for sure, but it’s different, too. There are first downs and touchdowns, first-and-10s and fourth-and-goals just like we see under those Friday night lights and in college and the NFL, but there’s a pace and a pulse to Miners games that sets arena football apart. That’s why Wheeling’s owner, Chris Duffy, believes his team’s championship game against Columbus this Saturday night at 7 p.m. at WesBanco Arena is the top ticket in town – especially with hip hop group “95 South” performing at halftime. “When a football fan goes to an NFL game, they have to use binoculars to get a good look at their favorite players on the field,” Duffy said. “That’s because without them, they all look like 3-inch stick figures when they’re that far away, and there’s no way a fan is going to get a high-five from any of their favorite NFL players. Arena football, though, puts our fans down on a personal level with our players. “The players can hear you, they can see you, they do high-five you, they interact with you, and sometimes they end up in the stands,” he explained. “It’s a high-scoring, fast-paced football game with a lot of entertainment. It’s a great mix and our fans love it.” While the Miners are set for battle against the Columbus Lions in the AAL Championship, the AAL2 title will be decided at WesBanco Arena tomorrow afternoon when the Steel City Stampede takes on the Peach State Cats at 1 p.m. “We’re really pumped for this weekend with both the championship games being played here in Wheeling, and the first game is going to be a terrific game because both Steel Valley and Peach State have very good teams,” Duffy said. “And I can tell you the entire Miners organization is excited to be back where we belong and to get to this point. It's about working hard all season long, and a lot of other players who don’t have the chance to play for the title. Our players do, and they’re ready. “This is our second championship game in three years, and we’re very proud to be in this position against a team we know very well. We’ve had two very tight games with Columbus during the regular season,” he said. “It’s going to be an exciting evening and we’re hoping that our home crowd comes out to support us because the Lions have buses of fans coming to Wheeling.” Miners owner Chris Duffy and AJ Roque - the owner of the Jersey Bearcats and AAL league - met before Wheeling's semifinal win two weeks ago. Three Points. Two Defeats. The matchup against Columbus became a rivalry very quickly for the Miners this season, especially since the Lions defeated Wheeling twice by a total of just three points. The two teams played for the first time in May, and Columbus escaped with a 46-44 victory, and a couple of weeks later, the Lions came from behind to defeat the Miners, 32-31. The two defeats represent Wheeling’ s only blemishes on a season that’s included canceled contests because of scheduling conflicts at WesBanco Arena. “We’ve experienced a lot of organizational changes since last season, and while we were all rooting for the Nailers, we did have changes to our home schedule, and there was a loss of revenue,” Duffy said. “But we’ve worked hard to overcome those challenges, and it’s paid off because we’ll be on that field Saturday night. The Nailers had a terrific regular season, and they advanced all the way to the Kelly Cup semifinals against Florida. “We had the chance to honor the Nailers at one of our games, and we’re very proud to root for them and work with them, too. The city has a great history with the game of hockey,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to build in Wheeling, and playing for the league championship is a big part of that.” Duffy is a businessman in the Jacksonville, Fla., area, and he’s traveled north to Wheeling a plethora of times since January to plan and organize the 2026 season and for each of the team’s home games. That’s because he loves the arena game, and he sees a positive future taking shape in Wheeling. Hip hop group '95 South' will perform during the halftime of the AAL Championship Game between the Miners and the Lions. “I love the town because of the atmosphere and the energy,” Duffy said. “People are really nice in the valley, and there’s a lot of history and that makes it a very special place. I know it was a booming town at one time, and I can see it growing again. I keep my eye on the housing markets and I see sales going up and property values going up. “I’ve noticed an influx of people moving to Wheeling from other areas in Ohio and Pennsylvania, so I see the area as a growing community with a lot of amenities,” he said. “I'm sure there will always be people who will say there’s nothing to do in Wheeling, but I just shake my head when I hear that. “Instead of saying that, come see the Wheeling Miners play for the AAL championship this Saturday night. It’s going to be a great game,” he added. “The game, ’75 South’ at halftime, and hopefully a big win for our organization – that sounds like something to do right there.” (Cover Photo: Miners owner Chris Duffy and AJ Roque - the owner of the Jersey Bearcats and AAL league - met before Wheeling's semifinal win two weeks ago.) Read the full article

Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) re-elected President L. Paul Hardesty to an unprecedented fourth term during its meeting in Charleston today. The re-election provides the WVBE with stability and sustained leadership as it navigates public schools through a host of challenges. During his tenure, President Hardesty has stood as an ardent advocate for public schools and the children they serve. “Much of my life has been dedicated to public service, and my time on the State Board is a privilege and an honor,” he said. President Hardesty’s more than 30 years of public service at the state and county levels have given him insight on the issues and challenges facing public schools. President Hardesty, a former member of the West Virginia Senate and president of the Logan County Board of Education, has invested his energy in supporting the important cause of public schools, which he believes are the bedrock of our state’s economy and local communities.   “Public schools are a viable school choice, and this Board is constitutionally bound to not only support but to promote their benefits,” he said. “The upcoming school year is going to require our counties to focus intently on their budgets and to plant seeds today for fiscal health tomorrow,” President Hardesty said. “We have offered guidance and will continue to help them understand the reality that we all must face. But the decisions are theirs.”   “President Hardesty understands, more than most, that our public schools must stand on a solid foundation as they are the path forward for most of our children. We are fortunate to have him at the helm as we work tirelessly to support our schools, our children and our entire education community,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt.   President Hardesty’s more than 30 years of public service at the state and county levels have given him insight on the issues and challenges facing public schools. He served three terms on the Logan County Board of Education, including one term as president. Additionally, he was appointed to the West Virginia Senate in 2019 and the WVBE in 2021.   Elections also included the re-election of Victor Gabriel, Vice President; Nancy White, Finance Officer; and F. Scott Rotruck, Secretary. Read the full article

MOUNDSVILLE, W. Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack today presented more than $4,000 in unclaimed property funds to the Marshall County Commission.  “Our mission is to return every dollar of unclaimed property to its rightful owner, whether that’s an individual, a business, or a local government,” Treasurer Pack said. “We’re pleased to return these funds to the Marshall County Commission, and we remind West Virginians that checking for unclaimed property is free, easy, and could lead to an unexpected financial boost.”  The unclaimed property check was valued at $4,179.24 and came from miscellaneous payments. Treasurer Pack presented the check to the Marshall County Commission during a presentation Thursday morning. “The Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Program is a great benefit to all residents in Marshall County and in West Virginia,” Marshall County Commission President Scott Varner said. “It was a surprise to us when we found out the Commission had unclaimed funds hanging out there. We thank Treasurer Pack and his staff for reaching out and encourage all residents in Marshall County to access their website to see if they might have funds owned to them.” The Treasurer’s Office has more than $530 million worth of unclaimed property listings in its database. Marshall County has more than 60,000 unclaimed property listings valued at more than $6.8 million. Since the start of Fiscal Year 2026, which began on July 1, 2025, the Treasurer’s Office has returned nearly $36 million to rightful owners.  To learn about the unclaimed property program or to find out if the Office is holding any money for you or your family, visit www.WVUnclaimedProperty.gov.  Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The final defendant in a drug trafficking operation that stretched from Cleveland, Ohio, to the Ohio Valley was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Joshua Carney, 32, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin and the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. The investigation began in January 2024 after reports of drug activity at Carney’s residence on Wetzel Street in Wheeling. A traffic stop of two individuals leaving the home resulted in the seizure of more than $5,000 in cash and multiple cell phones. A search warrant executed at the residence led officers to Carney and a co-defendant hiding in a utility closet and resulted in the seizure of cocaine base and fentanyl. Throughout the investigation, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force conducted controlled drug purchases, including more than 5 grams of methamphetamine Carney sold near Ritchie Elementary School. The other three defendants in this case have been convicted and sentenced for their roles. Rahim Duncan, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in October 2025. Terrell Sparks, 30, also from Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced in January 2026 to 41 months in federal prison. Tyshaun Johnson, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 115 months in prison in March 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The final defendant in a drug trafficking operation that stretched from Cleveland, Ohio, to the Ohio Valley was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Joshua Carney, 32, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin and the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. The investigation began in January 2024 after reports of drug activity at Carney’s residence on Wetzel Street in Wheeling. A traffic stop of two individuals leaving the home resulted in the seizure of more than $5,000 in cash and multiple cell phones. A search warrant executed at the residence led officers to Carney and a co-defendant hiding in a utility closet and resulted in the seizure of cocaine base and fentanyl. Throughout the investigation, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force conducted controlled drug purchases, including more than 5 grams of methamphetamine Carney sold near Ritchie Elementary School. The other three defendants in this case have been convicted and sentenced for their roles. Rahim Duncan, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in October 2025. Terrell Sparks, 30, also from Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced in January 2026 6o 41 months in federal prison. Tyshaun Johnson, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 115 months in prison in March 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The final defendant in a drug trafficking operation that stretched from Cleveland, Ohio, to the Ohio Valley was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Joshua Carney, 32, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin and the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. The investigation began in January 2024 after reports of drug activity at Carney’s residence on Wetzel Street in Wheeling. A traffic stop of two individuals leaving the home resulted in the seizure of more than $5,000 in cash and multiple cell phones. A search warrant executed at the residence led officers to Carney and a co-defendant hiding in a utility closet and resulted in the seizure of cocaine base and fentanyl. Throughout the investigation, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force conducted controlled drug purchases, including more than 5 grams of methamphetamine Carney sold near Ritchie Elementary School. The other three defendants in this case have been convicted and sentenced for their roles. Rahim Duncan, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in October 2025. Terrell Sparks, 30, also from Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced in January 2026 6o 41 months in federal prison. Tyshaun Johnson, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 115 months in prison in March 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. Read the full article

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County (PLSJ) will host the US premiere screening of an Italian film with ties to the Ohio Valley. ”The Value of Life” will be screened for the public at PLSJ on August 6th at 5:30 pm. The movie was written and produced by film veteran Salvatore Pate in Belmonte Calabro, Italy, and will be presented by his son, Carmine Pate of Steubenville, in cooperation with PLSJ. Salvatore Pate has spent decades in the film industry, with his first acting role coming in the classic film, “The Godfather.” His latest project, “The Value of Life,” tells the story of a man whose life is transformed by dramatic events that challenge his faith and values. This is the second film produced by Pate, who also composed the movie's original songs. The free screening will be held at the downtown branch of PLSJ on South 4th Street in Steubenville. Seating is limited to 50 people, so please RSVP to reserve your seat by contacting the library in person or by calling (740) 282-9782. Media coverage is welcome, along with pre-interviews. Carmine Pate also will offer a short presentation on his father's career and a brief history on the film's production before the movie begins. Please direct any film inquiries to Carmine Pate at [email protected]. Media can reach Carmine Pate at (740)-219-9414. Read the full article

The local tent of the Circus Saints & Sinners will present the 6th annual Party on the Plaza this Saturday evening at Market Plaza in downtown Wheeling. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with several food trucks stationed along Market Street and with three high-energy bands prepped to perform. The event is a fundraiser presented by Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and benefits the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Robert Sonneborn Family Pediatric Outpatient Center at Wheeling Hospital. “Ridgemont High” will get the entertainment started at 5:30 p.m., and “Shucking Bubba” will take the Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration stage at 7:30 p.m. “The Martini Affair” out of Columbus, Ohio, will close the annual event beginning at 9:30 p.m. “We’re very excited to have the three bands performing at this year’s Party on the Plaza because all three bring a lot of energy to the stage,” said Paul Smith, the chair of the annual fundraiser. “When it comes to the music, we only have one rule – no slow songs – because we want to keep people out there on the dance floor having a blast. “We’ve had a lot of great music at the event since it started several years ago, and this year will be no different,” he explained. “The entertainment gets started at 5:30 p.m., so we encourage everyone  to arrive when the gates open so they can get something to eat before hitting the dance floor.” Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Party on the Plaza website. “Ridgemont High” The leadoff band for this summer’s Party on the Plaza is “Ridgemont High,” a group that will travel to Wheeling from the Pittsburgh area to perform several hits from the 1980s. “We recreate the energy, excitement, and soundtrack of one of the greatest decades in music. Every performance is designed to feel like stepping back into the era of big hair, neon lights, and unforgettable anthems,” explained band leader Rob Nace. “What sets us apart is our authenticity, musicianship, and connection with the audience. We don't simply perform songs—we deliver an interactive experience that keeps the dance floor packed from the first note to the last. “Our setlist spans the biggest pop, rock, new wave, and dance hits of the decade, appealing to fans of every generation,” he said. “From our stage presence and era-inspired style to our high-energy performances and professional sound, ‘Ridgemont High’ brings the spirit of the '80s to every event. Whether it's a festival, corporate event, private party, or concert venue, we create a fun, nostalgic atmosphere that turns every show into a celebration. "When you book Ridgemont High, you're not just hiring an '80s cover band—you're bringing an unforgettable '80s experience that audiences will be talking about long after the final encore.” “Shucking Bubba” The second performers at this year’s “Party on the Plaza” will be “Shucking Bubba”, a band out of the Columbus, Ohio, area that has roots all the way back to the 1990s. “We started out as a three-person acoustic band when I was in college,” explained band leader Sudhir Ranganath. “Our first gig was in November 1991, and I was doing it to make a few extra dollars as a student. It was low-key, but we gained a campus following and it all went a little bit beyond what we expected. “So, after we graduated, we continued to play and, at that point, I decided that I wanted to take a stab at some of the larger venues and put together a full band,” he recalled. “So, we went from ‘Shucking Bubba’ to ‘Shucking Bubba Deluxe’. The acoustic band actually still exists as a as an entity, but now we really enjoy the bigger shows like what we’ll be playing in Wheeling.” What should the Saturday night crowd expect at Market Plaza?   “When we expanded the band, we added more of a dance element to our shows because I’ve always been intrigued the dance music from the 1980s and ‘90s,” Ranganath said. “We mixed in a few genres, too, and we’re going to keep the crowd moving, that’s for sure.” “The Martini Affair” To close this year’s Party on the Plaza, The Martini Affair will take to the Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration stage at 9 p.m. The band is also out of Ohio’s capital city, and band leader Jimmy King says those in attendance should expect an “elevated experience.” “Basically, we want all of our shows to be like a giant cocktail party that you could dress up for because you and your friends are going to go out dancing,” he said. “We try to play a lot of the music that DJs will spin because our whole goal for the night is to get everybody up dancing and singing along. “We play high-energy shows,” King insisted. “We are interactive with the audience, too, so we know exactly what they want.” Following “Shucking Bubba” is something King and his bandmates are looking forward to because the two groups are friends. With them before us, we know the crowd is going to be ready and roaring to go because those guys always put on a good show,” he said. “We‘re going to bring it, and it’s going to be furious with very few breaks. We're going to roll songs together and keep people moving. “The people in Wheeling should be all ready for a great time,” King added. “We’re are going to deliver a great show and we’re really looking forward to our time in Wheeling.” Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Party on the Plaza website. Read the full article

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers have announced their list of players who received qualifying offers for the summer of 2026. Eight players were tendered qualifying offers for Wheeling. Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until 11:59 p.m. on July 22, at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a Player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season. Any Player who has played in more than 190 professional regular-season games is ineligible to receive a Qualifying Offer. All regular-season games played in any of the following leagues shall count towards a Player’s Rookie/Veteran and Qualifying Offer status. North America – National Hockey League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Central Hockey League (Defunct, but games played count toward veteran status) Europe – Czech Extraliga (Czech Republic), Liiga (Finland), DEL (Germany), KHL (Russia), Slovak Extraliga (Slovakia), SHL (Sweden), National League (Switzerland) If a player has already signed a contract for 2026-27, that player does not need to be tendered a qualifying offer. The eight qualified players for the Wheeling Nailers are: F Craig Armstrong G Gabriel D'Aigle F Connor Lockhart F Nick McCarry F Logan Pietila F Mike Posma F Tiernan Shoudy D Aidan Sutter Read the full article

McMECHEN, W.Va. — After more than two decades, the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department is proud to bring back a longtime community tradition with the return of the McMechen VFD Street Fair on July 10 and July 11, followed by the Hometown Reunion Dinner on July 12. The Street Fair will be held at 9th and Marshall Street in McMechen and will feature games, food, bingo, live music, entertainment, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. This marks the first McMechen VFD Street Fair since 2004, making this year’s event a true return of a hometown tradition. A major focus of this year’s fair is the revival and upgrading of the traditional street fair games. The department has rebuilt, improved, and refreshed the games to bring back the classic street fair atmosphere that many McMechen residents remember. Several of the games have also been named in honor of longtime members and volunteers who ran them for many years, recognizing their service, dedication, and role in keeping the fair alive for past generations. “This is about more than games and food,” said a Retired Chief John Davis of the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department. “We are bringing back a tradition that meant a lot to this community. The members who ran these games for years helped build memories for McMechen families, and we want to honor them while creating new memories for the next generation.” The weekend will also include the Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, July 11, with lineup beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Ice House Field. Live music will be featured both nights from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. New Age Adenas will perform Friday night, and Whiskey Rider will perform Saturday night. Guests can enjoy food, games, bingo, live entertainment, and a chance to reconnect with friends, neighbors, former residents, and supporters of the fire department. The event is one of the department’s major fundraisers and will help support the continued operation of the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department. The McMechen VFD invites the public to attend, bring family and friends, support the department, and be part of bringing this tradition back to McMechen. Event Details: McMechen Volunteer Fire Department Street Fair July 10 and July 11, 2026 9th and Marshall Street McMechen, West Virginia Fireman’s Parade Saturday, July 11, 2026 begins at 6:00 p.m. Ice House Field McMechen, West Virginia Live Music: Friday, July 10 — New Age Adenas, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11 — Whiskey Rider, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Also Featuring: Traditional upgraded street fair games Food Bingo Live entertainment Refreshments Family-friendly activities Hometown fellowship Hometown Reunion Dinner Sunday, July 12, 2026 McMechen, West Virginia For more information, contact the McMechen Volunteer Fire Department at 304-232-4650 or email [email protected] Read the full article

Experience a Montgomery Family Reunion with Dillon Carmichael and Walker Montgomery! These talented artists bring authentic country sounds and unforgettable performances to the stage for a memorable and nostalgic “3rd Weekend in July”! Enjoy their chart-topping hits and fan-favorite songs in an electrifying concert atmosphere. Perfect for country music enthusiasts, this event promises a night filled with great music and lasting memories. Secure your tickets now and be part of this incredible experience. GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE Dillon Carmichael Walker Montgomery Read the full article

WHEELING, W.Va. — Due to inclement weather in the forecast, the City of Wheeling has rescheduled its free Movie Night featuring Zootopia 2. The event, originally planned for Friday, July 10, will now take place on Friday, July 17, at Heritage Port. The movie will begin at dusk, but the evening's family-friendly fun starts well before the opening credits. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., Oglebay's Good Zoo will be on site with several animal ambassadors, giving attendees the opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of animals. Additional free activities will include face painting and balloon art, and food trucks will be available throughout the evening with a variety of food and beverages available for purchase. In Zootopia 2, rabbit police officer Judy Hopps and her partner, the clever fox Nick Wilde, reunite to solve a mysterious new case that leads them on another adventure through the bustling animal metropolis. The film is rated PG. Admission to the movie and all pre-show activities is free. Families are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the activities, visit with the Good Zoo's animal ambassadors and settle in before the movie begins. Vendors interested in being a part of the event should contact Park & Recreation Director Rochelle Barry at [email protected]. For more information about the City's summer events, visit wheelingwv.gov/summerevents. Read the full article

Most of us understand opportunity cost when it comes to money. If we spend our paycheck on one thing, we cannot spend it on something else. If we choose one path, we may have to give up another. Life works that way, too. Every "Yes" comes with a "No" attached to it. Every hour spent serving someone else is an hour that cannot be spent somewhere else. Every responsibility we accept requires time, energy, attention, and often a little piece of ourselves. Many people, especially women, become experts at filling every role in the room. We are mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, friends, employees, volunteers, caregivers, organizers, cooks, chauffeurs, listeners, planners, and problem-solvers. We remember birthdays, appointments, school functions, family gatherings, doctor’s appointments, groceries, bills, and all the little details that keep life moving forward. Someone needs help, and we help. Someone needs a ride, and we rearrange our day. Someone needs encouragement, and we pick up the phone. Someone needs a meal, a favor, a place to stay, or simply someone to listen, and we find a way. There is nothing wrong with being dependable. There is something admirable about people who care deeply for others. Communities, families, churches, schools, and workplaces are stronger because of people who are willing to show up. The problem comes when we become so busy being everything to everyone else that we stop being anything for ourselves. That is where opportunity cost enters the picture. The opportunity cost of constantly putting yourself last may be your health. It may be the walk you did not take, the doctor appointment you postponed, the sleep you sacrificed, or the meals you skipped or grabbed in a hurry because everyone else’s needs came first. It may be your peace. When every moment belongs to someone else, there is little room left to think, rest, pray, read, sit quietly, or simply be still. A person can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone when there is never a moment to ask, “How am I doing? It may be your joy. Many of us have hobbies, interests, and dreams that slowly get pushed to the side. Perhaps you once loved to garden, paint, write, travel, bake, sing, decorate, exercise, or sit on the porch with a good book. Maybe you enjoyed meeting friends for lunch without checking the clock every five minutes. Those things may seem small compared with the demands of family and life. Still, they are not small. They are part of what makes us feel like ourselves. When we give up every part of ourselves for everyone else, resentment often begins to grow. It does not always show up loudly. Sometimes it looks like irritability. Sometimes it looks like exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like avoiding phone calls, dreading another request, or feeling guilty for wanting one uninterrupted hour alone. We may tell ourselves that self-care is selfish. We may believe that a good mother, wife, daughter, friend, or employee should always be available. We may think that saying no means we do not care. That is simply not true. Caring for yourself is not a rejection of the people you love. It is a way to make sure you have something left to give them. No one can pour from an empty cup forever. Eventually, the cup runs dry. When that happens, even the things we once did gladly can begin to feel like burdens. Self-care does not have to mean expensive trips, fancy spas, or dramatic changes. It may mean taking a walk after dinner instead of doing one more load of laundry. It may mean saying no to a committee that does not need you nearly as much as you think it does. It may mean asking someone else to bring the dessert, make the phone call, pick up the prescription, or handle the details for once. It may mean protecting one hour on a Saturday morning for coffee, quiet, and no agenda. The people who love us may need to adjust when we begin setting boundaries. They may be used to us always saying yes. They may not understand at first. Still, healthy relationships can survive a reasonable no. In fact, they are often stronger because of it. We teach our children and grandchildren important lessons by showing them that rest matters. We teach them that women do not have to disappear into serving others to be loving. We teach them that responsibility and self-respect can exist together. We also teach them that a full life is not measured only by how much we do for others. It is measured by whether we have lived with purpose, gratitude, health, and enough joy to recognize the blessings around us. There will always be another task, another request, another person who needs something. The laundry will return. The calendar will fill back up. The phone will ding. The question is whether we will continue to give every available piece of ourselves away before saving any of it for the person in the mirror. The opportunity cost of doing too much for everyone else is often losing touch with yourself. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to have interests outside the roles you fill. You are allowed to say no without explaining every detail. You are allowed to make room for your own health, peace, and happiness. That is not selfishness. That is how we make sure the life we are giving so much to is still a life we are truly living. Read the full article

Shawn Turak, Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney, released the following statements: Recent Ohio County Convictions Brooke Dulaney appeared before the Honorable Michael Olejasz on July 2, 2026, for Sentencing.  She was convicted of the felony offense of “Driving a Vehicle in an Impaired State Causing Serious Bodily Injury to Another” on May 13, 2026.  The crash occurred on July 25, 2025, when Dulaney was driving her Jaguar SUV on Interstate 70 westbound near Main Street, Wheeling. In the crash, Dulaney lost control, the car went airborne before coming to its final resting point near Main Street.  A passenger was ejected from the sunroof in the crash and was rushed to Wheeling Hospital where she underwent surgery and was in intensive care. The investigation conducted by the City of Wheeling Police Department revealed that Dulaney was travelling at a speed of 116 miles per hour before she lost control. Blood alcohol testing revealed that her BAC was .176, more than twice the threshold for impaired driving. Dulaney was sentenced to not less than two nor more than ten years by Judge Olejasz on July 2, 2026, and given a self-report date in August. Shawn Turak, Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney, commended the police investigation handled by City of Wheeling Police Department.  “I am pleased with the results in this case. That a crime of this significance was so efficiently prosecuted within less than a year and with the maximum prison sentence being imposed is a victory for the State of West Virginia and the citizens of this County. Thankfully, this wasn’t a fatality, but Dulaney will end up in prison which is where she belongs.” Ishmael “Freddy” Howard pleaded guilty today to “Delivery of a Controlled Substance” with a sentence of prison time for not less than one nor more than fifteen years in the custody of the West Virginia Department of Corrections.  He was scheduled for a jury trial in front of the Honorable David J. Sims, but elected to plead guilty instead. He was immediately remanded to the Department of Corrections. Howard sold cocaine to an undercover confidential informant in October, 2024 and was indicted by the September, 2025 Ohio County Grand Jury.  Turak noted: “This is not his first felony drug conviction. Howard was convicted years ago and served years of federal time related to the Stormin’ Norman operation. Sadly, here we are again. I am grateful for the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force for their relentless efforts to eradicate narcotics trafficking in this area. They are the hidden heroes behind the work we do.” Read the full article

STEUBENVILLE – The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Road to Success program has proven its worth, now celebrating the 500th student who has taken the course and will go on to earn a driver’s license. Active since September of 2024, Road to Success instructors are based in Steubenville City Schools, the Jefferson County JVS, Toronto City Schools, Harrison Hills City Schools, Buckeye Local, Indian Creek, Edison Local and Carrollton Exempted Village Schools. The program has a broad reach, also serving students who attend online schools and local colleges. the instructors are teachers, coaches, resource officers and other personnel. New drivers can begin behind-the-wheel lessons at age 15 years and six months. Road to Success manager Tom Mort said they are adding three instructors, putting the program at 11, with two more expected to meet the rising demand. Word got around quickly as students who took the class told their friends, and others saw their classmates driving and wanted the freedom a driver’s license represents. A student with a license can drive to their own sports practices and other extracurricular activities, as well as more easily find employment. “That’s how it spreads, because we’ve got a great product,” Mort said. “We’ve built something really, really good here.” Road to Success stands apart, being set up uniquely to meet students’ schedules and begin preparing them right away. “The advantage we have is that we’re school-based,” he said. “Our instructors, a lot of them are teachers in the school so the kids are familiar with them.” A young driver who wants to earn a license can find an instructor readily available. “We have the same schedule as the kids, and that makes all the difference.” One recent student was behind the wheel the same day she signed up for the program. Students are also easily able to ask for details about the rules of the road if they are unsure. “They’re able to text us. We work through the parents,” Mort said. “Our rate is 100% of passing. Not all pass on the first time, but every single kid who’s gone through our program has their license.” Mort has worked for a driving school for 17 years. He said an unfamiliar instructor is one of the common anxieties that make beginning drivers nervous. “They’re scared to death to get into a car anyway, and then you get into a car with someone you don’t know,” he said. “That level of anxiety’s gone, because they’re getting into a car with somebody who’s in their school system or somebody that they know. That’s huge.” Dr. Nicole McDonald, Road to Success Director and JCESC Director of Grants, is proud of the program. When a student registers, the instructor reaches out to the family to work out when to hold instructions and where to pick them up rather than be tied to a single schedule for all learners. “We drive when it’s convenient to the driver and it’s convenient for the kids,” she said. “They know these instructors from the schools and they specifically ask for them. That speaks volumes when kids are actively reaching out, calling our school because they know he drives there.” Road to Success is a 24-hour course with eight hours behind the wheel. Students have 180 days to complete. McDonald added the program has eight cars to work with. They are well-maintained and include safety measures such as a recording system. “Our inspector comes in and they always say we have the best cars in the state. They’re state of the art,” McDonald said. Students get experience navigating intersections, entering and exiting highways, driving at higher rates of speed and in other situations including county roads and back roads. McDonald said there are currently 100 students taking the class online, and an average of 55 students driving, particularly during the summer months. “I’ve even had some calls of students who’ve taken their online coursework through a different driving school, asking if they could come drive with us and that’s absolutely possible,” she said. “It’s picking up steam. Daily we have kids registering to drive.” McDonald searches out scholarships and ways to help students pay for the course. The Kara Bright Foundation has provided 140 scholarships. Road to Success has also received the Drive to Succeed grant through the state, which has given 188 student scholarships, meaning 328 out of the 500 students have received free driver’s education. She said if families are SNAP eligible they can be connected to options to pay for driver’s education. McDonald noted the program is well-established. “Every month we’re growing and growing in numbers, and I really do think it’s the convenience. It’s the affordability,” she said. Mort expects the demand will only grow with changes in state law requiring those younger than 21 to take driver’s education. McDonald added safety is a priority and instructors are thoroughly vetted with background checks and identification badges when picking up students. They also have a subscription through Ford Pro. Until the end of August and while supplies last, a free coupon is available for students to take the 24 hours of online coursework. For more details, email [email protected]. Anyone interested in Road to Success can learn more at participating schools. They can also register at the JCESC website, https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/roadtosuccess.aspx. Read the full article

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Chamber Foundation proudly announces finalists for the 2027 West Virginia School Counselor of the Year (COY). Chosen from county school counselor of the year winners across grade levels statewide, these finalists are committed to ensuring student success by providing services that support academic achievement, career development and social/emotional growth. Working in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), the Chamber Foundation will reveal state winners during the 2026-27 Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.   New in 2026, the Champions of Learning recognition program was established to shine a light on the work of professional staff within county school systems who are essential to supporting the whole child. The 2027 COY finalists are as follows: Jennifer Pickett Jennifer Pickett has served as a school counselor in Marshall County since 2005. She began her journey after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheeling University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from West Virginia University. During her counseling internship at the Belmont County (Ohio) alternative program, Pickett served as the senior high therapist for the alternative high school classroom. Throughout her career, she has impacted countless students across the county, serving at several schools before establishing long-term roots at McNinch Primary School. Pickett finds it especially fulfilling to work with students in their early, formative years. She focuses heavily on safety, emotion regulation and character education, while also highlighting the importance of academic growth. Hilary Gibson Hilary Gibson is a school counselor at Huntington High School (HHS) in Cabell County known for her commitment to student-centered, creative and dedicated student support. She brings more than a decade of experience working with students across multiple grade levels. Her work focuses on creating meaningful, positive relationships within her school community and ensuring all students feel seen, known and heard. Gibson earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Marshall University. Throughout her seven years at HHS, Gibson has strengthened schoolwide systems by collaborating to implement a consistent Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. This work ensures students have access to structured supports that prepare them for their next steps beyond high school graduation. Miriam Mason Miriam Mason is a school counselor at Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County. She serves students in a Title I setting and leads wellness initiatives as the school's wellness coordinator. Mason earned her Master of Arts in Counseling, holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, is a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist and is also an active member of both the West Virginia School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association. She uses data-informed strategies to support student outcomes in attendance, behavior and academic achievement while advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Mason implements the school’s comprehensive counseling programming through the American School Counselor Association framework and The Regulated Classroom: Bottom-Up, Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. In addition to her work in the school setting, Mason provides counseling services in private practice, where she supports clients across all ages and integrates a holistic, wellness-based approach to care. She also supervises graduate counseling interns from West Virginia University and mentors fellow counselors within her county. She has presented at professional conferences and collaborates with community partners to expand access to resources for students and families. Angguna Rowe Angguna Rowe serves as the school counselor at Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School in Wyoming County. Rowe is a licensed professional counselor, an approved licensed professional supervisor and a nationally certified counselor with specialized training in clinical trauma. She is passionate about supporting students’ academic, social/emotional and career development through relationship-centered, evidence-based practices. Rowe’s work focuses on removing barriers to learning, strengthening attendance and engagement, supporting mental wellness and helping students build resilience and confidence. In addition to school counseling, she is the founder of HomeTown Professional Counseling and serves as a clinical counselor at West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias. Rowe earned a Master of Education in School Counseling with a clinical counseling endorsement from Liberty University and a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Child Development and Human Services from WVU. Additionally, she completed the Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Labor and previously studied education at Bluefield State College. Rowe has presented on youth mental health and student wellness at the West Virginia School Counseling Conference and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships GEAR UP annual conference. She believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Dabney Sheetz Dabney Sheetz is a 21-year veteran school counselor currently serving at Frankfort Elementary School in Mineral County. Throughout her career, she has served elementary, middle and high school populations, including alternative settings. Presently, Sheetz serves third- and fourth-grade students in the classroom and in small groups. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in secondary social studies from Virginia Tech. She also holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sheetz worked for five years as a secondary social studies teacher before attending Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a career in school counseling. “School counselors work alongside educators, families and community partners to ensure that students are prepared to become productive, well-adjusted members of society. By supporting the whole child, their work is instrumental in establishing a welcoming environment conducive to every student’s success. The selflessness of these finalists is inspiring, and I look forward to celebrating them in September.”— Michele L. Blatt, State Superintendent of Schools Read the full article

Every player has their own system, and some carry special cases for their Bingo game gear. One couple even had what appeared to be a Bingo “tackle box” to hold their rainbow of daubers and good luck charms. I was a first-timer; a rookie ready to learn. Adults of all ages started setting up their playing areas like they had done it a thousand times before, and everything had its place. The “buy-in” for the monthly Bingo event at Wheeling Post 1 in Elm Grove was $25 for nine boards and 16 games, and I stuck with the basic package even though I saw some players with 18 and 27 sheets. Bingo savants, apparently. I quickly learned during my first Bingo outing that the players have their own systems. Emcee Travis Erickson was terrific as he partnered with the technology for the “call”, and following the National Anthem, Post 1 past commander John Powell even offered the crowd a “Play Bingo!” to get us started. And off we went, one letter and number after another; I daubed this one and that one, and for the first six games, I needed only one more to win. At one point I contemplated, “Do I just say ‘BINGO’ or do I say something like ‘BA-DA-BINGO!!’” And then for Game 7, it was the “Four Corners” game, and I raced out with the three daubed blocks in the first nine calls and I thought … THIS. HAS. TO. BE. THE. ONE. … C’mon!! O-72! O-72! O-72!! Tracking nine boards for each game was easier than I expected, and that means I may add nine more on August 2nd when American Legion Post 1 hosts its next Bingo event. Nope. And that’s when I figured it out. That’s when I knew for sure. Bingo makes you cuss. That’s also when it was time for a new dauber strategy. On the way in, the ladies were selling the bingo markers and I chose two and nicknamed them “Orange Crush” and “Purple Rain”. Initially, I was alternating my markers per game, but desperate times called for desperate measures. After coming very close during the first seven games, it was time to change my strategy with the Bingo markers. It was time to uncap both daubers and attack these boards like a double-fisted pro, and the second half included more “One Line Anyway” games, a “Plus Sign” contest, and a “Inside Picture Frame” for No. 16. Better yet, there was an add-on “Cover All” as the 17th and final chance to win the biggest cash-money of the evening. I’ve learned a bingo player wants silence around them as their losing streak extends into embarrassment, and it seems you get quietly and politely serious as time runs short, too. Despite my enthusiasm, a terrific atmosphere at Post 1, the volunteer veterans who worked the event, and the food, snacks, and cash bar (yes, they have non-alcoholic beer!), I ended as an “O-FER”! A nice crowd gathered for Post 1's Bingo event, and organizers have scheduled monthly events for the remainder of 2026. And, as the baseball fan that I am, 0-for-17 is a troubling slump, but there’s good news – the game of bingo doesn’t remind me of America’s pastime. Instead, it reminds me of golf and of the occasional great shot mixed in with all the lost balls and double bogeys. That’s because you can get soooo close to winning a Bingo game, and that gives you enough hope to always go back again and again. And I will – the next Post 1 Bingo event is scheduled for August 2 with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. – and I’ll be in my same seat in the same row with my same “Orange Crush” and “Purple Rain” daubers ready to proclaim, “BA-DA-BINGO!!” Read the full article