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He didn’t wear a cape on his back or an “S” on his chest, but Lou Vargo was referred to as something of a “Superman” since the day he became a firefighter at age 16. It didn’t matter if he was working as a firefighter, an anesthesiologist, a paramedic, or as the director of Ohio County’s Emergency Management Agency; Vargo was in the middle of critical conditions and conversations for the five decades. But it was never about bravery – not on the surface anyway – when Vargo began his public service career in his native Mount Pleasant, Ohio; when he started working with the late-great fire chief Cliff Sligar to develop what evolved into an EMT division of the Wheeling Fire Department; or while he responded to local or regional tragedies in the Upper Ohio Valley. When the fatal flooding occurred in the Valley Grove and Triadelphia areas, a number of officials gathered in the EMA's response room in the basement of the Ohio County Courthouse. “I've never looked at it that way, and I think I speak for all first responders— fire, EMS, law enforcement, everybody – when it comes to bravery,” Vargo said. “I think when you look at this profession, it has to be in your DNA that you want to help people and everything. It's just an exciting profession, but it has to be for you. “You have to want to help people; you have to want to learn how to do things like putting out fires and saving lives,” he said. “First responders face danger most days, and their goal is always to protect the community. Are they brave? Of course, they’re brave, but it’s not something they think about very often.” Vargo retired on June 30th as the director of Ohio County’s EMA after decades as a first responder, and Marshall County's Tom Hart is one of many of his colleagues who expressed their appreciation for his dedication to the residents living throughout the tri-state area. When Vargo began as an anesthesiologist before he began working on a paramedic program with the Wheeling Fire Department. “Lou set the standard for all of us as far as what he’s accomplished on every level of emergency response,” said Hart, the long-time EMA director in Marshall County. “During his career, 911 centers were created, and they’ve evolved quite a bit, and the creation of Homeland Security has been a lot to handle following 9/11. He not only did what he had to do for the residents of Ohio County, but he also worked with all of us in the state. “Radio systems, equipment … there’s been so much that’s changed over the years, but Lou worked with everyone so when there was an emergency to respond to, we were all on the same page,” he explained. “What he did last summer after the tragic flooding in Valley Grove and Triadelphia was incredible. He’ll definitely be missed by the people in Ohio County, but also by all of us with (EMA) agencies throughout this valley.” Vargo started his first responder career with the Mount Pleasant VFD. Answering Calls for Help Firefighters and EMTs with the Wheeling Fire Department responded to more than 8,200 emergency calls for service in 2025, a 6 percent increase form 2024 and the second busiest year in the department’s history. The statistics released by the City of Wheeling reveal 5,445 of those calls involved reasons connected to medical/EMS/rescue services, and 1,117 were classified as “service calls”. There were 90 calls for fires, 10 calls for severe weather, and 166 calls for “Hazardous Conditions”, and Vargo responded to a large portion of the reports.    “I think every time a first responder goes out on a (fire) truck or an ambulance, it is about their bravery because they never know what they will encounter from one call to the next, but it’s also about wanting to help their neighbors,” he explained. “A lot of times, our first responders are called to a home because someone is short of breath, but other times they might see a horrific accident that no one wants to see and handle as a first responder. Grandpa Lou is looking forward to spending more time with his grandkids. “Every day is different, and I guarantee you, no one is thinking about being brave. They just do their job because they’re on a mission to help people, whether it’s an EMS or police call,” he said. “Take what happened last week in Parkersburg with the warehouse fire. No one wants to deal with something that big, but firefighters from all around the state went there to help.” Over the past 25 years, Vargo has managed responses to a number of natural disasters in Ohio County, two of which proved fatal and another that caused millions in damage primarily along Big Wheeling Creek in the city of Wheeling on September 17, 2004. That's when 10 inches of rain fell in 10 hours over Wheeling, and the creek flooded the same day - and then the Ohio River covered Wheeling Island two days later. In December 2017, 18-year-old Page Gellner, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Michael Grow, perished in flash flooding along Brown's Run, and last June, nine individuals perished “As incident commanders like (Fire Chief) Jim Blazier or (Police Chief) Shawn Schwertfeger know, they can’t ask their men and women to do anything that you’re not willing to do yourself. That’s their experience, and that’s why they’re in charge and why we have captains and other positions like that,” Vargo explained. “Everyone is trained and trained again so they know the proper ways of doing what they have to do, and their superiors know what’s possible and what’s not. “But, yes, you also know the danger comes with the job, because there are dangers to every call they take,” he said. “You have to be aware of it, too, and that’s why the training is so important.” Lou is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family. A Strange Silence He admits it. It's been quiet. Oddly so. And yes, he misses the noise. “But, as for my career, I’ve been very blessed,” Vargo said. “I started my career at an early age, and I’ve spent almost 50 years helping people as an anesthesiologist, developing a paramedics program, working with our local schools, and with the EMA and the 911 Center,” Vargo said. “And I’m still going to help with public safety whenever I’m asked. “I’ll miss the conferences that I attended with the other EMA agencies from around the state because there’s a lot more than training that takes place during those days that we were all together,” he explained. “The collaboration is also very helpful because, during a lot of those conferences, there were things mentioned that weren’t meant for Ohio County, but I knew it could help here." Most of all, though, Vargo will miss working with the best of the best. “Here in Ohio County? Without a doubt in my mind, we have one of the best teams in the state of West Virginia," he insisted. "From fire to our EMTs and to our law enforcement agency, Wheeling and Ohio County are the best in the state. I’ll miss being a part of that very much.” https://ledenews.com/an-open-letter-to-ohio-countys-lou-vargo/ Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — An Oklahoma man has admitted to wire fraud for his role in a scheme that targeted the Ohio Valley Industrial & Business Development Corporation, doing business as the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), a private, non-profit development corporation based in Wheeling, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Terry Pierce, 48, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, has admitted to his involvement in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme.  BEC schemes are a sophisticated form of fraud in which perpetrators compromise legitimate business or personal email accounts. These schemes often result in unauthorized transfers of funds and significant financial losses for both organizations and individuals. According to court documents, RED was targeted in October 2024. An unknown person sent a message to RED, using a compromised email address, requesting payment for solar panels installed on the former Horne’s Department Store building in Wheeling. The person then provided Pierce’s checking account routing number to receive the payment, totaling $30,750. Two days later, Pierce received the funds, transferred them into another account he controlled, and depleted the balance. The investigation further revealed Pierce’s involvement in additional fraudulent activity resulting in approximately $220,000 in actual or intended loss. Pierce is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police are investigating. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided. Read the full article

Ohio County, WV – County Route 39/1 (Union Hill Road) in Triadelphia will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, for culvert replacement. Emergency vehicles will be accommodated. Motorists must use an alternate route. Alternate Routes: Use County Routes 41/43 (Dallas Pike Road); County Route 23 (Stone Church Road); County Route 23/2 (Halstead Hill Road); or County Route 41/1 (McCutcheon Road). Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule. Read the full article

State Route 148 is now open to all traffic 1.5 miles west of Armstrong Mills. The roadway was closed May 29 after a routine inspection revealed a dip on the left side of the bridge over Captina Creek. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed the bridge in both directions to conduct a thorough safety evaluation. Over the last six weeks, ODOT has performed extensive investigative work, including surveys, soil borings, and stability testing. The evaluations confirmed that the bridge is safe for travel and that no repairs are required at this time. ODOT will continue to monitor the bridge closely. For more information contact: Lauren Borell, 330-308-7817 Read the full article

(Publisher's Note: New machinery has arrived to the property, and the renderings have been released. Despite the doubt that was communicated by local civic leaders and residents alike, construction of the St. Joseph’s Cancer Complex will begin soon." The hospital was closed, more than 800 employees lost their jobs, and no one knew what was next for the Ohio Valley Medical Center property in Center Wheeling. For the first time in anyone’s memory, the OVMC campus was lightless. Alecto Healthcare had purchased all operations owned by Ohio Valley Health Services and Education Corporation in early 2017, but the California healthcare company bailed after two years of operation and the property owner – Medical Properties Trust (MPT) – was silent. That’s when security teams began patrolling the 800,000 square feet of property in Center Wheeling, including the seven primary structures and the small maintenance and utility buildings. “Alecto announced their plans to close a few weeks before, so we did know it was coming,” explained Wheeling City Manager Bob Herron. “But that was a lot of property to be sitting empty, and no one had a plan for it.” The new cancer treatment and research center will be constructed on the land once home to the former Ohio Valley Medical Center campus. But the public had questions. Could the West Tower become a hospital again? Might someone transition the South Tower into an office building? Could the sanctuary that was Hillcrest reopen? Would a homeless organization take it over to house the unsheltered? Or would those buildings rot in place like so many others thanks to the weak property laws in the Mountain State? “In all likelihood, someone would have bought the buildings (during state auction) for the scrap, but after it was all stripped, then what? We knew the property was an important piece of Center Wheeling and downtown areas,” Herron said. “That’s when the conversations started, and when (Ward 6 Councilman) Dave (Palmer) suggested contacting MPT about the Professional Building (on Chapline Street) for o ur new police headquarters. “When we heard back form MPT, they offered the whole campus,” he explained. “That’s when we really started taking about what was possible.” F.R. Beinke Wrecking of New Jersey worked on the demolition for more than a year. And that’s exactly what the City of Wheeling did following a 6-0 vote by five council members and former mayor Glenn Elliott on June 16, 2019. Ken Imer, the former Ward 2 representative, was the only council member not present for the historic vote.   “I believe it was wise for our Council at that time to vote in favor of taking possession of the property,” Herron said. “It was clearly in the best interest to step up and take it over to take control of the property’s future because we didn’t, there’s no telling what would have happened to those four acres. “We really did want to market those buildings and reinvent that campus with private developers taking it over,” the city manager explained. “Kurt Zende was our economic development specialist and the Centre Market manager at the time, and he did tour after tour with people who wanted to come take a look. And we did have some interest, but it became very clear to us very quickly that redeveloping it would be a monumental task if not impossible.” This roadway once took visitors to the center of the OVMC campus in Center Wheeling. A Tradition of Healthcare It was marketed by the city with a website titled "22nd Street Square" and tour after tour was taken by a plethora of people. Some parties were interested in the location and others only wanted to see the interiors of the buildings for nostaglia's sake. Helping Heroes operated in the Hillcrest Building. The City of Wheeling stationed some employees in the Education & Administration Building. The Family Resource Network set up shop in the South Tower. And the defunct Roxby Labs performed Covid testing out of the East Tower, otherwise known as the original Ohio Valley General Hospital, for nearly a year. But now the plan calls for WVU Health System, the parent company of WVU Medicine, is preparing to construct a $122 million regional cancer treatment and research center. No longer are the buildings of the Ohio Valley Medical Center visible from W.Va. Route 2/US 250. “We knew early on that WVU Medicine had some interest in the property, but they told us that if they moved on it that they would want the whole campus demolished,” Herron said. “That's why we tried to keep it alive and develop it as it was, but it would have taken an incredible amount of work and millions (of dollars) to rehab those buildings. “But now we know the cancer center is the best possible development that could have happened on that property because the tradition of excellent health care on the site will now continue for another 100 years," he insisted. "The development will also do a lot of positive things for the Center Wheeling area as far as future development and housing." F.R. Beinke Wrecking Inc. cleared the land of all structures and the WVU Medicine Regional Cancer Center is expected to open in October 2028. WVU Health Systems entered into a lease agreement with the City of Wheeling for the use of the land in Center Wheeling and will begin constructing a new cancer center that is expected to open in 2028. “They repeated that the whole site would need demolished for the new cancer center,” Herron recalled. “So, we made that deal within a year of acquiring the campus. Those buildings had a lot of challenges, that’s for sure. “WVU Medicine will soon be building the regional cancer center, and the project will include a beautiful building, parking, and a lot of attractive green space. And from what we’ve been told, the project is still scheduled to begin next year, and from the beginning the construction will generate hundreds of jobs. In the end of it all, we’ll have an incredibly valuable health care facility that will serve not only the people in Wheeling, but people the entire region." This large lot sits in Center Wheeling across Chapline Street from the former OVMC campus and caddy corner from Centre Market. Block After Block Demolitions have been common in Wheeling over the past decade with residential and commercial structures crashing to the ground in the name of public safety in some areas and for future development in others. The razing of the Center Market Parking Garage, though, was necessary because of structural deficiencies that developed since its opening in 1976, but now Herron, Zende, and Mayor Denny Magruder and his Council of six have decisions to make for the vacant lot across Chapline Street from the former OVMC campus. “We understand that the people will WVU Medicine expect the cancer center to have between 50-55,000 patient visits each year, and we know that means family members and friends will need somewhere to go during their loved one’s treatments," Herron said. "We have a great area with Centre Market just down the street from where the center will be, but we also have an opportunity for something new right there along Market Street." The south market house at Centre Market is home to several eateries, including Coleman's Fish Market, Tito's in the Market House, Michael's Beef House, and Valley Cheese. At the time Alecto shuttered OVMC nearly six years ago, the businesses inside and around Centre Market's two "houses" realized significant revenue reductions, but Herron hopes the new cancer center and whatever might be developed on the west side of Chapline Street will help return the foot traffic along Market Street and Lane C. “We have talked with the people at Wheeling Hospital about ideas that they may have for businesses that are needed near a facility like what we’ll see there, and we’re still in the process  of looking for a developer for that property,” the city official explained. “There have been a lot of ideas offered by residents in that area, and we know we want it to fit in that area of the city. “Centre Market is a very busy business district for our city, and we know this project is going to add a lot more,” Herron added. “That area lost a lot of traffic when the hospita closed, but we expect this new facility will bring some of that back.” This large lot sits in Center Wheeling across Chapline Street from the former OVMC campus and caddy corner from Centre Market. https://ledenews.com/the-silence-is-soon-to-end-in-center-wheeling/ Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia announced today that West Virginia United Health System, Inc., doing business as West Virginia University Health System (WVUHS), has agreed to pay $4,177,139 and enter a Memorandum of Agreement to resolve civil allegations that it violated multiple provisions of the Controlled Substances Act across various registered facilities over a seven-year span. Pursuant to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, the United States identified that WVUHS committed numerous recordkeeping and reporting violations between 2017 and 2024. WVUHS facilities failed to notify the DEA regarding thefts or significant losses of controlled substances. In addition to these failures to report, other violations included errors in orders regarding controlled substances; failures to maintain accurate and current inventory records; failures to ensure proper authority for use of DEA order forms; maintaining policies and procedures not fully consistent with the requirements of the Controlled Substance Act; and other administrative violations. “The DEA Diversion Investigators who worked this matter should be commended for uncovering failures that put controlled substances at risk of diversion, and their work has undoubtedly made West Virginia a safer place,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Prezioso. “When a healthcare system controls large quantities of addictive medications, strict compliance with the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to protect the public. This settlement, along with the corresponding Memorandum of Agreement, demands accountability and mandates meaningful reform across WVUHS.” In addition to the civil monetary settlement, WVUHS has signed a comprehensive, three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA. The Memorandum of Agreement imposes detailed systemwide compliance requirements, including additional diversion oversight; rapid reporting of thefts or losses; installing hundreds of security cameras at controlled substance storage sites; enhancing training and auditing procedures; and other policy improvements to detect, investigate, and prevent diversion. “Hospital systems stockpile controlled medications with a high potential for abuse, so it’s imperative that they safeguard those drugs and maintain accurate records to prevent diversion,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “The multi-million dollar fine levied against the WVUHS in this case reflects the serious nature of their failure to meet their obligations in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act.” This case was litigated on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Prezioso, Jordan V. Palmer, and Stephanie K. Savino, from the Northern District of West Virginia, and Greg Neil of the Southern District of West Virginia. It is also the result of tireless efforts by DEA Diversion Investigators. For questions about the settlement or the terms of the MOA, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Read the settlement agreement here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/media/1452226/dl?inlineOA, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Read the settlement agreement here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/media/1452226/dl?inline Read the full article

CHARLESTON W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack has launched the Pledge WV Online Collateral System, a new online portal designed to help protect public funds deposited in financial institutions throughout the state. “Protecting taxpayer dollars is one of our most important responsibilities,” Treasurer Pack said. “The Pledge WV Online Collateral System provides a secure way to ensure public deposits are properly collateralized while making the process easier for our financial institution partners and increasing transparency for public entities across West Virginia.”  The system was created following passage of the West Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act during the 2022 legislative session. The law made the Treasurer’s Office responsible for ensuring public funds deposited in financial institutions are properly collateralized and protected. Under state law, public deposits made by the state and its political subdivisions must be held at approved Designated State Depositories and backed by pledged collateral. The Treasurer’s Office oversees that process to help safeguard taxpayer dollars. The Pledge WV Online Collateral System gives financial institutions one centralized location to report monthly public fund account balances. The Treasurer’s Office will compare those balances with pledged collateral held by its Safekeeping Agent to verify that public funds remain properly collateralized in accordance with state law.  The system also gives public depositors the ability to monitor the collateralization of their deposits and complete the annual attestations required by state code.  Financial institutions should designate one representative to visit the Pledge WV website, click “Financial Institution Enroll,” and complete the Enrollment Form. As financial institutions transition collateral to the benefit of the State Treasurer, public entities may be contacted to assist with the process. Their cooperation will help ensure a smooth process. Public entities should also designate one representative to visit the Pledge WV website, click ‘Public Depositor Enroll,” and complete the Enrollment Form. The website also allows users to confirm whether their financial institution is an approved Designated State Depository and learn more about the Pledge WV program.  For additional information, contact the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office Collateral Division at [email protected] or call the Collateral Hotline at (304) 340-5020. Read the full article

WHEELING, W.Va. – Riders and supporters from throughout the Ohio Valley are invited to participate in the annual Chad's Ride on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as the community comes together to honor the memory of Chad Senkbeil while promoting motorcycle awareness and encouraging motorists to share the road safely. The event welcomes motorcycles, and 4-wheelers are always welcome! Everyone is invited to participate in remembering Chad and supporting the message of motorcycle safety.  There is no fee to participate, making this event open to anyone who wishes to join the ride and show their support.  Participant meet-up will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Elm Grove Eagles, with kickstands up at 1:00 p.m.  This year's ride will travel to The Barton Trap in St. Clairsville, Ohio, continue to J&B Bar on Dallas Pike, West Virginia, and conclude at Wakim's Bar in Elm Grove, West Virginia. More than just a ride, Chad's Ride is an opportunity for family, friends, and the community to come together to celebrate Chad's life while reminding everyone to watch for motorcycles and share the road. Every rider and every driver plays a part in making our roadways safer. Whether you're a longtime participant or joining for the first time, everyone is encouraged to come out for an afternoon of remembrance, fellowship, and support for motorcycle awareness. Event Details: Meet-Up: 12:00 p.m. Kickstands Up: 1:00 p.m. Starting Location: Elm Grove Eagles Route: Elm Grove Eagles → The Barton Trap → J&B Bar → Wakim's Bar Ann Senkbeil Phone: (304) 231-8656 Remember: Look Twice. Save a Life. Watch for Motorcycles. Read the full article

Marshall County, WV – A portion of County Route 7 (McCreary’s Ridge Road), from milepost 0.0 to milepost 3.76, will be reduced to one lane, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Monday, July 13, 2026, and Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for road maintenance. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Motorists are advised to use reduce speed and expect delays. ALSO: A portion of County Route 44 (Limestone Hill Lane) will be restricted to one lane from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, through Thursday, July 16, 2026, for road maintenance. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Motorists are advised to slow down and expect delays. Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule. Read the full article

On July 13th through the 24th, SR 9 will close north of St. Clairsville from Jug Run Road to Maynard Road for multiple culvert replacements.  Jug Run Road and Maynard Road will remain accessible from SR 9. Detour:  U.S. 40 west to SR 331 north, SR 331 north back to SR 9, and reverse. Find the exact location on OHGO. For more information contact: [email protected] - (330) 308-7817 Read the full article

The Wheeling Police Department is continuing its investigation into the death of a man following an apparent bicycle accident on the Heritage Trail near the I-470 bridge in South Wheeling. Officers and fire department personnel initially responded to a reported medical emergency on the trail at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, before determining the incident involved an apparent bicycle accident. The man later died from his injuries. There are no ongoing public safety concerns, and the Heritage Trail is open. Read the full article

GEMS CAMP!!! Still accepting applications! Don't miss out! GEMS Camp (Girls Enjoying Math and Science) - July 20th and 21st, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - For girls entering grades five through eight Cost: FREE tuition with snacks, lunch, and materials provided. Funding for GEMS Camp provided by a generous grant from the Women's Giving Circle through the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley. Learn and have fun at the same time with other girls who love math and science as much as you do. This year’s theme is “Dig Science” where we will explore geology, paleontology and archaeology with hands on activities. Dr. Elizabeth Rhenberg of the WV Geological Survey and Andrea Keller, former Grave Creek Mound Museum educator, will also lead activities.   GEMS Camp incorporates many areas of science and engineering. Fun math activities, too! GEMS Camp will be held at SMART Centre Market, 1410 Main Street, Wheeling, WV Download the application at www.smartcenter.org. Please call (304) 23-DINOS if you have any questions or email Libby Strong: [email protected] Read the full article

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – After selling methamphetamine from her New Martinsville, West Virginia apartment, Jamie Ann Tanner was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Tanner, 44, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. She sold methamphetamine on several occasions to a confidential informant and was found with additional quantities of the drug during a traffic stop. The investigation led officers to her apartment, where they executed a search warrant. Officers seized approximately 31 small plastic baggies containing about 3.7 grams of methamphetamine each, a larger bag with more of the substance, and hundreds of unused baggies. A black safe in the room, with the keys still inserted, contained an additional two pounds of methamphetamine and $2,674 in cash. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office. This case is a 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

ODOT District 11, located in eastern Ohio, proudly serves Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas Counties. Each county below is linked to our traffic advisories pages for eastern Ohio. These pages are your reliable source for traffic updates, as they are regularly updated, and all links provided will remain unchanged in our weekly e-mail. Please note, all listed work is weather dependent and is subject to change.  Our website also features an interactive Ohio map that allows you to easily search for traffic impacts in other counties.  Interstate 70 Projects I-70/State Route 149 interchange improvement: Work is underway on the major interchange project at the I-70 Exit 208 for SR 149/Morristown. During construction, one lane of traffic will be maintained on I-70. Traffic impacts for SR 149 will begin in the fall of 2026. For details about the project and all traffic impacts, visit the project webpage. The completion date is the summer of 2029. Interstate 470 Projects I-470 westbound on-ramp closure from State Route 7: July 19-August 20, the I-470 westbound on-ramp from SR 7 will close for bridge repairs. The detour is SR 7 north to I-70 west. During this work, SR 7 southbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. The completion date is August 20, 2026. I-470 eastbound on-ramp closure from State Route 7: July 19-August 20, the I-470 eastbound on-ramp from SR 7 will close for bridge repairs. The detour is SR 7 north to I-70 east, I-70 east to U.S. 250 east, U.S. 250 east to I-470 east. During this work, SR 7 southbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. The completion date is August 20, 2026. U.S. Route 40 Projects U.S. Route 40 resurfacing: Work is underway on a project to resurface 11 miles of U.S. Route 40 from Ladybend Hill (at I-70, mile marker 204), heading east, ending at the western end of St. Clairsville. Traffic is maintained with flaggers during construction. The completion date is September 30, 2026. State Route 7 Projects State Route 7 southbound lane restriction near the I-470 interchange: Starting July 19, SR 7 southbound will be reduced to one lane for construction on the I-470 westbound on-ramp overpass. The completion date is August 20, 2026. Other State Route Projects State Route 9 closure north of St. Clairsville: July 13-24, SR 9 will close from Jug Run Road to Maynard Road for multiple culvert replacements. Traffic will detour via U.S. 40 west to SR 331 north, SR 331 north back to SR 9, and reverse. State Route 149 closure: Starting July 16, SR 149 will close one mile west of SR 9 for a slide repair project. The closure duration is 30 days. The official detour is SR 9 south to SR 147 west, SR 147 west back to SR 149, and reverse. The overall completion date is October 31, 2026. State Route 148 closure west of Armstrong Mills: SR 148 is closed to traffic 1.5 miles west of Armstrong Mills at the bridge over the Captina Creek for emergency bridge repairs. The duration of the closure is currently unknown. However, ODOT will share an update as soon as new information is available. Learn more about the closure. State Route 147 resurfacing: A project to resurface eight miles of roadway from Barnesville to Belmont. The work will begin in Barnesville, continue east through Bethesda, and end just west of Belmont. Traffic is maintained with flaggers. The completion date is September 30, 2026. State Route 149 culvert repair: A project to repair a culvert located west of Neffs Bellaire Road. Minimal impacts to traffic will occur during construction. However, flaggers will be utilized as needed throughout the project. The completion date is July 31, 2026. Read the full article

Hey Buck: Your recent suggestion to paint “Wheeling WV” on the Heritage Trail bridge just south of WesBanco Arena is a terrific branding idea, and we’re hopeful that local officials will find the funding for the project in the very near future. While not technically necessary for modern-day navigation, it would be a very cool cosmetic complement to Wheeling’s riverfront.   For those who did not see Buck’s post, the photo (see above) was accompanied by the following message: “As a lifelong boater here in Wheeling, we have met many people traveling the river who have complemented our beautiful port and waterfront. Some have actually asked us what city they were in (mostly prior to GPS) because there’s not really any sign or markings indicating “Wheeling, WV” from the Ohio River view. “For years I thought it would be cool to paint this logo on the Heritage Trail walking bridge at WesBanco Arena over the mouth of Wheeling Creek downtown. This was obviously done on ChatGPT (thanks to Miranda Porter), but it would look great if it were to be done in actuality.” We’re writing to you, Buck, to say “THANK YOU!” for providing such a solid, make-sense suggestion, and we also hope to encourage others to offer local leaders their best, well-intentioned ideas. For example, we would like to suggest painting the new curb where 18th Street meets the W.Va. Route 2 offramp as YELLOW as can be so these situations (see below) can be better prevented. This photo was captured and shared on Facebook back in May by local resident Dolph Santorine. Makes sense, right? Doesn't matter if you're in Wheeling or in another community in our Upper Ohio Valley; good ideas are good ideas, and anyone can have one. So, what’s yours? Sincerely, The Suggestion Box Read the full article

Hey Buck: Your recent suggestion to paint “Wheeling WV” on the Heritage Trail bridge just south of WesBanco Arena is a terrific branding idea, and we’re hopeful that local officials will find the funding for the project in the very near future. While not technically necessary for modern-day navigation, it would be a very cool cosmetic complement to Wheeling’s riverfront.   For those who did not see Buck’s post, the photo (see above) was accompanied by the following message: “As a lifelong boater here in Wheeling, we have met many people traveling the river who have complemented our beautiful port and waterfront. Some have actually asked us what city they were in (mostly prior to GPS) because there’s not really any sign or markings indicating “Wheeling, WV” from the Ohio River view. “For years I thought it would be cool to paint this logo on the Heritage Trail walking bridge at WesBanco Arena over the mouth of Wheeling Creek downtown. This was obviously done on ChatGPT (thanks to Miranda Porter), but it would look great if it were to be done in actuality.” We’re writing to you, Buck, to say “THANK YOU!” for providing such a solid, make-sense suggestion, and we also hope to encourage others to offer local leaders their best, well-intentioned ideas. For example, we would like to suggest painting the new curb where 18th Street meets the W.Va. Route 2 offramp as YELLOW as can be so these situations (see below) can be better prevented. This photo was captured and shared on Facebook back in May by local resident Dolph Santorine. Makes sense, right? Good ideas are good ideas, and anyone can have one. So, what’s yours? Sincerely, The Suggestion Box Read the full article

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