#martinsferry

From the Commissioner's Desk: Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Continental, your weekly insider's look at the Continental Football League. After more than five decades, the CoFL banner is raised once again — built on community partnership, affordable family football, and a disciplined approach to long-term league building. This Saturday, May 23, our Week Zero preseason slate begins with four matchups across both divisions. It's the first live look at the football we've been building, and the start of a summer that runs all the way to the Continental Cup. Inside this issue you'll find the full Week Zero schedule, a feature on the league's commitment to community-rooted ownership, key league news including this week's announcement on the Northern Division, and a look at the opportunities for new ownership groups in CoFL markets. Football is back. All summer long. FEATURE STORY Built to Last: The CoFL's Standards-Based Approach to Long-Term League Building Pro football's modern history is littered with leagues that launched fast and folded faster. The Continental Football League is being built on a different premise — that durability matters more than speed, and that every market deserves to be set up to win before it takes the field. That philosophy was on full display this week as the league announced that the Indianapolis Capitols will take an operational hiatus for the 2026 season, with a confirmed return in 2027 at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Rather than rush a launch, the league is using 2026 to finalize the right local ownership group and complete a sustainable business and football operations plan. "This decision reflects the league's responsibility to act in the best long-term interests of both the Indianapolis market and the Continental Football League as a whole," said Mike Kelly, Commissioner of the Continental Football League. "By pausing operations for the 2026 season, the league is taking a deliberate and standards-based approach to ensure the right ownership, infrastructure, and competitive foundation. "What makes the announcement notable isn't the pause — it's the partners stepping forward to anchor it."  IBEW Local 1393 and Teamsters Local No. 135 both publicly endorsed the 2027 plan, citing the CoFL's commitment to working with organized labor and creating skilled-trades pathways for players and local youth. "The CoFL's commitment to community partnership, job creation through organized labor, and identifying the right local ownership group shows this club is being built for long-term success," said Chris Wilson, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 1393. Brad Hauter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the venue alignment: "Droplight Grand Park is excited to welcome the Indianapolis Capitols as our summer professional football tenant beginning in 2027. "The takeaway: The CoFL is signaling to fans, players, sponsors, and prospective ownership groups that this league will move at the speed of doing it right — community first, ownership vetted, infrastructure ready. It's an approach built to outlast the news cycle, and it sets the tone for how every future market will be evaluated. THE WEEK IN REVIEW Northern Division Reshaped, Schedules Finalized, Week Zero Locked In With Week Zero on deck, the past week brought decisive moves across the league office and final preparations across all active clubs. Northern Division strengthens its core. With the Capitols on 2026 hiatus, the Northern Division remains anchored by the Ohio Valley Ironmen and Cincinnati Dukes, providing a strong competitive core as the league finalizes the most effective divisional format for 2026. Home games guaranteed. League officials are finalizing 2026 schedules to ensure both the Ironmen and Dukes will play a minimum of three home games this season. Additional opponent and scheduling details are expected within the next 48 hours. Week Zero is set. Four preseason matchups have been confirmed for Saturday, May 23 and Memorial Day — see the full slate below. Rosters locked. Per the league blueprint, all active clubs are operating on 36-man active rosters with a 4-man practice squad, built around the league's regional rights model. Ticketing is open. Local-market pricing has held to its promise — designed to start around the cost of a movie ticket, with Ohio Valley general admission opening at $20 and group packages live for families, teams, churches, and community organizations. LOOKING AHEAD Week Zero: Saturday, May 23, 2026 + Memorial Day Four CoFL clubs open the summer against non-league opponents this Saturday — the first live test for rosters, coaching staffs, and game-day operations before divisional play begins. What to watch: Look for the debut of The Continental Shift — the league's modified Canadian-style fourth-quarter ruleset designed to accelerate pace and reward aggression. The first three quarters follow traditional rules; the fourth is where the CoFL distinguishes itself. Schedule Change: The Toros have changed their game to Memorial Day at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. 2026 Active Clubs Norfolk Neptunes and Vegas Gamblers are designated as future ancillary markets within the Northern Division. Head coaches and operational details are to be announced. FROM THE ARCHIVES The Original CoFL: A Five-Year Run That Shaped Pro Football's Minor League TraditionFormed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history. The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Bring the CoFL to Your Market Formed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history.The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. EXPLORE OWNERSHIP Inquiries from prospective owners, investors, and market champions are welcomed at the league office via coflfootball.com/ownership. Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected] Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected]

From the Commissioner's Desk: Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Continental, your weekly insider's look at the Continental Football League. After more than five decades, the CoFL banner is raised once again — built on community partnership, affordable family football, and a disciplined approach to long-term league building. This Saturday, May 23, our Week Zero preseason slate begins with four matchups across both divisions. It's the first live look at the football we've been building, and the start of a summer that runs all the way to the Continental Cup. Inside this issue you'll find the full Week Zero schedule, a feature on the league's commitment to community-rooted ownership, key league news including this week's announcement on the Northern Division, and a look at the opportunities for new ownership groups in CoFL markets. Football is back. All summer long. FEATURE STORY Built to Last: The CoFL's Standards-Based Approach to Long-Term League Building Pro football's modern history is littered with leagues that launched fast and folded faster. The Continental Football League is being built on a different premise — that durability matters more than speed, and that every market deserves to be set up to win before it takes the field. That philosophy was on full display this week as the league announced that the Indianapolis Capitols will take an operational hiatus for the 2026 season, with a confirmed return in 2027 at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Rather than rush a launch, the league is using 2026 to finalize the right local ownership group and complete a sustainable business and football operations plan. "This decision reflects the league's responsibility to act in the best long-term interests of both the Indianapolis market and the Continental Football League as a whole," said Mike Kelly, Commissioner of the Continental Football League. "By pausing operations for the 2026 season, the league is taking a deliberate and standards-based approach to ensure the right ownership, infrastructure, and competitive foundation. "What makes the announcement notable isn't the pause — it's the partners stepping forward to anchor it."  IBEW Local 1393 and Teamsters Local No. 135 both publicly endorsed the 2027 plan, citing the CoFL's commitment to working with organized labor and creating skilled-trades pathways for players and local youth. "The CoFL's commitment to community partnership, job creation through organized labor, and identifying the right local ownership group shows this club is being built for long-term success," said Chris Wilson, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 1393. Brad Hauter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the venue alignment: "Droplight Grand Park is excited to welcome the Indianapolis Capitols as our summer professional football tenant beginning in 2027. "The takeaway: The CoFL is signaling to fans, players, sponsors, and prospective ownership groups that this league will move at the speed of doing it right — community first, ownership vetted, infrastructure ready. It's an approach built to outlast the news cycle, and it sets the tone for how every future market will be evaluated. THE WEEK IN REVIEW Northern Division Reshaped, Schedules Finalized, Week Zero Locked In With Week Zero on deck, the past week brought decisive moves across the league office and final preparations across all active clubs. Northern Division strengthens its core. With the Capitols on 2026 hiatus, the Northern Division remains anchored by the Ohio Valley Ironmen and Cincinnati Dukes, providing a strong competitive core as the league finalizes the most effective divisional format for 2026. Home games guaranteed. League officials are finalizing 2026 schedules to ensure both the Ironmen and Dukes will play a minimum of three home games this season. Additional opponent and scheduling details are expected within the next 48 hours. Week Zero is set. Four preseason matchups have been confirmed for Saturday, May 23 and Memorial Day — see the full slate below. Rosters locked. Per the league blueprint, all active clubs are operating on 36-man active rosters with a 4-man practice squad, built around the league's regional rights model. Ticketing is open. Local-market pricing has held to its promise — designed to start around the cost of a movie ticket, with Ohio Valley general admission opening at $20 and group packages live for families, teams, churches, and community organizations. LOOKING AHEAD Week Zero: Saturday, May 23, 2026 + Memorial Day Four CoFL clubs open the summer against non-league opponents this Saturday — the first live test for rosters, coaching staffs, and game-day operations before divisional play begins. What to watch: Look for the debut of The Continental Shift — the league's modified Canadian-style fourth-quarter ruleset designed to accelerate pace and reward aggression. The first three quarters follow traditional rules; the fourth is where the CoFL distinguishes itself. Schedule Change: The Toros have changed their game to Memorial Day at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. 2026 Active Clubs Norfolk Neptunes and Vegas Gamblers are designated as future ancillary markets within the Northern Division. Head coaches and operational details are to be announced. FROM THE ARCHIVES The Original CoFL: A Five-Year Run That Shaped Pro Football's Minor League TraditionFormed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history. The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Bring the CoFL to Your Market Formed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history.The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. EXPLORE OWNERSHIP Inquiries from prospective owners, investors, and market champions are welcomed at the league office via coflfootball.com/ownership. Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected] Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected]

From the Commissioner's Desk: Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Continental, your weekly insider's look at the Continental Football League. After more than five decades, the CoFL banner is raised once again — built on community partnership, affordable family football, and a disciplined approach to long-term league building. This Saturday, May 23, our Week Zero preseason slate begins with four matchups across both divisions. It's the first live look at the football we've been building, and the start of a summer that runs all the way to the Continental Cup. Inside this issue you'll find the full Week Zero schedule, a feature on the league's commitment to community-rooted ownership, key league news including this week's announcement on the Northern Division, and a look at the opportunities for new ownership groups in CoFL markets. Football is back. All summer long. FEATURE STORY Built to Last: The CoFL's Standards-Based Approach to Long-Term League Building Pro football's modern history is littered with leagues that launched fast and folded faster. The Continental Football League is being built on a different premise — that durability matters more than speed, and that every market deserves to be set up to win before it takes the field. That philosophy was on full display this week as the league announced that the Indianapolis Capitols will take an operational hiatus for the 2026 season, with a confirmed return in 2027 at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Rather than rush a launch, the league is using 2026 to finalize the right local ownership group and complete a sustainable business and football operations plan. "This decision reflects the league's responsibility to act in the best long-term interests of both the Indianapolis market and the Continental Football League as a whole," said Mike Kelly, Commissioner of the Continental Football League. "By pausing operations for the 2026 season, the league is taking a deliberate and standards-based approach to ensure the right ownership, infrastructure, and competitive foundation. "What makes the announcement notable isn't the pause — it's the partners stepping forward to anchor it."  IBEW Local 1393 and Teamsters Local No. 135 both publicly endorsed the 2027 plan, citing the CoFL's commitment to working with organized labor and creating skilled-trades pathways for players and local youth. "The CoFL's commitment to community partnership, job creation through organized labor, and identifying the right local ownership group shows this club is being built for long-term success," said Chris Wilson, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 1393. Brad Hauter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the venue alignment: "Droplight Grand Park is excited to welcome the Indianapolis Capitols as our summer professional football tenant beginning in 2027. "The takeaway: The CoFL is signaling to fans, players, sponsors, and prospective ownership groups that this league will move at the speed of doing it right — community first, ownership vetted, infrastructure ready. It's an approach built to outlast the news cycle, and it sets the tone for how every future market will be evaluated. THE WEEK IN REVIEW Northern Division Reshaped, Schedules Finalized, Week Zero Locked In With Week Zero on deck, the past week brought decisive moves across the league office and final preparations across all active clubs. Northern Division strengthens its core. With the Capitols on 2026 hiatus, the Northern Division remains anchored by the Ohio Valley Ironmen and Cincinnati Dukes, providing a strong competitive core as the league finalizes the most effective divisional format for 2026. Home games guaranteed. League officials are finalizing 2026 schedules to ensure both the Ironmen and Dukes will play a minimum of three home games this season. Additional opponent and scheduling details are expected within the next 48 hours. Week Zero is set. Four preseason matchups have been confirmed for Saturday, May 23 and Memorial Day — see the full slate below. Rosters locked. Per the league blueprint, all active clubs are operating on 36-man active rosters with a 4-man practice squad, built around the league's regional rights model. Ticketing is open. Local-market pricing has held to its promise — designed to start around the cost of a movie ticket, with Ohio Valley general admission opening at $20 and group packages live for families, teams, churches, and community organizations. LOOKING AHEAD Week Zero: Saturday, May 23, 2026 + Memorial Day Four CoFL clubs open the summer against non-league opponents this Saturday — the first live test for rosters, coaching staffs, and game-day operations before divisional play begins. What to watch: Look for the debut of The Continental Shift — the league's modified Canadian-style fourth-quarter ruleset designed to accelerate pace and reward aggression. The first three quarters follow traditional rules; the fourth is where the CoFL distinguishes itself. Schedule Change: The Toros have changed their game to Memorial Day at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. 2026 Active Clubs Norfolk Neptunes and Vegas Gamblers are designated as future ancillary markets within the Northern Division. Head coaches and operational details are to be announced. FROM THE ARCHIVES The Original CoFL: A Five-Year Run That Shaped Pro Football's Minor League TraditionFormed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history. The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY Bring the CoFL to Your Market Formed in February 1965 under the leadership of first commissioner — and former Major League Baseball Commissioner — A.B. "Happy" Chandler, the original Continental Football League ran five full seasons from 1965 through 1969. At its peak, the CoFL reached from Toronto to Mexico, with franchises in major U.S. metros and small industrial towns alike. Quarterback Don Jonas of the Orlando Panthers became the league's defining figure, earning MVP honors three times (1966, 1967 Atlantic, 1968). The original Ohio Valley Ironmen, fielded 1968–69, produced 1968 Coach of the Year Lou Blumling. In a remarkable footnote, a 1966 Philadelphia Bulldogs game at JFK Stadium drew a reported 100,000 fans through an Acme Markets ticket promotion — among the largest single-game audiences in minor-league football history.The 2026 league honors that lineage by reviving franchise names familiar to longtime fans — Ironmen, Neptunes, Braves, Toros — and carrying forward the original league's commitment to community-rooted professional football. EXPLORE OWNERSHIP Inquiries from prospective owners, investors, and market champions are welcomed at the league office via coflfootball.com/ownership. Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected] Next Up in The Continental Next week's issue will feature Week Zero recaps from across both divisions, our first set of Week 1 power rankings, the finalized Northern Division schedule for the Ironmen and Dukes, and reader Q&A from the league mailbag. Have a question for the league office or a coach? Reply to this email — selected questions will be answered in print. Until then, see you at the stadium.— The CoFL League Office Media inquiries: [email protected] Read the full article

They believed it was their magic number, so they tried to figure it out. How many pizzas would it take? Per day? Every day? Seven days per week. And every week, too. That’s what Denny and Colleen Lee tried to figure out one evening a little more than a quarter of a century ago because they were only a “Yes” decision away from becoming the new owners of a DeFelice Bros. Pizza shop along East Bethlehem Boulevard. “We decided to go out one night to Cheers Bar in Moundsville (because) one of our best friends was bartending there,” recalled Colleen Lee. “So, on a bar napkin, we tried to figure out how many we would have to make to open a business and to stay in business. It was a hell of a lot more than we anticipated, I can tell you that. But we were confident. Colleen and Denny worked together in Bethlehem until they purchased the Wheeling store in 2014, and Denny began managing that location. “And these days the shops average 130 to 140 pies a day along with our other items,” Colleen said. “But that’s an average and it depends on a lot of things, like the day of the week and the time of year, but we’ve been lucky because the valley enjoys our pizza.” The couple is now celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of their Bethlehem location – December 17th, 2000 – and they’ve also owned and operated the Wheeling location at 1000 National Road for since 2014. “It’s taken a lot of hard work. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Literally. A lot,” Colleen explained. “We’ve made so many friends through the years, too. I have several good friends today because they were customers first. Mark Miller is the manager of the DeFelice Brothers Pizza shop in Bethlehem and has been practicing the art of the heart-shaped pizza for several years. “And we have former employees who have gone off to be very successful in the military, as doctors and PAs, and there are so many others. We’ve watched them grow up,” she said with a broad smile. “It really has been a big family and that’s been one of the best parts of owning the shops.” “I don't know how to describe it,” said Denny Lee, who is known to many as “Digger”. “I honestly don't know what to say. It was the biggest decision she and I ever made, and we’ve worked hard to get where we are today. “It is nice to be in the position where we can help people in our community,” he said. “We do what we can because that’s important to us.” Once the loan was secured, the construction began on the lot that's located along East Bethlehem Boulevard between Wheeling's Elm Grove neighborhood and the village of Bethlehem. ‘The Pizza Worth Going After’ They knew food. Denny was employed at a number of restaurants for several years before and after his graduation from West Liberty State College, and Colleen, a Shadyside native who was no stranger to the pizza at DeFelice Bros., had worked in the catering industry for several years before the two eyed up the entrepreneurial opportunity. DeFelice Bros. Pizza was founded in 1982 by Dom and T.J. DeFelice, and the business quickly started expanding to other communities in the Upper Ohio Valley. Today, there are 10 locations, including Moundsville, Martins Ferry, Newark, Shadyside, St. Clairsville, Wintersville, Follansbee, Weirton, Wheeling, and Bethlehem. The Lees quickly became very involved with the Wheeling community with a plethora of donations over the years to local charitable events. These days, Digger operates the Wheeling shop full-time and Colleen assists her son, Mark Miller, with the management of the Bethlehem location. “I remember that we were anxious to sign for the loan for the Bethlehem shop because we knew we were hard workers, and we knew we could make it work. And Denny’s dad (Dick Lee) had a lot of confidence in us, too,” Colleen said. “He had faith in us, and he invested in us, too. “And then just over 10 years after we opened in Bethlehem, we bought the Wheeling store and Denny runs it,” he said. “The loan for the Wheeling store was approved on the 13th anniversary of the opening of the Bethlehem store.” The DeFelice mascots, "T.J." and "Dominic," still make appearances around the Upper Ohio Valley. And it all happened for a reason. “The restaurant we were working at closed, and we didn’t know what we were going to do next,” Colleen remembered. “He went to work for the Denny’s corporation in Pittsburgh, and I got a job as a teller at United Bank in downtown Wheeling, but we knew we wanted to own our own business. But when we tried to buy a catering company, it didn’t work out so we just kept doing what we were doing. “But then we went on a vacation to Denny’s brother’s house (in Florida) and talked more about it, and that’s when I told him about Dom and that Dom thought I should open a DeFelice pizza shop,” she explained. “The funny part is that Denny never had DeFelice pizza until he met me, and here we are 25 years later with two shops.” https://ledenews.com/defelice-pizza-in-bethlehem-becomes-generational/ https://ledenews.com/defelice-reveals-his-biggest-decisions-over-40-years-of-pizza/ Read the full article

The following reports were released today by Sheriff James Zusack and the Belmont County Sheriff's Office. On December 05, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and the Martins Ferry Police Department executed a search warrant along Elm Street in Martins Ferry, Ohio. During the execution of the warrant, officials located a firearm, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, and suspected fentanyl. Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was arrested and booked on charges of resisting arrest, possession of criminal tools, having weapons under disability, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.  Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, of Cameron, WV, was arrested and booked on possession of fentanyl. Tyler J. Medina, 28, of Wheeling, WV, was on scene but was not booked into the Belmont County Jail. Charges of possession of fentanyl will be sent to the prosecutor's office for review. ALSO, on December 09, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit arrested Samuel Jermaine Pete, 39, of Wheeling, WV, on an outstanding warrant for trafficking in drugs. During Samuel’s arrest, he was found in possession of a bulk amount of methamphetamine pills and a substantial amount of crack cocaine. A subsequent search of Samuel's hotel room in the St. Clairsville area, yielded drug manufacturing and packaging materials. Samuel was booked into the Belmont County Jail for his warrant, possession of criminal tools, manufacturing drugs, and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine. AND on December 10, 2025, Detectives with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70 for a minor traffic infraction. During the traffic stop; Detectives seized approximately four (4) pounds of methamphetamine, approximately two (2) ounces of fentanyl, and $2000.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Detectives located the suspected methamphetamine being disguised as household rock salt. The suspected fentanyl was located concealed on Ms. Earich’s person. Hashim Addae Dunlap, 43, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Destiny Nichole Earich, 27, of Wellsville, Ohio, were arrested and booked into the Belmont County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, trafficking in fentanyl, tampering with evidence, and possession of criminal tools. The Bridgeport Police Department assisted Sheriff’s Office units during this incident. Sheriff James Zusack states that due to the amount of suspected methamphetamine, the suspects are considered “Major Drug Offenders” under Ohio law. Read the full article