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A public forum in Weirton raised concerns about carbon capture plans in the Upper Ohio Valley. Leah Harper of the FreshWater Accountability Project and local experts warned of potential dangers related to the technology, including risks to water sources and pipeline integrity.
Steubenville community advocates urged City Council to address the impending closure of Urban Mission's emergency shelters, which will stop accepting new homeless individuals after October 31 due to funding cuts. Council members discussed the need for a temporary warming center to support the homeless population during the winter months. Local organizations are collaborating to find solutions but face imminent challenges as winter approaches.
Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas plans to resign on March 1, 2026, prompting discussions among fellow commissioners about filling his seat. The commissioners must select a replacement by March 2, with candidates needing to be registered Republicans and residents of the Follansbee District.
Weirton Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish new salary scales for non-union municipal employees after initially voting it down. The ordinance aims to set minimum and maximum salary levels and address pay discrepancies among various positions. A second reading is required for the ordinance to take effect.
Wellsburg officials inaugurated a new tourist attraction, the Almost Heaven swing, overlooking the Ohio River on Monday. Handcrafted by Nicholas County students, the swing aims to enhance local tourism and features a selfie station encouraging social media engagement. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote Wellsburg's historic district and its scenic views.
Follansbee Council plans to cease trash collection from business Dumpsters and raise fees for bulk trash pickups to address a sanitation department deficit. The department reported a $47,000 loss in the first quarter of the fiscal year. City officials are exploring alternative waste management solutions, including potential privatization.
Nearly 30 former Ohio lawmakers who reinstated the death penalty 44 years ago now advocate for its abolition. Twenty-seven members of the 114th General Assembly signed a letter supporting Senate Bill 133, which aims to end capital punishment, citing the system's flaws and unintended consequences. Attorney General Dave Yost recently criticized the costly and ineffective capital punishment system while promoting a bill for nitrogen hypoxia executions.
Indian Creek Local Board of Education discussed pending state legislation that may reduce property tax revenue by $260,000 annually if House Bill 186 passes. Superintendent T.C. Chappelear highlighted the school's unified sports program, which received national recognition as an ESPN Honor Roll school.
Brooke County school officials received a $225,000 bid for the former Wellsburg Middle School from Wheeling businessman Ed Hinebaugh. The bid must be approved by the Brooke County school board, which will meet on Monday to discuss the proposal. Hinebaugh and his wife plan to collaborate with the community to determine the building's future use, emphasizing children-focused activities.
A driver caused damage to a Taco Bell in Steubenville after allegedly leaving her vehicle in gear. Police responded to multiple incidents over the weekend, including intoxicated individuals, a welfare check, and shoplifting cases. Local authorities continue to address various disturbances, including an attempted burglary.