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Wellsburg Council initiated its pursuit of inclusion in West Virginia's Home Rule program to address funding shortfalls. The proposed plan includes a 1 percent sales tax, contingent on reducing local business taxes, while a public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. Council also discussed the potential for an additional monthly meeting, though opinions on its necessity varied among members.
Weirton Council allocated $240,000 to the WVU Hancock County Extension Service and $74,926.36 to the Weirton Police Department from opioid settlement funds. The funding for the extension service will establish a prevention program assistant position aimed at educating middle school students about substance use risks. Concerns were raised about police surveillance cameras, but officials assured they would not infringe on residents' privacy.
Steubenville City Council reviewed 10 resumes for the city manager position, following Jim Mavromatis's retirement announcement. Two applicants do not meet the qualifications, leaving eight candidates under consideration as the council plans to check their references and backgrounds. Councilman Joel Walker emphasized the need to move forward in the selection process.
Timothy P. Iverson, 44, pled guilty to sexual abuse charges in West Virginia, receiving a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. The plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of over 80 additional charges, with the victim, now an adult, supporting the resolution.
The Weirton Police Department promoted Randy Kernen to lieutenant and Jeff Miller to sergeant during a ceremony attended by city officials and community members. Kernen joined the department in 2011 and became a sergeant in 2019, while Miller has been with the department since 2008. The promotions reflect the department's commitment to recognizing and advancing dedicated officers.
Philanthropists Bill and Nena Beynon donated $100,000 to Weirton’s Community Bread Basket to combat food insecurity in the Northern Panhandle. Half of the funds will provide holiday food baskets for families in need, while the remainder supports ongoing services. The Beynons encourage community involvement, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
The West Virginia First Foundation will distribute $19.2 million in grants to combat substance use disorder and promote recovery across the state. A recent panel discussion in Wheeling highlighted the need for more applications for these funds, emphasizing a merit-based distribution model targeting specific areas of need.
Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella and PLSJC's Jenn Cesta launched a StoryWalk featuring "Love Is My Favorite Thing" at the Wintersville dog park. Dog owners can read the book's pages displayed on a fence and receive an edible treat for their pets at the Schiappa Library after completion. This initiative runs throughout October.
Garrett Colley, a 21-year-old from Wellsburg, received a sentence of up to two years in a juvenile detention center for third-degree sexual assault of a minor. Colley entered a Kennedy plea, denying the crime but acknowledging the possibility of a jury finding him guilty. He must also register with West Virginia’s Sex Offender Registry and face five years of supervised release.
Hancock County commissioners are deliberating the distribution of approximately $1.6 million from West Virginia's opioid settlement funds. While some commissioners advocate for using the funds to support county expenses related to opioid abuse, others argue that the money should be used for community programs focused on prevention and rehabilitation.