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Supreme Court asked to legalize home whiskey distilleries

The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to legalize home whiskey distilleries in the United States by a conservative-leaning think tank in Ohio. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled recently that the federal ban against home whiskey distilleries is unconstitutional. However, the 6th Circuit upheld the federal ban. The federal government said the law is constitutional because it was enacted to prevent tax evasion and that it would be easier for a distiller working out of their home to conceal the business and therefore avoid paying taxes. On Monday, the Buckeye Institute filed ...

Neglected pools prompt call for new ordinance in Martins Ferry

MARTINS FERRY — Backyard swimming pools left to sit stagnant for years could soon become the target of a new Martins Ferry ordinance as city officials seek stronger enforcement tools to address what they say has become a growing nuisance. Mayor John Davies asked council last week to draft ...

BELMONT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Sunday — 10:41 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious car idling in the parking lot at the Days Inn West on Holiday Drive in St. Clairsville after individuals in a room had been told to leave. Deputies responded and determined the vehicle belonged to a night-shift employee, according to the report. Deputies checked the rooms and found an intoxicated female still there. A sober driver picked up the female, according to officers. — 10:06 p.m., units responded to a report of domestic trouble at an address on Jug Run Road, St. Clairsville. A caller reported her sister was physically ...

Brunner says Ohio remains nation’s political bellwether

STEUBENVILLE — What happens in Ohio is an important indicator for the rest of the country, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner said Saturday. Brunner made the comment during her presentation at the state convention of the Federated Democratic Women of Ohio, held at the Steubenville ...

New Ohio law has attorney general reviewing litigation-funding contracts

Ohio has passed a law regulating third-party litigation funding but stopping well short of requiring all parties to reveal outside financial arrangements in court. Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 105 into law on July 7, requiring litigation finance firms to register with the attorney general and adhere to a detailed set of rules including a ban on foreign investors. The law doesn’t require parties to reveal their financial arrangements in court, however, instead making contracts public only after a case is resolved. With the new law, Ohio joins a growing number of states that mandate some ...