BELMONT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

September 5, 2026

Tuesday — 9:42 p.m., a sergeant was at West Texas Roadhouse on National Road in St. Clairsville assisting with a vehicle lockout. The vehicle was unlocked, and the Ohio motorist was on their way. — 8:08 p.m., an officer on a traffic stop near the Marathon on East Main Street in St. Clairsville issued a warning to a motorist for displaying an unreadable license plate. — 7:48 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to Goodwill at the Ohio Valley Plaza in St. Clairsville for a report of several people dumpster diving. The deputy spoke with an individual who said she thought it was legal to ...

Belmont County Fair adds sensory-friendly activities for 177th year

September 4, 2026

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Fair is gearing up for its 177th annual fair from Sept. 7 through 13. This year’s fair will see an attempt at making the festivities more inclusive for residents. A sensory-friendly space in a bridal suite inside the Carnes Event Center, which was ...

St. Clairsville announces plans for $2.7 million recreation center

September 4, 2026

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The St. Clairsville Recreation Department has announced plans for a new 20,000-square-foot recreation center. The Unified Bank Community Center will be built directly behind the St. Clairsville Amphitheater and will include an ADA-compliant public meeting room for St. ...

Martins Ferry council advances 2% income tax, pool ordinances

September 4, 2026

MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry City Council is moving forward with a renewed effort to increase the city’s income tax to 2% while also advancing proposed regulations for residential swimming pools. Council gave a second reading Wednesday to an ordinance amending Sections 193.03 and 193.04 ...

Brooke High principal faces felony charges after cameras found in locker rooms

September 4, 2026

WELLSBURG — The principal of Brooke High School is facing two felony charges following the discovery of multiple cameras in girls locker room areas at the school. Eric Michael James, 53, is being held in the West Virginia Northern Regional Jail on $100,000 cash bond, facing charges ...

No bids on East Ohio Regional Hospital

September 3, 2026

MARTINS FERRY — The former East Ohio Regional Hospital property went to auction Wednesday. Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich said the property was scheduled for auction, but nobody appeared to bid. The property had a starting bid of just over $2.6 million. Kelich said that due to ...