Steubenville Council opts for ‘collaborative approach’ to opportunity zone application

July 6, 2026

STEUBENVILLE — After much discussion, council decided that City Manager Mike Johnson should represent them in discussions pertaining to a “collaborative” application for an opportunity zone designation that could cross municipal boundary lines. Opportunity zones are economically distressed census tracts where private investors “can receive tax incentives for putting capital into local businesses and real estate.” Applications are due this week. All agreed a tract that “essentially covers the majority of the downtown area, as well as the area where Franciscan University is ...

New Bishop brings message of unity, belonging to diocese installation

July 3, 2026

As the newly installed Bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, the Most Rev. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala already had one thing figured out with his new Mountain State mission. It never hurts to quote "Country Roads." Menjivar, who was installed as the 10th Bishop of the diocese Thursday ...

Hancock Commission considers agreement for senior meal program

July 3, 2026

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County commissioners addressed several end-of-year items during their meeting Tuesday, including a lease agreement between the Hancock County Senior Center and the Brooke County Committee on Aging. The Brooke County Committee on Aging is a nonprofit organization that oversees the Brooke County Senior Center. “They want to rent out the kitchen to provide meal delivery,” Commission President Eron Chek said. The nutrition program serves both Brooke and Hancock counties, offering lunches through one congregate site in Hancock County and two locations in ...

Disputed State Route 213 work sparks payment standoff

July 3, 2026

STEUBENVILLE — Jefferson County commissioners balked Thursday at approving payment for two subcontractors who performed work tied to a water line relocation on State Route 213 that officials said was not authorized, not advertised for bids and lacked a designated funding source. After the request was entered into the official record, commissioners Tony Morelli and Eric Timmons said they were unaware the contractors, Ron Holmes and TS Electric, had performed any work on the project. They also noted County Auditor E.J. Conn had previously warned them not to approve invoices tied to ...

Chester ready to celebrate Independence Day

July 3, 2026

CHESTER – As with celebrations for more than two decades, the Chester community will come together Saturday in observance of Independence Day, with a slate of activities that includes the dedication of a new mural paying tribute to the city’s history. The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. ...

No newspaper Saturday; have a happy Fourth!

July 3, 2026

As we join together this weekend to celebrate America's 250th birthday, please note that today's newspaper serves as our expanded weekend edition, as the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday. While there won't be a printed newspaper on Saturday, our reporters will be working to cover the ...