Breaking News

COVID-19: The Latest

STEUBENVILLE — A 73-year-old man who died at his home Monday is Jefferson County’s first known coronavirus-related fatality. Jefferson County General Health District Commissioner Nicole Balakos said the man, whose identity will not be released, had tested through the emergency department at a local hospital April 10 and was confirmed positive for COVID-19 the following day. The man had no underlying health conditions. Balakos said the health department had performed two in-person wellness checks on the man, who had self-quarantined in his home. “On behalf of the department, ...

Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee, Scripps National Bee canceled

STEUBENVILLE — This year’s Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee on Tuesday became one of the latest events to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Officials with the bee, which since its inception in 1985 has been presented by the Herald-Star, made the decision shortly after learning that this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee had been canceled. The regional bee, which annually features the top spellers from the Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Harrison Hills City, Toronto City and Steubenville City school districts and the Heart of ...

West Virginia COVID-19 responses create confusion

WELLSBURG — Brooke County Commissioners said Tuesday that two efforts by state officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while well meaning, have created confusion. The commissioners said they have concerns about how a $100,000 grant awarded by the county and others in the state may be used while efforts by the Secretary of State’s Office to inform voters about absentee ballots have inadvertently created more work for the county clerk’s office. The commissioners noted Gov. Jim Justice has described the money as “hero pay” but said they’ve learned the money can’t be ...

Justice orders W.Va. school buildings closed for rest of school year

CHARLESTON — Schools across West Virginia will remain physically closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to continue slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the governor announced on Tuesday. “I hate this like crazy,” Gov. Jim Justice said during his daily coronavirus briefing at the Capitol. “I have promised you over and over and over that I would not put you in a position that could be harmful, and I would try to protect you in every way, especially our kids…the last thing I would do is put our kids in harm’s way.” Justice said distance learning and ...

April 22: EVENTS POSTPONED/CANCELED

Due to the precautions being taken surrounding the coronavirus, the following changes have been made regarding events and meetings in the local area: ¯ Today’s meeting of the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission has been canceled. ¯ The Four Seasons Senior Citizens meeting for April has been canceled. ¯ The Jefferson County Safety Council announced that the April and May Safety Council meetings have been canceled ¯ The Toronto Beautification Committee has canceled its geranium sales. ¯ The 2020 Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame banquet and associated ...

Judge: Legitimate cause to limit Ohio businesses amid virus

COLUMBUS — A federal judge gave Ohio officials an early victory in a lawsuit challenging the shuttering of nonessential employers in response to the pandemic. The judge rejected a Columbus bridal shop's bid for a temporary restraining order that would have allowed it to reopen. While ...