Accident claims life

of Weirton man

NEW CUMBERLAND – A Weirton man is dead following a motor vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department said it received a call at approximately 2:46 p.m. of a motor vehicle accident on state Route 2 near Fryer’s Marathon.

Sheriff’s deputies, along with New Cumberland Ambulance Service, New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department and Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the scene, according to the report.

Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher said Jack Hukill, 79, of Weirton was driving his Honda Accord when he pulled onto Route 2 from the parking lot of the gas station and into the path of a northbound Chevy pickup truck.

The Hancock County Medical Examiner pronounced Hukill dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck, Emilee Phillips, 19, of New Cumberland, was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

The road was closed between Kings Creek and Rainy Hill Road for approximately two hours. Fletcher said the investigation is continuing

Jefferson SWCD plans election

WINTERSVILLE – The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting, election of board members and banquet will be held Oct. 20 at St. Florian Hall.

The election will be held from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m.

Awards for conservation farmer of the year, distinguished service, big tree contest and photo contest winners will be announced.

The reservation deadline is Wednesday, and the dinner tickets are $18.50 for adults, $9 for children age 8 and under, and children 4 and under eat for free.

Genealogy Society

to hold open house

WINTERSVILLE – Nov. 2 is the date set for the last open house for 2014 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jefferson County Chapter Ohio Genealogy Society home, 100 Fernwood Road.

Members will be offering assistance to those who need help in researching their family ancestry/roots.

“We are hoping that local chapter members will visit the event and consider get involved in volunteering once a month for a few hours,” Flora VerStraten Merrin, president and researcher, said.

Trick-or-treat

craft show theme

RAYLAND – A trick-or-treat craft and vendor show is planned from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Buckeye Local High School.

Kids can dress in costume and visit crafters and vendors and receive a treat.

For every $10 spent with any vendor or crafter, those in attendance will receive one drawing ticket. Also, drawing tickets will be available for purchase.

Any adult who comes in costume will be entered into a drawing to win a door prize. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.

Vendors to be on hand include Origami Owl, Celebrating Home, Premier Designs, Tupperware, Thirty-One, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy, local crafters and more. For questions, call (740) 733-7369.

Man wanted for New York City

murder arrested near Powhatan Point

POWHATAN POINT – A man who allegedly committed murder in the Bronx Borough of New York City was arrested while working as part of a paving crew along Little Captina Road on Wednesday morning.

Terry Moore, supervisory deputy for the U.S. Marshals Service in Wheeling, said members of the Mountain State Fugitive Task Force crossed the Ohio River to arrest Luis Trujillo after receiving a lead from their fellow marshals in New York. He said the task force has a memorandum of understanding allowing it to operate in Ohio.

Moore said the indictment for Trujillo stemmed from an incident that took place near East 169th Street in New York City in 2002. Marshals in the Southern District of New York notified local officials they believed Moore may be in the area.

He was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Wheeling for his initial hearing.

Regional Roundup

Man rescued

from hillside fall

COLLIERS – Staff with the Brooke County Ambulance Service used ropes to lift an area man from a steep hillside from which he’d fallen near McKim’s Ridge Tuesday afternoon.

Bob Fowler, Brooke County Emergency Medical Services director, said the man, who may have been a hunter, was loaded onto a Stokes basket and lifted from the hillside using ropes, then transported by ambulance from the scene.

Fowler didn’t have information about the man’s current condition.

Buckeye financial statements available

DILLONVALE – The Buckeye Local School District’s June 30 general purpose external financial statements are available for review at the board office at 6899 state Route 150.

Smithfield Council

meeting rescheduled

SMITHFIELD – The lack of a quorum on Tuesday forced the rescheduling of a Village Council meeting.

Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the City Building, according to Debbie Coconaugher, financial officer,

Friends of Smithfield

to hold meeting

SMITHFIELD – The Friends of Smithfield Community Development Corp. will meet at 11 a.m. on Oct. 25 at the Smithfield Historical Building.

There will be a report on the razing and clean-up status of the former Smithfield Hardware, an update on Northern Cemetery and a report on the scholarship committee.

Linda Helt will preside.

Driver says bus

protected students

CHESTER – The Hancock County school bus driver involved in Monday’s accident said he’s convinced the students were protected by the bus.

“Those school buses – they made a believer out of me,” said Wallace McMillin of Chester. “I just can’t believe how safe those buses are.”

McMillin was driving bus No. 126, transporting about 18 students from Oak Glen Middle School at the end of the day, when a car in the eastbound lane of U.S. Route 30 drove in front of him, officials said.

“It happened so fast. It happened within seconds,” McMillin said.

One child was taken to the hospital by ambulance, and family members took another child to the hospital for evaluation, Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher said.

Authorities did not give the name of the hospital or the names of the children.

The driver of the other vehicle, a Subaru, was identified as Judith Meanor, 51, of Pittsburgh. She was taken by the Chester-Newell Ambulance Service to a local hospital for minor injuries, Fletcher said.

No citations have been issued, and the accident remains under investigation. The sheriff’s department said there were 21 students on the bus.

Meanor’s car went out of control on the rain-slick road and spun around, striking the right front section of the bus, Fletcher said.

“The school bus operator attempted to maneuver the bus out of the way but was unable to do so,” he said.

McMillin was in the westbound lane, heading down the Route 30 hill at about 3:15 p.m. Monday, when the accident happened.

McMillin said none of the children were jostled or thrown from their seats.

Assistant Superintendent Wayne Neely said McMillin has more than 20 years’ experience as a school bus driver and has an “impeccable” record.

Regional Roundup

PERI to meet

Wednesday

WINTERSVILLE – Jefferson County Chapter 5, Public Employee Retirees, will hold its monthly meeting at noon Wednesday at Zalenski’s.

All members, spouses, and guests are welcome.

Camera club photo show ongoing at mall

STEUBENVILLE – The Ohio Valley Camera Club will host a photography show in center court at Fort Steuben Mall today through Sunday. The show will be held during mall hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Photographers from the Ohio Valley will display their winning entries from the yearly competitions. Mall patrons are invited to browse the photographs and vote on the 2014 people’s choice award winner.

For information, contact Stephanie McVicker, marketing director, at (740) 264-7781.

Suit against sheriff’s department dismissed

NEW CUMBERLAND – A five-year-old lawsuit by a Hancock County sheriff’s deputy against the sheriff’s department has been dismissed, according to Hancock County Circuit Court records.

Circuit Court Judge David J. Sims signed the dismissal order late last week, saying that all matters in the dispute had been resolved.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Matt Harvey filed suit with Sgt. Dezso Polgar in March 2009, when the two were still deputies. They claimed they had been passed over for promotion to the rank of sergeant even though they were high enough on the civil service list to qualify for promotion.

They sued the Hancock County Commission, the Hancock County Civil Service Commission and then-Sheriff Mike White.

Polgar settled his part of the lawsuit in July 2013, getting $7,500 in back pay and $7,500 in legal fees – and elevation to the rank of sergeant.

A year later, Harvey, a detective, was one of five deputies to be promoted to sergeant to fill vacancies left by the promotion of four sergeants to lieutenant.

In his order, Sims said the parties are responsible for their own legal fees.

Regional Roundup

Two transported

following accident

FOLLANSBEE – Two area residents were transported to a local hospital following a two-vehicle collision on Mahan Lane at about 2 p.m. Friday.

The Brooke County Sheriff’s Department said Lindsey Thompson, 27, of Weirton, was traveling downhill on the road when her vehicle veered left of center and struck a vehicle in the opposing lane driven by Barbara Heinen, 59, of Colliers.

Sheriff’s deputies said the two appeared to have non-life-threatening injuries and wet leaves on the roadway contributed to the accident.

County Road 7

bridge to close

DILLONVALE – A bridge on Dillonvale-Longrun Road (county Road 7) will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday and remain closed until 5 p.m. on Oct 24 for a bridge replacement, the Jefferson County Engineer’s Department reported.

The bridge is located about 200 feet from the intersection with Mount Pleasant-Adena Road (county Road 6). There will be no through traffic.

Water line work

to begin Monday

STEUBENVILLE – City crews will move into the next phase of the water line work beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday as part of the city street hot-mix resurfacing improvement/Harvard Avenue water line replacement project, officials said.

The contractor, Shelly and Sands of Rayland, will make the water main tie-in connection Monday morning at Yale Place and at Sharmont Avenue. Water will be shut off and the affected water customers on Sharmont Avenue, Parkdale Road and Yale Place may experience low to no water. Water is anticipated to be turned back on by 4 p.m.

Hot-mix resurfacing

project in city Monday

STEUBENVILLE – The city is continuing its hot-mix resurfacing improvement project beginning at 7 a.m. Monday and continuing throughout the week, weather permitting, officials said. Streets affected are Braybarton Boulevard and Terri Avenue.

The work will involve placing an asphalt intermediate course, and traffic will be maintained; however, motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel and use alternate routes to avoid delays.

Following preparation, a new hot-mix asphalt surface will be placed a few weeks later.

The project streets will be posted with “No parking” signs at least one day in advance, and vehicles left on the street will be towed and owners will be responsible, officials said.

The contractor is Shelly and Sands of Rayland.

Regional Roundup

Patrol investigating

Route 22 accident

CADIZ – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Route 22 just outside Cadiz.

A 17-year-old female from Cadiz was driving a Hyundai car and attempted to cross the highway, heading toward North Main Street of Cadiz, according to reports. She pulled out in front of a Sal Chemical semi-truck, driven by Kenneth J. Morris, 46, of Mingo Junction, who was eastbound, and the truck hit the car broadside, according to reports. Both vehicles slid off the road into the parking area of Atlas Gas.

Units from Cadiz and Scio fire departments responded, along with Cadiz Police and the Highway Patrol.

A 12-year old female passenger, also from Cadiz, initially was trapped in the car, and after being freed was flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Children’s Hospital.

According to Cadiz fire Chief Leonard Merryman, the young girl was awake and speaking before being flown, but the extent of her injuries was not clear.

UMW Local 1304

to meet Saturday

HOPEDALE – The United Mine Workers of America Local No. 1304 will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Capararos, according to Don McLaughlin, recording secretary.

Brooke candidates

night scheduled

WELLSBURG – The Brooke County Democratic Party and Federation of Democratic Women will hold a Meet the Candidates night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Station Grille restaurant.

The free event will offer area residents an opportunity to meet candidates for various offices in the Nov. 4 general election. Light refreshments will be served.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to call Rich McCullough at (304) 527-0244 or Della Serevicz at (304) 737-4844.

Sheriff warns of

some solicitations

NEW CUMBERLAND – Companies soliciting money in Hancock County for the retrieval of residential deeds and property assessment profiles are doing so in a way that may be misleading, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department said.

Sheriff Ralph Fletcher said the company offering such services is not doing anything illegal; however, the service offered is at a highly inflated price.

“This information is, in fact, public record and can be easily obtained by the homeowners at a considerable savings through the county clerk’s office – at a cost of $1.50 for the first two pages and $1 for each additional page,” he said.

Fletcher said the literature mailed to property owners is complete, and the information listing any description of the property is correct and accurate. He said the literature also requests the consumer respond by a specific date, implying a sense of urgency for the consumer.

“This all leads the consumer to a false sense of urgency, along with their credibility,” Fletcher said. “We are notifying property owners that, in addition to the notice going around, their information is readily obtainable locally for a much lower cost.”

While these types of solicitations may not be illegal or classified as a scam, Fletcher said they can result in unnecessary expenses.

From staff reports

Regional Roundup

State awards crime

victims grand funds

COLUMBUS – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Wednesday he has awarded 282 Ohio crime victim services agencies with nearly $19 million in grant funds, including three in Jefferson County.

The programs receiving funding include domestic violence shelters, human trafficking outreach centers, aged-out foster youth initiatives, sexual, elder, and child abuse programs, legal aid initiatives and court-appointed special advocate programs.

The funding was awarded as Victims of Crime Act and/or State Victims Assistance Act grant funding.

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Victims Assistance Program received $38,725; A.L.I.V.E. domestic violence shelter, $121,202; and A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, $22,321.

“My office is pleased to provide these funds to help local agencies providing the best assistance possible for victims in Ohio,” DeWine said. “When a person is the victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse or any other type of crime, the agencies supported by these grant funds are there to help.”

Voter registration

deadline nears

STEUBENVILLE – Monday is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election.

Voter registration forms are available at the county board of elections office, 117 N. Third St., public libraries, public high schools or vocational schools, bureau of motor vehicles, county treasurer’s office or any agency that provides public assistance or disability programs.

The county board of elections office will be open until 9 p.m. on Monday.

Water shutoff planned

for Harvard Avenue

STEUBENVILLE – Water customers on Sharmont Avenue, Parkdale Road and Yale Place will experience low water pressure or no water Friday when a major water main tie-in connection is made on Harvard Avenue.

City Engineer Michael Dolak said the second phase of the water line tie-in will be from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Weirton sets

fall cleanup

WEIRTON – The city’s fall cleanup will begin Friday and continue through Oct. 10.

Collections will be on the same day as residents’ regular garbage collection. All items must be placed on the curb before 7 a.m. on collection day. If crews from Public Works have to return to an area after it has been completed, a fee will be assessed to residents.

On Friday, crews will collect metal items between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., including stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, hot water tanks, old railings, bicycle frames, metal shelving and other items.

Between Monday and Oct. 10, household items will be collected.

The city will not collect construction materials, vehicle tires or vehicle parts, tree trimmings and brush, propane tanks, hazardous materials, air conditioners, lawnmowers, paint and paint cans.

Recyclables also will not be collected during the cleanup.

Electronics will be collected; however, they must be separated from the regular household items.

An ordinance prohibiting the removal of garbage or other items placed for collection by the city will be in effect. Individuals cited shall be fined not less than $5 and no more than $500, plus costs, for the first offense. Subsequent instances could result in imprisonment for up to 30 days in addition to the fine.

For information, contact the Public Works Department at (304) 797-8540.

Regional Roundup

Three injured in

ATV wreck

BLOOMINGDALE – Three people were injured in an ATV wreck around 7 a.m. Tuesday on High Street in front of the post office.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported an ATV driven by Randole Barnhart, 23, of 1855 township Road 212, Bloomingdale, was attempting to turn left onto Cadiz Street when another ATV, driven by Anthony Walker, 24, of 86112 Miller Station Road, Cadiz, attempted to pass on the left and the two vehicles collided.

Walker and a passenger, Kylie Sturtevant, 22, of 498 Montwell Drive, Mingo Junction, were ejected from the vehicle, a trooper reported.

Walker’s ATV then went off the edge of the road and struck Sharon B. Carroll, 57, of 1468 township Road 204, Bloomingdale.

Carroll, a post office worker, was getting mail out of the mailbox outside the post office, the patrol reported. Carroll was treated and released from Trinity Medical Center West.

Walker was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital and Sturtevant was taken to Trinity. Their conditions are not known.

Alcohol use is suspected in the crash, which remains under investigation, the patrol reported.

Columbia Gas issues

scam warning

COLUMBUS – Columbia Gas of Ohio is warning its customers to beware of a telephone scam that has surfaced in several areas in Ohio over the past few days.

The scam is apparently targeted at both individual customers as well as small businesses.

A caller claiming to be from Columbia Gas informs the customer that they owe money from their past bill and must pay immediately or face termination of service. Business owners are instructed to make the transaction by purchasing a money pack card and then calling a toll-free number to complete the transaction.

Columbia Gas reminds customers the company never asks for pre-paid debit cards for payment and provides at least two business days for customers to make a payment before service is terminated.

Customers having questions about their account should call Columbia at (800) 344-4077. Customers believing they have been a victim of payment fraud are encouraged to contact local authorities as well.

Fire damages

Dove Inn

BLOOMINGDALE – A fire at the Dove Inn, state Route 152, damaged four of the 10 apartments and caused heavy damage to about half of the building on Wednesday, said Rich Davis, Unionport Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief.

Davis said the fire call came in about 3:18 p.m. Wednesday, and heavy smoke was coming from the building upon arrival of firefighters.

The fire got into attic apartments and partially burned through the roof.

The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical in the ceiling of an apartment, Davis said.

He noted all but two of the apartments were occupied. There were no injures.

Belvedere, Wintersville and Richmond fire departments assisted.

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