Tunnel removal to affect traffic

STRATTON — Traffic on state Route 7 near the village will be delayed at times starting today while crews remove the tunnel adjacent to the W.H. Sammis Plant.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation said both north- and southbound traffic will be stopped three or four times each day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

They said the interruptions shouldn’t occur for more than 15 minutes at a time but are expected to continue as the work proceeds through the summer.

The tunnel was created to accommodate the addition of antipollution equipment for the power plant more than 40 years ago.

It is among many structures being removed from the site by crews with B&B Wrecking and Excavating of Cuyahoga Heights since the plant was closed in July 2023.

Its owner, Energy Harbor, cited a decision to shift from plants powered by fossil fuels to carbon-free nuclear facilities more compliant with federal environmental regulations.

Wanton endangerment charges filed

WELLSBURG — A Wellsburg man has been charged with wanton endangerment for allegedly threatening a woman with a firearm during a domestic incident on Feb. 12.

A charge of third-offense domestic assault also has been filed against Jeremy R. Degarmo, 35, of 388 Rabbit Hill Road.

According to court documents, Brooke County sheriff’s deputies and City Police were called to a Wellsburg home in response to a call that a man was holding a pistol to a woman’s head.

Police said when they arrived, they found Degarmo and the woman in separate areas while Degarmo appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

The case against Degarmo is pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court.

Airport board schedules meeting

WINTERSVILLE — The Jefferson County Regional Airport Authority Board of Trustees will have a special session at 2 p.m. on Friday in the public conference room in the terminal building of the Jefferson County Airpark, 600 Airpark Drive, to discuss lease negotiations with Bates Brothers Amusements.

Weirton conservation order extended

WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Water Board has extended the mandatory conservation order for the city until Feb. 28.

Officials announced the extension Tuesday afternoon, saying their hope was for water tank storage levels to be re-established by then, allowing for the mandatory order to be discontinued at that time.

The order has been in place since Dec. 18.