Law enforcement in Belmont County is investigating a Thursday afternoon shots fired incident in Martins Ferry
Ohio — Law enforcement in Belmont County is investigating a Thursday afternoon shots fired incident in Martins Ferry
officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1100 block of Broadway Street
Residents in the area reported hearing several gunshots
prompting a swift response from Martins Ferry officers
along with Bridgeport Police and Belmont County Sheriff's Deputies
Witnesses told officers that a dark-colored sedan appeared to be chasing a person who was running away when the gunshots were heard
the individual who had been running was seen entering a separate vehicle
officers discovered several spent shell casings and collected other relevant evidence
Authorities are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact the Martins Ferry Police Department
Martins Ferry’s Tev’n Williams signed with Capital University on Sunday to continue his academic and athletic career with the Comets football program
The longtime Purple Riders running back finishes his career with 6,147 all-purpose yards and 61 total touchdowns
Pictured back row from left is grandmother Diane Williams
grandmother Cindy Hartley and grandfather Dave Hartley
Pictured front row from left is mother Terri Williams
Tev’n Williams and father Melvin Williams
| https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street
MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department will honor those members who served as first responders and died within the past year
The fire department recognizes honorary members of the fire departments who have passed away every year on the first Sunday of May
the department will honor four men this Sunday by putting their names on a monument in the city park
John Applegarth III and Joe Dalton have all died within the past year and served with the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department
Members qualify as honorary by being in active service for 10 years
Four companies have their own side on the monument with the list of names for that company
The department rotates churches every year
fire department members will go to the park’s monument to recognize the firemen who have passed
fire department members will head to the American Legion
where members will treat the department to a luncheon
Fire Chief Ron Hilton emphasized the fire department is all volunteer
and firemen give up their time away from their families to protect the city of Martins Ferry
“It’s just a tradition that goes way back in the beginning of the fire department,” Hilton said
“And it’s special to us to honor the firemen who come before us and paved the road for us.”
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
BRIDGEPORT – A man is lodged at the Belmont County Jail on Monday after he allegedly fired a gunshot during a ..
According to preliminary investigations by the Ohio State Highway Patrol
WOODSFIELD — Local community members can participate in a spring car show while helping to raise funds for two ..
| https://www.timesleaderonline.com | 200 S
How to watch West Virginia high school softball: Cen
Martins Ferry High School is on the road against Wheeling Central Catholic High School
The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country
Follow your favorite team and never miss a game
local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs
plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America
Watch Cen. Catholic vs. Martins Ferry on NFHS Network!
All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU
ELM GROVE – When Martins Ferry plays like it did Thursday night
The top seeds in Class 3A punched their ticket to the OVAC championship game on Saturday at 1 p.m
against second-seeded Wheeling Central with a 11-4 nod over No
4 Union Local on Lisa’s Field at the I-470 J.B
That’s a rematch of last year’s contest won by the Maroon Knights
but the Purple Riders (19-4) won an earlier game this season
“The girls came ready to play tonight,” head coach Jerry Magistro
“I thought we did a pretty good job in everything we did
Sometimes when you want to be aggressive it works
He was referring to the bottom of the sixth when Martins Ferry had a pair of runners thrown out at third base
We pitched really well and I thought we played really well on defense,” Magistro added
“We had some really nice catches in the outfield and infield.”
The Purple Riders scored twice in the first inning and tacked on four more in the second to stake winning pitcher Maddie Lucas to a 6-0 lead
Makayla Cole drew a walk before Giana Chirpas lined a laser that nearly took the glove off of Union Local second baseman Ella Pietranton
The throw to third was wild as Cole scored and Chirpas raced to third
Averi Hughes’ bouncer back up the middle deflected off the glove of Union Local pitcher Kylie Stidd as Chirpas scored to make it 2-0
With two out and runners on first and second in the bottom of the second inning
Cole lined a triple to the gap in right-center as the margin increased to 4-0
Chirpas was walked and with the count 2-0 on Abby Snedeker
the throw back from the catcher got away from the pitcher as Cole raced home
When the ball was kicked around in the infield
Chirpas alertly scampered home to make it 6-0
“The only person that beat us today was us
defensively,” lamented Union Local head coach Melissa Lahna
I thought we made some really good defensive plays
Union Local (14-9) made a game of it with four runs in the fourth
three coming on one swing of the bat by freshman Kloe Gallagher
Gallagher turned on an 0-1 pitch and sent it deep into the night in left-center
“That was a big home run by a freshman,” Lahna noted
Martins Ferry got those four runs back an inning later and added an insurance marker in the seventh
Samantha Goddard belted an RBI double and Keighan Brandon added a two-run double
Snedeker doubled home Chirpas In the seventh to cap the scoring
Maddie Lucas struck out nine and walked two
The sophomore gave up all four hits in the fourth
Chirpas and Hughes evenly split four singles
The championship game is tentatively set for Saturday at Lisa’s Field
2 Bridgeport – will follow at 3 on the same field
the games could be moved to Wheeling Park’s all-turf field
the Ohio High School Athletic Association girls and boys basketball state tournaments will ..
Rich Rodriguez made a big splash in the transfer portal on Wednesday
CLAIRSVILLE – Colton McKivitz was a three-sport standout – baseball
CADIZ — The Wheeling Central Maroon Knights’ and Martins Ferry Purple Riders’ first meeting this season will be for all the marbles
The top-seeded Knights and third-seeded Riders will meet in Thursday’s OVAC 3A championship game on Harrison Central High School’s Mazeroski Field under the lights
won their semifinal against Monroe Central in decisive fashion
while Martins Ferry upset Linsly to reach the title game
because it means you have a good record to this point in the season
but when it comes to the championship none of that means anything,” Wheeling Central head coach Todd Cover said
“It’s two teams out there battling and whoever makes the most plays is going to win
We hope to be on the winning side tomorrow.”
we had to beat Barnesville to get in,” Martins Ferry Anthony Reasbeck explained
we’ve got to win 21 innings to win the championship
I guess that makes us feel a helluva lot better than 21
now we’ve got to win seven more innings.”
While either team took different paths to the final
their game plans for Wednesday are aligned
“We’re going to have to limit Central’s offense,” Reasbeck said
so we need to keep them at bay as much as possible
We have to throw strikes and play tremendous defense behind [Hunter] Shutler
If they score six or seven runs we’ll have a problem.”
“Our pitchers are going to have to get ahead in counts– we can’t always throw fastballs in fastball counts because they’re too good of a hitting team for that,” Cover said
make the routine plays and get timely hits
I know they’re going to throw their best at us and it’s probably going to be a low-scoring game
so whoever gets a couple runners on and gets the timely hits
they’re going to end up ahead.”
Wheeling Central brings a lineup with a ton of depth into the championship game
with 14 returning lettermen from last year’s OVAC championship team
They are led by their senior quartet of Gary Hatfield
Steven Brodegard has been a great arm for Central– the junior threw a five-inning perfect game in the semis against Monroe Central
striking out 13– and Central has plenty of arms behind him too
“We played them in the semis last year and the game lasted five innings
They’re about as good as you get as a baseball team and we know that coming in
But if we can get seven innings to six innings
five to four– you just never know.”
The Purple Riders’ freshman-filled team last year has turned into a sophomore-laden squad this year
with second-year players like Hunter Shutler
Christian Shutler and Eli Smith all tallying RBI in Ferry’s semifinal against Linsly
one of three seniors on the team along with first baseman Alex Reese and second baseman Hunter Theil
struck out five in that game and had an RBI at the plate as well
“They’re talented,” Cover said of Martins Ferry
“I’ve coached some of the kids on that team so I know they’re talented
They’ve got good pitching and they can hit the ball
I expect a tight game tomorrow and hopefully we can make one more play than they do.”
Martins Ferry won the OVAC championship in 2022
while Wheeling Central is seeking to defend the title
“As a program– and I don’t mean to sound overconfident– but I expect us to be there every year,” Cover said
that’s where we want to get our program to
that’s OVAC’s and the state championship
I think we’re talented enough to take a shot at both of them and it starts tomorrow against a really talented Martins Ferry team.”
“They had to grow up a little faster than usual,” Reasbeck said of his team
“We’re starting five sophomores and a freshman
but we’re a little ahead of schedule
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Stephen Kolek pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his first major league start and combined with ..
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy and the Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell have a friendship that goes back ..
|Photo by Jennifer Compston-Strough| Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies shows Councilwoman Suzanne Armstrong a map Wednesday that identifies city-owned property where a company has proposed a logging project
Council will consider the plan and decide whether to seek bids on such a project
MARTINS FERRY – The ongoing closures
layoffs and financial challenges at East Ohio Regional Hospital are “a huge deal,” according to Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies
That was his response to resident Richard Hord
who asked council on Wednesday how concerned officials are that the hospital will close its doors
it’s a huge loss to the citizens because
before it opened up four or five years ago
we had a 12- and 13-hour wait in the waiting room,” Davies replied
referring to the crowded emergency rooms at other area hospitals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when EORH was closed from 2019-21
not just to the city (in the form of a 1% income tax)
They’re going to lose that money also
Davies reported that the hospital is “struggling pretty hard.” Since mid-February
EORH has announced the closure of its long-term and skilled nursing facility
the cancellation of “ancillary” services and the planned closure of its East Ohio Hometown Pharmacy
The hospital also failed to pay employees as scheduled on March 7 and urged them to seek coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace after The Health Plan canceled its group coverage for nonpayment
employees said they still had not been paid
with another payday scheduled this coming Friday
More than 60 staff members have filed police reports regarding nonpayment of wages and insurance claims
that the hospital had paid 100% of its water bill to the city
The mayor also discussed a check the city issued to Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich – the first installment of a payment plan designed to help the hospital pay more than $1.2 million in delinquent property taxes
Davies stressed that the money used to make that payment belonged to the hospital
That is because the city and hospital owner Dr
John Johnson established an agreement regarding the city’s 1% income tax before Johnson reopened the facility
employees of the hospital pay the tax to the city
When the hospital makes capital improvements
the city is obligated to return 75% of those tax proceeds to the hospital to help cover those costs
Solicitor Paul Stecker is responsible for confirming the capital improvements are completed before releasing the funds to the hospital
Stecker was present Wednesday but left before the meeting ended
so he was not available to provide details of the capital improvements that led to the most recent release of funds
“The city issued a check for $33,400 I believe
Let me say that again – comes out of their money,” Davies emphasized
“… Then the rest of their funds were released … Paul was given the paperwork for capital improvements
That’s what the money was released for
We did not release their money to pay taxes
“It was their money that they used on capital improvements
We were reimbursing them their money,” he continued
“One of the reasons we took it out to the county is I talked to Kathy Kelich about putting an extension on and getting a contract with them so they didn’t foreclose on the hospital
As long as they continue to make a payment it’ll remain in effect.”
about half of that money will go to Martins Ferry City Schools due to levy obligations
and an additional percentage will be returned to the city while the remainder will go to the county to be distributed
Stecker confirmed that the city has released all of the income tax revenue owed to the hospital through the end of 2024
council heard from Dennis Yoder of Three Rivers Hardwoods
who proposed a logging project on city-owned property
Council will consider the proposal and put the work out to bid if officials decide to proceed
Davies also sought and received council’s approval to pay $13,187.50 to Robin Davis
who temporarily served the city as its water operator of record
Davies said Davis worked out a 320-hour contract plus an additional 422 hours at a rate of $31.25 per hour
Davies sought and received approval to pay current water operators of record $4,500 for one month of work
also recommended that council transfer $30,000 from the general fund to the cemetery fund to pay for spring and summer mowing and maintenance
Regis said a draft appropriations budget would be completed and distributed to council members today
He mentioned that replacing two police cruisers next year as scheduled would add about $130,000 to the plan
Council’s Finance Committee will meet at 5 p.m
The full council will meet in special session at 4:30 p.m
March 27 at the city building to consider the committee’s recommendation and to potentially approve the budget as proposed
Monroe County’s recent Delinquent Land Tax Sale resulted in a record-breaking $937,416.07 in total sales for 31 ..
WEIRTON — A man wanted by Weirton police for allegedly stealing a vehicle and firearm earlier this year was ..
A public meeting took place Thursday to discuss a property tax proposal for the Martins Ferry School District
Ohio — A public meeting took place Thursday to discuss a property tax proposal for the Martins Ferry School District
A proposal was presented to the board to transfer 4 mills of inside millage
which equals $1,086,000 of revenue per year
taxpayers would have seen an increase in their taxes to avoid layoffs within the district
The resolution did not pass a second motion and eventually it was denied
"We have to have our financial recovery plan submitted to the Ohio Department of Education Workforce by Feb
then we’ll institute our first round of cuts and layoffs
Then we'll come up with something together
are not ruling out millage from the general fund to the permanent improvement fund
But we’ll try to maybe combine that with other options to
though an exact number has not been announced yet
Many teachers and staff showed up to speak out before the vote
"I'd like to see a solution to our problem
to this financial situation,” middle school intervention specialist Ronda Malloy said
I have my own children who attend this school
And I would like to see them to continue to be educated here
and he didn’t get that all on his own; it was because of the support staff in Martins Ferry.”
Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies already worries about higher taxes for residents
"This isn’t a 4-mill tax and $11 dollars a month,” he said
“This is about inflation in the whole scenario that’s driving people down
This community supports the school and the teachers
"I hope they’re able to get the school and the funding under control
They need to get a stable plan moving forward
and I think they need better leadership."
the school will have to look at other solutions to generate revenue
Malloy recommended getting East Ohio Regional Hospital involved
"I think the hospital should pay their fair share of taxes,” Malloy said
and they have a debt that needs to be paid.”
After announcing its decision to make financial cuts
the Martins Ferry Board of Education voted on its first round of RIF (Reduction in Force) cuts Thursday night
Ohio — After announcing its decision to make financial cuts
The cuts are a part of a plan that was submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
The district has to make cuts due to a low fund amount with a projected deficit of more than $2.4 million
The board has determined that it needs to reduce the staff by 14% and this will go into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year
RELATED: Martins Ferry Schools face layoffs and financial challenges, community voices concerns
"This has been a long plan that we've put together to try to rectify our financial situation,” Superintendent Jim Fogle said. “One cut is too many, but we are in a situation right now where it has to be done.”
Affected positions include support staff, administrative and some at-will employees. In total, 14 employees will be cut in this first round. As of now, Fogle said they don't know how many total employees could be affected.
Lana Jennette, vice president of the teacher's union, and President Paul Matuska said moving forward they hope the board can think of the kids and the programs.
"As of right now, we are just waiting and hoping that the right decisions will be made and that the kids are put first, that the programs are here, that we can still be a part of what we see every day,” Jennette said.
"I've been a teacher there for 35 years and I love Martins Ferry Schools, and I love my job there with the teachers and the people I work with and the kids that we see,” Matuska said. “So, I'd like to see our programs stay strong. We've always had strong programs there and I’d like to see our district become solid for the future."
During the meeting, all board members voted to donate their pay back to the school district and Fogle added that they are trying to make this plan as fair and equitable as possible.
"We'll do the best that we can to make sure that our plan has the least effect on our students in the classroom,” Fogle said.
Moving forward, Matuska hopes the school district will bounce back for the sake of the students.
"I'd like to see our district become solid for the future; the kids in Martins Ferry schools deserve that."
MARTINS FERRY – As Martins Ferry Board of Education members voted Thursday to make an initial round of staff cuts to offset financial difficulties, they also voted to forgo their own paychecks until those hardships are overcome.
Board members voted unanimously to approve a Reduction in Force of 14 non-teaching staff, administrative staff and at-will employees.
In December, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce notified the board that the district would be required to prepare and implement a financial recovery plan to correct its low fund balance and to eliminate a projected deficit of more than $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2027.
The board submitted a financial reduction plan to the state department on Feb. 24, which was approved by state officials on Feb. 27.
“Tonight they approved some of the RIFs of our OAPSE (Ohio Association of Public School Employees) positions and some of our administrative positions and some of our at-will employees who are our central office staff,” Superintendent Jim Fogle said. “There were two teaching positions that were RIF’d through attrition and a building administrator whose position was RIF’d due to his retirement through attrition as well.
“Right now in this portion of the Financial Reduction Plan right now, we’re approximately looking at 14 employees,” Fogle said when asked how many employees would be let go during the first phase of the plan.
He added that it is unclear how many additional cuts will be made during the second phase of the plan.
“This has been a long plan that we’ve put together to try to rectify our financial situation. One cut is too many, but we’re in a situation right now that it has to be done,” Fogle said. “We’ll do the best that we can to make sure that our plan has the least effect on our students in the classroom.”
He added that the district plans to continue to provide a quality education for students while navigating financial challenges, which include $11 million that the district had to spend on unforeseen capital improvements which were necessary at the time to ensure the safety of students and staff. The work included infrastructure improvements, two hill slips and roof replacements on each building.
Fogle said that the second and final rounds of cuts will be for the Martins Ferry Education Association, which is the union that represents the teaching staff. He said that it is too early to discuss any details regarding the second round of cuts because the board of education and the union are still working through contractual language. He said once that issue is resolved, the board will be able to move forward.
Meanwhile, board member Jon Nagel made a motion to have the district withhold his payment for his service as a board member. Board members James Agnew, Dave Bruney, Allen Marangoni and Chuck Probst also agreed to forgo their pay, with all members approving the motion in a voice vote.
“I think that it’s a great thing for them to do, to be selfless and give that money back to the district considering the situation that we’re in, but it doesn’t surprise me because everybody on our board of education are here for our students and are here to see our district succeed,” Fogle said.
Monroe County’s recent Delinquent Land Tax Sale resulted in a record-breaking $937,416.07 in total sales for 31 ...
WEIRTON — A man wanted by Weirton police for allegedly stealing a vehicle and firearm earlier this year was ...
Copyright © 2025 Wheeling Newspapers, Inc. | https://www.theintelligencer.net | 1500 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-233-0100
President Donald Trump makes a major sports announcement. The announcement comes amid reports Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft.
WATCHProposed property tax increase by Martins Ferry Schools has city leaders concernedby Olivia Zinn
About 3,400 Martins Ferry households could see a rise in property taxes as a transfer of 4 mills is being considered by the city's school district
Ohio — About 3,400 Martins Ferry households could see a rise in property taxes as a transfer of 4 mills is being considered by the city's school district
According to a notice provided by the Martins Ferry School District
the board is proposing to convert 4 mills of property tax within a 10-mill limitation from a current operating expenses allocation
and other facilities in the school district of five years or more."
The proposal comes just weeks after some Belmont County residents were hit with another property tax increase
Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies understands the harsh conditions
"I have people on fixed incomes,” Davies said
I may not be able to buy medicine this month or I might lose my home because Belmont County raised the taxes
"The problem is these people who are 60
This levy would also put several staff members at all levels of the district in jeopardy of losing their job
which could easily affect an already declining student enrollment
"Our registration in our schools is down (to) 1,300 last year,” Davies said
“And it's going to continue to dwindle.”
The reason for the levy and the loss of jobs
School officials say aside from a projected deficit of over $2.4 million
the district still owes approximately 23 years of debt payments in the amount of $700,000 per year
the facility is seeing $11 million in safety repairs and improvements
"The school is built on unstable ground
which isn't the teachers’ fault,” Davies said
you're going to continue to have damage
what's going to happen next year when they need another $4 million?”
The annual tax increase would average about $140 a year per $100,000 appraised value
NEWS9 reached out to board officials on the matter
but did not receive additional comments Monday
A public hearing is set for Thursday at 6 p.m
Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies speaks against the Martins Ferry Board of Education potentially transferring 4 mills of property tax within the 10-mill limitation from a general fund to a permanent improvements fund
A motion for the Martins Ferry Board of Education to transfer 4 mills of property tax within the 10-mill limitation from a general fund to a permanent improvements fund died for lack of a second Thursday evening
Board Vice President Dave Bruney made the motion to transfer the 4 mills to the permanent improvement fund
No board member seconded the motion; as a result
members of the Martins Ferry Education Association walked out of the meeting at the high school library in protest
the association made a statement that was shared on social media
asking for residents’ support of the millage shift
“The district has to produce a package that cuts expenses or raises revenue by about $2.4 million in the annual budget
In addition to making across the board cuts to administrators
part of the solution to this deficit is to enact a four mil transfer of funds in the school’s budget
reducing the need for cuts to about $1.3 million.”
the funds would have been used to offset payments the board is making out of the general fund on an $11 million loan that paid for several facility improvements
Among them were fixing two separate hill slips behind the elementary school; replacing the roofs of the elementary
middle and high school buildings; and replacing the flooring of the middle and high schools
“In December of 2024 the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce notified us that the district would be required to prepare and implement a financial recovery plan to correct its low fund balance and to eliminate a projected deficit of over $2.4 million in fiscal year ’27
Much of the deficit spending negatively impacted the district’s financial position (is) attributed to over $11 million that the district had to spend on unforeseen capital improvements which were necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff
The remediations consisted of phase one or four projects
and the roof replacements on each building,” Superintendent Jim Fogle said
“In accordance with the Department of Education and Workforce
The district has identified approximately $2.1 million in cost savings for fiscal year ’26
The majority of which will come from a reduction in force at all levels of the district
resulting in the suspension of 14% of our current workforce
reducing expenses by staffing reductions alone will not solve the district’s financial problems.”
Martins Ferry High School art teacher Natalie Zambori spoke in support of the transfer
“I’ve been an employee here for 17 years
so I’ve seen a lot of kids grow up through the Martins Ferry school district,” Zambori said
“I believe it is so crucial to allow our district to maintain our essential staffing and the programs that directly impact our students’ success
we face a devastating loss of vital educational opportunities that prepare our students for the future.”
She added that she believes the teachers and staff at the Martins Ferry School District are the foundation of students’ achievement
specialized instruction and individualized support are only possible when we have these resources,” Zambori said
this action is necessary to sustain elective programs that enrich our students’ lives.”
Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies spoke out against the shift during a public hearing prior to the vote
He noted that although his words may come off as being harsh
he wanted to remind everyone in attendance that he wasn’t there to slander anyone
“I don’t think we need this tax right now
I think we need to go back to the state and say
‘Give us some time to make a plan and get some professional people in here looking for fundings,” Davies said
“If this isn’t run like a business
I don’t care how much money is put at it
We probably have some of the best teachers in the valley if not the state
and we don’t need to lose any of them and I think it’s a shame if we do.”
He added that he believed if the board didn’t table the vote and take time to come up with a plan
then it would lead to animosity in the city
money moved to the permanent improvements fund could only have been used for capital improvements and not for any salary or benefits
According to information released by the district
transferring that millage would have kept the district from making deeper staffing cuts than already projected through a financial recovery plan.If passed
the change would have resulted in an increase in the amount of real property taxes levied by the board
According to information provided by the district
a resident with real estate assessed at $100,000 would have seen a monthly property tax increase of $11.67
The Martins Ferry City School District will undergo several staffing cuts in the 2025-26 school year
Growing frustration over planned staffing cuts by the Martins Ferry Board of Education led resident Kimie Markus to create a petition
the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce notified the Martins Ferry Board of Education that the district would be required to prepare and implement a financial recovery plan to correct its low fund balance and to eliminate a projected deficit of over $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2027
The district identified approximately $2.1 million in cost savings for FY26
the majority of which will come from a reduction in force at all levels of the district
resulting in the suspension of 14% of the workforce
reducing expenses by staffing reductions alone will not solve the district’s financial problems
Markus created a petition on March 7 to notify the board that district residents want members to reevaluate their decision to make the cuts
“We understand the need for financial decisions
we believe alternative solutions exist that do not rob our children of their right to the best education
This is a call to all the families in the Martins Ferry school district
Please sign this petition to make your voice heard,” the Change.Org petition states
The petition had garnered 265 signatures by late Friday from residents who believe there is a better way for the district to save money
president of the Martins Ferry Education Association union that represents the teaching staff
Matuska said although he wants a solution without cuts being made
He added that from everything that he’s seen
the district will not be able to afford to proceed without the cutbacks
“The very worst thing that could happen would be for us to get in a state of fiscal emergency where the state comes in,” Matuska said
He added that he understands residents’ frustration and their decision to sign the petition
but he believes those who are signing the petition don’t fully understand the complexity of the matter
Markus said the disconnect comes from a lack of transparency regarding all aspects of the matter
Martins Ferry Superintendent Jim Fogle said that although the financial reduction plan was submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce on Feb
he believes it is too soon to provide the public any information regarding the plan
Martins Ferry Board of Education President James Agnew echoed Fogle’s remarks
saying that the board is working out the details right now and he believes it would be premature for him to speak on the matter
So we’ll have to wait until that takes place,” Fogle said
He added that he believes the public will be made aware of the plan’s details by the end of March
Martins Ferry resident Nikki Deuel recently took to social media to post a list of various positions she said would be cut in the 2025-26 school year
Deuel’s post went viral throughout the Ohio Valley
receiving a plethora of shares and comments
She said she received the list from a district employee
Matuska said the list that he’s seen is not accurate or in line with the conversations he’s been engaging in with the board of education
Matuska added that although he doesn’t believe Deuel’s list is accurate
he doesn’t believe it is his position to relay the information regarding what the cuts will be until the plan is made official
It is unclear when the announcement of specific cuts will be made
Markus said she believes that if either Fogle or Matuska were to release a statement refuting the list that is circulating on social media
it would go a long way toward a better understanding for staff
students and parents of the Martins Ferry City School District
A call to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce on Friday did not result in any additional information about the situation in Martins Ferry being obtained
the Democrat Party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2024 election
appears Monday at the United Steelworkers of America Local 1238 in Martins Ferry
holding his first event of several during a three-day tour of Ohio
Walz also will hold a town hall Monday evening in Youngstown
at the DeYor Performing Arts Center on West Federal Street
has introduced another bill to help families save money without tax penalties
BARNESVILLE – It was business as usual for the Martins Ferry softball team on Good Friday
The red-hot Purple Riders (13-1) strengthened their hold as the top seed in the OVAC Class 3A standings with a convincing
decision over host Barnesville (12-3) on the sun-splashed Memorial Park diamond in western Belmont County
Martins Ferry extended its streak to 13 in a row after a season-opening setback to Wheeling Park
The contest could have served as a preview of a possible playoff meeting as the cut-off date looms next weekend
The Shamrocks were in third place behind United (11-1) and ahead of Wheeling Central (12-3)
“The girls played well and our coaches did a good job on the scouting of Barnesville,” Martins Ferry head coach Jerry Magistro said
“People don’t realize how much time the girls
Winning pitcher Maddie Lucas went the distance inside the circle
She also threw a first-pitch strike to 22 of the 29 Shamrocks she faced
“We’re confident with either Maddie or Abby (Snedeker) in the circle,” Magistro said
“They both have done a good job for us
Lucas also helped herself at the plate with a single
double and home run that produced five runs from the leadoff spot in the order
“She has really come on with the bat,” Magistro said of Lucas
but we are still a very young team.”
Snedeker gave the visitors a 2-0 lead with a one-out triple to left in the first inning
After Barnesville responded with a run in its half of the first
Lucas sent a drive over the left fielder’s head for a second-inning roundtripper – her third in two games – and a 3-1 advantage
Martins Ferry took advantage of three errors by the Shamrocks in the third as it built an 8-1
Lucas doubled to left with two outs to drive in two runs
they committed two more errors and Lucas made them pay once again with a single to left that bumped the count to 10-2
We didn’t look like the same team that we’ve been playing like,” Barnesville head coach Kelley Hanlon said
“Our hitting wasn’t like it has been to this point
Averi Hughes added an RBI single and Kendahl Brandon picked up an RBI
Chaela Smolira singled and tripled for Barnesville
Her triple came in the first inning and drove in Maddy Tyson
she was thrown out trying for a home run on a fine relay thrown from – none other than – Maddie Lucas
Hanlon said this loss was one that she hopes the girls forget about and move forward
“That’s just what I told the girls
Tyson had a pair of singles and Lily Welch belted a double
She struck out four and walked three before giving way to Abigail Johnson to start the sixth
The same two teams meet again Monday high atop the Purple City
Martins Ferry treks to Woodsfield Saturday for a twinbill against the Seminoles
WHEELING – Martins Ferry was the last team to punch its ticket into the OVAC Class 3A Baseball playoffs last Friday
Now the Purple Riders will play in their third championship game in the last five seasons
That came about Monday afternoon on cloud-covered Holloway Field as the third-seeds doubled up host Linsly
by an 8-4 count before a nice-sized crowd on the Linsly campus
Martins Ferry (6-4) advances to the championship game this weekend against the winner of Tuesday’s matchup between No
4 Monroe Central and top-seeded Wheeling Central
on the Wheeling University diamond at the I-470 J.B
Veteran Martins Ferry head coach Anthony Reasbeck found himself in a dilemma shortly before game time as starting pitcher Eli Smith developed a sore shoulder while warming up
“I wanted the ball the whole time,” Ludolph said after working into the fifth before handing the ball over to Colby Kropka
“I just wanted to go out there and mow them down
I want to thank God for helping me do what I did
I didn’t have my ‘A’ game today
but I did what I could do and let my defense make the plays
“We put all of our cards on the table and said let’s go,” he added
who has signed to play football at the University of Rio Grande
said he never received any offers to play baseball
The senior lefty struck out five and walked two
He worked his way out of a jam in the third when the Cadets (10-8) had runners on second and third with no outs after Chris Upton reached on an error and Carson Gessler belted the first of his two doubles
induced a grounder to third and another roller to first to escape unscathed
“That was huge,” Reasbeck stressed
“Ayden asked me earlier in the day when I thought he would pitch
I was planning on breaking them up because I knew neither one of them was going seven innings
He’s played in so many big games for us
I knew he would have a good game today.”
Although he wasn’t able to use his arm to help his team
the sophomore catcher didn’t have any problem with his bat with his first home run of the season
three-run shot that capped a five-run top of the second
Sophomore Christian Shutler had an earlier RBI single
“The first at-bat I was just thinking of getting a base hit,” Smith explained of his first-inning single
“But the second at-bat I was thinking right-center
I made good contact and the ball just happened to go over the fence.”
with Smith and Christian Shutler having two each
These guys are fun to be around but with us still being rather young
“We can look like the Yankees one night and the Pirates the next
That’s what makes it so difficult because you never know what might happen.”
Martins Ferry watched as Linsly scored single runs in the fourth and fifth frames to inch to within 5-3 on a fielder’s choice and an RBI single by Patrick Christ
slapped a two-run single in a three-run sixth as the Purple Riders provided Kropka with some breathing room
Gessler’s second two-bagger preceded a run-scoring single by Jaxon Murray in the sixth to make it 8-4
but Kropka retired the final four batters to earn the save
“Evan has battled for us all season,” Linsly head coach Jay Cartwright said of starting pitcher Evan Zido
He left a couple of pitches up early and they’ve got some really good hitters
Zido took the mound instead of senior Rocco Paolina
the Cadets ace who was injured over the weekend while running the bases
Martins Ferry finished runner up in 2021 before winning the title a year later
It was eliminated in the semifinals the past two seasons
Linsly lost in the championship game last summer to Wheeling Central
WOODSFIELD — Martins Ferry continued its dominance on the Ohio Valley softball circuit Saturday by pounding host ..
Cast members for Martins Ferry High School theatre Department’s production of “Hadestown: Teen Edition” include
Nick Nolan and Kaylee Long; second row from left
Dani Porto-Lessa and Sal Briggs; continuing up the stairs are Olivia Augenstein
Rayanne Rose and Abigail Carpino; and top row are Alexandra Gramatikos
MARTINS FERRY –The Martins Ferry High School Theatre Department will take audiences on a heart-wrenching yet hopeful journey to the Underworld and back in their performances of the musical “Hadestown: Teen Edition.”
at the Martins Ferry High School Cafetorium
“Hadestown” premiered on Broadway in 2019 and won eight Tony Awards that year
intertwining the fates of Orpheus and Eurydice
It features mesmerizing melodies pitting “industry against nature
doubt against faith and fear against love,” according to Broadway.com
“This show has been a huge undertaking for us,” MFHS Theatre director Julia Wayne said
“We knew coming into it that it would be something we would have to put all of our energy and time into developing
but the story is so beautiful and the music is infectious
We are ecstatic to bring this breathtaking story to our community.”
The cast includes Sal Briggs as Hermes; Ryan Connors as Orpheus; Alexandra Gramatikos as Eurydice; Alex Danehart as Hades; Samantha Roundtree as Persephone; Abby Carpino as Fate 1; Rayanne Rose as Fate 2; Olivia Augenstein as Fate 3; and Hayden Tinnel
The “Hadestown” crew includes stage manager Zoe Heath
sound technicians Silas Blount and Mia McCormack
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults
Pre-sale tickets are available from cast or crew members or in the high school office
Milo Dobresk and Silas Blount; and standing from left
ELM GROVE – A pair of Ohio Valley Athletic Conference softball heavyweights met Tuesday on sunny Ben’s Field at the J.B
Chambers I-470 Complex in what could have been a preview of next week’s Class 3A Tournament
Top-seeded Martins Ferry (16-1) continued its red-hot play with a 5-2 decision over No
The victory was the 16th in a row for the Purple Riders and avenged a 9-1 loss to the Maroon Knights in last year’s OVAC championship game
“Maddie did her job inside the circle and we played really well behind her,” veteran Martins Ferry head coach Jerry Magistro said
“We had that one error at the end where one girl called for the ball and the other didn’t hear her
Martins Ferry took the lead for good when Giana Chirpas belted a two-run double to the fence in right in the top of the third
The hit scored Maddie Lucas who was hit by a pitch and Makayla Cole who had reached on a bunt single
Wheeling Central sliced the deficit in half in the bottom of the third as Trina Baker reached on a throwing error and came around on Ava Hanon’s double to the gap in right-center
the Maroon Knights couldn’t do more damage as Lucas retired the next three batters
The Purple Riders scored solo runs in the fourth
fifth and sixth innings to build a 5-1 lead as Keegan Brandon singled in Sam Goddard; Averi Hughes doubled home Chirpas and Keegan Brandon scored on a Cole single
“We thought we could hit her,” Magistro said of Wheeling Central ace Josie Frizzell
“We got some key hits from some girls
“The Frizzell girl is a really good pitcher
“I have a lot of respect for that program.”
which wasted a leadoff double by Erin Maxwell in the second
made it 5-2 in the seventh when Chlope Groome singled to left with one out and raced around the bases on Trina Baker’s double to left
Baker was thrown out trying for third on a fine relay from Goddard to Grace Lucas to Addy Snedeker
Maddie Lucas earned the win in the circle with half-a-dozen strikeouts
She did not walk a batter and scattered five hits
Chirpas supplied the offense with two singles and a double
“I was happy with the girls’ effort
They played hard,” Wheeling Central head coach Buck Davidson said
“We had just that one baserunning error there at the end
but other than that I thought we played a really good game
They got the hits and we didn’t.”
didn’t walk a batter and gave up 11 hits
Barnesville on Thursday and Cambridge on Friday
heads to Barnesville today before hosting University on Thursday
Pictured is the Martins Ferry boys basketball team after it clinched the Ohio Division V Eastern District championship Saturday at Harrison Central High School with a 70-54 victory over St
are head coach Derek Edwards holding his son Brady Edwards
ATHENS – It’s been just over a decade since Martins Ferry advanced to the boys basketball regional tournament
Following a pair of upset victories in the Ohio Division V East 2 District Tournament over rivals Union Local and St
the Purple Riders (14-11) are headed to the Convocation Center on the campus of Ohio University where they will meet Chesapeake (22-3) in a Region 19 semi final Friday at 8 p.m
The Panthers have lost twice to Proctorville Fairland 68-62 and 55-49 defeated Wheelersburg 49-45 for the Southeast 2 District title
“Any time you are playing into March
that’s the goal of every team going into the season
it’s a good feeling,” Martins Ferry head coach Derek Edwards said Tuesday following practice
“I’ve seen them early in the season and I’ve seen them a lot the past couple of days,” Edwards said of Chesapeake
They are well-coached and have an established program
6-3 and 6-2 across the front so they’ve got good size like we do,” Edwards added
They play very well together and they play tenacious defense which makes them really tough
“They aren’t in the regional by mistake
A trip to the regionals didn’t seem a possibility as the Purple Riders struggled out of the gate at 3-8 and saw two players – one being starter Anthony Booth – lost for an extended time with injuries
“I think our schedule is a major reason why we have 11 losses
A lot of people don’t realize what we went through early with injuries and our schedule
but these kids have stayed the course,” the head coach said
Martins Ferry has lost twice to West Virginia-ranked Wheeling Central and three times to Division VI regional semifinalist Monroe Central
and also fell to a very good Coshocton squad that was upset in the East 1 District finals by Garaway
We’ve got four days to get better in practice,” Edwards noted
“We’re going to put a lot of hard work in during these four days
I don’t think we’ve played our best game yet
I really don’t because I think we can continue to get better by doing some little things here and there
“I think it is our job as coaches to keep the guys level-headed
both during the good stretches and the bad stretches,” he stressed
It’s a time to evaluate our team and where we are at
you don’t have time at the end of the season to do those things
This little break gives us that opportunity
I feel that we are going to have a stronger performance than we’ve had so far.”
The Purple Riders are led by 6-6 Youngstown State University football recruit Alex Reese who averages a double-double with 22.1 points and 10.2 rebounds a night
He had 19 points and 11 boards in the 58-48 win over Union Local and then poured in 23 points and snagged 14 rebounds against St
I don’t think a lot of people knew that he was
playing on one wheel,” Edwards admitted
there for a while we were afraid it might be a season-ending injury
but mentally and physically he has worked through those things and now he is 100 percent and playing extremely well at both ends of the floor
He has grown up in this gym and grew up with us as coaches,” Edwards praised
He goes home and watches film and dissects it
It’s something that he takes very seriously
at practice he coordinates a lot of things and tells the other players where they should be.”
The only other senior is 6-0 Tev’n Williams who is the ideal role player
averaging around 5 points and a like number of rebounds
“Tev’n has been an outstanding leader for us
I’ve always called him the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ because of all the things he does,” Edwards said
“You look at his stats sometimes and nothing jumps out at you
but then you watch the film and he does so many things that don’t show up in the box score that a common basketball fan doesn’t notice.”
Junior Maurice Barnett is only listed at 5-10
He scores around 7 points and pulls down 4 rebounds a game
He scored 17 points against Union Local and 12 against St
He makes a lot of good plays,” Edwards noted
“He has blocked some shots in the tournament
He’s gotten some steals and he’s made some three’s
so it’s hard for the opposing teams to figure out what to do with him
Sophomores Gavin Little (6-2) and Eli Smith (6-3) have really come into their own this season
Little came up huge against the Red Devils with 14 points
all but two of those came on four triples on four tries
“Gavin gets up about 70,000 shots a summer
and that really helps,” Edwards noted
“That’s why I think we’ve been playing as well as we have lately,” Edwards continued
“We have a lot of unselfish players just trying to make the right plays.”
Smith had 11 rebounds against Union Local and scored 16 big points against St
“We knew he had all the tools to be a good player,” Edwards said
Edwards doesn’t go to his bench much
5-11 freshman Walkquem Cox is who he calls on
“He’s had a strong month for us,” Edwards pointed out
“He really has and he’s only a freshman
he fools us as coaches because of his play
He’s learned a lot this past month as far as what he can do and what he can’t do
“It hasn’t been our individual play
it’s been the collective play of all five starters,” Edwards praised
“It’s been each other playing for each other.”
Eli Maine and Jayden Clark; and promising freshman Elijah Roby
Edwards also thanked the students and community for their support this season
I’m from here and I’m very proud of the community and students for supporting the team,” he stressed
“This is going to be a lot of fun for the kids and our fans.”
The Martins Ferry-Chesapeake winner plays the Minford-Garaway semifinal winner at 4:30 Sunday
MARTINS FERRY — The victims in a Sunday shooting in Martins Ferry have been identified by Martins Ferry police
and a third person was hospitalized in the incident
Martins Ferry Police Chief Jerry Murphy said Richard Haldeman and Jennifer Meeker were those killed in the shooting
while Scott Meeker was taken to WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to the face
the Martins Ferry Police Department received a call from Scott Meeker saying a man by the name of Richard had just shot him in the face along with his ex-wife at his West Vine Street home
Scott Meeker said he believed the shooter was still in the house
who Murphy said had injuries to the nose area and down the side of his face
Scott Meeker told the officers the shooter was still in the house
After the officers moved Scott Meeker to the porch outside
they entered the house and found two more shooting victims in the kitchen
Officers identified the two as Haldeman and Jennifer Meeker
The officers noticed a gun on the floor next to Haldeman and secured it
and all three victims were transported to WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital
Haldeman and Jennifer Meeker were pronounced dead at the hospital
and Scott Meeker was transferred to WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to the scene
as well as the Licking County Coroner to conduct an autopsy
Martins Ferry Police Department and Belmont County Coroner’s Office’s investigations are pending
children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 ..
MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — During Martins Ferry's city council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor John Davies gave an update on East Ohio Regional Hospital and his hope for a better future
Power was shut off inside the hospital on Tuesday after the hospital locked its doors on March 20
Davies said the city is hopeful someone will come forward and purchase the hospital sooner rather than later
Davies said they have some people interested
they have yet to hear back from former CEO and owner Dr
This is a great place; it’s a great hospital of professional people
Our valley deserves it and will support a decent hospital."
Davies said despite the closure being less than two weeks old
the city is already seeing the need for a medical facility in town
"My concern is we are a town of older people,” Davies said
how many of our people is going to struggle between here and getting in to the closest hospital."
if it's monthly payment toward $1.2 million in taxes is not paid by the end of the month
The hospital has paid the bills to the city that they owed
but there is still a possibility the city could lose $30,000 a year from the hospital not paying taxes
the city gets about 17% from property taxes
whereas the school district gets around 47 to 48%
they’re already in financial crisis,” Davies said of the school district
“Then you take a half a million dollars they're entitled to; it’s just sad all the way around."
Davies said it's an unfortunate situation for all and he simply wants the best for his community
real hospital with professional management.”
East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry has officially closed
NEWS9 has confirmed with Belmont County 911
Ohio — East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry has officially closed
A sign on the door of the hospital says “Hospital closed
It’s been a tumultuous period for the health care facility
which re-opened four years ago after being shuttered in 2019
The hospital has been dealing with various financial issues for months
including being unable to pay employee wages and back taxes
Last Thursday, the hospital announced plans to layoff employees
with EORH CEO/COO John Johnson saying in an email “This step will further assist with the prioritization of payroll disbursement.”
This past Tuesday, it was announced the East Ohio Regional Pharmacy would close March 28
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Belmont County Commission, Commission President J.P. Dutton expressed disappointment over the situation
"It’s very disappointing news today,” he said
“I just feel very badly for the employees of East Ohio Regional Hospital
“We unfortunately were in this situation couple years ago
Don’t really want to return to a situation where there is a lack of both healthcare choices and just supply for the demand that is there."
a little unsure in terms of where things are headed
But I’m an eternal optimist and definitely will do my part to make sure that we are looking as a community in terms of opportunity's and we can put our best foot forward."
Dutton added that the important thing is trying to see how quickly a transition can happen for the former employees and from a health care perspective for patients
On March 12, several hospital employees protested on the streets near the hospital over unpaid wages
This came five days after employees said they were supposed to receive paychecks
one former EORH employee said the whole situation isn't fair
"We got scammed to work out butts off for nothing,” he said
"I am owed for 192 hours’ worth of work
They just kept telling me that there is a glitch in the payroll
we will get paid and it never ended up happening
They just kept on spinning us around."
He said that there is uncertainty about affording his bills but added that he won't stop seeking his pay until he is given what he earned
"It takes three to six weeks to collect unemployment,” he said
“Finding a job isn’t as easy as a snap of a finger in the Ohio Valley
I am not going to settle until I get the money that I’m owed."
On March 5, Belmont County Treasurer Kathy Kelich said her office and the hospital had agreed to a repayment plan for delinquent taxes that would have the hospital making a monthly payment of $33,000 for three years
MARTINS FERRY — A structure fire that ultimately spread to three homes happened early Tuesday in Martins Ferry
Belmont County fire officials reported that the blaze
but officials said it occurred near the Dollar Tree store
Several local fire departments were on scene throughout the early morning
Some returned later to extinguish flames that rekindled
The meeting room of the United Steel Workers of America Local 1238 Union Hall was packed Monday afternoon to hear from former Democratic vice-presidential candidate and current Minnesota Gov
Ted Strickland and representatives from several unions
MARTINS FERRY — Tickets are still available for The Times Leader’s second annual Community Night with the ..
CLAIRSVILLE — As local voters head to the polls to cast their ballots in Ohio Issue 2 and a few property tax ..
MARTINS FERRY — Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich started the foreclosure process on East Ohio Regional ..
MARTINS FERRY — Authorities are investigating a death that occurred Thursday on Delia Avenue in Martins Ferry
Belmont County Coroner’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation were working at the scene Thursday afternoon
Several neighbors of the Delia Avenue home watched from their porches as officers and the coroner conducted their work
One individual could be seen in the back of a squad car
Police officers on scene declined to comment on the investigation
and Martins Ferry Police Chief Jerry Murphy was not available for comment as of Thursday evening
Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies said he was unable to comment on the specific incident
When asked whether violence is on the rise in Martins Ferry
also the site of a December murder-suicide that left two dead and a third person with a gunshot wound
He said he believes these were isolated incidents that are not indicative of a trend
Belmont County Coroner Amanda Fisher confirmed that she was on scene and involved in the investigation
though she said she could not release any details Thursday
She anticipated that some additional information would be available today
WHEELING — The Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine is a showcase of the entire city of ..
MARTINS FERRY – East Ohio Regional Hospital officially ceased operations and closed its doors Thursday
Signs posted at hospital entrances Thursday evening informed potential patients and visitors that the facility had closed and that they should seek health care at another local hospital
“HOSPITAL CLOSED!” the signs state
“PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL TRINITY
dispatchers at the Martins Ferry CIty Building said they had received a call from the EORH emergency room telling them to direct any ambulances transporting patients to a different area hospital
The dispatch staff said the facility selected would depend on the patient’s condition and needs
as well as whether any local hospitals are diverting patients because of staffing or overcrowding
Hospital employees also received a letter from human resources Director Rick Oliver
informing them of the “difficult” decision to close the emergency department – seemingly the last operational portion of the hospital
Oliver pointed to a recent resignation that he said made it impossible to keep that department open
The facility previously announced closure of its long-term care and skilled nursing facility and its pharmacy
and employees at the site on Thursday said they still had not received any of the wages owed at that time
and employees said they had little hope that they would receive any current or past due payroll
“We know that there are questions about your paychecks,” Oliver wrote to all staff
we intend to pay any back wages which you are owed
Any paychecks still due from before Friday
2025 should be paid in the near future.”
Oliver wrote that employees who are laid off should expect to receive their final pay within 30 days of their last day of employment
He added that the hospital is working to catch up on any unpaid health insurance claims after The Health Plan discontinued its coverage for hospital staff due to nonpayment
“The premiums previously deducted from your paychecks have all been paid to the former Third Party Administrator as they have always been and were not diverted to other Hospital expenses as some people have incorrectly speculated,” Oliver noted
Oliver cited limited cash flow for many of the hospital’s struggles
saying that its accounts receivable are “extensive,” but collections have lagged
the Hospital has not yet been paid for many of the services it has provided over the past year and that is why we have been struggling financially,” the letter states
He added that the hospital continues to seek financing and is working to secure a buyer
“Although we received recent interest from a credible hospital system that could potentially purchase the Hospital – as long as we remained open as a going concern – that entity could not act in time to begin
the discussions necessary to meet payroll and keep our Hospital open in light of our limited cash flow.”
He wrote that the facility received another inquiry from a potential investor
but he didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up due to other recent failures
Several vehicles came and went from the hospital on Thursday evening
Some of the people entering and leaving the facility wore shirts bearing the hospital’s logo or name badges
Employees who did comment on the situation declined to provide their identities
One woman who carried a box to a vehicle across the street asked media on site to remember that the closing was hard on the staff but declined to make any further comment
Sondra Shrieve who lives just outside the city
said she works as a nurse in Moundsville today but got her start at EORH
then as a therapist before studying to become a nurse
She said a friend who worked at EORH has continued to report to work without getting paid
The friend did not receive her schedule for Thursday’s shift
She added that her children and grandchildren are all patients of the Martins Ferry hospital
“I just love this place,” she said
who termed the situation “sickening,” said her daughter recently hosted the family of a friend who worked in the kitchen at EORH for dinner after the hospital employees did not receive their paychecks
She added that one of her own friends who worked in the Emergency Department told her the hospital has been “swamped.”
I can’t imagine not getting my paycheck,” Shrieve continued
“So the electric company don’t care that you didn’t get a paycheck.”
Efforts to contact Martins Ferry Mayor John Davies for comment on the closure late Thursday were unsuccessful
Davies had said such a closure would be a “huge deal,” citing a lack of available health care in the city along with the loss of tax revenue and patrons for local businesses that it would bring
A water line break early Sunday morning in Martins Ferry disrupted water service for many residents
leading to a temporary shutdown of the water plant
Ohio — A water line break early Sunday morning in Martins Ferry disrupted water service for many residents
but the city is still grappling with the aftermath
We're still losing a good bit of water
We're going to try and rectify it today
We're going to start with the planning process," Mayor John Davies said
The city is developing a flow chart to map out lines and valves
"We have a lot of lines that are a hundred years old
They need replaced but it's millions and millions of dollars to do such a thing," Davies said
"Our infrastructure is an ugly monster on its own
we're running around trying to hit valves
then we have to shut the system down."
we actually have already been funded to put a new line up 4th Street from the water plant
which will help if we have another break where the city starts losing all its tanks
we can supply about 70% of residents with water and the downtown businesses," Davies said
While Martins Ferry City Schools were not affected
residents remain under a boil order until 3 p.m
The charred remains of two homes stand along Grant Avenue in Martins Ferry on Tuesday after an early morning fire destroyed them and damaged a third house
Three houses were damaged after a fire broke out in Martins Ferry during the early morning hours Tuesday
displacing at least one family and forcing first responders to work in the frigid cold
The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department dispatched first responders for a basement fire around 2 a.m
they found three neighboring houses on fire
The cause of the fire remained unknown Tuesday evening
Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department and Colerain Volunteer Fire Department assisted in battling the blaze
The house where the fire started was vacant
It was unclear Tuesday evening whether two cats that lived in the home closest to the Dollar Tree store managed to escape or if they died as a result of the smoke and flames
The fire departments were on scene until a little after 6 a.m.
when Martins Ferry firefighters returned to their stations for a break from the cold
Martins Ferry VFDreturned to douse a rekindle
“We were just kind of anticipating just going back to the station and thawing out a little bit
and then going back after a few hours of break
and we did have to go back,” Smith said
fire was coming out of every window of the basement and every window of the first floor of the center house
Smith added that he believes the two houses closest to the Dollar Tree are a total loss
He described fighting fires in extremely cold weather as “absolutely miserable” and said there is no other way to put it
Temperatures across Belmont County dipped below zero late Monday and into Tuesday morning
The forecast called for subzero temperatures again late Tuesday and early today
Smith said the department has thermal engine cameras and
one of those displayed a reading of negative 25 degrees outside
The cold temperatures can affect a fire department’s water supply and hoses
because according to Smith as soon as someone shuts a hose line down
the firefighters had to constantly keep flowing water through the fire trucks’ hose lines
Smith thanked the neighboring agencies for their aid
because he said without them the MFVFD wouldn’t have had the manpower to fight the spreading fire due to the cold and having to give firefighters breaks to warm up in their trucks
The departments took turns working to extinguish the fire and stepping away to get warm
MARTINS FERRY — A Martins Ferry man was jailed after allegedly claiming
that he had killed another person in a video shared online
Jefferson County resident Shawn Antill has been missing since December 23
Antill was last seen exiting a vehicle along U.S
250 in Harrison County and has been considered an active missing persons case ever since
allegedly took to social media recently to confess to murdering Antill
According to a report from the Martins Ferry Police Department
dispatchers received a call from a detective with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
officers were sent to the 500 block of Kuckuck Lane to speak with a man regarding the death of another individual and his possible involvement
The man was brought to Martins Ferry Police Department headquarters to speak with the detective from Harrison County “due to the severity of what was said to Martins Ferry Police,” the report states
“It’s a missing persons report
Shawn was reported missing out of Harrison County and was a resident of Jefferson County,” Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Detective Morgan Knight said Monday
“This person from Martins Ferry claimed online that he had killed him
due to some comments being made during the video
I did it,’ but then recanted his statement and said
Following the release of Pyle’s video
Martins Ferry police officers went to the 500 block of Kuckuck Lane to speak with Pyle regarding his possible involvement in Antill’s disappearance
Antill was then brought to the city police headquarters to speak with Knight
The person wasn’t involved with what he was claiming to be involved with
we did effectuate an arrest on him for making those claims,” Harrison County Sheriff Mark Touville said
He added that Pyle was charged with making a false alarm and was taken to the Harrison County Jail
“He claimed on a live YouTube video that he had killed Shawn
he said that he never met Shawn or any of his family,” Knight said
“I interviewed him at our office in Harrison County
I mean it’s really just a dumb decision on his part.”
Knight added that Pyle’s video has since been taken down from social media
Anyone who has any information regarding the whereabouts of Shawn Antill is asked to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 740-942-2197
the village fire chief who was on administrative leave until his Feb
announced that Zach’s Towing signed on as a U-Haul ..
MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry police are looking for suspects following reports of shots fired on Broadway Street ..
— The city of Martins Ferry is grappling with a significant water line break that occurred early Sunday morning
adding to the Ohio Valley's growing list of winter water issues
a crew leader with the Martins Ferry Water Treatment Plant
"We had a 12-inch main break down here on First Street in front of Stoney Hollow Tire
So we had to replace a 10-foot section."
quickly wreaked havoc on the city's water system
"It drained one of our tanks pretty quick
within 20 minutes of the break happening," Shrodes said
"So we responded as quickly as possible
but we were losing tanks so we had to shut down our tanks in order to keep water for the city."
Shrodes noted that the recent subzero temperatures and subsequent warming contributed to the issue
"I think we had it leaking for a little while
So we had to take care of it," he said
Residents can expect low water pressure while the tanks are refilling
with normal operations anticipated to resume within a couple of days
Shrodes attributed the majority of the line breaks to aging infrastructure and expressed the city's commitment to upgrading its water system
"We're working on trying to do some updates with the plant
and we have some things in the works as far as the infrastructure
This is just something we're going to have to deal with until we're able to make the changes that need to be done," he said
residents are under a 48-hour boil order once water service is restored
Citizens are advised to bring their water to a full
rolling boil for one minute before using it
A Belmont County coroner’s vehicle is parked across the road near the scene of a death investigation on Delia Avenue in Martins Ferry on Thursday afternoon
MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry Police Department on Tuesday released the name of a woman who died in the city on Thursday
as well as the name of the man who called 911 asking for an ambulance
According to a news release from the department
after receiving a 911 call from Jeremy Hicks
he needs an ambulance for a wounded female.”
they entered the home and immediately went to the basement
Officers encountered Hicks rendering aid to a wounded
The woman was identified in the release as Brooke Swauger
According to the police department statement
Swauger was lying on the floor in the laundry room
“Officers began rendering aid until EMS arrived on scene and began advanced life support,” the release states
“It was soon determined that Brooke succumbed to her injury.”
a heavy police presence was seen in the neighborhood
Police Chief Jerry Murphy initially declined to release any information on the investigation
which also involved Belmont County Coroner Dr
Amanda Fisher and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Fisher announced Friday that she had ordered an autopsy of the deceased individual
That procedure was being conducted Friday in Licking County
She also asked that the privacy of the family be respected and that speculation about the circumstances of the death be avoided
The release issued Tuesday also notes that the Bridgeport and Bellaire police departments assisted at the scene and that the Martins Ferry Police Department and Belmont County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident
MARTINS FERRY — The baseball season is still young
but the Martins Ferry Purple Riders looked to be in mid-season form on Monday
putting up runs aplenty at home against the rival Bellaire Big Reds and finishing the game ahead of schedule
Martins Ferry led 10-1 going into the bottom half of the fifth
and a sacrifice fly from Eli Smith ended the game
Smith finished with three RBI by way of his game-winning sac fly and a two-run double he laced into the left field corner in the bottom of the third inning
The third was the start of the Purple Riders’ scoring spree
Colby Kropka also came through with two RBI in that inning
dumping a two-out single to shallow center
“They’re a true definition of a team,” Martins Ferry head coach Anthony Reasbeck said after the game
“Everybody kind of needs each other on this team and it shows
we’re a true team right now and it’s kind of fun to be around.”
Martins Ferry picked up the pace even more in the fourth inning
Luca Shane and Alex Reese all also drove in runners
“Everybody just can’t stink on the same day,” Reasbeck said of his team’s big offensive outing
it’s meant to make you look bad– but everybody can’t stink on the same day
There were a couple guys who were 0-fer in the lineup
If we all don’t stink on the same day
the Big Reds’ Landon Preston bringing home leadoff man Luke Heatherington in the top of the first
Martins Ferry starting pitcher Hunter Shutler did not allow another hit after the first inning
and struck out six while pitching the full five innings
“He got much better as the day progressed
He kind of came into his own in the third and we knew the game was pretty much over
Bellaire used three different pitchers on Monday but could do little to slow down a hot Purple Riders offense
Grant Vasey started the outing for Bellaire and pitched into the fourth
“Our starting pitcher came out and he started strong,” Bellaire head coach Bailey McGrath said
Seemed like he just didn’t have his stuff today
We got one on him early and he shut us down from there
He had his stuff and he really brought it today.”
Martins Ferry travels to Buckeye Local on Tuesday
Bellaire is scheduled to play at Barnesville on Wednesday
Martins Ferry Council provided an update Wednesday on the ongoing cleanup efforts at Austin Masters Services
a company previously permitted to store radioactive waste
MARTINS FERRY, Ohio — Martins Ferry Council provided an update Wednesday on the ongoing cleanup efforts at Austin Masters Services
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has begun cleaning the building
ODNR is currently power washing and testing the facility to ensure it is not contaminated before proceeding to the next section inside the building
The department intends to seek reimbursement for the cleanup costs
Austin Masters Services has faced several lawsuits in recent years for failing to clean up the site
"It's sad the way these guys are doing business," Mayor John Davies said
"It seems like they're just taking the money and running
These different companies are taking the money in and running
so the people that are forwarding a credit
No completion date for the cleanup has been set
but updates will be provided as the process continues
joined forces on Main Street in Martins Ferry to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention
was organized in collaboration with local organizers to support the cause
emphasized the importance of the initiative
"The foundation of suicide prevention is near and dear to my family
They're our biggest crowd fundraiser of the year
so we do two or three events each year," he said
expressed his commitment to community involvement
"Any chance we get to raise awareness or help the community
chair of The Northern Panhandle Out of the Darkness
highlighted the critical need for education in suicide prevention
"I would love to bring more education in suicide prevention to the community
To let them know that there's help and that suicide is preventable
with it being the number 2 cause of death in the state of West Virginia for the ages 10 to 34
I feel this is a very important cause," she said
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
River City in downtown Wheeling is hosting live music
with ticket sales contributing to the same organization
Martins Ferry’s Eli Smith (13) drives to the basket against St
Clairsville’s Griffin Straub during Saturday night’s Ohio Division V East 2 District Championship game at Harrison Central High School
to punch their ticket to the regional in Athens on Friday
CADIZ — It’s been said time and time again that it’s not how you start
The Martins Ferry boys basketball team is a classic example of that trend
The fifth-seeded Purple Riders were 3-8 at one point in the season
had two players — one starter — on the injured list and looked dead in the water
on the strength of a 70-54 victory over top-seeded St
Clairsville in the Ohio Division V East 2 District Championship Game Saturday night before a near-capacity crowd inside the ‘Huskies’ House’ at Harrison Central High School
Martins Ferry (13-11) is headed to the Region 19 semifinals for the first time since 2014
“I’ve had a lot of visions of this day as a player and as a coach,” Martins Ferry head coach Derek Edwards said
“I’m just so happy for the kids
This is something that is going to be with them forever
“There were a lot of people that wrote us off at 3-8 when we were down a couple of guys,” Edwards noted
“We were losing some games that weren’t close and our schedule was a big part of that
I really believe the hard times brought us here
To see it come to fruition is a credit to our players
They could have stopped coming to practice and working hard being 3-8
which defeated Wheelersburg 49-45 Saturday inside the Convocation Center on the campus of Ohio University in Athens
The first quarter saw the two rivals exchange the lead four times and there were a pair of ties before a three-point basket by Kaden Clifford gave the Red Devils a 17-15 margin
the Purple Riders turned up the defensive pressure a few notches and knocked down the open shots in outscoring the Red Devils 23-9 in the pivotal second quarter for a 38-26 halftime advantage that St
The pressure forced nine turnovers in the quarter combined with a dismal 3-for-10 shooting effort from the floor
the Purple Riders’ 6-6 mountain of a man in the middle
netted 10 of his game-high 23 points in the second quarter
But it was a five-point spurt by classmate Tev’n Williams to start the quarter that gave them the lead for good
“We had to sag down to try and contain Reese because he is such a good player on the inside that we left some guys wide open and they knocked down the open shots,” Coach Clifford said
“We were hoping that they would miss
The quick start ignited a 9-2 spurt that led to a 22-5 surge that put some distance between the team squads
Clairsville closed to within 42-36 on a triple by Griffin Straub with three minutes left in the third quarter
but a basket by Eli Smith and a conventional three-point play by Reese bumped the count to 11
Martins Ferry tickled the twine on three consecutive three-point attempts — two by Gavin Little — in building a 58-43 margin
Little was 4-for-4 from long range as the Purple Riders knocked down nine of 12 bonus goal attempts
“I can’t remember what I had for breakfast
let alone if we had made nine three-point baskets in a game this season,” Edwards said when asked if the nine treys were a season high
three other players reached twin figures as Smith added 16
“It was a total team effort,” Edwards praised
“It could be a different guy every night
That’s the type of team we have.”
“This senior class is one of the best we’ve ever had here at St
“They are leaving their mark on this program that will last a long time.”
Reese capped a double-double with 14 rebounds as the Purple Riders held a 29-22 advantage off the glass
Schafer had seven for the Red Devils and Straub five
CLAIRSVILLE – Meeting for the second time in less than two weeks
Martins Ferry and Union Local faced off Wednesday night with a berth in the Ohio Division V Eastern District boys basketball championship game on Saturday
5 Purple Riders (12-11) snapped a 7-all stalemate in the first quarter with an 8-0 surge that extended into the early stages of the second quarter and then held on in posting a 58-48 upset of the No
4 Jets (17-7) before an overflow crowd inside the ECO Center in the lid-lifter of an all-Belmont County doubleheader
Clairsville Saturday inside the ‘Huskies’ House’ at Harrison Central High School in Cadiz with a berth in the regional semifinals at Ohio University on the line
“You can’t take these moments for granted because you’ve got to beat some really good teams to get here,” Martins Ferry head coach Derek Edwards said of reaching the district finals
“They had just beat us not too long ago
but I am so pleased with our defensive effort and our effort on the glass
Those two things were the difference in the game.”
Union Local grabbed a 16-15 advantage on a leaner in the lane by Dre Saunders with 3:40 left in the first half
but Martins Ferry ran off 18 of the next 20 points and never looked back in building a 33-18 lead midway through the third quarter
Tev’n Williams and Maurice Barnett did most of the damage by combining for 12 of the points
Martins Ferry drained five three-pointers in the game
The Jets displayed that never-say-die attitude and crept to within four
Brandon Mehl had half of the points in a 12-2 run to end the quarter
The lead fluctuated between four and six points for much of the final eight minutes
but the Purple Riders netted the final six for the win
“It’s disappointing that on a stage like this
we didn’t play well and I didn’t coach well,” Delman assessed
“Ferry played excellent defense and I thought we played well defensively until we had to start speeding things up
Youngstown State University football recruit Alex Reese led the Purple Riders with 19 points
Barnett (17) and Williams (14) teamed for 31 more to spark the victory
Saunders finished his Jets career with 17 points
Bill Schumacher had five of Union Local’s 17 rebounds as Martins Ferry held a commanding
Eli Smith also snagged 11 boards for the Purple Riders
Union Local made 19 of 47 shots from the floor and was a chilly 5-for-22 from long distance
“When Reese is on the floor it’s not easy to get to the hole or get shots off from the perimeter because they can do a lot of things they wouldn’t be able to if he wasn’t on the floor
but I’m not making excuses because they made some big shots.”
Delman was holding back his emotions as he spoke about this group
“This is two years in a row that we have had our season ended by them,” he recalled
“It hurts to know that we didn’t play our best
This group has shown a lot of character in their careers
They were so much fun to be around.”
Two people have been confirmed dead following a shooting in Martins Ferry over the weekend
Ohio — Two people have been confirmed dead following a shooting in Martins Ferry over the weekend
The Martins Ferry Police reported that the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m
on Vine Street and involved three individuals at the residence of one of those involved
Meeker were transported to WVU Wheeling Hospital
Officers say there was a gun on the floor next to Halderman
who made the 911 call -- was transported to WVU Ruby in Morgantown with what police said was a gunshot wound to the face
Fisher said autopsies were scheduled for Monday
MARTINS FERRY — Martins Ferry Senior Center’s Senior Association will be hosting primary care providers from both WVU Medicine and Trinity Health System to inform residents of all ages about the services they offer
“East Ohio Regional Hospital shut down
and that left a lot of people in a bad situation with not having a primary care provider or not being able to get their prescriptions filled
and Trinity hospital be here at 10:30 a.m.
and they’re going to bring their primary care coordinators with them and bring information as to where you can get a new primary care provider and where the offices are located,” Martins Ferry Senior Center Coordinator Melissa Finney said
“We will also be doing a blood pressure clinic so that people can have their blood pressure checked
We are also going to assist people with teladoc appointments
If they’re not getting their prescriptions filled
they may be able to get a teladoc visit through their health insurance
because the county has bought us iPads for helping people with these kinds of situations
we’re trying to help fill the gap left by that hospital closure.”
She added that the event is not being held by the senior center itself because the age requirement for the center to assist people is at least 60 years old; the association can serve more people
Finney said that the senior association is an entity of its own that is solely operated by residents who attend the senior center
the Martins Ferry Senior Center spent Tuesday morning painting outside the lines
The Martins Ferry Senior Center hosted a paint and sip event for older city residents that included painting wine bottles while drinking juice and tea and eating pizza
Finney said she tries to host as many activities and events as she can for the seniors in her community to provide them the opportunity to stay active
“Things like paint and sips are really good for their creativity
and it helps to create friendships among the seniors,” Finney said
“Our goal at Senior Services Belmont County is to help people to age in a healthy and happy and productive way
and keep them in their own homes for as long as it is safely possible
And so we help them do that by doing exercise programs
Martins Ferry Senior Center is under the Belmont County Senior Service umbrella along with 10 other senior centers throughout the county
One of the other senior centers in the county is Glencoe Senior Center
“Today we’re having a paint and sip with the Glencoe Senior Center
and we get our seniors together with other seniors centers frequently so that they can branch out and make friendships all over the county
and when they see each other at the big events
and it’s good for them,” Finney said
She added that in addition to events at the individual senior centers Belmont County Senior Services hosts events where all of the different centers can come together to mingle and spend the day meeting new friends
Belmont County Senior Services will be hosting an all center event at its office in St
The event is inspired by the Kentucky Derby and is called Belmont County Stakes where they will be showing horse races
Finney said that the seniors in attendance will be given mock money that they can bet on the horses with and can use the “money” to purchase goodies from a little store at the event
BARNESVILLE — The Watt Center for History & the Arts in Barnesville announce an evening with Terry Tickhill ..
Ohio — A fire erupted overnight at a residence along Grant Avenue in Martins Ferry
quickly spreading to a second structure and ultimately reaching a third
"If it wasn't for our mutual aid companies coming down
manpower would have been an issue," said Chief Justin Smith of the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department
"As soon as a person came out of the structure on fire from fighting the fire
Officials said two of the structures are believed to be a loss
Ohio — Demolition has started on the Martins Ferry Pedestrian Bridge
with traffic restrictions on Ohio 7 to follow
we will maintain one lane in both directions,” ODOT District 11 Public Information Officer Lauren Borrell said
which will be 10-foot width restrictions in both directions of State Route 7
there are some local impacts on 5th Street when you're turning to State Route 7 that you need to watch for."
The bridge is closed to all pedestrians during the $3 million replacement project
Borell said the bridge has reached its life span
"This project encompasses the entire bridge and the stairway for the pedestrian bridge
including the vandal fencing,” Borell said
everything on the bridge will be replaced."
and residents can expect to cross Route 7 again in the fall
"This bridge is really important to the community in Martins Ferry for the Purple Riders
is situated where folks can park across State Route 7 and safely cross the bridge to access the stadium."
31 is the anticipated completion date of the project
WHEELING — Wheeling Park continued its winning ways Friday afternoon with a 59-44 girls’ basketball victory over Martins Ferry in the lid-lifter of the 7th annual Sam Andy Classic basketball event inside WesBanco Arena
The Patriots (3-1) snapped an early deadlock with a 10-0 run that the Purple Riders (3-3) could not recover from
The designated hosts led 15-6 after eight minutes and stretched their margin to 27-17 at the half as Duquesne University signee Alexis Bordas netted 12 of her game-high 32 points
Martins Ferry missed its first five shots of the game and went 2-for-13 from the floor in the first quarter and finished 14 of 54
“I thought our defense was better than our offense tonight
We made them work for everything,” Wheeling Park head coach Ryan Young said
“Giana (Chirpas) and Lindsey (Best) are two really good basketball players
but we worked very hard on the defensive end of the floor.”
“We came out scared to death and I just can’t figure that out,” Martins Ferry head coach Dave Reasbeck said
“I’ve been good (with our play) up until tonight
We should be better than what we are right now
The third quarter was a turnover-fest as the two teams combined for 14 while scoring a total of 31 points
we’ve got to take care of the basketball,” Young stressed
“The way we played tonight won’t get it done Tuesday when we play against Morgantown
We had 21 turnovers and that just can’t happen moving forward.”
“We talked about how we lost Lala (Woods) and having the best point guard to really not having a true point guard
We have to collectively figure things out and have kids step up wanting to handle the ball
but Hailey Downer sandwiched a pair of inside baskets around a Bordas triple to bump the margin back to 55-42
Bordas hit the final two buckets of the game
“There are some easy shots that we’ve got to make,” Reasbeck noted
I’m starting to lose patience with them
“Against River (last Saturday) we were 1-for-27 from three
Chirpas led the Purple Riders with 15 points
Maggie Hupp pulled down 11 rebounds and Kaylee Hunt added 10 as the Patriots held a 40-30 advantage off the glass
Both teams have stern tests next week as Martins Ferry travels south on Ohio 7 to Bellaire on Monday
while Wheeling Park welcomes Morgantown to the “Palace on the Hill” a night later
Martins Ferry police officers arrested Antwane McMeans from Youngstown
near Aetna Street in a significant drug bust
The arrest led to the seizure of $782 in cash
McMeans was taken to the Belmont County Jail without incident
including one count of felony 1 trafficking
Authorities also discovered that McMeans had two active warrants at the time of his arrest
MARTINS FERRY — Two people are confirmed dead in an incident involving three people on West Vine Street in Martins Ferry on Sunday
Belmont County Coroner Amanda Fisher confirmed the two deaths
though law enforcement officials had not released any further information as of Sunday night
Martins Ferry police surrounded the area around the Vine Street house with vehicles
and authorities put caution tape around the home
MARTINS FERRY — Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving
kids from 1 to 92 take to the city sidewalks for the time-honored tradition of the Martins Ferry Christmas Parade
blankets and lawn chairs along the parade route to watch the festive floats
Kids with smiling faces can barely contain their excitement when they see the fire trucks
knowing Santa will be at the end of the parade
This year’s MFVFD Christmas Parade is sponsored in part by Unified Bank
Unified began in Martins Ferry in 1902 and has provided professional community banking services to the people of Martins Ferry ever since
Unified Retail Banking Executive Stacy Carpino was honored to be the parade’s grand marshal last year
“My Martins Ferry team looks forward to this special evening throughout the year,” Carpino said
“They will all be out on our Unified Express float wearing their Unified blue Santa hats
and passing out candy and other treats to the children along the way.”
near Jacobs & Sons Quality Meats on Center Street
The parade route will go from Center Street to Zane Highway and head south to Hanover Street
we will celebrate with a Christmas tree lighting and then top off the evening with fireworks,” Hilton said
The MFVFD has been hosting the annual Christmas parade for over 35 years
Hilton said that serving the community is in the blood of his firefighters
In addition to the annual Christmas parade
the MFVFD organizes and hosts the Betty Zane Days Festival each summer
“These events are part of our lives,” Hilton said
“Many of our residents have never known a time without them
and they also know we are here to protect and serve them in times of disaster or need
The Christmas parade is a way for us to share smiles
lifelong memories with those we serve.”
police responded to a distressing 911 call from a man named Jeremy Hicks who reported a wounded woman in need of medical assistance at 809 Delia Ave
RELATED: Death investigation launched after fatality confirmed in Martins Ferry
where they found Hicks attempting to aid Brooke Swauger
who was unresponsive on the laundry room floor
Despite efforts by officers and emergency medical services to provide advanced life support
The Bridgeport and Bellaire police departments assisted at the scene
and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification was notified and provided support
The Licking County Medical Examiner's office has been informed and will conduct an autopsy
in collaboration with the Belmont County Coroner’s office
is continuing to investigate the incident.