Breaking News

Washington County Health Department without an administrator again

The Health Administrator for the Washington County Health Department resigned Monday during one of two executive sessions in a special meeting of the department’s board. Roger Coffman, 62, of Tunnel, was appointed to the role of administrator in September of last year following a tumultuous ...

BREAKING: No visitors at Memorial Health System

Memorial Health System announced today increased restrictions to prevent coronavirus spread as the valley faces a continued rise in cases: no visitors. "Starting November 24, we will not be allowing visitors into our facilities. Visitor exceptions for pediatrics, end of life care, maternity ...

Marietta BOE talks COVID-19

Updates regarding COVID-19 and the school facilities were discussed during Monday’s meeting of the Marietta City Schools Board of Education. Superintendent Will Hampton began by talking about some of the challenges the coronavirus has brought to the school system. A major issue is a lack of substitutes since so many teachers are having to quarantine. “We are really lacking in substitutes. Lately that’s been overwhelming,” Hampton said. “I’m really proud with how our staff has responded. It was encouraging to see how everyone chips in when they need to.” Hampton said ...

Virus cases spike over weekend

Confirmed cases of coronavirus again spiked over the weekend in the Mid-Ohio Valley. From reports by Ohio and West Virginia health authorities, Ohio jumped in confirmed cases state-wide by 14,869 new reports between Friday and Sunday and 1,127 new probable cases, with 41 deaths. West Virginia saw an increase of 2,538 confirmed cases, 541 new probable cases and 39 deaths. Locally, Washington and Wood counties reported 354 new confirmed cases over the weekend, 51 new probable cases, six new hospitalizations and three new deaths combined. Pleasants County also reported one new death and ...

Arts Council announces grants

By Janelle Patterson Staff Reporter The Ohio Arts Council announced the investment of $20 million in CARES Act funding to arts organizations Thursday. In Southern and Eastern Ohio, four counties saw a total of $480,500, while Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan and Noble counties saw none of the federal funding awarded. Justin Nigro, public affairs and operations director for the Ohio Arts Council, explained that the awards given were predominately marketed to current grantees of operating funds from the council. “But it’s also been nice to get to know ...

Belpre City Schools has COVID-19 update

BELPRE — Belpre City Schools Superintendent Jeff Greenley held a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday evening to give an update about the recent rise of positive COVID-19 cases in the area potentially causing Belpre City Schools to go with full-remote learning in the near future due to the holidays coming up. Greenley said there is concern that due to having a large number of individuals traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, there could be an increase in positive cases occurring in Belpre. He also stated that other school districts in Ohio are going to switch to remote learning ...