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Police reports

Reports/Washington County ¯ A deputy issued a citation April 6 to David P. Black, 47 Powell Drive, Parkersburg, for speed, 80 mph in a 60-mph zone in Belpre Township; and Trinity T. Griffith, 656 13th St., Parkersburg, for speed, 81 mph in a 60-mph zone in Dunham Township. ¯ A deputy began an investigation April 7 in Palmer Township regarding license plates being stolen from a vehicle. Arrests/Washington County The following individuals were recently processed into the Washington County Jail: ¯ Thurman William Perdue, 47, of Marietta, was arrested on two counts of trafficking ...

Wrongful death lawsuit continues

The AEP service worker on duty the night of the house fire that took Elsa Thompson’s life testified Friday in the jury trial against AEP. Josh Vandergrift, of Fleming, was one of six who testified for the plaintiff in the Laura Thompson vs. AEP case. On May 25, 2019, Vandergrift, an AEP ...

Waterford man sentenced on stabbing charge

A Waterford man was sentenced Friday to a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years of prison for stabbing someone twice in August of 2021. Andrew C. Rowland, 38, 751 Luke Chute Road, Waterford, appeared in Washington County Common Pleas Court before Judge Mark Judge Kerenyi where he was sentenced Friday morning. On Aug. 3, 2021, Rowland stabbed a female victim twice and it was caught on video. In September of 2021, he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and domestic violence. In late September of 2021, Rowland ...

Grand Jury indicts man on rape charge

A Belpre man was indicted by the Washington County Grand Jury this week on one count of first-degree felony rape. Brian S. Church, 44, of 1457 Poplar Ave., was one of 18 true-billed defendants indicted. Washington County Prosecutor Nicole Coil said the victim met a co-worker at Church’s home during a New Year’s Eve party. “(She) had been drinking given the nature of the party, but she did not feel it was an excessive amount,” Coil said. “When she tried to leave, someone would not let her have her keys and she and her co-worker decided to spend the night.” Coil said ...

ODOT projects announced

From staff reports The following construction projects are anticipated to affect local highways in the coming weeks. All work is weather permitting. WASHINGTON COUNTY ¯ Interstate 77 resurfacing - A resurfacing project begins April 4 on Interstate 77, from the Noble County line to Macksburg. The southbound driving lane and shoulder will be closed. Estimated completion: Aug. 15. ¯ Interstate 77 bridge deck repair - A bridge deck repair project is taking place on Interstate 77, just north of the West Virginia state line. The northbound driving lane is closed. Additionally, ...

Police reports

Reports/Washington County ¯ Deputies responded Sunday to Ohio 821 in Aurelius Township to a reported domestic dispute involving Matthew Salla. It was reported that Salla was in the process of moving out of a residence when a verbal argument occurred, which turned physical. Salla reportedly grabbed the other party by the hair and pulled her down onto the couch, and immediately onto the floor. Salla then followed the individual to the bedroom and cornered her. Salla later reportedly struck the subject in the back of the head. Salla left the residence prior to deputies arriving. Deputies ...