#LEDENews

[ledenews]

Moundsville Loses Its Newspaper After 133 Years

In the 20th century, the local newspaper bonded communities in small American towns. The news this week that Moundsville, WV is losing its 133-year-old newspaper, the Echo, is a harsh reminder of the country’s information crisis, and the struggle of Americans to maintain and nurture social ties. Publisher Charles M. Walton told the Associated Press that he is “exploring options”. “We simply cannot get anybody to work there,” Walton told the AP. “I’ve been advertising for years for people. I don’t get any resumes. It’s just been a disaster to find anybody to even work part time.” (I’ve stopped by the Echo office a dozen times in my years chronicling the fascinating story of Moundsville, and Walton has always refused to talk to me.) Start-up costs for online newspapers are minimal. You need a laptop, a phone/camera, and an internet connection. But there’s no easy business model anymore. Not enough Americans are persuaded professional journalism is worth paying for. It’s also hard to get qualified journalists to live in places like Moundsville. You’d need a business model that could generate a couple hundred thousand dollars in revenue. That can work in cities like Baltimore and Pittsburgh, but usually not in places with populations under 10,000. (My idea: A Marshall Plan for journalism. A billion dollars year could fund a thousand million-dollar newsrooms.) For generations, the Echo functioned as Moundsville’s news source, community bulletin board, and what we now call a Facebook page. In August, 1916, for example, the Echo reported that on Western Avenue “occurred a unique fight between a dog and a copperhead. The fight was waxing warm, though neither had the advantage until a resident of the street appeared, hit the snake with a brick, and then attacked it with a hoe. The snake was a very large copperhead, over three feet in length, and about three inches in diameter.” A few months later, the Echo reported: “A valuable horse belonging to T.G. Hawkins of Roberts Ridge was instantly killed this morning, when a large tree feel, striking the animal. The other horse hitched to the wagon escaped and the wagon was slightly damaged. Mr. Hawkins had his team standing near Dietz store, while he was having some cider made, when the roots of the old tree gave way. The tree was an old landmark.” Moundsville is the largest city in Marshall County, but there is much more territory to cover. (Google Earth Image) Said Moundsville town historian Gary Rider: “The Echo provided information about local events that are not covered otherwise. Especially the loss of the obituaries that announce visitations. There are so many people that do not use Facebook that we feel a profound loss.” The Echo, said Steve Novotney publisher of Ledenews, my favorite local news startup, based in nearby Wheeling, “put obituaries on the front page and they put our future on the front page, a.k.a. our children. It’s a sad day that the Echo has stopped publishing for everybody in Marshall County.” The paper was founded in 1891, by James Davis Shaw, a businessman who’d done oil and lumber ventures in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (His obituary noted that he was a Civil War veteran, but did not say whose side he had fought on.) On November 12, 1891, the West Virginia Argus noted: “We have received a copy of the Moundsville Echo. It is a nice neat paper and best of all is strictly Democratic. We wish brother Shaw great success in the good work.” The Weekly Register noted: “The Moundsville Echo is the name of a new Democratic paper just started at Moundsville, this State, by Mr. J.D. Shaw. It is a neat and newsy paper, ably edited, and will be a power for the Democracy in that benighted stronghold of Republicanism. We wish the Echo success politically and financially.” Shaw’s son Craig took over in 1917, and his grandson Sam in 1951. For over 40 years, Sam Shaw rode his bicycle around Moundsville collecting news. The Associated Press, profiling Shaw in 1984, called him “the sort of one-of-a-kind character that still pops up from time to time on the edges of our urban-oriented, cookie cutter society.” Shaw was a renaissance man who sang bass with the Ohio Valley Chorale, which toured Romania and Spain. Shaw was a bachelor who lived with his sister, Alexandra, and forbid liquor from his house, or the pages of his newspaper. Shaw wrote a daily news column called “Jots”. He said that “instead of just one boss, I’ve got 39,000—the people of Marshall County.” Once, Shaw tried to shut down beer and gambling joints in town by printing the names of the people who’d been arrested. “My father got busted several times for running poker games,” recalled Pittsburgh-based artist John Mowder. “Nobody was embarrassed. The cops continued with their raids and the church population believed their tax dollars were being well spent.” In any case, Shaw was a conscientious newsman who modeled the methodology of professional journalism for people in Moundsville. Now that residents no longer see one of their neighbors practicing journalism, they’re more likely to regard outside journalists with suspicion, unaware that reporters at institutions like the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, and New York Times talk to as many sources as they can, check facts, and print corrections when they make mistakes. (As does this website). Mowder left Moundsville over a half-century ago, but he always stayed in touch with the town though the Echo. “The Echo had been in my mailbox for 60 years,” Mowder told me. He recalled, while working as a flight attendant, seeing first-class passenger being offered the Echo and The New York Times. Many chose the Echo. John W. Miller Read the full article

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Ask a Teacher - Part II: The Job

Teaching is not performed in a vacuum. To some, students may be categorized and classified by their test scores, their demographics, and the "per-pupil" cost they add to the respective county's budget. But that's not how teachers view their students. They act as instructors, mentors, and coaches. When called upon, they can also serve as a de facto therapist, a friend, and even a surrogate parental figure. That's a lot of responsibility to place upon a person, considering all but one of those job descriptions details a capacity that goes above and beyond teaching the "three Rs." All students can learn, but not all share the equal capacity to do so. Just as some athletes are bigger, stronger, or faster than one another, academic-based achievement comes far easier to some students than others. Not only that, but each student can and will learn things differently than his or her peers. Lesson plans must be tailored to hit multiple delivery vectors to ensure the different types of learning styles can be touched upon during an instructional session. That can't be easy and is a good reason for teachers to receive a planning period each day. That doesn't even factor in "willingness" to learn. Not all students are as interested in their respective educations as their classmates. Some students probably would enjoy learning about history, English, and mathematics, but given it's Monday morning and they haven't eaten since the preceding Friday's school lunch, are unable to concentrate due to serious hunger pangs. Yet these challenges too, teachers must factor in and overcome as best as they are able. It's a rewarding profession, but one certainly full of its difficulties, its stressors, and its days full of struggle. Shawna Safreed, a Teacher of the Year recipient at Bridge Street Middle School in Ohio County and finalist for the same award at the state level, weighed in on some of those very topics in Part II of LedeNews' Ask a Teacher. What’s the Best and Worst Part of the Job, from an Emotional Standpoint? Teaching is very emotional because the students in my classroom because my family--truly.  Throughout the year, I am not just their teacher. I am their mentor, counselor, and an adult in their life that models character. Because of this, it can be very emotional to be held to such high standards. It is also very difficult to hear their stories about their lives. I have had to call CPS more times than I can count. I have lost a lot of sleep over the years because of their stories. Shawna Safreed was named the Ohio County Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2022-23 Have You Ever Encountered a Student That Was Just Beyond the Ability to Reach? To Help? How Do You Think They Got That Way and What Possibly Could Have Been Done to Help Them Along the Way? Yes, I have definitely had a handful of students along the way that I found were very difficult to connect with for a variety of reasons. I do try harder with those students, but these are the students I have lost sleep on. Teachers want to help everyone, but some students are harder to reach based on their home life situations. Life has been so tough on them, and they have such distrust for adults. When You Sit Down at Night, at the End of the Day, or a Nine-Week Term, Is There Something That You Wish You Could Be Doing in Your Classroom, But Currently Arent? Each year, I reflect constantly. I always want to be my best self for the students. I teach reading, and the truth is, a lot of kids have a negative feeling about reading. Each day, each term, each 9-week period, I often wonder and wish I could change their viewpoints. I do try vigorously in the classroom. My goal is to teach them reading can be enjoyable. We even read novels that are not attached to any grades for that reason. What Got You Interested in Teaching and Has/Have That/Those Reason(s) Changed Any Since You Started? What Keeps You Going? I am the only one that keeps me interested in teaching. I attend literally every single professional development that I can, read tons of teaching books, attend seminars, etc. It is just ingrained in me to improve each year. As a teacher, YOU have to strive for it. Nobody is going to keep you motivated but yourself. Is There Anything Teacher Preparation Programs Need to be Doing to Better Prepare Future Teachers? I think it is important that college prep programs are consistently reminding their teacher candidates that they are walking into classrooms full of children. These children need love, and that is the job of the teacher. When I was in college the focus was very much just teaching curriculum. It is a different world actually teaching. You have to be fully invested in not just the curriculum but raising children because that is what we do. Are There Any Strategies You Think Would Improve Students’ Success in Your District? I think more character education would help to improve success overall in the district and also our society. We, sometimes, forget that we have to teach these young children how to be a person. Is There Anything You Wished Parents and the General Public Knew About the Day-to-Day of Being a Teacher? Teachers are the hidden gems in our communities and societies that genuinely love the kids and do things behind the scenes that are never talked about. Teachers go above and beyond to make sure our future generations of kids are well-suited for the world. What Could Parents Do to Make Your Life, and the Lives of Your Students, More Successful? I think if parents taught more character education and talked to their children more about what it means to be more kind and considerate of others, it would change a lot about education. Often, teachers are teaching the curriculum along with teaching these students how to be a good person in the world. Read the full article

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Ask a Teacher - Part I: Resources and Best Practices

Teaching is not just a profession, but a calling. Across the country, young men and women enter the career field, hoping to make a positive impact in the lives of their students, not only as learners but also as people. Applying what they learned during their own education, plus the tried and true method of trial and error, these educators constantly evaluate and model their teaching styles to best fit their students. But what have they learned? What do they feel works best and what could be better? What isn't being taught that should be and how might they approach/look at things differently with fewer restraints and restrictions? Detractors of the education system bemoan that school systems, and in turn teachers, teach to the test. They learn how to regurgitate facts and figures, but not how to think. And yes, much emphasis is placed upon the results of standardized testing, forcing teachers to not only help their students master the material to be found on said tests, but also to incorporate knowledge outside of those tests that is necessary to function in the real world. And they must do so in 45-50 minute time spans, 7-8 times per day (depending on period number and length). This must be done amidst growing class sizes as well as varying learning styles and strengths and weaknesses of the students found within. LedeNews sought out the opinions of a few area teachers and solicit their opinions on a myriad of topics impacting their lives as educators, and those of their students. Two of Ohio County School's best answered the call and were willing to provide their insight, a peak behind the curtain if you will, into today's classrooms. The first is Hayden Cook, a special education instructor at Wheeling Middle School. A Wheeling native, Cook is a man of many hats. He's a teacher, a coach, a father of three, and a growing leader in the community. He's an active member of the Men of Change group in Wheeling and started his own foundation, the Grand View Corporation, a group whose mission is to empower disadvantaged youth by helping them to gain the tools necessary to succeed. Cook is investing in today's youth extends far beyond his classroom. The same can be said of the other responder. Bridge Street Middle School Langauge Arts teacher Shawna Safreed also elected to offer her thoughts on a number of questions. Like Cook, Safreed is a Wheeling native. She started her career with Ohio County Schools back in 2009 and last fall was named the school district's Teacher of the Year as well as a Top 10 Finalist for West Virginia Teacher of the Year. Safreed also works to extend her reach beyond the classroom, helping to run her school's Leo Club, a youth arm of the Lions Club service organization. She also organizes a book club through the school and is always looking for ways to offer additional opportunities for her students to learn. Hayden Cook is a teacher, coach, father, and youth leader in the greater Wheeling community Shawna Safreed was named the Ohio County Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2022-23 What Single Thing Would Make Your In-Class Life Easier? Support and trust- from all stakeholders- ie. parents, principals, and administration. This isn't necessarily a wish for where I am now because I do feel trusted and valued, but more so in the past. -- Cook Overall, the single thing that would make class life easier would definitely be class size. When you are able to work with a smaller amount of students, you can differentiate the lessons and strategies to fit the needs of a smaller group better, and, as the teacher, you can provide more direct support. -- Safreed Overall, What Would Make Your Life as a Teacher Easier? Currently, I would still say trust and support from all areas. -- Cook Overall, in a perfect world, if every student was reading closer to grade level that would make a significant impact on class life. I teach 7th grade, and there are students I have that are reading on a first-grade level. I am required to teach 7th-grade reading skills to students that read below grade level. It is very challenging. -- Safreed What Are Your Thoughts On How the Curriculum and Test Prep Affects How You Go About Educating Your Students on a Day-to-Day Basis? Because I am in special education, there is less emphasis on standardized testing scores. However, in the general education environment, there is a lot of pressure on teachers to show growth and high achievement in their students and it dictates much of what they are able to do/cover. -- Cook I think every teacher would agree that the curriculum taught is very much correlated to having the students achieve higher stat test results. The test impacts a lot of what we do in the classroom because there is great emphasis placed on the results. Students are tiered for their ability and the test is used for that, which puts pressure on me as the teacher to ensure all standards are taught and students are mastering the material. This does add a lot of stress. -- Safreed How or Would You Change Your Instruction Methods/Topics Without Any Restrictions From the Board or State? Would You Place a Greater Emphasis on Different Subject Matter, or Go About Teaching Differently? I would establish very basic standards that are important and relevant to what kids actually need to know- both in life and in future education. The objectives for each grade level have become so intense and complicated that we focus on such unimportant details and often miss the bigger picture. -- Cook My focus in the classroom is truly doing what is best for my students. Each day, I do spend about 3-5 minutes out of a 45-minute class period doing warm-up questions that they may see on the GSA test. Overall, though I still do very hands-on, engaging lessons in the classroom to ensure my students are mastering the material but also having fun! It is very important that my students see learning as fun, and I strive for that each day. -- Safreed How Best Can Parents Help Their Students Become Better Prepared for Your Classroom and Their Children’s Education Overall? To establish with their child that home and school are a team with the same goals in mind and to not put additional pressure on students- their attitude about school and learning often has a lot to do with how school is discussed outside the classroom. And always always always tell their child they are smart and capable. -- Cook Reading with their child at home. The positive impact of this cannot be stressed enough. -- Safreed What Isn’t Being Taught Currently in Schools That You Believe Should Be? Life skills- at every age and grade level/content area. Again, so much focus is spent on very detailed objectives and grade level expectations that we miss the most important things we can offer a child- making learning fun, positive attitudes, resiliency, and grit, collaboration with peers, etc. -- Cook Money management is a very important skill that I think needs to be taught in middle school. Also, because our state test does not cover narrative writing, it is not taught in depth. It makes me wonder what our future looks like with the creation of more authors and such. -- Safreed What Would You Like the School as a Whole Place More Emphasis On, or at Minimum, at Least Introduce to the Students’ Daily Lives from an Instructional Standpoint? The whole student as a human instead of the student as just a learner. They are not a test score or a grade on a report card. -- Cook Character skills—I tell my students all the time that it means more to me that my students are good people than straight-A students. They need to understand empathy and kindness because in a successful society, I think that is most important. -- Safreed Read the full article

[ledenews]

Boys OVAC Tourney Picture Coming Into Focus

Bellaire started this week in a far better position than it did last. Last week, the Big Reds were in the midst of a six-game losing streak, a streak that at one point had head coach J.R. Battista’s club on the outside looking in at the OVAC Class 3A playoff picture. Today, the boys from the All-American town are fourth in the 3A rankings with a game left to play—Tuesday night’s road meeting with Beaver Local. The Beavers are 8-9 and are coming off a 59-37 loss to Union Local. The Jets effectively swapped places with Bellaire in the 3A standings after BHS grounded the Jets 74-69 in OT on Thursday to snap that losing streak. A win against Creek Saturday followed and Bellaire finds itself back in play for the OVAC tourney. “We’re kind of in a dogfight right now,” Battista said prior to Thursday’s game against UL. “The most important thing is to win a few games. “Basketball is a funny game. Sometimes, the little round ball goes in and you're a genius. Sometimes, it rims out and you're not that smart.” “But their effort has been good the whole time. They've just been worn down.” Bellaire’s playing at a torrid pace, running three games per week since the calendar kicked over to January. Given the team’s consistent rotation is all of six players deep, the Reds’ regulars are running a little ragged. But those two wins vs. UL and Creek, coupled with another against Beaver on Tuesday, and Bellaire is in the OVAC tourney at 13-8. Depending on how things play out elsewhere, they could climb as high as third. But, if they lose, Bellaire likely will find itself back in fifth. It’s just one of many interesting races leading up to Tuesday night’s cutoff for OVAC tournament qualifying. Some spots are secure, others will be hotly contested right up until late Tuesday. As LedeNews did last week with the girls’ OVAC tourney lead-up, we’ll take a look at all the scenarios to see who gets in, and who doesn’t. Class 3A The top two seeds in Class 3A are secure and aren’t moving. Martins Ferry saw its 14-game win streak to open the season snapped Saturday in an 89-79 loss to Harrison Central in the Buckeye 8 championship game. The Riders return to action Tuesday at Shadyside (10-7), a team they previously beat 90-66. Win or lose, head coach Derek Edwards’ club has the top seed secured. “Tournament time is a whole different season,” Edwards said. “Every game is challenging in its own way. You don’t look at records, you look at personnel. How do we match up? “We have to give ourselves the best chance to win.” Caldwell and all-Ohio performer Bede Lori are the No. 2 seed and will also remain as such, regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s return bout against rival Shenandoah. The Redskins won the earlier meeting, 72-65. Here’s where things get interesting. Linsly, the defending Class 3A champs, is currently third and hosts Big Red on Monday. A win and the Cadets are assured third. A loss, coupled with a Bellaire win, and the Big Reds will jump the Cadets for third. The present top three are in regardless. If UL hopes to make it, the Jets must defeat a three-win Barnesville team AND hope that Beaver can knock off Bellaire. Buckeye Trail is currently sixth at 10-6, but much like its girls' team, the Warriors aren’t garnering as many bonus points given the number of IVC games they must play as members of that conference. Some members of the Morgantown boys' team pose in the locker room after a big win against Park earlier this season. Photo provided Class 5A The “big school” class is the only one where the participants, and their respective seeds, are already decided. Morgantown, Dover, Parkersburg South, and Wheeling Park are currently ranked first through fourth, respectively. Only Wheeling Park has a game prior to the cutoff, a meeting with the Brooke Bruins. Even with a win, Park’s average won’t be enough to overtake South for the third spot. The matchups could provide a rematch of the 2022 OVAC 5A finale, where Dover dispatched Morgantown, 70-54. The No. 1 Mohigans already own wins against South (71-59) and Park (79-43), while the Crimson Tornadoes beat both sets of Patriots, 59-50 vs. South, and 61-38 vs. WP. Dover’s only loss is to New Philadelphia, 45-30. Class 4A The 4A class is also already decided, at least in terms of participants. Positioning, however, is still up for grabs. The top spot isn’t. East Liverpool, even with a loss to current No. 3 seed Harrison Central, will still retain enough of a lead in points average to keep the No. 1 seed. The Huskies, however, could vault past No. 2 Weir by beating the Potters, coupled with a Red Riders loss to No. 4 seed Indian Creek. Yes, it’s a bit of a tourney preview, before the tourney. Here’s where things get jumbled. If Weir beats Creek, then it doesn’t matter what Harrison does and the seeding remains the same. However, if Weir falls, then Creek will jump to third if Weir wins, and second if Weir loses. St. Clairsville, which faces John Marshall on Tuesday, will still come up short, even with a win against the Monarchs. Caldwell's all-Ohio senior Bede Lori celebrates with his teammates after Lori scored his 2,000th point earlier this season. Class 2A Much like the girls’ tournament, the River Pilots have secured the top seed, no matter the outcome of a potential 2A finale preview when they play host to Monroe Central. The Seminoles are currently the No. 2 seed and, even with a win against River, can’t overtake the Pilots. They can, however, fall from second with a loss, depending on what happens with the log jam that is the third through fifth spots in the standings. Southern Local is third at 10-5 and faces a 12-4 Lisbon team on Tuesday. A win and Southern will have a 35.5 average. A loss and the Indians' total drops to 33. What that means is if Southern wins and Monroe does not, the Indians jump the ’Noles for second. That is UNLESS No. 4 seed Shadyside can upset Martins Ferry on Tuesday. Should the Tigers pull off that victory at home, then Shadyside’s average bumps to 36.33 and the Tigers take the No. 2 spot, leaving Southern at three and Monroe at four. Further muddying the waters is No. 5 Toronto. The Red Knights (10-7) travel to one-win Oak Glen on Tuesday. A Red Knights win gives them a 33.11 average. A loss for either Southern or Shadyside will give Toronto a spot in the final four. A loss by both and Toronto moves into third position, Southern falls to fourth and Shadyside is on the outside looking in. No. 6 Wellsville, even with a win against East Palestine, will just miss the cut, as will defending champion Wheeling Central, who has compiled a record of 8-7 against a difficult schedule. Class A Defending champion Cameron is currently the No. 1 seed and will remain as such regardless of the outcome of the Dragons' road date with Madonna on Tuesday. The Blue Dons are presently the No. 2 seed and previously beat Cameron 68-32 in Weirton on January 2. Win, and the Dons are second. Lose, and Madonna could actually fall all the way to No. 5. That’s because the averages are tight between Madonna (24.38) and No. 5 Trinity (22). Conotton Valley is No. 3 and plays Tuscarawas Catholic Central. A win gives the Rockets an average of 23.53; a loss 21.76. Valley is No. 4 and hosts Hundred, a team it beat already 77-50. If the Lumberjacks win, their total is 23.75. A loss is 21.38. Going back to Madonna, beating the Dragons again boosts its average to 25.75. But, a loss however, brings that down to 22.94, allowing both Conotton and Valley to leapfrog past the Blue Dons, if they win their respective games. Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week

Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a short list of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region. Want the whole list? Head over to the Events page.

Friday, January 24

Jim Berze Live Music 8PM, River City, Wheeling, WV Jim Berze Acoustic Show at River City, 8PM FREE admission!

Saturday, January 25

WinterFest Wheeling, WV Get ready to celebrate winter while helping your local community at the area’s newest wintertime celebration- WinterFest! EVENT WEBSITE www.oglebay.com/winterfest EVENT HIGHLIGHTS - Free ski lift ticket with a donation of two nonperishable food items - Polar Bear Plunge at Schenk Lake http://bit.ly/2FkcuxC - Free beginner ski clinic - Live entertainment - Contests and prize giveaways

Usual Suspects - Live Music 9PM - Amy's Candlelight, New Martinsville, WV Enjoy a great evening listening to our Live Band, Usual Suspects play songs from Classic Rock to Pop. Always a great time at Amy's Candlelight!

Buckwild - Live Music 10 PM – 2 AM, Generations, Wheeling, WV Buckwild is Pittsburgh's premiere rocking new country cover band! playing all you favorite new country hits as well as timeless classics. Come on out for a night of great music and drink

Sunday, January 26

Antonio Croes at the WJS Jazz Brunch - Live Music 11:30Am-2:30PM Hosted by The Washington Jazz Society at President's Pub, Washington, PA Enjoy great live jazz over brunch! Bloody Marys, bottomless mimosas, and Great brunch selections. Featuring Antonio Croes.

Thursday, January 30

Film: Jamestown’s Dark Winter Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, Moundsville, WV When archaeologists find the remains of a young woman buried in a trash layer in a cellar, a picture emerges of how brutal life in the new colony could be. With the help of forensic anthropologists, the extraordinary and grim story of this young woman who lived 400 years ago is brought to light. This 60-minute film is part of the Secrets of the Dead series aired on PBS.

Having an Event? Do you have events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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EORH – There’s Work to Do

Now that the executive staff at East Ohio Hospital is confident the project has the support of the residents and elected officials in Martins Ferry, the list of renovations and repairs needed to resurrect a full-service hospital has grown and quite detailed. Boilers, chillers, plumbing, and electrical, as well as purchasing a wide range of medical equipment and supplies has had Chief Operating Officer Bernie Albertini and his staff working at a furious pace. “Trust me, a hospital is much more than the beds,” he explained. “We have surveyed what is in the buildings now and what is needed to get the facility back into working order. We know what we have to do, but it is a heavy lift. “There’s not a lot of people working in this industry who have ever done what we’re going to do here,” Albertini said. “But we have a great plan in place and a lot of terrific people involved. This will happen as long as all the pieces keep falling together the way we can see it happening. Our No. 1 goal is to make sure we are completely ready on that first day because if we have 100 people come to the ER, we have to be sure those folks that need help get that help. We have to be sure that we are ready for everyone who is in need of that care.”

While the exterior of East Ohio Regional Hospital appears attractive, manny issues exist inside.

Positive Support

“When LEDE News released the first press release about the purchase of the building, the reaction was amazing with all of the shares off of social media, and I really believe it was a reflection of the need here in this community for this hospital to come back to what it was so local residents have that access again to the services that East Ohio hopes to offer in the future,” explained David Croft, an attorney with Spillman Thomas & Battle in downtown Wheeling. “That attention shows you the thirst, and right now, we’re out of the gate after the gun has gone off, and now it’s time for us to see what we can do with this opportunity. “With Dr. John Johnson, a doctor who has been certified for more 35 years and has hospitals and medical facilities in several places, the potential is really limitless at this point, but people do need to understand that there is no affiliation with any of those other groups,” Croft explained. “That’s been confusing for some people in this area, so we want to make sure everyone understands that this is an individual project on Dr. Johnson’s behalf. The potential is there, though, and we hope our plan can come to fruition.” Following the Memorial Day holiday, Albertini is set to continue mapping out the facility’s future so the city of Martin Ferry's commitment to offer back 75 percent of the income taxes paid by hospital employees is utilized wisely. “We received overwhelming support from the members of Martins Ferry’s council, and I know they are working really hard for us and we appreciate that very much,” Albertini said. “There is that need for people on both sides of the Ohio River and we hope to fill that need in the near future.” “They had a lot of great questions and that’s what you expect from your elected officials,” he said. “We offered our best answers during the meeting and they understand that there is a lot of work that needs to get done so we can re-open this facility.”

The buildings plumbing is only one of several needs prior to the reopening.

Welcome Home

He is no stranger to the Upper Ohio Valley, and that is because Albertini is native of Wheeling and has served both the Ohio Valley Medical Center and EORH for more than 20 years. During the past few years, he was chief operating officer at Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Albertini was very involved with the community, as well, with involvement with the United Way and the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce. “The reaction about my return has been very humbling and it has meant a lot to me and my family,” Albertini said. “My father was a pharmacist and he has the Pill Pox in Center Wheeling so that’s the business I thought I would be during my professional career. And then, before I knew it, I was operating East Ohio Regional Hospital from 2011-2018. After that, I saw a chance to go to Arizona to do similar work, and then we decided to come back home. “We really liked it out in Arizona, but we really didn’t dig the town we were living in because it was too small and it was too far from anything like that we have here,” he explained. “We were home for a couple of months before I got a phone call from my friend, Dave Croft, and here we are today.” Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - 03.13.2020

Friday the 13th and St. Patrick's Day in one week? Next, there will be a full moon too. Oh, wait, there is. No matter what kind of fun you want to have, there's a lot to offer this week around the valley! Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a shortlist of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region.

Friday, March 13

St. Patty's Day Party at Stifel Mansion! 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Oglebay Institute, 1330 National Rd, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 St. Patrick's Day party at the historic Stifel Mansion in Wheeling. Irish beer, food, and music! Come celebrate with the Irish and Irish-at-heart! Hang out in one of the coolest old mansions in Wheeling. Ample supplies of Irish beers are served along with Irish foods. And, live Celtic music knocks the moss off your Blarney Stone! Beer selections include Kentucky Irish Red Ale, Harpoon Craic Irish Red IPA, Breckenridge Nitro Irish Stout, Flying Dog Lucky SOB, Harp, and Guinness Blonde. The menu includes Colcannon potatoes, pulled pork with slaw and slider buns, corn beef chimichangas, roast beef and gravy, spinach salad and brownies $35 includes all food, drink, and music. Find out more & register here: https://oionline.com/events/beer-tasting-wheeling-stifel-march/ St. Patrick’s Day Haunted House! 6:30 p.m. - Infernum In Terra Haunted Attraction, 4302 Jacob St, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Experience a St. Patrick’s Day-themed Haunted House! Are you brave enough to test your luck? The wee folk have taken over the factory. They demand payment if you are to make it out alive. What could they want? Silver? Gold? Blood? Do you have the luck of the Irish? Will you survive!!! Coming March 13th and 14th only. Tickets only $15 each. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. last tickets sold at 11:00 p.m.

New Age Adenas - St. Patrick’s Day Party 8 p.m. - The Landing, Ohio street, 26038, Glendale, West Virginia 26038 Celebrate with the New Age Adenas at The Landing! It starts at 8 p.m. and they will rock out your St. Paddy's Day!

Saturday, March 14

MSM at 3rd annual St. Patrick's Day Party 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Vino di Piccin Winery & Tasting House,55155 National Rd, Lansing, Ohio 43934 This Saturday, March 14th it's time to celebrate St. Patrick's day once again with our great friends at Vino di Piccin's in Lansing OH. The festivities start at noon with Food, Wine, Green Wine Slushies and of course great entertainment from the valley. At noon Tim Ullom will kick it all off, at 4 p.m. Adrian Niles will be performing and at 8 p.m. Miller Smith & Mazure will take the stage to finish up the night. This is a great annual event! we hope to see you there!

St. Patty's Day/Two People Shorten the Road Cans Hightower Brewing Company, 3445 County Road 16, Rayland, Ohio 43943 "Two People Shorten the Road", a dry Irish stout will be back on draft (Co2 and Nitro) and in cans for the first time! Wood Fired Pizza Company provides delicious pizzas from 12 p.m. on. Wear all the green and come celebrate St. Patty's day at Hightower with Low Temp from 7-10 p.m.

St. Hat Tricks 7:05 p.m. - WesBanco Arena, 2-14th Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Nailers vs. Indy Fuel, doors open 5 p.m. and puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The theme is St. Hat Tricks so wear green! The first 2,000 fans will go home with a Nailers St. Patrick's Themed Hat. Autographs will be with two players announced at the game. There will be Irish Drink Specials, & the team will be wearing awesome specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off on the Handbid App.

Tuesday, March 17

St. Paddy's Party 7 p.m. - 19th Hole, 780 National Rd, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Get ready to party! The 19th Hole Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party is right around the corner! Kanawa is playing 6-7:30 p.m. and Brett Cain band 8-11 p.m. Drink and beer specials! Homemade Scotch Eggs! Giveaways!

Irish Open Mic Night Leonardo's Coffeehouse & Renaissance Coffee Roasting Co.159 North 4th Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952 Leo's is going Irish for a night! Grab an instrument (or a friend with an instrument) and join them for a lively Celtic jam session! All artists in musical fields are invited to bring their instruments, voices, and entourage of followers. Performers can play an instrument, play an instrument and sing, or sing to a track from a phone or laptop (currently no Bluetooth connections). A cappella is cool too. While they do have some instruments and amps available, they ask all musicians to bring their own if possible.

Having an Event? Do you have Ohio Valley events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - 03.06.2020

Live Music, Celtic Celebration, and film! Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a shortlist of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region.

Friday, March 6

Gallowglass (Free Concert) w/ Faire May, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - West Virginia Independence Hall 1528 Market Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Enjoy an evening of traditional Celtic songs and tunes in the historic courtroom on the 3rd floor of Independence Hall. All the fun starts at 6:00 pm as the young, local and talented "Faire May and Friends" delights and excites, followed by the seasoned sound of Wheeling's own Gallowglass! Come early for good seats!

Saturday, March 7

Wheeling Celtic Celebration River City/Wheeling Heritage - 10 a.m – 8:30 p.m. - 1400 Main Street Wheeling, WV This year's event will feature some educational opportunities, as well as Celtic music, food, and drinks! Agenda: 10 - 11 a.m. – Panel Discussion on Celtic traditions. Breakfast Buffet provided. FREE. First floor. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Mini genealogy sessions with Jeanne Finstein from the Wheeling Genealogical Society. Second floor. 2-3 p.m. Whiskey tastings and discussion on the history of Irish whiskey by Derrick McKee. Second floor. Entertainment - Third floor. Admission $5 1:30 – 2:30 Burke Conroy School of Irish Dance 3:00 – 4:30 Gallowglass 5:00 – 6:30 Terry Griffith 7:00 – 8:30 Brigid’s Cross

Pollen Eyes/Maybe Later/Younger/Bold Artillery 7 p.m. - Thunderbird's, 231 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Live at Thunderbirds! Pollen Eyes (Cleveland OH) and Maybe Later (Mansfield OH) are stopping through Thunderbird's on March 7th!

Sunday, March 8

Auditions: Towngate Cabaret 2020 Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre and the Friends of Towngate invite performers ages 17+ to audition for A Towngate Cabaret with their favorite musical theatre song! Performers are asked to complete this registration form in advance of the audition: https://forms.gle/wKrP9q2D3HhirfBR8 A Towngate Cabaret is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2020, with a mandatory dress rehearsal on Thursday, May 28. Performers are asked to audition with the song they'd like to perform on the show. An accompanist will be available at auditions. Performers may bring sheet music or an accompaniment track.

Monday, March 9

Film Screening: Breaking Through the Clouds 6 p.m. -  Ohio County Public Library 52-16th Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 The inspiring true story of twenty female pilots including Amelia Earhart, who defied convention by racing across America for nine grueling days in the summer of 1929. With little navigational aide and plenty of public scrutiny, these aviators succeeded as pilots in spite of their social status of being female in an era where women rarely drove automobiles. Facing cultural stereotypes, mechanical failures, threats of sabotage, navigational challenges, and endless chicken dinners, the women persevered. Whether fighting a fire in the cockpit, landing in a pasture full of cows, or facing criticism and demands for the race to stop after the death of a colleague, the women captured the world’s attention as they rallied to prove this was more than just a race. Despite several heartbreaks and setbacks, there were many moments of joy, laughter, and pure wonder. Wearing breeches and goggles in the day and ball gowns in the evening the women shared a genuine camaraderie while making a statement in a new era, with new technology, and new dreams. They became ambassadors of flight in the golden age of aviation proving women could be independent, competitive, self-sufficient, intelligent, competent, graceful and above all, really good pilots. Run time: 90 min.

Having an Event? Do you have Ohio Valley events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - 02.28.2020

Wild Kratts, skating, music and more! Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a shortlist of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region.

Friday, February 28

A Leap Into The Void Comedy Show 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Tacoholix, 1062 Market Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Visit Tacoholix for a night of comedy, tacos, and beer! The show is free! Starring James J. Hamilton, a comedian from Pittsburgh whose awesome genius is matched only by his incredible humility. Hailed as “brilliantly funny,” “a fantastic comic,” and “a disgusting excuse for a person,” he has performed at the DVE Comedy Festival, Burning Bridges Festival, Pittsburgh Improv, Arcade Comedy Theater, and many other illustrious places including dive bars, bowling alleys, and vape shops. Also featuring Matthew Nova, Paige Creamer, Jermaine Lucious and hosted by Rob Hershey

Saturday, February 29

Suess-ical Science 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Schrader Environmental Education Center, Lodge Drive, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Check out the Schrader Center for a fun morning with Dr. Seuss and some Seussical science projects! They will read stories by Dr. Seuss who would celebrate his 116th birthday this March, and then honor his work with some STEM projects. Make some Ooblek slime, have an egg drop after Horton Hatches an Egg, and plant some Lorax inspired seeds. For grades 1-6 Call 304-242-6855 or visit https://oionline.com/classes/nature/ to register!

Leap out of your Winter Blues with Indoor Gardening

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, 801 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Join Jocilyn Depetro of the WVU Extension Service and several Master Gardeners for an afternoon of activities relating to gardening and the museum’s Interpretive Garden. Create seed sprouting crafts, play a bird identification game, take seeds from the museum’s garden to plant at home, see how you measure up to a corn stalk, make a corn cob necklace and more.

Hip-Hop Show at Thunderbird's

7 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Thunderbird's, 231 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 A $10 cover will get you in at 7 p.m. to the all-ages hip-hop show at Thunderbird/s featuring Sir Schwertz (of TSE), Rare Minds Collective, Leak, K Goodz, Smug B, ROME & River Madison, and Alaska's Dead.

The 2020 Ohio Valley Heart Ball 6:30 p.m. - Midnight - Belmont Hills Country Club 47080 National Rd W, Saint Clairsville, Ohio 43950 Join in for a night of fun, fashion, food and more at the 2020 Ohio Valley Heart Ball! You'll enjoy live and silent auctions as well as the sounds of the K-Street Band! You won't want to miss out! Plus, every dollar raised helps the American Heart Association in our mission to save lives in the Ohio Valley! For more information or to purchase tickets, call 681-313-2073 or go online to www.heart.org/ohiovalleyheartball.

Wednesday, March 4

WSO on the GO - Beethoven & Brews 7 p.m. - Brew Keepers, 2245 Market Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 Beethoven turns 250 and it's time to celebrate with a special WSO on the GO! Grab a brew & listen to WSO on the GO's Clarinet Quintet as they play some unforgettable music written by the world's greatest composer. Free and open to the public. The title sponsor for WSO on the GO is McKinley Carter Wealth Services.

Having an Event? Do you have Ohio Valley events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - Valentine's 02.14.2020

This weekend, we are rounding up some Valentine's Day specials and events to help you plan a great weekend! Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a short list of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region. Want the whole list? Check out our comprehensive ohio valley events calendar at www.ledenews.com/events.

Friday, February 14

Valentine's Day Dinner at River City

Dinnertime, Feb 14 - Feb 15, River City, Wheeling, WV Special of the Evening: Two Filets and two lobster tails with one side each, two house salads, and chocolate mousse for $59.99 Dinner and a Movie "Casablanca" 7:30 p.m. - Towngate Theatre, Wheeling, WV A unique movie theater in Wheeling, Towngate offers screenings of some of America’s most iconic films. Towngate Theatre presents Casablanca Pre-screening dinner, movie ticket & popcorn – $20 (Reservation required.) Movie only – $7 (No reservation required.) Moviegoers have the option to have dinner in Towngate’s social room prior to the screening. Park once and enjoy twice the fun! Buffet dinners will be served promptly at 6:30 p.m. before each film. After dinner, head upstairs for the movie at 7:30 p.m. The cost for dinner is $20 and includes your seat for the movie, all food, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water and a box of popcorn to enjoy during the film. Beer and wine are available for purchase. You must make reservations for dinner by 5 p.m. Wednesday 2/12. You don’t need to make reservations for the film. Make dinner reservations at www.oionline.com or by calling 304-242-7700. Heart Shaped Pizza!

This weekend you can get heart shaped pizzas at two different pizza shops! In New Martinsville, WV you can visit The Original PJ's Pizza located on Rt. 2 for a heart shaped pizza with any topping you like and get a free heart shaped balloon while supplies last. DeFelice Bros. Pizza also features heart shaped pizzas if you are in the Wheeling area. Stay in with your sweetheart and enjoy a tasty Valentine's Day! Ron Retzer Trio: A Strand of Love 7:00 p.m. - The Strand Theatre, Moundsville, WV Celebrate Valentine's Day in style at the Strand Theatre. Join the Ron Retzer Trio as they present A Strand of Love. The concert will be held on Friday, February 14 at 7pm. Tickets for admission are $15. Tickets can be bought online at https://m.bpt.me/event/4497740 Tickets can be bought in person at the following locations: Moundsville Pharmacy, 118 LaFayette Avenue, Moundsville WV 26041, Frame & Fortunes, 239 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville WV 2604, Ruttenbergs, 238 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville WV 26041 Soulful! A Celebration 7:30 p.m. - Wheeling Symphony, Wheeling, WV

Featuring the exceptional voice of Gavin Hope from Jeans n' Classics, “Soulful," a night in which the symphony offers 50 years of brilliant R&B, Motown, Funk, Disco, Pop material by 20 of the finest African American recording artists and performers from Smokey Robinson to Outkast, Stevie Wonder to Pharrell Williams, and Isaac Hayes to Seal! New Age Adenas 8:00 p.m. - Rae's 29th Street Tavern, Wheeling, WV

Love is in the air! Join the New Age Adenas for a great night out at Rae's 29th Street Tavern. Listen to a mix of Adult Alternative, Classic Rock, Alt Country and more by band members Eric Wellman on guitar and vocals, Mary Blake on vocals, guitar, hand percussion, and Greg Pawlack on mandolin and vocals. 7 South Valentine's Day Show 8:00 p.m. - Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill, RT2 South, Glendale, WV Join 7 South at Ruttenbucks on Rt. 2 in Glendale, WV for a special Valentine's Day dinner show. Covering tunes from the 80's, 90’s and 2000’s

Saturday, February 15

Great Backyard Bird Count 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Schrader Environmental Education Center, Wheeling, WV

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a free, fun and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish). Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts. You can participate from your backyard or anywhere in the world. Join them at the Schrader Center as they count birds at the feeders and around the building. Results will be sent to Audubon to be included in the national tally. Ages: All Meets: 10am-12pm Sat., Feb. 15 (stop by anytime and stay as long as you like) Valentine's Dueling Pianos Dinner Show 7:30 p.m. - Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Wheeling, WV

Enjoy a buffet-style menu featuring sliced sirloin with mushroom demi-glace, chicken florentine, whipped potatoes, green beans, roasted corn and peppers, house salad and dessert. Tickets $50 per person Improv with the Left of Center Players 8:00 p.m. - Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre & Cinema, Wheeling, WV

Round out your Valentine's Day weekend with comedy improv by the Left of Centre Players! These brave performers hit the Towngate Theatre stage without a script, props or a safety net. Armed only with adrenaline and their imaginations, they make up stories on the spot that entertain and amuse. Audience members offer suggestions for scenes, conflicts, characters and theatrical styles and contribute directly to the action on stage. The Players are brave, talented and oh, so funny! Each performance is filled with creative comedy and laughs galore. Leave the kiddos at home. These shows are for mature audiences only. Strong language is possible. You can purchase beer and wine at the show. All tickets are $5. Purchase at www.oiononline.com, at the door or by calling 304-242-7700.

Wednesday, February 19

Auditions: Moundsville’s Got Talent 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - The Strand Theatre, Moundsville, WV Do you have a talent you would like to share? Plans for the second annual Moundsville’s Got Talent competition are underway! In the style of America’s Got Talent, ten different acts (chosen from a screened audition process) will perform for a panel of three qualified judges during a live performance on Saturday, March 14 Auditions for the show will be held on Wednesday, February 19 from 4-7pm at the Strand Theatre. All acts are welcome-singing, dancing, stand up comedy,-whatever you want to share with the world! Bring your best talent (not to exceed five minutes) to auditions. From auditions, we will choose up to ten acts to perform in the show. To set up an audition time or to submit a video audition, email Sadie Crow. srcrow992@gmail.com. Video submissions are due by 4pm on Wednesday, February 19. Walk-ins are welcome! Those selected will perform for the show on March 14 at 7pm. Every performer will perform once, and from there our three judges will determine the top three. Those three performers will present a second act to determine who will be awarded first, second, and third prize. First place will win $300, second place will win $200, and third place will win $100. Price for admission to the show is $12 Adults and $10 students. Having an Event? Do you have ohio valley events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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OVAC HOF 2020 - Daryl 'Boogie' Johnson

(Publisher's Note: This is the first in a series of articles that will feature many members of the 2020 OVAC Hall of Fame class.) There were times he would even forget about it unless a friend of his would bring it up out of the blue. Why is Daryl “Boogie” Johnson not yet inducted into the OVAC Hall of Fame despite all the serious truth? He collected more than 4,000 rushing yards in three seasons; led the Wheeling Park Patriots to the high school’s first-ever appearance in the state Class AAA championship game; won the Kennedy Award for being the best football player in the state; AND the former running back got a full-ride with a Division I program at Oklahoma State. Worthy? Not worthy? Johnson was forced to accept the latter, but only up until January 19, when the OVAC announced its Class of the 1990s, and low and behold, there he was, finally, on the list. “It’s a great feeling; it really is. A few of my friends have talked about it a few times, but then I really did forget about it because I never heard anything at all,” Johnson explained. “But each year when the induction does take place and one of us sees something on TV, then, of course, it hits my mind again. “I’m happy because a lot of people thought I had been inducted a long time ago, but when that OPEN LETTER came out, I heard about it for weeks because so many people couldn’t believe it,” he said. “And since it was announced, I have heard from so many of my former teammates and all of my friends, and over and over they would text that they’re a ‘Fan of the Boogie Man’ because of your piece.”

The Patriots finally made it to the Class AAA championship in 1991, but the team lost 15-14 to Capital High.

Glory Days.

Johnson’s career at Oklahoma State was cut short by injuries suffered during his first few seasons. Once returning home, he found employment, started a family, and became very involved with the Wheeling community. But, Johnson admits, some dreams didn’t come true. “Actually, I really only played high school football for about 2.5 years because my sophomore year I didn’t start until the sixth game, and my senior year I only played seven full games because our coach then, Ron White, would pull the starters once we were up by 25 points because he was trying to keep us healthy,” Johnson recalled. “Coach (Mark) Nardone, God bless his soul, always told me that if he was the coach of that team, that I would have broken the national record. “When I was in high school, I did want WVU to be my step, but they were late in the recruiting process and couldn’t offer me a full scholarship and wanted me to walk on in the beginning,” he said. “There were a lot of phone calls and visits to campuses, but when Oklahoma State called, that was it. I was a big Barry Sanders fan, and that’s why I knew they had a place in their offense for a running back of my size. So, that was it.” But Johnson explained there was a second reason why he ended up playing against teams like Texas, Oklahoma, and SMU, and it involved the head coach for the crosstown rival. “I’ll have to give a lot of credit to Coach Jim Thomas, and most people don’t know what he did for me,” Johnson said. “Coach Thomas knew a guy connected to that program and some others, and it was that guy who called me first. When I sent my tape for Oklahoma State, I sent it to that guy because of Coach Thomas. “But because that guy, and I wish I could remember his name, too, but that was when a lot of other schools started calling, too. Virginia, Virginia Tech, and even Washington State,” he continued. “They wanted me to fly out there, see the campus, meet with the coaches, and stuff, but once I heard from the Cowboys, I committed.”

Johnson has long served as a mentor to Elijah Bell, a 2016 graduate of Wheeling Park who is now training in an NFL prep camp.

Coming Home.

When Johnson returned home to Wheeling, all he heard about was that ’91 state championship game against Capital High at Laidley Field in Charleston. Most believe Boogie scored late in the fourth quarter when an in-motion play was ruled dead before he crossed the goal line. Instead, a 15-14 defeat. And Johnson also heard over and over again that he was a shoo-in for the local Hall of Fame by one fan after another, so that allowed the former Park star to hope for an early entry was possible, too. Nope. Instead, it took 29 years and 43 days after his final game representing an OVAC team. “No one seems to know why it took so long, but that’s OK. The wait is over, and I’m very happy about it. My family is thrilled, I’ve heard from a lot of the linemen that blocked for me back in those days and from a lot of friends, too,” he said. “Heck, I’m just glad I’m still alive because you never know about life. “I haven’t made any plans for the induction (in August), but I’m sure we’ll have something everyone can come to afterward,” Johnson added. “But it’s going to be a little weird for me, too, because the game of football has centered around my sons for a lot of years. That’s what football has been about for me, but that day might be a little different.” Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - 01.31.2020

Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a short list of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region. Want the whole l

Friday, January 31

Gage Joseph Acoustic 8pm-11pm, River City, Wheeling, WV Gage covers classic country and southern rock favorites, along with top-40 tunes. Stop in after the Wheeling Nailers game Hawaiian Night/Frosty Friday: Solar Bears vs. Nailers 7:05 pm - 10:05 pm, WesBanco Arena, Wheeling, WV

WHO THEY ARE PLAYING: Orlando Solar Bears DOORS OPEN: 5:00pm PUCK DROP 7:05pm THEME: Hawaiian Night/ Frosty Friday * $2 Select Beers * Lei giveaway to the first 1,000 fans

Saturday, February 1

Eclectic Acoustics Live at Strikers Sports Bar at Holiday Lanes 9:00 pm - 12:00 am, Holiday Lanes, Weirton, WV

Pittsburgh Favorites Eclectic Acoustics return to Striker’s Sports Bar located in Holiday Lanes Weirton, WV. Eclectic Acoustics plays a wide variety of your favorite acoustic rock songs from the ’70s thru today. From CCR to Bon Jovi to Pearl Jam to Imagine Dragons and everything in between, they have something for everyone. Eclectic Acoustics plays all over the Tri-State area including Casino’s, Hotels, Breweries, Wineries, and other high profile venues. They have also performed at numerous corporate events for Under Armour, Dicks Sporting Goods, Primanti Bros., and Porsche.

Monday, February 3

6PM – 7PM, Belmont County District Library, Martins Ferry, OH Laugh and learn about the interesting quirks of our past presidents!Presented by local historian Jason Garczyk. This adult program is free and open to the public. For more information, call (740) 633-0314.

Wednesday, February 5

By the Barrel Wine Sampling 5 PM – 8 PM , Weirton, WV The First By the Barrel Wine Sampling coming up!!! With Valentine's Day approaching, we want everyone to be prepared for the night! With that in mind, we will be having a wine sampling on Feb 5th. We will have a nice selection of local wines, from sweet to semi dry. Come sample your wine before you buy to make sure your evening is a special as your valentine! Where: By the Barrel When: Wednesday, February 5th 5pm-8pm Varietals: Wines from WV, PA and Ohio Having an Event? Do you have events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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Suicide? No Way - Part 2

(Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles that will examine the passing of 19-year-old Colby Brown, a 2018 graduate of Cameron High School, who attended Marshall University in Huntington. Colby was pronounced dead on Aug. 26, 2019, once paramedics treated him in the middle of Interstate 64.) There was an unexpected knock at the door at the family home at the top of Benwood Hill, and it was finally dark outside on this warm, August evening in Marshall County. When Shelby Brown looked to see who it was, Colby’s sister saw two uniformed police officers on the porch. What did Mom do now? That’s what Shelby initially thought, especially since Gwen Wood is a 10-time women’s Toughman champion who still can be a quick wick. But that wasn’t it. “It was about 9:30 p.m., and they asked if Gwen Wood was home, but my mother wasn’t because she was caring for her friend in Charleston,” she recalled. “Then they asked me if I was related to her, and I told them that she was my mother, and they asked if they could speak to me privately outside.

They Told His Sister

“That’s when they asked if I knew who Colby Brown is, and that’s when I thought Colby may have gotten himself into some trouble for whatever reason,” Shelby said. “I told them that Colby was my little brother, and then they told me he passed away tonight. I asked what happened to my brother, and they really didn’t tell me any information other than he had passed away.”

Shelby and Colby were close in age and were together with their mother very often. David Brown, father of Brandi, Shelby, and Colby, was home at the time, but he was in the shower when the officers first knocked. When he realized Shelby was on the porch with the police officers, he entered the conversation. “He heard me scream when they told me about Colby, and he opened the door and asked what was going on. That’s when I slammed the door shut on him because I didn’t want him to hear it. I thought that if I could just keep it to myself that it wouldn’t be real somehow,” Shelby admitted. “Of course, my dad came back out, and he demanded that the officers find out what happened to him. He told them that they just couldn’t come to our house and tell us Colby was dead without telling us more. Finally, they said that all they knew was that he had fallen off a bridge.

There's No Way

“But they said nothing about Colby falling onto an interstate, so I didn’t know if they had found him in the water or something like that,” she said. “It wasn’t until later when my dad finally got some more information, but then a friend of Colby’s, John Crow, got ahold of us and he said when he talked to a police officer at a gas station that night that the officer told him that Colby committed suicide.” The incident was reported by the Huntington 911 dispatcher shortly after 7 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2019, but Colby’s mother was not informed until the family traveled to Charleston, where Gwen was caring for a lifelong friend with cancer. “When the police finally told us what they thought happened, we knew we couldn’t tell my mom that kind of thing on the phone, so we packed up and immediately left,” Shelby explained. “None of believed it from the very beginning, but we had to go to her and tell her what they told us. “When we explained it to her, she immediately said there was no way. We all felt the same, too, and the people who knew him thought the same. Not Colby. There’s no way.”

Gwen, Darby, Shelby, and Colby were inseparable as a family.

Labeled ‘Missing’ in 15 Minutes

A group of college guys, Madden football on Playstation 4, and a packed bowl of weed is what Colby’s family knows about the 19-year-old’s afternoon at Jon Crow’s residence. According to Crow and the others in attendance, Colby won a couple of games before six young men shared a bowl. It is at this point where inconsistencies begin, Gwen and her daughter’s believe. “That’s because one guy said he went down and knocked on the door; another person said he must have splashed water on his face because he was soaking wet; and another guy said that he watched him walk out, get into his car, and drive away,” Shelby reported. “And all of them say that from that moment on, they have no idea what happened. “But 15 minutes after Colby left, though, they told us, they decided to become a search party, and they contacted all of Colby’s friends, too,” she said. “After only 15 minutes, they had labeled him as missing, and that seems strange to me. Why so quick?” Crow became good friends with Colby after accepting a summertime pipeline position on a Marshall County project, and Colby welcomed him to the area since there were fellow Marshall University students, Shelby explained. As it turned out, Crow was hired to work on the same crew as Shelby’s boyfriend and father. Crow rented a residence, in fact, from Colby’s grandfather for only $200 per month at a time when such spaces were worth much, much more.

WVU football games were attended as often as possible. “Jon and Colby appeared to me to be friends because they were always hanging out and getting along, and Colby was last seen alive at Jon’s house,” Shelby said. “Colby wasn’t really close friends with the other boys who were that at the time, but Colby went there because Jon invited him so they could all play Madden. “The story that Jon told us was that they all were playing the video game and that they all shared one single bowl pack (of marijuana), and he repeatedly let us know that it was Colby’s weed that he had bought in Morgantown. Then Jon said that suddenly they couldn’t get Colby to talk, and then Colby stood up and said, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me.’ That’s when he walked downstairs to get to the bathroom. From that point, we really don’t know anything for sure other than I don’t have my brother anymore, and I want to know why.” Crow, along with the leadership of his fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi, staged a football-related benefit titled “The Colby Brown Showdown” on Sept. 13, 2019, according to Shelby, but it’s been silence ever since. “I didn’t know what to expect from Jon after Colby was gone, but I can’t say I am surprised we’ve not heard from him since the funeral. I don’t know why that is,” she said. “I just having a feeling someone knows something more, and I don’t know if he’s that someone. “He spent the entire summer with our family, and my pap charged him only $200 to rent a house that he owns,” she said. “We did Jon a lot of favors that summer, and it just seems odd to me that we’ve not heard from him because he knows us all. He was a part of our family, and he was a follower, and he let Colby lead him around every day.” Her final text from Jon Crow? “I sent him a text on September 10, and he replied, ‘Honestly, Shelby, I don’t know. I just know what the state police told me.’”

All three of Gwen's children were raised to love each other unconditionally, and that's exactly what they did.

The Tox Report

There are texts that Gwen Wood has been able to recover from her son’s cellphone and digital footprint, and, of course, there is evidence proving her son had marijuana he purchased in Morgantown, but also there was mention that Colby experimented with “magic” mushrooms, a hallucinogen that is well known to supply a peaceful high. What else could there be? Colby had just moved into his apartment, had no food in the refrigerator, and he took care of his beloved dog, Penny, before leaving to play video games on his friend Jon’s apartment. The expanded toxicology report from the West Virginia Crime Lab is expected in March, Wood said. “And I don’t fear the toxicology report. I want it to come back, and if there are drugs in his system, then that will lead us to more questions and hopefully more answers. That’s also when we will know if someone else knows something that they aren’t saying. “But if it says there were not drugs in his system other than the weed, I believe that should show everyone that something went very wrong,” Shelby said. “That’s because, in his right state of mind, nothing like this would have ever happened.” At 1:15 p.m., Colby signed into his Marketing Concepts and Applications class, and then at 2:35 p.m., he attended his Principals of Macroeconomic class, and he did that after going to the Marshall Recreation Center for his daily workout. Colby remained on a Promise Scholarship after excelling his freshman year and was geared toward a degree in the business field. “So, if you were planning to take your own life, why would you go to the gym to improve your body and then spend the last few hours of your life attending your classes on the first day of school? It makes no sense,” Shelby insisted. “If you’re planning on dying that day, why continued working toward your degree? Plus, he would have spent all of the money he had in his savings account if that were his intention, right?

Gwen's children had been in consistent communication with Colby up until his passing.

Colby Had Plans

“He had plans with a (female) friend of his that first weekend, and he told me he was excited about it, and when I talked with her, she was shocked because Colby never said a word to her about anything negative,” she said. “The day before he died, I messaged with him to discuss what he needed to buy at the grocery store. He said he was going to call me the next day when he got there so I could help him with all of what he needed. I never got that call.” Although she’s been hurt by headlines and perception and by the silence from law enforcement and Colby’s friends, Shelby remains staunch in the belief her brother was taken away a different way. “He was my best friend. Colby was always happy, and when there were low moments in my life or my sister’s life, he was the one who would pick us up and say, ‘None of this matters. You’re going to be somebody. We’re young. None of this matters.’ “He’d tell me that I was bigger than whatever it was I sad over. He’d tell me that our family had a bigger purpose than worrying about the little things,” she remembered. “Colby was always on track from the time he was a little kid, and he did it himself. What 19-year-old walks out the door and every single time tells you that he loves you? My brother did not suffer from any type of mental illness, and I can say that with certainty.” When it comes to what has been reported to this point, Shelby echoes her mother. “No way. I knew him inside and out. We told each other everything, and I mean everything, so I knew him, and I can say, 100 percent, I know he did not commit suicide. He was a person that I really, really knew, and there’s no way he would have taken his own life,” Shelby insisted. “He lived with a purpose because it was him who was going to be somebody someday. I have no idea how he ended up where he did, but he didn’t do that.”

Colby, of course, was there when his sister Shelby gave birth.

A Leaf Falls

Gwen Wood desperately has been attempting to “shake as many trees” as possible the past six months simply because she is as mystified as the rest of her family. Always smiling, the one with the plan, Colby was labeled the “Golden Boy” early on and retained that reputation following his freshman year at Marshall. And then he jumps off a bridge onto a heavily traveled Interstate 64? But that’s not why Ricky Cremeans finally decided to contact Colby’s mother. Cremeans was forced to swerve around Colby’s car on McCoy Road Bridge that night, and he and wife parked at the end and walked back to see if they could help. The first leaf has fallen, she believes. “He’s a guy who had commented on a post from Huntington, and I messaged him at the beginning of December, but I didn’t hear anything back from him. But then he saw the first story and decided to contact me,” Wood explained. “He told me he drove over that bridge and at that time there was a car parked in the middle of the bridge, and that the door was open. He and the person with him parked at the end of the bridge and walked over to the car to see what was going on. “They told us that there was another couple walking on the bridge at the same time, and when the guy who contacted me asked what was going on, the couple said they thought someone had jumped,” she said. “They walked up to the edge of the bridge and saw the paramedics all around, and they saw Colby.” She’s still his mother, and her voice changes inflection anytime Colby's name enters the conversation. And Gwen is not going to stop scrambling with her collected puzzle pieces, and that’s because, in her opinion, two-plus-two doesn’t add up. The conversation with Cremeans, however, helped. “He said that he saw that I messaged him, but at that time he didn’t feel he had any useful information, but after seeing the story on LEDE, he decided to get back to me and at least tell me what he saw,” Wood reported. “He told me a lot of things that the authorities haven’t even told us, and he told us the exact position of the car, and that’s not something anyone had told us. “We were also told that Colby’s car was running, but it wasn’t. He also told me that the couple that was walking across seemed a little too calm for people who said they had just seen someone jump off that bridge,” she continued. “And he told me that he and his wife talked about the whole situation when they got home, and that they agreed that something just didn’t seem right. “I hope and pray he’s not the only one who sees these stories and decides to step up and contact me, and I thank God people in Huntington are reading, too.” (Photos provided by Shelby Brown) Related: Suicide? No Way – Part 1 Read the full article

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Events Not to Miss This Week - 02.21.2020

Wild Kratts, skating, music and more! Not sure what to do this week? Think there’s just nothing to do? Bored of the same old circles you run in? We’ve put together a shortlist of events that are sure to get you out of the house and experiencing our region.

Friday, February 21

Public Skating Session 8 p.m., The Roller Derby, 510 10th St, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Did you know we have a local skating rink? Head to The Roller Derby for a fun night of skating with your friends & family. They are open every Friday & Saturday evening from 8 p.m. - 10 p. m. Admission is just $5 Non-skating adult chaperones are admitted for FREE! They have both roller skates and roller blades for rent.

Saturday, February 22

Wild Kratts Live 2.0 - Activate Creature Power! 1 p.m., Capitol Theatre 1015 Main St, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 The Kratt Brothers are coming to the Capitol Theatre with an ALL-NEW stage show: Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 - Activate Creature Power! Join Martin and Chris, live on stage, as they activate creature powers, share amazing animal ‘WOW facts’, and even face a comic villain! Come with us on this new Wild Kratts adventure and help the Kratt The Muddle

Sunday, February 23

Steel Magnolias Auditions Feb 24 and Feb 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Strand Theatre, Moundsville, WV This spring, the Strand Theatre is thrilled to bring to the stage the southern classic Steel Magnolias! Take a trip to Miss Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisianna and peer into the lives of the women who are strong as steel but gentle as magnolias in May. If you’re a fan of the 1989 film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Dolly Parton, you’ll recognize the same beloved characters and one-liners, such as, “I’m not crazy! I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years!” Steel Magnolias will open April 3 and run through April 5.

Tuesday, February 25

State of the City (Wheeling) 12 p.m., Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, 1 S Stone St, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 The event is free to attend and open to the public. Lunch is optional for a cost of $10 at the event (cash or check) or $12 if billed. Please RSVP by calling (304) 234-6401. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Free parking is available at the Casino.

Thursday, February 27

Film: Red Salt and Reynolds 7 p.m., Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, 801 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Archaeological excavations at the Marmet Lock and Dam Project in Kanawha County, WV, unearthed several historic sites. These included the foundations of the Reynolds family mansion, the cabin where the family’s slaves lived, four salt furnaces operated by the family using rented slaves, and the family cemetery. Historic and industrial archaeology, bioanthropology and historic documents tell the tale of the rise and fall of the Reynolds family and the local salt industry which was once the largest salt producer in America. This 30-minute film was created by the Paradise Film Institute for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 29 min

Friday, February 14

Having an Event? Do you have Ohio Valley events that you would like featured? Send them for consideration to info@ledenews.com or fill out our contact form HERE. Please include contact information, press release, photo(s), and links to your website or event. Read the full article

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Restaurant Directory: Bellaire

(Note: LedeNews will publish restaurant listings for different towns throughout the Ohio Valley, complete with address (linked on Google maps), any Facebook or web page presence, along with an online menu, if available. If LedeNews has profiled or reviewed a particular restaurant, we’ll link that too. Your eatery or restaurant not listed? Contact Mike Hughes at dashewz80@gmail.com and he’ll get it taken care of)

24-7 Pizza

Address: 3031 Belmont St. Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Around the World Gourmet

Address: 112 Second Avenue Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here More Info: Click Here

Burger King

Address: 2544 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Dairy Queen

Address: 3898 Noble Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Denny’s Blue Angel

Address: 3268 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Domino’s Pizza

Address: 2405 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Gulla’s Lunch/Next Door

Address: 3073 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here More Info: Click Here

Lil’ Gerardo’s

Address: 3393 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here More Info: Click Here

McDonald’s

Address: 300 28th Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Roosevelt

Address: 3175 Union Street Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Sakura Family Restaurant

Address: 3293 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here More Info: Click Here

Subway

Address: 2998 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here

Unique Treats by Jacquie

Address: 3050 Belmont Street Facebook Page: Click Here Website: Click Here Online Menu: Click Here More Info: Click Here Read the full article