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Tornado wreaks havoc in Jefferson, Hancock counties, causing widespread damage
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The village of Irondale was one of the areas hit hardest by Wednesday's early morning storms, as a radar-signature confirmed tornado ripped through the area. Warnings were issued around 1 o'clock. Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service across the river in Hancock County have...
Irondale assesses tornado damage for possible disaster declaration
IRONDALE, Ohio (WTRF) — Continuing coverage now on the damage from this week’s tornadoes. Yesterday Irondale made sure all of its residents were safe, and today was about assessing the damage. A cost estimate is being taken by state and local emergency management to see if it meets the legal requirement of a disaster declaration. […]
Sunset Boulevard crash injures two in Steubenville
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — A two-vehicle car crash snarled traffic Wednesday evening on Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville close to Tim Horton’s. Steubenville Fire Department Captain Justin Boley said one victim from each vehicle was transported to Trinity Medical Center West with non-life threatening injures. The cause of the crash...
Irondale residents pick up the pieces after twister blows through
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Residents and weather officials could be seen in Irondale surveying the damage from Wednesday morning’s tornado. “This was a tornado,” Fred McMullen, with the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service, said. “We're out here to determine how long it was, how wide it was and what the max average wind speeds were for this tornado."
Hancock County commissioners approve PILOT agreement with Nucor Steel
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – Hancock County Commissioners approved a PILOT Tax Program for Nucor Steel on Thursday during their regularly scheduled commission meeting, meaning the company will not pay regular taxes to the county for the next 30 years. In a two-to-one vote, commissioners Jeff Davis and Paul Cowey voiced their opinions on […]
14 dogs find homes after two local families make donation to Hancock County Animal Shelter
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – Two local families donated over $1800 to the Hancock County Animal Shelter, covering the adoption fees of 18 dogs. In the last week since these families anonymously donated, 14 dogs have found their forever homes! Hope Sayre, the shelter’s daily operations manager, says it is so heartwarming to […]
Franciscan University honors record 896 graduates, Alito speaks at event
STEUBENVILLE, OH — Franciscan University of Steubenville held its 76th annual commencement to celebrate the Class of 2024 on their accomplishments. The university graduated 896 students on Saturday, breaking a record for the largest graduating class in the university's history for a fourth consecutive year. Graduates were addressed by...
Community Bread Basket in Weirton gets donation toward new building
A significant donation was made by the Edward Klash Foundation to the Community Bread Basket in Weirton that will go toward a new building in a time when the need for food assistance is growing. "Edward Klash worked for Weirton Steel company as an electrician, and he had a heart...
Kids explore art, drama, dance and more this summer at Sycamore Youth Center
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) — With the start of summer, our kids have 12 weeks to explore where their talents and passion take them. And their first steps of self-discovery could be at the Sycamore Youth Center. Once again the Steubenville organization will offer 16 completely free camps from now until the end of June. With […]
Tornado wakes Irondale: Residents recall 'scary experience' as cleanup continues
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Residents of Irondale said it sounded like a freight train coming through. “It was loud,” Kristen Smith said of a confirmed tornado in the village early Wednesday morning. "I got an alert for a warning and a few seconds after it said seek shelter."
New 911 Center enhances calls for residents and first responders
BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) Out with the old and in with the new, technology that is. The Brooke County 911 Center has officially moved from their old center into their brand new state of the art facility. It’s still in the same building but now they have a much larger area and the best high […]
Defective tornado siren in Wellsville raises community concern
WELLSVILLE, Ohio — The Wellsville Fire Department siren was rebuilt about six months ago after a tornado swept through the area. This left community members wondering why the siren stayed silent Wednesday morning. Members of the community took to Facebook to share their concerns about the siren not going...
West Virginia Election Preview: Two vying for Hancock County Commission Seat
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – One contested commission race in Hancock County is on the ballot this primary with two locals vying for the seat. Republicans Tony LaScola and Tommy Ogden both spoke with 7News about why they are running and what they hope to accomplish if they win. LaScola is a lifelong resident […]
Rue21 bankruptcy prompts local response
Rue21’s bankruptcy announcement earlier this month is hitting close to home for the Ohio Valley. The Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle (BDC) responded May 8 to the company’s bankruptcy filing. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the rue21 bankruptcy filing,” Co-Executive Director for the Northern Panhandle BDC Anthony Clements said. “Their facility in Weirton […]
Hancock County begins cleanup after twister leaves trail of significant damage
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — The cleanup efforts in Hancock County started early Wednesday morning after the storms rolled through shortly after midnight. The EF 2 tornado leveled homes, destroyed property, and knocked down power lines. Those living on Smith Road in New Cumberland say the storm left behind heavy...
Softball Recap: West Muskingum falls despite strong effort from Katlynn Foster
If West Muskingum was riding high off their 12-3 takedown of West Holmes last Wednesday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The West Muskingum Tornadoes took a 9-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Steubenville Big Red on Friday. Katlynn Foster...
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