In the News – Area Briefs

Sections of Town Evacuated

A non-mandatory evacuation along the north end of North Arch Street, from Walnut Street to Euclid Avenue in Barnesville was declared Monday when a gas leak was detected. Columbia Gas worked crews responded and repaired the leak. You may return home but use caution as Columbia Gas is working in the area.

Public Notice for New Fire Station

A public notice published in the local daily newspaper this week seeks bids for the construction of a new fire station in the Village of Belmont.  The proposed new multi-million-dollar building is funded by several sources including a state grant secured by State Senator Brian Chavez. 

Bids will be opened Monday, March 31 at 3:00 at the fire station, 100 West Barrister Street in the village.

Firm Expanding to Belmont County

A worldwide manufacturer, Tecnocap, LLC will expand to Ohio creating 29 full time jobs according to an announcement by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

The firm that also has a facility across the Ohio River in Glen Dale, will generate more than $1.3 million in annual payroll.

The project involves purchasing and renovating a vacant structure. The company received a seven-year Job Creation Tax Credit to help finance the project.

Hospital Shutters Long-Term Care, Nursing Units

The East Ohio Regional Hospital (EORH) at Martins Ferry announced via email to employees this past week that the facility would close its long-term care and nursing care units “to refocus resources and energy on the care delivery of acute medicine.”

This follows issues raised by employees the week before about the parent firm’s failure to pay health care premiums.

EORH and the former Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) were closed by the hospitals’ former owner that was carrying massive debt in 2019. The OVMC facility was eventually sold to the City of Wheeling and demolished while EORH was purchased and reopened by Dr. John Johnson, a board-certified psychiatrist.