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Donald Trump Will Stump In The Ohio Valley

Police plan for road closures, protesters

Photo by Scott McCloskey Wheeling police Lt. Phil Redford works on securing the rear lot behind WesBanco Arena Monday in preparation for Donald Trump’s today visit to Wheeling.

WHEELING — Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a public rally in St. Clairsville today after a private fundraiser in Wheeling.

The public rally is set to take place on the campus of Ohio University Eastern in the Health and Physical Fitness Building. Doors are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with the rally expected to start at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending can register for tickets at donaldjtrump.com/schedule/register/.

“We are always pleased to have a national candidate come to Belmont County,” said Christopher Gagin, chairman of the Belmont County Republican Party. “Belmont County is always pleased to play host, and make a presidential campaign feel welcome.”

Gagin said he witnessed the energy generated by Trump during the primary election.

“He brought many voters into the Republican Party in Belmont County and in Ohio who were not there previously,” he said. “Locally, I believe there is a lot of excitement about his candidacy.

“But there are many who still have questions about his candidacy. I am pleased he is coming here so we can listen to him in person, and take a measure of the man.”

Prior to the scheduled rally, Trump will appear at a private fundraiser, set for 4:30 p.m. at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. The private event is being hosted by Robert E. Murray, chairman, president and CEO of Murray Energy. About 1,100 people are expected to attend.

Members of the Wheeling Police Department could be seen Monday taking measures to secure the area around WesBanco Arena. The parking lot at the arena was closed, and will remain so today.

Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Martin Kimball said the only streets to be closed for Trump’s visit will be 14th and Water streets near the arena. There will also be brief road closures as Trump’s motorcade makes its way from the Ohio County Airport to downtown Wheeling.

Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie sees Trump’s visit as an opportunity for the candidate to learn more about the issues facing local residents.

“I think it’s great,” McKenzie said. “It’s important that Wheeling and West Virginia attract presidential candidates. Donald Trump has been in Charleston, and (Democrat) Hillary Clinton has been in Logan. Anytime a candidate or president can come here, it is good so that they can understand the needs of the Ohio Valley.

“I’m excited that Donald Trump is visiting Wheeling. And I would be equally excited for a visit from Hillary Clinton.”

McKenzie has been elected as an uncommitted delegate representing West Virginia at the Republican National Convention taking place July 18-21 in Cleveland, and he said he does plan to support Trump at the convention. Trump received 77 percent of the vote for the Republican nomination from the state’s voters.

“My pledge was that whoever won West Virginia, I would support,” McKenzie said. “Being a delegate means you are a reflection of the state’s voters, and it’s my responsibility to follow the will of the people.

“Unless there is a reason that would be learned between now and the convention, I believe it is important to listen to the voters.”

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