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Lawmaker Wants To Stop Funding Schools That Sue Over Vouchers

An Ohio state representative wants to cut off state funding for public school districts that are challenging the constitutionality of the state’s $1 billion private school voucher program. But even supporters of the voucher program concede that the legislation, if passed, would face serious legal challenges. House bill 671 was introduced this month by Rep. Jamie Callendar, a Republican from Canton. Calendar did not respond to requests for comments on the legislation. His proposal drew immediate criticism from school boards challenging the voucher program. “HB 671 is a classic ...

Moundsville City Manager Gives Construction Update

MOUNDSVILLE – Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy told City Council members this week that he hopes to be celebrating the opening of the new municipal building later this year with the public. During this week’s council meeting Healy gave another update on the building’s ...

Belmont County 4-H Plans To Host Inaugural Open House

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont County 4-H is hosting its inaugural open house meeting, hoping to educate residents unfamiliar with the organization. 4-H Program Assistant Sarah Galavich said that the open house will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Ohio State University Extension ...

School Spending Rises Nationally Amid Enrollment Decline

Public school enrollment has declined in recent years even as staffing and spending have increased, prompting debate among education leaders over how resources are being used and whether they are improving student outcomes. Total annual public school spending is nearing $1 trillion nationally, according to a Reason Foundation report. According to Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, public school enrollment has declined by roughly 750,000 students since 2014. In that same time, public school employment has grown by more than 600,000 positions. Only about one-third of students score ...

HVAC Project At City-County Building Nearing Completion

WHEELING – The $12 million, multi-year project to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning units at the City-County Building in Wheeling is nearing the finish line. Work is 99% complete on the HVAC replacement project, according to Melissa Marco, project coordinator for Ohio ...

3 arrested on drug charges in Martins Ferry

MARTINS FERRY – Three men were arrested on drug related charges in Martins Ferry this past Sunday. City residents Mark Kinkus, Michael Kurtley, and Reed Morrow were arrested at a home on Clinton Street around 5 a.m. after several community tips, according to Martins Ferry Police Chief Vincent West. West said that the ongoing investigation started by complaints about traffic and different people going in and out of that residence. “We definitely take the tip seriously. We ask any residents with any information of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to please call ...