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Thalman: ‘I Believe I'm the Best Person for the Job’

He’s watched the sausage be made. He’s even tossed in a few ingredients of his own over the past eight years as the council representative for Ward 1 and while serving as the city’s vice mayor. And, as his campaign slogan exclaims, Chad Thalman wants to continue the comeback as the next mayor of Wheeling. He’s one of six candidates who wish to follow Glenn Elliott, a two-termer who’s now campaigning for the Democrat nomination for the U.S. Senate race in November, and he’s a firm believer he is the best candidate on the ballot. Since Thalman was elected in 2016 to represent Ward 1, he’s supported a number of paving and demolition contracts, the construction of the new fire headquarters and creation of the new police HQ, a number of projects related to parks and recreation, and he voted in favor of the purchase of the Ohio Valley Medical Center campus, the implementation of the User Fee, and has been a part of the development of the current streetscape project. “I don’t think I realized when I was preparing to run for city council back in 2015 how much time it takes to get projects moving and to make improvements we wanted to make,” said Thalman, who was appointed vice mayor eight years ago. “But we’ve accomplished a lot, and I’m proud of that fact. Thalman was sworn into office at West Virginia Independence Hall in downtown when he was re-elected in 2020. “I’ve been involved with the past eight years and I’m the guy best equipped to the city move forward. I think the current mayor and most of the members of council would agree that I’m the best person for the job,” he said. “I don’t want to be the mayor of any other city than Wheeling because it’s my hometown and it’s where I plan to live the rest of my life. If I don’t try to help Wheeling right now, I think I would regret it for the rest of my life.” The winner of the Friendly City’s 2024 mayoral election will inherit an under-construction downtown that has a number of vacant storefronts and buildings, an economy centered on the professional, service, and healthcare industries, and a shrinking population, but Wheeling also is a city poised for residential and commercial re-development from border to border following a $223 million rehabilitation of Interstate 70, more than 60 citywide demolitions, and the $32 million state-fund streetscape along Main and Markets streets. Plus, the trend of downtown living has grown with the completion of The Doris apartment complex by The Woda Group, and the schedules for entertainment at both the Capitol Theatre and Wesbanco Arena have been steadier than ever. “We have a lot of momentum right now because so much has moved forward, and that’s because the people in Wheeling have refused to quit making the city a better place,” Thalman said. “During my time on council, we have engaged and interacted with the public as much as possible so they could share with us their ideas and that’s been a great process.” Chad's parents, including his mother, Vicki, were thrilled when he dediced to move back home more than a decade ago. Happy Homecoming He was one of them. He grew up in Wheeling, went to college in 2000, and then found a job in a city pretty far away just like so many other high school grads have done since the 1970s. It took place so often, in fact, it became expected among members of a few generations and that’s why a city that topped out at 61,000 citizens in the 1940s is now the home of only 27,000. Thalman, however, became another kind of “them” when he decided to move home and pursue his social services career here instead of there. “I decided to come back to Wheeling in December of 2006 after a couple of years because I think living in Morgantown for four years for college and then in Maryland for another two years made me appreciate Wheeling even more than I did when I lived here,” he admitted. “I was working full-time with (the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources) and taking classes during the evenings at Wheeling Jesuit for my MBA. After that I started teaching business classes as an adjunct and kept working full-time. Wheeling's vice mayor has volunteered in local schools for several years. “But then I started working at Warwood Armature, and that’s a company that was started by my great grandfather back in 1927 out of his garage in Warwood,” Thalman explained. “We fix and sell electric motors, and I handle the sales, customer service, and a lot of the door-to-day operations of the business.” His professional transfer from the public to the private sector, Thalman firmly believes, allowed him to be a more effective city councilor. “It wasn’t until I started working with my father that I started looking at things with that business mindset, and I think it’s helped me with my role with the city. I can look at issues from the business perspective and that makes me want to know if there’s a good return on the investment,” Thalman said. “It’s all been a learning experience, and now I feel I’m ready to take our city into a very positive future. “The Doris Apartments is a great example of seeing a return on an investment made by the City of Wheeling because the City owned the parking lot where it was constructed,” he said. “Sure, we gave WODA the property but consider what the economic return will going to be when those apartments are full. It’s going to be much more significant than what an ugly surface parking lot gives us.” Thalman is proud of his work to add recreational opportunities in Wheeling, including the dog parks now in three areas of Wheeling. Moving with Momentum Gloria Delbrugge retired from serving on Wheeling’s council following her third term in 2016, and the late representative was known to be feisty and fiery when fighting for the Warwood, North Park, and Upper Glenwood neighborhoods. Thalman, thanks to Delbrugge’s tutorials, knew the residents – pronounced “voters” – would expect the same from him. “After I knew I was going to run for council, I started attending the meetings for about 15 months, and I also talked to Gloria, so I got a good sense of how things worked,” he recalled. “But when I started serving, there was still a pretty good learning curve, and it takes a little bit of time to get the experience the job needs. “There’s a lot more to how the City functions as far as what the council does, and what the city staff does. When it comes to city business, I think the typical resident assumes the elected officials are calling all the shots, and that’s not the case when it comes to day-to-day operations,” he explained. “That was a big part of the learning curve for me, even with all of the meetings I attended and all the talks I had with Gloria, I still had to realize about how the City really operates.” Even after learning the City of Wheeling’s “sausage” recipe and working with local, state, and federal officials over the last eight years, Thalman did not envision a campaign to become Wheeling’s next mayor. “In 2015, I made the decision to run for City Council, and I started preparing,” he said with a smile. “And here I am today doing something I never thought I would do during my lifetime. “And I believe I'm the best person for the job. I really love Wheeling, and I want to do everything I can do to help us all move forward,” Thalman insisted. “It has been an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the residents of the city of Wheeling, and I believe we have a lot of momentum right now and I’m the person who knows how to keep us moving forward.” Read the full article

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ON THE NAIL! - Heading to Cranberry for Game 5

(0-0) The Nailers went on the road to start the playoffs, losing game 1 to the Fuel.  What went wrong in this game to cause Wheeling to fall behind in the series early? After how poorly the regular season went for the Nailers against the Fuel, it had to be expected that Wheeling would struggle with Indy at some point in this series.  And the fact that it happened in the first game gave them enough time to get over it and bounce back to avoid falling too far behind in the series overall.  While you never want to lose a game in the playoffs, game one can be seen as the “feeling out” game, so a loss there isn’t quite as detrimental as some others could be. The first period of game one was completely owned by Indy, as they outshot the Nailers 16-4 in the frame and maintained puck possession and pressure to the point that Wheeling found it tough to exit their own zone at times.  The only bright spot of the period for the Nailers was probably Jaxon Castor between the pipes, who made 15 saves in the period, with the only goal being scored during a Fuel power play.  Aside from that, Castor made several strong plays to keep his team in it through the end of the period. The second period started off much stronger for the Nailers, who came out firing and finally found the back of the net just over a minute into the frame thanks to a hard slapshot off the stick of Davis Bunz to tie the score.  Unfortunately, the rest of the period belonged to Indy, who managed to score just four minutes after Bunz drew things back to even, then pumped another into the cage less than a minute later to give themselves a two-goal edge.  One more Fuel goal with just over seven minutes left in the frame capped things off and, when the horn sounded, Indy found themselves with a 4-1 lead and the game well in hand. Neither team could take full control of the game in the third, but with the score where it was, it didn’t really matter.  Wheeling did manage to get one more on the board on a 4-on-3 power play with eight minutes left in regulation thanks to Dillon Hamaliuk which brought it back to within two, but Indy earned one more goal with less than four minutes remaining, and when the horn sounded, the Fuel skated away with the series lead after a 5-2 victory. (1-0 IND) Game two was played the night after game one, with the Nailers finding a way to tie the series up with Indy.  How did Wheeling find a way to turn it into a best-of-five series? After how the game played out the night before, you had to assume the Nailers would come out with a real fire to try and get back into the series.  Generally, a team going down 2-0 in a series isn’t exactly a death knell, but it’s very hard to dig yourself out of it.  Especially when you’ve struggled to win games in the other team’s building this season, as Wheeling has in games played out in Indy. Despite Indy working hard to earn the first goal for the second night in a row, it wouldn’t work out for them thanks to another strong performance from Jaxon Castor.  Then, just over six minutes into the period, Matt Koopman gave the Nailers their first lead of the series on a strong play on a rebound.  It turned into a bit of a back-and-forth affair from there until Wheeling received their second power play of the game with ten seconds left in the period, and with only four seconds left on the clock in the period, Evan Vierling managed to push another puck into the net to make it a 2-0 Nailers lead when the horn sounded. Wheeling was one of the best second period teams all year in the regular season, and it held true in this game as well.  The Nailers managed to net four goals in the period, including two from leading goal scorer in the regular season, Jordan Martel, only 21 second apart, and the rout was on.  Goals by Justin Lee and Jared Westcott just over a minute apart late in the period made it a 6-0 game and put Wheeling only 20 minutes away from tying the series coming home. You could tell the third period was merely a formality as both teams had a couple chances, but nothing really seemed that urgent.  The Nailers did manage to get their seventh goal of the game thanks to the second goal of the game by Evan Vierling just before the midpoint of the period on the power play before Indy broke up the shutout bid on their own power play thanks to former Nailer Cam Hausinger, but it was too little, too late as Wheeling managed to keep that score through the final horn and left the ice with the series back to square one. (1-1) Game three was the first game played at home for the Nailers this postseason, with Wheeling earning a big win.  How did the Nailers take the lead in the series? With how lopsided the first two games of this series were, it made sense that this game would be much more evenly matched and come down to the wire.  I’ve noticed over the years of watching hockey that series like these tend to even themselves out somewhat, and this game turned out to be exactly what I expected.  Especially when the series is tied at this point, game three turns out to be make or break rather often, so both teams wanted to come out strong and take the series lead again. The ice was tilted in favor of the Nailers in the first period, as they managed to outshoot the Fuel 12-5 over the first 20 minutes.  Neither team was able to find the back of the net until just over eight minutes left in the frame, as Isaac Belliveau earned his first playoff goal of his professional career to put the home team up in the game and send the fans in attendance into a fervor.  Neither team could get much going in the way of offense the rest of the way, and the period ended with the score still 1-0 Wheeling. The second period was tilted just as much, but in the other direction, as Indy managed to outshoot the Nailers 17-8 in the middle frame.  Right around midway through the game, Indy finally broke through and deposited the puck behind Jaxon Castor to tie the game back up, but with less than five minutes left on the clock, Davis Bunz restored the lead for Wheeling.  With the Nailers enjoying the lead after 40 minutes played, you just knew the Fuel would come out firing in an attempt to bring the game back in their direction. Wheeling was able to withstand the Indy onslaught for the majority of the third period.  The Fuel outshot Wheeling in the period 11-4 (and had a 33-24 shot advantage in regulation), but Castor was playing just as strong as he did coming down the stretch of the regular season and through the first two games of this series.  Unfortunately, Indy was able to find one crack in his armor and took advantage of it to tie the game with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation.  With the score tied and the series lead hanging in the balance, the Fuel continued their onslaught, but Castor and the defense stood tall once again and found a way to force the game to overtime where, just 30 seconds into extra time on the first shot of the overtime period, Justin Addamo netted his first goal of the postseason and gave Wheeling the series lead heading into game four the next night. (2-1 WHL) Game four was the fourth game played between Wheeling and Indy in five nights, with the Nailers winning another big game.  How did they jump on the Fuel and come away with another huge victory? Well, it’s not exactly optimal to have what could have essentially been your entire series decided in less days than I spend at work in a week.  To have four games played in five days, with the one day off being spent on a bus for five plus hours traveling between cities, doesn’t exactly portend both teams being at their optimal levels in that last game.  And while I’m not saying that either team didn’t put everything they could out on the ice, their tanks had to be running pretty low by the time the third period rolled around, so it has to be somewhat understandable that there wasn’t much big-time action in this one. The first period was probably the slowest period they had played in the entire series to that point, as both teams combined for only 12 shots on goal (Wheeling ended up with the lead in that category 7-5).  The Nailers were the only team able to find the back of the net in the frame, as Jordan Martel pocketed his third goal of the postseason, this time on the power play, to put Wheeling on top with under seven minutes left in the period.  Neither team had much going for them the rest of the way, and the horn sounded to end the frame with the Nailers in the lead. The second period was more of what you saw in the first, with both teams getting seven shots on goal in the frame and neither team getting very many high danger chances.  Both goalies were making the plays they needed to make to keep the score where it was until Martel showed up again, once again on the power play, and extended the Wheeling lead to 2-0 with under six minutes remaining.  Once again, Indy just didn’t have the pushback needed to try to get back into it before the horn, and the Nailers took that lead into the final 20 minutes of the game. The final period of hockey in Wesbanco Arena for this series (game five is scheduled to be played in Cranberry on Saturday due to a schedule conflict at the arena over the weekend) was a little more explosive in more ways than one.  Both teams were able to put nine shots on goal each, so the keepers were a little more active than they had been through 40 minutes.  Jaxon Castor played possibly his most complete game of the series to this point and kept the puck in front of him all night, despite a push from Indy to try to tie the game when they pulled their goalie late.  But Wheeling was able to get possession, and David Jankowski iced it with his first professional playoff goal into the empty net to put the game out of reach.  Then, as the final horn sounded, a dirty play led to Matt Cairns of the Fuel apparently getting into a fight with himself (as he was the only player penalized with a fighting major according to the official stats of the game) and two other players from Indy received 10-minute misconduct calls after time had expired, with hopefully supplemental discipline coming from the league.  With any luck, this won’t carry over into what we can only hope is the final game of the series (and the final game of the season for Indy) on Saturday, but it wouldn’t surprise me if their frustration gets the better of the Fuel players. The Nailers are now firmly in the driver’s seat of the series, leading three games to one, forcing the Fuel to win all three of the remaining games to hope to advance.  What does Wheeling need to do in Cranberry on Saturday to finish this series off strong and not have to go back to Indy? As I said, playing four games in five days isn’t exactly optimal for good hockey.  So, hopefully with a few days off before this series goes back on the “road” for a Wheeling home game (thanks to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex for being available to be our home away from home), both teams can rest up and get ready to play some good hockey.  And with that, hopefully the Nailers can go up there and finish this thing off and get ready for the winner of the Toledo-Kalamazoo series (the Walleye lead 3-0 with game 4 scheduled for Friday night). The most important thing for the Nailers in this game will be to not feed into the nonsense I’m sure the Fuel will try to do in this game.  You saw at the end of game four how their frustrations are bubbling to the surface and threatening to take over.  They were one of the most penalized teams in the league in the regular season, and they’re trying to maintain that lead here in the postseason.  I say, let them.  Let them play with too much emotion, let them get out of position, let them beat themselves.  If you are a Wheeling player, your main task is to get to your own game and play within your system.  That system has gotten you to a 3-1 series lead and the opportunity to advance.  Use it to your advantage, let the Fuel lose their heads and cost themselves their postseason, and work hard.  It’s time to finish this thing off and get ready for an even harder series against your biggest rival in the division finals.  Let’s get up there and support these guys and show them that we want more playoff hockey here in the Friendly City come next week. Read the full article

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Kenamond Takes First Math Field Day Win for Ohio County Schools

The Annual Math Field Day Competition took place at Concord University on Saturday, April 20th.   The event is sponsored by The West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium. 59 News reported, “224 students from across West Virginia in grades 4-12 will be at Concord University to compete during West Virginia State Math Field Day. The students were winners at one of eight regional events. The students in grades 4-9 who get the highest scores in each grade level, and collectively in grades 10-12 will receive awards, and 15 of the 10-12 grade students will go on to the West Virginia American Regions Math League team.” Grant Kenamond’s division had 80 participants with ten from each region.  Two individual and three team events were held. Individual events entail both short answer questions and a written exam.  Team events entail relays, team questions, and a team power question. The math faculty at Concord University plays a large role in the event, preparing the questions based on The American Regions Mathematics League (ARML). The competition series began in 1975, and this is the first time an Ohio County Schools student is bringing home a 1st place win.  Senior Kathryn Prather took home 12th place, freshman Alexei Zhao snagged 4th place in his division, 7th grader at Triadelphia Middle School Peilin Yu was awarded 2nd place in her division, and 6th grader, also at TMS, Hudson Bradshaw, was awarded 3rd place in his division. Read the full article

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Bridgeport Youth Sports Sign-Ups in May

Young students will have the chance to get a start in the Bulldog athletic tradition at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District, when Bridgeport Youth Sports football and cheerleading sign ups open at the beginning of May. Second-through-fourth graders interested in football may sign up at 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 6 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 12 in the Moran center, 68583 Scott St., at Lansing. There are limited positions of 25 per team and students must weigh at least 55 pounds. The cost is $110 per child. Cheering sign-ups will also be held for second-through-sixth graders at a cost of $100 per child, and pep squad cheering for preschool-through-first graders for $50 per child. Uniforms and insurance fees are included in the cost to play and cheer. Bridgeport Youth Sports Football Commissioner Bailey Sieber said students are welcome on both sign-up days. He said third and fourth graders interesting in signing up for football must be younger than 10 years old before Sept. 1, and fifth and sixth graders must be younger than 13 before Sept. 1. They will be fitted for jerseys and uniforms. “The only thing kids will need to sign up is themselves,” he said. “The rest of the stuff will be handed out during the summer.” Sieber said youth football has proven popular in the district. “We’ve had some really good years in the past, good turnouts. We’ve been averaging about 20-30 kids per team, so we’re hoping to keep those numbers active and keep those kids involved,” he said, adding there were spots open. “We’re really in need of third and fourth graders, but we really are taking anybody. We lost a lot of sixth graders last year. I think we had 16 come through the program,” he said. Sieber spoke about the benefits of early experience in sports. “Especially if you’re a new kid coming up and getting involved,” he said. Sieber said youth sports are a good way for young students to learn habits that will benefit them through their school careers and possibly later in life. “It’s a great way for you to make friends with some of your classmates and create kind of a deeper bond with them. Also I think team sports in general helps to keep kids accountable for their schoolwork and things like that. It gives them something to work toward, teaches them a little bit of a work ethic,” Sieber said. “From an athletic standpoint, they’ll learn all the basics of football and a general understanding, so when they get to middle school and high school they’ll at least have a good grounding in the sport,” he said. “As well as having fun.” He said the Bridgeport community is enthusiastic in support of athletics. “Our games get very big. We have a lot of people that usually show up. They’re a lot of fun. They’re full four-quarter games, eight minutes a piece, and every kid gets a chance to play. We do our best to keep everybody working. As long as they’re having fun and learning that’s really all we care about. Of course winning is wonderful, but for that age having fun and learning the game is the priority.” The games are at noon on Sundays. They will kick off the last week of August and will continue until mid-October. Anyone with questions should call Sieber at 740-359-5800, cheering coach Alexis Bell at 740-340-8007, or Abbey Roberts Salm at 304-281-0477. Bridgeport Youth Sports is not affiliated with the school district, so do not call the district for information. Read the full article

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A Scheduled Miracle at Mount Zion Cemetery in Wheeling

Just a few weeks after an ugly disaster devastated the Mount Zion Cemetery in Wheeling, W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice is scheduled to visit this afternoon to offer a handsome dollar amount of help to repair and restore the historic burial ground. According to Charles Yocke, president of the Wheeling Mount Zion Cemetery Corp., the Governor, members of his staff, and local elected officials will convene at the graveyard today at 2 p.m. so funds can be awarded for the upcoming project. A few different engineers, Yocke said, have estimated the damage amount caused by a gigantic mudslide on April 3rd to be about $2 million. “I’ve been told the Governor will present us with the amount it will take to get it back into good shape,” Yocke said. “That amount is $2 million, and that’s just a miracle to those of us who have been taking care of this place. It was our worst nightmare when we saw what happened with the hillside, but now this is going to be a dream come true. “We’ve received a lot of support since it happened, and we’ve received about $11,000 in donations in just a short few weeks, but with the Governor coming to give us this money, we know now that we’ll be able to put this place back together the way it needs to be,” he said. “Plus, we get to meet Baby Dog, and I think that’s going to be really fun.” The mudslide impacted as many as 125 grave markers at Mount Zion, a cemetery that rests along Fairmont Avenue and is the resting place for more than 400 American veterans. “That includes veteran from the Civil War,” Yocke said. “We have a ton of history in this area, and it dates back even past the Civil War so that’s why this place has been so important to me and some other people like Paula Stein. When this mudslide took place, there were a lot of people who came out to offer help. “It’s going to be great having Governor Justice and the other lawmakers here, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the families who have loved ones here. They are the ones this is really going to help,” Yocke explained. “When this disaster happened, it was the families I thought about first, so this get-together we’re having today is more for them than anyone else.” Those wishing to watch the check presentation at the cemetery or from Fairmont Avenue should know law enforcement will take care of the traffic control. “It’s tight out there, so there’s not a lot of room,” Yocke advised. “Just do what (law enforcement) what they tell ya and everything should be OK. It’s going to be a good for those of us connected to the cemetery.” Read the full article

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Public Notice of Large-Scale Training Exercise in Wheeling

The Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency and local law enforcement, fire and EMS and medical personnel will be conducting a live large-scale training exercise at Wheeling University on Tuesday, April 30.The exercise is for educational training purposes and will take place between 4-8 p.m. Signage will be posted in the area about the training exercise, which will involve multiple police agencies, emergency responders, hospital staff and Wheeling University student actors.Residents and the traveling public may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and could hear sirens and other sounds in the Washington Avenue area near Wheeling University and Mount deChantal Road going to Wheeling Hospital. No public roadways will be closed during the training. Read the full article

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Bishop Brennan: Statement on Antisemitism on College Campuses

As a graduate of a major American university where pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Semitic rhetoric have taken place, I feel compelled to make known how epugnant I find the expressions of antisemitism on many college campuses. I abhor just as much expressions of anti-Moslem sentiment and violence, such as the injuries suffered by a Palestinian student, a studentat my alma mater. The Hamas-Israeli war has elicited strong feelings from many people but strong feelings are not an excuse for using hateful and stereotypical language about Jews and Moslems. While some students and faculty are trying to understand the conflict and make sober judgments, others, including non-students, indulge in intemperate chants and threatening behavior toward those who hold other views. I speak out because, with historical perspective, I know where antisemitism can lead if it goes unchecked; the same is true for Islamophobia. College campuses are supposed to be places where young people can learn to make mature judgments about the world in which they live and which they will soon be directing. It is the role of administrators and professors to help students engage in that process. Recent events have shown that some of these university-employed adults are unwilling or unable to fulfill this role. They need to examine their consciences. If they are incapable of guiding young people toward maturity, they should resign. It is also unfair that non-students, whose occupation seemsto be that of fomenting of trouble, should cause the majority of students to lose the right to go to class because of the disruption on their campus. The current conflict between Hamas and Israel has complicated historical, political,cultural and religious aspects. I do not have answers to all of its dimensions. As a man of faith in the God who spoke to Abraham, the father in faith of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, however, I will continue to pray for a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. But, given the present situation on the campuses of many universities in our nation, I urge you to raise your voice to say that shouting hateful slogans and intimidating those of other views contribute nothing to the resolution of the present conflict in the Middle East and only exacerbate mutual disdain and distrust in communities of higher education. Treat others the way you would want them to treat you. That saying, known to people 2000 years ago and repeated by Jesus, isone that students, faculty, administrators and professional agitators should take to heart. Sincerely in Christ, +Mark E. BrennanBishop of Wheeling-Charleston Read the full article

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Jill Eddy Ready to Lead as YSS Celebrates 50th Anniversary

She’s never shied away from caring. Not when she was one of six Pennybacker children growing up on Edgington Lane. Not as a student at St. Michael School or Central Catholic High. Not as a wife. Not as a friend. Not as a caregiver working in social services. Never. That’s why after serving nine months as the interim director of Youth Services System, Jill Eddy has been hired as the non-profit’s new executive director. Eddy served in a number of positions during the past quarter century, and as the interim executive director, she’s orchestrated rehabilitation. “I accepted because I was concerned about the organization, and I wanted to do what I could to make it strong again because I believe this agency has amazing potential for the future,” Eddy said. “I definitely believe we are on track now and I believe we are building a team that will make us the best we’ve ever been. We focus on experience, and we have focused on a specific type of person who has areas of expertise. The YSS Board of Directors is comprised of local residents who assist the organization with the non-profit's provided services. “We now have the right people taking care of our buildings, in human resources, in our programs, and in development and communications, too,” said the 1988 grad of Fairmont State University. “Now that the state has divided the Department of Health and Human Resources, we’re going to see a lot of changes, and we’ll have to learn how to change along with it. But it was most important for us to return our focus to youth and families.” Youth Services System will celebrate its 50th anniversary this Saturday with a banquet event at Stratford Spring. Roger Hoard will perform during dinner, and then Eli and the Mojo Kings will perform once the program is complete. Tickets are available here. Eddy plans to share with the large crowd the progress she’s witnessed take place in 2024 alone. “We have been working hard as an organization and we’ve been fine-tuning and working on all of our existing programs. We’ve been accredited after an extensive review, and we’ve renewed all of our licenses, and it’s like we’re regrouping to make sure we’re offering the best care possible,” Eddy said. “We’re also working on our buildings to get everything corrected that needs to be corrected, and that includes getting the Samaritan House open again after having an issue with that hillside. “We have some damage that needs to be repaired but that’s going to happen soon, and we’ll freshen the building, too,” she said. “It’ll be an expense for us, but once it’s complete we’ll be able to meet more of the need.” The Hazel Atlas Building in East Wheeling has been the headquarters for YSS for more than 10 years. (Photo by Tammy Kruse of YSS) Sadly, The Need Is Real The first line of the non-profit’s website page titled, “About” offers an honest assessment: “Youth Services System, Inc. is committed to responding to the complex needs of youth at serious risk.” At serious risk. Of being abused. Of being a victim. Of being in an environment no child should be in. Some cases are uglier than anyone wishes to realize. Except Eddy, and that’s because admitting the problem creates the mission. “I’ve been here while our services have grown, and I’ve been here to see how much our programs and our services are needed by so many people, and I have seen us become very, very good at what we do,” Eddy said. “We’ve learned through the years what we’re good and what we’re not, so it only makes sense to evolve this organization the way it needs to the most. The anniversary celebration will take place this Saturday evening at Stratford Springs and the event will include live entertainment by Roger Hoard and Eli and the Mojo Kings. “Plus, I have watched while some organizations have brought in someone from the outside, and I was concerned it could happen here and that it would change the entire face of this organization.  I never applied for chief executive officer. I was asked by the board if I would step in on an interim basis. After about nine months, I accepted the position on a full-time basis.” Her path to a career in social services began while she was a junior at Fairmont State, but then she was accepted as the first student intern at the Ronald Mullholland Juvenile Center along Chapline Street in Wheeling. Today, the 26-bed facility serves all 55 West Virginia counties and the superintendent is Linda Scott, but YSS also operates youth emergency centers, recovery homes, and transitional living facilities. “Since then, I’ve written grants, I’ve been a manager, a director, a program officer, and everything else, and now executive director. Why now? I have the history and I know the organization through and through. I’ve developed a lot of community-based services. From there, I hope to grow as we have to grow,” Eddy said. “I remember thinking there was no way I could ever do this job. I believed it just had to be too overwhelming because there’s just so much that we do. “And it is overwhelming,” the executive director added. “But I get up each day and I’m doing it. And I’m doing it with an amazing team.” Jill and her husband get together with her large family as often as possible. https://ledenews.com/age-old-urban-myth-busted-to-bits-in-bellaire-ohio Read the full article

[ledenews]

Newbridge Academy for Kids in Wheeling Names Executive Director

Newbridge Academy for Kids (Newbridge Academy) officials announce the appointment of Rachael Goldbaugh as Executive Director of Wheeling’s newest childcare center.  Newbridge Academy brings to the community new open spots for childcare, full-day preschool, after-school programming for elementary-aged children, and summer programming.  Located at the gateway to downtown Wheeling the academy is currently undergoing a complete renovation and is slated to open in late summer. Goldbaugh is a native of rural, upstate New York. She has spent the last 20 years working with children and their families in various capacities. Twelve years ago she moved to West Virginia for work and met her husband Chris Goldbaugh, a Wheeling native. They have been married for nine years and together are raising a 13-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son in Wheeling. Goldbaugh currently serves as the Children’s Director at Newbridge Church, formerly the Vineyard Church in Wheeling. "We are so excited for the positive impact that Newbridge Academy for Kids is about to have on the Ohio Valley, and there couldn't be a more perfect person to lead the charge than Rachael. She has led masterfully for the past four years as our Children's Director at Newbridge Church, and with multiple years of childcare experience and a joyful love of children, she will bring the Academy to life and make it a place where everyone will want to be," said Chris Figaretti, Lead Pastor of Newbridge Church. “It has always been a passion of mine to not only work with children but to also support their families. My two siblings and I were raised in a two-working-parent household. Our parents were so supportive and worked very hard, but it still took a village to ensure we were set up for success,” Goldbaugh said. “In my time as the Children’s Director, I have had the privilege to walk with so many families in their parenthood journeys and have gotten to share in their joys, triumphs, and even struggles. Opening Newbridge Academy and being able to offer more childcare spots during the day or after school support for families is an honor. We hope to help fill the need for childcare in the Wheeling area. We want to be here to support a parent’s opportunity to work or attend school,” Goldbaugh shared. “I have friends who have to turn down amazing employment opportunities because of lack of childcare,” continued Goldbaugh. “To be able to open a secure, innovative childcare center that is being designed specifically for children to grow and thrive, and for parents to be assured their children will have an incredible day in a nurturing environment, gives me such joy.  It is a privilege to be a part of this project and support our Ohio Valley community in this way. My husband and his family grew up here. We love our city and all that Wheeling has to offer families. My family is very grateful to be a part of it.” Preregistration and employment interest inquiries is now open at https://www.newbridge.academy “We are looking forward to building our team and filling this amazing new facility with the life that only children bring with the love of learning,” Goldbaugh said. “We encourage anyone interested in employment and families needing childcare to fill out an interest inquiry on the website. We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media at Newbridge Academy for Kids for all of the latest information.” Newbridge Academy is expected to offer substantial help for businesses seeking consistent employees and for working families seeking much-needed quality care and socialization for the area’s children. It is a nonprofit childcare center and committed to building the foundation for the brightest future for children, families and the entire community. Newbridge Academy will be located at the gateway to the city in the newly renovated historic building located at 1000 Main Street. “With all the renovations going on in this part of town, including the historic Suspension Bridge, the Bridge Tavern, the Capitol Theater, Stone Center Lofts, The Doris on Main, and the scheduled new Visitors Center, Newbridge Academy will offer convenience, and a state-of-the-art, state-compliant, licensed childcare in this newly revitalized section of Wheeling.  The project is being funded with historic and new market tax credits, City of Wheeling American Rescue Plan Act funds, a HUD Congressionally Directed Spending Award, the generous congregation of Newbridge Church, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors,” stated Figaretti. Electronic donations may also be made through the website. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available. Checks may be mailed to 647 Warden Run Road; Wheeling, WV 26003. Interested donors and sponsors are asked to call [phone] or visit https://www.newbridge.academy . Read the full article

[ledenews]

Newbridge Academy for Kids in Wheeling Names Executive Director

Newbridge Academy for Kids (Newbridge Academy) officials announce the appointment of Rachael Goldbaugh as Executive Director of Wheeling’s newest childcare center.  Newbridge Academy brings to the community new open spots for childcare, full-day preschool, after-school programming for elementary-aged children, and summer programming.  Located at the gateway to downtown Wheeling the academy is currently undergoing a complete renovation and is slated to open in late summer. Goldbaugh is a native of rural, upstate New York. She has spent the last 20 years working with children and their families in various capacities. Twelve years ago she moved to West Virginia for work and met her husband Chris Goldbaugh, a Wheeling native. They have been married for nine years and together are raising a 13-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son in Wheeling. Goldbaugh currently serves as the Children’s Director at Newbridge Church, formerly the Vineyard Church in Wheeling. "We are so excited for the positive impact that Newbridge Academy for Kids is about to have on the Ohio Valley, and there couldn't be a more perfect person to lead the charge than Rachael. She has led masterfully for the past four years as our Children's Director at Newbridge Church, and with multiple years of childcare experience and a joyful love of children, she will bring the Academy to life and make it a place where everyone will want to be," said Chris Figaretti, Lead Pastor of Newbridge Church. “It has always been a passion of mine to not only work with children but to also support their families. My two siblings and I were raised in a two-working-parent household. Our parents were so supportive and worked very hard, but it still took a village to ensure we were set up for success,” Goldbaugh said. “In my time as the Children’s Director, I have had the privilege to walk with so many families in their parenthood journeys and have gotten to share in their joys, triumphs, and even struggles. Opening Newbridge Academy and being able to offer more childcare spots during the day or after school support for families is an honor. We hope to help fill the need for childcare in the Wheeling area. We want to be here to support a parent’s opportunity to work or attend school,” Goldbaugh shared. “I have friends who have to turn down amazing employment opportunities because of lack of childcare,” continued Goldbaugh. “To be able to open a secure, innovative childcare center that is being designed specifically for children to grow and thrive, and for parents to be assured their children will have an incredible day in a nurturing environment, gives me such joy.  It is a privilege to be a part of this project and support our Ohio Valley community in this way. My husband and his family grew up here. We love our city and all that Wheeling has to offer families. My family is very grateful to be a part of it.” Preregistration and employment interest inquiries is now open at https://www.newbridge.academy “We are looking forward to building our team and filling this amazing new facility with the life that only children bring with the love of learning,” Goldbaugh said. “We encourage anyone interested in employment and families needing childcare to fill out an interest inquiry on the website. We also encourage everyone to follow us on social media at Newbridge Academy for Kids for all of the latest information.” Newbridge Academy is expected to offer substantial help for businesses seeking consistent employees and for working families seeking much-needed quality care and socialization for the area’s children. It is a nonprofit childcare center and committed to building the foundation for the brightest future for children, families and the entire community. Newbridge Academy will be located at the gateway to the city in the newly renovated historic building located at 1000 Main Street. “With all the renovations going on in this part of town, including the historic Suspension Bridge, the Bridge Tavern, the Capitol Theater, Stone Center Lofts, The Doris on Main, and the scheduled new Visitors Center, Newbridge Academy will offer convenience, and a state-of-the-art, state-compliant, licensed childcare in this newly revitalized section of Wheeling.  The project is being funded with historic and new market tax credits, City of Wheeling American Rescue Plan Act funds, a HUD Congressionally Directed Spending Award, the generous congregation of Newbridge Church, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors,” stated Figaretti. Electronic donations may also be made through the website. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available. Checks may be mailed to 647 Warden Run Road; Wheeling, WV 26003. Interested donors and sponsors are asked to call [phone] or visit https://www.newbridge.academy . Read the full article

[ledenews]

Culvert Construction to Restrict W.Va. 2 North Friday

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[ledenews]

Age-Old Urban Myth Busted to Bits in Bellaire, Ohio

It was a belief handed down from class to class and team to team without anyone questioning the validity of the supposed golden rule over the home of the Bellaire Big Reds. Until now, that is, and Bellaire Local Schools Superintendent Derrick McAfee discovered a few facts about the allowable use of Nelson Field along the way. For example, the Big Reds didn’t play all of those Saturday afternoon games because of the folks in the big house up on the hillside – even though they do have the best view – and there’s no Last Will and Testament that regulated high school football permissible only during the day in Bellaire, Ohio. Now, McAfee did learn there WAS a “Mr. Nelson” who’s a former Bellaire school system superintendent from around the time when the school district bought the land from the Dubois family in 1934, but while the complex bears his surname, the gentleman did not lay down any laws pertaining to game times. Nelson Field has hosted many traditions through the years, including the Bellaire Relays and Saturday afternoon Big Reds home games. (Image: Google Earth) The superintendent also discovered solid logic as to why summer night games are healthier than summer day games. “There’s not just one reason why this decision has been made,” explained Derrick McAfee, superintendent of Bellaire Local Schools. “Our game schedule begins earlier these days because of our school calendar and that means we need to consider the extreme August heat. Plus, we don’t like being at the OHSAA’s mercy when it comes to getting to play on our own field come playoff time. The lights will give us more options for those games, and to have events like band showcases and evening track meets at the facility. “And we also had to ask the one question you always have to ask yourself when it comes to decisions about the children, and that’s what’s best for the kids,” he continued. “So, the lights will be going up at some point this summer and the work will be performed by Erb Electric. The cost for the project will be right around $500,000 because the infrastructure does not exist. A new service needs to be installed and the network has to be established. It’s a big job.” McAfee said 98 percent of the reactions received have been positive, but a number of commenters have insisted on social media the illumination is not permitted. “The keyboard warriors have really been on top of this announcement, but the fact of the matter is we’ve done extensive research prior to getting into this conversation about the lights. I know some people don’t believe we’ve done that research, but we have,” he insisted. “Plus, I don’t think it was common back in the 1930s for high school football fields to have lights, so I’m guessing lights weren’t an issue when the school system bought this land. “But I know we’ve believed that narrative for as long as I can remember,” McAfee added. “It’s been community folklore, but now we know the facts and installing lighting was a big decision for the administration and the board members to make.” Read the full article

[ledenews]

Nailers' Castor Blanks Indy Fuel in Game Four, 3-0

The Wheeling Nailers played a perfect defensive game on Tuesday night, as they earned their third straight win over the Indy Fuel in the Central Division Semifinal Series. Jaxon Castor recorded a shutout with 20 saves and Jordan Martel scored twice, as Wheeling was triumphant, 3-0 at WesBanco Arena to take a 3-1 series lead. The first period was played very tightly, as the two teams combined for 12 shots on goal. One of those pucks found the back of the net on a Wheeling power play. Lukas Svejkovsky and Justin Addamo teamed up to push the puck to the left side of the crease, where Jordan Martel whacked in a one-timer to put his team in the lead. A similar script was followed for the middle frame, as there were 14 combined shots on goal, and once again, the Nailers capitalized on the man advantage. Svejkovsky pounced on a loose puck in the right circle, and swung a pass over to the left circle, where a wide-open Martel destroyed a one-timer into the top-left corner of the cage. David Jankowski put the final punctuation mark on the 3-0 victory with an empty netter from his own end, after some clutch defense and goaltending kept the Fuel at bay. Jaxon Castor earned the tenth playoff shutout in team history, as he was perfect on 20 shots for Wheeling. Mitchell Weeks made 20 saves on 22 shots in the loss for Indy. The Central Division Semifinal Series will continue with game five on Saturday at 7:10 from the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. Very limited tickets are still available for Saturday. To purchase tickets for the playoffs or for any questions or concerns about ticketing, please visit wheelingnailers.com or call (304) 234-GOAL. The Wheeling Nailers, considered one of the top things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia, provide affordable family entertainment for fans throughout the Ohio Valley. Read the full article

[ledenews]

#BrookeCounty #Follansbee #NorthernDistrict #Pornagraphy

[ledenews]

Follansbee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Pornagraphy Charges

Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography. Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided. Read the full article

[ledenews]

Follansbee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Prnagrphy Charges

Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography. Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided. Read the full article

[ledenews]

Follansbee Man Pleads Guity to Federal Prnagrphy Charges

Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography. Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided. Read the full article