Concerned citizens may obtain clarification as to how Hancock County became a county “needing assistance” at Monday’s regular Board meeting, but they will not have an opportunity to pose questions. The Hancock County Board of Education meeting, slated for Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., will include an agenda item for discussion with the West Virginia…

CHARLESTON – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia issued a new clarification order Monday to move forward the expansion of broadband communications in the state. Replacement of utility poles that have reached the end of their useful life – those designated as “red-tagged” — because of age, deterioration, safety violations, accident or any similar degradation…

By Mark Patterson I didn’t realize I’d been set up until the fourth or fifth round of “Buzztime,” a then-popular trivia game at that ubiquitous wing joint where rivers of suds wash down dry rub and burgers no thicker than parchment. Having embarked for Boardman-unquestionably the capital of chain restaurants-at the exact time dictated by…

From all of us at Hometown News we wish you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. While 2025 has presented many challenges, we hope you take a moment Thursday to reflect on the gifts our family, community and those we love bring to the table. Emilia May Elliott is downright joyful as she prepares her…

 ………..In  the past few weeks, the mistrust of Hancock County school system has grown to epic proportions.   Whatever trust and faith there had been in both the Board of Education and the Administration was destroyed in one fell swoop with the sudden announcement of the departure of former CFO Joe Campinelli.  When the action was…

Erin Harvey was appointed Interim Treasurer/Chief School Business Official, at a special meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education. Harvey currently serves as an accountant in the Finance Department of the school system. The Board also voted to work with Jeff Davis and Uriah Cummings to develop a posting for the position of Treasurer/Chief…

When Eric Chaffin worked for Jeff Davis when he was in high school, he never dreamed he would be in a position to be giving away 220 turkeys to residents of Hancock County for Thanksgiving. Chaffin who is the managing partner of the ChaffinLuhana Law firm also gave away 600 turkeys at his Pittsburgh office.…

Seventy-one students in Anna Mastrantoni’s Food Prep classes at Oak Glen High School rolled up their sleeves last week for a hands-on lesson in safe at-home food preservation. Mastrantoni invited Zach White from the Hancock County Extension Office to lead a canning workshop focused on the importance of proper techniques and food safety. During the…

On 11‐19‐25 around 1 am the Hancock County Sheriff Office received a report of a man shot on Harrison Street in Newell. The initial call came in that the person was cleaning a gun, and it went off. Deputies arrived on scene to find two males and a female in the residence. One male was…

The Hancock County Board of Education will represent the Hancock County Board of Education in a lawsuit being filed against the four major social media companies. The suit alleges that the continued use of social media can be harmful to the mental health of children, especially in their formative years. The Board voted to hire…

Long-time Chief Financial Officer of the Hancock County Schools, Joe Campinelli,  was terminated at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.    The Board voted 4-0 to ratify administrative leave (suspension) and to terminate Campanelli.  Board member Jack Crow was absent from the meeting. Superintendent Dan Enich cited problems with late audited financial reports for the State Board…

by Mark Patterson We love a certain Italian chain-restaurant that has shuttered many of its locations over the last several years. Blame my not so profligate spouse. On a visit to their Robinson Twp franchise several years ago, we enjoyed huge, sumptuous bowls of freshly prepared pasta, a big salad with everything, and some sort…

And the beat goes on ……Just returned from my granddaughter Maggie’s wedding in California.  She is named Margaret after my mom, but Maggie suits her perfectly.  The wedding was lovely, the ceremony was held outside on the precipice of a breathtaking view of wine county in Viejo. The wedding was a beautiful send off. The…

Two businesses in Hancock County were among those expanding to the tune of $4.2 million in private sector energy investment. Ergon in Newell, announced $400 million in expansion. The family-owned energy company created 25 new jobs and retained 240 existing positions. Ergon also becomes the first participant in the State’s new Power Tech Workforce training.…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that federal fuSSnding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been restored. As of today, every SNAP cardholder in West Virginia should be fully funded and able to purchase food with their EBT cards. “The one thing I made clear from the start was that no one…

Oak Glen Middle School verified that Hancock County’s Service Dogs are a kids best friend too. Mrs. Vanderham’s 5th graders recently showed their appreciation for our local heroes by presenting their service dog and the county K-9 unit with donated items to thank them for all they do for the school and the community. The…

Oak Glen High School Lions Scholar for November 2025 is 17-year-old Rylee Swartzmiller. Rylee lives in New Cumberland, WV, with her parents, Daniel and Stacey Swartzmiller, and her brother Reid. Rylee has distinguished herself through a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and community achievements. Rylee was a proud participant in the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce…