I am Melissa Bane, and I am running for Hancock County Board of Education. I am thankful for this opportunity to share my qualifications, education, and experience. Though I have lived in a few different states and held a variety of jobs, most of my life has been spent in Hancock County and has been…

Kudos to House Majority Leader and 1st District Delegate Pat McGeehan. HB 4575, the funding vehicle for the $8 million loan for Hancock County’s deficit has passed. The bill, sponsored by McGeehan, was fast tracked in the House and passed over to the Senate with an agreement to do the same. The bill languished in…

Olivia Summers, 8th grade student at Weir Middle School, was Hancock County’s winner of the first ever statewide contest to pick an “I Voted” sticker. The contest was sponsored by Sec. of State Kris Warner. Summers (L) is pictured with Hancock County Commission President Eron Chek and County Clerk Karan Valenti. Summers’ design will be…

Police Resource Officers are going to be reduced in Hancock County schools. ………We all know that the school budget needs to be reduced to make up the deficit. Last week saw many of our teachers and school service personnel given notice they will be part of the reduction in force. But, now I’ve learned the…

Jeff Woofter – Candidate for Hancock County Board of Education Born and raised in Hancock County, Jeff Woofter’s life has been defined by service, leadership, and resilience. A 1981 graduate of Oak Glen High School, Jeff earned a football scholarship to Penn State University, where he was a member of the 1982 National Championship team.…

Despite indications that the Hancock County Parks & Recreation Board would be dissolved, Hancock County Commissioner opted to keep the Board in place at its Thursday meeting. Commission President Eron Chek had proposed doing away with the Park Board at the last Commission meeting meaning th e money from the Hotel/Motel Tax allocated to the…

Weirton Restaurant Week is back for another exciting year, inviting the community to dine local and celebrate the region’s culinary scene March 1-7, 2026. Building on the momentum of last year, this growing annual tradition showcases the hospitality and hometown pride that define our local restaurants. Over 20 restaurants in Weirton, New Cumberland, Chester, Steubenville,…

The past three days have been life changing for Hancock County school employees. Superintendent Walter Saunders will have visited every school along with the main kitchen, transportation, and central office to deliver reduction in force letters to our teachers and school service personnel by the end of the day Monday. Through no fault of their…

On 2-17-26 around 8:30 a.m. the manager of the Subway on US Route 30 called to report a break in. Deputies responded to the scene and checked the interior of the building for anybody inside. Once it was determined nobody was inside, the shift Lieutenant contacted a detective to respond to the scene and photograph…

Brooklyn Six has committed to Fairmont State University to further her academic and volleyball career.  She is a two-time WVSSAC State Champion and two-time OVAC Champion.  In 2025, she was selected 1st Team All State and 1st team OVAC conference. Front Row: Mother Angie Six, Brooklyn Six, Father and assistant coach Ray Six Back Row: Principal Frank…

This Saturday, local audio drama troupe presents a brand-new adaptation of the classic novel. Weirton, W.Va., February 24, 2026— This Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cloak & Dagger On the Air will present a brand-new adaptation of the classic 1907 novel, Ozma of…

Brayley Lash has committed to further her academic and softball career at West Liberty University.  Brayley is a member of the 2025 WVSSAC state champion volleyball team at Oak Glen, 2023-2024 Softball All State Honorable Mention, and 2024 All OVAC softball honorable mention. From Left to Right Assistant  Coach Joleigh Gasvoda, Brother Kason Lash, mother…

Kayla Violet, teacher at Weir High, has been recognized as a Rising Leader in the school system. She was nominated for the honor by then Weir High Principal Ted Arneault. Kayla, who works with special needs students, was praised for working with the students in a coffee cafe, a program she spearheaded. In an agenda…

Superintendent Walter Saunders has already visited two schools to deliver reduction-in-force or transfer letters to teachers and school service personnel. Hancock County is 143 personnel over the State formula resulting in a $10 million deficit in an already financially troubled school district. Saunders delivers the letter personally to every individual affected by layoffs and transfers.…

Legend holds that the angel Gabriel, no less, once touted revered religious figure Muhammad on a dark, acidic mixture that the founder of Islam found refreshing and energizing. Some 16 centuries-and 40,000 Starbucks franchises-later, it seems safe to conclude that the drink has somewhat caught on. Consider that about 360 Million pounds of coffee beans…

The passage of the school funding bill should remove some of the  stress of whether Hancock County School Teachers and staff would be paid.  The bill  was amended in the Senate by 1st District Sen. Ryan Weld to add language that specifies that the 8 million  is a loan.  It’s simply a clarification  by way…

With 27 yays , 1 nay (Tarr) and 6 absent, HB 4575 passed the Senate Saturday morning. The Hancock County rescue bill contains $8 million in funding to assist any county experiencing financial distress, but it was created and sponsored by Del. Pat McGeehan to ensure teachers and staff in the county continue to receive…

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