Real News from the Rest of Ohio

Mayor: "Cadiz Should Get Out of the Drinking Water Business" | Officials Eye Martins Ferry Water Connection | Ohio EPA Update"I think Cadiz should get out of the drinking water business."Cadiz Mayor R. Kevin Jones made that statement during a standing-room-only community meeting as frustrated residents demanded answers about the village's ongoing drinking water crisis.In this episode of the Forgotten Ohio Podcast, you'll hear what village leaders, Ohio EPA officials, state lawmakers, and residents had to say about:Cadiz's ongoing water quality problemsWhy officials say a connection to Martins Ferry may be the best long-term solutionOhio EPA's findings on manganese, turbidity, and treatment plant issuesCorrective actions already completedState Rep. Ty Moore's pledge to help secure fundingResidents' concerns about discolored water, bottled water, and future water qualityMayor Jones said connecting to Martins Ferry through the Harrison County water system could cost an estimated $6 million to $12 million, compared with $20 million to $30 million for a new treatment plant, and could potentially be completed in about 18 months if funding is secured.

Belmont County Commissioners Advance 911, Senior Services Levies as Tourism Hits $275 MillionIn this episode of Forgotten Ohio, we break down the biggest decisions from this week's Belmont County Commissioners meeting, including the first steps toward renewing two county levies that voters could decide this November.Commissioners approved resolutions to place renewal levies for Belmont County 911 and Senior Services on the November ballot. The 911 levy would continue funding the county's emergency radio system and support the transition to Next Generation 911, while the Senior Services levy would renew funding at a reduced rate, lowering the tax burden while maintaining essential programs.I also examine a new tourism report showing Belmont County generated $275.6 million in tourism-related economic impact during 2025, including $168 million in visitor spending and $36 million in tax revenue.Also in this episode:Why county officials say the 911 levy is not a tax increaseHow Senior Services delivers 1,200 meals every day to local residentsThe latest update on the Underground Railroad Museum in Morristown, expected to open this fallPlans to add Airbnb units to support the museum's long-term operationsA sewer infrastructure project that will replace the aging Pennwood treatment plantFeatured InterviewsJerry Echemann, Belmont County Commission PresidentJ.P. Dutton, Belmont County CommissionerVince Gianangeli, Belmont County CommissionerBrian Minder, Belmont County 911 DirectorLisa Kazmirski, Executive Director, Senior Services of Belmont CountyJackee Pugh, Executive Director, Belmont County Tourism CouncilKelly Porter, Belmont County Water & Sewer District DirectorKey TopicsBelmont County CommissionersBelmont County 911 LevySenior Services LevyNext Generation 911Belmont County TourismEconomic DevelopmentUnderground Railroad MuseumMorristown, OhioSt. ClairsvilleLocal GovernmentOhio Valley News📰 Read the full story and more local reporting: https://forgottenohio.com📬 Subscribe to the Forgotten Ohio newsletter for independent, hyperlocal journalism covering Ohio Appalachia and the Ohio Valley.https://forgottenohio.substack.com/⭐ If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, leave a review, and share the episode with others who care about local news.Forgotten Ohio Real reporting. Real people. Real Ohio. Covering local news from the Ohio Valley & Ohio Appalachia

Philanthropist Questions Belmont County Commissioners About Delay in $200,000 Gift to Demolish Blighted Bellaire HomesBelmont County philanthropist Donn Sinclair is asking county commissioners why his $200,000 donation to demolish blighted homes in Bellaire has yet to move forward.During the July 15, 2026 Belmont County Commission meeting, Sinclair questioned commissioners about the status of the proposed gift, saying he wants to help eliminate dangerous vacant properties that continue to impact neighborhoods and residents.Commissioners discussed the legal and administrative process involved in accepting the donation and working with the Belmont County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank). The conversation highlighted the challenges local governments face when addressing abandoned and deteriorating properties, even when private funding is available.In this episode, Forgotten Ohio examines the discussion, the questions raised by Sinclair, and what happens next.In This EpisodeDonn Sinclair's proposed $200,000 donationWhy the demolition project has been delayedBelmont County commissioners respond to questionsThe role of the Belmont County Land BankHow blighted properties affect Bellaire neighborhoodsWhat residents can expect moving forwardTopicsBelmont County, Bellaire Ohio, Donn Sinclair, Belmont County Commissioners, Ohio Valley news, blight demolition, Ohio Land Bank, Ohio Appalachia, Forgotten Ohio, Karen Fatula, local government, community redevelopment, Bellaire homes, Belmont County news, Jerry Echemann, Vince Gianangeli, J. P. DuttonRead the Full StoryRead the complete article on the Forgotten Ohio Substack:https://forgottenohio.substack.com/p/philanthropist-questions-belmontLearn More🌐 Website: https://ForgottenOhio.com📰 Subscribe to the Forgotten Ohio newsletter:https://forgottenohio.substack.comAbout Forgotten OhioForgotten Ohio is an independent, nonpartisan news podcast covering Ohio Appalachia and the Ohio Valley. Host Karen Fatula brings in-depth reporting on the people, communities, and issues often overlooked by larger news organizations. From local government and public policy to community events and human-interest stories, Forgotten Ohio delivers factual, balanced journalism from outside Ohio's largest metropolitan areas.

From November 13–20, 2025, Belmont County, Ohio, had no working CodeRED emergency alert system, leaving residents without warnings for water advisories, severe weather, or public safety threats. The outage was caused by a nationwide cyberattack on CodeRED’s parent company, Crisis24, and was accompanied by a data breach involving personal information of registered users. Nearly 11,000 Belmont County residents were signed up for the system. In this episode, county officials are confronted about their response to the outage, revealing gaps in communication, coordination, and public notification. As questions mount, responsibility appears to shift between agencies while residents wait for clear answers. This episode examines how the emergency alert system failed — and how journalist Karen Fatula sought transparency and accountability on behalf of the public. 

News from the week of Sept. 10 from Tuscarawas, Harrison, Belmont & Monroe Counties. Ohio Amish mom pleads not guilty by reason of insanity in family murders at Atwood Lake; Veterinarian Dr. Scott Pendleton uses AI (artificial intelligence) for pet visits; Belmont Savings Bank celebrates 140 years in business: Trinity Health opens new St. Clairsville hospital; Monroe County mom plans  "Out of the Darkness" walk for suicide prevention in honor of her son 

First episode of the ForgottenOhio.com podcast with news from Belmont, Harrison and Washington Counties. Why did Senator Rulli move his district office out of Marietta? Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton discusses the bevy of recent county proclamations honoring people, places and things. Holloway mayor answers charges over alleged threat to blow up the Belmont County Courthouse. House Bill 96 and school budgets/property taxes. Blaine Hill Bridge update. Harrison County murder investigation. National Road Yard Sale.