I’ve lamented in this column about how Millennials and Generation Xers don’t seem to be joiners, and how it negatively impacts some of the service clubs and other organizations that Boomers, like me, hold dear.
I was wrong.
When the value proposition is right, and the organization is welcoming, they come out in droves.
I don’t know what the magic combination is, or if it can be duplicated, but when it happens, there is a serious “WOW” moment.
The Association of Information Technology Professionals, Greater Wheeling has been shrinking and greying for years. Some of the local tech people (great minds all, I assure you) called us the “card punchers”.
With all due respect to Herman Hollerith, who invented the card that bears his name to record the 1890 United States Census, only a few in the room actually “punched cards”.
We got involved with computing antiquity like batch processes. No, I don’t pine for the bad old days, but the point I’m making is that there was an old guard, of which I’m a part. Some of the old guard joined the club in the 1960’s (it was founded in 1965), and we tried about everything to attract younger, working members to join our organization and carry it forward.
It wasn’t working.
The club is well-funded and has been properly managed with a board meeting to plan for activities. Nothing that we did to attract new members worked, and we tried a lot of things.
Much of what we offered could be found on the internet.
Then a couple of guys without all the grey hair (or guys who actually had hair) started showing up. Then they figured out that there were things they could share over a meal with a cold beverage in their hand that just wasn’t possible online, or in a forum. The presentations were interesting, but, with rare exception, could be duplicated online.
What could not be duplicated was the social part that they rediscovered.
It’s great fun having intelligent banter with people who were actually fighting the same battle. Once that started, it took off on its own. The growth seems to be organic in the best kind of way.
First it was one guy, then another, then four, and now at 8 and the trend looks to continue. They are nearly outnumbering the old crew. Best yet, they wanted to lead and to take the club in new directions that were completely in sync with the organizations mission.
The old crew smiled and got the hell out of the way. We welcomed the new guard and facilitated them taking over the organization.
They will make it a new and more vital club, and I’m excited for the future.
I’ve been president of the organization five occasions in the past 25 years, and the first two times I tried new stuff. The last three I phoned it in by finding qualified speakers.
If I Shanghaied you to speak, thank you for doing so.
The new leadership knows at least one of the old timers will try to bring back the awards system that made HR departments happy in 1984 and does nothing today. I know the new leadership will have the presence of mind to say so.
And my fellow fossil is going to let it go.
For the first time in many years, we have net membership growth, and exciting vibrant meetings. I think the reinvigorated group will make 100 years with ease. My generation and the prior generation made certain they are funded for it.
All because of sound leadership.
Another organization I belong to had a completely different reaction. An organization that is older than the State of West Virginia recoiled at the thought of six new members. I’m willing to wager they have not had six new applications in more than a decade.
Instead of being welcoming, they bristled and pulled out the tired old rule book, looking for ways to discourage the interlopers. Their approach was not how do we get this done, but rules. This isn’t yesteryear. It’s today.
It’s yet to be seen if the new nucleus will form, but I’m not encouraged.
They had a chance right up to the point they scolded the energized member more than a generation younger than most of the leadership because the applications he brought forth were not perfect. It’s sad, really. One young man brought more members in one night that the cumulative leadership team has in years, and they ridicule him?
That’s sad, and it’s a harbinger of a not-so-rosy future.
So, how are you going to lead? And when you’re past your “Sell By Date,” tell me exactly how you’re going to get the hell out of the way.
WHEELING, W.Va. — Bull riding is officially back in the Ohio Valley with a brand-new event coming to Wheeling. WesBanco Arena will host the Professional Championship Bull Riders (PCB) this March, introducing an all-new bull riding tour to the community and delivering an action-packed, family-friendly night of extreme sports entertainment.
Designed for fans of all ages, the Professional Championship Bull Riders event features elite professional bull riding, exciting cowgirl barrel racing, and nonstop competition in a safe, high-energy environment the entire family can enjoy. From the roar of the crowd to the thrill of each ride, this live event offers unforgettable excitement for both longtime rodeo fans and first-time attendees.
The event blends the raw power of professional bull riding with the speed and precision of cowgirl barrel racing, creating a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing experience that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. With continuous action and an electric arena atmosphere, it’s a perfect night out for families looking to experience something new and exciting together.
Event Dates: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30PM and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:00PM Location: WesBanco Arena, Wheeling, WV Tickets: On Sale Tuesday, December 16, 2025, online or at the WesBanco Arena Box Office.
For additional information, visit www.wesbancoarena.comor follow WesBanco Arena on social media for event updates.
WHEELING, W.Va. – Oglebay Park Resort is proud to announce that its championship golf courses have been named the Indigo Sports Facility of the Year at the 2025 Troon Global Leadership Conference for the Eastern division. The recognition is awarded to top-performing Troon-affiliated facilities across the globe for outstanding operational performance and exceptional guest and member service.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Troon,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, President & CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team, the support of our partners at Troon, and the loyalty of our guests. Every day, our golf and hospitality teams work to create memorable, meaningful experiences, and this recognition affirms that their efforts are making a real impact.”
The Speidel Golf Club offers the Harry Hamm Clubhouse and includes a golf shop, lockerrooms and restrooms, and the Speidel Grill.
Oglebay Park Resort features 72 holes of golf, including the 18-hole, par-71 Arnold Palmer-designed Palmer Course; the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed Jones Course; the historic Crispin Course with an 18-hole layout, 9-hole Par 3 course, and driving range; and the Bloch Memorial Golf Course, a scenic 9-hole, par-34 executive course.
“We are grateful to our associates, our community, and our guests who continue to choose Oglebay season after season,” added Peckenpaugh.
“Troon is proud to recognize Oglebay Park Resort as our Indigo Sports Facility of the Year in the Eastern United States” said Matt Hurley, Troon Executive Vice President of Operations. “The team at Oglebay consistently demonstrates outstanding performance, guest service, and hospitality, setting a high standard across our network of facilities.”
For more information on the award-winning golf program at Oglebay Park Resort, visit www.oglebaygolf.com.
WHEELING, W.Va.—Bordas & Bordas is pleased to announce that Rob Kahle, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Kahle is a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law and a proud alumnus of Wheeling Central Catholic High School.
During law school, Kahle served as President of the WVU College of Law Community Service Council and gained hands-on experience in the General Litigation Clinic, where he assisted indigent Morgantown residents with wills, divorces, custody matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and Social Security issues. His clinic work included successfully recovering funds in an administrative claim against a tow truck company.
Kahle’s academic record includes Summa Cum Laude honors as an undergraduate at WVU and receipt of the Sally Poole Wilkins Award for the highest GPA among graduating history students. His connection to Bordas & Bordas began with two summer internships, leading to his full-time hire in 2025. He remains closely connected to the Ohio Valley community through his ongoing involvement with St. Michael’s Parish in Wheeling.
“Rob represents the best of the Ohio Valley,” said Jamie Bordas, Managing Partner of Bordas & Bordas. “Although I had known both of his grandfathers, former U.S. Attorney Melvin Khale and Mayor Denny Magruder for many years, I first met Rob when I was one of his high school coaches I could tell then that he was intelligent, had a great personality, and would be successful in whatever he chose to do in his life.”
“Little did I know he would one day be working with me. I am very excited to have him onboard at our firm.”
Kahle will support the firm’s litigation practice and continue the community-focused approach that has defined his academic and clinical work.
Authorities in Marshall County learned of the alleged abuse of a 6-year-old special needs student from an aide and not from someone directly involved – and mandated by law – to report the incident, according to Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro.
The aide, a hero to some, wishes to remain anonymous after informing officials that an educator allegedly grabbed the special needs student around the throat with two hands and squeezed for more than a moment. According to the documented complaint published by LEDE News a week ago, recorded evidence reviewed by authorities shows the educator, Kiersten Nicole Moses, interacting with the student near a door as the child became visibly agitated.
Canestraro confirmed that an examination conducted by a school nurse discovered red marks on the child’s neck. That is why Moses and two other school officials – administrators Jane Ann Duffy and Erin Cuffaro – are now facing charges related to the incident.
Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro served two terms (2016-2020) in the W.Va. House of Delegates.
The prosecutor appeared on the “Novotney Now” radio program (100.1 FM) on The River Network on Friday and offered details on the charges.
Duffy, the principal of McNinch Primary School at the time of the incident, faces one misdemeanor count for failing to report child abuse within 24 hours of the incident.
“She has one misdemeanor charge of failure to file a mandatory report, and the possible sentence for that is up to 90 days in jail and/or up to a $5,000 fine,” Canestraro explained. “Basically, that charge stems from – even though she reported it to a higher up a supervisor – she’s still are a mandatory reporter. So, you still should take it upon yourself to file that report.”
Cuffaro, who is the director of Special Programs, has been charged with two misdemeanors, including failure to report child abuse and obstructing law enforcement, and eight felony counts of gross neglect of a child, creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.
McNinch Primary School is located at 2600 4th Street in Moundsville.
“She has the failure to report (charge), the same as the principal, and she’s charged with obstructing an officer, another misdemeanor, and that’s basically because we believe she deleted the text message and told us she never sent it,” Canestraro said. “And then it was found on the principal’s phone, and that’s when she admitted to deleting the message. In West Virginia, you break the law when you lie to a state trooper.
“And there are the eight counts of child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury,” he explained. “The trooper filed those charges because the teacher (Moses) was allowed in the classroom with students after the incident until she was finally removed. The trooper felt that rose to the level for probable cause for child neglect.”
Moses is facing several criminal charges, including felony strangulation, two counts of felony assault/battery of a disabled child, and felony child abuse.
“She has four felony counts overall, including two counts of battery on a disabled child, which is a relatively new statute because of things that have happened in the state of West Virginia,” Canestraro said. “And that’s when any person in a position of trust to a disabled child who has a supervisory responsibility over the child, unlawfully and intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the child. And that is a felony.
“She’s also charged with child abuse resulting in bodily injury, and she’s charged with one count of strangulation, which is another felony.”
The members of the Marshall County Commission include John Miller, President, Christie Robison, Vice President, Dr. Duane Miller, Lori Kestner, and Brenda Coffield.
Case Clarity
The chatter on social media has been noisy, intense, and often misguided, according to the county’s prosecutor.
Many local Facebook members, for example, insisted for days that charges should be filed against administrators in the school system’s Central Office. Canestraro disagrees at this time.
“That’s because the investigation did not find any evidence that any other individual was involved with this situation, and I can tell you Trooper (Sgt. S.M.) Durrah worked diligently,” Canestraro said. “He worked the investigation all the way to the top, to the superintendent of schools, and the evidence he found led to the charges against the three individuals who have been charged and no one else.
“Our office worked with (investigator) Sgt. (Steven Michael) Durrah to develop the charges based on what we believe we can prove, so that’s how we decided to move forward,” he reported. “They were all picked up and arrested. So, they’ve all been arraigned. They were taken straight to a magistrate, and they were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and they all immediately posted bond. That’s the reason you didn’t see mugshots; they basically posted bond immediately.”
It is likely, though, that local media outlets will offer coverage from Marshall County this week.
“The next step are the preliminary hearings, and the first one is Tuesday in Magistrate Court at 10:30 a.m. for (Cuffaro) the director of special needs programs, and the (former) teacher (Mosses) is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Magistrate Court,” he detailed. “While I expect those cases to move on to Circuit Court after our Grand Jury meets in March of next year, the principal (Duffy) and the misdemeanor charge will stay on the Magistrate level, and her hearing is scheduled for January 14th at 10:15 a.m.
The Marshall County Courthouse is located in Moundsville.
“The teacher did resign. It’s my understanding she’s no longer employed by Marshall County Schools,” he said. “The others were placed on leave by the county school system.”
Haines confirmed Friday the educators were placed on unpaid leave and based on the published agenda for the Marshall County Board of Education meeting for this Tuesday, December 16th, Cuffaro’s and Duffy’s unpaid suspension are set for ratification.
The regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at John Marshall HS Commons, and the call-in option is 1-304-553-7794, and the Conference ID is 655 948 211#. The online agenda includes the following:
Page 2 of 2 – “Other” – V. Personnel – A. Resignations – B. Employment/Transfers
And then …
C. Other
– Superintendents recommendation of unpaid suspension of administrative employee during period of investigation beginning Dec. 4, 2025
– Superintendents recommendation of unpaid suspension of administrative employee during period of investigation beginning Dec. 4, 2025
– Superintendents recommendation of administrative leave/relocation of duties of a service personnel during investigation.
W.Va. Trooper Sgt. S.M. Durrah was the primary investigator in this special needs child abuse case.
Alleged Cover-Up
Who knew what? And when?
While Canestraro knows an anonymous aide reported the alleged abuse, it’s now his job to prove the charges levied against Cuffaro and Moses.
He’s confident in the evidence, too.
“This whole situation was made worse because of the behind-the-scenes things that went on,” Canestraro explained. “In the course of the investigation conducted by the State Police, the alleged abuse took place in mid-September but did not come out until October. That’s because, in the course of the investigation, it was found that the principal was told of this incident by one of the aides in the classroom.
“Then, it was found that the principal went to the special programs director,” he said. “And then, via text message, the principal was told there would be no verbal reprimand or anything. She was told to tell (Moses) to watch putting hands on the children. None of them reported it, which is required by law as a mandatory reporter within 24 hours of the incident.”
Shelby Haines, Superintendent of Marshall County Schools.
According to the collected evidence, Canestraro believes obstruction took place, too.
“In the investigation, it was found that the director of special programs had deleted that text message, but it was found on the principal’s phone,” Canestraro explained. “The investigation took about a month and a half and it was conducted by Sgt. Durrah, and it involved a lot reviewing video footage from the classroom from the beginning of the school year and forward to check to see if any other incidents had taken place.
“Special needs classrooms in West Virginia schools are recorded per state law,” he said. “The video helped with filing the charges against the teacher.”
There are several factors now controlling the timeline for the special needs abuse case, counting the grand jury indictments, respective hearings, and possible admissions and plea agreements, and Canestraro is confident incarceration will be included.
“I believe you’re probably talking jail time,” “I don’t know how you could not think that there could be jail time given what happened,” the prosecutor added. “Of course, you are innocent until proven guilty because that’s the great system that we have.”
Dear Dave Pilarski, Gee Lofstead, and Mark Bardwil:
When we first heard about you and your acquisition of the former TJ’s Sports Garden – not goin’ lie – we were inherently skeptical because (1) it was change, (2) you were new, and, well, (3) we’re pretty picky eaters.
And now, here we are just a couple of months later, and not only have you transformed the long-time restaurant into a welcoming, comfortable spot, but you’ve quickly become valued members of our community.
How? Easy. Collectively, you’re the “new owners” everyone hoped you’d be.
· You respected and worked well with the previous owner.
· You immediately offered every employee a position.
· You continued – and upgraded – the sports bar theme.
· You retained a few fan favorites on your menu.
· Your food – like the crab dip, the meatballs, the shrimp po’boy, the burgers, and entrees like the Chicken Vera Cruz – is delicious.
· And each of you take the time to meet your patrons and listen to their ideas, their critiques, and to tell the story about when the three of you became friends as Linsly students more than 40 years ago and then how you came together decades later to create The Wheel at 808 National Road.
Of course, the best eateries evolve over time, and that’s why we appreciate what your website menu states at the top – “Our menu, like life, is subject to change”. Amen, and that’s why we’re anxious to taste your new flavors in the future, and to watch how your positive presence grows in the Wheeling area.
Well done, gentlemen, and thank you for your investment in Wheeling’s future.
LEDE News was first with the news that double murderer Nathan Brooks was denied parole after his first hearing that took place on November 18, but the tsunami of hits caused our server to crash. That’s why so many readers were disappointed with the “Too Many Requests” message.
And then it was up again and down again. Up, down. Up, down. Up, down. It was disappointing and frustrating. Most of all, it was infuriating.
So, this evening at 9 p.m., we will begin initiating updates that will increase site speed and improve accessibility so our growth can continue without obstacles. We are thankful for our advertisers, appreciate our readers, and we look forward to publishing more breaking news, people features, historical accounts, community information, opinion pieces, and event details once the process is complete.
These upgrades represent our commitment to the community we live in, so we hope you’ll return once we’re fully functional once again. How long will LEDE (ledenews.com) be offline? A day or two is what we’ve been told, and we’re hopeful it will be sooner than later.
So, thank you for your support and for your patience.
The following reports were released today by Sheriff James Zusack and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office.
On December 05, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit and the Martins Ferry Police Department executed a search warrant along Elm Street in Martins Ferry, Ohio. During the execution of the warrant, officials located a firearm, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, and suspected fentanyl.
Joseph Pernell Monroe, 26, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was arrested and booked on charges of resisting arrest, possession of criminal tools, having weapons under disability, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl.
Cody Wayne Briggs, 31, of Cameron, WV, was arrested and booked on possession of fentanyl.
Tyler J. Medina, 28, of Wheeling, WV, was on scene but was not booked into the Belmont County Jail. Charges of possession of fentanyl will be sent to the prosecutor’s office for review.
ALSO, on December 09, 2025, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit arrested Samuel Jermaine Pete, 39, of Wheeling, WV, on an outstanding warrant for trafficking in drugs. During Samuel’s arrest, he was found in possession of a bulk amount of methamphetamine pills and a substantial amount of crack cocaine. A subsequent search of Samuel’s hotel room in the St. Clairsville area, yielded drug manufacturing and packaging materials.
Samuel was booked into the Belmont County Jail for his warrant, possession of criminal tools, manufacturing drugs, and possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.
AND on December 10, 2025, Detectives with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70 for a minor traffic infraction. During the traffic stop; Detectives seized approximately four (4) pounds of methamphetamine, approximately two (2) ounces of fentanyl, and $2000.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
Detectives located the suspected methamphetamine being disguised as household rock salt. The suspected fentanyl was located concealed on Ms. Earich’s person.
Hashim Addae Dunlap, 43, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Destiny Nichole Earich, 27, of Wellsville, Ohio, were arrested and booked into the Belmont County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, trafficking in fentanyl, tampering with evidence, and possession of criminal tools.
The Bridgeport Police Department assisted Sheriff’s Office units during this incident.
Sheriff James Zusack states that due to the amount of suspected methamphetamine, the suspects are considered “Major Drug Offenders” under Ohio law.
WHEELING – The public is invited to attend the John Angotti night of music “All Things are Possible with God – a concert celebration of Hope for Advent and Christmas” at 6:30 pm, on Thursday, Dec. 18th at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.
Angotti, a Nashville recording artist, will perform with Dion Clay, J.T. Brown, John Paciga, and others, including members of the St. Michael Parish School Choir and the Bells of St. Michael’s.
The concert is free.
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Chancellor Chad Carter noted that the concert is part of the 175th Anniversary of the Diocese, adding that in 1998, Angotti composed the song “On A Journey Together” for the Diocesan Synod. In honor of this anniversary year of the Diocese’s founding, Angotti has rewritten the text for this song and will also perform this piece at the concert along with music seasonal favorites celebrating the love, peace, hope, and joy of Christ.
READING, PA- The Wheeling Nailers and Reading Royals have been very evenly matched thus far this season.
Both teams have recorded three wins in the season series, and on Wednesday night, it was Reading’s turn to get into the win column with a 3-2 result. The Royals scored three consecutive goals after falling behind 1-0, including their first power play goal in six contests against Wheeling, which put the home team ahead in the second period.
The Nailers saw their nine-game point streak (8-0-1) come to an end, but remain a league-leading 18-4-1 on the year.
One goal was scored in the opening stanza, as the Nailers broke through at the 11:06 mark. Matty De St. Phalle tossed a pass into the slot to lead Connor Lockhart toward the goal. Lockhart skated in with the puck on his forehand, but quickly shifted to his backhand, and lifted a shot into the top-left corner of the cage. Logan Pietila made the defensive play to start the rush, as he picked up the secondary assist in his 100th professional game.
Reading rebounded to take the lead in the middle frame with one early goal and one late marker. The equalizer came at the 2:06 mark. Jeremy Michel led Kyle Haskins in on the left side of the offensive zone. Haskins navigated his way to the left circle, where he lifted a wrist shot into the top-right corner of the net. With 3:27 remaining, the Royals went ahead with their first power play goal on 17 chances in the season series. Carson Golder’s one-timer from the blueline missed wide to the right, but the rebound came rocketing off of the end boards to Connor McMenamin, who had a slam dunk waiting for him on the right side of the crease.
The Royals got a key goal at the 12:07 mark of the third period to extend their lead to 3-1. Golder skated across the offensive zone to deliver a shot on goal. A rebound was produced, which got stashed in by Nick Capone. Wheeling had an answer to that strike 1:47 later on the power play. The Nailers got lots of traffic set up around the slot, which ultimately led to Logan Pietila grabbing the puck out of the crease and lifting it up and into the left side of the twine. Wheeling pushed for the tying tally, and even spent the final 1:13 of play on the man advantage, but came up short, as Reading prevailed, 3-2.
Keith Petruzzelli got the win for the Royals, as he made 17 saves on 19 shots. Maxim Pavlenko stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced in the defeat for the Nailers.
The Nailers will travel farther north to continue their week, as they will go to Glens Falls, New York to face the Adirondack Thunder on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Wheeling’s next home game is 80’s Night on Saturday, December 27th, which features a post game concert by Tongue ‘n Cheek. That will be the first of eight straight home games. Some other highlights during that homestand include Kid’s New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31st and Marvel Night on Saturday, January 10th. Season memberships and other terrific ticket plans for the 2025-26 season are available now by calling (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.
