2009: A look back

As 2009 comes to a close, The Weirton Daily Times takes a look back at some of the events to take place in Weirton and the surrounding communities during the last year.

January:

The year began with Hancock County Sheriff's deputies responding to Chugger's in Chester following a report of a fight at the establishment resulting in the stabbing of two Ohio residents.

The Fort Steuben Bridge was closed to traffic permanently after the Ohio Department of Transportation determined it was no longer safe for vehicles. The bridge is set for demolition sometime within the next year.

The former Weirton Steel Corp. General Office building on Three Springs Drive was demolished. The building was removed to make room for the future Wal-Mart Supercenter, which is slated to open March 2010.

Citing issues with the economy, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort laid off 175 employees.

Gus's Goodies reintroduces its doughnuts following 10 years of not being available from the Weirton business.

The Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and local government officials hold a bridge forum to discuss the future of the area's river crossings, including the possibility of maintenance to the Market Street Bridge in an attempt to keep it open for another 10 years.

February

Wellsburg City Council decides to hire Craig Zins, of Cincinnati, as city manager. The decision would be rescinded in early March after discovering Zins had been fired from two similar positions. Mark Henne would be hired for the position in May.

West Virginia residents begin using 10-digit dialing for all calls in preparation of the institution of the 681 area code in the state.

State Sen. Edwin J. Bowman is named the recipient of the first Downtown Champion Award by the Weirton Downtown Business Association.

March

Three individuals are arrested following an early morning shooting incident in Weirton March 23 on the 3400 block of Elm Street. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a domestic situation, resulted in no injuries.

The Weirton Steel Chorus began auctioning off items used during the chorus' history. The chorus held its final performance in late 2008.

Graphic Packaging in Wellsburg laid off 30 employees, citing problems with the economy. The paper plant previously had been owned by the Smurfit Stone company.

The City of Weirton eliminates five positions, including three full-time employees and two part-time workers, as part of efforts to balance a decreased budget.

April

The Weirton Hall of Fame inducts if first class, naming nine individuals to the organization, including Dr. Ray Greco, state Sen. Ed Bowman, Michael Starvaggi and Walter R. Wieloh.

Old Time Bakery opens for business on Pennsylvania Avenue, offering breads and baked goods.

Oak Glen High School is approved for funding by the West Virginia School Building Authority to go toward the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system for the school.

May

Arletta Zelenko retires as the librarian at Burgettstown Community Library following 25 years in the position. Zelenko had worked as a library aide with the Burgettstown Area School District prior to being hired for the position.

New Cumberland residents elect Joe Sargent as their mayor. Sargent, who defeated incumbent James Bowersox for the office, previously served as a councilman and on several of the city's committees.

The Brooke-Hancock Regional Planning Council announced a grant of $400,000 to assist with the performance of a study and planning for brownfield remediation throughout the region.

June

Wellsburg elects Sue Simonetti as its new mayor.

Williams Country Club purchases Rosemont Manor following a trustee's sale. The country club purchased the neighboring property for $225,000. A previous trustee's sale had been held with no bidder.

The body of Robert C. Bockey, a Korean War veteran who had been missing in action since a battle near the Kuryong River in North Korea on Nov. 27, 1950, was returned to Weirton. A memorial service and burial with full military honors was held.

Ernie Jack, former Wellsburg mayor and the city's water superintendent, is fired by then-Mayor Wayne Campbell, who cited dissatisfaction with the quality of Jack's work and oversight of the department. Weeks prior, Jack was arrested by Steubenville police during a reverse prostitution sting operation.

Chrysler rescinded 789 franchises as part of its restructuring efforts. Those franchises included Weirton's Pavlik and New City Auto, leaving the community with no Chrysler dealership.

Aspen Manor closes its doors as an assisted living facility, with owners citing the inability to cover debt from its own operations as well as those from previous owners.

July

Penco Road in Weirton is officially rededicated following several months of renovations, including work on sidewalks and the installation of new light poles and flower beds.

Weirton's new sex offender law goes into effect. The law, passed by council in April, required all sex offenders living in Weirton to register with the city as well as the state. It also required those planning to move to Weirton 15 days prior to locating to the community.

August

Gov. Joe Manchin visits Weirton, speaking with local government and business leaders. During the event, Manchin says he considers work in Weirton, including the possibility of a port development, to be a priority for the state.

Weirton officially opens its new skate park following months of work by officials and volunteers to raise money for the purchase of equipment. The park is located in the parking lot near Bowman Ballfield in Municipal Plaza.

New Cumberland's community soccer fields open in an attempt to provide more recreational opportunities for local youth.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort releases 35 employees, including some management positions, in an attempt to contend with economic issues.

Impress USA, a steel processor for ArcelorMittal located in Weirton, announces it will lay off 20 of its employees in early September.

September

The first ever River Festival is held in Hancock County. The event, organized by the New Cumberland Parade and Festival Committee, was held in New Cumberland in an area overlooking the Ohio River.

Weirton Mayor Mark Harris kicks off Project Main Street in an attempt to beautify the buildings in downtown Weirton. As part of the project, several buildings along Main Street have been washed and painted.

Weirton police investigate the report of a bomb threat against Weir High School. The investigation leads to the arrest of Mark Mentzer and Joshua Little, both 19 and students at the high school. Mentzer's mother, Karen Mentzer, also was arrested on charges of obstructing an offer. A third student, a juvenile, was taken into custody following additional threats at the school.

Bishop Michael Bransfield visits Weirton Madonna High School to tour the campus following completion of renovations at the school. A formal rededication would take place later in the year.

October

Tudor's Biscuit World opens its doors in Weirton, providing area residents with a new restaurant. The establishment offers a variety of food for breakfast and lunch.

Valley Ventures announces the establishment of the Valley Commerce Center with the purchase of the former Magnone Building on Main Street in Weirton. The center is proposed as a location for existing small businesses and as a small business incubator.

The Weirton Madonna High family lost a long-standing member with the death of Walter Wieloh. Wieloh was among the original faculty at the school when it opened in 1955 and continued teaching until his retirement this year.

The murder case against Terrell Yarbrough began in Washington County, Pa. Yarbrough would later be found guilty of several charges in connection with the 1999 killings of two Franciscan University of Steubenville students.

November

The Route 8 sewage project is officially completed, after several years of planning, development, construction and delays resulting from legal action by residents against the county.

U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd officially becomes the longest-serving individual in the history of the United States Congress. The same week, Byrd celebrated his 92nd birthday.

Giant Eagle Market District opens its doors in Robinson Township, Pa., providing residents of the region with a new shopping opportunity.

A holiday light display previously set up by Weirton Steel Corp. is brought back to life by the efforts of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and several area businesses. The display was installed along Three Springs Drive this year, and officials have expressed an interest in expanding it in the future.

December

A new design is selected for the proposed Brooke Veterans Park. The monument proposal was designed by students from the Pittsburgh Art Institute and will be constructed at Brooke Hills Park.

Philip Wise, a major with the Salvation Army and Weirton native, was killed on Christmas Eve outside of his offices in Little Rock, Ark. Wise was shot by two men while standing next to his three children.

Mountaineer announced a new three-year deal with the Horseman's Benevolent Protection Association to provide for a racing schedule at the local track.