Bill Phillips
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Articles by Bill Phillips
Weirton American Legion Post 10 holds Memorial Day ceremony at veterans monument
Mon, May 25, 2026 at 6:47 PM American Legion Post 10 holds Memorial Day ceremony Weirton, W.V. — Weirton marked Memorial Day on Monday with a ceremony honoring those who served the country. American Legion Post 10 held its Memorial Day ceremony at the Weirton Steel Honor Roll Veterans Monument. Weirton Mayor Dean Harris shared his thoughts on the importance of the day.
American Legion Post 351 honors fallen veterans with taps in Mingo Junction
Federal judges block Alabama from using contested congressional map in 2026 elections A federal panel has once again blocked Alabama from using its contested congressional map, ruling the state’s 2023 plan likely intentionally discriminated again VOTE: Is it too late for governments to effectively regulate AI? Is it too late for governments to effectively regulate AI?
Guest commentary: Lawsuit abuse and fraudulent claims drive up insurance costs
By Bill Phillips It is no secret that California is an expensive place to live. From our high home prices to excessive bills at gas pumps, it is hard to afford to live in the nation’s beautiful “Dream Big” state. Rather than quietly allowing bills to soar, Californians should ask lawmakers tough questions about why everyday expenses cost so much. One place to start is auto insurance. California’s auto insurance premiums are so high that they made headlines in New York.
Belmont Stakes: Local racing expert highlights fresh contenders challenging favorites
WHEELING, W.Va. — Mark Patterson, a racing analyst at Mountaineer Casino Resort, shared his insights on the upcoming Belmont Stakes race, highlighting the potential impact of fresh horses that did not compete in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Here's how Patterson sees the race: "At this point, when attrition’s got the potential to set in because these horses have had hard campaigns, no matter how carefully rationed they have been.
54th West Virginia Derby set for Sunday
HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — The 54th running of the West Virginia Derby will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday at Mountaineer Casino Resort.
Steubenville girls' softball league receives life-saving AED
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The Steubenville Girls' Youth Softball Association received an automated external defibrillator on Friday morning at Jim Wood Park in Steubenville. The funds for the AED, which cost nearly $2,000, were raised through the Craig A. Petrella Memorial Pump and Run. That 5K was put on by the Jefferson County Health District and SYNA Strength and Wellness.
The burning question around town
BY BILL PHILLIPS To all those who wanted the Fernie firehall located at 902 Second Avenue, I apologize. It’s obvious city councillors decided to spite me and my prediction that they would pick the 902 site and, instead, went with Prentice Park. “That’ll teach him,” was reportedly heard emanating from the community’s elected braintrust. Seriously, the decision to locate the firehall at Prentice Park was a bit of surprise. I haven’t talked to anyone who thinks it’s a good decision.
Summer concert and BBQ at Dutton Cattle Company set to feature country legend
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — It may only be February but it’s never too soon to start thinking about summer concerts. Chris Dutton, one of the promoters of the former Blame My Roots Fest, is teaming up with Country music legend Sammy Kershaw and Bryan Martin for Ranch Night BBQ & Concert -- a special one-time show on June 7 at the Dutton Cattle Company in Flushing. Tickets go on sale March 1.
Was McDonald's CEO Ray Kroc Really a Satanist?
On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 7th in 1977, aged and perhaps senile McDonald's owner Ray Kroc appeared on episode #16.182 of the TV talk show "Mike Douglas" and I just happened to be watching. I was only a teenager then but the show was seared into my memory. When Mike Douglas asked Ray what he did with all his money he replied that he belonged to the Church of Satan and donated a lot of his money to it.
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary - Part 3
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary - Part 3 by Bill Phillips Fri, December 29th 2023 Former WTOV chief meteorologist Kevin Carter, former anchor Sherrie McCutcheon Dunlevy, former anchor Jim Forbes and sports anchor Bill Phillips travel down memory lane during a recent to the NEWS9 studio.
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary - Part 2
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary - Part 2 by Bill Phillips Thu, December 28th 2023 On Dec. 24, 1953, what is now WTOV took to the air. It's been a memorable ride filled with many faces and stories. The second of a three-part stories looks at some the station's enduring personalities.
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary
VIDEO: Step back in time as WTOV celebrates 70th anniversary by Bill Phillips Wed, December 27th 2023 What is now WTOV went on the air December 24, 1953.
Bill Phillips: Writer’s Block
BY BILL PHILLIPS Writer’s Block Had my fingers crossed hoping the city would get the roadwork on Ninth and 11th streets in the Annex done before the snow flies. Oops. Well, maybe before the snow … melts? I’ve suggested before that the city should focus more on roads rather vanity projects, but now that I see it takes four months, or more, to do four blocks, I understand (?).
NFL expert Mike Florio returns home to Wheeling, highlights latest book at Ohio County Library event
A familiar face to National Football League fans, Mike Florio was in his hometown of Wheeling to talk about his latest book, and of course, the upcoming season. The Ohio County Library held a special Thursday edition of its Lunch with Books series, with Florio serving as guest speaker. Florio is a sportswriter, author, radio host, and television commentator, covering the NFL.
NFL expert Mike Florio returns home to Wheeling, highlights latest book at Ohio County Library event
A familiar face to National Football League fans, Mike Florio was in his hometown of Wheeling to talk about his latest book, and of course, the upcoming season. The Ohio County Library held a special Thursday edition of its Lunch with Books series, with Florio serving as guest speaker. Florio is a sportswriter, author, radio host, and television commentator, covering the NFL.
15 Minutes With... Traci Jensen, General Manager at River Point Farms - Global AgInvesting
By Bill Phillips, Web Content Specialist, AgReserves (August 15, 2023)* Traci Jensen is the general manager at River Point Farms, an onion packer and processor that is one of the flagship operations in the Row Crops Division of AgReserves, an agriculture investment company that operates farms and ranches throughout North America as well as in South America and the UK. River Point Farms, located in Hermiston, Oregon, supplies onions to many food service and industrial customers.
15 Minutes With... Traci Jensen, General Manager at River Point Farms - Global AgInvesting
By Bill Phillips, Web Content Specialist, AgReserves (August 15, 2023)* Traci Jensen is the general manager at River Point Farms, an onion packer and processor that is one of the flagship operations in the Row Crops Division of AgReserves, an agriculture investment company that operates farms and ranches throughout North America as well as in South America and the UK. River Point Farms, located in Hermiston, Oregon, supplies onions to many food service and industrial customers.
Six decades of stories and styles: The enduring legacy of Wintersville's Razors Edge Barber Shop
For 6 decades, Tom Panebianco, and his Razor’s Edge Barber Shop has been a pillar in the Wintersville business community. And if you want to know where the community has been and where it could be headed, the barber shop may be the best place to find out . They’ll share stories about anything and everything, beginning with the beginning.
NEWS9 Special Assignment: Youth sports/AEDs
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — With every generation of athlete seemingly getting bigger and stronger, youth leagues know they need the latest safety updates and equipment to keep their athletes as safe as possible. "I've seen an awful lot of kids with shots hit up the middle, and I’m going, ‘oh my Lord, if that ball ever hit that kid in the chest, it would do serious damage.’ " What Donelly said is what many are thinking as they watch youth baseball games across the Ohio Valley this spring.
NEWS9 Special Assignment: A business blueprint for the future
BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. — During the pandemic, we did a number of stories called, ‘How's your business doing? Some thrived, some struggled and survived, and unfortunately, some went out of business. This is a story of a new business blueprint that four local businesses are following. In spring 2021, with COVID still with us and an inflation starting to become a factor, the owners of the Syna Bluewave Center in Follansbee went all in.
Ferguson's House of Furniture sends 7,500 bottles of water to East Palestine
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Help for the people of East Palestine and the surrounding area continues to arrive. Ferguson's House of Furniture in Wintersville loaded up a truck with water for the people of Columbiana County. The truck will arrive in Negley just 2 miles shy of the train derailment site for distribution. “We really want to help the people of East Palestine, Negley, the whole area,” said Brian Allen, CMO, Ferguson’s House of Furniture.
EF0 tornado confirmed in Ethridge, National Weather Service says
Damage reports began coming to 911 almost immediately, Lawrence County EMA director Bill Phillips said.Over 150 personnel from numerous agencies responded in Lawrence County.NWS crews are also looking at additional damage in Lawrence County.Actions Facebook Tweet Email EF0 tornado confirmed in Ethridge, National Weather Service says 3:46 PM, Feb 17, 2023 Posted at and last updated 2023-02-17 16:46:10-05 ETHRIDGE, Tenn.
Browns Fan of the Year takes in Super Bowl, shares some game day experiences
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns Fan of the Year for 2022, Tim Zifzal of Smithfield, is on his way home from Super Bowl 57. He shared some of his game day experiences with WTOV9. Zifzal and his wife Kim settled into their seats for the big game, won 38-35 by Kansas City against Philadelphia. Before the game began, Zifzal had the opportunity to do something very few fans ever have a chance to do -- head down to the field.
All aboard Browns' fan of the year Tim Zifzal's Super Bowl journey
Cleveland Browns fan of the year Tim Zifzal agreed to take us – and you -- on his Super Bowl journey. Having already appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the 31 other teams’ fans of the year, Zifzal’s Super Bowl adventure continued when he boarded a flight with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan of the year Jim Zimmerman. You might think they’re natural enemies, but they actually formed their own Team Z -- Zifzal and Zimmerman.
Browns fan of the year heads to Super Bowl with shot at similar NFL distinction
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Cleveland Browns fan of the year Tim Zifzal is heading to the Super Bowl, where he has a chance to become the NFL's Fan of the Year. Zifzal was hoping he would head to Arizona to watch his Browns win their first Super Bowl championship. The Browns didn’t make it, but he’s ready for his Super Bowl experience. “My wife and I are really looking forward to this,” Zifzal said. “It’s been a wonderful journey. The Browns have kept us updated through the NFL.
With pool of officer candidates dwindling, Weirton Police still attracting quality
WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Weirton Police Department celebrated the promotions of sergeants Troy Bickers and Matt Lelless to the rank of lieutenant Friday. The promotions are well deserved, but they leave Chief Charlie Kush looking to fill out his roster of officers which isn't easy these days as the pool of candidates for police hirings continues to shrink.
Local Browns backer named team’s fan of the year
SMITHFIELD, Ohio — Smithfield's Tim Zifzal has been named Cleveland Browns fan of the year. "There's a lot of great Cleveland fans and I am honored to represent the Browns, honored just so very honored and let them know that, too,” Zifzal said. “I'm so flattered. I got a call to come up to the facility and tour the facility.
NEWS9 Special Assignment: Back in the Game
When an athlete ruptures or tears the anterior cruciate ligament in one of their knees, it’s devastating. For many, their athletic hopes and dreams are dashed. Chris Massey played for the Marshall Thundering Herd before embarking on a decade-long career in the NFL with the St.
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown sees the Federal Reserve as the biggest player in inflation fight
As we all know, prices for groceries and other consumer items have been on the rise due to recent inflation. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown sees the Federal Reserve as the biggest player in fight against inflation. “The chair (of the Federal Reserve) is the former Trump nominee now renominated by Biden.
Fiscal responsibility allowing Brooke County commissioners to move forward on big projects
Brooke County commissioners will return from the Thanksgiving holiday with a number of major projects ready to move forward. Among them are receiving bids for the new centralized ambulance location on Nov. 29, the judicial annex building on Dec. 2, and new equipment for 911 communication center on Dec. 28.
VIDEO: Saccoccia nears pair of milestones
WTOV NBC 9 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Steubenville and nearby towns and communities in the Ohio Valley area including, in Ohio Steubenville, St.
Hometown Olympians: Bobby Douglas
WTOV NBC 9 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Steubenville and nearby towns and communities in the Ohio Valley area including, in Ohio Steubenville, St.
VIDEO: Black and Gold Path to Canton - Alan Faneca
WTOV NBC 9 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Steubenville and nearby towns and communities in the Ohio Valley area including, in Ohio Steubenville, St.
VIDEO: Black and Gold Path to Canton - Troy Polamalu
WTOV NBC 9 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Steubenville and nearby towns and communities in the Ohio Valley area including, in Ohio Steubenville, St.
VIDEO: Black and Gold Path to Canton - Donnie Shell
WTOV NBC 9 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and items of interest in the community, sports and entertainment programming for Steubenville and nearby towns and communities in the Ohio Valley area including, in Ohio Steubenville, St.
Hometown Olympians: Glenn ‘Jeep’ Davis
Glenn “Jeep” Davis ran to Olympic glory in 1956 and again in 1960. Davis’ journey to the Melbourne and Rome Olympics began here in the Ohio Valley. He was born in Wellsburg on Sept. 12, 1934, but he would spend the first 15 years of his life calling Follansbee home.
Hometown Olympians: Les Carney
In the fall of 2015, Indian Creek named its brand-new track after Lester Carney, a sprinter who was an Olympic medalist. Born in 1934, Carney and his family would eventually to Wintersville, where he was a standout student-athlete. He earned a football scholarship to Ohio University, where he also ran track.
Road Trippin: There's plenty to do at Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park not only features one the best zipline tours you will every experience, it's also the home of the Adventure Zone, which features Ax throwing, skeet shooting, laser tag, 3D Archery, drone flying and much more. By the end of a summer day, you may want to cool off, and Pipestem has water activities for everyone, too.
Road Trippin @ Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park is made up of more than 4,000 acres of land on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge in Southern West Virginia. The park officially came into existence on Memorial Day 1970, thanks in large part to late President John F.
Faneca feels blessed to be headed to Canton
Now residing in the Virginia Beach area, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Alan Faneca is preparing for his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. NEWS9’s Bill Phillips visited Faneca and spoke with him about his career and the path that led him to Canton.
Jefferson County continuing to host vaccine clinics
The Pottery Addition Volunteer Fire Department hosted a vaccination clinic Friday run by the Jefferson County Health Department. Health department officials say it is critical that they continue getting shots into arms because people are still getting extremely sick from the coronavirus. If you missed the clinic you have another opportunity to get vaccinated this weekend.
Brooke County commissioners rescind county-wide state of emergency
The Brooke County commissioners have rescinded the county-wide state of emergency. It was initiated by the pandemic, but now with coronavirus case numbers being so low, it's no longer necessary. The commissioners also said individuals with business at the Brooke County Courthouse will not be required to wear a mask.
Bill Phillips Talks Fat Loss
Q: Bill, I need help getting lean! I’ve been unable to overcome cravings for junk food or carbohydrates at night. Each day I promise myself I’m not going to binge or overeat. But I end up blowing it several times a week, which is so frustrating. How can I get away from my cravings for high-sugar and high-fat foods and finally lose the fat?
Weir High removing Red Rider from use at school
Weir High School has confirmed it is removing the Red Rider -- though never an official mascot -- from use at the school. The block letter “W” is the official school emblem. “Over the course of the year, Weir High School has been removing images of a cartoon depicting Native American stereotypes.
NEWS9 Special Assignment: For the Love of the Game
It is one of the great sounds in all of sport - the crack of the bat. For many it is one of the ways the game pulls them in and never lets them go. Toronto's Mike Swearingen loves the crack.
U.S. Senate candidate Ryan pledges to fight for Ohio’s workers
On Monday, U. S. Representative Democrat Tim Ryan officially launched his U. S. Senate campaign with a pledge to fight for Ohio's workers. On Friday, during a virtual round table for southeast Ohio workers, Ryan made it clear upgrading the infrastructure is the key to the future of Ohio and the U.
OHSAA expands football playoff field to 16 teams per region
The Ohio high school football playoffs are expanding this fall, even more so than the original plan for 2021. Sixteen teams in each region will get in the postseason field this fall, instead of 12, which was originally set to go into place for this season.
Despite J&J setback, West Virginia aggressively pushing forward with vaccine campaign
During his press briefing on West Virginia’s COVID-19 response, Gov. Jim justice didn't hesitate to address the Johnson & Johnson vaccine issue, saying the state would follow the FDA and CDC recommendation to pause the use of the vaccine. He said the state will continue to push forward with its aggressive vaccination campaign.
Wellsburg Bridge tentatively slated to float down river next week
The Wellsburg-to-Brilliant bridge project continues, and next week, the bridge is expected to be floated into position on the Ohio River. The official date of the move is currently penciled in for April 20-21. Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty attended the Brooke County commissioners’ meeting and gave an update on how traffic will be directed on route two during the move.
State of West Virginia is on the recruiting trail
The state of West Virginia is on the recruiting trail. On Monday, Governor Jim Justice signed a bill modernizing the state's corporate tax structure, which will allow the state to open the Remote Work Program, which is designed to attract workers from across the country.
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