content: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  
  FORM 8-K
  
  CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
  
  DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED):  April 28, 
  1999
  
  BELMONT BANCORP.
  (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
  
  
  OHIO                            0-12724         34-1376776
  (STATE OF       	(COMMISSION FILE NO.)	(I.R.S. EIN)
  INCORPORATION)
  
  325 MAIN STREET
  BRIDGEPORT, OH  43912
  (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
  
  (740)-695-3323
  (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
  
  <PAGE>
  
  ITME 5. OTHER EVENTS
  
  THE FOLLOWING ARE RECENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED BY THE 
  CORPORATION.
  
  <PAGE>
  
  
                        Belmont Bancorp.
              325 Main St.  Bridgeport, Ohio  43912
                                
                          Press Release
                                                              
                           For additional information contact:
                            J. Vincent Ciroli Jr., President &
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                         Belmont National Bank
                                                (740) 695-3323
  For release May 14, 1999
  
  SUBJECT:  BANK COMPLETES STUDY
  
  ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO-Belmont Bancorp., parent company of
  Belmont National Bank, announced that it has completed its
  initial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the
  closing of Schwartz Homes, Inc., New Philadelphia, Ohio.
  Schwartz Homes was a large commercial customer of the Bank
  and many Schwartz Homes customers were consumer customers of
  Belmont National Bank.  With Schwartz's closure many Belmont
  National Bank consumer customers were left in the middle of
  their construction process.  Belmont has endeavored over the
  past few weeks to work with these consumers and others for a
  quick resolution to this situation.  Because of other
  secured creditors, and the nature of the collateral, the
  priority interest in this collateral remains in question.
  Currently the Bank and other secured parties are working
  with a receiver to resolve any disputes.
  
  According to J. Vincent Ciroli, Jr., President and CEO of
  Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank, when current
  management discovered potential problems with the Schwartz
  credits, they reported the situation to the Bank's primary
  regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
  Management has conducted a review of both the Schwartz
  commercial and consumer credits and has determined to
  restate fiscal 1998 earnings to reflect the impact of
  Schwartz-related credits that were booked in prior periods.
  Belmont expects to report a restated net loss for fiscal
  1998 of approximately $1.9 million or $0.37 loss per share.
  Additionally, the Company expects to report a net loss for
  the first quarter of 1999 of approximately $2.6 million.
  Mr. Ciroli stated that a claim has been filed with the
  Company's fidelity bond carrier seeking restitution.
  
  Jane Marsh, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, stated
  that Belmont National Bank and Belmont Bancorp. remain
  adequately capitalized according to the applicable
  regulatory standards.  Additionally, according to Ms. Marsh,
  the Company expects to announce first quarter results during
  the week of May 17, 1999.
  
  Certain statements in this release contain forward looking
  information.  These statements are subject to certain risks
  and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties could
  cause actual results to differ materially from the current
  statements.
  
  Belmont Bancorp. stock trades in the Small Cap Market of
  Nasdaq under the symbol BLMT.
                                
                               ###
  <PAGE>                              
                        Belmont Bancorp.
              325 Main St.  Bridgeport, Ohio  43912
                                
                          Press Release
                                                              
                           For additional information contact:
                            J. Vincent Ciroli Jr., President &
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                         Belmont National Bank
                                                (740) 695-3323
  For release May 19, 1999
  
  SUBJECT:  BANK RELEASES RESULTS OF STUDY AND REPORTS
  FINANCIAL RESULTS
  
  ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO-Belmont Bancorp., parent company of
  Belmont National Bank, announced it is continuing its
  efforts to help consumers resolve disputes with manufactured
  home retailer Schwartz Homes, Inc., New Philadelphia, Ohio.
  Schwartz Homes unexpectedly closed its doors on April 27,
  1999, leaving hundreds of its customers in the middle of
  their construction process.  In addition to assisting with
  finalizing home purchases and deliveries, Belmont continues
  attempts to contact and interview all affected bank
  customers.  Because of other secured creditors and the
  nature of the collateral, the priority interest in this
  collateral remains in question.  Currently the bank and
  other secured parties are working with a receiver to resolve
  any disputes.
  
  According to J. Vincent Ciroli, Jr., President and CEO of
  Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank, when current
  management discovered potential problems with the Schwartz
  credits, Belmont reported the situation to the bank's
  primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the
  Currency.  Bank Management has conducted a review of both
  the Schwartz commercial and consumer credits and has
  determined to restate fiscal 1998 earnings to reflect the
  impact of Schwartz-related credits that were booked in prior
  periods.  Belmont last week reported a restated net loss for
  fiscal 1998 of $1.9 million or $0.37 loss per share.
  Additionally, Belmont is reporting a net loss for the first
  quarter of 1999 of $2.6 million or $0.50 loss per share.
  Belmont established an additional $8.0 million post tax
  provision for loan losses during the fourth quarter of 1998
  and a $3.8 million post tax provision for loan losses during
  the first quarter of 1999 to reflect the impact of Schwartz
  Homes related credits.  Mr. Ciroli stated that a claim has
  been filed with the Company's fidelity bond carrier seeking
  partial restitution.
  
  This loss for the first quarter of 1999 compares to net
  income of $1,578,000, or $0.30 per share, for the
  comparative period last year.  The loss before tax credit
  and securities gains totaled $4,225,000 for the three month
  period ended March 31, 1999, versus earnings before taxes of
  $1,849,000 for the comparative period last year.  Annualized
  returns on average common equity were (46.79%) and 18.97%
  for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998,
  respectively.
  
  According to Mr. Ciroli, the Board of Directors has
  suspended the payment of dividends until a clear indication
  of a positive earnings stream and a certain capital level
  has been achieved.   Additionally, the Board agreed to take
  any future director fees in the form of stock rather than
  cash.  W. Quay Mull, chairman of the Bank and the Holding
  Company, stated, "As a vote of confidence in the viability
  and strength of our organization, we felt this was
  necessary."
  
  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets were
  2.63% at March 31, 1999, compared to 0.21% at March 31,
  1998. The ratio of nonperforming assets as a percentage of
  the allowance for loan losses was 166.76% at March 31, 1999,
  compared to 20.19% at March 31, 1998.
  
  Total assets increased from $393.8 million at March 31, 1998
  to $424.1 million at March 31, 1999, an increase of 7.68%.
  Total deposits increased 4.03% from $283.5 million at March
  31, 1998 to $295.0 million at March 31, 1999.
  
  At March 31, 1999, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 8.23%,
  compared to 9.08% at December 31, 1998, as restated.  The
  total Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital ratios were 9.48% at March
  31, 1999, and 10.33% at December 31, 1998, as restated.  The
  capital leverage ratio was 5.46% at March 31, 1999, compared
  to 5.94% at December 31, 1998, as restated.
  
  Because  of  the Schwartz Homes situation, Belmont  Bancorp.
  restated its 1998 results, reporting a net loss for 1998  of
  $1,919,000.  Earnings for 1997 totaled $5,945,000.  On a per
  share basis, 1998 and 1997 (loss)/earnings were ($0.37) on a
  restated  basis and $1.13 respectively.  Return  on  average
  common  equity  for  the  year was (5.76%),  and  return  on
  average assets was (0.46%).
  
  Net interest income for 1998 was $14.31 million, down 0.26%
  from last year.  The net interest margin was 3.87% in 1998
  compared to 4.37% in 1997.
  
  Non-interest income for the year totaled $3.966 million
  versus $2.809 million for 1997.  Included in non-interest
  income was a gain on sale of the real estate totaling
  $383,000 for the sale of the Jewett, Ohio branch office.
  Gain on sale of securities equaled $1.338 million, compared
  to $799,000 for 1997. Non-interest expenses increased
  $764,000 to $9.496 million.
  
  Nonperforming assets for the year increased to 1.96% of
  total assets from 0.41% in 1997.  Non performing assets as a
  percentage of allowance for loan losses was 156.61% compared
  to 38.20% in 1997.  The allowance for possible loan loss as
  a percentage of total loans equaled 2.63%, versus 1.84% in
  1997.
  
  Certain statements in this release contain forward looking
  information.  These statements are subject to certain risks
  and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties could
  cause actual results to differ materially from the current
  statements.
  
  Belmont National Bank has offices in Bellaire, Bridgeport,
  Cadiz, Lansing, New Philadelphia, the Ohio Valley Mall, St.
  Clairsville, Schoenbrunn and Shadyside, Ohio, and in the
  Woodsdale and Elm Grove areas of Wheeling, West Virginia.
  Belmont Bancorp. stock trades in the Small Cap Market of
  NASDAQ under the symbol BLMT.
  
                                
                               ###
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metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "BELMONT BANCORP", "cik": "0000726294", "assigned-sic": "6021", "irs-number": "341374776", "state-of-incorporation": "OH", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-12724", "film-number": "99631725"}, "business-address": {"street1": "325 MAIN ST", "city": "BRIDGEPORT", "state": "OH", "zip": "43912", "phone": "6146953323"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "P O BOX 249", "city": "ST CLAIRSVILLE", "state": "OH", "zip": "43950"}}
text: SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  
  FORM 8-K
  
  CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
  SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
  
  DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED):  April 28, 
  1999
  
  BELMONT BANCORP.
  (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
  
  OHIO                            0-12724         34-1376776
  (STATE OF       	(COMMISSION FILE NO.)	(I.R.S. EIN)
  INCORPORATION)
  
  325 MAIN STREET
  BRIDGEPORT, OH  43912
  (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
  
  (740)-695-3323
  (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
  ITME 5. OTHER EVENTS
  
  THE FOLLOWING ARE RECENT PRESS RELEASES ISSUED BY THE 
  CORPORATION.
  Belmont Bancorp.
              325 Main St.  Bridgeport, Ohio  43912
                                
                          Press Release
                                                              
                           For additional information contact:
                            J. Vincent Ciroli Jr., President &
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                         Belmont National Bank
                                                (740) 695-3323
  For release May 14, 1999
  
  SUBJECT:  BANK COMPLETES STUDY
  
  ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO-Belmont Bancorp., parent company of
  Belmont National Bank, announced that it has completed its
  initial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the
  closing of Schwartz Homes, Inc., New Philadelphia, Ohio.
  Schwartz Homes was a large commercial customer of the Bank
  and many Schwartz Homes customers were consumer customers of
  Belmont National Bank.  With Schwartz's closure many Belmont
  National Bank consumer customers were left in the middle of
  their construction process.  Belmont has endeavored over the
  past few weeks to work with these consumers and others for a
  quick resolution to this situation.  Because of other
  secured creditors, and the nature of the collateral, the
  priority interest in this collateral remains in question.
  Currently the Bank and other secured parties are working
  with a receiver to resolve any disputes.
  
  According to J. Vincent Ciroli, Jr., President and CEO of
  Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank, when current
  management discovered potential problems with the Schwartz
  credits, they reported the situation to the Bank's primary
  regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
  Management has conducted a review of both the Schwartz
  commercial and consumer credits and has determined to
  restate fiscal 1998 earnings to reflect the impact of
  Schwartz-related credits that were booked in prior periods.
  Belmont expects to report a restated net loss for fiscal
  1998 of approximately $1.9 million or $0.37 loss per share.
  Additionally, the Company expects to report a net loss for
  the first quarter of 1999 of approximately $2.6 million.
  Mr. Ciroli stated that a claim has been filed with the
  Company's fidelity bond carrier seeking restitution.
  
  Jane Marsh, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, stated
  that Belmont National Bank and Belmont Bancorp. remain
  adequately capitalized according to the applicable
  regulatory standards.  Additionally, according to Ms. Marsh,
  the Company expects to announce first quarter results during
  the week of May 17, 1999.
  
  Certain statements in this release contain forward looking
  information.  These statements are subject to certain risks
  and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties could
  cause actual results to differ materially from the current
  statements.
  
  Belmont Bancorp. stock trades in the Small Cap Market of
  Nasdaq under the symbol BLMT.
                                
                               ###
  Belmont Bancorp.
              325 Main St.  Bridgeport, Ohio  43912
                                
                          Press Release
                                                              
                           For additional information contact:
                            J. Vincent Ciroli Jr., President &
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                         Belmont National Bank
                                                (740) 695-3323
  For release May 19, 1999
  
  SUBJECT:  BANK RELEASES RESULTS OF STUDY AND REPORTS
  FINANCIAL RESULTS
  
  ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO-Belmont Bancorp., parent company of
  Belmont National Bank, announced it is continuing its
  efforts to help consumers resolve disputes with manufactured
  home retailer Schwartz Homes, Inc., New Philadelphia, Ohio.
  Schwartz Homes unexpectedly closed its doors on April 27,
  1999, leaving hundreds of its customers in the middle of
  their construction process.  In addition to assisting with
  finalizing home purchases and deliveries, Belmont continues
  attempts to contact and interview all affected bank
  customers.  Because of other secured creditors and the
  nature of the collateral, the priority interest in this
  collateral remains in question.  Currently the bank and
  other secured parties are working with a receiver to resolve
  any disputes.
  
  According to J. Vincent Ciroli, Jr., President and CEO of
  Belmont Bancorp. and Belmont National Bank, when current
  management discovered potential problems with the Schwartz
  credits, Belmont reported the situation to the bank's
  primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the
  Currency.  Bank Management has conducted a review of both
  the Schwartz commercial and consumer credits and has
  determined to restate fiscal 1998 earnings to reflect the
  impact of Schwartz-related credits that were booked in prior
  periods.  Belmont last week reported a restated net loss for
  fiscal 1998 of $1.9 million or $0.37 loss per share.
  Additionally, Belmont is reporting a net loss for the first
  quarter of 1999 of $2.6 million or $0.50 loss per share.
  Belmont established an additional $8.0 million post tax
  provision for loan losses during the fourth quarter of 1998
  and a $3.8 million post tax provision for loan losses during
  the first quarter of 1999 to reflect the impact of Schwartz
  Homes related credits.  Mr. Ciroli stated that a claim has
  been filed with the Company's fidelity bond carrier seeking
  partial restitution.
  
  This loss for the first quarter of 1999 compares to net
  income of $1,578,000, or $0.30 per share, for the
  comparative period last year.  The loss before tax credit
  and securities gains totaled $4,225,000 for the three month
  period ended March 31, 1999, versus earnings before taxes of
  $1,849,000 for the comparative period last year.  Annualized
  returns on average common equity were (46.79%) and 18.97%
  for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998,
  respectively.
  
  According to Mr. Ciroli, the Board of Directors has
  suspended the payment of dividends until a clear indication
  of a positive earnings stream and a certain capital level
  has been achieved.   Additionally, the Board agreed to take
  any future director fees in the form of stock rather than
  cash.  W. Quay Mull, chairman of the Bank and the Holding
  Company, stated, "As a vote of confidence in the viability
  and strength of our organization, we felt this was
  necessary."
  
  Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets were
  2.63% at March 31, 1999, compared to 0.21% at March 31,
  1998. The ratio of nonperforming assets as a percentage of
  the allowance for loan losses was 166.76% at March 31, 1999,
  compared to 20.19% at March 31, 1998.
  
  Total assets increased from $393.8 million at March 31, 1998
  to $424.1 million at March 31, 1999, an increase of 7.68%.
  Total deposits increased 4.03% from $283.5 million at March
  31, 1998 to $295.0 million at March 31, 1999.
  
  At March 31, 1999, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 8.23%,
  compared to 9.08% at December 31, 1998, as restated.  The
  total Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital ratios were 9.48% at March
  31, 1999, and 10.33% at December 31, 1998, as restated.  The
  capital leverage ratio was 5.46% at March 31, 1999, compared
  to 5.94% at December 31, 1998, as restated.
  
  Because  of  the Schwartz Homes situation, Belmont  Bancorp.
  restated its 1998 results, reporting a net loss for 1998  of
  $1,919,000.  Earnings for 1997 totaled $5,945,000.  On a per
  share basis, 1998 and 1997 (loss)/earnings were ($0.37) on a
  restated  basis and $1.13 respectively.  Return  on  average
  common  equity  for  the  year was (5.76%),  and  return  on
  average assets was (0.46%).
  
  Net interest income for 1998 was $14.31 million, down 0.26%
  from last year.  The net interest margin was 3.87% in 1998
  compared to 4.37% in 1997.
  
  Non-interest income for the year totaled $3.966 million
  versus $2.809 million for 1997.  Included in non-interest
  income was a gain on sale of the real estate totaling
  $383,000 for the sale of the Jewett, Ohio branch office.
  Gain on sale of securities equaled $1.338 million, compared
  to $799,000 for 1997. Non-interest expenses increased
  $764,000 to $9.496 million.
  
  Nonperforming assets for the year increased to 1.96% of
  total assets from 0.41% in 1997.  Non performing assets as a
  percentage of allowance for loan losses was 156.61% compared
  to 38.20% in 1997.  The allowance for possible loan loss as
  a percentage of total loans equaled 2.63%, versus 1.84% in
  1997.
  
  Certain statements in this release contain forward looking
  information.  These statements are subject to certain risks
  and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties could
  cause actual results to differ materially from the current
  statements.
  
  Belmont National Bank has offices in Bellaire, Bridgeport,
  Cadiz, Lansing, New Philadelphia, the Ohio Valley Mall, St.
  Clairsville, Schoenbrunn and Shadyside, Ohio, and in the
  Woodsdale and Elm Grove areas of Wheeling, West Virginia.
  Belmont Bancorp. stock trades in the Small Cap Market of
  NASDAQ under the symbol BLMT.
  
                                
                               ###