Breaking News

Austintown clears way for Flock cameras

AUSTINTOWN — The township took another step this week toward installing Flock traffic cameras. While the initial decision to use the controversial technology was made June 1, trustees Monday approved application for right-of-way permits to allow camera poles to be installed. Police Chief Valorie Delmont said the township has a three-year contract with Flock, at a cost of $18,000 per year for installation, equipment and access to the system. “Ours are not installed yet,” she said. “We’re planning on getting a small number, for the main thoroughfares in and out of the ...

City council to wait to buy former school

YOUNGSTOWN — City council wants further talks before considering a proposal to spend up to $120,000 to buy the former Mary Haddow Elementary School for potential development. Council decided Monday to refer the request to authorize the board of control to buy the building at 2800 Oak St. Extension from the school district to its community planning and economic development (CPED) committee. Councilman Julius Oliver, D-1st Ward and head of the CPED committee, said: “We need to have more conversations about it. A lot of our citizens want to see some of these school buildings come ...

$7.3M OK’d for Youngstown sewer project

YOUNGSTOWN — City council voted to permit the board of control to spend about $7.3 million on two parts of a major wastewater improvement project. Council voted 6-0 Monday in favor of both pieces of legislation. Councilwoman Cynthia McWilson, D-6th Ward, was absent from the meeting. The city will use money it has in its wastewater fund to pay for both phases, said Finance Director Kyle Miasek. The city, which has increased its annual sewer rates by 5% from 2025 to 2028, will have to discuss another rate increase, Miasek said. One ordinance permits the board to seek bids and ...

Man gets 25 years to life in killing of woman

YOUNGSTOWN — A man who pleaded guilty to murdering a Beloit woman in 2023 will spend at least 25 years in prison. After numerous delays and all manner of legal drama, the family of Gena Wade has some degree of closure, after Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony Donofrio ...

Weathersfield awarded $500K grant for park

WEATHERSFIELD — The township has been awarded a $500,000 capital improvement grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for improvements at the township park. Trustee Chairman Steve Gerberry said the Ohio legislature appropriated capital improvement funding through Senate Bill 450 for 2027 and 2028 to support community parks, recreation and conservation projects. He said the grant will be for a pavilion, restroom facilities, parking and other improvements to enhance the park located off state Route 46. Township officials previously sought state funding for a ...

Lordstown plans work at old library building

LORDSTOWN — Village officials said they plan to proceed with work at the former Lordstown library, with plans for that structure to house offices now located on the second floor of the nearby village administration building. Building Superintendent Martin Nelder said the village has sought bids for the library remodeling project. Resident Thomas Czolka of Hallock Young Road said residents want to see something done with the former library because it would provide easy access for residents. Mayor Jackie Woodward said once the administration building is moved to the library, the ...