Board OKs settlement over prison tax breaks

Board OKs settlementover prison tax breaks
YOUNGSTOWN -- The board of education approved a settlement Tuesday of a 5-year-old lawsuit it filed against the city and Corrections Corp. of America, owner of the closed Northeast Ohio Correctional Center on Hubbard Road, over tax breaks granted to CCA.
City council approved the settlement May 1, which calls for CCA's "best efforts" to reopen the prison.
Over 12 years, the Tennessee-based CCA will get a 100 percent property tax abatement. The company instead will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to the school board and the city in lieu of taxes.
The schools will get 70 percent and the city 30 percent. The city will keep any income tax the prison generates.
Charged in break-in
YOUNGSTOWN -- Stephan DiRenzo, 31, of Richland Avenue will be back in municipal court May 21 on charges of breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools (crowbar), obstructing official business and resisting arrest. He was arrested late Sunday after a break-in at 2072 Midlothian Blvd., the construction site of Family Video.
A charge of complicity to breaking and entering against Corrina McKinna, 30, of Manhattan Avenue was not filed after her arrest. She was served with an old warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of driving under suspension. She will be back in court Monday.
Police said DiRenzo, who was lifting a large pressure washer into the trunk of his car, took off running. He was caught on a porch on South Heights Avenue. He also kicked the officers, reports show.
Seeking resurfacing bidsfor Pine Lake Road
NORTH LIMA -- Beaver Township trustees agreed Tuesday to advertise for bids for resurfacing Pine Lake Road, from New Buffalo Road to state Route 46, and the parking lot at Woodworth Park.
Trustees also promoted Kimberly A. Carney from part-time to full-time police dispatcher. She replaces Chris Swope, who resigned April 26 to accept a position as a full-time police officer with the Maple Heights Police Department. Swope will work as a part-time dispatcher for Beaver Township.
Trustees also hired Brian Moff, Adam Richter, Julie Brown, Frank McWhirter, Alex Graham and Marla Slabaugh as fire department EMTs.
Renovation bids
CAMPBELL -- In a special meeting this morning, the board of education approved a resolution authorizing the superintendent to advertise for bids for the renovation of the high school stadium.
The renovation is expected to take up to two years, said Treasurer Patricia McLaughlin.
The board will begin advertising for bids next week for the locker room renovation and parking lot repaving projects, which will be completed this summer.
Work to install new lighting, fencing, running track and bleachers will begin after football season.
State board revokesShoaf's certificates
GIRARD -- Ohio Board of Education has revoked three certificates of Joseph Shoaf, former Girard schools superintendent.
Shoaf is serving a five-year prison term for charges related to his use of drugs and alcohol with a student in his high school office, and intimidating students while he was superintendent.
J.C. Benton, state board spokesman, said the board permanently revoked Shoaf's teaching, principal and superintendent certificates.
Benton said the action effectively prohibits Shoaf from being hired as a teacher or administrator because the revocations become part of Shoaf's record in a nationwide database.
Event to feature Springer
SALEM -- Talk-show host Jerry Springer will be the featured speaker for the Columbiana County Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner at the Timberlanes Inn and Restaurant, 544 E. Pershing St.
The event, which is open to the public, is set for 5 p.m. June 7 with a cocktail gathering that costs $100 per person and includes dinner. Those wanting to attend the dinner only, which begins at 6:30 p.m., must pay $30.
Tickets may be purchased through Cheryl Kholos, (330) 332-3628.