2 of 3 unions OK contract

2 of 3 unions OK contract
WARREN -- Two of the three American Federation of State, County & amp; Municipal Employees unions representing Trumbull County workers have approved the county's contract offer.
Local 2493 representing 139 workers in the treasurer's office, clerk of courts, building inspection, sanitary engineer's, vehicle and building maintenance and commissioners office approved the contract by vote Thursday.
Diane Namish, president of the local, said a majority of workers approved the contract, but she said she didn't know the vote total.
Also, the union representing 51 workers at the Child Support Enforcement Agency approved the pact Wednesday, members said.
The three-year contract is retroactive to August 2006 and includes 3 percent pay increases each year. The pay increase is retroactive to Jan. 1. It also included an increased contribution to health care.
Namish said the AFSCME local representing eight employees in the recorder's office votes today. Contract terms would be the same for all three bargaining units.
Gysegem to seek 3rd term
WARREN -- Municipal Judge Thomas P. Gysegem said Thursday that he will seek a third and final six-year term on the bench.
Judge Gysegem, 47, of Howland, will be on the Democratic ballot in the May primary election. The court serves more than 80,000 residents in the judicial district comprising Warren city and Champion, Howland and Warren townships.
A former assistant county prosecutor, Judge Gysegem has 24 years of public service.
Since he was first elected in 1995, the judge cited 18 major accomplishments, including reducing the court staff through attrition by more than 15 percent.
Victim's rights advocate Miriam Fife will serve as his campaign chairman.
Robbery victim arrested
WARREN -- A Cortland man was taken into custody after he reported he was pistol-whipped and robbed.
Rodger E. Huskin, 24, of Wilson-Sharpsville Road (state Route 305), told police he stopped at a friend's house early Thursday in the 600 block of Fourth Street. His friend wasn't home, so he went to the basement, where he was attacked by one of three men who took his money.
Huskin was arrested on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court on traffic violations in Ashtabula County, police reported.
Firefighters awards dinner
YOUNGSTOWN -- The 20th annual Youngstown Professional Firefighters retirement/awards dinner will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the I.T.A.M. Club, 155 S. Meridian Road, with guest speaker U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th. Awards to be presented include retiree recognition, crew awards and a scholarship. The ceremony will begin with a presentation of arms by the YFD honor guard and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.
St. Rose winter carnival
GIRARD -- A winter carnival will offer free family fun from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Rose School, 61 E. Main St. Included on the schedule are: Science Fun with Gus Selak and Professor Stan Christensen; a gift card raffle; Hi-Fi Stories with Helen Finelli; Youngstown State University Penguin Storytellers; magic show; a slime and bubble room; children's crafts with Pat Catan's; Creekside Golf Dome Putt-putt fun; Fear Factor room; dance party; quarterback challenge; fun with video room; Ianazone's Pizza or Jib Jab Hot Dog lunch; and kids identification kits.