Youths block firetruck at scene of arson

Youths block firetruck at scene of arson

YOUNGSTOWN — Firefighters responded to an arson at a vacant six-plex apartment building Saturday afternoon. When they arrived at Erie Street and Judson Avenue on the city’s South Side, a group of five or more youths were blocking the firetruck with their arms extended out from their sides. The youths ran off when firefighters called for police, said Battalion Chief Robert Hian, adding the youths are suspected in the arson. The blaze started in one of the apartments on the ground floor and spread to the second floor and a neighboring apartment.

Man injured in accident

JOHNSTON — A Boardman man was listed in critical condition late Saturday in St. Elizabeth Health Center where he was taken after a Saturday afternoon traffic accident in Trumbull County. Charles Crawford, 44, was driving in his 1997 GMC Jimmy about 3:45 p.m. on state Route 11 when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Southington Post said. When the vehicle re-entered the road, it overturned several times, ejecting Crawford, who wasn’t wearing a seat belt. The crash occurred near the state Route 88 exit. The patrol is investigating.

Seeking new director

MERCER, Pa. — A search for a Mercer County human resources director is under way after the announcement that Bill Boyle, the county’s longtime Director of Administrative Services, will retire July 3. Boyle, 66, of Sharpsville, is in charge of personnel, purchasing and other administrative services. With his leaving, his job will be split into two full-time positions. A replacement for the personnel job will be sought immediately because a personnel director is a more critical need, said Commissioner Brian Beader. A director of operations will be sought later. Job descriptions for both posts are being prepared. A 13-year employee of Mercer County, Boyle began as personnel director and took on purchasing functions about a year later. Six years ago, he took on additional administrative functions and was given the administrative services title.

Part of Act 47 plan

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawmakers are considering an ordinance that would require nonunion city employees to pay more for health insurance coverage and eliminate some of their paid time off. Ten employees, including the mayor and business administrator, would be affected by the proposed measure, which was introduced by council last week. The changes are part of five initiatives directed at nonunion personnel in the Act 47 financial recovery plan. The proposed changes would not affect union personnel. City personnel now contribute about 5 percent to their health insurance, depending on the number of people covered by their policy. With the change, employees are looking at contributing 15 percent. The initiatives also would eliminate three paid holidays, reduce vacation time and eliminate a paid personal day.