Fire damages building in Youngstown

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A vacant cement-block building at 1422 Midlothian Blvd. was damaged Thursday night by a fire that the owner, James Ludt of Struthers, believes was caused by arson.

State fire marshals were at the scene of the blaze, reported to the Youngstown Fire Department at 8 p.m., said YFD Battalion Chief Tim McGarry.

The building is covered with painted phrases critical of Struthers and municipal court officials.

McGarry said there were a couple of vehicles and miscellaneous equipment inside the building.

Ludt said he purchased the building in 1998 and has never had fire insurance.