LOUIE TODAY: Sheriff Wellington, deputies union president

Friday was a tumultuous day for Mahoning County government, with Sheriff Randall A. Wellington announcing plans to lay off a third of his staff and close half the county jail. At the same time, the Fraternal Order of Police obtained petitions for a recall of the county commissioners.

Because of the county’s budget shortfall, layoff notices were mailed Friday to 101 employees of the sheriff’s department, Wellington said.

Both Wellington and Deputy Glenn Kountz, who is president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 141, which represents deputies will join Louie this morning.

Both have promised to announce major revelations to Louie, Vindy.com's news radio partner.