METRO DIGEST || Kasich wants end to public-worker strikes

Rape report in Salem

SALEM

Salem police are investigating a rape that reportedly occurred at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of Continental Drive. Detective David Talbert said Thursday the investigation was in the “very preliminary stage.” He said he is starting to collect evidence and obtain interviews.

Annexation proposal

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County commissioners set an 11 a.m. April 12 hearing at the Beaver Township Administration Building, 11999 South Ave., North Lima, on a proposal to annex about 57 acres from Beaver Township in the county to the city of Columbiana.

Hempfield Partners Inc. is proposing the annexation to bring public water and sanitary sewer service to a golf course Hempfield owns, said Joseph Gardner, attorney and agent for Hempfield. The county has no public water or sanitary sewer lines within five miles of the golf course. If the commissioners approve the annexation, the land would remain in the county, Gardner said.

Kasich wants end to public-worker strikes

COLUMBUS

Ohio Gov. John Kasich says he has his own ideas about getting rid of public employees’ ability to strike.

Kasich told reporters Thursday that under his proposal, employees would be fired or have their wages docked for striking.

He offered few details, except to say that collective bargaining changes would give power back to managers to keep costs low.

Kasich says he also wants to do away with the binding arbitration used to resolve contract disputes involving police officers and firefighters.

A Senate committee hearing Wednesday on a collective bargaining bill drew opposition from hundreds of firefighters, police and other public workers.

Staff and wire reports