Traffic deaths down in Ohio, up in Valley

Traffic deaths down in Ohio, up in Valley

COLUMBUS

Preliminary data show the number of people killed on Ohio roads decreased slightly in 2011 compared to the previous year. In the Mahoning Valley, traffic fatalities increased substantially in Mahoning and Columbiana counties but fell significantly in Trumbull County. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says there were 970 confirmed fatalities during 2011 and 49 more deaths that have not yet been confirmed as traffic fatalities, making the possible total 1,019. That’s down from 1,080 traffic fatalities in 2010 and 1,022 in 2009.

According to patrol data:

Mahoning County recorded 25 fatalities in 2011 compared with 19 in 2010.

Trumbull County recorded 17 fatalities compared with 27 in 2010.

Columbiana County recorded 12 fatalities compared with seven in 2010.

The patrol says it sees a correlation between the decrease in deaths and its stepped-up enforcement targeting impaired drivers. Troopers made more than 23,000 arrests in 2011 for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. That’s about 1,500 more OVI arrests than in 2010.

City manager fired

NEWTON FALLS

Newton Falls City Council met in emergency session Sunday and fired the city’s new city manager, Harry Benetis.

According to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s news partner, council members terminated Benetis before he even started his new job.

They also voted to rehire former city manager Jack Haney.

This morning’s vote was possible because a new city council member took office and changed the balance of power.

Newton Falls Mayor Lyle Waddell said, “I think the whole process and selection of the new city manager as far as I’m concerned was underhanded, it was extremely unprofessional, it was never done properly.”