METRO DIGEST || Fitch at Kentucky Derby parade shooting

Ky. Derby incident

AUSTINTOWN

While Fitch High School marching band performed in the Kentucky Derby’s Pegasus Parade in Louisville, Ky., gunfire interrupted the normally cheery procession.

According to WLKY Local News, two teenagers were injured Thursday near the ongoing parade.

“Police said two 15-year-olds opened fire. The two are charged with two counts of assault, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a handgun by a minor and receiving stolen property [firearm],” the report said.

The suspects are in custody, and the victims are expected to recover.

The annual parade started in 1956. It takes place in advance of the Derby and features some of the country’s best marching bands and equestrian units.

Austintown Superintendent Vincent Colaluca said the band was in no danger and all students were in safe hands.

“We entrust our teachers to go with them and keep them safe,” he said. “You can’t forsee everything that happens, but they were in safe hands.”

Colaluca said the marching band goes all over and unfortunately in Kentucky was met with “individuals who weren’t making good decisions.”

New YSU trustee

YOUNGSTOWN

A second Franklin County resident has been appointed to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees.

Gov. John Kasich on Friday appointed Samuel W. Grooms of Westerville to the YSU board for a term beginning Friday and ending April 30, 2025. He replaces Harry Meshel, whose term expired.

Allan K. Metz of Warren has been appointed to serve as the student trustee for a term beginning Friday and ending April 30, 2018.

Last year, Kasich appointed Dr. Charles Bush, a YSU alumnus, who lives in Columbus to the board.

Downtown arrests

YOUNGSTOWN

Police took three Trumbull County men into custody about 1:45 a.m. Friday after they failed to leave the downtown area around Commerce and Phelps streets after a series of fights, reports say.

Arrested on charges of failure to disperse and disorderly conduct were Sheldon McCallum, 25, of Lodwick Avenue, Warren; Darnell Owens, 23, of Burton Street, Warren; and Saul Vaughn, 24, of Ward Avenue in Niles.

Reports say a large crowd formed around the area of the V2 bar at West Federal and Phelps streets and police were called twice to the area for a large fight before all available cars in the city were called a third time. Reports said the three refused to leave after police ordered them to, and that’s when they were taken into custody.

BOE meeting today

BELOIT

The West Branch school board will have a special meeting at 9 a.m. today in the high school conference room, 14277 Main St., to consider the employment of a public official. The discussion will take place during an executive session.

Council meeting

LOWELLVILLE

Lowellville Village Council will have a special meeting at 9:15 a.m. today at city hall, 140 E. Liberty St. Among agenda items are project updates.

Youngstown NAACP

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown branch of the NAACP will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 2821 Hillman St., and will discuss the state of black Youngstown and the city school system.

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