From a former police chief’s guilty plea in Columbiana County to a judge’s ruling in a Canfield Fair case, today's regional roundup covers court developments, fire department funding, economic growth plans, election campaigning and public health alerts across the Ohio Valley. Here’s a look at the stories making news beyond our immediate area. COLUMBIANA COUNTY Man flown to hospital after being struck by truck in East Liverpool EAST LIVERPOOL — A pedestrian was flown to a hospital after being struck by a truck in East Liverpool, according to a local television report. The initial report did not identify the pedestrian or specify the location of the collision. Further details about the victim’s condition and the circumstances leading to the crash were not available. Former Liverpool Township police chief pleads guilty to domestic violence LISBON — A former police chief who was on probation for an earlier assault conviction has pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence in a separate case involving allegations that he repeatedly struck a woman. Jayson Jackson, 53, entered the plea under an agreement filed this week in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors will recommend a one-year prison sentence, but Judge Scott Washam will make the final decision at a Dec. 17 sentencing hearing. The case stems from a July incident at the Wellsville home Jackson shared with a 37-year-old woman. She told police Jackson pulled her by the hair and punched her repeatedly in the face, hands and arms. Officers reportedly observed a bruise beneath her eye and a torn fingernail. Jackson previously pleaded no contest to an assault charge stemming from a separate 2024 case. Under state law, the latest felony conviction carries a potential prison term of six to 18 months. Liverpool Township seeks voter approval for fire department funding LIVERPOOL TOWNSHIP — A proposed continuous 1.45-mill levy would provide additional funding for Liverpool Township’s fire department if voters approve it. Township officials say the department operates two stations but receives less funding than some departments with only one station. Trustees reported that approximately $8,000 remained in the annual budget in July. The levy would provide ongoing financial support for fire services. Regional leaders launch economic development network in East Liverpool EAST LIVERPOOL — Plans to repurpose a former hospital campus into an innovation center were among the projects discussed as regional officials and business leaders gathered for an economic development summit. The Executive Matchmaking Summit focused on workforce initiatives, community projects and economic growth across the Mahoning Valley. Organizers highlighted plans for the former Northside Regional Medical Center and Tod Children’s Hospital campus, which they hope to transform into a center supporting education and workforce development in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The gathering also marked the launch of the Realm Innovation Impact Network, designed to connect government, business and community leaders around regional development goals. “This is about bringing everyone together so we can hear what we’re all trying to achieve and move forward with one momentum,” said Joseph Bleacher, CEO of Realm Innovation. MAHONING COUNTY Judge limits weapons evidence in Canfield Fair disturbance case CANFIELD — A judge has restricted prosecutors from introducing evidence about weapons carried by a man accused of causing a disturbance during Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton’s appearance at the Canfield Fair. Patrick Havas, 38, faces two first-degree misdemeanor assault counts, a first-degree misdemeanor inducing-panic charge and a minor misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge stemming from a Sept. 6 incident. Witnesses said he attempted to push his way into a tent where Acton was greeting people. Havas has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $5,000 bond. His next pretrial hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6. Authorities said Havas had two handguns and a stun device when he was arrested, but he did not brandish the weapons. His attorney argued that the weapons were irrelevant because they were not used in the alleged offenses. Judge Molly Johnson ruled that prosecutors had not established a sufficient connection between the weapons and the assault or disorderly conduct allegations. She also noted that the presence of a holstered handgun does not automatically establish that panic was induced in a state where open carry is legal. The ruling leaves prosecutors the option of raising the issue again outside the jury’s presence if circumstances change before or during trial. Prosecutor says evidence does not support felony charge in rally investigation YOUNGSTOWN — An investigation into an altercation at President Donald Trump’s Oct. 12 midterm rally has not produced evidence supporting a felony charge, according to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office. The sheriff’s office was investigating three people in connection with the incident, with possible assault charges under consideration. The prosecutor’s assessment addresses the potential level of charges, but it remains unclear whether misdemeanor charges will be filed. BELMONT COUNTY Brown takes cost-of-living message to Martins Ferry MARTINS FERRY — The cost of filling a gas tank and stocking a grocery cart was central to a campaign stop Thursday by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, who met with union workers in the Ohio Valley. Brown, a former Ohio senator, is challenging incumbent Jon Husted in the upcoming election. During the visit, Brown discussed the pressure rising everyday expenses are putting on working families. OHIO COUNTY Ohio County officials urge pet owners to check rabies vaccinations WHEELING — Pet owners should review their animals’ rabies vaccination status after two more wild animals tested positive for the disease in Ohio County this month, health officials said. The latest cases involved a bat near Bell’s Lane along Route 88 and a raccoon on Peter’s Run. Ohio County has recorded four positive wild-animal cases this year, contributing to a statewide total of 50. Health Department Administrator Howard Gamble advised residents to keep dogs and cats vaccinated, supervise pets outdoors and avoid contact with wildlife. He also cautioned against feeding wild animals or attempting to domesticate them.  

A measles case identified in a patient who visited WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s emergency department has prompted a local exposure warning. The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department issued an alert Tuesday after learning that an individual who was in the emergency department Saturday, Oct. 17, tested positive for the virus. The individual is not a resident of Ohio County or West Virginia. Health officials declined to release additional information, citing privacy concerns. Hospital and health department personnel are contacting patients and employees identified as potentially exposed and providing instructions on precautions to take. Meanwhile, the Tuscarawas County Health Department reported 14 confirmed measles cases as of 3:30 p.m. Monday. Cases range in age from 1 to 40, and 86% of those infected are unvaccinated. Tuscarawas County also has identified a second case involving a person fully vaccinated against measles for their age. Although infection after vaccination is uncommon, breakthrough cases can occur, particularly during widespread transmission. Vaccinated people who contract measles generally experience milder illness and are less likely to develop serious complications. The health departments emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for people who have not received the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. People who received only one dose also may be susceptible. Measles spreads through airborne particles released when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms generally develop seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, coughing, a runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears afterward, beginning on the face or head and spreading downward. An infected person can transmit measles beginning four days before the rash develops and continuing for four days afterward. Anyone who suspects exposure should contact a medical provider before visiting a doctor's office, hospital or other health care facility to avoid potentially exposing others. Residents unsure of their vaccination history are encouraged to review their records and consult a health care provider about whether another dose is appropriate. Uninsured Ohio County residents may obtain the vaccine through the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. Ohio County residents with questions about potential exposure can contact the department at 304-234-3682. Updates on the Tuscarawas County outbreak are available at tchdnow.org/measles .

From courthouse developments and local government decisions to public safety and business news, here's a look at some of the latest headlines from across the wider Ohio Valley region, Youngstown and Pittsburgh. COLUMBIANA COUNTY  Trial delayed in death of pregnant East Liverpool woman LISBON — A Columbiana County judge has postponed the trial of an East Liverpool-area man accused of fatally striking his pregnant girlfriend with a vehicle. Cameron Martin appeared in court Monday, Oct. 19, when his trial was rescheduled for March 9. Martin faces two first-degree felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and additional charges connected to the death of Stephanie Householder, 21. The postponement gives prosecutors additional time to retain an accident reconstruction expert whose findings could play a role in the case. Martin has not been convicted of the charges. Drug task force search yields suspected fentanyl, meth EAST LIVERPOOL — Suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illegal substances were recovered from a Bradshaw Avenue apartment during an Oct. 15 drug investigation. The Columbiana County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence with assistance from several municipal police departments. Investigators reported discovering what they believe to be fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and assorted pills. Some pills are suspected of containing fentanyl, while others appeared to be prescription medications possessed illegally. Police departments in East Liverpool, Wellsville, Salem, Lisbon and Columbiana participated in the operation. No arrests or charges were identified in an Oct. 19 report on the investigation. Plans move forward for East Palestine emergency training center EAST PALESTINE — A proposed training facility designed to prepare emergency personnel for railroad accidents and hazardous materials incidents took another step forward Thursday, Oct. 15. State officials joined representatives of Youngstown State University and Norfolk Southern to present preliminary plans for the YSU RAPID Center. The facility is intended to provide specialized instruction for firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical workers and other first responders. Norfolk Southern has committed to donating four rail cars that could be used for emergency response exercises. The project emerged following the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine. A permanent site has not yet been announced. BELMONT COUNTY Jury selection approaches in double-homicide trial ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The prosecution of a man charged with killing a Belmont County couple in 2021 is scheduled to enter the jury selection stage Wednesday, Oct. 21. Andrew Isaac Griffin faces aggravated murder charges and death penalty specifications in connection with the deaths of Thomas and Angela Strussion. The couple was found dead Sept. 21, 2021, inside their Trails End Drive home after emergency personnel responded to a report of smoke. Griffin, a former business associate of Thomas Strussion, was arrested in Hawaii in February 2025 following an extended investigation. Prospective jurors are scheduled to report to Belmont College on Wednesday and Thursday, with opening trial proceedings anticipated Oct. 26. Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter is presiding. Griffin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Union Local to pay $300,000 in football game dispute ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A federal lawsuit stemming from a confrontation between a Union Local assistant football coach and a spectator at a 2024 football game has ended in a $300,000 settlement. The Union Local School District agreed to the payment to resolve civil-rights and state-law claims filed by Belmont County resident Brent Gay against the district and assistant coach Vaughn Butler. According to the lawsuit, Gay was attending an Oct. 25, 2024, game against Barnesville when he questioned Butler at halftime about whether he had watched game film during the week. Union Local was trailing 41-0 at the time. Gay alleged Butler responded by shoving him to the ground, causing injuries that required emergency room treatment. The settlement also includes a federal consent judgment prohibiting the district from enforcing a spectator policy found to be unconstitutional. Gay's attorney, Subodh Chandra, argued that public school employees must respect spectators' First Amendment rights, including their right to criticize coaches. The agreement followed Gay's motion for summary judgment, which cited deposition testimony from Butler and school officials. WASHINGTON COUNTY  Mother, son plead not guilty in student-athlete's killing WASHINGTON, Pa. — A mother and son charged in the death of a young woman preparing to attend PennWest California University have entered not guilty pleas. Royce Moser and his mother, Rachel Moser, appeared for arraignments Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Washington County. Royce Moser is accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Karoline Heintz, in August. Prosecutors allege Rachel Moser helped conceal evidence of the crime. Heintz's body was discovered inside a vehicle near the California Public Library. The victim was preparing to attend PennWest California, where she was a member of the women's soccer team and hoped to pursue a medical career. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh has requested a jury trial. Both defendants remain presumed innocent. OHIO COUNTY Methamphetamine sales near playground bring five-year prison sentence WHEELING — A Wheeling man has received a five-year federal prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine near Heritage Port Playground. Matthew Luff, 42, sold more than 13 grams of the drug near the public recreation area, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Federal prosecutors announced the sentence Thursday, Oct. 15. Authorities said Luff had previous convictions involving burglary, drug trafficking, drug possession and obstruction of justice. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Ohio Valley Drug Task Force investigated. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handled the case. MARSHALL COUNTY Cameron man convicted in child sexual abuse material case MOUNDSVILLE — A Marshall County jury has convicted a Cameron man following a two-day trial involving child sexual abuse material discovered on a cellphone. Devon Eckard, 29, was found guilty Friday, Oct. 16, of the felony offense of distributing and exhibiting material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro said investigators uncovered the material after a cellphone was seized during a traffic stop in Glen Dale. Authorities reported finding hundreds of images and videos involving child sexual abuse. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted with identifying previously documented material. The case was prosecuted in Marshall County Circuit Court. YOUNGSTOWN Youngstown man admits to investment fraud YOUNGSTOWN — A fraud investigation involving approximately $460,000 has resulted in five felony guilty pleas from a Youngstown man. Brandon Kovach, 35, appeared in Summit County Common Pleas Court on Oct. 15 and admitted to telecommunications fraud, aggravated theft, securing writings by deception, money laundering and grand theft. The Ohio Department of Commerce said the case involved money obtained from an investor between August 2019 and December 2021. Investigators determined Kovach diverted the funds for personal purposes rather than making the promised investments. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2027. PITTSBURGH Police chief discusses investigations into officers' use of force PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said Friday, Oct. 16, that outside assistance is being used to review an arrest that left a man injured Downtown. The investigation involves the arrest of Roy Cosby, 31, who was repeatedly struck by an officer during an encounter near Fifth Avenue and Wood Street. Authorities said the incident followed a disturbance involving a public transit bus. An officer reported believing Cosby was reaching toward his waistband, although no weapon was recovered. The officer involved was reassigned to administrative duties while the incident is investigated. The city's Citizen Police Review Board also is examining the circumstances. Second arrest involving use of force under investigation PITTSBURGH — A separate investigation is examining the actions of Pittsburgh police officers during an arrest near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. City officials confirmed Monday, Oct. 12, that investigators were reviewing an incident in which a woman was pushed to the pavement while handcuffed. The encounter occurred near 10th Street and Penn Avenue. Video of the incident prompted questions about the officers' actions and whether the force used was appropriate. The Office of Municipal Investigations is reviewing the matter. The case is separate from another Downtown arrest that also remains under investigation. Suspicious letter brings bomb squad to senator's office PITTSBURGH — Emergency crews responding to a suspicious item at U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick's Downtown office Monday, Oct. 19, determined there was no danger to employees or the public. Police, firefighters, hazardous materials personnel and bomb technicians responded to the Grant Building at 310 Grant St. after staff discovered a letter containing an unidentified item. Pittsburgh Fire Chief Matt Davis said investigators found no hazardous substance in the letter. Authorities said the item was cleared after examination, and the FBI was expected to take possession of it for additional investigation. No injuries were reported.  

COLUMBUS — Eight projects serving eastern Ohio communities have been awarded more than $1.21 million in opioid settlement funding to expand addiction treatment, overdose prevention and recovery services. The OneOhio Recovery Foundation announced the awards through its second regional grant cycle, with funding directed toward programs serving Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties. The money will support crisis stabilization services, post-overdose treatment, assistance for pregnant women and new mothers, youth prevention programs and expanded access to mental health and addiction treatment. The awards are funded through settlements reached with pharmaceutical companies and other entities over their roles in the nation's opioid epidemic. The foundation oversees the distribution of 55% of the opioid settlement funds allocated to Ohio, directing money toward prevention, treatment and long-term recovery efforts. Belmont County programs receive major awards Two of the largest grants will support services in Belmont County. Coleman Professional Services Inc. was awarded $250,000 for its Belmont County Crisis Stabilization Unit. The funding will support additional personnel and evidence-based programming intended to help individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises. The Cumberland Trail Fire District received $175,000 for the Belmont County CARES Post-Overdose Treatment Engagement Program. The initiative will combine assessments led by a nurse practitioner with follow-up services and care coordination to connect individuals with treatment after an overdose. The approach is intended to help individuals access services following an overdose, when timely intervention can be especially important. Together, the two Belmont County projects were awarded $425,000. Recovery support expands across seven counties SMART Recovery USA Inc. received $100,018 to expand its Communities of Empowerment program throughout all seven counties in OneOhio's Region 11. The funding will support training for meeting facilitators, the establishment of additional mutual-support groups and expanded education for families and friends of individuals affected by substance use disorder. The program is designed to provide recovery resources in communities where access to in-person support may be limited. Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio also received $100,000 for its Justice for Recovery initiative. The program will provide civil legal assistance, outreach and advocacy to help individuals and families address legal problems that can interfere with recovery and long-term stability. Those barriers can include issues involving housing, employment, family circumstances and access to services. Other projects target mothers, youth and overdose prevention Aim Women's Center received $150,000 for a program providing recovery navigation services to pregnant women and women who recently have given birth. The initiative will add a recovery navigator to help participants connect with treatment, receive peer support and overcome practical barriers to obtaining care. Anazao Community Partners was awarded $80,247 to expand prevention services and virtual access to support for transition-age youth and families in rural Holmes County. The Harrison County General Health District received $52,203 for its PREVENT+ Initiative. The project will establish two community health vending machines providing around-the-clock access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, educational materials and information about treatment and recovery services. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Healthcare 2000 Community Clinic Inc., operating as Viola Startzman Clinic, received $300,000 to expand substance use disorder care in Holmes County. The funding will support the addition of a psychiatric nurse practitioner, counselor and community health worker to provide more coordinated access to behavioral health and addiction treatment. The clinic's award is the largest of the eight grants announced for Region 11. Statewide settlement funding continues The eight regional awards are part of a broader grant initiative making $45.7 million available across Ohio through the foundation's second regional funding cycle. The foundation previously awarded more than $45 million to 245 projects statewide during its inaugural grant cycle. Those awards supported services ranging from youth prevention and school-based mental health programs to recovery housing, peer support and treatment expansion. The latest awards were selected through a multistep review process that included regional committees, foundation staff and the organization's board of directors. According to the foundation, grant recipients must submit program and financial reports twice a year and may be subject to additional reviews or site visits. The awards remain contingent on the completion of grant agreements. The foundation is working with the approved organizations to finalize those agreements and distribute the funding. Additional awards may be announced as other applications complete the review process. A complete list of grant recipients is available at OneOhioFoundation.com/GrantAwards.

CADIZ — A Harrison County man was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison last month for fatally shooting an unarmed tanker truck driver during a confrontation over the truck driving onto the edge of his lawn. Mickey Green, 63, of Tippecanoe was sentenced Wednesday in Harrison County Common Pleas Court in the April 2025 shooting death of Steven Andrews, 50, of New Philadelphia, according to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Green was convicted Sept. 3 following a three-day jury trial. Jurors found him guilty of two counts of murder and one count each of felonious assault and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises. The shooting occurred April 5, 2025, near Green’s property at the intersection of Norris Road and Moravian Trail Road in Harrison County. According to the attorney general’s office, Andrews was driving a tanker truck through the intersection when Green yelled at him for driving onto the edge of Green’s lawn. Andrews stopped the truck, got out and walked toward Green. Authorities said Green then drew a handgun and shot Andrews in the head. Andrews was unarmed. Andrews was taken to a Canton hospital following the shooting and remained on life support before dying later that month. Green maintained at trial that he acted in self-defense. The jury rejected that argument and convicted him of murder. “This was a senseless crime that warrants today’s sentence of time behind bars,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said following the sentencing. “Thank you to the law enforcement and legal teams who secured justice for the victim and his loved ones.” Green will be required to register as a violent offender if he is eventually released from prison. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office prosecuted it.