News from around the region

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.