HAZMAT suspended on workers' comp issue
Trumbull County's HAZMAT and Fire Investigative Unit have been temporarily suspended due to a workers' compensation issue.
Newton Falls fire Chief Richard Bauman, a member of the Trumbull County Fire Chief's Association, told WYTV 33 News that it stems from a train derailment in Newton Falls back in March in which a HAZMAT member was taken to the hospital for treatment but didn't have the proper workers' compensation coverage.
The association Wednesday night voted to suspend the roughly 20 members on HAZMAT and 10 on the Fire Investigative Unit, Bauman said.
Once the group receives confirmation that each member has coverage, the units can be back in action, perhaps within a week, he said.
Until then, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station or an out-of-county HAZMAT unit would take those calls, he said.
Drinking water safe after mercury spill
CHAMPION - The level of mercury in drinking water after a small spill at the Woodrow Water Tank in the township is ''well below the maximum contaminate level,'' Rex Fee, executive director of the Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer's Office, said.
Test results provided to the county Thursday show a level of 0.2 parts per billion. The maximum level is two parts per billion.
''The bottom line is we're good,'' Fee said.
The mercury was found July 13 in a sump pump pit at the site of the water tank. A gauge installed inside the pit some time in the 1960s that had mercury in it was the source. It has been removed and the area decontaminated, Fee said. The area still will be vented when workers are inside ''to be on the safe side,'' Fee said.
Howland firefighters sponsor circus
HOWLAND - Howland Firefighters Local 2786 is sponsoring the Kelly Miller Circus, with performances scheduled at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday at the Howland High School grounds.
The shows will feature circus stars and animals under the big top. The tent raising will take place at 9 a.m. and involves elephants helping to set up. Activities will begin at 7:30 a.m., with animals being unloaded and fed.
The event is a fundraiser for Local 2786.
Obama campaign office set to open in Niles
NILES - A campaign office to support the re-election of President Barack Obama will open Saturday in the Pinetree Plaza in McKinley Heights.
An open house is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. The office is located at 6 Youngstown Warren Road.