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Merkel resigns as Warren police chief

WARREN — Chief Eric J. Merkel has resigned as the leader of the Warren Police Department, effective Aug. 24, 2026. Merkel submitted his resignation letter to Mayor Doug Franklin and Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert on Thursday. Colbert, in a letter to Merkel also dated Thursday, accepted his resignation. Merkel's letter, Colbert's response and a press release from the office of the mayor were released by the city just after 11 a.m. today. A press conference with Franklin was scheduled at noon. Merkel indicated that his resignation was effective Aug. 24, but his letter to ...

Champion plans rules for data centers

CHAMPION — The Champion Township Trustees and the zoning board will be discussing what to include in zoning ordinances to have restrictions on data centers in the township. Trustee Doug Emerine said there have been no permit applications for data centers and residents’ concerns that one would locate at the former Copperweld Steel property are unfounded because that property has no activity on it and it is not for sale. Resident Debbie Christ said she is concerned over the potential for noise, toxic chemicals and emissions and also electricity and water use that a data center ...

Storm cleanup gets costly

YOUNGSTOWN — As the county continues to recover from Sunday’s storms, leaders and residents are still seeking clarity regarding how that recovery will be paid for. On Wednesday, Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency Emergency Coordinator Zach Williams told Boardman Township trustees ...

Storm damage keeps golfers, walkers off MetroPark properties

BOARDMAN — Mill Creek MetroParks’ nationally renowned North and South golf courses will be out of bounds to golfers for several months as park officials and insurance adjusters assess damage caused by Sunday afternoon's storm. Originating in the area of Tippecanoe and Shields roads in Canfield Township, an EF-1 tornado developed and was shortly joined by a macroburst. The storm devastated park-owned property south of Shield Roads and north of U.S. 224 buffered between Lockwood Boulevard and East Parkside Drive. In addition to two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 1½-mile ...

Rep. Thomas wins Ohio Realtors Public Service award

State Rep. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, was chosen by the Ohio Realtors for its Public Service Award for his work on property taxes. Thomas, whose district includes portions of Trumbull County, said: “It has been an honor to work with the many Ohio Realtors across the state to help our taxpayers and homeowners in Ohio. I am looking forward to continuing our strong partnership into the future.” The award “recognizes leaders who make a real difference for homeowners and communities across our state,” said Mic Gordon, Ohio Realtors president. “Rep. David Thomas has been a ...

Perkins Park pedestrian bridge a step closer to done

WARREN — Work continues on the Perkins Park pedestrian bridge, where workers on Wednesday were seen lowering sections into place. The pedestrian bridge is the first visible phase of Warren’s Peninsula project and will eventually link Perkins Park and the Warren Community Amphitheatre to ...