Man who fled after rape charges caught in Ohio

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A West Pittsburg man charged with the rape of a 35-year-old Jefferson Township woman was arrested Thursday in Boardman, Ohio, police said.

Michael R. Tackett, 39, was charged with rape, intimidating witnesses, aggravated indecent assault, making terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, possessing a weapon, and sexual assault for raping the woman between 8 and 8:30 p.m. June 11, police said.

Charges were filed against Tackett on Monday, and he left the area, police said.

Principal resigns to take job in another district

BROOKFIELD — Brookfield Elementary School principal Debra Gratz has resigned after 11 years with the district.

Ms. Gratz said in her resignation letter that she has taken a job as elementary principal with Girard, Ohio, schools.

She said she wants to become a superintendent and has been encouraged to expand her experience.

“I had a difficult time making this decision,” she said. “I love my Brookfield family.”

The board accepted her resignation Thursday.

Board eyes compiling list for construction jobs

BROOKFIELD — Brookfield school director Joseph Pasquerilla wants the district to compile a list of residents who work in the construction trades, and give it to the contractors building the new school.

The contractors would not be required to hire anyone from the list, but residents could have an opportunity to participate in an important community project, he said.

Other school board members said it sounded like a good idea, but wanted time to study the idea before voting on it.

“It’s very simple,” Pasquerilla responded. “There are no commitments here.”