LEETONIA — Village council members received a little good news during their meeting Tuesday night.

Police Chief Allen Haueter announced during his report that a patrolman who had been attacked while working midnight shift right before Halloween last year will be back on duty Sunday.

John Hancock repeatedly was struck in the head and face with a steel rod on Oct. 21 by assailant Randy May. He also sustained a broken ankle, all while overpowering his attacker and handcuffing him before backup arrived.

Despite the experience, Hancock had wanted to return to midnight shift, he had told Haueter earlier.

Also on the subject of personnel, council members hired Gavin Rambo as a part-time police officer at $20 per hour as well as Doug Hurst as a Level 2 firefighter at $13.90 per hour an EMT basic at $14 per hour.

Mayor Kevin Siembida questioned the firefighter and EMT pay amounts and will look on re-evaluating new hire rates in the future.

Council also declared resident Yvonne Smith as an indigent, agreeing to pay $800 for her cremation by Woods-Rettig and release the remains to her next of kin.

Saturday, Nov. 29 has been selected for the village’s Light Up Night, which includes a closure of Walnut and Chestnut streets from 1 to 8:30 p.m.

In other action, council

— Paid $198,107.07 in bills.

— Approved a contract with RITA (Regional Income Tax Administration) for collection of $87,000 worth of delinquent taxes. A fund was established for $3,000 to offset charges related to potential litigation.