MINGO JUNCTION — The former Mingo High School building is posing a major safety issue that needs to be addressed, Mingo Junction Mayor Judy Ruckman said during Tuesday’s regular village council meeting.

Ruckman reported that, on Saturday, a young individual entered the former school building and kicked out a window. The youth ended up cutting himself and suffered serious bleeding. Had the individual not been able to reach assistance, he may have died, Ruckman said.

Once a proud symbol of the village’s prosperity, the unused school building has become a target for vandalism, prompting numerous police department responses. The vandalism is “getting ridiculous,” Ruckman said, adding that the building “is going to be in disrepair if we don’t do something.”

The building is owned by a private individual who currently resides outside the country.

“I sent (the owner) an e-mail saying it’s imperative that you hire somebody to get this building secured or get cameras on it because it’s causing havoc,” Ruckman said.

Village Councilman Mark Baker inquired about whether the building could be used for some purpose, to which Councilwoman Jodilynn Fitzgerald noted that previous ideas by the village had been scrapped. Village Administrator Darrin Corrigan added that the costs associated with such a renovation would be “astronomical.”

Village Clerk Jay Fabian suggested investing in trail cameras at the building, in addition to other problem areas in the village.

Separately, Corrigan confirmed that the Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority will provide transportation from the Mingo Junction Knights of Columbus Hall to Aracoma Park during the village’s light-up night, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the park.

SVRTA drivers will also make runs downtown to pick up any individuals who mistakenly went to the city building for light-up night.

Ruckman said there will be no parking available near Aracoma Park’s large shelter house during the event.

She added that the village has allocated no money for the event, as it is being covered entirely by donors.

Corrigan also reported that all Christmas decorations have been posted downtown, and they’ve drawn many compliments.