Picketer Arrested for Blocking Driveway

Strongsville police arrested a picketer outside Center Middle School early Wednesday morning for allegedly blocking cars from entering the driveway.

Ian Steffen, 37, of Medina was warned about blocking the driveway several times over the, police said.

"Mr. Steffen reportedly continued to attempt to impede traffic in the area of Center Middle School after receiving repeated audible direction from a uniformed officer," a statement from Strongsville police said.

He was arrested about 5:35 a.m. and charged with disorderly conduct.

It was the second vehicle-picketer incident reported to police in the first three days of a teachers' strike. 

On Tuesday, a teacher at Kinsner said a car grazed her as she was trying to get out of the way. The woman driving the car said she was inching along and a picketer slammed her hand on her car's hood.

The Strongsville Education Association, which represents 383 teachers, guidance counselors and psychologists, voted to strike starting March 4 after nine months of unsuccessful contract talks with the Strongsville Board of Education.

Sticking points in the contract dispute include whether teachers should get back the pay concessions they made in their last deal with the district.