Forced sewer tie-in bill passes the Ohio House

House Bill 490, which contains an amendment that would provide some relief to homeowners from having to connect to sewer lines installed by private developers, passed the Ohio House 73-20 Wednesday.

It moves on to the Senate, where amendment sponsor state Rep. Sean O’Brien, D-Bazetta expects passage by the end of the year.

The amendment gives certain property owners the ability to opt-out from a forced tie-in requirement, but those owners’ home sewage treatment systems must get a passing grade from the local health department to allow them to withdraw. If the septic system fails inspection, the owner would be given the option to have it repaired. Yearly inspections would follow to check the status of the system.

Police: Man hurt when thieves steal generator

WARREN – Police are investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred in the parking lot of Larry’s Super Pawn, 2875 W Market St., around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

A Troy-Bilt 3550 generator was taken from a 33-year-old man’s truck after two men approached him and asked for a cigarette, according to the police report.

One of the men punched the victim repeatedly in the face, leaving visible injuries. The victim told police that one of the men pulled out a handgun as he was taking the generator.

The victim drove himself to the police station after the suspects fled south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the report said.

No arrests have been made.

Culvert work gets under way in Mesopotamia

MESOPOTAMIA – Parkman-Mesopotamia Road between state Route 87 and Parks West Road will be closed Monday to Wednesday for a culvert replacement. The Trumbull County Engineer’s Office has recommended the following detour: east on state Route 87, south on Girdle Road, and west on Parks West Road.

Rededication ceremony planned at memorial

WARREN – The Trumbull County Veterans’ Memorial Park rededication ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the corner of West Market Street and Mahoning Avenue.

There will be a brief ceremony at 9 a.m. during which the park will be rededicated and will recognize the partner organizations who participated in Niall McGee’s recent Boy Scout Eagle project.

Organizations to be recognized include Warren VFW Post #1090, Delliquadri Landscaping, AMVETS Post 290 and Mineral Ridge VFW Hall 4192.

Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Tickets available for 20 Under Twenty awards

WARREN – Twenty service-minded young people will be honored at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 as part of the Tribune Chronicle’s 2014 class of 20 Under Twenty, sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The program honors 20 county residents younger than 20 who have displayed exemplary leadership.

The community is welcome to support the program and students by purchasing a ticket to the banquet for $20. Tickets are available during business hours at the Tribune Chronicle or by using the order form printed in the newspaper. Credit card orders can be placed by calling Sue Shafer at 330-841-1696. The deadline to order is Nov. 24.

This year’s honorees are Melissa Baker of Hubbard High School, Meredith Brugler of Warren G. Harding, Alexis Camuso of Hubbard, Rachel Cullison of John F. Kennedy, Allyson Dean of Niles McKinley, Madison DeMarco of Liberty, Maura Dixon of JFK, Lauren Fabrizio of Howland, Jacqueline Germano of Lakeview and Kent State University at Trumbull, Madeline Grimes of Mathews and Youngstown State University, Stuart Hetson of Hubbard, Alexis James of Howland, Elizabeth Kellar of JFK, Marlena Liming of Lordstown, Anna McCue of JFK, LeAnn Penn of Maplewood and Slippery Rock University, Marisa Pipino of JFK, Hannah Rogers of Lakeview, Ariana Shannon of Harding and Sabrina Snell of Badger.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Foundation encourages

acts of kindness

WARREN – The DALE Foundation will hold its fourth annual food and clothing drive on Saturday to benefit families in need in the Warren area. Vouchers have already been distributed to those who will receive the donations. Only those with vouchers will receive bags, which include food for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. They also distribute coats for those in need.

The DALE Foundation, which stands for “Do A Little Extra,” encourages people to spread random acts of kindness in memory of Dale Settle Jr., a Newton Falls native who was shot on Sept. 22, 2011, while on his way to a Bible study in Canton.

Over the last three years, more than 900 families have been blessed with Thanksgiving meals, groceries, gift certificates and warm clothing through the foundation.

For information on how to help or to make a monetary donation, visit www.dalesettlejr.com.

Sentencing set in

heroin drug ring

CLEVELAND – A 46-year-old man who was accused of dealing heroin from two homes in Campbell will be sentenced Jan. 15 in federal court for his role in a New York City to Youngstown heroin distribution ring.

Jose Lebron, who pleaded guilty to charges in October, is among five accused conspirators, all of whom are scheduled to be sentenced in January.

Four others in the ring were sentenced to federal prison this week, including Carlos Gonzalez, who got a 98-month prison sentence. Three others got lesser sentences ranging from 26 to 40 months. Another defendant will face sentencing Tuesday.

Former Falls law

director’s estate sues

NEWTON FALLS – The estate of former Newton Falls Law Director Richard Schwartz is suing the village, claiming he is owed more than $41,000 for legal work he performed before leaving that position.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday by Schwartz’s wife, Renee Rossi Schwartz of Pittsburgh. The case was assigned to Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Peter Kontos. No hearing date has been set Schwartz died Aug. 12, 2011, after a battle with cancer.

At a glance

Vienna foster mother accused in leg breaking

WARREN – A Vienna woman who served as a foster parent pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a charge of child endangering and felonious assault. A grand jury indictment accuses her of breaking the leg of a child under her care.

Diane Ervin, also known as Diane Benson, 1804 Avalon Creek Blvd., posted $50,000 bond to ensure her release until a pre-trial scheduled for Dec. 9 before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew Logan.

The injury was discovered Sept. 11 during a visit to a pediatrician. The infant male was born July 2. The court record didn’t state when the child was placed with Ervin.

Besides Vienna police, investigators with Ashtabula County Children Services investigated the case.

Warren man gets prison in string of break-ins

WARREN – A 19-year-old Warren man was sentenced to four years behind bars after being found guilty on a probation violation and pleading guilty to two burglaries.

Tyler Mathews, of Delaware Street S.W., was sentenced by Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew Logan to four years for an aggravated burglary charge stemming from a June 3 break-in at a home on Packard Street N.W.

Mathews was sentenced to a concurrent 30 months on a May 30 burglary on West Broad Street in Newton Falls.

Lake Milton man pleads to sex with teen charge

WARREN – A 33-year-old Lake Milton man pleaded guilty Tuesday to having sex with a 13-year-old girl and could face up to three years in prison.

John Shuman of Grandview Street will undergo a pre-sentence investigation ordered by Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew Logan. The penalty could be enhanced since he is more than 10 years older than the victim and a prosecutor said he was a registered sex offender at the time the crime occurred.

Shuman admitted to the third-degree felony that occurred in Niles on July 9.

Rep. Ryan remains on steering committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Howland, was reappointed Tuesday to the U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, a leadership committee that assigns Democrats to House committees and advises on policy.

Ryan called the appointment a ”great honor to continue to play a leadership role on Capitol Hill.”

Committee assignments for the next Congress could be announced by the end of the year.

Tickets available for youth awards

WARREN – Twenty service-minded young people will be honored at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 as part of the Tribune Chronicle’s 2014 class of 20 Under Twenty, sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The program honors 20 county residents younger than 20 who have displayed exemplary leadership.

The community is welcome to support the program and students by purchasing a ticket to the banquet for $20. Tickets are available during business hours at the Tribune Chronicle or by using the order form printed in the newspaper. Credit card orders can be placed by calling Sue Shafer at 330-841-1696. The deadline to order is Monday.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Police: Son assaults dad over refusal to go to mall

WARREN – A man punched his dad twice because the father refused to take his son to the Eastwood Mall, according to a police report.

The dad, 65, told police his son, no age given, who does not live there, left after the assault and took his cell phone, too. Police advised the man to speak with the prosecutor about filing charges, according to the report.

Warren driver

charged with CCW

WARREN – Poor driving led to a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon against a 33-year-old Warren man, according to a police report.

Jody Hayes, who has addresses on Lexington Avenue N.W. and Queens Drive N.W., pleaded not guilty Monday to the charge, which stems from an arrest by police following a vehicle that rolled through two stop signs on Vine Avenue N.E. late Saturday night.

The report states that police, during the traffic stop on North Park Avenue near Albert Street N.E., discovered the driver of vehicle was carrying the handgun without a permit.

Hayes is free on $2,500 bond and is due back in Warren Municipal Court on Dec. 15. He also was cited with failure to stop at stop signs.

Fire from candles

cause $12,000 damage

WARREN – A fire Monday at 748 Maple St. S.W. caused about $12,000 in damage to a bedroom on the second floor there, fire Chief Ken Nussle said.

Nussle said investigators believe the fire started from burning candles in the bedroom. The residents escaped safely.

Crews were called there shortly before 1 p.m., Nussle said.

Warren police investigate

report of sexual assault

WARREN – A 15-year-old girl from the Bristol area told Warren police she was raped Saturday, according to a report.

Police were called to Trumbull Memorial Hospital Sunday afternoon and spoke with the teen, who told them she was sexually assaulted by someone she doesn’t know at a place in Warren that she doesn’t know, the report states.

Youngstown mayor to host

meetings with residents

YOUNGSTOWN – Mayor John McNally will hold another ”5 Minutes with the Mayor” meeting at 5 p.m. today at his office inside City Hall, 26 S. Phelps St.

The meetings with the mayor let residents addresses concerns and ask questions about what is happening in the city.

Windows smashed

in Howland, Niles

HOWLAND – Howland police are asking for help to find who has been smashing windows at various businesses last week.

Windows, doors or drive-through windows were smashed on Wednesday at the Rig Bar and Grill, Burger King, Howland Plaza, Miracle Ear and Dairy Queen, police said.

Nothing was taken from any of the businesses, according to reports.

Police in Niles said they are investigating similar vandalism at the Havanna House in the Eastwood Mall complex.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police departments.

At a glance

Winter weather advisory

issued for the area

WARREN -The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a winter weather advisory effective through 3 p.m. today with a possible wintry mix for northeastern Ohio.

The weather service forecasted mostly cloudy skies, a high in the low 30s with a 100 percent chance of snow. One to 3 inches of snow was expected.

Tonight’s forecast is cloudy with a low around 14 degrees, and snow accumulation of less than an inch.

On Tuesday, the chance of snow is expected to be about 40 percent. Snow is expected to continue Wednesday, but greatest in the northern snowbelt.

Wind gusts and wind chills may dip below zero at times on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rescue Mission prepares

for coming cold weather

WARREN -The Warren Family Mission is preparing for the expected drop in temperatures this week and is ready to help people stay warm during the cold weather.

Last week the mission handed out hats, coats and blankets to those in need.

Mission officials also started preparing extra cots and available space at different mission building sites in case the number of people needing to come in from the cold increases.

The mission works with police, hospitals and libraries to make sure people have somewhere warm to sleep.

Officials said the mission has the space but is in need of donations of additional cots.

Hundreds of coats, hats, and blankets were given away, and the mission will continue distributing as long as the supply lasts, officials said.

Tribune offers chance

to express gratitude

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due today at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” They also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

At a glance

Girl, 14, died from

blunt force injuries

YOUNGSTOWN – The 14-year-old girl killed when she was struck by a school bus on Wednesday outside East High School died instantly from blunt force injuries to her head, according to the Mahoning County Coroner’s Office.

Dr. Joseph S. Ohr, who performed an autopsy on Friday, confirmed that Faith McCullough-Wooster also suffered blunt force injuries to her chest and abdomen. The investigation into her death remains ongoing, according to a news release issued by the coroner’s office. Procedural toxicology tests are being conducted, the coroner’s office reported.

Crisis teams were at the high school Friday to help students deal with the death of their classmate in what officials have called a freak accident.

Reports state that McCullough-Wooster, a freshman and member of the school’s volleyball team, was killed when she fell into the path of a school bus around 3 p.m. after classes ended.

The bus driver, who was not named, is on leave as police investigate the incident.

Newton Falls recognized for safe roads

NEWTON FALLS – The village police department on Tuesday was among more than 50 law enforcement agencies presented with a AAA Silver Community Traffic Safety Award and recognized for its efforts to keep roadways safe.

Ten agencies received a platinum award, according to a news release issued by Newton Falls police.

Chief Gene Fixler cited several steps that the department takes to keep residents safe, including programs that promote bike helmet safety and teach the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

“The officers of The Newton Falls Police department continue to strive to reduce traffic incidents by conducting educational programs through our schools while encouraging the development of safe driving habits,” Fixler explained.

Warren’s Franklin Street closing scheduled

WARREN – Franklin Street S.E. will be closed from Pine Avenue to S. Park Avenue in Warren beginning Monday.

The closure, due to construction at the Warren Municipal Building, will last through Friday, city officials announced.

At a glance

Warren man sentenced in gas station shooting

WARREN – A 31-year-old Warren man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday for shooting at an out-of-town man 16 months ago outside and inside the Sunoco Service Station at West Market Street and Tod Avenue S.W.

Eric Pettis of Elm Road N.E. had pleaded guilty to two counts of felonious assault and a charge of tampering with evidence.

Police said Pettis fired several rounds at the man from Natchez, Miss., July 21, 2013, first in the parking lot. He then went inside the building, still firing at the man.

A prosecutor said the episode was captured on surveillance video. Pettis was accused of throwing the gun away after he left the scene.

Private firm hired for county audits

WARREN – Trumbull County is leaving the Ohio Auditor’s Office and going to a private auditing firm to do required yearly reports on the county’s financial health.

County commissioners on Thursday awarded a three-year contract to Julian and Grube Inc. of Westerville to prepare the annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or CAFR, which is a detailed presentation of the county’s financial condition.

The county will pay the firm $17,100 this year; $16,900 in 2015; and $16,700 in 2016. The state bid $17,500 a year over the period and Canter and Associates of Poland, $35,000; $32,000; and $29,000 respectively.

City, county, residents set to talk about Warren

WARREN – City leaders, Trumbull County commissioners, and community and neighborhood groups will meet in the city’s Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Wednesday to share ideas and discuss the future of the area.

The meeting is being organized by Warren City Council Resident Advisory Commission and City Council President Jim Graham.

Graham said the goal is simply to open up the lines of communication. “The more we work together, the more we can accomplish,” he said.

Warren cops on lookout for hit-and-run driver

WARREN – Witnesses chased a green and silver Dodge Ram pickup truck Thursday evening after it rear-ended a sedan carrying a mother and 1-year-old child, according to Warren City police Lt. Martin Gargas.

Emergency services were called to check on the child, who seemed to be all right, Gargas said.

One witness took down the license plate number before losing track of the vehicle on North River Road.

Police will make regular checks of the registered address to find the driver of the Dodge, Gargas said. The department’s traffic bureau will lead the investigation.

Insurance agent ordered to repay stolen cash

WARREN – A former insurance agent from Howland was ordered to pay back clients more than $50,000 Wednesday and he was ordered to spend the next 60 days in a local work-release program.

After that Tim Mulvey, 57, of Cambridge Court, will spend five years on probation while he makes the restitution to the customers, whose premiums were never forwarded to the proper insurance companies.

Prosecutors say Mulvey, who pleaded guilty earlier to a theft charge, used the money for his own use instead.

Mulvey surrendered his insurance agency credentials last year.

Probation violation sends man to prison

WARREN – A 39-year-old Youngstown man was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday after a judge found him guilty of a probation violation.

Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice handed down the sentence to William F. Watson of Vestal Road, who was put on five years probation in February 2012 for convictions on tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property.

A probation officer pointed out that Watson hadn’t reported to the office since October 2013 and had paid only $100 of a $7,000 restitution bill since April 2012.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Police: East High student hit, killed by bus

YOUNGSTOWN – A 14-year-old freshman girl was hit and killed by a school bus about 3 p.m. Wednesday in front of East High School, 474 Bennington Ave.

Deputy Superintendent Douglas Hiscox told Tribune Chronicle news partner WYTV 33 News that there were students on the bus when the accident occurred. Authorities said some sort of horseplay was going on just before the accident.

Details are sketchy and the girl’s name has not been released, but grief counselors will be made available to students on Thursday, Hiscox said.

Car fire in Warren ruled to be suspicious

WARREN – An early morning fire that destroyed a car is being ruled as suspicious, according to fire Chief Ken Nussle.

He said the department was called out at 1:49 a.m. Wednesday to 2955 Clearwater St. N.W. for a report of a car on fire. The vehicle, a 1996 Buick Park Avenue, was a total loss and damage was valued at $1,500.

The fire started in the interior, Nussle said. The fire remains under investigation. The vehicle’s owner is listed as Greg Allgood, of the address, Nussle said.

Teen girl reports rape in abandoned building

WARREN – A 14-year-old girl told police on Tuesday that she was raped in an abandoned or condemned structure at 639 Prospect Ave. N.W., according to a police report.

Officers collected two items of clothing as evidence. Police released few details on Wednesday, including any information about suspects or the assault.

Online phone sale deal turns into robbery, chase

WARREN – A man who says he fell victim to a robbery grabbed his firearm and gave chase to the other man about 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to a police report. He was unable to stop the thief.

The victim told police that he arranged online to meet a man named James in the parking lot of 2300 Youngstown Road S.E. to sell him a cell phone. After the victim pulled in, James reached into the passenger window, grabbed the phone off the seat, ran south and pulled out a black handgun when the chase began, according to the report. No shots were reported exchanged.

No arrests have been made.

Niles man arraigned on theft of cable, wires

WARREN – Robert Joshua Shook, 22, of 36 W. Church St., Niles, pleaded not guilty during a video arraignment Wednesday from Trumbull County Jail on felony charges of disrupting public services and possessing criminal tools. He is being held in lieu of a $15,000 bond.

A police report states that Fuller was arrested Tuesday along with an unnamed male at Atlas Recycling Inc., 1420 Burton St. S.E., after a complaint from Ohio Edison that insulated ground cable and guy-wires, with a value listed at $400, were stolen.

Fuller is scheduled to appear in front of Warren Municipal Court Judge Terry Ivanchak for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 20

Acting superintendent of Catholic schools named

YOUNGSTOWN – Bishop George Murry appointed Mary Fiala as acting superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Youngstown, effective immediately.

Murry said, “I am very grateful to Ms. Fiala for assuming these new responsibilities. She brings to the superintendent’s position many years of experience in Catholic school administration and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

A national search for a new superintendent will begin later this month.

Fiala joined the diocesan staff in 2011 as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. She had been principal at St. Joan of Arc School, Canton, from 1999 to 2011 and at SS. Philip and James School, Canal Fulton, from 1991 to 1999.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Howland man arrested

after huge brush fire

HOWLAND – Joseph Fuller of 3548 Birchwood Ave. in Warren was taken to Trumbull County Jail on Tuesday on a felony arson charge after seven area fire departments assisted the Howland Township Fire Department with a fast-moving brush fire near his residence.

Howland fire crews arrived about 4 p.m. and found windy conditions threatening to spread the fire already consuming a vehicle and a camper. It was burning an area 100 yards by 300 yards, according to the fire department.

Fire crews from Bazetta, Vienna, Warren Township, Fowler, Weathersfield, Champion and Warren City provided additional manpower and brush truck capabilities. Six engines, 29 firefighters and three brush units assisted in extinguishing the blaze that burned for several hours, according to the department.

Company not interested

in Weathersfield site

WEATHERSFIELD – Township trustees announced Tuesday that they were informed by William Siderewicz, president of Clean Energy Future LLC, that the company is no longer considering the proposed site in the township for a $750 million gas-to-electric facility.

Trustees Chairman Gil Blair said officials were disappointed in the news.

”We gave this a lot of effort, but unfortunately that particular location did not meet their needs. We will continue to try other avenues,” he said.

The proposed site was at a former power plant off Belmont Avenue near Niles.

Tribune offers chance

to express gratitude

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.trib-today.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

At a glance

Howland Schools pick new superintendent

HOWLAND – An internal candidate was named the new superintendent of Howland Local Schools by the Board of Education late Monday.

Kevin Spicher, current Middle School principal, will fill the seat of Superintendent John Sheets, who is retiring at the end of December.

“We had some wonderful candidates and we’re all in agreement,” board member Barbara Wright said. “We’re looking forward to great strides and accomplishments for all of Howland’s students.”

Spicher first came to work at Howland Middle School as a science teacher from 2000 to 2005, after which he took a position as a middle school principal for Maplewood Schools. In 2009, Spicher returned to Howland as its middle school principal.

The decision to hire Spicher was made after several board meetings, public forums and assistance from the Trumbull County Educational Service Center.

Family donates $2.5M to Youngstown State

YOUNGSTOWN – Youngstown State University received a $2.5 million dollar donation from the Fok Family in memory of the late Thomas Fok, a former faculty member and trustee for both the university and the YSU Foundation.

“On behalf of every one of us at YSU, I want to thank Mrs. Fok for her generosity and for ensuring her husband’s lasting legacy at Youngstown State University,” YSU President Jim Tressel said.

The gift from Fok’s wife, Maria M.L. Fok, will be used, in part, to establish the Thomas and Maria Fok Scholarship. In recognition of the gift, YSU will rename Alumni House on Wick Avenue as Fok’s Hall. Alumni House, constructed in 1865, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Ribbon cutting planned for bike trail section

CHAMPION – A ribbon-cutting ceremony for phase 3 of Western Reserve Greenway Bike Trail will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the backside of the campus of the Trumbull County Career and Technical Center off Educational Highway.

Trumbull County MetroParks and the Trumbull County commissioners will celebrate the opening on the newest phase of the Western Reserve Greenway Bike Trail, which will begin at Champion Avenue, the current southernmost terminus of the Western Reserve Greenway, and connect to where the trail picks up at North River Road.

Zachary Svette, operations director of the trail, said this portion will connect more than 47 miles of completed bike trail on the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway Bike Trail. Also, this portion of the trail is 2.19 miles in length and will cost close to $2 million to complete.

Neighborhood Partnership will meet

WARREN – The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership will hold a group meeting at 6 p.m. today at Friendship Baptist Church, 1954 Brier St., for residents of Warren’s east side to discuss what to do with vacant lots and other issues.

The Southeast Side Community Association will have its members attend the TNP meeting instead of the regular November meeting, which has been canceled.

Tribune to publish ‘thankful thoughts’

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Girard, Niles to hold

grant program meetings

The 2014 Community Housing Impact and Preservation program grants in the cities of Niles and Girard will be explained at meetings this week.

Niles will hold a public meeting 6 p.m. today at City Council chambers, 15 E. State St., and Girard will hold a meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall, 100 W. Main St.

The guidelines, eligibility requirements and applications will be explained along with discussion of fair housing requirements.

Crews battle apartment

fire in Bazetta development

BAZETTA – Firefighters from Bazetta, Cortland and Howland were called to Ivy Hill Circle Sunday morning to fight an apartment fire.

The fire, contained to one apartment, started around 9 a.m. when a heater caught fire, according to the Bazetta Fire Department. There were no injuries.

Tribune Chronicle to publish

‘thankful thoughts’

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle. To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

At a glance

Driver gets 12 years in fatal buggy crash

CHARDON – A northeast Ohio man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to driving into an Amish buggy, killing one of its occupants and injuring three others.

Forty-three-year-old Douglas Learn was sentenced in Geauga County Common Pleas Court on Thursday. Authorities say Learn crashed his SUV into the back of a buggy carrying a family of five in the village of Burton in late March and kept going. He pleaded guilty in September to aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, operating a vehicle while under the influence and other charges.

Twenty-eight-year-old Joseph Byler died at a hospital after the crash. His mother and two sisters were injured.

Ohio casino revenue up slightly in October

COLUMBUS – Total revenue at Ohio’s four full-service casinos ticked up slightly from September to October – but it was down nearly 9 percent compared with a year ago.

Casinos in Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus saw revenue increases last month, while Cincinnati’s fell. Cincinnati saw a 23-percent decline in October compared with the same month a year ago.

The voter-approved casinos took in a total of $64 million in October and $676 million so far this year. The state collects about one-third of those revenues in taxes and distributes the money to counties, school districts, host cities and other entities.

Salvation Army requests donations for pantry

WARREN – The Salvation Army in Warren is asking for food donations for its pantry, saying that a decrease in food pantries in the area has led to greater need.

Carol Hewitt, program services coordinator for the Salvation Army, said items needed are canned goods, tuna fish, canned meats, peanut butter and soups. She said less funding going into the Salvation Army also has hurt the organization’s ability to purchase food.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at the Salvation Army, 270 Franklin St. For information, call 330-392-1573.

Tribune to publish thankful thoughts

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

Two security guards sentenced in shooting

DAYTON – Two private security guards accused of fatally shooting a man at a Dayton apartment complex have been sentenced to four years in prison.

Montgomery County’s prosecutor says 34-year-old Christopher Tarbert and 26-year-old Justin Wissinger were sentenced Friday. They had pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and abduction in 25-year-old Dante Price’s 2012 slaying.

Authorities say the guards were patrolling the complex’s parking lot and that Price had been warned about trespassing. The prosecutor says they ordered him to get out of his vehicle, firing their handguns at him numerous times when he tried to drive away.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Woman sentenced in child abuse case

WARREN – A 27-year-old Brookfield woman was sentenced to three years behind bars Thursday after pleading guilty earlier to a charge of endangering children in connection with the beating of a young family member.

Colleen Janice Pritts, of Addison Road, pleaded guilty in September in exchange for prosecutors dismissing a charge of felonious assault.

Judge Ronald Rice handed down the sentence.

A 7-year-old girl was discovered beaten when she went to school in May 2013, leading to an investigation by Brookfield police and Children Services.

West Farmington council to meet on contracts

WEST FARMINGTON – West Farmington Village Council will hold a work session with the Board of Public Affairs at 6 p.m. Monday at the village hall to review and discuss all 2015 village water employee contracts.

Council this week gave first reading to a 3 percent water rate increase effective with the Feb. 1 billing. The legislation will receive three readings, including the next one on Dec. 1.

Business 2020 draws 600 students to YSU

Youngstown – Nearly 600 high school students spent the day Thursday learning about business at Youngstown State University on Thursday.

The campus hosted students from 18 schools in the tri-county area for Business 2020 to participate in sessions hosted by local business leaders. Some of the panels included “Interviewing and Preparing for the Job Market,” “Careers in Business,” “Skill Assessment and Major Exploration.”

The event was sponsored by YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration, in conjunction with the Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley.

Three admit dumping bodily fluids on teen

CLEVELAND – Three teens charged in a cruel ice bucket prank admitted in juvenile court Thursday that they dumped urine, tobacco and spit on an autistic classmate.

Attorneys for the suburban Cleveland teens apologized on behalf of their clients during the court hearing. Punishment will occur after the court’s probation department prepares a presentencing report. Two other teens involved in the prank were accepted into a diversion program and were not in court.

The 15-year-old autistic boy thought he was participating in the ice bucket challenge for charity when the boys dumped the bucket on him in August. All the teens live in Bay Village and attend Bay High School.

Ohio officer shoots through door, wounds 2

COLUMBUS – Two people shot by a Columbus police officer through the door of a home are expected to be OK.

A police spokesman said the officer shot the man and woman after the officer’s hand was slammed in the door and trapped. They were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Sgt. Rich Weiner tells reporters that the officer was responding to a call from a man who was trying to get his sister out of home where she was shooting heroin. A man answered the door but slammed it when he saw the officer.

Deadline today to register for Vets parade

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is seeking participants who wish to join this year’s Veterans Day parade.

This year’s Trumbull County Veterans Day commemoration will begin Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W. The parade will step off approximately 12:15 p.m. following the traditional Trumbull County ceremony at 11 a.m.

Marching with several local businesses, organizations, clubs and veteran and auxiliary groups are the Warren G. Harding and Lordstown high schools marching bands. Any others wishing to participate in the Veterans Day parade may call Shafer at 330-841-1696 or email her at sshafer@tribtoday.com. Deadline to register is today.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Tribune Chronicle to publish ‘thankful thoughts’

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

Salvation Army requests food donations for pantry

WARREN – The Salvation Army in Warren is asking for food donations for its pantry, saying that a decrease in food pantries in the area has led to greater need.

Carol Hewitt, program services coordinator for the Salvation Army, said items needed are canned goods, tuna fish, canned meats, peanut butter and soups. She said less funding going into the Salvation Army also has hurt the organization’s ability to purchase food.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at the Salvation Army, 270 Franklin St. For information, call 330-392-1573.

Veterans Day parade accepting participants

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is seeking participants who wish to join this year’s Veterans Day parade.

This year’s Trumbull County Veterans Day commemoration will begin Nov. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W. The parade will step off approximately 12:15 p.m. following the traditional Trumbull County ceremony at 11 a.m.

Marching with several local businesses, organizations, clubs and veteran and auxiliary groups are the Warren G. Harding and Lordstown high schools marching bands.

Any others wishing to participate in the Veterans Day parade may call Sue Shafer at 330-841-1696 or email her at sshafer@tribtoday.com. Deadline to register is Friday.

Police officer shot in arm; suspect hurt in Newark

NEWARK – Authorities say a central Ohio police officer was shot in the arm and a suspect was hit by a police car after an attempted arrest went awry.

Police in Newark, about 30 miles east of Columbus, say the officer was shot Wednesday afternoon as he and other officers tried to arrest a man wanted for operating a counterfeiting operation.

The officer, whose name wasn’t released, is expected to recover.

Police Chief Steven Sarver says the confrontation happened when the suspect pulled his car over. Sarver says the man fled on foot after the shooting, and when officers caught up to him, he pointed the handgun at them.

That’s when an officer hit the suspect with his unmarked car to incapacitate him.

The suspect’s name and condition weren’t released.

At a glance

Copper thieves blamed for mess in Falls home

NEWTON FALLS – Officials blame copper thieves for a home heating oil spill inside a home in Newton Falls Tuesday morning.

The homeowner said while he was out voting, he noticed his classic car that he keeps locked up at a vacant house he owns was parked at a bar down the street, according to Tribune Chronicle news partner WYTV 33 News.

He called police and then went back to the home on Selkirk Bush Road, where he noticed that the house had been burglarized and all of the copper pipes were stolen, including the copper line to the fuel oil tank releasing 25 gallons into the basement.

“There are issues anytime you have a vacant home that people are robbing,” said Newton Falls fire Chief Richard Bauman told 33 News. “If the utilities are on, it can be very hazardous to them and, of course, hazardous to us.”

Newton Falls firefighters cleaned up most of the spill. The homeowner will have to clean up the rest. Police are investigating the break-in.

Imposter poses as aide, tries to get into home

YOUNGSTOWN – The Area Agency on Aging serving the Valley issued an alert about imposters posing as home health workers to gain access to homes.

The agency was notified Tuesday from a care manager and provider after someone tried to get into a Mahoning County residence by posing as a replacement for the regular aide, according to Tribune Chronicle news partner WYTV 33 News.

The female resident was suspicious because it was not the correct time, and called the provider to check out the story. She was told this wasn’t true, and no one was filling in for the aide.

“Our programs provide in-home services to both older adults and people under 60 with disabilities, and this is alarming because their safety is our number one priority,” Lisa Solley, chief of community relations, wellness and training, told 33 News. “If an unfamiliar person comes to your door claiming to be a home health worker, do not let the person inside, and immediately call 911.”

Report: Job changes result from escape

LIMA – The state has reassigned the warden at a prison where a convicted school shooter of three students escaped and has demoted the deputy warden.

The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says the changes resulted from the September escape by T.J. Lane and two other inmates, all of whom were recaptured within a few hours.

The Lima News reported Tuesday that Kevin Jones, warden at Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution in Lima, was reassigned to the prison agency’s operations support center in Columbus.

Prisons spokeswoman JoEllen Smith told the paper that deputy warden Ray Schaublin was demoted to inspector.

The state says 20-year-old Lane and two other inmates climbed the fence during recreation, got on a roof over an entryway and escaped on Sept. 11.

Central Ohio sees uptick in serious flu cases

COLUMBUS – Central Ohio is already seeing serious and sometimes life-threatening cases of the flu this year, health officials said.

At least 28 people have been hospitalized for the flu in Franklin County as of Oct. 25, more than double the number of cases at this time last year, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

About 10 of the flu hospitalizations in the county, or 36 percent, have been among working-age adults. Last year was considered a bad year for working-age adults, when 26 percent of hospitalizations were in that age range.

Two other hospitalizations were young children, four were adults between ages 50 to 64, and 12 were 65 or older.

It’s routine for older patients to have more serious flu cases because of their weaker immune systems, said Dr. Jane Emerick at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s hospital. She also said this season’s flu vaccine is a good match for the viruses circulating so far.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Police searching for

slot machine vandal

AUSTINTOWN – Police on Monday were looking for a man accused of cracking the glass screen on a slot machine early Sunday morning at the new Hollywood Gaming Racino.

A witness told racino security that he saw a man punch the slot machine 10 times around 1:30 a.m.

The vandal is described as a Hispanic male wearing an Ohio State University jacket and hat who left the racino in a dark van.

The facility was to provide surveillance video to Austintown police.

Tribune to publish

‘thankful thoughts’

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is continuing its tradition of publishing notes of gratitude for the annual Giving Thanks features over Thanksgiving week.

Good fortune may include things like a steady paycheck, a happy family, a life-changing experience or a special person.

Submissions are due Nov. 17 at the Tribune Chronicle.

To submit thankful thoughts, use the form published in the newspaper, or submit electronically at www.tribtoday.com, click the red “Submit your news” button, and go to “Giving Thanks.” The items also may be emailed to givingthanks@tribtoday.com.

Include your complete name, a phone number (not for publication) and the community in which you reside. Submissions should be limited to 35 words.

Local schools who wish to participate this year are encouraged to send student submissions electronically. After each submission, please list the student’s name and grade. Also include the name of the school and community.

Veterans Day parade

accepting participants

WARREN – The Tribune Chronicle is seeking participants who wish to join this year’s Veterans Day parade.

This year’s Trumbull County Veterans Day commemoration will begin Nov. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W. The parade will step off approximately 12:15 p.m. following the traditional Trumbull County ceremony at 11 a.m.

Marching with several local businesses, organizations, clubs and veteran and auxiliary groups is the Warren G. Harding High School Marching Band. Any others wishing to participate in the Veterans Day parade may call Shafer at 330-841-1696 or email her at sshafer@tribtoday.com. Deadline to register is Friday.

Akron Children’s to add

Warren specialty services

BOARDMAN – In an effort to provide services closer to the homes of patients living in or near Warren, Akron Children’s Hospital will open a specialty services facility at 5000 E. Market St. in Warren.

Cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, urology, lab and radiology services will be available in the 5,000-square-foot building beginning Nov. 17.

“It’s important for families to stay close to home when finding quality health care,” Lisa Taafe, clinical administrative director, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, stated in a news release on Monday.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to tour the facility, which includes “nine exam rooms, three assessment rooms, ultrasound, lab draw area, radiology room, echocardiogram room, nurses’ stations and physician charting area,” according to the news release.

The space was tested for patient comfort in a process designed to “streamline services, save costs and increase capacity through improved use of resources,” the release states.

At a glance

Farmington road opening delayed

FARMINGTON – Curtis Middlefield Road in Farmington Township between Larson West Road and Bundysburg West Farmington Road, which had been expected to open Friday, instead will remain closed through today.

The Trumbull County Engineer’s Office indicated the road was closed for a bridge replacement.

Area board seats need applicants

Newton Falls village is accepting applications from local individuals interested in serving on village boards starting Jan. 1.

Openings will include a five-year term on the planning and zoning board, three-year term on park and recreation board and three-year term on fire board. Interested residents can call the clerk at 330-872-0806.

Warren Township trustees also are looking to fill an opening on the township zoning boards. Applicants there are asked to contact the administration building at 330-898-2101 or a trustee.

I-80 in Liberty lane closed today

LIBERTY – Construction in the westbound lane of Interstate 80 at Logan Way will reduce traffic to one lane today and Tuesday.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced the work is due to the installation of a “dynamic message board,” part of a $300,000 project to install the message boards in Liberty and another on Interstate 76 at state Route 45 in Mahoning County.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

Cleveland teen shot while inside

CLEVELAND – Police say a 16-year-old boy was in critical condition after someone fired multiple shots into his home.

Cleveland police say the boy was standing in the kitchen of the home on the city’s east side around 1 a.m. Saturday when he was struck. Police say the teen was shot in the back and in the side.

Police discovered bullet holes that indicated the shots were fired into the house from a vacant lot next door.

Police say they have not arrested anyone in connection with the shooting and did not immediately release the teen’s name.

LeBron doll survives fire

FAIRLAWN – An Ohio woman who lost nearly all her belongings in an apartment fire says her LeBron James bobblehead survived virtually unscathed, and she hopes that’s a good omen.

The doll from James’ rookie NBA season had only a bit of water damage to the original packaging after the fire Monday in suburban Fairlawn, she said.

Fifty-six-year-old Sheila Shuttlesworth says she was amazed to find her treasured bobblehead and hopes it’s a sign, as she puts it, “for something good to come our way.”

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Mobile home lost in Johnston fire

JOHNSTON – Firefighters here are describing an early morning fire Friday as a complete loss.

Fire Chief Charles Roszak said Cortland firefighters arrived first at a mobile home at 5766 Ridge Road after a neighbor called emergency 911 about 4:15 a.m.

The resident of the home was believed to be at work at the time and Roszak said later Friday he was still trying to contact the man.

No injuries were reported to any of the firefighters from five departments.

Besides Cortland and Johnston volunteers, fire squads from Mecca, Kinsman and Gustavus arrived at the scene.

Cortland firefighters said the mobile home was nearly ready collapse when they arrived, according to the chief.

Roszak said the cause of the blaze is still undetermined; however he said it didn’t appear to be suspicious.

Warren cab driver reports armed robbery

WARREN – A cab driver told police he was ”shook up” but declined any medical treatment after he was robbed at gunpoint Thursday night.

Theodore Tillis Jr. went to Warren police headquarters to file the report after the holdup shortly after 10 p.m.

Tillis said he showed up in his taxi at 654 Southern Blvd. N.W. to pick up a customer. Before the customer showed up a man walked over from across the street and jumped into the cab.

Tillis then asked the man if he had cash up front and the man said he had the cash but would need change. The man then pulled a gun and Tillis turned over about $200 in cash before driving to the police station.

Neighborhood group gets grant for gift cards

WARREN – Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, or TNP, was given $5,000 Friday to continue its side-lot incentive program, which lets residents purchase vacant lots adjacent to their property.

The money from Huntington Bank will be used to give program participants a $250 gift card for Lowe’s Home Improvement stores for tools, materials and supplies needed to improve the property. Also, Lowe’s has agreed to give a 10 percent discount on purchases with the gift card.

Applications for the incentive program are on TNP’s website, www.tnpwarren.org or by calling 330-469-6828.

Secretary of state sets local office hours

WARREN – Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted’s Office will hold open office hours in Trumbull and Mahoning counties with regional representatives available to speak with residents.

In Trumbull County, the hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St. In Mahoning County, the hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Poland Library, 311 S. Main St.

Voter registration forms and information on elections and the office’s business services division will be available.

Jury: Death penalty for hammer killings

AKRON – A man who was convicted of beating his girlfriend’s parents to death with a sledgehammer should be executed, a jury said Friday.

After hearing arguments from prosecutors and defense lawyers, the Summit County jury that convicted Shawn Ford Jr. of aggravated murder last week recommended he be given the death sentence for killing 59-year-old Margaret Schobert. The jury split its decision, recommending that Ford be given life in prison without parole for the slaying of 56-year-old Jeffrey Schobert.

Judge Tom Parker will have the final decision when he sentences the 20-year-old Ford later.

Ford, of Akron, put his head down and showed no emotion when the decision was announced. Attorneys and families declined to comment afterward, citing a gag order.

Prosecutors said Ford and a 14-year-old boy killed the Schoberts in their home near Akron in April 2013 because they kept Ford from seeing their daughter after he severely beat her.

Staff, wire reports

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