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At a glance

Firefighters: Blaze in fireplace spreads to roof

CORTLAND – Three nearby fire departments helped Cortland firefighters Thursday night after a fire spread from a fireplace.

A woman who lives in the one-story ranch home at 191 Cricket Lane told firefighters she tried to start a fire and smelled smoke about 6:15 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find a blaze had spread to the walls and into the attic, according to fire Chief David Rea.

The fireplace is located in a family room addition on the southeast side of the house.

Rea said the woman tried to fight the blaze at first but was unsuccessful. She and her dog escaped any injury as did firefighters, including those from Howland, Mecca and Bazetta. Firefighters were there for more than two hours.

Rea said damage could run as high as $50,000 since the house will need a new roof and ceiling.

Police take guns, drugs and money in raid

WARREN – A raid Wednesday at a home on Warren’s southeast side netted guns, $6,000 and heroin worth about $250,000 on the street, police said Friday.

The raid at 1538 North Road S.E. concluded a two-month investigation by the Warren Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit.

About 1,800 grams of suspected heroin was taken along with two guns, two digital scales and packaging material for the drugs, according to a news release.

Ricardo McKinney, 29, who was the target of the investigation, pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony possession of heroin and weapons under disability charges in Warren Municipal Court.

McKinney was held without bond in the Trumbull County Jail. He is scheduled to return to court on March 5 for a preliminary hearing.

Homeowner grants offered in Cortland

CORTLAND – Homeowners in the city can apply for money to make improvements and repairs to their residence before a Community Housing Improvement Program grant period expires at the end of the year.

In 2013, Cortland was awarded $304,000 to be distributed by Neighborhood Development Services to income eligible families. The 10-page application can be found at CityofCortland.org, and requires the applicant to list all income sources and people living in the household.

Large and small repairs may be covered under the program, including furnace replacement, roofing, windows, electrical upgrades and plumbing, according to a program flier.

Cortland police collect for Someplace Safe

CORTLAND – Throughout the month of March, the police department will accept donations for the domestic violence shelter Someplace Safe in Warren.

Donations for Easter gifts, including baskets, grass and candy are needed before the April 4 delivery date.

Officers are also hoping to collect an array of necessities, including diapers size 4 and larger, toiletries, new and unused bedding, cleaning supplies, snacks for children, feminine products, trash bags, laundry and dish soaps, coffee supplies, new and unused bath towels and gift cards for groceries and gas.

Community Stars tickets on sale through Tribune

WARREN – Tickets are available for the 2015 Community Stars banquet on March 24 at Packard Music Hall.

The Community Star program, in its 14th year, pays tribute to volunteers who go above and beyond to make a measurable impact in the lives of others. Ten people will be recognized for their dedication, service before self and devotion to their community. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 each and are available at the newspaper office, 240 Franklin St. S.E., Warren, by calling Sue Shafer at 330-841-1696, emailing her at sshafer@tribtoday.com or by an order form that will run frequently in the pages of the Tribune Chronicle.

The deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. March 16.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Volunteers set to read Dr. Seuss to students

WARREN – United Way of Trumbull County secured more than 75 volunteers to read books by Dr. Seuss on Monday in more than 120 classrooms in 13 schools in Trumbull County.

Volunteers include Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, Warren police Chief Eric Merkel and President William McKinley as portrayed by Mike Wilson, as well as representatives of the Greater Warren Junior Women’s League, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Target at the Eastwood Mall and the Warren Trumbull County Public Library.

Participating school districts include Southington, Champion, Cortland, Howland, Niles, Mathews, Warren and the Trumbull County Educational Service Center.

Volunteers will spend a half hour reading to students in grades K-2. The first class begins at 9 a.m., and the last class begins at 1:45 p.m.

Kubala confirmed to elections board

WARREN – Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted on Thursday confirmed the local Democratic Party’s pick to become a member of the Trumbull County Board of Elections.

Ken Kubala, 54, of Howland, will fill the unexpired term of former board member Niles Mayor Ralph Infante. The term ends in March 2016.

Kubala was picked by members of the Trumbull County Democratic Party executive committee on Feb. 12 in a three-person race to fill the spot that became open when Infante resigned to run for another term as mayor. Infante is prohibited under Ohio law from sitting on the board and running for re-election.

He will join Mark Alberini, a Democrat, and Republicans Kathi Creed, chairwoman, and Ron Knight. The position pays $13,954 a year.

County has $1.8 million for senior care services

WARREN – About $1.8 million will be distributed for elder care services provided by the Senior Levy in the next round of contract funding.

Of the available funding, $910,000 is available for services like personal care, adult day care and in-home meals; $280,000 for adult protective services; $25,000 a piece for transportation and mini-grants; and $600,000 for community centers.

Trumbull County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to advertise bids for contractors to provide the services for 12 months, beginning on July 1.

Child support agency employee suspended

WARREN – A woman has been suspended from her job at Trumbull County Child Support Enforcement Agency because of attendance issues.

Amy Makosky, a specialist assistant, will not be paid over the three-day suspension, which begins Tuesday. She was hired in April 2008 and earns $14.14 an hours.

Trumbull County commissioners approved the suspension on Wednesday.

Secretary of state to hold local office hours

HUBBARD – Regional liaisons with Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted will hold office hours in Trumbull County 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St.

In Mahoning County, the hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. March 12 at the Poland Library, 311 S. Main St.

Voter registration forms, election information and information about the office’s business services division will be available at both events.

Indictment claims Mexican used U.S. ID

YOUNGSTOWN – A federal grand returned a two-count indictment charging Ricardo Garcia-Baltazar, aka Richard Molina, 37, of Youngstown, with representing himself as a U.S. citizen when he is not and with aggravated identity theft, according to federal prosecutors.

The charges allege that on or about Jan. 17, 2013, Garcia-Baltazar, a citizen of Mexico and an alien in the United States, used someone else’s identity to pass himself off as a U.S. citizen.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Trumbull sues city of Niles over water bill

WARREN – Trumbull County commissioners filed a lawsuit this week against the city of Niles, seeking a judge’s order to force both entities into arbitration over what commissioners view as a $330,000 overpayment for water.

The lawsuit has been assigned to Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice. No hearing date has been set.

Commissioners say in the lawsuit that the county and city formalized an agreement in 2004 calling for Niles to provide bulk water to the county’s Mosquito Creek Sewer District and Howland Water District.

Six years later, the county discovered a Niles-installed meter was incorrectly measuring the water and the county was overcharged $330,965, according to the lawsuit.

Trumbull officials notified the city in writing Aug. 31, 2010, of the overcharge. The city notified the county in 2012 the billing amount was correct, according to the suit.

County officials now want Niles to select an arbitrator to hear the issue as outlined in a written agreement between both sides, but the city has ignored the requests, the lawsuit states. The agreement calls for three qualified engineers to arbitrate any disagreements.

Husband arrested after wife beaten

WARREN – Police arrested Harold Travis Jr., 22, of 1228 Elm Road, Wednesday on a warrant charging second-degree felonious assault after his 22-year-old wife was transported to the hospital Tuesday for injuries she sustained over a two-week period.

According to a police report, officers were called at 2:04 p.m. Tuesday to 944 Glenwood St. N.E. “in reference to a female who was beaten up … and held hostage for two weeks.”

Detectives are investigating and could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Travis Jr. is being held at Trumbull County Jail.

Indictments handed up in burglary ring case

WARREN – Five members suspected of belonging to a would-be burglary ring were indicted Wednesday, according to a special Trumbull County grand jury report. The indictments head off scheduled preliminary hearings for the group.

Indicted on one count each of second-degree burglary were Austin Garretson, 19, of Marshall Avenue, Newton Falls; Zachary T. Keeley, 24, of Hyde Street, Niles; Michael J. Petrilla, 28, of Lincoln Street, Ravenna; Mandi M. Hunt, 24, of Ophelia Street, Newton Falls; and Kasey L. Wright, 22, of Hopkins Road, Youngstown.

They are charged with kicking in the back door of a house in the 700 block of St. Clair Avenue in Girard on Nov. 30 and taking $6,285 in property, including a $900 diamond ring.

Champion principal is finalist for award

CHAMPION – The elementary school principal is one of two finalists for a competitive state organization award.

Champion Central Elementary Principal Alexandra Nannicola was selected as a finalist for the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators’ Distinguished Principal Award 2015.

The organization represents administrators in grades preK to 8 and presents the award to those who colleagues say have gone above and beyond.

Community Stars tickets on sale

WARREN – Tickets are available for the 2015 Community Stars banquet on March 24 at Packard Music Hall.

The Community Star program, in its 14th year, pays tribute to volunteers who go above and beyond to make a measurable impact in the lives of others. Ten people will be recognized for their dedication, service before self and devotion to their community. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 each and are available at the newspaper office, 240 Franklin St. S.E., Warren, by calling Sue Shafer at 330-841-1696, emailing her at sshafer@tribtoday.com or by an order form that will run frequently in the pages of the Tribune Chronicle.

The deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. March 16.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Two seeking spot on Trumbull Health Board

WARREN – A pastor at a church in Girard and a former trustee in Liberty filed applications to replace Aron Blecher on the Trumbull County Board of Health.

Expressing interest were the Rev. Nicholas Furrie Jr. of Shiloh Full Gospel Ministries and Jack Simon, the road use maintenance coordinator with the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office. Furrie lives in Vienna and Simon, in Liberty.

The deadline to file applications was 4 p.m. Monday. The District Advisory Council, which fills openings on the health board, will meet March 11 to select a new board member. The term is for five years.

The council is made up of representatives from each township, village and city in the county general health district and county commissioners. Girard, Niles and Warren are not part of the county health district.

Warren SOUP group seeks change plans

WARREN – Proposals are being accepted until Friday for creative local projects to be presented to and voted on by attendees of $5-micro-financing dinner hosted by Warren SOUP.

Four groups will be selected to pitch their ideas to the diners from 6 to 8 p.m. March 14 on the second floor of the Artisan Cafe, 410 S. Main St.

Soup, salad and bread will be served by a “committee of local residents with a passion for social change” in search of projects that will have a positive impact on the city of Warren, according to the group.

The entrance fees, which can be paid at the door without prior reservations, will be awarded to the group that receives the most votes at the end of the night.

In November, Second Chance Exposure League was awarded $838 after its presentation.

Contact Mikenna McClurg at 330-469-6828 or WarrenSOUP@tnpwar ren.org to apply to present a project idea at a SOUP event.

Urban, rural growers invited to farm talks

WARREN – A mini-conference for local rural and urban farmers will be hosted by the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at The Raymond J. Wean Foundation, 147 W. Market St.

The conference, with sponsorship from the The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is designed to help growers who sell at the Warren Farmers Market with business and product marketing.

At 5:30 p.m., the public is invited to the Local Food Mixer, where Birdsong Farm owner Matt Herbruck of Garrettsville will discuss the relationship between growers and consumers.

“This is a great chance for local growers and those thinking of starting a small farm business to come together and discuss some strategies for success, and to look at the big picture benefits of a healthy local food system,” Herbruck said.

Funding comes from a $96,733 grant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the Courthouse Square market vendors with educational and networking resources and promote consumption of local produce.

Former city worker sentenced in scam

DAYTON – A former city employee convicted of charges that she was at the center of a scam that stole about $385,000 from city coffers has been sentenced to five years in prison in southwestern Ohio.

Montgomery County’s prosecutor says 39-year-old Christen Turner was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty Monday to 145 felony counts involving the theft from the city of Dayton.

Attorney Jon Paul Rion says Turner is remorseful, and they are satisfied with the sentence length, given the multiple counts involved.

Turner was employed in the law director’s office and authorized to approve payments to residents with minor claims against Dayton.

Prosecutors say she approved false claims between 2009 and 2013 that she and others created against Dayton in friends’ names, with the conspirators splitting the money.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Hubbard Twp. review committee to meet

HUBBARD TOWNSHIP – The Hubbard Township Comprehensive Plan Citizens Review Committee will hold its organizational meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the administration building, 2600 Elmwood Drive.

The committee will review the comprehensive plan and make recommendations for any updates to township trustees and the Trumbull County Planning Commission.

The Citizens Committee chairman is Jeff Rowlands, with members David Roose, Jennifer Gasser, Todd Coonce, Kathleen Ferencak and Amber Babic.

Rowlands said he intends to have the committee represented by all aspects of township business, farming, residential and professional people from all areas of Hubbard Township. The final product should be complete in a little more than a year.

Man is indicted in barbershop slayings

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS – A grand jury indicted a 20-year-old man Monday in the shootings this month at a suburban Cleveland barbershop that left three people dead and three others injured.

Douglas Shine Jr. was indicted on charges including aggravated murder in the Feb. 5 shooting at Chalk Linez in Warrensville Heights, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said. The 27-count indictment also included charges stemming from a Jan. 20 attack in Cleveland where a person was shot 13 times.

Shine was accused of killing barbershop owner William Gonzalez, 32; employee Walter Lee Barfield, 23; and Brandon White, 31, who went in that night to get a haircut and play video games. Police won’t comment on a possible motive.

Acting on a tip, officers surrounded a house Feb. 13 in Cleveland and arrested Shine. It wasn’t known Monday if he has hired a lawyer. Online records don’t list an attorney for him.

The indictment also included counts of felonious assault, having weapons under disability, attempted murder, aggravated burglary and improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation.

DeWine rejects petition to legalizing marijuana

COLUMBUS – A proposal to legalize marijuana in Ohio has failed to clear an initial state hurdle, though backers of the effort say they plan to revise the constitutional amendment.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on Monday rejected a petition for the proposed amendment citing problems with its summary.

The group ResponsibleOhio is pushing to get the amendment before voters this year or next. It would legalize the sale of marijuana for medicinal and recreational use and create 10 grow sites across the state.

Among other deficiencies, DeWine said the proposal’s summary language omits that it would permit the sharing of specified amounts of marijuana between adults age 21 and older.

A ResponsibleOhio spokeswoman says the petition was for an earlier version of the proposal and revised language would be resubmitted soon.

Children killed in house fire identified

EATON – A sheriff says a 10-year-old girl and her 9-year-old brother died in a fire that destroyed their western Ohio home over the weekend.

The Preble County sheriff on Monday identified the children as Malea and Malachi Bradburn. Investigators found their remains in the basement after the fire early Saturday morning at the home along U.S. Route 35, between Eaton and West Alexandria.

Firefighters said they didn’t learn the children were unaccounted for until after they responded to the home, and they couldn’t enter because the floor was gone and the roof was collapsing. It was unclear whether adults were present when the fire started.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Dayton-area media reported grief counselors were on hand Monday to help students and staff at the siblings’ school.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Invader of officer’s home gets five years probation

WARREN – A 27-year-old Youngstown man who broke into a police officer’s home and posted an Instagram photo of himself wearing the cop’s uniform and holding his service pistol was placed on five years probation Thursday.

Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice also ordered that Michael Reddinger complete a program at Northeast Ohio Community Alternative Program as part of the probation.

Reddinger, of Cascade Drive, was ordered to have no contact with but write a letter of apology to Ryan Tolone, a reserve officer in Brookfield who works at the Trumbull County Jail. Rice ordered Reddinger to pay $1,000 in restitution Thursday and $100 per month until $6,000 more is paid off toward what Tolone lost.

Girard police Capt. John Norman tracked down a Kindle that was also stolen from the home at a local pawn shop and linked the burglary to Reddinger.

Falls police ask help to track purse snatcher

NEWTON FALLS – Police are asking for help identifying a man caught on surveillance camera leaving a village supermarket after allegedly attempting to rob an elderly woman of her purse, Chief Gene Fixler stated in an emailed press release Thursday.

The purse was snatched from a shopping cart but was quickly recovered when store employees got involved, Fixler said. However, the robber got away.

Police did not provide additional description information.

Champion hires afull-time firefighter

CHAMPION – Township trustees at a special meeting Thursday hired Stephen Kisak of the township as a full-time firefighter, effective March 15, at $11.28 per hour, pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements.

Kisak has been a Champion firefighter / paramedic since August 2011 and will fill the vacancy with the retirement of Capt. Charlie Joseph in March. Trustee Chairman Bob Farmer said Champion will continue to have six full-time firefighters plus the chief.

Copper pipes stolen from Howland homes

HOWLAND – The copper pipes in the basement of two empty houses for sale on Valacamp Avenue S.E. and North Road were stolen after the houses were broken into, according to two police reports from Sunday.

The two addresses are a four-minute drive apart. A door was pried open on the Valacamp Avenue home, where $500 to $1,000 worth of metals were taken. The door was kicked in on North Road.

Thieves take pipe from Niles business

NILES – A Safeguard Property employee discovered approximately 230 feet of copper pipe, worth about $1,000, missing from 603 Warren Ave. home Tuesday, according to a police report.

Brian Oyster was performing a safety check on the home when he discovered the lock box had been removed and a back door was open. Nothing else was removed from the home, according to the report.

Copper thieves also removed $700 worth of copper pipe from 22 Camrose Drive sometime in the last two weeks, according to a police report filed on Sunday. Property owner Mike Fanto of Cherry Lane in Niles reported the theft. There were pry marks on the front door and a broken window in the basement.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

U.S. Marshals on the hunt for fugitive

CLEVELAND – A reward is being offered for information that can help the United States Marshals and the Cleveland Police Department capture fugitive Kendric Shadwick, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force announced this week.

The 20-year-old “Fugitive of the Week” is wanted on accusations that he shot a man in the legs after the victim refused to hand over money. The felonious assault occurred on Independence Road in Cleveland, the last neighborhood Shadwick was last known to reside in.

Also, the Cuyahoga and Lorain County sheriff’s offices are looking for Shadwick to answer drug and burglary charges.

Shadwick is described as black male, 5-foot-9 and weighing 175 pounds. He has black hair and hazel eyes.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force asks those with information regarding Shadwick’s whereabouts to call 1-866-4WANTED and said tipsters can remain anonymous.

Lawmakers, Chamber working on Valley issues

The four state lawmakers from Trumbull and Mahoning counties have agreed to work with the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber to identify and advance the area’s legislative priorities in this two-year General Assembly.

Democratic state Reps. Michael O’Brien, Warren; Sean O’Brien, Bazetta; Ron Gerberry, Austintown; and Michele Lepore-Hagan, Youngstown, will ask Democratic state Sens. Capri Cafaro, Hubbard, and Joe Schiavoni, Boardman, and state Rep. Tim Ginter, R-Columbiana, to participate in the group. The group’s first meeting was in January.

Some of the issues identified already are work force development, drug addiction, Common Core educational standards and readying the communities for possible state capital budget and state capital budget for the arts.

Citizens police academy taking applications

WARREN – The police department is accepting applications for the Citizens Police Awareness Academy Training class offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays in the Warren Police Department’s roll call room.

The free class begins March 9 and lasts for six weeks. Residents will be given an overview of police policies and procedures, tour the county jail, ride along with police, meet the chiefs of police and fire departments, and hear presentations by the city prosecutor’s office, street crime unit, the county’s sexual offender division and health department. Officers will also supply information for anyone interested in starting or currently a part of a neighborhood watch.

Trumbull County residents interested in participating can obtain an application from warren.org or pick one up from the police records department, 141 South St., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Contact Sgt. Geoff Fusco at 330-841-2535 or gfusco@warren.org for more information.

Ex-Comptroller General to speak in Howland

HOWLAND – The former U.S. comptroller general, David M. Walker, will be in Howland on March 5 to rally support for “No Labels,” a nationwide effort led by former Utah Gov. John Huntsman Jr. and U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman dedicated to new politics and problem solving.

Walker, a co-founder of the movement and CEO of the Comeback American Initiative, will speak at a Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber Government Affairs Council luncheon at Leo’s Ristorante. The event begins at 11:15 a.m.

The comptroller general heads the Government Accountability Office. Walker was the seventh comptroller general.

Tickets cost $20 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. Advanced reservations are required by visiting regionalchamber.com and clicking on events calendar, calling 330-744-2131, Ext. 12, or emailing jennifer@regionalchamber.com

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Sex assault reported on Warren 9-year-old

WARREN – A 9-year-old Belvedere Avenue S.E. child was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital in Boardman Sunday after she was injured in a possible sexual assault carried out by a family member, according to a police report.

Children’s services and the Warren City Police Department’s detective division are investigating the case. Statements have been obtained from a 16-year-old witness, a 38-year-old man and the child’s mother.

Woman with seizures reports she was raped

WARREN – A 33-year-old woman visiting the area from Pittsburgh told emergency responders she was raped as they transported her from a Roberts Avenue N.W. home to Trumbull Memorial Hospital for seizures on Thursday.

She was treated for possible internal injuries. The woman said to an officer she had been drugged and assaulted by two men she had just met.

The report states there were no marks or bruises visible to the officer. A rape kit was used and results are pending.

Harvest for Hunger campaign kicks off

YOUNGSTOWN – Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Road, will kick off its 24th annual Harvest for Hunger campaign 10:30 a.m. today.

Harvest for Hunger is a food and funds drive that takes place in March and April to help stock the food bank shelves for the spring and summer months, when donations taper off.

Last year, Harvest for Hunger raised $175,849 and collected nearly 60,000 pounds of food. All money raised and food collected remains in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Anyone interested in conducting a food and / or funds drive may call Paige Tomlinson-Miller at 330-792-5522, Ext. 11, or visit www.mahoningvalley-secondharvest.org to download a registration form.

At a glance

Man is accused of crashing cruiser

JACKSON – A 25-year-old North Jackson man, who reportedly rear-ended a Milton Township police car Sunday night and then ran from the crash, turned himself in to state police on Monday.

Jeffrey Yaratch will face charges of assured clear distance and hit-skip in Austintown County Court later this week.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Yaratch was driving west on Mahoning Avenue, just east of Bailey Road, when he struck the police cruiser from behind. Yaratch’s vehicle then veered to the left and collided with a another vehicle, according to police. Yaratch’s vehicle was left behind when he ran, police said.

Treated for minor injuries was police officer Samuel A. Getz Jr. The driver of the second vehicle, Lloyd Courtney, 57, of Sebring was not injured.

Trumbull Land Bank board sets meeting

WARREN – The Trumbull County Land Bank board will meet 1 p.m. today on the fifth floor of the county administration building, 160 High St. N.W.

Discussion will be on the land bank’s budget and on a proposal to change an agreement it has with Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.

Man charged after abduction try, chase

PORT CLINTON – Police here say a New York man is in custody after they say he abducted a woman who offered him a ride and then led officers on a chase.

The chase that started early Monday morning near Port Clinton ended about 20 miles later in the Toledo suburb of Oregon.

Police in Port Clinton say 24-year-old Eric Thomas of Rochester, New York, has been charged with kidnapping and that other charges are pending.

It’s not clear yet whether he has an attorney.

Police say Thomas asked a woman for a ride to the hospital in Port Clinton and that he abducted her in her van.

Officers say the woman either jumped out of the van or was pushed out before the arrest. Police say she wasn’t hurt.

Wright-Patt general retiring this year

DAYTON – The top general at Ohio’s largest military base will retire later this year.

Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger is stepping down as head of the Air Force Materiel Command, the largest employer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.

The command employs about 80,000 people at bases around the country, including 13,000 at Wright-Patterson.

Wolfenbarger is the first female four-star general in the Air Force.

The Dayton Daily News reports her retirement was announced last week at an Air Force Association conference in Florida.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Residents reports bullet holes in house

WARREN – Residents in the 400 block of Maryland Avenue N.E. reported finding bullet holes in the side of their home after hearing gunshots shortly before 8 p.m Sunday.

Police were called out to the area where reports indicate shell casing were found in front of a home in the 400 block of Maryland Ave. N.E.

Police received several calls from residents in the area of gunshots heard. One resident reported seeing a red van drive off and a male wearing all black leave the scene heading to nearby Douglas Street N.E., according to police scanner traffic.

A police shift commander did not immediately respond to a message left seeking comment.

Area hits record low temperature

WARREN – The Youngstown-Warren area set a new record low Sunday morning with temperatures reaching -7, breaking the previous record of -4 set in 1963.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland is forecasting more cold weather for the upcoming week with temperatures expected to dip to -12 late Sunday into this morning.

Today’s forecast is calling for a high near 12 with wind chill values as low as -10. This evening will be a low of around zero with wind chill values as low as -7.

Wednesday and Thursday are also expected to see below zero low temperatures.

With today being Presidents Day most schools, libraries, banks and government offices are already closed for the holiday.

Coast Guard rescues snowmobilers on Erie

CLEVELAND – The U.S. Coast Guard led a man and his teenage daughter back to the Lake Erie shoreline and safety in western Ohio after they became disoriented while snowmobiling during a snow squall.

The 18-year-old daughter called 911 around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after she and her father became lost traveling on snowmobile between South Bass Island and Catawba Island.

Coast Guard personnel from Detroit used an airboat and a helicopter to find the pair by pinging a cellphone to locate them. The father and daughter had taken shelter in an ice-fishing shanty on the lake while awaiting help.

Trustees to meet on aggregation

FARMINGTON – Farmington Township trustees have scheduled a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the fire hall to discuss the Trumbull County electric aggregation program.

Warren engineer to address association

WARREN – Paul Makosky, Warren city’s director of engineering, building and planning, will be the guest speaker 7 p.m. today at the Northeast Warren Neighborhood Association meeting.

The group will will meet at the Knights of Columbus Hall, corner of East Market Street and Genesee Avenue N.E.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Fire levy in Cortland won’t be on ballot

WARREN – An additional 1.5-mill continuing levy to help fund the fire department in Cortland won’t appear on the May 5 ballot.

The Trumbull County Board of Elections rejected the levy try Friday because the ballot language provided by Cortland was written incorrectly. The fire levy would have generated $198,360 for salaries, equipment and maintenance in the department.

Board Director Jodi F. Dibble said Cortland will be able to try to put the levy on the November ballot.

Elections board OKs precinct reduction plan

WARREN – By a 2-1 vote Friday, members of the Trumbull County Board of Elections approved implementing a plan to reduce the number of voting precincts in the county from 208 to 157.

Democrat Mark Alberini voted against doing so because 22 precincts will contain more than 1,100 registered voters, which was the agreed maximum per precinct limit when the board OK’d moving ahead with the plan, proposed two years ago by Republican member Ron Knight. The maximum number of registered voters allowed under Ohio law in one precinct is 1,400.

Much of the consolidation will be ready for the May 5 primary election. The remainder will be done for the November election. The move is expected to save the elections board about $51,000 a year.

Affected voters will receive a letter detailing the changes and providing them their new precinct and / or polling place.

Knight and Republican Kathi Creed, board chairwoman, voted to put the plan in place.

Housing authority gets HUD dollars

WARREN – Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority is getting $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, it was announced Friday.

The money is a portion of what TMHA gets from HUD to operate, said Donald Emerson, TMHA executive director. This money is for upkeep and improvements at TMHA properties.

The Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority in Youngstown received $1.9 million.

15 indicted in illegal prescription ring

CLEVELAND – The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said 15 people have been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly running an organized prescription drug ring that spanned six counties.

The office said Thursday that the ring operated by stealing blank prescription pads or creating counterfeit prescriptions, then sending others to fill them in pharmacies. The drivers or “mules” were paid in cash and narcotics.

The ring allegedly distributed at least 5,000 pills obtained illegally, and operated from December 2012 through October 2014 in Cuyahoga, Ashland, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Wayne counties.

Charges in the 206-count indictment include racketeering, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, corrupting another with drugs, and illegal possession of drug documents.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Township plan developing

FARMINGTON – Farmington Township trustees are asking for the public’s input in developing a comprehensive plan.

Trustee Chairwoman Martha Yoder said the township and Trumbull County Planning Commission are asking residents to take part in a community survey. The plan will look at the physical design and needs of the community. The plan is required by the Ohio Revised Code as a basis for the township’s zoning.

The surveys, open to residents and business owners in the township and village, must be completed by March 27.

Surveys are available in West Farmington village stores and the senior center, or online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/farmingtontownship.

Three hurt in two-car crash

HOWLAND – Two people were sent to the hospital after a crash Wednesday evening on state Route 46, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

A 1998 Chevy Cavalier driven by Charlotte Hildreth, 31, of Cortland, traveled left of center while heading north about 5:50 p.m. and collided with a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by Douglas Deciancio, 45, of Warren, according to the patrol.

Deciancio and a passenger, 34-year-old James Snowden of Youngstown, both were transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the patrol. Reports said Hildreth was treated and released at the scene with a hand injury.

Both southbound lanes of state Route 46 were closed for approximately one hour.

No charges have been filed and the crash remains under investigation.

Newton looks for zoning inspector

NEWTON TOWNSHIP – Trustees here have scheduled a special meeting for noon Saturday at the township hall to interview five applicants for the part-time zoning inspector position.

Trustee Chairman Greg Dubos said the township received 22 applicants, which were narrowed to nine after several realized the position was part-time.

Staff reports

At a glance

County official receives labor relations award

WARREN – James Keating, director of Trumbull County’s Human Resources Department, has been awarded the Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association’s Award of Excellence.

Keating, who has been personnel director for 21 years, was given the award in Wilmington at the association’s conference on Feb. 3.

Some of what earned Keating the award was his managing labor relations with the county’s bargaining units; his leading the construction of a countywide policy manual and his appointment to the County Risk Sharing Authority personnel policy best practices panel in 2012.

Mineral Ridge man sentenced in rape

WARREN – A 54-year-old Mineral Ridge man was sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to raping a woman who lived at the same address in Warren more than a year ago.

Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge W. Wyatt McKay followed an agreed sentence worked out between a prosecutor and a defense attorney for Ronald Allan Woods, of Gilbert Avenue.

An indictment states the sexual attack occurred Jan. 6, 2014.

Woods must register his whereabouts with authorities quarterly for the rest of his life when he gets out of prison, according to terms of the agreement.

S

TEAM board to hold meeting on facilities

WARREN – The STEAM Academy Board of Directors scheduled a special meeting for 10:30 a.m. today at the school, 261 Elm Road N.E., for the ratification of the acknowledgment of resolutions for a change in signers and discussion of facilities.

Man robbed and shot near Cleveland casino

CLEVELAND – Police say a man was shot in the finger and robbed in a parking garage at the Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland.

A Cleveland police news release says the 36-year-old man told investigators that he went to the casino with a man and two women after meeting the man at a strip club. The man told police he got into the man’s pickup truck in the garage around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday after winning money in the casino and that the man pulled out a handgun and robbed him of either $2,600 or $4,600.

The man reported that he heard two gunshots after getting out of the truck and that a round struck the index finger of his right hand. Police say the man was treated at a hospital.

Kasich moves to end sediment dumping

TOLEDO – Ohio’s governor is taking a step toward stopping the dumping of some sediment dredged from harbors and rivers into Lake Erie.

Gov. John Kasich issued an executive order on Wednesday that will allow the state to set new dredging rules.

Ohio’s environmental regulators for decades have wanted to stop the federal agency that maintains the harbors along the lake from dumping into the water.

They’ve voiced concerns over how the sediment is affecting fish and water quality.

The governor’s office says the changes should mean that sediment scooped out of Cleveland’s harbor will continue to be put in a confined disposal facility.

At a glance

Ryan, Brown and Portman urge currency crackdown

U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Howland, and U.S. Sens. Rob Portman, a Republican, and Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, are among a bipartisan group of 10 lawmakers supporting proposals to stop other countries from skirting U.S. trade law by manipulating their currency.

Similar pieces of legislation introduced in the U.S. House and Senate on Tuesday would let the U.S. Department of Commerce treat currency manipulation as an illegal subsidy and impose countervailing duties to offset the impact on a U.S. industry.

Company moving from Niles to Weathersfield

WEATHERSFIELD – Township trustees at their meeting Tuesday announced that International Technical Polymer Systems Inc. in Niles will be moving this spring into the former Warren Fabricating building, 907 Main St.

Trustee Chairman Steve Gerberry said the zoning department issued the needed permits for the move, which is expected for May.

Founded in 1994, International Technical Polymer Systems Inc. is a plastics material and resin manufacturer and purchased the closed facility.

Cortland man attacked, cash, phone, pills stolen

WARREN – A Cortland resident told police a relative’s boyfriend hit him in the head with a hammer and robbed him of $150, a phone, a knife and a prescription medication at 8 p.m. Monday at a Maryland Street N.E. home.

Christopher Medzie, 49, of Bazetta Road, told police he had no prior confrontations with the man, who with another person, attacked him and ran away. Police said Medzie had a lump on his forehead and dried blood on his nose, but he refused medical attention.

Army recruiter to

address City Council

WARREN – An U.S. Army recruiter has been invited to say the Pledge of Allegiance and answer questions from the public prior to today’s City Council caucus at the Municipal Justice Center.

According to Councilman John Brown, D-3rd Ward, staff Sgt. Ryan Thomas will be talking about his battle experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan during several tours of duty. The public session with Thomas will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Council will go into caucus about 6:30 p.m., and the regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

At a glance

Kirwan, Berlin lakes part of flood prevention

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported this week that flood-risk management efforts in the Upper Ohio River Basin in fiscal year 2014 prevented about $143.9 million in flood damages.

Berlin Lake and Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir in northeast Ohio greatly contributed to reducing flood waters along the Ohio River during heavy rains in December 2013, when the northern half of the Upper Ohio River basin received two inches of rain in two days. Rivers rose sharply and flood elevations on the Ohio River were reduced by 4.8 feet at Pittsburgh and 8.2 feet at New Martinsville, W.Va.

Of the estimated $69.3 million in total flood damages prevented by the district’s 16 reservoirs during those rains, Berlin Lake and Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir contributed approximately $46.3 million in flood damage reduction benefits.

Lordstown board won’t hear complaint

LORDSTOWN – The board of education here Monday voted 4-0 not to hear a complaint from the Lordstown Teachers Association regarding pay days during holidays.

Superintendent Terry Armstrong said the grievance was heard by principals and himself before being presented to the school board, as is the process. He said the matter now is in the hands of the union as to whether they press for change. A representative from the union was unable to be reached Monday.

Police find evidence of drug-making material

WARREN – Police here found evidence of drug making at 574 Hillsdale Drive N.W. after responding there early Thursday morning for an unknown problem, according to a police report.

“Although there was no meth lab per se,” Lt. John Yuricek said, “we found various components and items on the scene that could be used for one.”

A man at the home, Christian Tatum, 38, 717 Knox Ave. N.W.,was arrested by police on a warrant for receiving stolen property, according to the report. Tatum, who is free on bond, pleaded not guilty to the charge and is due to return to Warren Municipal Court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

Truck overturns in morning crash on I-76

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – A tractor trailer traveling east on Interstate 76 struck the rear of a Buick, causing the truck to flip over shortly after 7 a.m. Monday.

The driver of the car, Diane Gordon, 58, of Youngstown, received minor injuries. The truck driver, Lawrence Homan, 58, of Chickasaw, also received minor injuries. Homan was cited with not maintaining a safe distance.

The crash caused one lane of the road to be closed temporarily. Police said Gordon was traveling at a reduced speed because she was concerned about about possible icy conditions. Weather was not deemed a factor in the crash.

Police investigating death of man near bar

YOUNGSTOWN – Police are investigating Saturday’s shooting death of Dejuan Thomas, 33, of Youngstown, that took place outside of Partner’s Jazz Lounge, 732 Oak Hill Ave.

Thomas was sitting in a vehicle at about 2 a.m., when he was shot. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where he died of the gunshot wounds. No arrest have been made.

15-year-old pleads guilty in slayings

AKRON – A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in the sledgehammer slayings of a couple and could face life in prison without parole.

Jamall Vaughn signed a guilty plea on Friday, court records show. Vaughn was 14 in April 2013, when Margaret Schobert, 59, and Jeffrey Schobert, 56, of New Franklin were bludgeoned to death.

Authorities say Jeffrey Schobert was the first to be killed. He had several superficial knife wounds believed to have been inflicted by Vaughn.

Staff, wire reports

The teens then used Jeffrey Schobert’s cellphone to text Margaret Schobert and urge her to come home from a hospital where she was staying with her daughter, Chelsea, who had been stabbed and beaten 10 days earlier by Ford because she had refused him sex at a party, prosecutors said. Despite her parents’ protests, Chelsea and Ford were dating at the time.

At a glance

Tribune seeks Trumbull County romantic spots

What do you love about being in love in Trumbull County? This Valentine’s Day weekend, the Tribune Chronicle will highlight the best local spots for romance.

We want to know your favorite places to go on a date, have a drink with someone special or the perfect spots to say “I do.” Did Grandma and Grandpa meet on the steps of the McKinley Memorial? Did your best friend have her engagement photos taken in the Women’s Park in downtown Warren? Or maybe you went on your first date with your sweetheart at the JibJab in Girard. Send us your pictures and / or about the most romantic spots in Trumbull County.

The deadline is Tuesday.

Email submissions to Mary Beth Wyko at mwyko@tribtoday.com.

Memorial to Marine unit returns to Statehouse

COLUMBUS – A memorial paying tribute to a central Ohio-based Marine reserve that lost 22 Marines and a Navy Corpsman in Iraq in 2005 once again can be viewed at Ohio’s Statehouse.

Display of the exhibit honoring the members of the Columbus-based Lima Company continues from Monday through Feb. 22 in the Statehouse rotunda. The exhibit that was first displayed at the Statehouse in 2008 has been viewed at 130 sites across the country. Fifteen of the 23 who died were from Ohio.

The memorial includes paintings, names, statistics and boots of those killed, with space for visitors to leave mementos.

New footrace includes lap of Goodyear’s track

AKRON – Akron Marathon organizers say a new footrace sponsored by Goodyear will send runners on a lap around the tire maker’s restricted-access test track in northeast Ohio.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports the new half-marathon and 10-kilometer race will start and end at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. headquarters and include a lap of the company’s Akron Proving Grounds.

Saff, wire reports

At a glance

Local businessman named to national post

YOUNGSTOWN – Mike Garvey, president and CEO of M-7 Technologies, an engineering, manufacturing and research firm in Youngstown, was appointed to a three-year term on the advisory committee of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“The extraordinary work Mike has done at M-7 Technology, America Makes, and throughout his career makes him the perfect addition to NIST,” U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Howland, said.

Garvey is a founder and governing board member of America Makes, the national institute established in 2012 as a pilot for a national network of manufacturing institutes.

Garvey began his career with the Wall Street firm of Wagner, Stott and Co., trading equities on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1985, he returned to Ohio to help his ailing father rebuild the family’s manufacturing business.

NIST is the federal technology agency that works with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards.

Officer hits suspect while shooting at dogs

COLUMBUS – Columbus police say a suspect was shot when an officer fired at aggressive dogs while trying to arrest the man at his home.

Police said 28-year-old James England was in critical condition following the Friday morning incident on the city’s south side.

A release says England was shot twice after he struggled with officers trying to arrest him on a warrant for felonious assault.

During the struggle, two dogs on the patio became aggressive with the officers, the release said. One officer fired at the dogs as another officer used his stun gun on England.

England retreated into the house and was found lying in a hallway with two gunshot wounds. The dogs were removed by animal-control personnel.

Girl, 11, in custody in death of 2-month-old

WICKLIFFE – Police say an 11-year-old girl is being held in a northeast Ohio juvenile detention center after a 2-month-old girl died under suspicious circumstances.

A news release from police in the Cleveland suburb of Wickliffe says emergency personnel were called to an apartment complex around 3:45 a.m. Friday for a baby in distress. Police say the infant was taken to a nearby hospital and then flown to a pediatric care center in Cleveland where she died of extensive internal injuries.

The release says the baby’s death is considered suspicious. Lt. Pat Hengst said Friday it’s believed the 11-year-old played some role in the infant’s death but would not elaborate.

Officer in nude photos case gets early release

CINCINNATI – A former Cincinnati police officer who pleaded guilty to receiving nude photos from a minor is getting out of prison early.

A judge granted early release Thursday to 46-year-old Darrell Beavers, who began serving a 1-year sentence in November for attempting to tamper with evidence and use of a minor in nudity oriented material or performance. Court officials say Beavers will serve about six months in county jail and a three-month home confinement with electronic monitoring.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Chagrin Falls man fights drive-through dispute

GIRARD – A 63-year-old Chagrin Falls man said he refused to plead guilty to disorderly conduct for an incident at a drive-through because he suspected inaccuracies in the police report.

Allen Segedy of Country Lane appeared in a pre-trial hearing Wednesday at Girard Municipal Court in connection to the Jan. 3 dispute at Burger King, 322 S. State St.

Segedy said that an employee got his order wrong and refused to return a coupon and money without his signature. He refused to move his vehicle from the second drive-through window and an employee called the police to have him removed.

The employee told police that Segedy threw the food at her. An officer who was at the scene testified that Segedy used profanity and complained that the drive-through window was too high up.

Segedy turned down a deal to have the $150 fine reduced in exchange for a guilty plea. He said he’s filed complaints with the mayor, the corporation, the owner, the police department and the state’s attorney general.

A trial is scheduled Feb. 18.

Warren man sentenced to 4 months for punch

WARREN – A 39-year-old Warren man was sentenced to 120 days in Trumbull County Jail and placed on five years probation Wednesday after pleading guilty earlier to a fourth-degree felony charge of aggravated assault in connection with a punch thrown at a man nearly two years ago.

Jody Riley had also paid $20,000 in restitution in September when he pleaded guilty to the charge that had been reduced from a charge of felonious assault.

He was charged in connection with the assault on Kevin Jenkins, 36, of Warren, who was struck in the back of the head outside the ITAM 26 Club on High Street N.E. in February 2013. Jenkins, who had since moved to Oklahoma City, died about a month after Riley pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

A coroner’s report in Oklahoma indicates Jenkins died of an accidental drug overdose, although family members in court Wednesday told the judge they blamed the death on the punch that Riley threw at Jenkins.

Braceville, Hartford purchase vehicles

Township trustees in Braceville and Hartford this week approved the purchases of two new vehicles.

Braceville Trustee Chairman Todd Brewster said a $33,000 Ford Interceptor vehicle was approved for the police department through state purchasing program and a $31,000 pickup truck with a snow plow for the road department.

In Hartford, trustees finalized a loan with Cortland Banks for a $32,000 Ford Explorer police cruiser from Mark Thomas Ford. The vehicle was purchased through state purchasing program.

Fiscal Officer Kristine Wilson said the vehicle has been delivered and decal and other additional work are being done before it is placed on the roads.

Smoking moms find help in Trumbull County

WARREN – The Trumbull County Department of Health is offering a free “Baby and Me, Tobacco Free” program for pregnant women who need help to quit smoking.

The department received a grant from the Ohio Department of Health to put on the program.

Nearly 17 percent of Ohio babies are born by mothers who smoke, according to the state health department. The consequences can include miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth and low birth weight.

“The thing is they are strongly motivated when they are pregnant to quit for their babies,” county nurse Kathy Parilla said. “Their anxiety is more postpartum – how do I stay quit?”

The program also rewards women who stay smoke-free with a $25 vouchers for diapers for up to a year as long as they stay quit.

Parilla said a study that followed the program for three years showed that six months after giving birth the majority of women were still not smoking. Women who are interested in the program can contact Parilla or Beverly Cope at the county health department, 330-675-2489.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Infante files to run

for 7th mayoral term

WARREN – Niles Mayor Ralph Infante said he is running for a seventh term, in part, because he wants to help Niles pull itself out of financial distress.

The city is in fiscal emergency and officials have been working with the state rid Niles of it’s financial issues.

“It was a big determining factor,” Infante said. “I can’t leave the way it is now. I want to bring it back … continue to do improvements and get that general fund back to where it should be. It’s going to take a lot of streamlining and I think I am the most qualified person, through my years of experience, to bring it back.”

Infante, surrounded by a core groups of supporters that includedseveral county and city officials, filed paperwork at the Trumbull County Board of Elections on Tuesday to seek re-election.

So far, only Thomas Scarnecchia, a former at large councilman in Niles, has filed to challenge Infante in the May Democratic primary election. There is, however, a possibility that others may file by today’s deadline. No Republicans have filed yet to seek the party nomination.

Bazetta trustees pick

six for parks board

BAZETTA – Township trustees on Monday appointed six residents to the Parks and Recreation Board.

Getting tapped for terms on the parks board were Steve Belcher, Karin Hudson, Robert Giering, Ron Jones, Arnie Roman and Eleanor Governor.

Cortland council appoints Bell to planning panel

CORTLAND – Approved the mayor’s appointment of city resident Don Bell to the Planning, Zoning and Building Commission for a five-year, unpaid term.

Council also scheduled the council’s next meeting for 7 p.m. Feb. 17, rescheduled because of Presidents Day on Feb. 16.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Vienna fire responds to Sunday house fire

VIENNA – A smoke alarm alerted a resident, who escaped his burning home early Sunday.

A Vienna Township Fire Department spokesman said crews were called out at 12:14 a.m. to Warren Sharon Road near Scoville Drive where the home was fully engulfed and flames were coming from the windows.

Fire crews from the Air Reserve Station, Bazetta, Brookfield, Howland, and Fowler assisted Vienna.

The East Market Street overpass on Route 11 was closed for a several hours as the smoke was heavy.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates were available, but there was extensive smoke and fire damage throughout the house, according to the fire department.

The name of the resident was not released.

Today is deadline to nominate Star

WARREN – Today is the final day to submit nominations for the 2015 class of Community Stars.

The Community Stars program, in its 14th year, recognizes volunteers who go above and beyond to make a measurable impact in the lives of others. The 10 individuals selected will be honored at a March 24 banquet at Packard Music Hall.

Nominations should include an explanation of what makes the nominee stand out. Photographs and documents to support an individual’s nomination are optional.

Nominations can be emailed to Sue Shafer at sshafer@tribtoday.com or delivered to the Tribune Chronicle, 240 Franklin St. S.E., Warren, OH 44483. Forms are available through tribtoday.com and in the newspaper.

Tribune seeks Trumbull County romantic spots

What do you love about being in love in Trumbull County? This Valentine’s Day weekend, the Tribune Chronicle will highlight the best local spots for romance.

We want to know your favorite places to go on a date, have a drink with someone special or the perfect spots to say “I do.” Did Grandma and Grandpa meet on the steps of the McKinley Memorial? Did your best friend have her engagement photos taken in the Women’s Park in downtown Warren? Or maybe you went on your first date with your sweetheart at the JibJab in Girard. Send us your pictures and / or information about the most romantic spots in Trumbull County.

The deadline is Feb. 10.

Email submissions to Mary Beth Wyko at mwyko@tribtoday.com.

2nd suspect at-large in slaying of couple

NEW PHILADELPHIA – Authorities say one of the men charged with murder in the abduction and slayings of an elderly couple from Strasburg has implicated a second suspect who remains at-large.

The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement on its Facebook page Saturday night announcing the arrest of 21-year-old Jeffery Stewart in the slayings of 88-year-old Doyle Chumney and his 79-year-old wife, Lillian. The couple was reported missing Jan. 21 after they failed to meet their son. Their badly burned remains were found in their car on a rural road the next day.

Authorities are looking for 29-year-old Robert Clark. Police say Clark is likely armed and should be considered dangerous. He is described as 6 foot 3 and 350 pounds.

Toledo mayor in critical condition

TOLEDO – The mayor of Toledo was in critical condition in a hospital intensive care unit after suffering a heart attack Sunday while driving around the city checking on road conditions during a snowstorm.

Mayor D. Michael Collins, 70, crashed into a utility pole around 2 p.m. after going into cardiac arrest, Dr. Christopher Cooper, a cardiologist and dean of the University of Toledo medical school, said at a news conference. Cooper said it was too early to give a prognosis on Collins’ recovery.

A passer-by who saw Collins’ crashed SUV got inside the vehicle and gave him cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency personnel arrived.

Staff, wire reports

Collins was not conscious at the time.

Councilwoman Paula Hicks-Hudson, who was sworn in as acting mayor, praised the unidentified passer-by who rendered first aid to the mayor.

“The act of this one person who was there at our mayor’s time of need shows this is a great city,” Hicks-Hudson said at the news conference. Officials did not take questions from the media.

Collins is a retired Toledo police officer who was elected to the City Council in 2007. An independent, he unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2009. Four years later, he beat incumbent Michael Bell, also an independent, by a comfortable margin. He took office as mayor of Ohio’s fourth-largest city in January 2014.

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