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At a glance

Wounded man treated after Warren shooting

WARREN – Police are investigating a shooting that occurred at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Fourth Street near Hayes Avenue SW. A witness said a man got out of a car and started shooting.

Officers said they found a wounded man inside a home, according to Sgt. Bryan Holmes. The man was taken to Trumbull Memorial Hospital to be treated. The extent of his injuries was not released.

No arrests have been made, nor have police commented on what happened.

Two teens are killed in Canton car crash

CANTON – Two teens are dead and another is seriously injured after a crash in Canton.

The State Highway Patrol says all three were thrown from their vehicle early Saturday and that none of them were wearing seatbelts.

The Stark County Coroner’s office tells The Repository newspaper in Canton that a 15-year-old and a 19-year-old died at the scene.

The patrol says details about the crash aren’t available yet.

Girl drowns in pond in Marion County

COLUMBUS – A family is mourning for a toddler who drown in a pond on the same day her mother gave birth to her brother.

Authorities in Marion County, which is north of Columbus, say 18-month-old Jaylynn Adamson had been staying with a relative while her mom was at the hospital.

Lt. Jason Dutton of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says the little girl was found in the pond Friday morning. She was pronounced dead at Marion General Hospital, where her mother was in labor.

David Adamson, an uncle of the children’s father, tells The Columbus Dispatch that the girl’s mother gave birth to a son later that day.

The sheriff’s office isn’t saying who found the little girl in the pond or releasing other details about the drowning.

11 bodies found at funeral home

TOLEDO – Authorities in Ohio are investigating a funeral home in Toledo where 11 bodies were discovered in a damp room. They say the bodies were supposed to be cremated but instead were being stored in cremation boxes and body bags.

The Lucas County coroner’s office says the bodies of 10 adults and an infant born prematurely were found Friday.

A deputy coroner says most of the deaths were of a medical nature so autopsies aren’t necessary.

Dr. Diane Barnett says the concern is over the condition of the bodies and their identification. She tells The Blade newspaper that at least one body had been at the funeral home since January.

Barnett says the most recent death occurred about two weeks ago.

Toledo police helped state authorities remove the bodies and are investigating what happened.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Police: Bazetta motorist clocked at 106 mph

BAZETTA – A township man is facing a slew of charges after police said they clocked him driving 106 mph on Elm Road 1 a.m. Friday, according to a police report.

Dylan Lee Miles, 20, 3053 Ivy Hill Circle, was a short distance from his home when an officer said his radar gun captured Miles’ speed.

The report states Miles failed several field sobriety tests and his blood-alcohol content level was .245, about three times the legal .08 legal limit in Ohio.

Miles was charged with driving under the influence, speeding, reckless operation of a vehicle and not wearing a seat belt. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Trumbull County Central District Court on Wednesday.

Warren woman charged in burglary

WARREN – A woman police said was leaving a jailed man’s home through the window pleaded not guilty Friday in Warren Municipal Court, according to police and court records.

An officer reported spotting Heather A. Taylor, 27, 427 Hall St. NW, throwing a purse out a window in the 100 block of Nevada Avenue NW around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Taylor first gave police a false name, then said she had permission to be at the home, police said. However, she was unable to describe the resident, Antonio Jackson, who is in Trumbull County Jail on a child endangering charge, the report and court records state.

Police said that in Taylor’s purse, they found a crack pipe and a credit card in Jackson’s name. Jackson told deputies at the jail that no one had permission to be in his home or possess his credit card.

Taylor was arrested on a warrant for drug possession and was charged with burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia and falsification. She is being held without bond at the jail and is scheduled to appear in municipal court June 8.

Man pistol-whipped in Warren home

WARREN – A man was pistol-whipped during an armed home invasion on Comstock Avenue NW around 9 p.m. Thursday, according to a police report.

Michael Sallaz, 53, and a friend, Curt Elser, told police they were in Sallaz’ living room when two men they did not know came in front door. One of the men – both are described by Sallaz as black, in their 30s, about 5 foot 8 inches tall and 150 pounds – was holding a silver handgun, the report states.

According to the police report, the man pointed the gun at Sallaz and told him to get on the on the ground, Sallaz did, and the men took Elser into another room. The two took a $100 cell phone and demanded money from Elser – and then pistol-whipped him when he couldn’t produce any, the police report states.

The intruders ran back out the front door with the phone only, the report states.

Elser was bleeding but left before police arrived, Sallaz told police.

ODOT projects slow Trumbull traffic

Road construction traffic advisories were announced Friday by the Ohio Department of Transportation:

l As a part of a $1 million project, from Monday until October, the portion of Newton Falls Bailey Road over Duck Creek will be closed for bridge replacement. The recommended detour is Kale Adams Road to Layer Road to Risher Road to North Leavitt Road.

l The $600,000 effort to resurface parts of state routes 46 and 169 will cause lane restrictions in Niles and is scheduled to be finished by late August. The affected portion of Route 46 is between State Street and Route 169 and between Niles Vienna Road and U.S. Route 422. The area of Route 169 affected is between Federal Street and Route 422.

l In Weathersfield and Girard, there will be lane restrictions from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Sunday on Interstate 80 eastbound as part of a $91.5 million project to widen Interstate 80 between state routes 11 and 193.

Tribune Chronicle

Arson suspect in fire that destroys house

WARREN – An early Friday morning fire destroyed an abandoned house at 2819 Draper St. SE. Firefighters believe the blaze was set intentionally, fire Chief Ken Nussle said.

Firefighters were called out at 3:20 a.m. Friday and found the house fully engulfed in flames. An exterior wall and the roof collapsed, Nussle said.

The house valued at $25,000 is considered a total loss. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were at the scene until about 5 p.m., Nussle said.

At a glance

Bullet hits bedroom while teen sleeps

WARREN – A bullet fired into a Warren teen’s bedroom shot through a metal headboard, nearly striking the girl as she slept Wednesday night, police said.

Police were called just before 10 p.m. to 2144 Niles Road SE, where the resident told them someone shot into her home, nearly striking her 17-year-old granddaughter.

Police discovered a hole in a wall of the upstairs bedroom which faces Niles Road. The bullet passed through the headboard, struck the top edge of a dresser and bounced backward, landing on the floor next to the bed, the police report states.

According to the report, the shot was fired from somewhere between the corner of Niles Road at Milton and the residence. The resident said she did not know who fired the shot, the report states.

Diocese names new school superintendent

YOUNGSTOWN – After a national search, Bishop George Murry appointed Mary Fiala as superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Youngstown. Fiala has served as acting superintendent since November.

As educational leader of the six-county diocese, the superintendent directs 24 elementary and six secondary schools serving 6,800 students. The superintendent coordinates the Office of Catholic Schools and represents the diocese on educational matters.

Fiala joined the diocesan staff in 2011 as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. She had been principal in Canton and Canal Fulton and prior to being a principal, was a classroom teacher at St. Paul School, North Canton.

Murry said Fiala brings to the position ”many years of experience in Catholic school administration.”

Two girls admit to assault of autistic girl

CLEVELAND – A juvenile court spokeswoman in Cleveland says two 12-year-old girls have pleaded guilty to delinquency charges in an assault last month on an 11-year-old autistic girl.

The two girls pleaded guilty to abduction, rioting and assault on Wednesday in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. The spokeswoman says the girls have been ordered not to contact the victim and remain under home detention. Their sentencing is scheduled for June 10.

A police report says the girl was attacked at a Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority complex on April 25.

A 30-year-old Cleveland woman was arrested for allegedly goading the 12-year-olds to attack the autistic girl. Her case has been referred to the grand jury.

Judge dismisses case over toothless bear

MEDINA – A judge has dismissed a civil case by a northeast Ohio couple who want to keep their toothless, 41-year-old black bear despite not getting a required state permit.

A Medina County judge ruled the court could have jurisdiction to consider an injunction if the animal were seized but can’t appropriately address that yet because the state hasn’t tried to remove the bear.

Jeffrey and Debra Gillium of Lodi argue the caged male bear, Archie, is old and unlikely to escape. They say they weren’t adequately notified about the law and that moving or tranquilizing him would threaten his life.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says their permit application was submitted long after the deadline.

Cow is shot after escaping beef plant

CINCINNATI – Authorities say a cow got a short reprieve from a Cincinnati slaughterhouse before it was fatally shot.

It happened at about 11 a.m. Wednesday when the cow escaped from Tri State Beef Company. The cow tromped through traffic before a slaughterhouse worker ended up catching up with the animal.

The worker shot it twice with a rifle after the cow charged at him.

No one was injured and police say they aren’t investigating the incident.

At a glance

Deputy discipline decision delayed

WARREN – Lawyers are now involved in the disciplinary process determining what punishment a Trumbull County sheriff’s deputy should face, if any, after a racially controversial Facebook post, further delaying a decision, Sheriff Tom Altiere said Wednesday.

Altiere, who recommended Deputy Michael Geer be fired before a disciplinary hearing Thursday, said negotiations are ongoing between his office and Geer’s lawyer.

1 hurt in Warren during gunfire

WARREN – At least one blast from a shotgun was fired and one person was wounded during a brief standoff with police Wednesday just before midnight.

An officer called out about 11:45 p.m. that a man stepped outside of 1104 Harrison St. NE, at the corner of Charles Avenue NE, fired his shotgun and went back into the house, where he held a woman inside, according to police radio traffic.

About five minutes later, there was a report of one person wounded and being detained. The man came out of the house about 11:50 p.m. and was taken into custody, according to the police radio. An ambulance was called and a woman was taken to the station for questioning.

Police remained on the scene early this morning and did not return calls for additional information.

Information will be posted at www.tribtoday. com as available.

Braceville takes survey for plan

BRACEVILLE – Braceville Township and the Trumbull County Planning Commission are working on a comprehensive plan for the future of the township. The plan will look at the physical design and needs of the community and will set goals and projects for development.

Fiscal Officer Tom Shay said residents are encouraged to complete a community survey at bracevilletownship.com or pick up a copy at the planning commission.

The deadline to complete the survey is June 5.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Bail denied in stalking case

WARREN – A man accused of stalking a young city girl remains in Trumbull County Jail after a Warren Municipal Court judge denied him bail Tuesday, according to court records.

Lonnie Watson, 57, 1022 Euclid Drive NE, was charged with felony menacing by stalking Friday in the May 13 incident, court records show. Judge Terry F. Ivanchak ordered Watson undergo a psychological exam.

He is scheduled to appear Monday in municipal court for a preliminary hearing.

Woman accused of endangering

WARREN – A 26-year-old city woman charged with driving under the influence and endangering her 11-month old child pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Warren Municipal Court.

Donna L. Lawhorn, 6350 Highland Ave. SW, was also cited with failure to assured clear distance in a two-car crash 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Sheetz on Elm Road.

A cold can of Mike’s Hard Lemonade was found in the front of the car, the police report states. Lawhorn failed sobriety tests, and according to the report, her blood-alcohol content was .109. A person with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or greater is considered impaired by Ohio law.

Lawhorn is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial in municipal court for the misdemeanor counts July 8.

Southington, TCESC score well

The Southington Local School District and the Trumbull County Educational Service Center were awarded clean audit awards Tuesday.

Eligibility for the award included filing timely reports and audits returning with no findings for recovery of money or significant deficiencies. The entity’s management letter also contained no comments related to ethics referrals, questions over costs less than $10,000, or on public meetings or public records.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Warren house fire call leads to drug find

WARREN – Police took what they said is a marijuana plant and marijuana growing supplies from a home at 235 Montclair St. NE on Monday after firefighters were called there for smoke coming from the house.

Firefighters, called to the house at about 5 p.m. when a neighbor reported the smoke, called police after finding the plant and other items on the second floor while searching the house for damage, according to Warren Assistant fire Chief Bill Monrean. Police arrived shortly after and took the plant and supplies.

Warren police Sgt. Greg Coleman said police will investigate.

Firefighters found the smoke was caused by a coffee pot that had been left on the stove, Gadd said. The home was not damaged. No one was at the home when firefighters and police arrived.

Trumbull County veterans sought for feature stories

WARREN – Continuing with a tradition that began in 2003, the Tribune Chronicle will tell the stories of local veterans in profiles that will be published every Monday from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

If you are a armed services veteran from Trumbull County or know someone who is and would like to be profiled, contact Assistant Metro Editor Burton Cole at 330-841-1738, or email bcole@tribtoday.com; or Metro Editor Ron Selak Jr. at 330-841-1785, rselak@tribtoday.com.

Veterans from all branches of services in all eras are welcome to share their stories of service to their country. Everyone profiled is also invited to take part in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Warren.

Anglers urged to monitor live bait for juvenile Asian carp

LANSING, Mich. – State fishery regulators are asking anglers to monitor live bait purchases for juvenile Asian carp.

The struggle to prevent bighead and silver carp from reaching the Great Lakes has drawn lots of attention. But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the invasive fish also pose a threat to inland waters.

Juvenile Asian carp might be confused with common baitfish such as gizzard shad, emerald shiner, spottail shiner or golden shiner.

Officials say people mistakenly could bring them into Michigan from areas that have breeding Asian carp populations.

Characteristics that can identify them include body color; scale pattern; eye size and location on the head; mouth shape and location; and presence or absence of keels on the fish’s bottom side.

A video showing the telltale signs is available at www.michigan.gov/asiancarp .

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Remembering the fallen

WARREN – Members of Fraternal Order of Police Frank Spano Lodge 12 in Warren will hold a fallen police officers memorial service 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near the Veterans Memorial and Log Cabin in downtown Warren.

The annual service will honor police officers killed in the line of duty with the placement of a wreath at the police officer memorial.

Trumbull County veterans sought for feature stories

WARREN – Continuing with a tradition that began in 2003, the Tribune Chronicle will tell the stories of local veterans in profiles that will be published every Monday from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

If you are a armed services veteran from Trumbull County or know someone who is and would like to be profiled, contact Assistant Metro Editor Burton Cole at 330-841-1738, or email bcole@tribtoday.com; or Metro Editor Ron Selak Jr. at 330-841-1785, rselak@tribtoday.com.

Veterans from all branches of services in all eras are welcome to share their stories of service to their country. Everyone profiled is also invited to take part in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Warren.

WWII vet to receive honorary diploma from Ohio high school

SPRINGFIELD – A 92-year-old World War II veteran is slated to receive an honorary diploma from his Ohio high school after he left early more than seven decades ago to fight in the war.

The Dayton Daily News reports that Charles Benning plans to wear a cap and gown Thursday to accept his diploma from Yellow Springs High School. He will join more than 50 teenage graduates at the ceremony.

Benning served in a unit of black soldiers in the Army. He was a platoon sergeant in an ambulance company that ferried wounded Americans, French and Germans from the battlefields of Normandy and beyond.

Benning’s grandson says he approached the school about awarding the diploma, knowing his grandfather regretted not having the opportunity.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Trumbull County veterans sought for feature stories

WARREN – Continuing with a tradition that began in 2003, the Tribune Chronicle will tell the stories of local veterans in profiles that will be published every Monday from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

If you are an armed services veteran from Trumbull County or know someone who is and would like to be profiled, contact Assistant Metro Editor Burton Cole at 330-841-1738, or email bcole@tribtoday.com; or Metro Editor Ron Selak Jr. at 330-841-1785, rselak@tribtoday.com.

Veterans from all branches of services in all eras are welcome to share their stories of service to their country. Everyone profiled is also invited to take part in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Warren.

Boy dies after being struck by father’s car in driveway

WILLOUGHBY – Police in northeast Ohio say a 4-year-old boy struck when his father pulled into the driveway has died from his injuries.

Police say the boy was struck around 9:45 a.m. Saturday. The boy’s 40-year-old father was pulling his Hummer into the driveway of their Willoughby home when the boy rode his toy front-end loader in front of the vehicle. The Hummer struck the boy, who was transported to a nearby hospital and later died from his injuries.

Willoughby police continue to investigate, but say they don’t suspect alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Police search for young vandals

WARREN – Police are examining surveillance footage in hopes of identifying a group of teen boys who vandalized and stole from Main Lite Electric, 3000 Sferra Ave. NW, according to the police report.

The 40-minute video shows three boys who appear to be 12 to 16 at 8:20 p.m. Monday crossing onto the property from the bike trail, according to the report. The boys used a piece of wood to break out a trailer’s tail lights, tried to set a storage box on fire with grass and brush, and rolled a large spool of wire off the property, the report states.

Police said $270 worth of damage was done.

Litter grants go to Warren, Youngstown

Warren, Youngstown and the Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District are among 41 local governments in Ohio that will share $599,445 from the state for litter cleanup events and tire amnesty programs.

Warren will receive $35,000; Youngstown, $23,225; and the solid waste management district, $2,000 from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, according to a news release on Friday. The cleanup up events will involve volunteers and be done on public property.

Warren Farmers Market season begins June 2

WARREN – The 2015 season for the Warren Farmers Market will be June 2 through Oct. 6 at Courthouse Square in downtown Warren. The market will run 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays.

Free parking is available in the parking deck on Franklin Street SW.

In addition to the fresh food vendors, the market will have live music, nutrition education, yoga and cook demonstrations. The Ohio Direction Card, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Boat patrol begins at Mosquito Lake

BAZETTA – The Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office will begin a weekend and holiday boat patrol on Memorial Day.

Sheriff Tom Altiere said the deputies that will work the patrol are being trained at the Mosquito Lake State Park boat launch Friday and today.

The patrol was made possible when the office acquired a boat through the federal surplus equipment program, Deputy Ty Kata said. Kata was able to apply for a grant to fund the patrol after he picked the boat up for free from a military base.

No mail delivery on Monday

WARREN – U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed and only express mail will be delivered on the Memorial Day holiday.

Normal mail delivery will resume and the post offices will reopen Tuesday.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Warren man pleads in September raid

WARREN – The target of a city drug bust in September is awaiting sentencing after he changed his plea Thursday to guilty in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

City police raided Traver Williams’ 1508 Deerfield SW home Sept. 18 and said they discovered an ounce of crack cocaine, a quarter ounce of heroin, three handguns, 10 digital scales and approximately $30,700.

On July 16, Williams, 37, will be sentenced on four felony counts – possession of cocaine, possession of heroin, aggravated possession of drugs and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Two levies going on Nov. 3 ballot

WARREN – Levies that fund services for the developmentally disabled and senior citizens in Trumbull County will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Voters will be asked to renew a 2.25-mill, 10-year levy for Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a 0.75-mill, five-year levy to maintain senior citizens services or facilities.

The levy, approved in 2005, raises about $7.2 million for the agency. The senior levy, approved by voters in 2005, raises about $2.4 million a year. An owner of a $100,000 home will continue to pay about $79 a year for the Trumbull DD levy and about $26 a year for the senior levy.

County commissioners on Wednesday voted to put the levies on the ballot.

Woman, dog escape Vernon house fire

VERNON – The Burghill-Vernon Fire Department extinguished a house fire Thursday morning.

Margaret Elser of 5834 Warner Road called about 6 a.m. to report dark black smoke inside of her home, coming from the roof. A plume of smoke could be seen from state Route 88, firefighter said.

The only occupants at the time of the call were Elser and her dog. Two men, one woman and a newborn also live at the residence but were not home at the time, firefighters said.

Current and future Niles chiefs to meet

NILES – The future Niles superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen will be meeting with retiring superintendent Frank Danso over the summer to create a smooth transition into the position.

The board of education approved an interim associate superintendent contract with Thigpen for about $400 per day, as needed.

Board president Tony Perrone said this will allow Thigpen to meet with Danso a few times a week in July after her contract as district administrator with Howland Local Schools has expired and before Danso is finished July 31.

Thigpen was named the new superintendent at the beginning of May. She was chosen from a pool of 14 applicants and will earn $105,000 annually.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Arrest warrants issued

in home aide’s stabbing

WARREN – A home health aide told police she was stabbed after two women attacked her in the Cranwood Drive SW home she was working in Monday, according to a police report.

Belle Dawson, 51, of Oak Street SW, told police she believes she was attacked by friends of a man charged with domestic violence after an altercation with a family member earlier that day. She suffered a 1-inch cut to her side and was treated at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, the police report states.

Warrants on felonious assault charges were issued through Warren Municipal Court for Sauquita Moore, 25, 714 Lener Ave. SW, and Jacqueline Moore, 53, 169 Oregon Ave. NW.

Warren man charged

in cousin’s stabbing

WARREN – A 54-year-old city man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a charge of felonious assault in Warren Municipal Court after his cousin said he stabbed him in the arm just after midnight, according to police and court records.

Jeffrey Hadden, 54, is accused of stabbing Robert Sisco Jr. at their home, 734 Fifth St. SW.

Officers found Hadden mumbling and covered in blood in his bedroom, a police report states. Sisco was treated for the “large laceration” at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.

Hadden, who is being held at the Trumbull County Jail in lieu of $35,000 bond, told police he was protecting himself and his property. Sisco told police he was sleeping on the couch when the confrontation began, according to the report.

OVI Task Force plans Mahoning checkpoints

Over the course of the weekend, the Mahoning County OVI Task Force will have checkpoints set up to watch for impaired drivers.

Although authorities will be on the lookout for any criminal or traffic violation, the checkpoints are intended to curb drunken driving.

There will be multiple checkpoints set up around the county with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Department of Transportation and Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, according to the task force.

Thiel alums donate

to research center

GREENVILLE, Pa. – More than $400,000 has been pledged by alumni of Thiel College to fund the Greenville Neuromodulation Center Faculty and Student Research Institute.

Fred Haer, who graduated in 1965, and his wife Jill, who graduated in 1966 from Thiel, are giving $135,000 a year for three years to pay for research projects and a summer research institute that focus on connecting science and liberal arts at Thiel.

The research institute beings this summer and the projects are set to begin in January.

The institute is open to all Thiel College faculty members, but will mostly be used for interdisciplinary science activities.

The Haers founded the Bowdoin, Maine-based FHC Inc. neuroscience technology company in 1970.

At a glance

Five injured in

I-680 accident

YOUNGSTOWN – A Youngstown police spokesman said the driver of a minivan with five occupants – two adults and three children – lost control of the vehicle and crashed around 6 p.m. near the South Avenue exit.

The vehicle smashed into the median and flipped over.

Police were trying to determine whether another vehicle was involved. Officers said all of the van’s occupants were taken to a local hospital where they were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic was backed in the area for about an hour as crews worked to clear the scene.

No other information was available.

Liberty Relay For Life

raises $46,000 for ACS

LIBERTY – The Niles Relay For Life, held Friday and Saturday at the Liberty High School football stadium, raised $46,000 for the American Cancer Society for research to find a cure for cancer.

Pam Marshall, ACS Relay for Life senior manager, said 12 participating teams from Girard, Hubbard, Liberty and McDonald raised the funds during the 24-hour relay.

The Liberty relay was the third in Trumbull County this month. Previous ones were Niles and Warren.

Upcoming relays are Cortland, June 5 and 6, and Newton Falls/ Lordstown, June 12 and 13.

Marshall said the teams are doing additional fundraising.

Mecca trustees

reschedule meeting

MECCA – Mecca Township trustees have moved their meeting that was scheduled for today to 7 p.m. Thursday at the township hall.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Accident off Route 711 caused by wrong-way driver

GIRARD – A portion of the 711 Connector here was shut down briefly Saturday after a crash that was caused by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on an exit ramp at Gypsy Lane.

According to Girard Police, Marie Reed Ashforth, 77, of Lyndhurst, was driving north on the southbound exit ramp of the 711 Connector at Gypsy Lane at 11:24 a.m. Saturday when her 2011 Nissan Pathfinder collided with a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, driven by Dajuan Underwood, 34, of Youngstown. Underwood was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital following the accident. The road reopened by 12:14 p.m., according to Girard police.

Ashforth was cited for diving the wrong way on a one-way street / off ramp. Underwood was cited for driving under suspension, police said.

Pilot program studying public paddling in river

PENINSULA- The National Park Service is working with Kent State University to look at opening up the Cuyahoga River for canoeing and kayaking.

Small private groups will be taking trips over the summer in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park so officials can determine the feasibility of large-scale paddling.

A spokeswoman says the park plans to study safety issues and paddling logistics.

There are no boat launches along the river. The water has high bacteria levels from overflowing sewers.

Officials say they’ve wanted to establish a water trail through the park for a long time. Paddling is permitted but not encouraged right now.

Fruit farmers dealing with extreme temperatures

MANSFIELD – Ohioans looking to buy peaches from orchards and farmers markets may find that difficult after a second consecutive abnormally cold winter.

Officials from the Fruit Growers Marketing Association tell the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum that many Ohio growers lost their peaches after winter temperatures fell well below zero.

They say most growers use peaches only as a supplemental crop though, and most primarily grow apples.

Temperatures as of late have swung the other way and most fruit trees in the state are accelerating past their blooming stage following a week of unusually warm weather.

Child sex abuse victims have 12 years to file state claims

COLUMBUS – A ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court says that child sex abuse victims have 12 years to file lawsuits when a state employee is the alleged perpetrator.

The court’s 4-3 decision says the 12-year rule for child sex abuse claims trumps a state law requiring any lawsuits against the state be filed within two years.

At issue in the court’s decision this past week was a woman’s 2012 lawsuit alleging she was sexually abused by two Youth Services employees while in state detention as a teenager in 2000 and 2001.

Justice Paul Pfeifer says state law is clear that the 12-year rule applied to all claims of child sex abuse.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Falls officer to lose job

NEWTON FALLS – A part-time police officer here will be let go after accusations of inappropriate behavior surfaced, Village Manager Jack Haney told Tribune Chronicle news partner WYTV 33.

Haney confirmed on Friday that officer Jason Mazzaro will no longer be part of the police force in the village.

Police Chief Gene Fixler would not comment to WYTV, however, Mazzaro’s personnel file states a woman complained he stopped her several times and asked her to model for his bodybuilding website. The file also states Mazzaro stopped by the woman’s work several times and asked her to keep the website a secret, according to WYTV.

Mazzaro declined to comment to WYTV.

Man charged in officer death

CINCINNATI – A man has been charged in the death of a veteran Ohio police officer who died after his motorcycle collided with a car while escorting a funeral procession in Cincinnati.

Hamilton County court records show 31-year-old Anton Palmer has been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter in George Brooks’ death in March. Court records don’t list an attorney for Palmer, who was in jail Friday.

Authorities say the 63-year-old Brooks died from his injuries a day after the March 28 crash.

Court records allege Palmer broke into the funeral procession after failing to yield at an intersection and was struck by Brooks’ motorcycle.

Brooks retired in 2005 from the Forest Park police department in suburban Cincinnati after 25 years.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Kentucky man gets life in rape of Bazetta girl

WARREN – A Kentucky man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to five counts of rape and two counts of gross sexual imposition before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice.

Jacob McGee, 34, of 3329 Central Ave., Ashland, Ky., was accused of raping a girl younger than 13 in fall 2012 and February 2013 in Bazetta, according to county assistant prosecutor Diane Barber. McGee was a friend of the family and was baby-sitting at the time, she said.

He will have a parole hearing in 10 years, Barber said. If paroled, as a Tier 3 registered sex offender, he would have to report his residence to law enforcement every 90 days for life, and neighbors would be notified.

Youngstown man charged in burglary in Girard

WARREN – A Youngstown man was indicted Thursday by a Trumbull County grand jury on a felony aggravated burglary charge in connection to the break-in of a the home of a Girard woman he knows.

Edward Killingsworth, 22, is accused of a May 8 theft of jewelry from the home, according to the indictment and police reports. Trumbull County assistant prosecutor Michael Burnett claims the woman’s boyfriend was in the house at the time and ran when Killingsworth attempted to assault him.

New police substation opens in Trumbull Homes

WARREN – City officials and representatives of the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority cut the ribbon Thursday for a Warren police substation for the Trumbull Homes Neighborhood development.

Safety Service Director Enzo Cantalamessa said officers will have access to the substation inside the TMHA administration building, 1970 Hazelwood St. SE, on a regular basis to write reports, interact with the community and present a pronounced physical presence in the area.

The substation will allow police to keep an eye on the area as surveillance cameras are positioned throughout the development.

Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority provides public housing to low-income families.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Police: Fake rep for utility makes sexual advances

WARREN – A man who said he represented an energy company used that claim to impose himself on a woman on Lodwick Drive NW Monday evening, according to a police report.

The 24-year-old woman waited to report what happened until Tuesday, she said, because she was confused by the incident that began when she got a knock on the door.

The woman told police that the man asked to look over her energy bills and came into her home when she turned her back to get them. After asking to use the phone and for a drink of water, he began to ask her inappropriate questions, exposed himself and then touched her, the report states. The man left after she told him he was making her uncomfortable, the report states.

Teenager reports rape in Warren home

WARREN – A 15-year-old city girl was treated at Trumbull Memorial Hospital after reporting she was raped Tuesday, according to a police report.

The girl and two witnesses, ages 12 and 16, told police the assault occurred in a multi-family dwelling on Roberts Lane NE. It was reported at 5 p.m.

Police said a cell phone and blood were part of the evidence to be analyzed.

Lordstown, Maplewood, STEAM have good audits

Three local school districts were awarded clean audits with the return of their reports on Tuesday.

Lordstown Local School District received the Auditor of State Award for its 2013 and 2014 reports. Eligibility for the award included filing timely reports and audits returning with no findings for recovery or significant deficiencies. The entity’s management letter also contained no comments related to ethics referrals, questioned costs less than $10,000, and public meetings or public records.

Maplewood Local School District and STEAM Academy of Warren also received solid audits with no findings for recovery.

Dog rescued from fire in Austintown home

AUSTINTOWN – A home at 2307 South Turner Road sustained an estimated $75,000 in damage from a fire Tuesday afternoon.

An Austintown police officer on patrol noticed smoke coming from the house shortly before 5 p.m. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were showing through the roof, fire Chief Andy Frost said. He said firefighters believe the fire originated in the attic.

Nobody was home at the time of the fire. A dog was rescued.

Two Austintown firefighters were taken to the hospital for fire related medical issues. One has been released while the other is still in for observation.

It is not known if the damage caused to the house is repairable or if it will be demolished.

The Canfield Fire Department assisted.

Austintown business reports stolen copper

AUSTINTOWN – Austintown Bounce Indoor Play Center, 4317 Kirk Road, reported a theft of copper from their air conditioning units to Austintown Police on Tuesday.

The owner of the business, Harold M. Porter, reported that about 10 days prior, he noticed the air conditioning in the building not working correctly.

On Tuesday morning, York Mahoning Mechanical Contractors discovered three air conditioning units on the rooftop of the business and a fourth atop a vacant space next door had been broken into.The air conditioning condensers and copper tubing were missing from all four units.

At a glance

Single-car crash kills one on I-680

YOUNGSTOWN – A driver was killed in a traffic accident Tuesday night on Interstate 680 that ripped a car in half. Witnesses and preliminary reports said the driver was thrown from the car.

The accident happened around 8 p.m. where Interstate 680 passes under East Indianola Avenue. A witness said that it appeared that car crashed at a high rate of speed.

The I-680 northbound lanes between Midlothian Boulevard and Shirley Road were closed for more than an hour, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Officers remained at the scene late Tuesday. A Youngstown Police Department spokesman would not comment nor release further details.

Hartford gets grant for siren

HARTFORD – Hartford received an $11,500 Emergency Management Agency grant that will be used for a $23,000 tornado warning siren to be placed at the township center at state routes 7 and 305.

Trustee Chairwoman Rebecca Whitman said Tuesday the siren will replace a 1940s siren that was on the township hall, which had its roof replaced. Whitman said the siren is a 50-50 match with the grant.

Officials have met with Federal Signal, which will be placing the siren. The siren will be heard within a three-mile radius of the center, officials said.

Plans are to get another siren for the southeast section of the township, Whitman said.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Girard man gets 6 months

in prostitution case

WARREN – A Girard man was sentenced to six months in prison Monday for promoting prostitution.

Hargus Hall, 1117 Park Ave., changed his plea to guilty Monday, when his jury trial was due to start in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, according to court records.

Judge Peter J. Kontos handed down the sentence after the sentencing investigation was waived.

Attorney Gina Buccino Arnaut from the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office said Hall, 33, was allowing a girlfriend to use his home in Girard as a place to have sex for money.

Hall was charged with felony promotion of prostitution in Girard Municipal Court on July 16.

Alcohol involved in

fatal boating accident

BERLIN LAKE – Alcohol was involved in the Saturday boating accident that killed a 58-year-old Akron man while he was fishing on Berlin Lake, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Neal B. Cuppett was discovered in the lake – in the arms of an injured Bruce Lindamood II, also of Akron – after their 16-foot Bass Tracker was hit just after midnight, the ODNR report states.

Joseph Yurich of Deerfield was operating his 17-foot Bayliner when it collided with the Bass Tracker, according to the ODNR.

Cuppett was pronounced dead at Robinson Memorial Hospital, Ravenna.

ODNR and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the collision, and have not said which party was under the influence. No charges had yet been filed.

Demolition set to begin

at fairgrounds’ buildings

COLUMBUS – Demolition will start this week to make way for a 100,000-square-foot multipurpose center at the state fairgrounds in Columbus.

Wrecking crews will take down the 56-year-old DiSalle Center and the 46-year-old Heritage Building to make way for the $23 million project, which will have meeting rooms and banquet halls, and use modern technology, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

The multipurpose center will be the first new building on the grounds since 1995, when the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center was built. It’ll be completed in 2016.

“It’ll be a big change for us, but hopefully it’ll be exciting,” said fair spokeswoman Alicia Shoults.

Most of the competitions and events previously held in the buildings have been moved for this year’s fair, Shoults said.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Trustees to meet on firefighting matters

Hartford and Brookfield township trustees scheduled special meetings today, both on safety forces matters.

Brookfield officials will meet at 7 p.m. at the township hall with fire Chief Keith Barrett and Howland fire Chief Jim Pantalone on a proposed firefighting training complex to be built in Brookfield. It would be similar to the existing training course in Howland.

Hartford officials will meet at 7 p.m. at the fire station to discuss a new tornado siren.

Historical marker to be dedicated in Niles

NILES – The Niles Rotary Club has secured an Ohio Historical marker to be unveiled 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Ward-Thomas House. Members of the Niles Rotary Club said the Ward Thomas House lacked signage to identify its significance.

James Ward, a pioneer in the iron industry in the Mahoning Valley, built the house in 1862. John and Margaret Thomas, who later lived in the house, founded the Niles Firebrick Company and Mahoning Valley Steel. The two-sided marker will have information on both families.

The house now is the home of the Niles Historical Society.

A representative of the Ohio Historical Society will attend the dedication.

Volunteer guard to help honor veterans

DAYTON – An all-volunteer honor guard to help provide funeral honors for veterans at a national cemetery in southwest Ohio is to be dedicated later this month.

Officials with Dayton National Cemetery say the new group is intended to add to services provided by military personnel at veterans’ funerals. The dedication is scheduled for May 25.

By law, each veteran is eligible to receive funeral honors consisting of a detail from the Department of Defense to fold and present the U.S. flag and play “Taps.”

Volunteer service organizations have provided volunteers to also fire a rifle volley at those services for decades. But officials say those organizations have declined in number.

Staff, wire reports

At a glance

Person dead in boating crash

BERLIN TOWNSHIP – A person was killed in a Portage County boating accident here.

Emergency crews were called just after midnight Saturday to Berlin Lake after a fishing boat and power boat collided.

Two people in the fishing boat were injured in the crash and taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital where one of them died, according to Tribune Chronicle news partner WYTV Channel 33. The names of the victims have not been released.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Portage County Sheriff are investigating.

The death came just two days after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources posted reminders on its website indicating the start of boating season and urging boaters at areas like Berlin Lake to put safety first.

Downed tree cuts power during storm

WARREN – The city fire department and Ohio Edison responded to a tree downed by Saturday’s storm. It fell into the powerline on Roosevelt NW, at Vernon Avenue NW, around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

The fire department did not have an immediate figure of how many residents in the area lost power, but said it had not been restored by 11:10 p.m. Saturday.

At a glance

Home in Warren is hit by gunfire

WARREN – A home at 2168 Burton St. SE was hit with gunfire shortly before midnight Thursday, according to a police report.

The resident, whose name and age were not included in the report, told police she heard an “unknown number of gunshots” and jumped to the floor when it sounded like the bullets were hitting the home, the report states. She told police she saw two men running from the home when the shooting stopped, the report states.

Police found two bullet holes in the home, the report states.

Two-car crash backs up traffic on 711

YOUNGSTOWN – A two-car accident on the 711 Connector near Interstate 680 backed up traffic for about an hour Friday evening. The accident occurred at about 5 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Youngstown police said it was a minor accident. Names of the people involved were not available Friday night.

Sinkhole reported in Packard Museum lot

WARREN – A sinkhole was found at the north parking lot of the National Packard Museum on Mahoning Avenue Friday, Executive Director Mary Ann Porinchak said.

The sinkhole was found by a guest, who brought it to the staff’s attention. City officials were notified about the sinkhole and will fill it in soon, Porinchak said.

The area of the north parking lot is restricted until the sinkhole is filled.

Culvert replacement scheduled in Hartford

HARTFORD – Custer Orangeville Road in Hartford between state routes 305 and 609 will be closed Monday through Friday for culvert replacement work.

The Trumbull County Engineer’s Office is recommending the following detour: west on Route 305, north on state Route 7 and east on Route 609.

Mayor resigning, blames newspaper

AKRON – The longtime mayor of Akron said he’ll resign May 31 over a dispute with a City Council member and a local newspaper.

Democrat Don Plusquellic has been mayor of Akron since 1987. The 65-year-old mayor said council President Garry Moneypenny will succeed him.

His resignation letter criticizes the Akron Beacon Journal’s publisher for not accepting his offer to discuss his dispute with Councilman Bob Hoch.

A Friday statement from the newspaper says Plusquellic’s offer came after publication of a “complete” story that reported both sides of the dispute.

Hoch and Moneypenny say they’re surprised by the mayor’s resignation.

Staff, wire reports

Moneypenny said he’s on good terms with Hoch and the newspaper and plans to run for election as mayor this fall.

At a glance

Man gets prison in runaway case

WARREN – A Garrettsville man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, according to court officials.

David White, 58, of 8210 Park Ave., contacted the 13-year-old girl through social media last summer, assistant prosecutor Gabe Wildman said. The girl ran away from home and stayed with him in a trailer at Valley Lake Park in Southington for 71 days.

On Aug. 3, Niles police stopped White and found the missing girl in the car. Both lied about her identity, police said.

The case against White was tried without the victim, who is missing and presumed to have run away again, Wildman said.

Letter carriers hold food drive

WARREN -The United States Postal Service will hold a its 22nd annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive on Saturday.

Residents can place nonperishable food donations in a bag by their mailbox and letter carriers will collect them. All food donated stays at the local area food banks.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

McDonald district earns audit award

McDONALD – The McDonald Local School District earned an Auditor of the State Award for its clean report after a recent state audit, according to the Auditor’s Office.

The award is present to local governments and school districts upon completion of a financial audit that contains no findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, single audit findings or questions costs.

Arrest made in quintuple homicide

CLEVELAND – Cleveland police say they’ve arrested a suspect in a fatal shooting last year that left five dead, including an unborn child.

Police would not provide any details on the male suspect’s identity or his role in the Nov. 21 shooting at a home on Cleveland’s east side.

Police Chief Calvin Williams says the suspect was arrested Wednesday and is being questioned by police and county prosecutors.

The victims were 41-year-old Sherita Johnson, Johnson’s fetus, 60-year-old Lemon Bryant, 19-year-old Ja’rio Taylor and 17-year-old Shaylona Williams. Johnson was seven months pregnant.

Johnson’s 9-year-old daughter was grazed by a bullet fired by a masked gunman after he emerged from the home where three of the victims were killed.

At a glance

Coffee beans roasted when truck catches fire

WEATHERSFIELD – A tractor-trailer carrying coffee beans caught fire just before 4 a.m. Tuesday at the westbound exit to Salt Springs Road on Interstate 80, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

No one was injured. The driver from New Jersey was able to pull over after the fire started in the trailer’s tires because of overheated brakes, according to the Weathersfield Township Fire Department.

The trailer was destroyed, but the truck was saved, patrol Sgt. Patrick Abel said.

Abel said the road was partially closed until 6 a.m.

The name of the driver and the company he was driving for was not released.

Braceville police to get body cameras

BRACEVILLE – For the first time, Braceville police officers will be wearing body cameras as township trustees on Tuesday approved purchasing six cameras at $1,800.

Trustee Chairman Todd Brewster said police Chief Bill Garro requested officers have the cameras to protect themselves and anyone who may be stopped by or interacting with police. Brewster said the cameras are scheduled to arrive this month with the township covering the entire cost.

Trustees also announced Memorial Day parade at 11 a.m. May 25 followed by a luncheon at the township hall.

Residents warned of door-to-door sales

WARREN – Warren city officials are warning residents to be leery of people conducting door-to-door sales. In particular, the city warned of people attempting to sell alarm systems.

Warren’s Deputy Health Commissioner Bob Pinti said the city has received several calls from residents who were approached by people claiming to represent a company operating as North Star. Pinti said the company is not licensed to conduct door-to-door sales in the city.

Residents with questions or concerns should call Pinti’s office at 330-841-2592.

Farmington seeks applicants for vacancy

FARMINGTON – Township trustees are accepting applications through Friday from residents interested in filling a vacancy on the trustee board.

Trustees at a special meeting on Monday accepted the resignation of Wesley Largen, whose four-year term ends Dec. 31. The person selected for the position would fill the remainder of Largen’s term in 2015 and have to run in November general election for a new four-year term.

Letters of interest and resumes can be sent to P.O. Box 81, West Farmington 44491 or faxed to 330-889-0275.

Fiscal Officer Jay Allen said trustees will review the applicants and schedule interviews. A possible executive session is planned for the May 12 meeting.

Road project in Southington extended

SOUTHINGTON – Countyline Turnpike Road between Stroup Hickox Road and state Route 534 will be closed today for soil boring work on a bridge.

The Trumbull County Engineer’s Office originally scheduled the closing for Monday and Tuesday but extended it through today.

The recommended detour is north on Route 534, east on state Route 88, south on Hoffman Norton Road and west on Countyline Turnpike Road.

Judge to decide on toothless bear case

MEDINA – A judge will hear arguments about whether to dismiss a civil case filed by a northeast Ohio couple who want to keep their toothless, 41-year-old black bear despite not getting a required permit from the state.

Jeffrey and Debra Gillium of Lodi argue the caged male bear, Archie, is old and unlikely to escape. They say they weren’t adequately notified about the law and that moving or tranquilizing him would threaten his life.

Staff, wire reports

The Ohio Department of Agriculture says their permit application was submitted Feb. 27, over a year after the state deadline. ODA argues the bear wasn’t registered and microchipped as required and the civil matter should be dismissed.

A magistrate has scheduled a hearing May 15.

The Gilliums also appealed their permit denial. That hearing is June 29.

At a glance

Warren woman reports assault

WARREN – Police said they are investigating the alleged sexual battery of a 33-year-old Perkinswood Boulevard SE woman.

The woman reported the assault on Sunday afternoon, saying it occurred in the early hours of Saturday, according to the police report.

Drunken driving checkpoints set

The Mahoning County OVI Task Force will have multiple checkpoints set up this weekend to look for impaired drivers.

Although authorities will be on the lookout for any criminal or traffic violation, the checkpoints are intended primarily to curb drunken driving, officials said.

Champion schools plan phone survey

CHAMPION – School officials are asking residents to respond to a telephone survey about possibly rebuilding the elementary and middle schools.

The board of education hired Triad Inc. to conduct the random telephone survey the week of May 16.

According to board President Amy Schwab, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission determined in 2014 that the buildings were in such poor condition that they should be rebuilt. The commission has offered to pay for 57 percent of the construction cost.

Niles board to meet on super

NILES – The Niles Board of Education scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the high school auditorium to formally name its new superintendent. Last week, the board reached a tentative agreement with Ann Marie Malvasi, an administrator in Howland, for the job but final details had to be worked out before the official approval vote.

Superintendent Frank Danso is retiring in July.

Tribune Chronicle

At a glance

Woman dies from motorcycle accident

MECCA – Monika Barnhart, 56, of Warren, died Sunday afternoon from injuries she received from a motorcycle accident earlier in the day on state Route 46.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Barnhart was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson south on Route 46 shortly before 6 p.m. when she lost control on curve to the left near the border of Mecca and Bazetta and traveled off the road. She was thrown from the motorcycle, according to the state patrol.

Barnhart was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The state patrol is investigating the crash. Barnhart was not wearing a helmet and alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor, according to the state patrol.

Dogs saved from fire at Youngstown house

YOUNGSTOWN – City firefighters rescued two dogs from a house fire Sunday.

The fire started at about 12:48 p.m. on the second floor of a house at 29 N. Hazelwood Ave., according to battalion Chief Tim McGarry. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and freed two dogs that were inside. The residents were not at home.

Damage is estimated at $8,000.

Niles Relay For Life raises $42,214 for ACS

NILES – The Niles Relay for Life, held Friday and Saturday at the Mayor Ralph A. Infante Wellness Center, raised $42,214 for the American Cancer Society for research for finding a cure for cancer.

Emily Shaffer, ACS community manager for the Niles, Austintown and Warren relays, said the nine participating teams raised $20,000 on site during the 18-hour event.

Sean Crean of Niles, a cancer survivor, was presented the “Hero of Hope Award” for his work and commitment as a committee member for the Niles relay.

The next local relay is the Warren Relay for Life, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Courthouse Square in Warren.

Fireworks, roads closed for Warren Relay

WARREN – There will be a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. Friday during the Warren Relay for Life in downtown Warren. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 6 p.m. Saturday, will be around Courthouse Square Park.

Emily Shaffer, American Cancer Society community manager for relays in Niles, Austintown and Warren, said ACS wanted the public to be aware of the fireworks display.

Also during the relay, roads will be closed and traffic will be rerouted beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Roads that will be closed are West Market and High streets and North Park and Mahoning avenues. All vehicles must be moved from the streets by 5 p.m. Thursday or they may be subjected to towing at owner’s expense.

At a glance

Niles grad in final four of ‘The Amazing Race’

The team of Niles McKinley High School graduate Hayley Keel and Navy physician Blair Townsend finished first in the challenges of Friday night’s episode of “The Amazing Race” and are two shows away from a possible $1 million prize.

The 26th season of the reality show on CBS is down to the final four competitors. The winner receives the $1 million.

Locally, the show is broadcast 8 p.m. Fridays on WKBN-TV, Channel 27.

Keel, a Niles native, is the daughter of Fred “Fast Freddie” and Cheri Woak. She is an emergency room nurse at a children’s hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Newton Falls police giving bike helmets

NEWTON FALLS – Newton Falls police are giving away free bicycle helmets Friday to residents who live within the Newton Falls School District to promote cycling safety.

From 5 to 7 p.m., residents can meet in front of the elementary school to receive bicycle helmets in sizes for adults and children, as well as receive a free bicycle inspection. Inspection includes checking the tires, brakes, handlebars, seat and chain, police Chief Gene Fixler said.

The department was given approximately 150 helmets through the Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics at no cost to the police department.

Police also will be offering residents bicycle licenses for $1 during the event.

The Movement hosting event; street closed

WARREN -The Movement is holding a block party and Family Fun Day 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on East Market Street.

East Market Street from Elm Road to Vine Avenue will be closed. Safety Service Director Enzo Cantalamessa said all vehicles must be moved from the streets by 7 a.m. Sunday or they will subjected to towing at the owner’s expense.

Berlin campground opening is postponed

NORTH BENTON – The scheduled May 20 opening of Berlin Lake Mill Creek Recreation Campground near Alliance will be delayed because of a damaged wastewater transmission system that services most of the campground, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The tentative opening date is June 2. The Corps is informing those with reservations.

The boat launch ramp will open as scheduled on May 20.

Army Corps officials discovered severe damage to the transmission system in the campground’s sewer system as ice and snow in the area receded off the lake. The damage caused a loss of sewage service to 90 percent of the campground, as well as the dump station, maintenance office and garage, officials said.

Warehouse fire smoke likely toxic

COLUMBUS – Residents near a warehouse that caught fire and sent thick black smoke billowing into the air have been asked to stay inside, shut their windows and doors and avoid breathing in the smoke.

Columbus fire battalion Chief Tracy Smith said the smoke is likely toxic because recycled plastic is burning.

Staff, wire reports

Environmental officials are expected to check the air quality.

About 100 people were working at Columbus Pallet Recycling when the fire started Friday afternoon. The newspaper reports the blaze was contained hours later but firefighters expect to be working through the weekend. No injuries were reported.

Some roads are closed, and thousands of nearby residents were without power.

Officials say one-third to one-half of the city’s firefighters was battling the blaze.

At a glance

Falls schools seek energy services

NEWTON FALLS – The Newton Falls Board of Education at a special meeting Thursday passed a resolution authorizing Treasurer Dawn Meeks to seek requests for qualifications from different energy services companies for planned school building projects.

Board President Don Baker said the district is looking to replace school building boilers, lighting and the control systems for heating and air conditioning over the next 15 years. The work is expected to help save the district $300,000, he said.

The request for qualification process is part of state Legislature project to help schools with energy and heating savings.

Hubbard Township to update plan

HUBBARD TOWNSHIP – Hubbard Township will contract with Trumbull County Planning Commission to update its comprehensive plan.

A comprehensive plan is a document that contains maps, charts and text analyzing trends in a community to make recommendations for growth. Hubbard last updated its comprehensive plan in 2003.

The township is paying the planning commission $15,000 over three years for the service.

SWCD schedules personnel meeting

CORTLAND – The Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District board of supervisors will meet 10 a.m. today at the Trumbull County Agriculture and Family Education Center, 520 W. Main St., to discuss personnel matters.

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