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Local warming stations fend off frigid weather

WARREN — With temperatures dropping below zero this week, various locations are being set up as warming stations for those who need to get out of the cold.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland forecasts today’s high at 11 degrees with the low at -12 tonight, along with dangerous wind chills.

The NWS has reported wind chills as low as -24 degrees are expected tonight.

Low temperatures into Tuesday morning will range from 5 to -5 below zero with wind chill values as low as -20.

Trumbull County Emergency Management Director John Hickey reached out to different communities and fire departments that will offer warming stations.

Hickey said many will be open if there are power outages or when fire departments are staffed.

The Lordstown administration building off Salt Springs Road will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who has a power outage.

Those in need are asked to contact Lordstown dispatch at 330-824-2525 and they will have the fire department staff open the facility.

The Newton Falls administration building, 612 W. Broad St. will also be open if needed.

Hickey said some fire departments are also opening their doors to those in need.

He said Braceville and Bristol fire departments will be open 24/7 if needed.

Braceville Fire Chief Todd Garland said the department is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so anyone needing to stay warm can stop by.

After hours, Trumbull 911 will direct people where to go for the evenings.

The Vienna Fire Department will also be open to residents who lose their heat or electricity if needed.

Hickey said many fire departments are volunteer and may not always be staffed.

The Warren Family Mission is providing a place for people to stay warm during the severe cold weather.

Kate White, executive director at the mission, said there is a warming site available to anyone who needs to come inside 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,

White said the cafeteria will be open for coffee and food.

She said the mission also offers a cold-weather program where men who have no place to go can come to the mission and spend one night where there are cots and blankets.

White said the past two winters have been mild, with this being the first time this winter the temperatures and wind chills are expected to reach dangerous levels.

“I have seen where the wind chills will be -12 degrees or lower, which is very dangerous. We want people to be safe this winter,” White said.

She said she remembers when it was very cold in the winter of 2022 around Christmas.

“It was very very cold that winter. I remember we had people coming in and staying inside on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This winter is really like that winter,” White said.

She said the mission also has hats, gloves, scarves and other winter clothes for those who need them.

AJ Mullins, a local businessman and owner with his wife Melissa of Odd’s, 1850 Youngstown Road SE, Warren, said they open their store to anyone who needs to get out of the cold.

They are offering hot cocoa and warm food between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and on weekends when they are there.

“I know what it is like to be out in the cold and hungry. We want to help others in need. The weather this week is supposed to be very cold and we want people to be safe,” Mullins said.

Mullins said they are also working with Lori Ann Tichenor of Warming Warren, who will give out winter clothing items at the store, usually one Sunday each month.

There are various closings in the Valley due to the weather.

The Girard city building will be closed today and Wednesday, as will the Girard Multigenerational Center.

McDonald Village has rescheduled a public forum on the state of the village from Wednesday to Feb. 12 at McDonald High School.

St. Patrick Church in Hubbard has canceled all liturgies for today and Wednesday.

Youngstown State University and most Trumbull County public schools are closed today and many have announced closures for Wednesday.

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