Crystal Inn fire

Crystal Inn fire
WARREN -- Firefighters are investigating a blaze that ravaged the Crystal Inn, 1024 Parkman Road N.W. The fire broke out in the bar area of the one-story block building around 4:11 p.m. Wednesday. Reports say the fire was out nine minutes later. The blaze, however, caused about $113,000 in damage, firefighters said. The business is owned by Mary and Bill Veris of Cortland, firefighters said. The two could not be reached to comment. Wednesday was the first day back to work for firefighters Nick Radich and Darryl Anderson, who were injured battling a fatal fire New Year's Eve. That blaze killed Janet Provitt, 52, of Williamsburgh Street N.W. Officials say Provitt, who had multiple sclerosis, was found in her upstairs bedroom and died of smoke inhalation.
Firearms charges
CLEVELAND -- A U.S. Northern District of Ohio federal grand jury issued indictments against two Detroit men and a Warren man on charges of violating federal firearms laws. The indictments, released Wednesday, allege that Cornelius Lamont Green, 30, of Somerset Street, Detroit; Jee Mell Green, 27, of Littlefield Street, Detroit; and Patricia A. Sherman, 27, of Karl Street S.W., illegally acquired firearms at gun shows in Niles and Bowling Green in November and March. According to the indictments, the three induced other individuals to make false statements to the dealers regarding the identity of the actual purchaser of the firearms. The indictment further alleges that the defendants acquired the handguns for transporting them in interstate commerce to Michigan. If convicted, the three could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Narcotics charge
CLEVELAND -- A 24-year-old Maryland N.E. Warren man has been indicted on a federal narcotics charge. Anton Lee Perry was indicted Wednesday by the United States Northern District of Ohio grand jury on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute about 7.63 grams of crack cocaine. If convicted, Perry faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
Rottweiler bites girl
NILES -- A 9-year-old girl was treated at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital after being bitten by a Rottweiler. The girl's mother told police that the dog bit the girl's forearm shortly before noon Wednesday outside of the family's First Street home. Police officers stayed at the scene until Animal Welfare agents arrived. It's unclear who owns the dog. Police reports said that a woman on First Street was watching the dog, but the woman said she doesn't own it. A letter carrier told police that the dog belongs to a Butler Street resident. Niles City Council members have been discussing strengthening the city's vicious dog policy for the past few weeks.
Missing teen-ager
YOUNGSTOWN -- Anyone with information about the whereabouts of 16-year-old William Brewer of North Bon Air Avenue is asked to contact the Youngstown Police Department juvenile division at (330) 742-8960. The boy has not been seen since March 23. He is 6 feet tall, 160 to 165 pounds with red hair and brown eyes.
Fence request
AUSTINTOWN -- Developers want to build a fence around The Villas at Spring Lake off Fitch Boulevard, where township trustees told them to put a landscaped buffer of dirt and trees. D.E.B. Enterprises Inc. will formally ask trustees at 6 p.m. Monday to change the plan. The company says residents want the fence to provide more protection from people cutting through the property.
Retiree returns
YOUNGSTOWN -- Richard Groucutt retired four months ago as administrator of the city civil service office, but he's back. The city is interviewing candidates to replace him now, but civil service board members asked Groucutt Wednesday to write exams for fire department lieutenant and captain. Both tests must be given soon. Groucutt said his fee will be similar to what he charges other local governments that hire him.