VFW council to honor World War II veterans

VFW council to honorWorld War II veterans
BOARDMAN -- The Mahoning County VFW Council will celebrate Loyalty Day at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Southern Park Mall by paying tribute to World War II veterans, including two area residents who fought in the Battle of the Bulge -- George W. Pochner of Ivory Woods Nursing Home in North Lima, and Octrous Gulp of 1106 Dover S.W., Warren.
Pochner lost both legs and an arm in battle and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Gulp was one of 2,200 black soldiers who volunteered to fight in the Battle of the Bulge after heavy casualties had decimated Allied ranks.
At that time, most black soldiers served in support roles and were not used in combat situations.
Man remains criticalafter shooting
YOUNGSTOWN -- Scott Hornbuckle, 22, of West Judson Avenue remained in critical condition today at St. Elizabeth Health Center with a bullet wound to the head.
Hornbuckle was hit about 6 p.m. Saturday when 20 to 30 shots were fired at the car he was in on East Florida Avenue.
The shooting may have been over a woman, according to reports.
Work-study banquet
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Educational Service Center will have its annual work-study banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday at DiVieste's Banquet Room, 754 N. River Road. The banquet recognizes students from 19 county schools who participate in the center's work-study program. More than 500 students and adults are expected to attend the event.
The work-study program helps students in grades 9-12 develop skills and make a successful transition from school to work. Students earn credits toward graduation by working at jobs that help them become self-supporting.
Tunnels face futureas hike, bike routes
BEDFORD, Pa. (AP) -- An abandoned tunnel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike could soon be the home of hikers and bikers.
The turnpike commission has agreed to sell the longest and shortest tunnels ever built on the 60-year-old toll road to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, which preserves land for communities and property owners. The turnpike has agreed to sell the tunnels in Bedford County, about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, for $1.
The conservancy wants to turn the tunnels and abandoned highway into hike and bike trails with the help of groups such as Bicycle Pennsylvania, said Len Lichvar, executive director of the conservancy.
The turnpike commission would help clean up the tunnels and patch and re-stripe the roadways, said Carl DeFebo, a turnpike spokesman. DeFebo said it would be the first time the commission has turned over tunnels and highway to a nonprofit organization for any purpose.
Bridge closed for repair
MERCER, Pa. -- Porter Road Bridge on state Route 4006 (Porter Road) has been closed temporarily for emergency repairs. Eastbound traffic is being routed south on state Route 4005 (West Jamestown Road/North High Street), east on state Route 18/358 (Main Street) and north on state Route 58 (North High Street/West Jamestown Road).
Westbound traffic is being rerouted south on state Route 58 (East Jamestown Road), west on state Route 18/358 (Main Street), and north on state Route 4005 (North High Street/West Jamestown Road).