Liberty homicide

Liberty homicide
LIBERTY -- The Trumbull County Coroner's Office has ruled the March 16 death of a 25-year-old man a homicide.
Niles Jason Emmerts of 4148 Madison Ave. died of multiple gunshot wounds, the coroner said. Emmerts was found dead behind his apartment at the Monticello Apartments complex after a neighbor called police to report hearing shots fired.
Police say they are attempting to link the shooting with a Nov. 30, 2000, break-in of Emmerts' apartment.
Vietnam wall replica
WARREN -- A replica of the Vietnam War Memorial wall will make a stop in Warren this summer. Area veterans unable to travel to Washington, D.C., to see the real memorial can view the replica June 30 through July 4 at Packard Park on Mahoning Avenue N.W.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute includes the display of the world's largest POW-MIA flag, a replica of the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the "Vietnam Remembered" art collection by Norm Bergsma. Richard McGrath of Warren VFW Post 1090 said the post and its ladies' auxiliary is sponsoring the display.
Many area businesses and individuals have donated money to bring the display to Warren, he said.
An opening ceremony will be June 30, and July 4 activities will include a parade, music and fireworks.
For more information on the exhibit, visit the Web site www.AVTT.org. Donations of time and money can be made by contacting Warren VFW Post 1090, Attn: American Veterans Traveling Tribute, 611 High Street, Warren, 44483.
For more information, call (330) 395-1090.
Van hit by train
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Authorities are still trying to determine why a Bessemer man was unable to move his van from railroad tracks before the vehicle was struck by an oncoming train.
Justin Edward Wilcox, 26, of Poland Avenue was killed instantly. He was traveling east on East River Road when his van was hit on its driver's side by a CSX Transportation freight train. Eric Jones, a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, said tests will be done in the next few days to determine if the van had stalled on the tracks or was still moving when the collision occurred.
There were no other vehicles in the area when the crash occurred at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday, he said. Jones said there are no flashing lights or movable arms to stop traffic when a train approaches the intersection. Jones said the train is visible from the intersection, however, and engineers sound the horn when approaching.
Feed-store fire
SALEM -- Loss is estimated at $30,000 in a fire that occurred at Simmons Feed & amp; Supply, 600 Snyder Road. Firefighters were called to the business about 7 a.m. Tuesday when a blaze broke out inside the building.
The fire started when material overheated on a conveyor belt that's part of a soybean processing unit. There were no injuries, and the business remains open.
'Guys and Dolls' at CHS
CANFIELD -- For three evenings, the Canfield schools superintendent will shed his workday responsibilities as authority figure and policeman and take on the role of, well, an authority figure and policeman.
Douglas Hiscox will appear in Canfield High School's production of the gangster musical "Guys and Dolls" as Lt. Branigan, the Irish cop whose mission it is to close down the oldest floating crap game in New York.
The production also will feature assistant football coach and Assistant Principal Tim Saxon as the burly Big Jule, a gambler.
Hiscox said he agreed to appear after several years of asking by the drama club. "You can only say 'no' for so long," he said.
The casting call is remembered slightly differently by the director, Ellen Lettrich. After the school's summer show, Hiscox approached her with a suggestion: "You know, I think it is time to get me on the stage," she recalls him saying.
Both Saxon and Hiscox have thrown themselves into their roles, memorizing their parts and participating in a grueling schedule of rehearsals, Lettrich said.
"It has just increased the excitement about the show," Lettrich said.
Performances of "Guys and Dolls" are at 7:30 March 29 and 8 p.m. March 30 and 31. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for pupils and senior citizens.