Man beaten in robbery

Man beaten in robbery
YOUNGSTOWN -- A 75-year-old man robbed of $20 and severely beaten with a hammer at his Shaw Avenue on the city's North Side home around 12:30 a.m. today was in guarded in St. Elizabeth Health Center. George Jay told police he had been asleep when he felt someone on top of him hitting him with the hammer and yelling "Give me the money, you white S.O.B." The robber took Jay's wallet and house keys and ran out the back door. Police discovered that the robber had entered through a basement window. Jay's injuries included bruises to his upper left arm, possible broken nose, swollen and bloody right eye, large gashes to the back of his head and a large puncture wound to his chest. Police said they will contact Dave Nelson, Animal Charity humane investigator, and advise him that several cats and kittens inside Jay's home would need someone to care for them in his absence.
Receiving diplomas
SHARON, Pa. -- The first 25 graduates of Penn State Shenango's four-year business degree program will receive their diplomas tonight. The graduates of the baccalaureate program are among 164 students who will receive their degrees during a 7:30 p.m. ceremony in the campus auditorium at 147 Shenango Ave. Cloyd E. "Gene" Brenneman, chairman of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, will speak. Music will be provided by The Shenango Valley Chorale.
House OKs resolution
HARRISBURG -- The state House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a resolution sponsored by Rep. Michael Gruitza of Hermitage, D-7th, seeking a federal investigation of the big increase in fuel costs over the past year. The weather may be warmer, but we shouldn't lose sight of the impact the energy cost increase had on family heating budgets this past winter, Gruitza said. There was little, if any, warning that energy prices would jump so dramatically, he said, noting the House has launched an investigation.
Trustees award pact
MINERAL RIDGE-- Weathersfield Township trustees have awarded a $95,573 contract to Butch & amp; McCree Paving of Hillsville, Pa., to resurface eight streets.
The project will begin in late June, township administrator David Pugh said. The streets are Church Street, Seaborn Street, James Street, Lucetta Street, Garland Avenue, Gardenland Avenue, Dumont Drive and Oakview Drive.
Arrested in car theft
SHARON, Pa. -- Police arrested a 28-year-old Farrell man driving a stolen car early today.
Police spotted the car along Mesabi Street around 1:50 a.m. and ran a registration check. The car had been stolen in New Castle April 27, they said.
They stopped it at George Street and Cedar Avenue. The driver had a suspended license and when police searched him they found two plastic bags of suspected marijuana in his pocket. He faces charges of receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension.
Transportation grant
CORTLAND -- Senior Services Inc. at 130 Windsor Drive has received a grant of $12,480 from Trumbull Memorial Hospital Foundation to underwrite part of transportation costs for SS's adult day program.
The grant will assist caregivers who are paying transportation costs to send dependent elders to the day program.
Senior Services is a nonprofit, multipurpose program for seniors regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Call (330) 638-0076 for information on how to register for participation.
Neighbors face charges
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Two neighbors were in jail after being arrested on robbery and conspiracy charges. Police said Bryanne Robinson, 18, of 1105 Apt. A, Pin Oak Drive, and Tiquita Brewer, 21, of 1105 Apt. B, Pin Oak Drive, are accused of an armed robbery in the 100 block of Vine Street at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday, police said. Police said the women robbed two people at gunpoint. No other details were available.
Both women were arrested that evening and arraigned before District Justice Samuel Battaglia in Ellwood City, police said. Robinson is accused of robbery and criminal conspiracy, and Brewer faces criminal conspiracy charges.