Letter carrier honored

Letter carrier honored
NILES -- Postmaster Greg Marsteller was to honor letter carrier Joseph Gross for his safe work performance at a ceremony this morning. Gross has worked for more than 30 years without an at-fault accident. He was to receive a plaque and entry into the Million Mile Club. The club recognizes professional drivers who log more than 1 million accident-free miles and those who have driven for more than 30 years without an at-fault accident.
Meeting house marker
BOARDMAN -- A representative of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission will dedicate a marker commemorating the historic value of the St. James Meeting House at noon Memorial Day outside the meeting house. The dedication, sponsored by the Boardman Historical Society, will follow a parade and ceremony honoring all veterans. The event is open to the public.
Panel OKs I-80 bridges
YOUNGSTOWN -- The state Transportation Review Council gave final approval Tuesday to a $13.1 million project to replace the twin bridges that carry Interstate 80 over the Meander Reservoir. The council, which evaluates and approves state funding for proposed major highway projects, approved the funding in draft form in December. At the time, council officials said that final approval was just a formality for this project, which is expected to begin in 2005.
The project includes the construction of two bridges parallel to the current double span and the widening of I-80. The bridges would be replaced with a causeway and shorter spans to reduce the possibility of an accident affecting Meander Reservoir, which is the water supply for about 300,000 Mahoning and Trumbull counties residents. The project's cost is $53 million, with the rest of the money coming from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
All pass at Poland
POLAND -- All 203 seniors at Poland Seminary High School have passed the ninth-grade state proficiency test -- giving the school a 100 percent passing rate for the eighth time in eight years. Dr. Robert Zorn, superintendent, said state officials also indicated that PSHS is the largest high school in the state to achieve such an accomplishment over the last eight years.
Woman struck by car
YOUNGSTOWN -- An 87-year-old woman who walked into traffic on Market Street and was struck by a car just before noon Tuesday was in critical condition today in St. Elizabeth Health Center. A witness told police that Anna Zayatz of Eddie Street was crossing to go to the Phar-Mor store at 3730 Market. The driver was not cited.
Sharon house burglary
SHARON, Pa. -- Police said someone took a wide variety of items from a house in the 1100 block of Baldwin Avenue. Entry was gained through a basement window, and the residents said a DVD player, color television set, VCR, a cassette/CD stereo, 25 CDs, a two-thirds-carat gold and diamond wedding ring, a wedding band, an emerald woman's ring, a gold mother's ring, a gold nugget ring, a silver moon woman's watch, earrings, a microwave oven, an air conditioner and a tool box with tools were taken, police said.
The burglary occurred Saturday night but wasn't reported until Monday, police said.
Charged with assault
FARRELL, Pa. -- Two off-duty police officers arrested a 16-year-old boy who they say was beating his mother. Southwest Regional Police said the youth faces charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Police said the officers heard a woman calling for help at about 2 p.m. Tuesday at New Castle Road and Roemer Boulevard and saw her being beaten by the boy. They tried to pull the boy off his mother, but he began fighting the police officers. The mother's physical status was not available from police. The boy was taken to a juvenile facility where he will stay pending a juvenile court hearing, police said.
Businesses evacuated
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Two East State Street businesses had to be evacuated after smoke bombs were ignited in them Tuesday night. Firefighters responded and helped evacuate the Shop 'N Save at 8:14 p.m. and the Taco Bell a few minutes later. Police Chief Larry Natchak said the smoke bombs resembled small plastic hand grenades. No one was injured.