Incense sticks blamed for fire

Incense sticksblamed for fire
SALEM -- Incense sticks are being blamed for a fire that resulted in about a $1,000 loss to a home. Firefighters were called about 2 p.m. Wednesday to the home of Laura Aguirre, 578 E. Third St. The fire started in a bedroom of the two-story, wood frame structure. Incense sticks that were thought to be extinguished had been put in a bedroom trash can. The sticks were still ignited and started a fire that was confined to the bedroom. Residents had put out most of the fire when firefighters arrived. The house is owned by Bruce Capel Realty, Salem.
Deputy is beaten
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Trumbull County deputy sheriff was treated at St. Elizabeth Health Center for facial injuries after a fight around 2:30 a.m. Thursday at Ernie McDougal's bar on Rayen Avenue. Police found John Tatarka, 23, of Austintown lying on the dance floor with blood covering his head and face. A witness told police that he overheard two of the North Side bar's bouncers say that they wanted to beat up Tatarka because he is a cop. Tatarka was hit with a beer bottle and punched, according to reports. The investigation has been turned over to the detective division.
Dental Hygiene Program
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Dental Hygiene Program at Youngstown State University will sponsor an open house and tour for prospective students from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in room 1112 of Cushwa Hall on Lincoln Avenue.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet faculty members, academic advisers, current students, and staff from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. There also will be a tour of the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
The two-year dental hygiene program leads to an associate in applied science degree. The track consists of five semesters of study, which includes one summer semester. Students prepare for work in private dental practices, school dental programs, health agencies, hospitals, research programs, or other public health settings.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Bonnie Winters, department of dental hygiene (330) 742-1767.
Food Stamp changes
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Ohio Hunger Task Force, in collaboration with the Youngstown State University Social Work Department and Mahoning County Help Hotline Crisis Center, is offering a free training session to social service professionals and agencies in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties regarding changes in Food Stamp Program regulations.
The workshops will be at 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The purpose is to explain the new regulations so professionals and volunteers may better help the low-income families they serve.
Lordstown board
LORDSTOWN -- Mayor Arno Hill is looking for a village resident to serve on the board of public affairs.
There were two vacancies to be filled in the November elections, but only one person filed petitions, leaving one seat vacant.
The board administers the water department.
Hill asks interested residents to send a resume to him at the village hall, 1455 Salt Springs Road S.W.
Parking in Poland
POLAND -- Poland Village Planning Commission will hold a public forum at 7 p.m.Tuesday at the village town hall to discuss parking along village roads. Village council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at town hall to discuss the proposed Yellow Creek Pedestrian Access Corridor.
Fowl play
WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) -- A Washington County couple say their lawn ornament was a victim of fowl play.
Jack and Connie Frazier's plastic goose disappeared in May and returned just as suddenly on Monday. But the real mystery is where the goose was in the interim.
The Fraziers started receiving ransom notes in July. The first, postmarked from Steubenville, demanded $303 in cash. A similar letter from St. Petersburg, Fla., three weeks later included three black plastic feathers as "proof" that kidnappers had the goose.
A final letter last month contained a snapshot of the goose -- its legs bound with yellow rope and a blindfold over its eyes. The hand of a man was pointing a gun at the goose's head.
The globe-trotting goose apparently made one more stop. It was wearing a Hawaiian lei when it reappeared.
Connie Frazier, 63, wasn't overjoyed by the reunion. "I never did like that thing," she said.