Agents seize pot plants in raid on EP home

Agents seize pot plantsin raid on EP home
EAST PALESTINE -- Acting on a tip, Columbiana County Drug Task Force agents executed a search warrant Tuesday at a south side home. Agents seized marijuana plants, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, instructional magazines and plant-growth lamps. Sgt. Brian McLaughlin, a task force detective, said felony charges will be filed against the homeowner when the investigation concludes.
Trick-or-treat canceled
LEETONIA -- Because of the recent threats of biological terrorism locally and across the nation, the village will not have trick-or-treat this year. In lieu of the door-to-door event, however, a committee led by Councilman Dan Valentine is planning a village Halloween party. Valentine said the group will meet tonight and likely opt to enhance the fire department's annual parade and party 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Valentine said any individuals or businesses who wish to volunteer or help defray the cost of the party may call him at (330) 427-0808.
Arrest made in slaying
FARRELL, Pa. -- A Wheatland man was arrested on a homicide warrant in the shooting death of a Fruit Avenue man. Police said Arthur Norman Paige Jr., 26, of 118 Fleetwood Court was arrested at the Southwest Regional Police Department on Wednesday. He was wanted in the death of Rasceo A. Riley, 30, who was shot Oct. 3, police said. Paige was arraigned before District Justice Lawrence Silvas and taken to the Mercer County Jail. No bond was set. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday before District Justice Henry Russo in Sharon. Police said their investigation into the shooting is continuing. No other details were available from police this morning.
Child-sex charges
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- A Dutch Ridge Road man faces 136 counts of deviant sexual intercourse, 136 counts of indecent assault and one count each of endangering the welfare of children, indecent exposure and corruption of minors. Pennsylvania State Police said Larry Dale Houk, 58, was arraigned Wednesday before District Justice Samuel Battaglia in Ellwood City and released on $10,000 bond. The charges stem from encounters police say took place from September 1998 to May 2001 involving a child who was between the ages of 5 and 7. Houk's preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Battaglia's office.
Honoring safety forces
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city's safety forces will be honored Saturday at Youngstown State University's homecoming parade. Police Chief Richard Lewis, Fire Chief John O'Neill and YSU Police Chief John J. Gocala will serve as grand marshals of the parade which starts at 2 p.m. on Rayen Avenue and proceeds to Stambaugh Stadium.
Greg Gulas, YSU assistant director of student activities, said the event is a way to thank police officers and firefighters for their jobs. Also participating in the parade will be YSU President David Sweet and his wife, Pat, fraternities, sororities, the YSU marching band and the Campbell Memorial High School flag line.
Youngstowner indicted
CLEVELAND -- A federal grand jury has indicted a Youngstown man, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Indicted was Raymond L. Wright, 22, whose last known address was on Gray Avenue, the U.S. attorney said.
The news release from the U.S. attorney's office said Wright faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of the gun possession charge, but it did not specify what felony he was previously convicted of and when and where he was convicted.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and is being prosecuted under Operation Safe Neighborhood -- a program that targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
Memorial bricks for sale
STRUTHERS -- The Struthers School Foundation for Educational Excellence is selling memorial bricks to help provide high school students with educational equipment and opportunities.
There is space for the installation of about 1,728 bricks in the east-west walkway in front of the new high school. Each brick costs $50 and has three lines that can be engraved with up to 14 characters per line. For more information call (330) 750-1061.