Reward offered in anthrax hoax

Reward offeredin anthrax hoax
LISBON -- Lisbon police, the FBI and U.S. Postal Service inspectors based in Cleveland continue to investigate an anthrax hoax Wednesday at Lisbon David Anderson High School and are offering a $1,000 reward for information, Lisbon Police Chief John "Buck" Higgins said.
Someone mailed a threatening letter from the Lisbon post office to the school. The letter, opened by the principal, said it contained anthrax. The Ohio Department of Health determined there was no anthrax in or on the letter, Higgins said.
He said such a hoax is a violation of state and federal law.
Higgins said the reward will be given to the first person with credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the sender.
Anyone with information should contact the Lisbon police.
Drug-fight grant
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The New Castle Police Department is getting a $3,600 grant to help in its fight against drugs. Awarded by the Lawrence County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, the grant is part of an effort to step up investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking in the county, said Matthew Mangino, district attorney.
The task force includes municipal police officers from the city and various other communities in Lawrence County. Mangino said the grant was given to the New Castle Police Department because its narcotics bureau is used on a regular basis for task force investigations throughout the county.
'94 Toyota car stolen
SALEM -- A Perry Township man told township police that his 1994 Toyota car was stolen from in front of his residence. The man lives on Jennings Avenue. He reported the theft about 1 p.m. Sunday.
Party at hall of fame
SHARON, Pa. -- The Vocal Group Hall of Fame & amp; Museum will have a Halloween party for families from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Area children are invited to trick-or-treat in the museum at a cost of $3 each. Adults will be admitted free and can tour the museum during the festivities. Treats will be given to children 12 and under and a costume contest will be at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Reyers, McDonald's, Pizza Joe's, Quaker Steak & amp; Lube and WPIC radio.
Town hall meeting
EAST PALESTINE -- A town hall meeting with state Rep. Charles Blasdel of East Liverpool, R-3rd, will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the city park community center.
The event is sponsored by the East Palestine Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call John Turner, chamber president, at (330) 426-6887.
Work on I-680
YOUNGSTOWN -- Traffic will be maintained, but one lane will be closed in each direction on Interstate 680 between Market Street and South Avenue through Wednesday for repaving, weather permitting, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced.
To avoid the morning rush hour, the work was scheduled to start at 9 a.m. daily and end before the evening rush hour, ODOT said.
Speeders targeted
NORTH JACKSON -- Jackson Township police are using an Ohio Department of Public Safety grant to crack down on traffic violators.
Through Saturday, police are targeting speeders and looking for seat belt and other safety restraint use.
Fire station ceremony
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday to open a newly renovated Springfield Township fire station and community storm shelter on Woodworth Road.
Mahoning County commissioners contributed $50,000 toward the $291,500 total project cost. The county's share was from its community development fund, which comes from sales tax revenue.
Women and Islam
YOUNGSTOWN -- Protestant Campus Ministry at Youngstown State University is sponsoring a discussion group, "The Role of Women in Islam," at First Christian Church.
The sessions involve two Muslim YSU students discussing their faith and culture. The group meets at 2:30 p.m. today, Nov. 6 and 13.