Work on I-680

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.
Suspected bomb caller
YOUNGSTOWN -- Joseph P. Gregory, suspected of calling 911 Monday and threatening that a bomb would go off inside the Mahoning County Justice Center, is charged with making a false alarm, said Maj. Michael Budd of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department. Gregory, 60, of West Earle Avenue made the call about 2:40 p.m. from a pay phone at the WRTA bus station downtown, according to reports. The call was initially investigated by city police who learned the origin of the call. The voice on the 911 tape and Gregory's voice sound alike, police 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.
New court to open
YOUNGSTOWN -- A ceremony was to be at noon today to open a new drug court for offenders in Mahoning County Juvenile Court. It's the third drug court to be established in the county. Drug courts offer a second chance for offenders charged with nonviolent, drug-related crimes. They are given a chance to seek treatment for their drug addiction. Charges are dismissed for those who successfully complete the treatment program. Judge Theresa Dellick of juvenile court will oversee the program.
Hit-skip arrest
STRUTHERS -- A 28-year-old Canfield man who told police he had ingested a homemade drug was arrested Sunday afternoon after police said he hit a tree on Sexton Street and then fled the scene.
Officers pulled William A. Long over when the man's vehicle matched a description of the hit-skip vehicle.
Long pleaded innocent to charges of driving under suspension, failure to control and hit skip before Judge James R. Lanzo in Struthers Municipal Court. He was released on $200 cash bond, with a trial date set for 9:15 a.m. March 11 in Struthers.
Volunteers sought
YOUNGSTOWN -- Volunteers are needed to help with the 2002 First Night Youngstown celebration Dec. 31. Volunteers receive free entry to all venues and will be recognized at a celebration after the event.
Those interested can call the First Night office at (330) 742-0445 or the Federal Plaza director's office at (330) 743-5702.
Flu, pneumonia shots
CAMPBELL -- The city health department is offering flu and pneumonia shots, by appointment, from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Flu shots cost $10. Pneumonia shots cost $15. Both are free, however, for Medicare Part B card holders. Appointments may be made from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday by calling (330) 755-2173.