Fund-distribution bill

Fund-distribution bill
SALEM -- It's now up to the Ohio Senate whether to approve a bill that would strip East Liverpool of its veto power over how state tax dollars known as local government funds are distributed.
House Bill 329, introduced by state Rep. Charles Blasdel of East Liverpool, R-3rd, passed the Ohio House on Tuesday. The measure is in response to complaints from many Columbiana County communities that East Liverpool uses its veto power to control the distribution formula and claim an unfair share of the annual funds. This year, $5.2 million in LGF money is allocated for the county. East Liverpool will get nearly 27 percent.
Powder on package
SALEM -- City police and firefighters inspected a package received at the Salem Post Office after postal workers noticed its exterior contained a white powdery substance. Authorities had the package X-rayed and discovered it contained a pair of shoes, Police Chief Michael Weitz said this morning.
The package, discovered early today, was intended for a Salem address and was mailed from a catalog business. It appears the package presents little risk, Weitz said. But given the nationwide anthrax threat, authorities are being cautious, he added.
Senior citizen expo
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Matthew Mangino, Lawrence County district attorney, and Clear Channel Communications are having a senior citizen expo from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Cascade Galleria.
Twenty-five different agencies and entities will provide information on everything from estate planning to safety tips. The district attorney's office will have a series of small hourly seminars on subjects such as telemarketing fraud, home improvement scams and charity and investment fraud. The event is free.
Man wanted in Florida
SHARON, Pa. -- Police called to a domestic dispute in the 400 block of Orchard Street arrested a man on a Florida charge of being a fugitive from justice.
Police said John H. Britner, 27, got into an argument with a woman at his home Monday afternoon, and police were called. Investigating officers learned that Britner is wanted on probation violation charges in grand theft auto and marijuana-possession cases as well as on a new charge of arson in Pinellas County, Florida.
He was arraigned before District Justice James McMahon and is in Mercer County Jail without bond pending extradition to Florida.
Goldberg: Drop charges
YOUNGSTOWN -- Imprisoned lawyer Richard Goldberg is asking that a judge dismiss charges filed against him earlier this year.
Goldberg, 56, of Liberty Township, is serving a federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to bilking clients out of million of dollars due them from civil lawsuits.
A Mahoning County grand jury issued a 31-count indictment against him on state charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, forgery, theft and taking the identity of another.
Goldberg's Columbus lawyers filed a motion Tuesday in common pleas court asking visiting Judge Stephen Yarbrough to dismiss the indictment. They said the local authorities do not have jurisdiction to bring the charges, and that the statute of limitations had expired on some of the alleged crimes.
Veterans luncheon
MINERAL RIDGE -- The fourth annual free Veterans Luncheon to be held from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Mineral Ridge Church of Christ, 3911 Main St., for veterans, their spouses and guests. Reservations are required by Sunday and can be made by calling the church office, (330) 652-5403.
Gas station robbed
YOUNGSTOWN -- A clerk at the Speedway gas station on North Meridian Road told police she was robbed about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday by a man who had pantyhose over his face. The clerk turned over an undetermined amount of cash and four cartons of cigarettes.