Federal indictment

Federal indictment
PITTSBURGH -- A New Castle woman was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of falsifying firearms purchase forms. The three-count indictment named Anita Ward, 28, of 418 N. Cascade St., as the sole defendant, even though it indicates other unidentified people were involved.
According to the indictment, Ward was the "straw purchaser" of 10 firearms in October and November 1999. An illegal "straw purchase" of a firearm occurs when a purchaser misrepresents the identity of the actual purchaser of a firearm on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms form that the purchaser is required to complete.
She faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both, if convicted.
New Castle firefighters reported Monday that Ward's home was destroyed in a fire.
Pitt tuition to rise?
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The University of Pittsburgh is proposing a 4 percent tuition increase next school year, according to figures from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The tuition increase is the smallest in three years but school officials warn they may have to raise prices even more if the state doesn't come through with all the funding. Pitt has suggested raising undergraduate tuition for Pennsylvania residents from $6,902 to $7,178 a year.
Verizon expands
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission gave approval Wednesday to Verizon Communications Inc. to begin selling long-distance services in the state.
Verizon is the state's largest provider of local telephone service. A Verizon executive said it will probably take the company a few weeks before it's ready to provide the long-distance service.
Assault charges
SHARON, Pa. -- Everett L. McLean, 45, of Hamilton Avenue, Farrell, was freed on his own recognizance after turning himself in on a warrant charging him with simple assault and harassment.
Police said McLean is accused of striking a 37-year-old Sharon woman in the face and chest during an argument Sept. 19 at her home on Fifth Avenue. The woman was treated at Sharon Regional Health System for facial injuries, police said.
McLean was arraigned Tuesday before District Justice James McMahon.
Girl runs in front of car
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A 3-year-old girl who ran into traffic ended up with a broken collar bone and cuts and bruises. Police said Heavenly Rose Clark of North Walnut Street ran from behind a parked car on Walnut Street at 3:33 p.m. Tuesday and was hit by a car.
Police said the driver could not avoid hitting the girl. He then crashed into a parked car. Police say there will be no charges filed against the driver. The girl was treated at Jameson Hospital.
Depression screening
YOUNGSTOWN -- Forum Health in Youngstown and Belmont Pines Hospital in Liberty will provide free anonymous screenings for manic depression Oct. 11, National Depression Screening Day. For information and appointments, contact Forum Health at (330) 740-3923 and Belmont Pines at (330) 759-2700.
Conference on stroke
HOWLAND -- A conference for medical professionals on Stroke: Medical Perspectives and Therapeutic Interventions will be Friday and Saturday at Avalon Inn and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, respectively. The program, sponsored by Hillside Hospital, features experts from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Call (330) 841-3862 for information.
New MRI system
WARREN -- St. Joseph Health Center, 667 Eastland Ave. S.E., will unveil its new $2 million Siemans Magnetom Vision MRI system during an open house from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday.
A first in Ohio, St. Joseph's unit incorporates a complete MRI compatible audio-visual system known as MR Vision-2000. Utilizing 3-D goggles and an all-digital video display and state-of-the-art audio, the system helps increase patient comfort levels by allowing them to watch and hear their favorite videos, TV shows or audio CDs during the exam.
There is also a two-way intercom that lets the patient and the operator communicate.