Crash kills driver

Crash kills driver
VIENNA -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a one-car crash that claimed the life of a Warren man. Reports state that James Lowery, 42, no street address available, was driving south on state Route 193 when his car went off the road and overturned. Lowery was not wearing a seat belt and died shortly after the crash, officials said.
Sirens being tested
NILES -- The city has begun testing its outdoor warning sirens.
Thomas M. Telego, city emergency manager, said the ongoing tests will be done on Fridays throughout the year and will be conducted only if there is no threat of severe weather. Sirens will sound for about one minute and city workers and police will monitor the sirens to confirm activation.
Over the next few weeks, Telego said, repairs may require unscheduled siren tests. The tests will be done on individual sirens only and an attempt will be made to notify the public a day in advance.
Suspect described
BROOKFIELD -- Township police have released the description of a partially clothed or naked man who has been approaching girls.
Lt. James Baker said the suspect is believed to be in his early- to mid-30s with a balding or shaved head and driving a black, newer-model Chevrolet Monte Carlo or Malibu with Ohio bicentennial license plates.
Baker said the man has approached at least three girls ages 10 to 16 in the past two weeks and asked for directions to a nearby street while wearing some clothing or nude. He snaps pictures of the girls before leaving.
Those who have been approached but not reported it to police, or have information, are asked to contact police, (330) 448-6960.
Concern for principal
BRISTOLVILLE -- Several parents attended a school board meeting Wednesday, concerned about the board's decision not to renew the high school principal's contract.
The board voted last month not to renew the contract of Richard Thomas, high school principal for 10 years. Superintendent Rocco Nero declined to discuss the reasons for the board's decision, saying it was discussed in executive session and Thomas declined to attend the session.
The board hasn't decided on a replacement for Thomas.
Road work under way
WARREN -- State Route 5 between U.S. Route 422 and West Market Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction beginning today.
The restrictions are part of the $9.8 million project to repair and resurface Route 5 from the bridges west of the West Market Street Interchange and ending at the railroad bridges west of the Elm Road Interchange.
Several bridges will also be upgraded in that section of road. The project is expected to be completed Sept. 13, 2003.
Progress on project
NEWTON FALLS -- The board of education approved Wednesday a project schedule, statement of probable costs and design documents for construction of an elementary school to house grades three through six.
Superintendent Linda J. Clapp the district is in phase two of designing of the school. Phase one consisted of laying out the square footage.
Clapp has met with the staff to discuss their future needs and what they would like to see in the new building. There also are plans to renovate the high school. No cost estimate was available Wednesday.
Innocent plea
WARREN -- A Cleveland man has pleaded innocent to charges of aggravated burglary, burglary and fleeing and eluding.
Osby Scott entered the pleas Wednesday in municipal court. He is being held in the county jail without bond. Sgt. Charles Sines said police believe Scott broke into the Willard Avenue home of an 83-year-old woman around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, tied her up and stole cash and her vehicle.
The woman, who was not injured, was able to free herself and went to a neighbor's home to call police, reports state. Police spotted the car and chased Scott, who then crashed into the garage and fled.
Police were able to apprehend Scott as he hid inside a home on Columbia Place.
Bristol book sale
BRISTOLVILLE -- Friends of Bristol Public Library will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 in the library meeting room.