Leetonia school officials hope to give stuffed bear new home

LEETONIA -- Where does a 7-foot-2-inch bear stand? In the lobby of Leetonia's new school complex -- maybe.
School officials and alumni are trying to raise $2,000 to purchase a stuffed bear from owners of Salvatore's restaurant in Austintown. The school district's mascot is a bear.
The bear and other stuffed animals are at Salvatore's because, until two months ago, the restaurant was known as The Lodge Restaurant and Lounge, and had a hunting lodge atmosphere.
Thomas Inchak, superintendent of Leetonia schools, is from Austintown, and during a recent visit to the restaurant, he noticed the bear and other stuffed critters were marked for sale.
On a separate visit, Leetonia Councilman Dan Valentine made the same observation.
Both thought the stuffed bear would be an ideal addition to the new school.
Neither Inchak nor Valentine knew the other was working on the plan until both began talking to restaurant personnel.
Local developer Robert Hendricks and businessman Mike Nicotera have made donations toward the purchase, and Valentine said several other people have called him about the project.
He said anyone wanting to donate can do so through the Leetonia schools. Donations to the school are tax deductible, he noted.