Pa. trooper promoted
Pa. trooper promoted
MERCER, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania State Police sergeant serving as supervisor of the criminal investigation unit at Troop D, New Castle, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. William V. Marquis, 52, of Mercer, has been reassigned as commander of the staff services section of Troop D, Butler.
Marquis, a Pittsburgh native, enlisted in the state police in 1972. He has served in Punxsutawney, Mercer, and Butler posts. He was promoted to corporal in 1976 and to sergeant in 1983.
He attended Baldwin-Wallace College and is a 1984 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He is married to the former Marlene Langer, and they have two adult sons.
Fire chief's home burns
ROGERS -- Negley and New Waterford fire departments assisted Rogers' department early today battling a fire that heavily damaged the home of Rogers Fire Chief Bob Mercer.
Negley Fire Chief Jerry Hoon said he responded with 12 firefighters about midnight to the two-story wooden-frame home on Walnut St. They were at the scene until about 4 a.m.
Hoon said Mercer, his wife and two children woke when a smoke detector alarm sounded and escaped the home.
He said the fire started from an electrical problem in the basement. He estimated the loss at $10,000 to $15,000.
Theft from restaurant
MERCER, Pa. -- Pennsylvania State Police said someone stole two bank deposit bags containing an undisclosed amount of money from the Lakeway Restaurant overlooking Lake Wilhelm in New Vernon Township, Mercer County. The money was taken between 10 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said.
Men's slacks stolen
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Pennsylvania State Police said someone stole 29 pairs of men's slacks from a clothing rack at the Haggar Clothing Store in the Prime Outlets in Springfield Township. There were no witnesses to the theft, which occurred Monday, police said.
Arson in New Castle
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Officials suspect arson was to blame for a house fire at a vacant home scheduled to be razed by city officials.
Fire Chief James Donston said 231 East St. was set be torn down next week, but it was destroyed by fire at 3:23 a.m. Tuesday. The fire started in the basement of the two-story frame house and extended to the roof. Donston said a few firefighters were bruised while battling the blaze from falling on ice.
Donston said the house is owned by Anna May Taylor, but it was vacant when the fire started. Officials did not know where Taylor lives now. Police said Taylor's son, Morgan Taylor, 34, of Pin Oak Drive showed up during the blaze and had to be restrained from running into the house. He was issued a citation for public drunkenness, they said.
Quits school board
SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- Sharpsville Area School Board accepted the resignation of one of its members Tuesday.
Dr. Henry VanZanten told the board he was stepping down because of business considerations. The board has 30 days to fill his seat. Those interested should send a letter to the office of the superintendent by 4 p.m. March 6.
The board will have a special meeting March 13 to conduct interviews and make a selection to fill the remaining two years in VanZanten's post.
Tax renewal opposition
POLAND -- The Democrats of the 17th District, a Mahoning Valley political club, voted 18-8 to oppose Mahoning County's renewal of a 0.5 percent sales tax because it is on the May primary, when fewer people vote compared with the November general election, which in the county traditionally gets two to three times the voters.
Free food, clothing
YOUNGSTOWN -- A food and clothing distribution will be at Heart Reach Ministries, 787 Wick Ave., from noon to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. There will be live music each day.
Services are at 7 p.m. each day. The event is a joint effort by The Jericho Project, In Spirit and In Truth Fellowship, Lesea Feed the Hungry Ministries and Heart Reach Ministries.