Mediator to intervene in teachers' pact

Mediator to intervenein teachers' pact
EAST PALESTINE -- The East Palestine school board and the union representing the district's 95 teachers, the East Palestine Education Association, will have negotiation sessions Aug. 21 and 28 with a federal mediator. The union issued a press release stating a nearly six-hour mediation session between the parties Monday failed to produce an agreement. The teachers' contract expired June 30. Talks began May 8 and continued until an impasse was declared June 20.
Salem foundationapproves grants
SALEM -- Grants totaling $17,768 were approved recently by the Salem Community Foundation.
Salem Community Theatre will receive up to $10,000 in a matching grant for renovations to remodel the concession area of the lobby. Boy Scout Troop 2 will get $4,768 for camping equipment.
The foundation is providing $3,000 for a free concert in January at Salem High School.
Celtic Festivalset in Leetonia
LEETONIA -- The fourth annual Celtic Festival, sponsored by Leetonia-Washingtonville Chamber of Commerce, will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Wick Park. Visitors can listen to a variety of Celtic songs and stories, sample traditional foods and research their Celtic family history. The event concludes with a 1-mile race in which runners wear kilts.
Jailed on sex charges
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- An Altman Road man remained in jail this morning after failing to post $75,000 bond. Pennsylvania State Police said he harbored and had sex with a 13-year-old girl whom he helped escape from a juvenile group home. Samuel Edward Ross, 38, is charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, interference with the custody of children, indecent assault and corruption of minors. State police said Ross faces similar charges involving the same victim filed by the New Castle Police. State police said Ross helped the girl escape on July 15 from a group home in Kittanning, Pa., where she had been placed by Lawrence County Children Services. They said he hid the girl for four days in a relative's home in Edinburg before his arrest.
Crash injures 2
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Two people remained hospitalized this morning after a car crash on Firehall Road in Slippery Rock Township. Neil D. Watt, 43, of R.D. 1, Ellwood City was in fair condition at UPMC Pittsburgh, and his passenger, Patricia Stillwagon, 47, also of R.D. 1, Ellwood City, was in serious condition at UPMC. Police said the car of Brian K. Gettemy, 19, of Third Street, Ellwood City, slid in a curve and crashed head-on into Watt's vehicle at 11:54 a.m. Tuesday. Gettemy had minor injuries and refused medical treatment, police said. Police did not say if charges have been filed.
Safety camp for kids
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A safety camp for children in kindergarten through sixth grade is planned for Monday at Cascade Park. The Lawrence County District Attorney's Task Force will be the host. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, bike helmet and certificate. Registration is free and begins at 8:30 a.m. Twenty-five agencies, including local police and fire departments, the Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and McGruff the Crime Dog, will participate. Sponsors are Jameson Health System, Giant Eagle, Adelphia, Atty. Dallas Hartman and the YMCA. Lunch is included. Registration can be done online at www.lcdaonline.com or by calling (724) 656-1916.
Pa. troopers promoted
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Two Pennsylvania State Police corporals stationed with Troop D at New Castle and Butler have been promoted to sergeant. The move also brings their transfers to new assignments. Sgt. Jerry W. Boulding of Beaver Falls, who had been assigned to New Castle, will go to Troop F in Skippack. He enlisted in the state police in 1984. Sgt. Gary L. Schuler of Butler, who was assigned to Butler, will go to Troop M in Dublin. He enlisted in 1982.
Burger King robbed
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Police are searching for a gunman who robbed the Burger King on West State Street, Union Township. Pennsylvania State Police said a man with a gun was waiting in the parking lot for the store manager when he arrived about 5 a.m. Monday and forced the manager to hand over cash.