Storms cause damage in Columbiana County

Storms cause damagein Columbiana County
LEETONIA -- There were scattered reports of damage from a series of thunderstorms that moved quickly through Columbiana County on Tuesday.
A Columbiana County Sheriff's Department dispatcher said Tuesday evening a tornado alert had been issued but could not confirm reports that a tornado touched down in the county.
Jay Carter, director of Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency, could not be reached this morning.
A Leetonia Fire Department spokeswoman said there were reports of high winds and hail in the area of Lisbon-Canfield Road and Lodge Road. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported a downed tree on state Route 517 northeast of Lisbon.
Columbiana and East Palestine police dispatchers said damage in those communities was minimal. There also were reports of sporadic power outages throughout the county.
Attempted arson
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an attempted arson at the home of Kelly Rhoades on state Route 258 in Liberty Township.
Police said someone entered the enclosed porch at Rhoades' home between 2:45 and 5 p.m. Monday and put cardboard inside a plastic 2-liter bottle and then set the bottle on fire. The fire caused no damage, police said.
Grant will help program
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County commissioners have entered into a one-year agreement with the Lawrence County Social Services Agency to handle the Homeless Assistance Program.
The $162,702 federal grant will help the county's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, said Debbie Hennon, director of supportive housing programs for the county agency. The program helps homeless people find apartments and subsidizes their rent for the first month.
They gradually start paying a larger portion of the rent each month and are taught about budgeting as part of the program, she said.
Telemarketing fraud
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- A workshop on telemarketing fraud and financial exploitation of senior citizens is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Tree of Life Wellness Center, Beatty Street.
Matthew Mangino, Lawrence County district attorney, is presenting the free program. The program is sponsored by the district attorney's office, the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce and the Ellwood City Hospital.
Crash injures 2
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- An Ellwood City woman was in fair condition today at Allegheny General Hospital after a crash on River Road in Taylor Township.
Pennsylvania State Police said Cynthia DeFrank, 44, was southbound when her car crossed the center line and collided with Deborah Oehmler's car at 9:50 p.m. Monday. Oehmler, 34, was treated at St. Francis Hospital. Her condition was not available this morning.
Road to close for race
AUSTINTOWN -- Norquest Boulevard from state Route 46 to the entrance of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will be closed starting at 7 p.m. Thursday for the church festival's 5K run.
The road will reopen after about 45 minutes.
Runners may register for the race beginning at 5 p.m. in front of the school. Entrance fee is $10 in advance, or $12 the day of the race.
For more information, call (330) 793-9988.
Cars hit with eggs
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two drivers, one on South Hazelwood Avenue and one on Overlook Avenue, told police their cars were egged Tuesday by Chaney High School students. Police have the suspects' names.
Three girls threw eggs from a car on South Hazelwood, near the high school, and two boys threw eggs from a car on Overlook, police said.