Friday, June 7, 2002
Patrolman talks woman out of bridge jump
SALEM -- Police closed the West State Street railroad overpass for about three hours early today while a patrolman talked a 19-year-old East Liverpool woman out of jumping off the bridge.
Patrolman Scott Shoaff said he was driving west on West State Street just after midnight when he saw a woman step over the metal railing on the south side of the bridge.
As he approached her, the woman began shouting at him to stay away or she would jump. Shoaff called other patrolmen, the Salem Fire Department and an ambulance to the scene.
Shoaff said he talked to the woman for two hours and 40 minutes and with the help of counselors from the Help Hotline crisis service, he was able to talk her out of the suicide attempt.
She went voluntarily to Salem Community Hospital for evaluation, Shoaff said.
Man charged with arson
SHARON, Pa. -- James K. Lundquest, 19, of Buckeye Drive, Sharpsville, is free on $20,000 bond after his arrest on charges that he set fire to his brother's home while family members were inside.
Police said Lundquest got into an argument with family members at the home of his brother, Steve Yanak, at 1263 Heinz Ave. late Wednesday.
He left but came back with a 5-gallon can of gasoline and oil and dumped it on the exterior walls of the house before igniting it.
Those in the house were able to extinguish the fire and police caught Lundquest about three hours later, charging him with arson, attempted murder, making terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.
He was arraigned Thursday before District Justice James McMahon.
Archaeology meeting
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The King Beaver Archaeology Club will have its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the historical society, 408 N. Jefferson St.
Allen Irvine, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a humanities scholar, will present a free talk about the French and Indian War during the meeting.
The program was funded by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
Borough receives grant
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- The borough has been awarded a $171,193 Community Development Block Grant to to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
The federal money will be channeled through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Grove City will use it to support a housing rehabilitation program and sidewalk reconstruction.
Suspected marijuana
CAMPBELL -- Five bags of suspected marijuana were found on a 16-year-old boy in a Campbell Memorial High School rest room Wednesday afternoon.
According to police reports, a 14-year-old boy was also in the restroom. The 16-year-old told police the marijuana belonged to the younger boy.
The juvenile officer is investigating.
Seniors admit vandalism
POLAND -- Six Poland Seminary High School seniors will be punished for vandalizing Poland Middle School with spray paint last month.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Zorn said the six boys admitted the vandalism shortly after graffiti was found on outer school walls May 23.
Zorn said it is a senior tradition to paint the silver bell in front of the middle school. However, these boys took it a step too far, Zorn said, painting graffiti on the south wall, rear walls and sidewalk.
Power washing and sandblasting costs totaled about $2,600.
Zorn said the boys avoided criminal arrests by paying for the costs.
They also were suspended, will not be allowed to attend graduation ceremonies, and will complete community service projects over the summer.