Investigating fire

Investigating fire
YOUNGSTOWN -- Arson investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that destroyed one home and damaged two others on the South Side early Saturday. Firefighters said they arrived at 65 Parnell St. at about 2:30 a.m. to find a vacant home engulfed in flames. The home was allowed to burn down.
The fire also damaged the side of a home at 55 Parnell St. and the side and roof of a home at 635 Powersdale Ave. The home at 55 Parnell St. was vacant, while nobody was home at the 635 Powersdale Ave. home.
The fire caused $4,000 in damage to the home at 55 Parnell St. and $7,500 in damage to the home at 635 Powersdale Ave. The damage to the home at 65 Parnell St. was estimated at $20,000.
Crime victims' forum
YOUNGSTOWN -- A forum for victims of crime will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at New Beginnings Outreach Ministries, 322 Wick Ave.
Panelists will answer questions in an effort to help the community become better informed about the challenges faced by victims as they navigate the criminal justice system. Panelists include city and county officials, victims advocates and representatives of crisis and counseling services.
Students' essay contest
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Ohio State Bar Association is accepting entries from high school students for its fourth annual "There Ought To Be A Law" essay contest.
Focusing on how laws are developed, the project asks each participating student to write an essay identifying what he or she believes ought to be a law. The essay must include reasons why that particular law should be enacted, taking into account its impact on the community.
Entry forms and contest information can be obtained by calling the bar association office in Columbus at (800) 282-6556. Deadline for entries is Jan. 31.
Adoption awareness
STRUTHERS -- Mahoning County Children Services will celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month in November with a kickoff dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Elm Tree, 170 Walton Ave.
This year's theme is "A Star-Spangled Adoption Celebration," and invitations have been mailed to families who have adopted children through the agency. Call (330) 783-0411 for more information.
Tax supporters to turn on lights
COLUMBIANA -- Supporters of Columbiana School District's 1-percent income tax are asking district residents to show their support by turning on porch or other outside home lighting Monday, beginning at 6 p.m.
School officials said the 1-percent income tax on Tuesday's ballot would generate about $1.2 million annually.
Block watch to meet
YOUNGSTOWN -- Lansingville Block Watch will meet at 7 tonight at St. Matthias Church school on Shady Run Road.
The guest speaker will be John Swierz, president of Youngstown City Council. Representatives from Youngstown's safety forces also will attend the meeting to discuss the vote on the city's income tax proposal.
Group plans meeting
YOUNGSTOWN -- Sheridan Block Watch monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 420 Clearmount Drive. Al Curry, EEOC compliance officer for the Youngstown schools construction projects, will discuss the apprentice application job process.