Fire at Villa Maria

Fire at Villa Maria
PULASKI, Pa. -- Sisters of the Humility of Mary at Villa Maria were still assessing the damage caused by a garage fire. About 50 nuns and numerous senior citizens were evacuated from nearby apartments and a health-care facility after a new garage caught fire at noon Sunday. Sister Joann Gardner, H.M., communication coordinator for the order, said the heat from the garage blaze damaged the Villa Maria Apartments, which house lay senior citizens, and a building that serves as a health-care residence for ill members of the religious order. The nuns and some of the seniors are staying in another residence hall on campus. Others went home with family members, she said. The garage was destroyed and the other two buildings had broken windows and melted vinyl siding, she said. Gardner said they were told the blaze was started by a space heater left by construction workers. One car in the garage was destroyed, she said.
Phi Theta Phi honored
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel College has been recognized for its philanthropic assistance to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. The western Pennsylvania chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has presented its 2002 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award to the fraternity. The fraternity has conducted a fund-raising walk from Thiel to Pittsburgh every year since 1965 and has collected more than $1 million for the hospital over that period. This year's 100-mile trek will be Dec. 6 and 7. The goal is $50,000.
CD player stolen
SALEM -- A woman reported a theft from her unlocked vehicle, while it was parked along Howard Avenue, police said. Taken was a compact-disc player worth about $200. The crime was reported at 2:24 p.m. Saturday.
Gun left in restroom
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- It's not uncommon for someone to leave a ring or watch behind in a public restroom, but Pennsylvania State Police at the Mercer Barracks said someone forgot to take his handgun with him when he left the men's restroom at Hoss's Steak & amp; Seahouse at 1948 Leesburg-Grove City Road (Pa. Route 208) in Springfield Township around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Anyone with information about the handgun is asked to contact state police at (724) 662-4200.
Identifying trees
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Think you know your trees? Come to the Winter Tree Identification program at Jennings Environmental Education Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and learn to distinguish trees in any season. Enrollment is limited, and participants must register by contacting the center at (724) 794-6011 no later than Dec. 6. Because of their many distinctive features, leaves are an important means of discriminating among tree species. This method, however, allows one to recognize them for only part of the year. Real tree experts notice clues in the branches, bark and buds that are present in the dormant months as well. In fact, using these distinctive characteristics, it is often easier to identify trees after the leaves have fallen. This program is designed for people 16 and older. Bring a sack lunch.
Process server bitten
YOUNGSTOWN -- A process server for the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department required 15 stitches on his right wrist after being bitten by a dog at 44 Brooklyn Ave., reports show. The victim, trying to serve a summons Friday, said he was directed to go to the back door by the resident and when he did, a large brown dog bit him when he raised his arm in a defensive gesture. The victim drove himself for treatment. The dog warden has been asked to check out the owner's license and insurance for the dog.
Burglary at Forest City
YOUNGSTOWN -- Someone pried open the front door at Forest City Foods on West Indianola Avenue about 6 a.m. Sunday, police said. A search of the store revealed several packs of cigarettes scattered on the floor, from the counter to the front door. Locks on the outer steel security door had been cut, reports show. An inventory would determine the exact loss.