Detonated explosive

Detonated explosive
SALEM -- The Youngstown Police Department bomb squad detonated an explosive device Tuesday after it was discovered near Painter and Egypt roads in Perry Township.
A township police officer discovered the device, which was in the middle of Egypt Road, about 3:23 a.m. Tuesday.
The 9-inch-high cylindrically shaped object had a fuse that looked as though someone had tried to light it.
It appears the object was placed in the road as a prank, a police spokesman said.
Kids' reading program
EAST PALESTINE -- Children are invited to participate in a Christmas reading program Friday to Dec. 24 at the East Palestine Memorial Library, 309 N. Market St.
Participants in "Countdown to Christmas" who read 24 books or have the books read to them can earn a prize.
For details, call the library, (330) 426-3778.
TV stolen from home
SALEM -- A television was stolen from a residence on the 100 block of Broadway Avenue, police said.
The theft occurred late Monday or early Tuesday.
It was reported about 4:10 p.m. Tuesday.
No details were provided on how the thief entered the residence.
VFW official to visit
WASHINGTONVILLE -- Raymond Sisk, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be at VFW Post 5532, 575 Walnut St., from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday as part of his statewide visit this weekend.
Sisk, who is expected to address key issues related to veterans issues and national defense, will be accompanied by Ohio VFW Commander George Durinka of Parma and Chris Taylor of Grover Hill, president of the Ohio VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
The District 6 Ladies Auxiliary Ways and Means auction will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at the VFW post.
District 6 ladies will meet at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Leetonia Eagles, 248 Main St., and the District 6 men's meeting will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at VFW Post 5532.
Break-in at laundry
SALEM -- Someone broke into the Highlander Laundry, 181 N. Howard Ave., police said Tuesday.
The thief tampered with machines and took an undetermined amount of money.
The break-in was discovered at 5:45 a.m. Monday.
Investigating fire
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Fire investigators are looking into an early morning blaze at a West Lutton Street home.
Fire Chief James Donston said 10 W. Lutton Street was vacant and caught fire about 1:36 a.m. today.
County records show it is owned by Funk and Associates of East Washington Street.
Donston said the home had been condemned by the city Nov. 19.
They are unsure how the blaze started, and the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal has been called to investigate.
Facing drug charges
SHARON, Pa. -- Police served a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of Alderman Avenue early today, arresting the occupant on a variety of drug charges.
Robert E. Palmer, 51, was held for arraignment on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of the state Pharmacy Act.
Police said the arrest at 12:40 a.m. capped weeks of investigation into reported crack cocaine sales by Palmer.
Police said the search of his home turned up suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs in bottles from which the labels had been removed.
Label removal is illegal under the Pharmacy Act.
Host families needed
YOUNGSTOWN -- Pacific Intercultural Exchange is seeking host families for foreign high school students who will arrive in the near future for academic semester program homestays.
The English-speaking students between the ages of 15 and 18, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance and are eager to share their cultural experiences with American families.
They will attend local high schools for periods ranging from a semester to a full academic year.
Families who host for P.I.E. are eligible to claim a $50 per month charitable contribution deduction on itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.
Those interested in learning more about the program or arranging for a meeting with a community representative are asked to call (800) 631-1818.