Arena negotiations
Arena negotiations
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city expects to start negotiations next week with Landmark Organization of Austin, Texas, to build a proposed downtown arena, convention center and hotel. A meeting is scheduled for next Thursday to start talking about a development deal with Landmark, said Mayor George M. McKelvey. Earlier this month the city deemed Landmark the most qualified among three developers seeking to build the estimated $70 million project. The city expects to hire a law firm that specializes in such projects to help in negotiations, said Law Director John McNally IV.
Irish dancers compete
YOUNGSTOWN -- Twenty-three Irish step dancers from the Burke School of Irish Dance will compete in the Midwest Championship of Irish Dance this weekend at the Hyatt-Regency O'Hare in Chicago. More than 1,000 of the top Irish dancers from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania, ages 8 to 19, will compete; the top 10 percent of each age group qualifies for the World Championship of Irish Dance, April 13-20, 2003, in Killarney, Ireland. To qualify for the regionals, a dancer must perform at a championship level and consistently place in his or her individual competitions throughout the year. The dance school has been in Youngstown since 1965 and is taught by Theresa Burke and Laura Conroy, with locations also in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Residents' library needs
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Public Library of Youngstown & amp; Mahoning County is conducting a study to determine library needs of the community's urban neighborhoods. To get input from residents, library officials are attending various neighborhood block-watch meetings. The study is expected to be complete by the end of the year, according to Janet Loew, communications and public relations director. Thus far, no new library buildings or renovations of existing buildings have been discussed.
Missing tools?
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- State police are asking anyone in western Pennsylvania or eastern Ohio missing tools to contact the New Castle barracks. Police said they found assorted tools, believed to be stolen, in a Lawrence County auto repair shop. The items include a gray and black plastic toolbox with assorted tools, a yellow toolbox with tools including plumbing supplies and wire cutters, a gray steel Craftsman toolbox with mechanic-type tools, another toolbox with plumbing supplies and pipe fittings, and others. Anyone missing these items should call (724) 598-2211.
Trafficking charge
SALEM -- A city man is to appear in Columbiana County Municipal Court next Thursday to answer a fourth-degree felony charge of trafficking in cocaine. Darren Lindsay, 36, of 448 Franklin Ave., was arrested Tuesday after state and federal agents raided Lindsay's home at about 12:30 p.m. The agents seized four handguns, three shotguns, about $1,700 in cash, an undetermined amount of cocaine, as well as car stereos, DVD players, televisions and power tools, authorities said Wednesday. The investigation continues. Lindsay was in the county jail Wednesday afternoon in lieu of $5,000 cash or surety bond. Also arrested during the raid was Hallie House, 32, who also lives at the home, McLauglin said. Authorities said she was arrested on a warrant. She is accused of failing to appear for a court hearing. House is free on bond.
Moving to new school
STRUTHERS -- In preparation for the move to the new high school Jan. 6, students will tour the new building the week of Dec. 9. According to a letter from the Struthers Board of Education, students will report to their regular homerooms and then be escorted to their new homerooms where they will receive locker assignments and tour the school. The tour is designed to help students make a smooth transition into the new facility after the winter holidays. Although the new high school will open after the winter break, the main entrance will remain closed until demolition of the old school is completed.
Housing authority suit
CLEVELAND -- A Canfield man, Harley Dunlap of Mercedes Place, is among 36 police officers and their support staff at the Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Housing Authority who are suing the agency over unsafe working conditions. The suit says Dunlap and the other officers, all from the Cleveland area, have been required to work in a police headquarters contaminated with asbestos and other cancer-causing toxic chemicals for the past 10 years. The suit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Cleveland, by Youngstown attorney Mark S. Colucci. Among other things, it asks for monetary damages for past and future medical costs and implementation of a medical monitoring program.