Found dead

Found dead
YOUNGSTOWN -- Cynthia Jo Bowlen, 46, of Lake Avenue was found dead in a bathtub at her home about 5:15 a.m. today by her husband, reports show.
The husband told police he was awakened by an electrical smolder smell and the sound of dripping water in the kitchen. When he went upstairs to check out the source of the dripping water, he found his wife unconscious in the overflowing tub, her head above water. Detectives and a coroner's investigator were notified.
Another cab robbery
YOUNGSTOWN -- For the second time this week, an Independent Taxi driver has been robbed at gunpoint. The driver, who had picked up three teenage boys on South Lakeview Avenue about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, was robbed of $37 when he dropped them off in the 400 block of Chalmers Avenue, reports show.
At 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, a taxi driver was robbed of $70 by a man he picked up on Parkcliff Avenue and dropped off on Victor Street. The cabbie told police a shot was fired as he drove off.
Business burglarized
YOUNGSTOWN -- Anchor Cigar & amp; Candy Co. on Williamson Avenue was broken into about 3 a.m. today, police said. Officers found a hole in the back wall of the building and reported that the fence had been cut and the electric meter ripped off the wall. Two cases of cigarettes were on the ground. The business was expected to do an inventory later today.
Vice squad arrests
YOUNGSTOWN -- Vice squad police cracking down on the sale of tobacco and alcohol to underage kids made two arrests Wednesday.
Isa D. Hamdan, 42, of Penhale Avenue, Campbell was arrested at Joe's One Stop Food on Wick Avenue after selling cigarettes to a 16-year-old cooperating witness, police said. Hamdan was issued a citation charging him with illegal sale of tobacco products.
Hillal J. Esmail, 30, of Holly Drive, Girard, was arrested at JQ's on South Avenue on charges that he sold cigarettes and a 22-ounce bottle of beer to a 16-year-old cooperating witness. Esmail's citation charges him with illegal sale of alcohol and illegal sale of tobacco products.
Firefighters' raise
STRUTHERS -- City council has approved a three-year contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1910, which represents city firefighters.
The contract includes a 2 percent pay increase retroactive to Aug. 1, and 3 percent increases Aug. 1, 2003, and Aug. 1, 2004. Firefighters now earn $35,394 annually. The contract, already ratified by the firefighters, also contains health-care cost containment provisions and provides the option for the union or the city to reopen negotiations should economic circumstances warrant.
Council also voted Wednesday to endorse the 0.5 percent Mahoning County sales tax renewal on the November ballot.
CPR courses
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Pediatric Outreach Department at Forum Health Tod Children's Hospital offers CPR courses for adult or infant and child certification Friday. The cost is $15 each class or $25 if both are taken. Registration is required. Call (330) 884-4031.
Stroke seminar
BOARDMAN -- A stroke seminar, featuring speakers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Arizona, will focus on emergency care in stroke, management of medical and physical stroke issues, and prevention of stroke.
Sponsored by Forum Health's Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, HMHP's St. Elizabeth Health Center, and Salem Community Hospital, the seminar is from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn here. Call (330) 965-9230 for more information.
Maternity home event
LIBERTY -- New Life Maternity Home will have its annual fall banquet and silent auction Nov. 14 in the Holiday Inn MetroPlex.
The silent auction is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the buffet dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $20. Speaker is Robin Swaboda-Wagner of FISH 95FM Radio. Call (330) 856-3616 for tickets.