Motorist reports theft

Motorist reports theft
YOUNGSTOWN -- She didn't see a gun, but the threat of one was enough to get a Gaither Avenue woman to hand over her car keys to a teenage boy in her driveway.
The woman told police that the boy, who wore a red bandanna on his forehead, approached just as she pulled into her driveway about 4 p.m. Sunday. He asked her how to get to Market Street, she said. The woman kept her window up as she gave directions and then the boy told her he had a gun, reports show.
The thief drove off in the woman's 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Arrested in car theft
YOUNGSTOWN -- A white 1989 Mercury Sable traveling east on West Philadelphia Avenue on Sunday afternoon was pulled over by police who knew it had been reported stolen.
The driver, Korey F. Jennings, 21, of East Ravenwood Avenue, was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property and driving under suspension.
Fire damage
YOUNGSTOWN -- A fire at 147 Ellenwood Ave. at 2:22 a.m. today did about $15,000 worth of damage to the vacant two-story wood house, spread to 145 Ellenwood and caused heat damage to 151 Ellenwood, said Battalion Chief Robert Hian.
The occupants at 145 Ellenwood, a one-story wood house, made it out safely. Damage there was estimated at $15,000. Two cars at 145 also had heat damage.
Meeting on state funds
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners and other elected officials will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday with Larry Long, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.
They will talk about a proposed reduction in state funding for counties, beginning in 2004. State legislators from the Mahoning Valley are also scheduled to attend.
Utility-service issues
BOARDMAN -- A representative of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel will discuss consumer protection issues regarding utility service at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 29 at a meeting of The Chatterbox Club at Lockwood House, 2095 Lockwood Blvd.
Those attending will receive information on how to protect themselves from telephone scams and door-to-door utility solicitors. They also will be taught what to look for on utility bills to prevent paying for services they do not use.
OCC is the residential utility advocate serving as a resource for those who have questions and concerns about the services provided by publicly owned electric, natural gas, telephone and water companies.
To receive informational brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers should call (877) 742-5622 or visit the Web site at www.pickocc.org.
Explorer open house
COLUMBIANA -- The Columbiana police and emergency medical services Explorer post will have an open house at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Columbiana police station.
Anyone 14 to 19 who is interested in a career in law enforcement or emergency medical services may attend. Columbiana Patrolman Kevin Kloss is the Explorer post adviser. For more information, call Kloss at (330) 482-9292.
School levy meetings
COLUMBIANA -- Community information meetings about the Columbiana village schools 1 percent income tax levy on the Nov. 5 ballot will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Oct. 29.
Both meetings will take place at the high school.