Gatlins back Halleck

Gatlins back Halleck
YOUNGSTOWN -- Country music group Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers endorsed the candidacy of Republican Mike Halleck of Salem in the 6th Congressional District race.
Before a performance Thursday at Stambaugh Auditorium, the group had a press conference with Halleck to give their support. The Gatlins, active in Republican politics, recently visited with President Bush at the White House.
Funds for United Way
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The United Way of Lawrence County campaign has raised $371,175 of its $720,000 goal. Volunteers met this week for the twice monthly progress report meeting.
Tony DeCaprio of the American Red Cross told of three fire victims who were helped by his agency, which receives funds from the United Way. A 30-second commercial featuring United Way agencies will be aired on Adelphia Cable throughout the fund-raising campaign, volunteers reported.
Fire guts duplex
YOUNGSTOWN -- A fire that started in the basement of a two-story wooden duplex at 79 Falls Ave. on Thursday morning gutted the 102-year-old structure, said Lt. Alvin Ware, commander of the arson bureau. Cause of the blaze is under investigation. Ware said the duplex was worth $7,800. He said the two apartments were occupied by at least six people, all of whom made it out safely. The Red Cross has provided temporary shelter, he said. Reports show that the fire burned through floor joists, causing the living room floor to sag into the basement.