Schools-start delay

Schools-start delay
GIRARD -- Construction at the elementary school here will delay the first day of classes for all pupils.
Renovations at Prospect Elementary, which started in December, are not complete, so the school board decided to postpone the first day of school for all three school buildings until Sept. 9.
The late start will force the district to make up the days throughout the year.
Flood recovery
HOWLAND -- The board of education awarded a contract Monday to Williams Sports Floors of Akron to replace the high-school gym floor, which was ruined during the July 21 flood.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay all but $16,000 of the $136,662 repair costs.
Jeff McVicker, maintenance supervisor, was awarded a Howland Tiger wristwatch for his outstanding performance during last month's flood, which left 4 feet of water on the lowest level of Howland Middle School.
"He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and he needs to be recognized for his efforts," Superintendent John Rubesich said.
The board agreed to take under consideration a renewal of Rubesich's five-year contract. The new contract would expire July 31, 2008.
Hubbard schools
HUBBARD -- At Monday night's board of education meeting, Superintendent James J. Herrholtz praised teachers, building and grounds improvement and transportation for the smooth first day of school Monday.
It was announced that a committee is being formed to work on passage of the Hubbard Community Pool levy that will appear on the November general election ballot.
The 2.5-mill, five year levy would generate $496,343 annually to make repairs and maintain the pool. Anyone interested in helping should call (330) 534-1992.
United Healthcare was approved to provide medical and dental insurance through Aug. 31, 2004. The medical coverage costs $859 per month per family and $312 for single coverage. Dental coverage is $68 per month for a family dental coverage and $26 for single coverage.
Several contract modifications were approved for both teachers and bus drivers, allowing them to work more hours.
Drug charges
NILES -- A Warren man is free on bond after being accused of trying to sell drugs to customers at the Super Flea-Mor, the former Phar-Mor store just off U.S. Route 422 in the Eastwood Mall complex.
Vincent Maggio, 48, Hollywood Street N.E., was arraigned Monday in Niles Municipal Court on four counts of drug abuse and one count of disorderly conduct.
Police say Maggio tried to sell three people marijuana. Officers say they found a bag of suspected marijuana, several pills and $56 during his arrest.
A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 15.
Canoe trip on creek
CORTLAND -- The Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District and the Ohio Watershed Association are sponsoring a canoe trip on Pymatuning Creek from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 6.
Participants are asked to meet in the parking lot off Milligan East Road by 1 p.m. The road is off state Route 7, north of Orangeville in Vernon Township.
People can bring their own canoe or kayak for the trip. A limited number of canoes will be available on a first-come basis.
Registration deadline is Sept 3.
Call the SWCD at (330) 637-2056.
Special meeting
LIBERTY -- Township trustees will meet in special session at 5 p.m. Thursday in the township administration building.
YSU enrollment
YOUNGSTOWN -- Enrollment is up again at Youngstown State University.
The school recorded 12,789 students on campus as of the end of the first day of fall classes Monday, according to preliminary figures released today.
That's an increase of 94 students from the 12,695 recorded on the same day last year.
It is the third consecutive fall semester enrollment increase after more than a decade of declines.
Enrollment has increased by 781 students or 6.5 percent since fall 2000, when the total number of students on the first day of classes was 12,008.
Official enrollment numbers will be reported to the Ohio Board of Regents on Sept. 8.