Probing armed robbery

Probing armed robbery
BOARDMAN -- Township police are investigating an armed robbery in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart store on Doral Drive.
According to police, two teenage boys said they were in the parking lot at 9:45 p.m. Sunday when a man pulled a small black handgun and demanded money. The boys, ages 15 and 17, handed over $65 before running to the nearby Skate Connection to call police.
The robber fled. No arrests have been made.
Honoring faculty at YSU
YOUNGSTOWN -- A reception to honor teaching excellence at Youngstown State University will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in Tod Hall on campus.
Faculty honored will be Sherry L. Linkon, Carnegie Foundation 2003 Ohio Professor of the Year; and Stacey Lowery Bretz, Annette Burden, Shirley M. Keller, Nancy Mosca, Jennifer Pintar and David Pollack, all recipients of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education Teaching Award.
The event is sponsored by YSU's Academic Senate, the YSU chapter of the Ohio Education Association and the provost's office.
Warren tree lighting
WARREN -- The city's annual tree lighting will be Friday downtown.
Santa and the elves will arrive at 5 p.m. on a sleigh to Courthouse Square, followed by the tree lighting at 5:05 p.m. with Mayor Hank Angelo and WYTV Channel 33's Stan Boney.
At 7 p.m., Channel 33 will broadcast choirs live from the square.
From 5 to 8 p.m., the children can meet with Santa Claus at the gazebo. Each child gets a toy, a picture with Santa and a cookie from Cookies to Go.
Free horse and carriage rides will be given around the square, and participating downtown businesses will conduct open houses offering refreshments.
Children also can hang personal ornaments on the Christmas tree.
Man's death investigated
MERCER, Pa. -- A 30-year-old man died in Springfield Township early Saturday, apparently from an accidental overdose of alcohol and drugs, Pennsylvania State Police said.
Joseph C. Priester of Market Street, Mercer, had alcoholic drinks at the Elephant Castle Bar and Inn, 1923 Leesburg-Grove City Road, while on prescription medication for pain from an injury, police said.
The coroner's office is investigating.
3 charged in break-in
YOUNGSTOWN -- Three men in a van hauling fireplace mantels on its roof were arrested Saturday morning on Ohio Avenue and charged with breaking and entering.
Arrested were Bernard Merchant, 31, of Halleck Street; Brian L. Moore, 35, of Oxford Avenue; and Jerome M. Young, 35, of West Chalmers Avenue.
Police said the mantels had been taken from a vacant house at 1406 Fifth Ave.
2004 dog licenses on sale
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County Dog Warden's Department is announcing the sale of 2004 dog licenses. Ohio law requires all dogs more than 3 months old to be licensed.
Dog owners are encouraged to register their dogs before the Jan. 31 deadline. The $15 tags can be secured by mail or at the many licensing agents throughout the county.
Dog owners who fail to register their dogs by the deadline can expect to pay $30 per tag and may be subject to a court citation.
For more license information, visit the department's Web site at www.doglicense.com.
Lighting to follow Mass
GIRARD -- The Girard Knights of Columbus will have a special Light Up for Christ Mass at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Rose Church.
The Mass will be followed by the lighting of an outdoor manger scene, carols and refreshments.