Masked robbers strike

Masked robbers strike
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Two masked men forced their way into a Francis Drive home.
Pennsylvania State Police said one man had a gun and threatened the 50-year-old resident. The men took the woman's purse and then ran.
Police said the robbery happened Saturday, but they did not say what time.
Cigarette burglars
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Someone pried open several doors at Hyway Oil Co. on Wilmington Road and stole cigarettes.
Neshannock Police said the burglary was reported at 5:47 a.m. Monday. They believe the burglars came in overnight.
Attempted burglary
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The outside of the All American Rental Center on West Long Avenue was damaged in an attempted burglary.
Police said an outside wall was pulled away and someone tried to get through an inside wall overnight from Sunday to Monday.
Nothing was taken from the business, police said. Damage was estimated at $500.
MCAR discussion
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Arc of Mercer County and MCAR Inc. will conduct a reception and question and answer forum with Kevin Casey, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Retardation, at 6 p.m. Thursday at MCAR, 850 N. Hermitage Road.
Families, friends and others concerned with mental retardation issues are invited to meet Casey and participate in the forum.
UPMC wound centers
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- UPMC Horizon will open its new wound-care centers Thursday for patients suffering from chronic wounds, including those related to diabetes, circulatory disorders and bedsores. Both centers will be open every Thursday.
The center at the Park Medical Building, 2120 Likens Lane, Suite 104, Farrell, will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, and the one on the third floor of UPMC's Greenville campus will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. The centers' medical director will be Dr. Thomas Serena, who operates six other western Pennsylvania wound-care centers.
Toys for needy kids
MERCER, Pa. -- The public is again asked to bring donations of unwrapped new toys for needy local children to the State Police barracks at 826 Franklin Road until Dec. 10.
The toys will be distributed with the assistance of the Mercer County Children's Aid Society. They must be unwrapped for security reasons and to give parents the opportunity to view and select items they think their children will want the most.
The program served more than 650 children last holiday season.
Goodfellows' giving
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Hermitage Goodfellows are continuing their 40-year tradition of holiday giving by seeking donations of new or repairable toys, nonperishable foods and money to help needy people.
Donations of toys and canned goods will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. business days at the city's public works building on New Virginia Road; the central fire station on Highland Road; or Ponderosa Restaurant and Rice Pool & amp; Spa, both on East State Street.
Monetary donations may be made payable to the Hermitage Goodfellows, 2511 Highland Road, Hermitage, Pa. 16148. For safety and health reasons, bicycles, clothing and used stuffed animals cannot be accepted.
Dog licenses for 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.
Holiday of Hope
SALEM -- Holiday of Hope reception and auction will be Saturday at the Masonic Temple, 788 E. State St., Salem.
The Just Desserts reception will begin at 6 p.m. and will include a dozen desserts, coffee and a bar, and entertainment by Jonathon and Diana. Admission costs $15.
An auction at 7 will feature such items as sports memorabilia, antiques, trees, wreaths, centerpieces and baskets of presents. Admission costs $5. Proceeds will benefit American Red Cross services. For tickets or information, call (330) 332-0028 or e-mail redcross@salem.ohio.com.