Program aids residents with flooding problems

Program aids residentswith flooding problems
CANFIELD -- City council is set to create a program that would help residents pay to solve wastewater problems stemming from flooding. The program calls for residents to install devices that would address wastewater back flow. The city would then reimburse the resident for 50 percent of the cost of the work up to $1,000. A first reading of an ordinance to create the program was held Wednesday night. Residents would have to meet several city and county requirements to receive the reimbursement. Those who have installed back-flow control devices during the past year also would be eligible for the reimbursement. A final vote on the ordinance to create the program is expected to be held at the Dec. 17 council meeting. Council also voted to prohibit parking on Fairview Avenue within 150 feet of U.S. Route 224.
Facing federal charges
YOUNGSTOWN -- A federal grand jury in Cleveland has returned a one-count indictment against Ronald E. Pearson, 44, of West Warren Avenue charging him with being a felon in possession of ammunition. In 1983, Pearson was convicted in Mahoning County of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery and kidnapping. In July of this year, he possessed 9 mm ammunition, the government said. The case was investigated by the Youngstown Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Linda H. Barr, an assistant U.S. attorney, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Arts and crafts show
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Purple Cat will have a Christmas arts and crafts show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at its office at 117 S. Champion St. downtown. The Purple Cat offers services to adults with mental or physical disabilities. The arts and crafts show will feature handmade ceramics and other crafts made by the center's clients. Admission to the show is free. A Chinese auction will be conducted to benefit the center's client field trip fund.
Splitting federal funds
YOUNGSTOWN -- About 20 Mahoning County political subdivisions and Youngstown State University will split about $800,000 from the federal government for damages they sustained from flooding and a tornado in July and August, county officials said today. The money is for recovery of costs for things such as removing debris, ditching and cleaning out culverts.
Arrested by U.S marshals
CAMPBELL -- Deputy U.S. marshals arrested Norman Jones, 26, of Murray Avenue at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on Monroe Street on charges of drug abuse-cocaine and obstructing official business. The task force said it was in the Kirwan Homes area in response to complaints about drug activity.
Dedicating WWII memorial
MERCER, Pa. -- A recently built World War II memorial is being dedicated Sunday on the east lawn of the Mercer County Courthouse. The Mercer Community Band will begin playing at 11:55 a.m., and the ceremony will be at 12:55 p.m. Memorial bricks are still being sold at $50 each. The bricks are bought in memory of a veteran who served during World War II. The entire memorial is expected to cost about $100,000.
Abduction, robbery
WARREN -- A Ridgelawn woman told police she was abducted and robbed by a man who got into her car while she was stopped a red light. The 54-year-old woman said she was driving on state Route 169, which is known as Niles Road, around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when she stopped at a red light. She said the man got into her car and forced her to drive a short distance. The man robbed her and then fled. No injuries were reported.
Weathersfield swearing-in
MINERAL RIDGE -- Newly elected Weathersfield Township trustee John Vogel and re-elected treasurer David Rouan will be sworn into office at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 at the township administration building.
House break-in reported
WARREN -- A 73-year-old man told police that someone broke into his home on Bonnie Brae Northeast. The burglary took place Wednesday, reports state. Several items were taken. No arrests have been made.