Official charged in DUI

Official charged in DUI
NILES -- The city's service director is set to appear in court this week on a charge of driving under the influence.
Police said Donald K. Allen, 74, of John Street, was pulling out of the AMVET's parking lot on state Route 169 about 8:30 p.m. Monday and drove into the path of another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Jeffrey R. Letourneau, 21, of Robbinson Lane, Warren, and a passenger, Jessica Morgan, were taken to Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. Allen was taken to St. Joseph Health Center. Condition reports were not available this morning.
Pot-growing charge
NILES -- A two-month investigation resulted in the arrest of a city man police say operated a sophisticated marijuana growing system.
Jeffry D. Martin, 32, Ann Street, is charged with felony cultivation of marijuana and drug abuse and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Police searched Martin's home Monday afternoon and found the growing system in the basement.
Traffic fatality
McDONALD -- Police continue to investigate the village's first fatal traffic accident since the 1970s. Lt. Bill Woodley said Kenneth E. Murray, 51, of Parkview Road, died after his motorcycle went off the side of Marshall Road at 12:29 a.m. Sunday. He died a short time later at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Caseworker investigated
WARREN -- Officials are investigating whether a former Trumbull County Department of Jobs and Family Services caseworker broke the law by misusing confidential information about clients.
County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins confirmed his office is conducting the investigation, but would not talk about the case in detail. The employee, a nine-year veteran of the department, resigned June 25, said county human resources Director James Keating. She earned $14.40 an hour.
No-license charge
NILES -- A city man pleaded innocent to a second round of charges related to driving a local attorney's car without a license.
Nathan Critchfield, 32, appeared in Niles Municipal Court last week on charges including driving under suspension. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Aug. 11 before Judge Thomas W. Townley. Critchfield is accused of driving a car owned by Atty. Maridee Costanzo on Robbins Avenue on July 3. He faces similar charges in Warren, where police stopped him June 17.
Wetlands walks
HOWLAND -- Environmental educator Brice Harris will lead wetlands walks into the Howland Wildlife Preserve and discuss pond ecology, amphibian biology, flood plains, wildlife and wetlands.
Harris is a curriculum and instruction supervisor for the Trumbull County Educational Service Center. The next walk is Thursday. Participants may park and meet at Shepherd of the Valley on North River Road. Wear boots or walking shoes, light-colored clothing, long pants, long sleeves, sunscreen and/or mosquito repellent. Participants may also bring binoculars and field guides. Call Harris at (330) 675-2800 Ext. 120 for more information.
Bank robbery charge
WARREN -- A 43-year-old Warren man has pleaded innocent to an aggravated-robbery charge.
Wilson Adams Jr., of Brier St. S.E., entered the plea Monday in municipal court. He is being held in the county jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond. Police say Adams robbed a branch of Bank One, 2911 Youngstown-Warren Road, last week.
Tennis, anyone?
CORTLAND -- The Lakeview Board of Education added girls tennis to the high school's athletic program at Monday's meeting. The school district will not have to pay for the new sport. Kim Hines has volunteered to coach the girls, and the team can use tennis courts in the city park to practice and for matches. Twelve girls have signed up to be on the team.
Public hearing
HUBBARD -- Township trustees will conduct a final public hearing on the township's comprehensive plan at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the township administration building. It is a 10- to 20-year development plan.