Sunday, March 23, 2003
Accused of forgery
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Board of Health has suspended the registration of septic tank installer David Eaken after he was accused of forging the signature of former health commissioner Vincent Catuogno on a form.
Catuogno testified in front of the health board during a hearing on the matter Wednesday.
The questionable signature, which was misspelled, was on an application for a septic tank permit for a new home in Southington that was faxed to the health board offices this month.
In November, the board voted to no longer routinely issue permits for septic tanks.
The application faxed by Eaken, of Eaken Excavating, was dated Aug. 13 and had a signature resembling Catuogno's, officials say.
The matter is being referred to Warren police today, said Frank Migliozzi, director of environmental health. The board will revisit the matter next month and could impose additional punishments, he said.
Because of the suspension, Eaken cannot install septic systems in the county for 30 days.
Official's pay to rise
VIENNA -- The Western Reserve Port Authority board has approved increasing the pay of interim airport director Steve Bowser to compensate him for increased responsibilities.
Bowser has been finance officer for Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for four years. He took over as interim director when the former director, Thomas Nolan, left near the end of last year.
His pay has been increased from $43,900 a year to $52,500.
Forum for candidates
WARREN -- The five candidates vying to be the city's next mayor will square off in an April 29 forum.
The Downtown Warren Business Association said its first forum will be at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Comfort Inn on North Park Avenue.
The five Democratic candidates are Patricia Leon-Games, Frederick Harris, Manuel Michelakis, James L, Nutt and Michael J. O'Brien.
"We believe the next mayor will see the city through some pretty tough times," said Eric Thompson, association co-chairman.
Each candidate will be allowed an opening and closing statement and will answer questions from a media panel and from the public.
Fairhaven celebration
NILES -- Fairhaven School will have a founders' day celebration at 5 p.m. March 24.
There will be a short program on Fairhaven's 51-year history, and light refreshments will be served. Call (330) 652-9800.
Facing drug charge
CLEVELAND -- Elmer C. Austin, 36, of Transylvania Avenue, Warren, has been charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cleveland with one count of intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.
Austin would face up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine if convicted.
Promoting tourism
NILES -- Trumbull County Convention and Visitor's Bureau is looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting people, have flexible schedules and reliable transportation to assist in the promotion of county tourism.
Duties include meeting and greeting motorcoach tours, convention/meeting registration and servicing and helping with special events.
The bureau also needs individuals who have professional office and/or computer skills to process visitor information requests, answer telephones, coordinate promotional mailings and perform light typing.
Call (330) 544-3468 or e-mail tccvb@nlcomm.com by April 1. Residents are asked not to walk in with volunteer inquiries.
The nonprofit organization is funded by a 2.5-percent lodging tax paid by hotel/motel guests who stay in the county.
Exhibit on aviator
YOUNGSTOWN -- A photographic exhibit showcasing Italian aviator Francesco DePinedo will open at 2 p.m. Saturday on the first floor of the William F. Maag Library at Youngstown State University.
Dr. Nicola DeSantis, the Italian consul representing Italy's five-state diplomatic region including Ohio, will attend.
DePinedo was the first foreigner to land an airplane in the United States on March 29, 1927.