Be alert for dead birds

Be alert for dead birds
LISBON -- With the mosquito season about to begin, the Columbiana County Health Department is asking residents to submit any dead blue jays or crows they might find for testing to see if they died of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Residents should place the dead bird in a bag and freeze it. Contact Kelly Jackman at the health department, (330) 424-0272 to make arrangements to have the bird tested.
Because mosquitoes can pass the virus to birds and people, clusters of dead birds might indicate the virus's presence in the area.
Smoke at Burger King
SALEM -- Firefighters were called to Burger King, 1761 E. State St., after light smoke spread in the restaurant.
The smoke was from a malfunctioning heating unit, a fire department spokesman said.
No injuries or damage resulted from the episode.
Fleeing a police officer
SALEM -- A Salem Township motorcyclist faces charges after being accused by Perry Township police of fleeing an officer.
Police said Steven Carson, 47, of Salem-Grange Road, drove away after an officer tried to stop him about 1:30 a.m. Thursday on state Route 45 just south of Salem to investigate an expired registration.
Carson was pursued over several roads and stopped with the aid of the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Depot Road near Salem-Grange Road in Salem Township, police said.
Carson is charged in Columbiana County Municipal Court with fleeing and eluding, driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license and expired registration.
Justice will speak
SALEM -- Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer will be the featured speaker at the Columbiana County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner.
The event will be May 29 at the Timberlanes Inn and Restaurant, 544 E. Pershing St., and is set to start with a cash bar at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 per person.
To make reservations call (330) 424-5788 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations must be made before Wednesday.
CPR class offered
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- A cardiopulmonary resuscitation class will be offered at the Springfield Township Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The cost is $15 to cover books. Karen Philibin and Phil Goings of the township EMS squad will teach the class, which is open to residents of the township and of New Middletown.
Ellwood City fire
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- The cause of an early morning blaze at 210 Rear Franklin Ave. is still under investigation. Firefighters were called to the home at 1 a.m. for a fire that damaged the porch, living room and entryway. The home is owned by Joe Rubino. Firefighters said they were unsure if anyone was home when the blaze started. No injuries were reported.
Home burglarized
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A handgun and compact disks were taken from a home in the 500 block of Lutton Street. Police said the items were taken sometime from 5:15 to 8:08 p.m. Thursday. Police said the thief apparently had keys to the home.
82-year-old charged
YOUNGSTOWN -- Stephen R. Budrovic, 82, of Brittain Street may be required to take a driver's exam. Police questioned his ability to drive after a series of hit-and-run accidents Thursday afternoon on the South Side.
Budrovic's car struck a car on Beechwood Place at East Judson Avenue, backed up, hit the same car again and, while attempting to flee, struck a utility pole. Budrovic then ended up in the parking lot of Animal Charity on South Avenue, where witnesses blocked his exit until police arrived, reports show.
Police cited Budrovic with failure to stop in an assured clear distance, leaving the scene of a crash on streets, improper backing and leaving the scene of a crash involving realty.
Mobile home badly burned
WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. -- Jennifer Weaver told firefighters she had just paid off the mortgage on her mobile home Wednesday. On Thursday, it caught fire, and she has no insurance to cover the damage, which officials said was extensive. Shenango Township fire officials said fire broke out just before noon at Weaver's home in Oak Leaf Estates on Mitchell Road. No injuries were reported.