REGION

REGION
Flea markets plannedat Trumbull fairgrounds
CORTLAND -- Two business partners are making plans to operate an open-air flea market five weekends this summer and fall at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds, 899 Everett Hull Road.
Tim Grimwood and Mike Mosko, owners of MiTi Promotions, have scheduled the first flea market for 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 8 and 9. Other dates are: June 12 and 13, Aug. 14 and 15, Sept. 11 and 12 and Oct. 9 and 10.
The owners didn't schedule a flea market for July to avoid a conflict with the Trumbull County Fair.
Vendors interested in reserving space may contact MiTi Promotions at (330) 360-3019.
Mobile merchantsto set up in Liberty
LIBERTY -- Homier Mobile Merchants will be at the Liberty Expo Center, 3551 Belmont Ave., from April 15-18. The Indiana-based company sells a variety of items, including tools, furniture and collectibles. The company, which has more than 50 tractor-trailer rigs, operates more than 60 sales locations a week.
NATION
Cook County tax increasescigarette pack price to $6
CHICAGO -- An 82-cent-a-pack tax increase on cigarettes went into effect Thursday in Cook County, bringing the per-pack cost to about $6 -- the second highest in the nation.
New York state last year increased its cigarette tax to $1.50 per pack, and New York City imposed another $1.50 tax, bringing the cost there to more than $7.
County and health officials hope the increase, approved by the Cook County Board in February, will encourage people to stop -- and prevent children from starting.
The increase will also help the county: The combination of federal, county and city taxes will add $2.53 to the cost of a pack. The county's portion is $1.
"I'm convinced that we will save many thousands of kids and adults from smoking," said Cook County Commissioner Robert Maldonado. He says he'll consider another raise later this year.
Tobacco giant Philip Morris USA Inc. warned of "unintended consequences." Tax increases have led to an increase in illegal or contraband activity in cigarette sales, spokeswoman Jamie Drogin said.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports