43
Vindy.com for December 24, 2004
Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.
Jump to: » Stories
Featured Stories
Select a date to see content for that day.
Stories published December 24, 2004
Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.
The first Christmas
Opinion: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the
REGION
REGION Smith received improper benefit COLUMBUS -- An Ohio State booster gave an improper gift
Today is Saturday, Dec. 25, the 360th day of 2004. There are six days left in the year. This is
Today is Saturday, Dec. 25, the 360th day of 2004. There are six days left in the year. This is
COLLEGE BASKETBALL E. Michigan routs Cleveland State
Wisconsin kept its long home winning streak intact. ASSOCIATED PRESS YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Markus
LSU prepares a deal to counter Dolphins'
COMBINED DISPATCHES MIAMI -- Nick Saban's decision over whether to stay at LSU or become the sixth
DAVID CRUMM This year's best books
The enormous thirst for inspirational reading over the past decade is fueling such a flood of
PREP BOYS ROUNDUP Lowellville's Nero gets hot at the end
Mario Nero scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets beat Leetonia. LOWELLVILLE --
WATCHFULNESS
WATCHFULNESS Key information HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM Be aware of your surroundings and
Nick Saban remains undecided
The LSU coach seems emotionally tied to the school. DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Dolphins owner Wayne
THISTLEDOWN ENTRIES SUNDAY -- 12:15 P.M.
THISTLEDOWN ENTRIES SUNDAY -- 12:15 P.M. 1st--$6,900, Claiming $3,500, 3 yo's & amp; up, F
DAN K. THOMASSON We should hang our heads in shame
Opinion: WASHINGTON -- Here are a couple of Christmas stories that both contradict the spirit of the season
RACCOONS Critters may be cute, but they also can be dangerous
When dealing with wild animals, it's better to be safe than sorry. At least once a week since Nov.
HOLIDAY PARTIES Being a good guest needn't be guesswork
Larry Pfarr is comfortable hosting dozens of parties and get-togethers at his Minneapolis home each
First Night Youngstown seeking volunteers
First Night Youngstown seeking volunteers YOUNGSTOWN -- First Night Youngstown is seeking
BILL TAMMEUS Christmas story through Islamic eyes
Opinion: One reason the Christmas story engages so many hearts is that it portrays a God of surprises. God,
WHAT THEY SAY Shopping quotes
Quotes from last-minute shoppers around the nation on Christmas Eve: "This year, people don't seem
KWANZAA African holiday to start Sunday
Families are asked to reflect on the Nguzo Saba. YOUNGSTOWN -- The observance of Kwanzaa will take
OHIO Winter storm dumps snow, ice; power cut
Suburban Dayton got up to two feet of snow. COLUMBUS (AP) -- Ohioans broke out sleeping bags and
Rosary Cenacle set
Rosary Cenacle set YOUNGSTOWN -- A Rosary Cenacle will be held Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shrine
WEATHER Winter storm socks Midwest, South
Parts of Kentucky have been particularly hard hit. ASSOCIATED PRESS A sloppy storm dumped more
Why was Dec. 25 picked?
Why is Dec. 25 the date to celebrate Christmas? Two explanations compete. By RICHARD N. OSTLING
LATE THURSDAY SUMMARY HEAT 109, KINGS 107
LATE THURSDAY SUMMARY HEAT 109, KINGS 107 MIAMI (109) -- E.Jones 7-13 4-5 21, Haslem 2-7 5-6 9,
THURSDAY DRAWINGS
OHIO Night drawings: Pick 3, 9-1-6 Pick 4, 1-4-3-7 Rolling Cash 10-21-22-23-33 Day
HOW HE SEES IT Secular fanatics attack Christmas
Opinion: By JAY AMBROSE SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE To insist that the placing of a nativity scene in a
Natural gas prices up across the state
Gas heating prices are higher than last year's. HARRISBURG (AP) -- The state's 10 largest gas
COUNTY GOVERNMENT Mercer commissioners defend several moves
Officials agreed to borrow $5 million to cover county expenses until taxes come in. MERCER, Pa. --
Tragedy leaves North Side neighbors stunned
The cause appears to be accidental, a fire lieutenant says. YOUNGSTOWN -- Tears filled Ernest
GAMBLING MTR backs out of plan to build racetrack in Erie
ERIE, Pa. (AP) -- MTR Gaming Group has withdrawn a proposal to build an $80 million horse racetrack
WHAT'S DOING?
HUNTER, TRAPPER EDUCATION INFORMATION -- Ohio: call (800) WILDLIFE or www.dnr.state.oh.us/
NBA Judge permits O'Neal to play on Saturday
The ruling further erodes the authority of NBA commissioner David Stern. NEW YORK (AP) --
Private prison poised to grow 1,200 federal inmates to arrive in '05
The 'criminal alien' prisoners brought here will be classified as low-security. YOUNGSTOWN -- The
HOW HE SEES IT U.S. firms committing suicide by outsourcing
Opinion: By SHIH-FEN S. CHEN PROVIDENCE JOURNAL WALTHAM, Mass. -- International Business Machines' recent
TANIEHSA HOLLAND Rayen's caged tiger
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ask the boys on the basketball playground -- one of her many foiled opponents, perhaps
OHIO POLITICS Akron, Columbus mayors not looking for '06 battle
Plusquellic says there's no need to compete with Coleman in the governor's race. AKRON (AP) -- The
HOW HE SEES IT An unabridged history of Christmas
Opinion: By BILL FERGUSON KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS It seems that more and more schools, businesses and
THURSDAY'S SUMMARIES SPURS 96, TIMBERWOLVES 82
THURSDAY'S SUMMARIES SPURS 96, TIMBERWOLVES 82 MINNESOTA (82) -- Szczerbiak 7-12 8-8 22, Garnett
"When that chute opened, it was a peaceful, wonderful feeling."
Opinion: "When that chute opened, it was a peaceful, wonderful feeling." Pilot Albert Kolk Describing how
Yes, Virginia
Opinion: EDITOR'S NOTE: The following editorial, among the most famous ever written, appeared in The New York
Pitt gets Wannstedt
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Former Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt accepted the coaching job at alma mater
Prayer expresses appropriate holiday sentiment
Dear Readers: Today is Christmas, and we hope those who are celebrating this holiday are fortunate
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL Lindsay Whetzel leads Lakeview; Mathews, Chaney also victorious
CORTLAND -- Lindsay Whetzel scored 11 points to lead Lakeview High to a 64-41 victory over Poland,
CHALKS & amp; 'DOGS \ Pro picks
Oakland (+ 7) at Kansas City: Dick Vermeil should have listened earlier to Larry Johnson's cries for
NCAA FOOTBALL
NCAA FOOTBALL FAVORITELINEUNDERDOG Dec. 27 MPC Computers Bowl Virginia51/2Fresno St. Motor
OHIO STATE FOOTBALL Zwick is confident he'll get job done
He's less of a running threat than Troy Smith. SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Justin Zwick will end his
Exhibiting the meaning of Christmas Displaying God's handiwork God's handiwork on display
THE INFANT JESUS appeared in church cr & egrave;ches this week as a figurine in a miniature
IRAQ Fallujah fighting heaviest in weeks
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited injured U.S. soldiers in Mosul today. FALLUJAH, Iraq
Valley children share their best Christmas
Valley children share their best Christmas kCHILDREN from the Mahoning Valley describe their best
GAMBLING Charges against 2 go to grand jury
Both suspects are currently free on bond. ALLIANCE -- Gambling charges against former Salem
SHOPPING & amp; SHIPPING Retailers open up for eve shoppers
A late spending surge last year gave struggling retailers a better-than-expected holiday season.
REMAINING FREE AGENTS
REMAINING FREE AGENTS NEW YORK -- The 107 remaining free agents (a-rejected arbitration and may
TOP 25 ROUNDUP Pitt wins ninth straight, extends home win streak
Connecticut made a homecoming for Ann Strother a successful one. ASSOCIATED PRESS PITTSBURGH --
BASEBALL
BASEBALL American League BOSTON RED SOX--Agreed to terms with RHP Wade Miller on a one-year
'Holiday Christians'
'Holiday Christians' kAROUND THE COUNTRY, ministers in churches big and small are preparing to
TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL
TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL American League BOSTON RED SOX--Agreed to terms with C Jason Varitek on a
NFL PREVIEW \ Sunday's games
CLEVELAND at MIAMI Time: 8:30 p.m. TV/radio: ESPN, WKBN-AM (570), WNCD-FM (93.3) Series
OSHP's billboard campaign raises $9,000 for child seats
CANFIELD -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol collected more than $9,000 from last week's child safety
PUBLIC HEALTH Local RN team receives award
The local team was one of four groups nationwide receiving recognition. YOUNGSTOWN -- A team of
CRIME Kimble facing a new charge
Lyndal Kimble has a history of drug charges. WARREN -- A city man whose videotaped drug arrest by
SCOTT SHALAWAY Squirrels, dogs enjoy feeder fun
For years I've been disappointed that squirrels seldom visit my bird feeders. Though my ridge-top
CLUBS
CLUBS XOhio Cultural Alliance will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 at St. Michael Church Hall, 281 Glenview
YSU Schools hook up for writing degree
It's the only program of its kind in the country offered by a consortium of universities.
MEN'S BASKETBALL THURSDAY'S SCORES EAST
MEN'S BASKETBALL THURSDAY'S SCORES EAST Boston U. 62, Canisius 45 Fordham 69, Siena 59
HARLEM Tiger Man wins early prison release
The tiger is still being kept at Noah's Lost Ark. NEW YORK (AP) -- A Harlem man sentenced to five
J.R. LABBE Knee-biters and the Nativity
Opinion: "Karen, a nail is sticking out of the side of the manger. We don't want to impale one of the sheep."
NFL ROUNDUP Vick becomes highest paid
It's a 10-year deal with more than $100 million and guarantees big bonuses. ASSOCIATED PRESS
& lt;B & gt;BRUMBAUGH, & lt;/B & gt;Forrest W., 89, of Warren;
& lt;B & gt;BRUMBAUGH, & lt;/B & gt;Forrest W., 89, of Warren; calling hours Monday
COURT CASE Retired pastor charged with income tax cheating
The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church filed a complaint against him.
MAHONING COUNTY
MAHONING COUNTY Indictments A Mahoning County grand jury indicted Anthony West, 20, of East
BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS Pilgrims in Bethlehem express hope
Relations have improved between Israel and the Palestinian leadership. BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP)
NOVELTY GARMENTS Sweaters let you take holiday feeling with you
To Mary Day, they're as much a part of the holiday as putting up the tree or baking cookies.
THISTLEDOWN RESULTS THURSDAY
THISTLEDOWN RESULTS THURSDAY Thursday's races were canceled because of inclement weather.
CONGRESS Lawmakers introduce bills to 'score,' not win
Legislators keep promises and raise awareness, but a tiny percentage actually become law.
Feds take aim at corruption in government
The scandals are fostering increasing distrust of government leaders. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former
MIRAMAR, Fla. (AP) -- A doctor whose license was revoked for botching abortions, including leaving fetus parts inside a patient, was arrested on charges he continued to perform the procedures.
MIRAMAR, Fla. (AP) -- A doctor whose license was revoked for botching abortions, including leaving
Boy, 10, gives favorite teacher football autographed by Franco Harris
Boy, 10, gives favorite teacher football autographed by Franco Harris Eds: Moving on general news
TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT Officials at odds over labor negotiations
The nonelected official is trying to bar the elected official from listening to negotiations.
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES
WEDNESDAY'S GAMES Toronto 98, Utah 86 Boston 114, New York 109 Philadelphia 102, Indiana 90
BRIDGE
Weekly quiz: Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold: xA K 6 u8 7 vK 4 wA Q 6 5 4 2 The bidding has
CITY PARKS Board put 2005 fee schedule in place for pavilions
City council is expected to approve the land swap next week. YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown Park
NFL PREVIEW \ Saturday's games
OAKLAND at KANSAS CITY Time: 5 p.m. TV/radio: (27) (19) (2) (WBBW-AM 1240) Series history:
SCHEDULE MONDAY GIRLS BASKETBALL
SCHEDULE MONDAY GIRLS BASKETBALL (Games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted) Wilson at Canton Timken
MILITARY Salem woman serving in Iraq among 44 soldiers hurt in blast
SALEM -- A city woman was one of 44 U.S. soldiers wounded Tuesday in an explosion at a dining
& lt;B & gt;ARNOLD, & lt;/B & gt; Mary, 79, of Youngstown; Higgins-
& lt;B & gt;ARNOLD, & lt;/B & gt; Mary, 79, of Youngstown; Higgins-Reardon Funeral
There's a lot on the line
The Steelers and Ravens both have something to play for on Sunday. PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The pregame
Summer wedding for Aimee Vogt and Eric Coles
XBRACEVILLE -- Announcement is being made by Janet and Jerry Vogt, 3331 Eagle Creek Road, of the
Today is Friday, Dec. 24, the 359th day of 2004. There are seven days left in the year. This is
Opinion: Today is Friday, Dec. 24, the 359th day of 2004. There are seven days left in the year. This is
HELOISE Don't get burned by carelessness
Dear Heloise: Candles are more popular than ever, and millions of people enjoy the special beauty
NBA ROUNDUP \ Thursday's games
Spurs 96, Timberwolves 82 SAN ANTONIO -- Manu Ginobili scored 22 points, and San Antonio held
FORTH WORTH BOWL Guidugli leads Cincinnati to rout
The Bearcats defeated Marshall, 32-14 on a bitterly cold night. FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Gino
Parents announce Hunter-Stoklosa wedding plans
XThe engagement of Pamela Lynn Hunter, daughter of Linda and Charles Hunter, all of 5588 Cider Mill
MICHIGAN ELK Luck was part of her draw and hunt
Prayers answered for female elk hunter. By ERIC SHARP KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS ATLANTA, Mich.
COLUMBIANA CO. College program gets grant
The program has provided more than $45,000 in scholarships. SALEM -- The Mahoning Valley College
Booms-Gnandt wedding plans are revealed
XCANFIELD -- Denise and Charles Booms of Millbrook Street are announcing the engagement of their
Maddox still yearns to play
He's been a good (and high-priced) mentor to Ben Roethlisberger. PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh
BOARD OF CONTROL Brilex gets financial help for job-creating expansion
The company also received other city incentives, including a tax abatement. YOUNGSTOWN -- A local
Landolfi named to board
Landolfi named to board NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Atty. John Landolfi, a Niles native, was recently
Cunningham- Williams date is revealed
XGIRARD -- The engagement of Errin Christine Cunningham and Woody Williams, 115 Smithsonian St., is
HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STARS Tri-County League
FOOTBALL: Offense OL--Donald Boyd, Leetonia OL--Andy Walton, Crestview OL--Cory Stevens, Crestview
BOYS BASKETBALL THURSDAY'S SCORES AREA
BOYS BASKETBALL THURSDAY'S SCORES AREA Niles 65, Liberty 62 Lowellville 55, Leetonia 51
YSU Senior wins gold medal for research
The award was one of the top honors for young scientists, a YSU dean says. YOUNGSTOWN --
EASTERN CONFERENCE
EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division WLPctGBL10StrHomeAwayConf New York1313.500--5-5L-28-45-
NFL INJURY REPORT
NFL INJURY REPORT NEW YORK -- The National Football League injury report for Friday's game, as
CRIME Judge: Charges should have been dismissed in 1993 slaying
The district attorney's office is vowing to appeal the ruling. PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Charges against
TRAFFIC CASES Several crashes uncover five invalid area drivers
An unmarked cruiser was struck in one of the accidents. YOUNGSTOWN -- Five drivers without a valid
MICHAEL J. LACIVITA When a rabbit came to Christmas dinner
Opinion: My father Giovanni was a life long rabbit hunter, starting at age 12 in 1904, atop the Apennine
COLLEGE FOOTBALL Big Ten will petition NCAA to OK replay
The conference wants all I-A leagues to use the system in 2005. CHICAGO (AP) -- The Big Ten's
EAGLE NESTS Where they are
Most eagle nests in Ohio are located along the shores of Lake Erie, but some are found well inland.
HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STARS Trumbull Athletic Conference
FOOTBALL First Team Offense OL--Sam Gonder, senior, Hubbard OL--Larry Wolf, senior, Hubbard OL--
Dannielle Hinkle, Michael B. Olmi engaged to marry
XCANFIELD -- Debbie and David Hinkle, 3130 Cherry Creek Drive, are announcing the engagement of
NYPD Picking up on pickers of pockets
Many of the scams are well choreographed. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS NEW YORK -- A skillful cat-and-
ANGLERS TIPS Jack Wollitz
Christmas greetings to all this wonderful day as we pause to celebrate and share the spirit of the
Things I should have known yesterday
Things I should have known yesterday By SIMONE BOUFFARD KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS Driving a
FOOTBALL BOWL SCHEDULE
FOOTBALL BOWL SCHEDULE Dec. 14 New Orleans Bowl Southern Mississippi 31, North Texas 10
REMAINING FREE AGENTS LIST
REMAINING FREE AGENTS LIST NEW YORK -- The 106 remaining free agents (a-rejected arbitration and
A Lopex ex-hubby sues
A Lopex ex-hubby sues LOS ANGELES -- An ex-husband of Jennifer Lopez has sued her on allegations
BASEBALL Varitek to stay with the Red Sox
St. Louis signed shortstop David Eckstein. ASSOCIATED PRESS BOSTON -- Catcher Jason Varitek will
Rate increases delayed by authority
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Port Authority of Allegheny County board voted to postpone bus and train fare
DOMESTIC RELATIONS Local financial adviser jailed for nonsupport
The man owes about $60,000 in back child and spousal support. YOUNGSTOWN -- Roger C. Faubel, who
Veteran of Desert Storm gets replacement medals
His original medals were destroyed in a fire. SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) -- A Gulf War veteran believed
Will you be able to see the forest if the trees are gone?
Opinion: People have a right to be a bit skeptical when the Bush administration claims that its new
Run for the hills -- the BCS lives!
We're at that point in college football's annual B-movie horror classic when the monster staggers
TRENDY TOTES For Maryland judge, carrying a purse is his bag
And lately, more and more men are joining the ranks. BALTIMORE SUN Some call it the man bag.
SUNDAY NEWS SHOWS | Opinions on the air
Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows: ABC's "This Week" -- Sens. Carl Levin, D-Mich., ranking
MIKE BRAUN This, that and Christmas, too
You might want to mark down a few upcoming dates on the 2005 calendars that were undoubtedly among
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY Pupils rock at mineral museum
The mineral museum is visited by area school children. YOUNGSTOWN -- Seventeen teachers from
Medical researchers can't get protections
Ruling: Federal whistleblower laws don't apply to high-salaried employees. WASHINGTON (AP) --
A thought on this day: Let there be peace on earth
Opinion: In reading the Scripture above, one phrase stands out more this year than most: Glory to God in the
MAHONING RIVER Seeking signatures for special Ohio plate
The Ohio BMV needs petition signatures to OK a new license plate honoring the river. WARREN --
Theft, assault charges
Theft, assault charges YOUNGSTOWN -- Three steaks were seen hanging out the front of Anthony
PREP BASKETBALL Niles holds off Leopards, 65-62
Liberty nearly had a half-court shot go in at the buzzer. NILES -- Niles McKinley High had a
EVENTS
Pastors from around Ohio will explore the theme, "Searching for What Saves Us," guided by two
Health problems might be hidden from view
Dear Annie: I've never written before, but after reading your response to "President of an Assisted
GEORGE F. WILL America's past not one of crime, folly
Opinion: WASHINGTON -- Let's get this straight: The greatest Christmas in American history was not the result