First Night Youngstown seeking volunteers

First Night Youngstownseeking volunteers
YOUNGSTOWN -- First Night Youngstown is seeking additional volunteers for the family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration of the arts in downtown Youngstown.
John Swierz, vice chair of the First Night Committee, said 80-100 volunteers are needed to staff the various venues, the same number as last year.
A meeting for interested volunteers has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday in the lower level conference room of City Centre One, 410 East Federal Street.
Swierz said volunteers are required to work only a two-hour shift at the six-hour event. For their time they will receive free admission to all venues and performances.
He said First Night organizers are expecting 5,000 people to attend the event this year, an increase over last year's attendance of 3,200.
For more information on serving as a volunteer, call (330) 742-0445.
Mercer Co. authoritiesprobe man's drowning
SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- The Mercer County coroner's office is investigating the apparent drowning of a 28-year-old Sharon man near the Shenango River.
Sharpsville police report that the body of John Allen Bowser of 205 Third Avenue was found shortly after 6 p.m. in a small creek, a tributary of the river, just below Water Street.
The victim was reported missing by family members at 3 p.m. Wednesday. He was seen in the area of the creek earlier in the afternoon, where he was reportedly gathering wood.
Bowser's body was recovered from the water by the Sharpsville Fire Department.
Officials said that the current of the stream was stronger than usual because of excessive water runoff.
City gives residentsa break on electric
NEWTON FALLS -- Residents got their first present of the Christmas season from city council this month -- a one-time break for electric customers.
"We do it in part to encourage decorating for Christmas," said Marcia Cunningham, finance director.
She said the reduced rate for the billing including Dec. 25, paid in February, amounts to a 20 percent to 25 percent reduction.
The Christmas Good Cheer committee made the decision after reviewing the financial status of the city's electric utility.
"It's a nice tradition. It gives back to the citizens. We've been doing it since 1988," said Councilman Steve Stevens.
The city just collects less revenue for the month with the break, which council members said will not hurt the city's general fund.
Bids to be acceptedfor Kinsman House work
WARREN -- Bids will be taken by the city Jan. 4 for the exterior renovation of the historic Kinsman House on Mahoning Avenue Northwest.
The project, planned since 2001, includes both the house and land office, 303 and 321 Mahoning. The architect is Gaede Serne Architects Inc., Cleveland.
The Kinsman House project is part of Warren's 2005 Community Development Block Grant program. A committee selected by Mayor Michael J. O'Brien has appropriated $200,000 for the exterior work.
The Mahoning Avenue house, built in 1834, was built by Fredrick Kinsman as part of what was once known as the Simon Perkins Family Farm.
Springfield session
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township trustees will meet in special session for the purpose of closing the books for 2004.
The session will be at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 30 at the township administration building, 3475 E. South Range Road.
Attempted robbery
WARREN -- Speed Check, a convenience store at 2847 Parkman Road, reported an attempted robbery to police at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Someone came into the store and demanded money -- but the clerk refused and the robber fled. The police report doesn't indicate if a weapon was involved.
Civil service panel
WARREN -- The city's civil service commission will meet at 8 a.m. Wednesday in the data processing building behind city hall.
On the agenda is the entry-level firefighter test and finalizing the testing requirements.