Septic tank reminder

Septic tank reminder
AUSTINTOWN -- The Mahoning County Health District is mailing reminders to 672 Austintown households with septic systems that septic tanks should be pumped regularly.
There is no law requiring homeowners to get their septic tanks pumped, said Matthew Stefanak, county health commissioner.
However, regular service, which includes pumping tanks, can save the homeowner thousands of dollars in repair costs, he said.
Septic tanks should be pumped at different intervals, depending on household size and water usage. For instance, a four-person household with a 1,000-gallon tank should have it pumped every three years.
Pumpers notify the health board when they pump a septic tank, and the board uses the information to keep track of when a septic system was last pumped, Stefanak said.
Hubbard meeting
HUBBARD -- City council has called a special meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers for the purpose of requesting legislation, passing pending legislation and public address on agenda items.
Tax renewal session
WARREN -- Councilman John Homlitas, D-3rd, will conduct office hours at 9 a.m. Saturday in the community room at the Elm Road McDonald's.
The councilman said he expects members of either the police or fire departments to attend to answer questions about the upcoming income tax renewal.
The 0.5-percent tax generates money for the safety services.
Man faces sex charges
SHARON, Pa. -- Police arrested Joseph F. Chrestay, 25, of West Budd Street on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault and indecent exposure.
Chrestay was arrested at the police station around 2:40 p.m. Thursday and arraigned before District Justice Henry Russo, who ordered him to be held on $20,000 bond. Police said there is also a parole detainer lodged against him.
Police said Chrestay is accused of engaging in oral sex with two girls, ages 12 and 14, on several occasions in the 300 block of Sterling Avenue and the 100 block of North Water Avenue in December.
Jury indicts Pa. man
PITTSBURGH -- A New Castle man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of bank robbery.
The one-count indictment named Joseph Oliva, 40, of McGrath Avenue.
According to the indictment, on Jan. 12, Oliva robbed First Choice Credit Union, 1400 Wilmington Road, and took about $2,500.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Castle Police investigated the case.
Oliva faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Health and Safety Expo
YOUNGSTOWN -- Chaney High School, 731 S. Hazelwood, is sponsoring its third annual Family Health and Safety Expo from 5-8 p.m. Thursday.
About 30 agencies will attend, including St. Elizabeth Medical Center, which will hold a blood drive. Kids Zone will provide activities for children ages 4-8, and exhibits and additional health information will be available.
The building principal is Robert Spencer.
For more information, please contact the school at (330) 744-8822.
Candidates' night
YOUNGSTOWN -- The North Side Citizens' Coalition will have a candidates' night at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Park Vista Senior Center at 1110 Fifth Ave.
Invited candidates include those running for: Mahoning County commissioner, prosecutor, recorder and sheriff, and state representative for the 60th District.
Panelists asking questions will be Joe Bell of WKBN-TV 27 and William Binning, chairman of the political science department at Youngstown State University.
Salem senior housing
SALEM -- Low-cost housing for senior citizens is the aim of an undertaking being proposed for the city by a Cleveland firm.
City council's committee-of-the-whole, consisting of all council members, lent its support of the undertaking at a meeting Thursday.
NRP Group of Cleveland wants to construct the 45-apartment complex along Granite Street on the city's southwest side. Work could begin as early as March.
Rent would be based on the income of seniors, who must be at least 55 years old to qualify to live there.