Sharon ditches appeal

Sharon ditches appeal
SHARON, Pa. -- The city is dropping its appeal of 30 property tax reassessments approved by the Mercer County Board of Assessment Appeal. The reassessments were for 2003, and city council voted in January 2002 to appeal the case. Topping the list were five businesses that had their property values reduced between 31 percent and 45 percent. Council voted to drop the appeal last week after learning the process could be costly and the chance of winning slim.
Grant for science camp
SHARON, Pa. -- Penn State Shenango has received a $10,000 grant to launch a pilot Young Teen Science Camp this summer. The program will offer a week of structured, science-based activities for pupils who have completed grades six through eight. It's designed to develop critical thinking skills and spark interest in math, science and lifelong learning. Penn State faculty specializing in human development, science, computer-aided design and evaluation will contribute their expertise to developing the curriculum. The grant comes from the Pennsylvania State University's Division of Continuing Education's Program Innovation Fund Proposal Review. Penn State Shenango will run the summer pilot program, and the curriculum will then be made available to all Penn State campuses.
Firearms, ammo stolen
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Police are searching for a man suspected of stealing guns from a Canyon Street home. Authorities said someone took three firearms, a suitcase full of ammunition and $75 from the home sometime from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sunday. Neighbors said a white car parked in the driveway, and a white man in a light blue jacket walked in and out of the house during the day, police said. Police said the backdoor window was smashed and the door left open.
Facing weapons charges
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jermaine Stroughter, 24, of Pasadena Avenue was arrested at 2:15 a.m. Sunday on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, illegal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. Police said they were flagged down on South Avenue by a bar patron and given the description of a man seen hiding near Krakusky Hall with a gun. Stroughter ran from the Krakusky Hall parking lot to 2303 South, the rear lot of Patsy's bar, where he dropped a loaded .32-caliber handgun, police said. Stroughter told police that he didn't have a gun because he is a felon and not permitted to have a firearm, reports show.
Seeking donations
YOUNGSTOWN -- Beatitude House, a transitional housing, education and vocational training program for disadvantaged women and children, is seeking donations to help cover the costs of utilities for 23 apartments. Costs are higher than anticipated because of the extremely cold winter. Beatitude House also is seeking donations of household cleaners, hygiene products, digital oral thermometers for children, linens, small appliances, diapers and grocery store gift cards. The Ursuline Sisters sponsor Beatitude House, which began as a transitional housing program founded by Sister Margaret Sheetz in 1991. For more information or to make a donation, call (330) 744-3147.