Aid for flood damage

Aid for flood damage
LISBON -- Local governments in Columbiana County that incurred costs in last month's flooding aren't eligible for federal aid but will receive an unspecified amount of state cash, county emergency management officials said.
The governmental entities, which had public facilities damaged and spent money on overtime and equipment to combat high water, didn't meet the $13 million threshold to qualify for federal help, explained Mary Smith, deputy director of the county emergency management agency.
Local government costs were pegged at about $6 million.
County authorities are still awaiting a decision on whether individuals and businesses affected by the flooding will get federal assistance.
A damage estimate for that category of flood victims has yet to be determined.
State police positions
The Pennsylvania State Police are accepting applications to test for the position of state police cadet and liquor enforcement officer trainee.
The test is tentatively scheduled for July 9-10 at various locations throughout the state. The cutoff date for accepting applications is next Friday.
For more information on these positions, visit the state police Web site at www.psp.state.pa.us or contact the local state police barracks recruiter.
Monetary deficit forcesdistrict to cut teachers
COLUMBIANA -- City school officials are hopeful that staff reductions will help raise a projected $1 million deficit that has prompted the state to place the district on fiscal watch.
The status compels the district to address its deficit and means the state will intensely monitor the school system, Treasurer Lori Posey said Friday.
The district is trimming costs, mostly by reducing administrative, teaching and nonteaching staff, she explained.
Rising expenses, including health-care costs, and lackluster earnings from a 1 percent income tax produced the deficit, Posey said.
The tax was to have earned about $996,000 in the last year. Instead it generated about $646,000, largely because of the nation's anemic economy, Posey explained.
Woman chargedwith embezzlement
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Police have charged Sally R. Scopack, 61, of Sample Road with embezzling more than $21,000 from her employer.
Scopack was arrested Wednesday on charges of theft by deception and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received.
She is accused of taking the money from her employer, Bittler Construction Co. of West Middlesex, while working as a tax preparer for the company in 2003, police said.
She was arraigned by District Justice Henry Russo and freed on her own recognizance.
Rabies vaccine clinic
LIBERTY -- A rabies vaccine clinic for domestic, nonaggressive pets will be from 1 to 3 p.m. June 23 at Churchill Park. Vaccinations are $10 each, and pets must be leashed.
The event is sponsored by the Veterinarians Association of Trumbull County.
Drug raid nets 2 arrests
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two men were arrested on drug charges when members of the vice squad raided a house at 2417 Ohio Ave. at 9 p.m. Thursday.
Jason D. Dukes, 19, whose address is a few doors away on Ohio Avenue, was charged with trafficking in heroin and drug-abuse methadone.
Larry R. Moore, 21, of McGuffey Road was charged with trafficking in marijuana and drug abuse (Tussinex). Police said they found the narcotics in plain view.
Business fair aims atinterest in downtown
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown Arts and Entertainment District Association is having a business fair for those interested in starting a business downtown.
The fair will be at 5:30 p.m. June 14 in the Ohio One Building second-floor auditorium. Representatives from the city, banks and architects and advertising agencies will be available.
The group is asking those who participate to first fill out a two-page survey. A copy of the survey can be found at www.yaeda.com by clicking the link for Establishing a Business in Downtown Youngstown Assessment form.
Forms should be returned to YAEDA before the event. Surveys should be addressed to YAEDA at 25 E. Boardman St., Suite 243, Youngstown 44503, attention Jeff Kurz.