Property taxes

Property taxes
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- New Castle Area School District taxpayers won't see any increase in property taxes this year. School board members passed a $33,753,750 spending plan for 2004-05 Monday night. Superintendent George Gabriel said teacher retirements helped hold the line on taxes. The district was able to eliminate two teaching positions and one administrator, he added.
Weekend break-ins
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Police are investigating break-ins that occurred over the weekend.
A window was broken Saturday on a service van at Greenville Heating and Air Conditioning, Main Street. An undetermined amount of supplies and tools were stolen, police said.
Also Saturday, cash and a television were stolen after a rear door was pried open at Susan's Beauty Shop on Main Street. A downstairs office belonging to Frank Vanderslice was also burglarized in the same incident, police said.
Police also responded to a break-in at Viking Beverage, Clinton Street. Cases of beer and other items were stolen.
Greenville police are asking anyone with information to call (724) 588-4190 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Group plans fund-raiser
HUBBARD -- Hubbard Environmental & amp; Land Preservation, a citizens group opposing a planned landfill in Hubbard Township, will meet at 7 p.m. July 7 in Hubbard City Council Chambers.
The Village Tavern is challenging other tavern operators to maintain a collection can in their establishments as part of fund-raising effort to defray HELP's legal expenses. A can may be obtained by calling HELP, (330) 360-9449.
Plans are being made for a garage sale Aug. 12 and 13 at St. Patrick Church to raise money. Those interested in volunteering or making donations such as baked goods should contact HELP.
Lockup event in Salem
SALEM -- Members of the Salem business community will be put behind bars for an hour Wednesday as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's local lockup event. The lockup will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Salem Masonic Lodge. Those participating will have their mug shot taken and make phone calls to raise their bail. A goal of $1,200 per person has been set for each jailbird. All funds raised go directly to MDA to help send youngsters with the disease to summer camp. For information or to donate, call (330) 374-0074.
Police investigate fire
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- A fire at an auto sales and service center early Monday has been called suspicious by police. Pennsylvania State fire marshals are assisting in the investigation.
Firefighters confined the fire to an office area at Affordable Auto, 303 Main St., officials said. Greenville firefighters were dispatched at 12:25 a.m. Hempfield, West Salem and Mercer fire departments assisted at the scene. Firefighters were at the scene until 6:30 a.m. There were no injuries reported.
The business, owned by George Liszka, of Greenville, has been closed since January. The building was insured, the fire department said.
Man faces assault charge
FARRELL, Pa. -- A Farrell man is charged with indecent assault after a woman said she was groped at his home Sunday afternoon, Southwest Mercer County Regional Police said.
The victim stated that James Nelson, 47, of Sharon-New Castle Road, made sexual advances toward her while getting paperwork signed at his residence, police said. Nelson was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
Society needs volunteers
MERCER, Pa. -- The Mercer County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for projects ranging from gardening to guiding tours.
An informational meeting for those interested in docent training is slated for 11 a.m. July 8.
A meeting for those interested in microfilming newspapers will be at 1 a.m. July 10.
Both meetings will be in the social hall of the Helen Black Miller Memorial Chapel, next to the historical society headquarters, 119 S. Pitt St.
For more information or to volunteer, call (724) 662-3490 or send a note of interest to info@mchspa.org.