Pupil contracts meningitis

Pupil contracts meningitis
HOWLAND -- A pupil at H.C. Mines Intermediate School has contracted viral meningitis, parents were told in a letters sent home Friday. Viral meningitis is not considered as dangerous as bacterial meningitis, Trumbull County health department officials said. It is also less contagious. Infection can cause flu-like symptoms and a stiff neck. The sick pupil has already returned to school, said school board member Raymond Tisone. To reduce the risk of additional cases, the school was cleaned over the weekend and pupils have been instructed on the importance of hand-washing, he said.
Man faces charge
GIRARD -- A 61-year-old Mineral Ridge man faces charges in a case of what police say is road rage. Richard J. Justis, of Morris Street, was cited into Girard Municipal Court on charges of reckless operation, criminal damage and assault. According to the police report, Justis cut off a female motorist while driving along Interstate 80 at the U.S. Route 422 ramp. She sounded her car horn to let Justis know where she was.
Police reported that Justis blocked the woman's vehicle with his sports utility vehicle at the bottom of the ramp, jumped out of his vehicle, began swearing at her and kicked her vehicle. When the woman got out of her vehicle and went over to the vehicle Justis was driving to get his keys, he grabbed her around the neck and threatened her female passenger. Police arrived and broke up the confrontation.
Cops seek suspect
NILES -- Police are searching for a man who they say beat and robbed a book store clerk. The manager of Niles Book and News on Youngstown-Warren Road told police that a man entered the business around 6:30 a.m. Sunday and began beating him with a metal object. The manager told police the man demanded money, then went behind the counter and took $60 from the register and merchandise valued at $240.
Fire damages house
WARREN -- Firefighters believe children playing with matches caused a fire at 1094 East Ave. The blaze started in a shed near the house around 7 p.m. Sunday, firefighters said. The fire spread to the two-story wooden frame home. No injuries were reported. The fire damaged the shed and the first floor of the home.
Stray dog bites girl
NILES -- Animal Welfare agents were called to the city after a stray dog bit a 7-year-old girl. According to reports, the Pratt Street girl approached the St. Bernard dog and tried to pet it when the dog bit her in the face about 5 p.m. Saturday. Reports do not say how serious the girl's injuries were, but police did advise the mother to seek medical attention for her daughter. Police were able to secure the dog until agents from Animal Welfare arrived to take take the dog away.
Warning on signs
GIRARD -- Ralph Chuey, city zoning inspector, says all signs, including political signs, placed on utility poles, devil strips or any other city property, including buildings and vehicles, must be removed. If they are not removed, they will be taken down. Such signs are a violation of city zoning regulations.
Waste bags available
LIBERTY -- Biodegradable plastic yard waste bags for the township's annual leaf collection will be available at 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays inside the township administration building, 1315 Church Hill-Hubbard Road, beginning Oct. 18. The cost is five bags for $1. The collections are Nov. 15, south of state Route 304 and Nov. 16, north of Route 304.
Fires investigated
LIBERTY -- Firefighters are investigating two blazes Monday afternoon and this morning. Fire Chief Michael Durkin said firefighters were called to a mobile home fire about 1:30 p.m. Monday at 40 Marla Lane in the Bell Air Mobile Homes Park off Belmont Avenue. Durkin said the fire that appeared to be electrical but accidental caused $22,000 damage to the structure and $8,000 damage to its contents. There were no injuries, although two cats and two dogs died. Owner Brenda O'Neil was at work at the time of the blaze. Arson is believed to have caused $15,000 damage to three vehicles at Major Movers, 1875 Tibbetts-Wick Road, about 3 a.m. today. Two box trucks and a bucket truck were set ablaze.