Highway meetings

Highway meetings
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two public meetings are scheduled for next week to discuss the proposed Hubbard Arterial Highway. Officials from the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Ohio Department of Transportation and URS, development consultant, will discuss the project from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at McGuffey Center, 1649 Jacobs Road, and from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hubbard High School. The $74 million project known as the Hubbard Expressway would connect Albert Street in Youngstown with Interstate 80 at Bell-Wick Road in Hubbard Township if funding is available. The highway route, environmental impact and right-of-way acquisition will be discussed.
Cocaine trafficking
CLEVELAND -- A Warren man is charged in U.S. District Court with trafficking in cocaine.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Estill Peterman, 37, of Lansdowne Avenue Northwest. The indictment charges that from April to July 2004, Peterman attempted to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. If Peterman is convicted, the sentence would be determined based on federal sentencing guidelines, which depend on prior criminal record, the defendant's role in the offense and other factors. The case follows an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Gunlocks offered
MINERAL RIDGE -- The Weathersfield Township police department is offering cable-style gunlocks as part of Project ChildSafe. The locks, which are free, are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the department, 1451 Prospect St. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program designed to ensure safe and responsible firearms ownership and storage. The program was developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and is supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant.
Special council meeting
HUBBARD -- City council will have a work session/special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers. Council will discuss funding for roof repairs at the municipal building and the Saul Drive/Hillview Avenue sewer project. Immediately afterward, council will meet in special session to consider pending legislation.
Visitors bureau chief
NILES -- The Trumbull County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board has elected Paul Petrich to replace Richard Alberini as chairman. Vice chairman will be Jim Shuler, treasurer will be Jim Nuzzi and secretary will be Fran Wilson, officials said. The board has $88,000 remaining in its bank accounts, enough to get the organization through the end of the year, Alberini said. He said the board hopes more money will be released for the group from county commissioners.
Route 45 resurfacing
BRISTOL -- The Ohio Department of Transportation is proposing to resurface state Route 45 between state Route 88 and Peck-Leach Road in Bristol Township. Part of the project will include replacement of five culverts. Although a starting date is not yet set, once construction begins, state Route 45 will be closed for about 14 days, but vehicles will be detoured. Access to properties will be maintained. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2005. Project cost is estimated at $566,000. Questions and/or comments about the project should be submitted by Oct. 20 to Noel Mehlo, District 4 environmental specialist, at (800) 603-1054 ext. 286.