Commission to hear complaint about signs
Commission to hearcomplaint about signs
SALEM -- The Ohio Elections Commission will hear a complaint about signs opposing two issues proposed by Salem firefighters.
The commission found probable cause on Tuesday and will have a full hearing on Thursday, said Stephanie Ritchie, the wife of a firefighter.
The city may eliminate the fire department and form a fire district. Some signs say the move will save $600,000.
Ritchie has said the signs are misleading because precise figures aren't known.
Salem school reportsviral meningitis case
SALEM -- The city school district sent a precautionary letter Monday to all parents of Prospect School pupils after one was diagnosed with viral meningitis.
Superintendent David Brobeck said today there have been no more reported cases. The pupil was diagnosed over the weekend.
Viral meningitis is not the same as bacterial meningitis, which killed three pupils several years ago.
The letter gave health tips and symptoms of the disease. The letter also was sent to pupils from other schools who rode the same bus.
Brobeck said he understands that viral meningitis is spread by secretions and is difficult to contract.
Charges are filedin purse snatching
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- An Oak Street man is accused of snatching a woman's purse and then trying to fondle her after he was stopped.
Police said Robert Kevin Garrison, 41, is charged with robbery, receiving stolen property and indecent assault.
Garrison grabbed a 45-year-old woman's purse on Mercer Street and started running at 11:41 a.m. Tuesday, police said. The woman kept hold of the purse, and the man told her he had a gun, police said. She then released the purse.
A witness chased Garrison down and stopped him on East Washington and Mill streets.
Police said Garrison kept apologizing to the woman and putting his hand on her breasts as they waited for police.
Garrison was put in the Lawrence County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Leaf pickup to startMonday in Salem
SALEM -- City workers will begin curbside leaf pickup Monday.
Joe Julian, director of public service, said two crews will work the north and south sides of the city.
One truck will begin in the southeast section of the city and continue to the southwest section.
A second unit will begin in the northeast section and continue northwest. Lincoln Avenue is the east-west divider, and State Street is the north-south divider.
Julian said leaves should be raked to the curb lawn. Residents should not rake leaves into the street or into gutters.
Blood donors sought
COLUMBIANA -- Crestview High School's National Honor Society and Salem Community Hospital are recruiting donors for an American Red Cross community blood drive to be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at the high school.
Michelle Hoffmeister, SCH director of public relations, said that since much of the blood collected at area blood drives is used at SCH, the hospital works with various organizations to recruit donors.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
Girl hit by pickup
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A 14-year-old girl suffered moderate injuries after being hit by a pickup truck on Pa. Route 65 in Wayne Township.
Pennsylvania State Police said Jessica Bambery of New Castle was attempting to cross the road at 3:14 p.m. Tuesday when she was hit by a pickup truck.
The driver, Michael S. Stewart, 32, of New Castle, attempted to swerve, but caught the girl on the right side of the truck, police said.
Jessica was treated at the Ellwood City Hospital.
Halloween party
NORTH LIMA -- Beaver Township Park Board will have a Halloween party from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Woodworth Park, 255 Warren Ave.
The party is open to children of township residents who are under 13.
Children are urged to bring a flashlight for a pumpkin hunt. Refreshments will be served.