Use more of jail, grand jury tells judge

Use more of jail,grand jury tells judge
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Mahoning County grand jury expressed disappointment that the jail isn't being fully used. Grand jurors in a report to Judge Maureen A. Sweeney said they recognize the county has financial problems but that a fully utilized jail would have a dramatic impact on reducing crime.
A lack of money for security and resulting federal oversight caps the jail at 296 inmates, though that has been breached at times. The jail can hold 564 inmates.
Jurors toured the jail July 14 and generally found the lockup clean and in good shape, though they noted the kitchen had a distinct odor and needed a good cleaning.
Georgia couple wins$250,000 in lottery
YOUNGSTOWN -- A trip here to visit family was profitable for Gregory D. and Denise Tate of Jonesboro, Ga. The Tates are the latest winners of $250,000 for matching five numbers in the Aug. 23 Mega Millions drawing. They filed their claim Thursday at the Ohio Lottery's Youngstown regional office. After taxes, they will receive a lump-sum check for $178,750. The couple chose the winning numbers 6, 7, 8, 13 and 40. The ticket was purchased at University Food Sunoco, 590 Fifth Ave., which will receive a $1,000 agent bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Ice cream at food banks
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Community Food Center Inc. & amp; Gleaners Food Bank, 94 Pyatt St., will have gallons of ice cream to give to needy families from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Recipients must have photo identification and proof of income with them.
With help from Cerni Motors Sales Co., the food bank was able to truck in thousands of gallons of ice cream, some of which already has been distributed among local churches and agencies.
Indian event canceled
NORTH LIMA -- The Soaring Hawk American Indian event scheduled for today at Woodworth Park in Beaver Township has been canceled.
The event has not been rescheduled and no additional information is available, township officials said.
Hydrants to be tested
HOWLAND -- The township fire department will be testing hydrants for 30 days beginning Sept. 4.
Those who receive water or sewer bills from Niles may experience fluctuations in water pressure or discoloration. Allow the faucets to run until the water clears before using.
Fire department funds
The Berlin Township Volunteer and Columbiana village fire departments received money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for operation and safety measures. Berlin received $111,004, and Columbiana received $74,883. The funds are for training, equipment and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
Sobriety checkpoints
A task force dedicated to cracking down on drunken driving is conducting a sobriety checkpoint from 5 to 9 p.m. today in Austintown, Beaver, Canfield, Jackson, Goshen townships, New Middletown, and Youngstown State University.
Increased patrols also will be out at the sobriety checkpoint in Goshen, Green, Beaver, Canfield and Ellsworth.
Funding for the extra patrols is available from a federal grant through the Mahoning County District Board of Health and the county commissioners.
Stennis to retire, study
YOUNGSTOWN -- Leon Stennis, coordinator of diversity initiatives at Youngstown State University since 2002, is retiring effective Wednesday, but he's going right back to school. His last day on campus will be Monday and he will begin doctoral studies in the literature and criticism program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday.
His retirement marks the end of a 43-year career in journalism, public relations and diversity work.
Stennis, 62, began his career in journalism-public relations in the Navy in the mid-1960s and later worked as emergency room administrative coordinator and public relations assistant at St. Elizabeth Health Center before joining The Vindicator, where he worked 21 years before joining YSU.
The Little Rock, Ark., native is a 1962 graduate of Youngstown's former East High School and has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in English from YSU.