Divers investigate lake

Divers investigate lake
YOUNGSTOWN -- Members of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department dive team entered McKelvey Lake after police received a call about fresh tire tracks leading into the water. A torn dark gray or silver bumper section and bent tree branches were found near the water's edge around 6 p.m. Wednesday. Divers found a rusted Chevrolet van in the water that had been there for some time, police said. Debris on the bank did not match the van. The van was towed and held for the auto theft division.
Gunshot wounds man
WARREN -- A man who was treated for a gunshot wound at St. Joseph Health Center refused to sign a police report when police spoke to him at the hospital. James D. Moore, 46, of Lener Avenue Southwest, was shot with a handgun in the right thigh at 5:43 a.m. Wednesday at an unknown location and suffered a minor injury, police said.
Furniture store fire
SALEM -- A fire has caused at least $20,000 in damage to McKinney's Furniture, 530 E. Pidgeon Road (state Route 45 bypass).
The fire started in the sign on the front of the store at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. A young girl across the street saw the flames and notified her father, according to store manager David Favazzo.
The manager said the sign alone cost $20,000. Store workers were trying to determine the amount of damage to the building and furniture. The store was expected to reopen today.
"This is our busy season," Favazzo said.
Perry Township and Salem fire departments fought the blaze.
Open house for families
SALEM -- The YWCA of Salem will have an open house for its Family Drop In Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
The center is in a house at 1028 N. Ellsworth Ave. Balloons will designate the house's location. Visitors can park at the nearby Salem Community Center.
The YWCA is offering the house as a free place where mothers can go to relax while their children play. The center will also offer information on nutrition and other programs for women and will offer educational testing for youths.
Small fire at Wendy's
AUSTINTOWN -- A small fire at the Wendy's restaurant at Mahoning Avenue and Raccoon Road closed the business Thursday.
The fire began at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday at the bottom of a deep fryer, according to a fire department report.
The report said gas to the fryers was turned off, and power was shut off to the kitchen equipment.
The District Board of Health said the restaurant can reopen as soon as the fire department allows. A fire suppression system above the deep fryers needs to be recharged, the health department said.
Making ornaments
COLUMBIANA -- The Columbiana Public Library will offer a "make and take" program for children in grade five or higher from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 17.
Youths will make Christmas ornaments to keep or give as gifts.
The required registration ends Wednesday. Call (330) 482-5509.
Santa's Workshop
LISBON -- The Lepper Public Library's annual Santa's Workshop and Bazaar will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
Children with Merry Money can begin shopping at 3:30 p.m. All items are new, and prices start at 25 cents.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will pass out treat bags and pose for photos with children. Santa will also draw names for the raffle of an oak quilt rack and other items. Tickets are $1 a ticket or $5 for six. Proceeds will benefit the children's department.
Fatal fire case
LEAVITTSBURG -- The state fire marshal's office has sent details of its investigation of a house fire that killed two girls Nov. 16 to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office. The fire originated in a bedroom at 823 McConnell Road and killed Sha'Dale Wright, 1, and AuZua Wright, 3.
The children's mother, De'it Dunkerton, 27, was flown by helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for treatment of burns and has since been released. A Warren man, Shawn Price, 27, who was also in the house when the fire erupted, suffered burns on his hand.
A state official said last month that its investigation was focused on the actions of adults present at the time of the fire but declined to elaborate. There were no working smoke detectors in the home when the blaze erupted.