DUI patrols planned in Mahoning County

DUI patrols plannedin Mahoning County
Police officers of the Mahoning County Operating a Vehicle Impaired Task Force will be out tonightconducting saturation patrols. Extra officers will be on the streets with a zero tolerance for impaired drivers and those not wearing safety belts.
So far this year, Mahoning County has had 28 traffic fatalities, down from 36 for all of 2004. About 40 percent of the fatalities this year and last were alcohol-related, according to Tracy Styka, task force coordinator. The mission of the regional task force is to enforce alcohol and drug-related driving laws.
Williams takes overas city's 47th mayor
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mayor-elect Jay Williams, who was to be sworn in today as the city's 47th mayor, plans to announce members of his cabinet next week.
Williams has called a press conference to make the announcement for 9 a.m. Wednesday in city hall.
He said Friday that he was in the process of contacting those interviewed for the positions as well as those he's chosen. Williams said that he would ensure each office was covered Tuesday, the day before the announcement, for any positions for which he isn't retaining the current department head.
Ex-councilman's record
YOUNGSTOWN -- Judge C. Ashley Pike of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court has signed a court entry to seal the criminal record of former Youngstown City Councilman Herman Hill. The judgment entry was filed Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Hill was sentenced in 1997 for theft in office while serving as Youngstown's 3rd Ward councilman. He served 10 days in a halfway house for using a fake receipt to cover up his use of a city credit card to withdraw more than $2,400 to buy a computer for his personal use. Judge Pike noted that Hill is a first-time offender with no pending criminal proceedings and that rehabilitation has been attained.
Sharon break-ins
SHARON, Pa. -- City police are warning north Sharon residents to watch for daytime burglars. Capt. Mike Menster said there have been three daytime burglaries in the last week on Tanner Street, Miller Avenue and Heinz Avenue.
In all cases, a door or window was forced open and the residents were not home, he said. Menster said cash and jewelry were taken. Police believe all three were related and are asking north Sharon residents to keep an eye out for unusual activity at neighbors' homes. Menster said residents should call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
Springfield audit results
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Public officials in Springfield Township should improve their system of internal control by developing policies on travel reimbursement and cellular phone usage, state Auditor Betty Montgomery says.
Earlier this week, the state released results of its audit of township financial records from 2003 and 2004. The auditor issued one reportable condition, based on the lack of cell phone and travel policies. Montgomery said township officials should consult with Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains on the cell phone policy.
The township also needs a travel policy that requires employees to submit original receipts for reimbursement and defines unauthorized expenses, Montgomery said. No findings for recovery were issued.
County office moving
YOUNGSTOWN -- The office of Mahoning County's Soil & amp; Water Conservation District is moving this week from Canfield to a county-owned property at 850 Industrial Road, Youngstown. County commissioners approved Thursday a one-year agreement that calls for Soil & amp; Water Conservation District to lease office space for $858 per month. The district's business manager, Susan Smith, said the lease is cheaper for her department, which has been renting at Ohio State University Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. The Youngstown location is convenient because the Soil & amp; Water Conservation District often works with the county engineer's department, which also is on Industrial Road, Smith said.
New Year's youth party
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The Cedar Avenue Church of God Youth Ministry is sponsoring a skate party at the Olympic Fun Center, 4070 E. State St. from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and skate rental is $1.