Road-bump suit filed

Road-bump suit filed
WARREN -- A Niles man sued Girard and Soda Construction Co. of Niles over a rut in U.S. Route 422 that he says caused him to wreck his motorcycle July 3, 2004. Vincente Arocho Jr. filed suit Monday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, saying the defendants negligently maintained the road by carving a rut into it, allowing a buildup of gravel to accumulate, and failing to warn him of the dangerous condition.
As a result, Arocho said he suffered severe injuries, including a broken collar bone and dislocated left shoulder after his motorcycle overturned. His suit seeks a judgment of more than $25,000. The case is assigned to Judge W. Wyatt McKay. Girard Law Director Mark Standohar could not be reached for comment on the case.
Candidates certified
LISBON -- The Columbiana County Board of Elections certified the petitions of two independent candidates for Columbiana County commissioner Monday. Larry Bowersock, elections board chairman, said Paul Cagot Jr. of East Liverpool and former county commissioner Dave Cranmer of Lisbon gathered more than enough signatures on their petitions to qualify for the Nov. 7 general election.
Around 300 signatures were needed, and Bowersock said Cagot turned in 398 signatures and Cranmer 402. Both men bypassed the May primary and filed as independent candidates. The board also approved hiring Debbie Blackhurst of Lisbon as a full-time board of elections clerk at $7 per hour. She replaces Sue Shorman, who retired.
Police seek man
GIRARD -- Police seek a man who frightened two women and a 17-year-old girl Sunday by emerging naked from behind a bush in Liberty Memorial Park. A 52-year-old Vienna Township woman told officers she went to the park just before 11 p.m. with her 27-year-old daughter, also of Vienna, and 17-year-old niece from Girard to jog. Reports say a man in his late 20s or early 30s jumped out wearing only a pair of tennis shoes and a baseball cap. The man, reports said, was performing a sex act on himself and laughing. He tried to grab the 27-year-old and the women threatened to call police. The man then ran away.
Ships Revue fight
SHARON, Pa. -- A Farrell man is accused of assault after a fight at the Small Ships Revue. Sharon Police said Marco West, 19, of Spearman Avenue is charged with aggravated assault, riot, simple assault and resisting arrest and is in jail after failing to post $25,000 bond. Police were called to State Street and Porter Way at 10:48 p.m. Friday for a fight involving about 50 people. Several people were hitting and kicking a 15-year-old Hermitage boy. Police said they had to use an electronic shock device to subdue West. Police said the victim has a broken jaw and was treated at Sharon Regional Health System's hospital. Police said five juveniles also were arrested after refusing to leave.
Child rape charge
SHARON, Pa. -- Garon P. Hull, 33, of Andrew Street is charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse. Police said Hull was baby-sitting a 4-year-old girl in May or June and allegedly took her into a bedroom and had sex with her. He was arrested last week and placed in Mercer County Jail after failing to post a $50,000 bond.
Theology on Tap
AUSTINTOWN -- A program for young adults from 18 to 40 years old, Theology on Tap, is planned Thursday at Davidson's restaurant, 3626 Canfield Road. Dinner will be at 7 p.m. with the speaker, the Rev. Joe Fata, talking at 7:30 on "How Do the Gospels Impact the Political Agenda?" No reservations required.