Police warn of scam that targets the elderly

Police warn of scamthat targets the elderly
NILES -- City police want the public to become aware of a flimflam aimed at the elderly. People receive a letter with an accompanying check informing the receiver that they have won a large amount of money. As a show of good faith, the victim is told to deposit the check, and send a check drawn on their personal account in the amount of the check they received. The victims, most of them elderly, lose the money. Police said one case involves a $3,475 check drawn on United Bank of Parkersburg, W.Va. The bank told authorities that no such account exists.
Road detours plannedin Mahoning County
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County Engineer Richard A. Marsico has asked the county commissioners to close two roads for culvert replacements for several days this month. Raccoon Road is to be closed Monday through July 14 between Western Reserve and Leffingwell roads in Canfield Township. The detour will be along Leffingwell, state Route 46 and Western Reserve. Duck Creek Road is to be closed July 17-21 between Palmyra and Ellsworth roads in Berlin and Milton townships. Traffic will be detoured along Ellsworth, Bailey and Palmyra roads.
Lightning likely causeof fire at business
HOWLAND -- An early morning fire at a business on East Market Street was likely caused by a lightning strike, according to the township fire department. Psycare, 8577 E. Market, had $350,000 worth of building damage and $125,000 worth of damage to contents from the fire, which started at 3:05 a.m. Tuesday. There were no injuries. Chief George Brown said a third of the building was salvageable, and some medical records were saved and moved. Brown said lightning is suspected because the fire began in the roof.
Theft indictment
LISBON -- A Columbiana County grand jury has secretly indicted Nathan L. Oldaker, 24, whose last known address was West Pershing Street, Salem, on theft charges. The indictment was made public Monday.
Swimming pool permits
McDONALD -- The village's building inspector is reminding residents that a building permit is required for most swimming pools. If a swimming pool needs a permit, a fence may also be required. Failure to apply for a swimming pool permit may result in a $100 fine. Call the municipal building at (330) 530-5472 with questions.
Youth program donation
YOUNGSTOWN -- "Increase the Peace," a community youth program that reflects a partnership between the City of Youngstown, Mahoning County Juvenile Court and the Youngstown City School District, recently received a $15,000 contribution from the William Swanston Charitable Fund. The trustees of the fund include: Frank C. Watson, Delores Crawford, Paul M. Dutton, C. Gilbert James and Patricia McGovern Sweeney. The fund supports activities that assist dependent, neglected and abused children.
Deputy warden to retireafter 35 years on job
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Allegheny County Jail's second-in-command is retiring in two weeks after 35 years on the job.
Deputy Warden Ed Urban, 58, of Munhall, applied for a job at the lockup after four years in the Marine Corps, during which he served in Vietnam.
A history buff, Urban was fascinated by the 1902 love affair between Kate Soffel, the warden's wife, and inmate Ed Biddle. After Soffel helped the Biddle brothers escape, they were gunned down in neighboring Butler County, where she also was injured.
Urban, who has an extensive collection of Soffel memorabilia, served as technical adviser on the 1984 film "Mrs. Soffel," starring Diane Keaton, Mel Gibson and Matthew Modine. Urban also is the historian and caretaker of the small museum in the old county jail.