MAN CRITICAL AFTER FALL

Man critical after fall
HUBBARD -- A man who was injured in a fall at Warren Fabrication Corp. in Hubbard Township on Saturday was in critical condition Sunday night in St. Elizabeth Health Center. Richard Malcomson, address and age unknown, was flown to the hospital after the accident, around 7 p.m.
Investigator sentenced
MERCER, Pa. (AP) -- A private investigator was sentenced to four years in prison for giving police misleading information in the case of a woman who vanished nearly six years ago.
Clifford Stephen Aley Jr., 48, of Ambridge, was convicted in January of three counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution in the disappearance of Sandra Kay Baker.
Baker, of Delaware Township, Mercer County, was 46 when she disappeared. She was last seen at a convenience store in Transfer on May 25, 2000.
Mercer County Assistant District Attorney Tim Bonner said Aley told a series of lies that threw police off track and allowed Baker's killer to go free. Police have named a suspect in the case, though they have not charged the person.
Police said Aley, who was working for the suspect at the time of Baker's disappearance, initially denied knowing anything about her.
Aley later admitted he arranged for a finance company to repossess Baker's car the day after she disappeared. Authorities did not find the car for another four years, by which time any evidence pertaining to her disappearance was gone.
Aley, who ran his detective agency in New Castle, testified Friday that he lied because he feared the suspect would harm him and his children if he cooperated with investigators.
Police ruled Baker's case a homicide years ago.
Deadline for HEAP
YOUNGSTOWN -- The deadline for applying for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program is March 31, officials of the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership announced. The partnership is scheduling appointments for the program through its Interactive Voice Response system. Applicants must call to make an appointment. The toll-free number is (866) 223-1125. HEAP provides assistance to low-income households that have had utility service terminated, face the threat of disconnection or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. People can also apply for help with home weatherization at the time of their HEAP appointment.
First-aid kits for sale
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross Health and Safety Department is selling emergency first-aid backpacks. They contain sterile dressings and pads, bandages, a flashlight, antiseptic towels and CPR face shields. They are $20, with proceeds helping families in disasters and military families. For more information, call (330) 392-2551.