Fire destroys home of family of nine

Fire destroys home
of family of nine

HOWLAND — A family of nine escaped a fire in their North Road home early Sunday without injury thanks in part to the efforts of an unidentified good Samaritan.

According to township firefighters, the family at 2080 North Road was awakened just before 6 a.m. by a loud knock at the door. The person on the other side of the door informed the family that there was smoke and fire shooting from the roof of the home. Seven children under age 14 and two adults made it out of the house.

Reports say a fire left burning in the fireplace overnight burned through the sill of the fireplace and into the attic of the home. A fire alarm in the house activated after smoke reached the main part of the house from the attic. The house sustained about $80,000 worth of damage to the structure and about $40,000 to items inside the house. Several firefighters were struck by a collapsing ceiling, but no injuries were reported.

Ceremony funds sought

AUSTINTOWN — The Wickliffe Circle Christmas Committee is asking for donations for the 21st annual Austintown Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate can send a check to the committee at 1181 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown 44515. So far, the committee has used donations to buy decorations and to serve hot chocolate, punch, coffee, cookies and candy at the event. The ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the Wickliffe Circle Fire Station, 4102 Mahoning Ave. The Fitch Brass Band will play Christmas carols. Bo Pritchard, township trustee chairman, will turn on the Christmas tree lights at 7 p.m. Then, Santa arrives on a firetruck.

Howland tree lighting

HOWLAND — The township Christmas tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the gazebo Central Park on East Market Street at Willow Drive. Also, there will be music, Santa will arrive, and the Howland Middle School Choir will perform. Children are encouraged to make environmentally safe ornaments to decorate the tree. Coldwell Banker First Place Real Estate will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Shoe drive for needy

AUSTINTOWN — Austintown Podiatry Associates is conducting its annual shoe drive for the needy through Christmas. Last year, 1,000 pairs of shoes were collected. Gently worn or new shoes can be dropped off at any of the offices: 1300 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown; 7010 South Ave. Suite 3, Boardman; 3802 Elm Road N.E., Warren.

Luncheon for seniors

YOUNGSTOWN — The National Council of Negro Women will hold a “Hats Off to Seniors” luncheon for senior citizens age 75 and older at noon Saturday at the McGuffey Center, 1649 Jacobs Road. Attendees are asked to wear their best hat to compete in the hat judging contest. Prizes will be awarded. Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. to Yvonne Wilson at (330) 744-2892 by Wednesday.