Competency evaluation

Competency evaluation
YOUNGSTOWN -- A preliminary hearing for the mentally ill man accused of choking to death another resident of Illinois Manor did not go forward Wednesday in municipal court based on a request for a competency evaluation. Boardman attorney Ronald Knickerbocker told the judge that James R. DiCioccio definitely needs to be evaluated. Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. granted the request for an evaluation and set a status hearing for April 24. DiCioccio, 49, is charged with murder and remains in jail in lieu of 1 million bond. He is accused of choking 34-year-old Stephen A. Lawson during a fight March 11 at the group home for mentally ill men at 135 Illinois Ave. Lawson died shortly after at St. Elizabeth Health Center. DiCioccio has an unrelated assault case pending at municipal court that is also delayed pending a competency exam. In that case, DiCioccio is accused of punching and choking another resident of Illinois Manor.
Support for sales tax
YOUNGSTOWN -- City council unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for Mahoning County's 0.5-percent sales and use tax for a continuous period of time. The resolution, approved Wednesday by council, states the passage of the tax on the May 8 ballot is "very important with respect to our ongoing efforts to improve safety in the community."
Pollis to be sentenced
WARREN -- Paul Pollis of Warren, who failed to appear Tuesday for sentencing in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, is in the county jail. He will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Judge Andrew Logan issued the arrest warrant when Pollis, 40, of Hoffman Circle, who pleaded guilty Feb. 5 to failure to obey a police officer, failed to show up.
On Feb. 23, 2006, police chased Pollis in a vehicle near Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. A Warren police officer identified Pollis as the driver and tried to apprehend him, but the vehicle sped off. Pollis' second wife, Deborah L. Toda, is serving a 25-year prison term for embezzling 1.6 million from a Boardman business. His first wife, Charlotte Nagi-Pollis, has been missing since 1994.
Playing for charity
LORDSTOWN -- Lordstown Village Schools and village employees are hosting three charity basketball games Friday at the high school, 1824 Salt Springs Road, to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
At 6 p.m., the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade girls basketball teams will challenge the elementary school women faculty members. Immediately after that game, the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade boys basketball teams will play against one another. At 7:30 p.m. Mayor Michael Chaffee and the village employees will challenge the Lordstown High School Faculty.
All ticket proceeds and food donations will help feed hungry families in the community. Adult admission is 5, or 3 with a nonperishable food donation. Student admission is 3, or 2 with a nonperishable food donation. Senior citizens will be admitted free with a nonperishable food donation. Admission is good for all three games.
Concert funds sought
NEWTON FALLS -- Mayor Thomas Moorehead is seeking donations to again provide free Sunday afternoon concerts every Sunday from June through August at Veterans Park. The annual summer concert series is made possible by public donations and funds from the Park and Recreation Committee. Donations can be sent to city hall, 19 N. Canal St., Newton Falls 44444. Specify the money is for the concert series.
Route 62 restrictions
YOUNGSTOWN -- Lane restrictions will be in effect on U.S. Route 62 between Randall Avenue and Albert Street until Tuesday for median removal and temporary pavement. Restrictions are part of the 5.1 million bridge re-decking project of the U.S. Route 62 overpass. For more information, call (330) 786-2209.