Friday, November 30, 2007
Vehicular death probe
SOUTHINGTON — The Ohio State Highway Patrol said it will take a week or so to determine why Tina M. Roberts stepped out of her sports-utility vehicle, then was killed when struck by a minivan. Lt. Joseph Dragovich, commander of the patrol’s post here, said the patrol initially reported that Roberts fell out of the SUV that was being driven by her husband, Richard L. Roberts Jr., 38. They are from Mecca. The patrol initially reported that she fell out of the SUV, but revisited what had happened after re-interviewing witnesses and taking a closer look at the damage to the Roberts’ vehicle, Dragovich said. The Roberts’ SUV was turning left from McCleary-Jacoby Road onto state Route 305 in Bazetta Township early Sunday when she stepped out. A minivan driven by a Burghill man that was eastbound on Route 305 then struck her. The final report, Dragovich said, will shed some light on why Tina Roberts stepped out of the SUV.
Fire investigation
YOUNGSTOWN — A fire that started in a bedroom at 235 Regent St. around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday did about $1,800 damage to the occupied house, reports show. No injuries were reported. Both occupants smoke, the fire department said. The cause is under investigation.
Renewal levy on ballot
YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners approved putting a 0.5-mill, five-year renewal levy on the March primary ballot for the Mahoning County Department of Children’s Services. The levy has been collected since 1983 and brings in about $1.3 million per year, said Denise E. Stewart, executive director. The agency also collects a 0.85-mill and a 1-mill levy. Both expire in 2010. The agency’s budget is about $15 million, half of which comes from the local levies and the other half from state and federal money, Stewart said.
Recycling grants
YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners’ Reuse and Recycling Program, better known as The Green Team, urges townships, cities, villages, park districts, schools and recycling-related private companies in the county to review the recycling grants available. The Green Team will accept applications through Jan. 15 for its 2008 Recycling Initiative/Competitive Funding grant program. Grant information and application forms are available at www.ohiodnr.com/recycling or by calling Jim Petuch, Green Team director, at (330) 740-2060.
‘Breakfast with Santa’
EAST PALESTINE — The East Palestine Firemen’s Association will present “Breakfast with Santa” from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the fire department. The cost is $5, and children age 8 and under eat for free. Proceeds will benefit the East Palestine Fire Department.
World AIDS Day
FARRELL, Pa. — The Minority Health Center in Farrell encourages everyone to recognize Saturday as World AIDS Day, a day set aside to recognize advances in fighting AIDS and eliminating it. The center is in its third year of a grant given to educate people in the Shenango Valley about the effects of HIV and AIDS on the community. The grant is $25,000. As of 2005, there were 68 reported cases of AIDS in Mercer County, according to the health center. The center encourages everyone to know their HIV status and get tested.
Avoiding holiday stress
CANFIELD — Catholic Charities is offering a Holiday Workshop on “Making Special Days Less Stressful — Grief Issues For The Holidays” at The Ursuline Center in Canfield on Dec. 14 and 15, from 11 until noon. Sister Pauline Dalpe, a licensed counselor, will be the speaker for both sessions. The cost for either session will be $5. To make a reservation or to get more information, call either (330) 799-4941 or (330) 744-3320.