Reward in gun thefts

Reward in gun thefts

BOARDMAN — A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary of three gun stores in May and the theft of 70 firearms. The gun dealers are Buckeye Firearms in Rogers (May 8 at 11:30 p.m.); Midwest Money Center in Liberty (May 13 at 1:30 a.m.); and Miller Rod and Gun in Boardman (May 14 and May 20 at 4 a.m.). ATF, Boardman and Liberty police have developed information but need more to solve the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the ATF hot line at (800) 283-4867; or ATF Special Agent Jay Gebhart at (330) 707-2305; or Boardman Sgt. Stephen Riwniak at (330) 729-2077.

Murder suspect in Ohio

WARREN — A 29-year-old Warren man has waived extradition in Mercer County, Pa., and returned to Trumbull County to face a murder charge. Steven Brown waived an extradition hearing Thursday before Judge Thomas Dobson of Mercer County Common Pleas Court. Brown is accused in the Aug. 23 shooting death of Johnny Williamson, 24, who was shot while in his North Park Avenue home. Brown, police said at the time, fled Warren and was captured the next day at the Starlite Inn on South Hermitage Road in Hermitage, Pa. He is being housed in the Trumbull County Jail.

Teacher found guilty

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — A Wilmington High School teacher was found guilty of harassment after allegations that he grabbed a female student. Thomas Tomeo, 59, of Volant was fined $421 after a trial before District Magistrate James Reed. New Wilmington Police charged Tomeo after a 16-year-old female pupil reported that Tomeo had arranged a private meeting and then grabbed her and pulled her close to his body. Several students and schools Superintendent C. Joyce Nicksick were called to testify at Wednesday’s trial. Tomeo has paid the fine. Nicksick could not be reached Thursday to determine Tomeo’s status in the school district.

Charged in break-in

LISBON — A Lisbon man has been arrested on charges of breaking and entering in the theft of items from a local charity. Craig A. Rugg, 18, was arrested Wednesday on the indictment issued recently by the Columbiana County grand jury. He’s accused of taking items April 28 from the Way Station, 9 South Ave. Lisbon police said a small refrigerator, a coffee pot, a CD player, three phones and $7 in change were taken.

Open-meeting violations

BROOKFIELD — The board of education did not follow state law that requires a public body to give the public a reason for going into executive session. The state auditor’s office reported 14 violations of Ohio’s open-meeting laws during 24 meetings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. The audit recommended the board state and document in the minute reports the reason for entering into executive session.

School district audit

EAST LIVERPOOL — The Ohio auditor’s office says an audit of the East Liverpool schools showed teachers did thousands of dollars in extra work in 2005 that wasn’t properly approved. School districts routinely approve supplemental contracts for school workers who handle athletics, clubs and other school programs. Steve Faulkner, the deputy press secretary for the state auditor’s office, said that the finding was issued for 2005 since school officials didn’t approve the work that year. Faulkner said auditors looked into the situation. “All the work was done,” he said. The contracts were issued when Douglas Hiscox was the superintendent. He has since left the district. The East Liverpool board in May of this year retroactively approved the 2005 supplemental contracts. The Financial Planning and Supervision Commission that is overseeing the district’s tight finances in August also retroactively approved the spending.

Selected for committee

YOUNGSTOWN — Dr. Kristine Shoemaker of Beloit has been appointed to the Mahoning County Solid Waste District Policy Committee. She was selected for a two-year term in the Citizen Member volunteer position.

Park roads closed

YOUNGSTOWN — The following drives in Mill Creek park will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for the Community Cup: New Bears Den Drive, Bears Den Drive, West Glacier Drive, Cross Drive and West Park Drive. All parking for the Community Cup will be at Wick Recreation Area at Belle Vista Avenue and McCollum Road.