Meeting rescheduled

Meeting rescheduled

POLAND — The township trustees meeting scheduled for today has been rescheduled to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at township hall, Dobbins Road.

Commission to meet

YOUNGSTOWN — As part of a statewide initiative to obtain information on the challenges facing black men, the Ohio Commission on African American Males will have a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall, 26 S. Phelps St.

The commission is a state agency with the mission of identifying and promoting strategies and public policies to foster improvements in the social, economic and educational problems that affect black men in Ohio.

The commission is having public hearings in 15 cities as part of its campaign, “The Governor Wants to Know How Are African-American Males Doing in Education, Healthcare, Criminal Justice and Economic Empowerment.”

Commission officials will compile information based on testimony given at the hearings that they hope will allow them to better use their resources to meet the needs of black men in Ohio.

Center vandalized

YOUNGSTOWN — On its grand opening, someone walking by Stonewall Community Center at 1523 Poland Ave. broke out the door window. The criminal damaging happened around 10 p.m. Saturday at the gay and lesbian center’s opening and holiday party.

No one was injured, but along with the window, a sign outside stating “Pride Center Event” was knocked down. Guests at the party said two men were seen in the distance, walking away from the center, at the time.

Previously located in a North Side church, the center now operates in donated space on Poland Avenue to allow members of the community to gather. Those groups include the Stonewall Democrats; Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); and All Families Matter.

No description of the suspects or damage estimate were given on the incident report.

Vacant house burns

YOUNGSTOWN — Heavy fire was showing from the first floor to the attic at 616 W. Delason Ave. on the South Side when firefighters arrived around 5 a.m. Monday. The two-story house appeared to be vacant, with only a few belongings and no furniture inside, the fire department said. Damage was set at $4,000 and a board-up ordered to secure the structure. The cause is under investigation.