Fire at flower shop

Fire at flower shop

AUSTINTOWN — The township fire department responded to a blaze about 8 p.m. Friday at a business on Mahoning Avenue.

The fire was at the flower shop called Something Unique 4U, which sits in front Wal-Mart in the 5800 block of Mahoning Avenue.

Officials said the cause of the fire has not been determined, and no further information was available as of 11 p.m. Friday.

Girl suffers black eye

WARREN — A city man reported that his juvenile daughter was held down by two girls while a third one punched her in the face several times on Elm Road near Paige Avenue Northeast at about 2:40 p.m. Thursday.

The girl, who suffered a black eye, got a ride from a passerby after the incident Thursday afternoon and refused medical treatment, police said.

Blue Christmas offered

LIBERTY — Liberty Presbyterian Church , 1451 Church Hill-Hubbard Road, will have a Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The service is designed for those who find that Christmas makes them sad instead of happy and features Scripture, prayers and readings that show God cares and there is hope.

USW takes up collection to buy turkeys for workers

YOUNGSTOWN — Employees representing United Steelworkers of America Local 2163 and who work in the city’s waste treatment department have taken up a collection to purchase turkeys for area steelworker union employees at Thomas Steel, Concord Steel and American Standard.

The collection is to help brighten up families’ Christmas dinners in the Valley.

The turkeys will be distributed at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. Local presidents can pick up their turkeys at the USW Subdistrict office, at Square One, Suite A, 950 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles, Enrique Suarez Jr., Local 2163 president, said in a news release.

Police warn about man

NILES — Officials at the Niles Police Department are warning parents of a suspicious man frequenting bus stops in the area of South Cedar Street.

According to reports, a man in a newer model, light blue pickup truck, with an extended cab, has been seen on several occasions parked near school bus stops in the mornings.

The white male is described as between 260 and 280 pounds, with dirty-blond or red medium-length hair, and a goatee.

Police are asking anyone with information on the man to contact the department at (330) 652-9944.