Sentenced for escape

Sentenced for escape

LISBON — The second of two jail trusties who escaped from the Columbiana County jail on a tractor has been sentenced to eight months in prison. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge C. Ashley Pike on Monday imposed the sentence on Shawn Cunningham, 20, of North Street, East Liverpool.

Cunningham and Michael Armstrong, 30, of West Fourth Street, East Liverpool, were serving time at the jail for misdemeanor offenses on July 19, 2006. While mowing the grass at the jail, they drove off on a tractor. They abandoned the tractor and stole a car. They were recaptured in St. Clair Township about seven hours after they left the jail grounds.

Cunningham earlier was sentenced to six months in prison for possession of drugs.

Armstrong was also sentenced to eight months in prison for his role in the escape.

Health fair in Leetonia

LEETONIA — The village and the Leetonia American Legion Post 131 will have a free public health fair with Wellness One of Boardman at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Gary E. Phillips, the village administrator, said it will be the first of six to 12 such sessions. The people who attend will help decide on what topics will be covered at future sessions.

People from other communities are welcome. 

The program will be at the legion hall, 540 E. Main St.

Crews patching potholes

YOUNGSTOWN — City street department crews are patching potholes at an accelerated level on streets, said Sean T. McKinney, the city’s buildings and grounds commissioner.

Motorists should use caution, reduce speeds in work areas and be prepared for lane closures, he said. The city has up to 10 crews at a time patching potholes between now and April.

Gunman robs Taco Bell

YOUNGSTOWN — A tall, skinny man with a gun who robbed the Taco Bell on Market Street fired one shot and, after finding the manager in a freezer, forced the manager to open the safe, police said.

The robber, who entered the business around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, fled on foot. No bullet damage was found. Detectives have the surveillance video of the event.

A full loss will be reported after an inventory, reports show.

Election endorsements

JOHNSTON — The Trumbull Township Association has endorsed Joseph Consiglio for county sheriff over 16-year incumbent Thomas Altiere. The association represents township trustees and fiscal officers. Forty-five of the group’s 96 members participated in the recent vote.

Consiglio, Weathersfield Township police chief, received 29 votes to Altiere’s 16. Consiglio also has won the Trumbull County Democratic Party endorsement.

Randy Smith, a Hartford Township trustee and chief deputy county engineer, received 43 votes to two for David DeChristofaro of Niles for county engineer.

In the coroner’s race, Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, forensic pathologist at the coroner’s office, was unanimously endorsed over Dr. Gary Kraker.

New Castle arson

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A fire at 203 Mills Way was arson, according to New Castle firefighters.

Firefighters were called to the three-story home at 6:32 a.m. Sunday and found flames on the second and third floors. According to investigators, the fire was preceded by a burglary of the home, which is being used as an office by Mark and Regina Chiafulla, who also own the building.

Firefighters said several items were missing, but they could not say what was taken.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal determined that the fire had been intentionally started in three separate areas of the house.

Meet the candidates

WARREN — Trumbull County Federated Democratic Women’s Club will hold a Meet the Candidates Night at 6 p.m. Monday at the Warren YMCA, 375 North Park Avenue.

Democratic candidates running in the March primary are being invited. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be served.