Vindy.com for July 31, 2008
Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.
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Stories published July 31, 2008
Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.
Idol hopefuls belt out tunes inside Eastwood Mall
NILES — The Valley has its own wealth of singing sensations, but only one can claim Idol victory
Obama in Youngstown area on Tuesday
YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to
Boardman man who killed wife four years ago finally goes to prison
YOUNGSTOWN — A 60-year-old man who pleaded guilty in May to murdering his wife 4 1‚Ñ2 years ago is
PUCO sets second hearing on Dominion proposal
YOUNGSTOWN — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has scheduled a second public hearing in
Work shifts halved at GM Lordstown
LORDSTOWN — A second stamping press broke down at the General Motors’ fabricating plant, which cut
Crime witnesses say they’re being intimidated
YOUNGSTOWN — Intimidation of crime witnesses is what an East Auburndale mother and her teenage son
Campaign reports: Dann spent $230,000 through June
While contributions to ex-Attorney General Marc Dann’s campaign committee completely dried up when a scandal hit his office, that didn’t stop him from spending campaign funds — even after his resignation.
St. E’s in Boardman celebrates first birthday
BOARDMAN — In its first year, more than 37,400 people have come to the emergency room at St.
Suspected marijuana plants seized on East Side
YOUNGSTOWN — At least 10 suspected marijuana plants growing in the back yard of 2255 Kimmel St. on
McCain closes gap on Obama in Ohio, Fla., poll shows
COLUMBUS — Presumptive Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain closed the margins
Trial set Sept. 3 in puppy’s death
YOUNGSTOWN — Trial is set for Sept. 3 in municipal court for the West Side woman whose German
Youngstown youth march canceled
YOUNGSTOWN — Christian Revival and Discipleship Center, 3300 Hudson Ave., announced the cancelation
Reining in some Pa. constables is a problem
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The head of Pennsylvania’s judicial system, Supreme Court Chief Justice
Man pulled naked from chimney in Warren
WARREN — A 48-year-old West Market Street man suffered only small abrasions when he had to be pulled
Howland Farmer’s Market is Saturday
HOWLAND — The Howland Township Farmer’s Market will continue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the
Animals, not man, savaged corpse
MEADVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The murder of a reclusive Crawford County woman in 1997 remains unsolved, but
Leetonia will start road work Monday
LEETONIA —The village of Leetonia will be doing the 2008 chip and seal program Monday through
OUT-OF-TOWN BIRTHS
X Josh and Star Burnett of Boardman announce the birth of twins, a boy and a girl. Brady Lee and
Charities to benefit from day of shopping
BOARDMAN — Protestant Family Service and Macy’s are cooperating in a “Shop for a Cause” event that
Garage sale proceeds to benefit orphanage
HUBBARD — A garage sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday at 7985 E. Liberty
Lions club installs its new officers
YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngs-town Lions Club installed new officers during a luncheon meeting June 12 at
Nurses Guild plans parking lot sale
YOUNGSTOWN — The Nurses Guild of Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Ave., will sponsor
Mini Relay for Life events are planned at Wal-Marts
Mini Relay for Life events are planned at Wal-Marts Local Wal-Mart stores are teaming up with the
Report shows local teachers’ pay
No Mahoning Valley schools are among the top 25 in terms of starting or maximum salaries.
Poland All-Stars ready for regionals
“I think we can compete with anybody because the girls have been together for so long and know
Eatery reopens after 11 arrests
Casa Fiesta has hired new, legal employees. YOUNGSTOWN — The Casa Fiesta on East Midlothian
Scrappers finish sweep of Spikes with 7-6 victory
Mahoning Valley was outhit 15-6, but State College committed four costly errors. STATE
Liberty OKs annexation for Girard school
Trustees agreed to the annexation agreement by a majority vote. LIBERTY — The new Girard
Astro-nomical win
Pat Mulligan, reinforced by 16 hits, pitches Falcons past Indiana, 10-2 “We needed a good outing
Prosecutor asks Judge Durkin to step down from murder case
The prosecution says the judge is a potential witness, thanks to new evidence. YOUNGSTOWN —
Pony softball scores & schedule
WEDNESDAY’S SCORES 16U Bracket 1 Rampage Red (N.J.) 8, Pittsburgh Pride Walter (Pa.) 0
Packard plans to shut Cortland plant
Officials said there isn’t enough business to keep two plastic-molding plants. About 15
15 home games set on YSU’s basketball schedule
YOUNGSTOWN — An early-season visit to Maryland and 15 home games highlight Youngstown State’s 2008-
Canfield 10-year-olds in 9-5 win
They defeated Wheelersburg in state tournament action in Ashtabula. ASHTABULA — The Canfield 10-
North Jackson yard sale brings residents together
The annual yard sale began a decade ago as a special event for the community. NORTH JACKSON —
Fed moves to beat credit crunch
WASHINGTON (AP) — Focused on getting the nation’s credit gears smoothly working again, the Federal
Bee-venom therapy is used to soothe the pain of osteoarthritis
Q. I was stung on my left leg five times by yellow jackets. I have osteoarthritis in my left knee,
GM to cut 15 percent of salaried workers
GM is to announce its second-quarter earnings Friday. DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp. plans to
Baird’s benefit Aug. 24 at Centre
A hockey game involving former NHL players will highlight the fundraiser. YOUNGSTOWN — The
A summary of recent criminal activity in Boardman:
A summary of recent criminal activity in Boardman: July 26 Theft: A 38-year-old Youngstown woman
Shoppach ties record with five extra base hits against Detroit
The Indians and Tigers were tied 12-12 in extra innings Wednesday night. CLEVELAND — Indians
GAME TIME Scrappers
Who: Scrappers vs. Jamestown Jammers When: 7:05 p.m. today in Jamestown, N.Y. Radio: WNIO-AM
Perry among the favorites in Bridgestone at Firestone
The maverick has won three times in his last six starts, with two other top 10s. AKRON (AP) — For
Scrappers complete sweep
Scrappers complete sweep The Mahoning Valley Scrappers took advantage of State College’s sloppy
The Sources
TheSources Ticketmaster: Macy’s in Eastwood, Southern Park and Shenango Valley malls; and Giant
Looking ahead
Looking ahead kA look at the region’s theater and ballet schedule for 2008-09. page d8
McCain, Obama making errors on campaign trail
How you view the mistakes depends on your politics. WASHINGTON (AP) — Details can bedevil any
What planet is Obama living on?
Opinion: Sen. Barack Obama said in an interview the day after his Berlin speech that it “allowed me to send a
“Mysteries of the Shark Coast” (9 p.m. Discovery): On Australia’s northeastern
“Mysteries of the Shark Coast” (9 p.m. Discovery): On Australia’s northeastern coast — home to more
On the fence about ‘Swing Vote’
Costner lets it all hang out in this film about the last vote. Will a complacent America that
MLB ROUNDUP Wednesday’s other games
AMERICAN LEAGUE Rays 3, Blue Jays 2 TORONTO — Carlos Pena homered and Edwin Jackson won back-to-
Meet John McCain, the messy maverick
Opinion: If elected president, Sen. John McCain promises to stage a news conference every week, a singular
Tip sheds some light on chandelier cleaning
Dear Heloise: Is there an easy way to clean chandeliers without taking them down? They have so many
Her in-laws’ hobby is being nosy, intrusive
Dear Annie: My husband is an only child, as are both his parents. They have no interests, no
Terrorism cases belong in court
Opinion: I have spent 27 years on the federal bench. In particular, my experience with the trial of Ahmed
Holiday season to bring higher prices
Prices on toys, food and decorations are rising. NEW YORK (AP) — Christmas in July? Maybe not a
Will Pakistan’s new leader go after Osama bin Laden?
Editorial: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan said all the right things about the war on global
Helping the world quit
Opinion: Philadelphia Inquirer: Lung cancer is a big and growing export all over the world. Every year,
REGION
REGION Farmers reports increased earnings CANFIELD — Farmers National Banc Corp. earned $1.53
Office Depot, OfficeMax report 2nd-quarter losses
Office Depot lost $2 million as second-quarter sales fell. NEW YORK (AP) — Office-supply retailers
James emerges as leader of U.S. basketball team
MACAU (AP) — LeBron James was already one of the NBA’s best players by the time he slipped on USA
On solo album, Trout goes back to his roots
Forget the various names — Trout’s tired of changing them. Blues guitarist Walter Trout may
Police arrest Sharon man in stabbing
FARRELL. Pa. — A man is in Mercer County Jail after being charged with stabbing another man in the
Today is Thursday, July 31, the 213th day of 2008. There are 153 days left in the year. On this date
Today is Thursday, July 31, the 213th day of 2008. There are 153 days left in the year. On this date
Ballet Western Reserve
Ballet Western Reserve (330) 744-1934, www.balletwesternreserve.org “The Nutcracker,” Nov. 26 (1
Radiohead enjoys newfound freedom
‘In Rainbows’ introduced a new sound from the band. By JAKE COYLE WASHINGTON — The
Historical society to put outhouse on display
The structure will be used for viewing and storage. GIRARD — A little piece of history will be
Big Ben leader in Steelers’ camp
His new $102 million contract assures he’ll be around for a long time. LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Casey
India, Pakistan need to normalize
Opinion: The Pakistani foreign minister spoke with passion. Better relations with India “are a top
United Way readies charity event
United Way set high goals for the upcoming Day of Caring. “Live united.” That’s the simple
We get it, you’re against him
Opinion: We get it, you’re against him EDITOR: State Rep. Bob Hagan’s July 29 letter gave reasons why he
Greenville man charged after Internet sting
GREENVILLE, Pa. — A Greenville man has been charged with making unlawful contact with a minor in an
GM plans to continue lease-incentive offerings
NEW YORK (AP) — General Motors Corp. has told dealers it will continue to offer leasing incentives
Before N.Y., ‘Lucasville’ stops at KSUTC
The play was chosen for the 12th annual Fringe Festival. When Youngstown State University
House panel votes to hold Karl Rove in contempt
House panel votes to hold Karl Rove in contempt WASHINGTON — The House Judiciary Committee has
Seeking missing man
Seeking missing man YOUNGSTOWN — Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Albert D. Byrd III, 33, of
Columbiana event aims at child support
EAST LIVERPOOL — Improving child support and strengthening families go together like fish and water.
Israeli prime minister to resign in September
JERUSALEM (AP) — Facing burgeoning corruption allegations and plummeting popularity, Prime Minister
Federal jury indicts Girard man on firearm burglary charges
The Girard man also is under indictment in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. YOUNGSTOWN — A
ER doctors: Don’t text as you walk, skate, cook
Two people in California were killed when they stepped in front of vehicles while texting. CHICAGO
NOTEBOOK Scrappers vs. Spikes
Among the elite: The Scrappers have seven players who have hit .300 or better during their last 10
The annual St. Patrick’s Church Festival takes over Hubbard at 6 p.m. and runs all weekend.
The annual St. Patrick’s Church Festival takes over Hubbard at 6 p.m. and runs all weekend. The
Shiite cleric opposes deal to station troops in Iraq
BAGHDAD — Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Wednesday offered full support for Prime Minister
2 of 3 problem bridges still haven’t been fixed
The bridges are not ready to collapse, officials say. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A year after the worst
if you go
if you go Who: Radiohead, with opening act Grizzly Bear When: 7:30 p.m. Monday Where: Blossom
Married people who worry face lower risk of dementia
CHICAGO — Middle-aged married people who worry a lot have at least one thing to look forward to:
Mr. Whiskers Catfish Day Events
Mr. Whiskers Catfish Day Events Mosquito Lake State Park For children: 10 a.m.: Registration
Mosquito Lake catfish day geared to teach children
MECCA — Children and adults are invited to spend their weekend at Mosquito Lake catching catfish for
Bridge dedicated to McGuffey
Famed educator William Holmes McGuffey grew up in the Coitsville area. YOUNGSTOWN — “We have
Struthers clerk of council resigns over e-mail dispute
STRUTHERS — Clerk of Council Toni Constantino, who was caught up in a political dispute between city
Cook wins 14th, Rockies top Bucs
Aaron Cook tied Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee for the major league lead in wins. PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Community orchestra plans summer concert
Community orchestra plans summer concert BOARDMAN — The Boardman Community Orchestra’s summer
House bans lead, other chemicals from items kids put in their mouths
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alarmed by a year of recalls targeting millions of tainted toys, the House voted
“Cheap, unhealthy food and lack of access to healthy food is a recipe for obesity. Diets
Opinion: “Cheap, unhealthy food and lack of access to healthy food is a recipe for obesity. Diets improve
Rape conviction, sentence upheld
A rapist’s trial and sentencing were proper, the appeals court ruled. YOUNGSTOWN — The 7th
Trumbull to handle Milton’s dispatch
The move became necessary because the township’s former dispatching service pulled out.
Some BP gas customers charged twice
COLUMBUS (AP) — Some BP gasoline customers are upset after their recent trip to the pump was made
Surplus food
Surplus food Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 467 Cohasset Drive, Youngstown, various
Cheech and Chong reunite
Cheech and Chong reunite WASHINGTON — Now that their feud is up in smoke, Cheech and Chong are
VICTORY IS SWEET
Fairgoers delight in ice cream-eating contest The event raised $280 for the fair’s new steer barn.
Remote meter readers OK’d
Officials plan to ask for bids in the near future. GIRARD — City residents and other customers
Fugitive arrested on rape charge
The man is the brother of a woman charged in a Greenville, Pa., homicide. Officers with the
CABA World Series
CABA World Series kPat Mulligan allowed just three hits and struck out 11, and TJ Rosenberg’s two
Alt country in the Valley? Robbie Jay Band embraces it
The band is putting down roots and getting some experience here while looking ahead. A shot
U.S. aid to fight AIDS is tripled
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush signed legislation Wednesday that triples U.S. funding to fight
Where to try out for roles
ACTORS “The Crucible.” Victorian Players Theater, 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, (330) 799-6176.
Some see need for constable reform
District justices in Lawrence and Mercer counties said they use constables and were not aware of any
MAHONING COUNTY
MAHONING COUNTY Marriage licenses Anthony E. Morocco, 27, of 3869 Bryant Drive, Youngstown, and
Cool summer accessories turn up the heat on style
In winter, it’s a great pair of boots and a chic scarf-and-glove set. But during the summer, when
2008-09 SCHEDULE \YSU men’s basketball
NOVEMBER 15 — Buffalo, 7:05 p.m. 18 — at Maryland 8 p.m. 22 — Allegheny 7:35 p.m. 25 — at
Packers try to talk Favre out of camp
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi to meet with
Movie listings are based on the best information provided to us at press time. Schedules are subject
Movie listings are based on the best information provided to us at press time. Schedules are subject
GETTING IT RIGHT
GETTING IT RIGHT Wayne McDougal is Jackson Township’s fire chief. Rick Pellin is the fire chief in
Wednesday’s scores
Wednesday’s scores Pool 1 Northern Ohio Hurricanes 13, South Carolina Scorpions 5 Indiana
Synthetic athletic turf not harmful to youths
A recent study showed no risk for lead exposure to youths. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Children aren’t at
McGinest ready to take big ride with Browns
BEREA (AP) — Another brutal training camp practice behind him, Willie McGinest yanked off his
Law has help for housing market
Some observers say the housing package may be too little and too late. WASHINGTON — President
BIG TRADE Yankees acquire Pudge
NEW YORK — The Detroit Tigers traded veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for
Get United Day of Caring
The 11th annual Day of Caring in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley hosted by United Way is set for
Penn State dismisses two players
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Penn State defensive tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor, two of a handful
Warren receives 13th audit citation
The citations date back to the previous city auditor. WARREN — What Warren Auditor David
Community to receive new sewers
WARREN — About 14 homes on Champion Avenue East and Clover Crest Drive, along with 34 more about a
Lightning ruled out in fire
Lightning ruled out in fire CANFIELD — Fire officials have ruled out lightning as the cause of a
Smelko-Reinard wedding planned at Hubbard church
X HUBBARD — Darla Jean Smelko, daughter of David and Darlene Smelko of Hubbard, and Cory John-Miles
Corinne Ferranti, Anthony Scrocco set wedding date
X BOARDMAN — Bob and Barb Ferranti of Boardman are announcing the engagement and upcoming marriage
Church is chosen for Cook-Sinkuc summer wedding
X SHARON, Pa. — Julie Ann Cook and George Patrick Sinkuc, both of Sharon, are announcing their
Saunders-Mulryan wedding plans are announced
X GROVE CITY, Ohio — Jack Saunders, 2459 Onyx Court, is announcing the engagement of his daughter,