REGION

REGION

Hearing targets rate proposal by FirstEnergy

AUSTINTOWN — The Office of Ohio Consumer’s Counsel is having a public hearing on FirstEnergy’s new rate proposal. It will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Austintown Middle School, 800 S. Raccoon Road.

The OCC said the plan, combined with a separately proposed distribution rate increase, would raise residential customers’ total electric bill by at least 12 percent over the next three years. It said additional cost increases, yet to be determined by FirstEnergy, could drive prices even higher. The OCC is a state agency that represents residential utility customers.

Komara Jewelers marks its 60th anniversary

CORNERSBURG — Komara Jewelers, 3649 Canfield Road, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a weeklong celebration that starts Monday. Besides various sales and prizes, customers will be able to view a million-dollar diamond collection from Komara’s diamond cutters. The business was founded in 1948 by Stephen Komara and is run by his son, Bob.

Columbia Gas reduces budget payment amount

COLUMBUS — Columbia Gas of Ohio said it is reducing the budget payment amount for most residential customers by about $30 a month, or 22 percent, effective with October bills. Columbia said this is the first time it has adjusted budget payments before the heating season. The company said natural gas prices have fallen dramatically since budget amounts were set in July.

The average monthly budget payment will be $103. The payment remains $1 higher than it was a year ago because natural- gas prices rose so much in the first half of this year. A small number of budget payment customers who do not purchase their gas from Columbia may not get a reduction, depending on their contract with their marketer.

Credit Suisse specialist to speak at program

YOUNGSTOWN — Melford Carter, an in-state investment specialist for Credit Suisse, will speak at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Third Thursday at 3 program hosted by the Youngstown Business Incubator. He will discuss the OPERS/Credit Suisse Ohio-Midwest Fund, which is helping to support emerging technologies. The Ohio-Midwest Fund is committed to investing in clusters of innovation in the state.

The program is free but reservations are required by calling (330) 259-7644 or sending an e-mail to Julie Michael Smith at jmsmith@ybi.org.

High Pointe Restaurant, Tavern opens in Niles

NILES — High Pointe Restaurant and Tavern has opened at 754 Youngstown-Warren Road. The casual dining restaurant offers American cuisine, including wraps, pasta and fish.

Closet Monsters opens, features kids’ clothing

WARREN — The Closet Monsters, a new children’s clothing thrift store, will open Monday at 1715 Woodland St. N.E., Suite 8.

The store will carry new and used infant’s and children’s clothing in sizes newborn to 6T, as well as toys, blankets and maternity clothes. All items will be $5 or less. The store’s hours on opening day will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular hours will be Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vindicator staff reports