Taking part in pageant

Taking part in pageant

BOARDMAN — Monica Brown of Boardman was recently selected to participate in a division of the National 2008 Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Akron Pageant competition that takes place today at Independence Middle School.

She will be competing in the Miss Jr. Pre-Teen division, one of four that will have young ladies between the ages of 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines that include casual wear and formal wear.

The title winner in each division will receive a cash prize and specialty gifts. In November, she will receive an expense-paid trip to Orlando, Fla., to represent Akron and the surrounding communities at the Cities of America National Competition. There she will compete for a share of more than $60,000 in prizes and awards.

Homecoming events

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University is offering a full slate of events today as Homecoming 2008 comes to a close.

The day kicks off with a “Battle of the Bands” at 9 a.m. in Stambaugh Stadium. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a “Coach Coin Memorial Fundraiser” in the Football Tailgate Lot to raise money for the family of the late Shawn Coin, videographer in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The homecoming parade is set for 2 p.m. and will follow a route along Fifth Avenue from Wood Street to Stambaugh Stadium, where the 4 p.m. football game against the University of Northern Iowa will wrap up the day’s activities.

Flu vaccine clinic

AUSTINTOWN — Forum Health Austintown Immediate Care is offering flu vaccines for the public from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Fitch High School. The vaccines are available for adults, 18 years and older. People with traditional Medicare and Anthem Senior Advantage will be billed upon presenting their card. For all others, there is a $25 cash payment.

Fraudulent solicitations

BOARDMAN — The township fire department isn’t soliciting donations by phone or any other method. The department has received calls from residents concerned about telephone solicitations they’ve received from people claiming to be from the department. Anyone who has received such a call should call police at (330) 726-4144.

Woman robbed at home

YOUNGSTOWN — A Philadelphia woman who bought a house on Edwards Street was robbed when she visited the house for the first time Thursday evening.

The woman, 50, told police that she was in the basement when she heard someone on the first floor. The man asked if the place was for rent. She said it was and started to show him around. Eventually he put a gun to her head and demanded her keys and purse. The key ring broke when he snatched it from her hand; she managed to conceal the keys to her rental car.

While he went outside to break into the car, a second suspect showed up and told her to “just cooperate” then left, reports show. The woman’s purse, with credit cards inside, and cell phone were taken.

Investigating death

WARREN — Police are handling the death of a 61-year-old Warren woman as a possible homicide and awaiting results of an autopsy to determine whether foul play was involved.

Chad Dunbar of East Avenue Southeast said he found his aunt, Elizabeth Phillips, of 700 Buckeye Street N.W., dead in her apartment about 8 p.m. Thursday.

Halloween benefit

HERMITAGE, Pa. — Hillcrest Dog Park and Wellness Center, next to Kraynak’s, is having its second annual “Howl-o-ween” Doggie costume contest and party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. The contest is open to the public. This event benefits six of the Shenango Valley animal rescue groups: Animal Advocacy, Animal Appeal, Club Pet Adoption, Mercer County Humane Society, Pet Solutions and Strayhaven.