Book program accepts grant applications

Book program accepts grant applications

YOUNGSTOWN — First Book–Mahoning Valley announced it is accepting book grant applications from local nonprofit programs serving children in need. First Book–Mahoning Valley hopes to grant about 3,000 new books to programs in Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

Teachers and directors of local preschools and day care, after-school, tutoring and mentoring programs are encouraged to apply on behalf of their programs. To be eligible to receive a First Book grant, organizations are required to: incorporate reading as part of their program activities, serve children and families from low-income households, provide multiple distributions to each child in the program, and support the child’s ongoing education outside the school classroom setting. Applications are due by Oct. 7. Contact Amy Neral, chairwoman, evenings at (330) 448-6973 or by e-mail to amyneral@yahoo.com.

Each child participating in a program that receives a grant will receive a minimum of six books each month for six months.

Lake Milton cops air on TV

LAKE MILTON — Film crews from Los Angeles rode along with Lake Milton police officers in May to document traffic stops and other encounters to air on TruTV cable series “Speeders” and MTV reality series “Busted,” said Chief Michael K. Saltsman Sr.

The footage was used recently in three episodes of “Busted” and will be used in upcoming episodes of “Speeders,” he said. The first “Speeders” episode airs Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on the former Court TV channel.

Saltsman said Lake Milton officers felt it was a great opportunity to show law enforcement in a positive light and bring national attention to such a small, beautiful community in hopes that it would be considered a vacation destination.

Date changes for skate park competition benefit

CORTLAND — Willow Park’s “A Skate in the Park” fundraiser has been moved to Saturday.

The skating competition that will benefit the city’s skate park was postponed last Saturday due to rain. Prizes will be given to competitors in three skill-based categories, as well as in an all-ages “best trick” contest.

Food, gear vendors, music and an equipment repair shop will round out the event for skating fans.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m., with contests starting at 1 p.m. Willow Park is located where Russell and Willow avenues meet.

For more information, call Jim at (330) 565-2637 or visit www.myspace.com/askateinthepark.

State OKs park funding

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board approved funding Monday for improvements at state parks facilities in Columbiana and Mahoning counties.

The board, without comment, released $16,000 and modified a contract with Karl R. Rohrer Associates Inc. of Akron for renovations at a Department of Natural Resources’ district office near Salem. The funds will be used for heating, cooling and electric system upgrades.

Additionally, the state board released about $190,000 for projects at four state parks, including more than $40,000 for improvements at Lake Milton in Mahoning County.

The funds will go toward the installation of 32 new floating courtesy docks north of the beach area, according to documents.