Youngstown girl, 11, shot by motorist, police say

Youngstown girl, 11, shot by motorist, police say

YOUNGSTOWN — City police said an 11-year-old East Avondale Avenue girl was shot when a motorist fired a gun at a crowd of people gathered in the 200 block of East Avondale.

Treiash Franklin suffered a grazing wound to the chest, police said.

Witnesses told police that a crowd of people had gathered in the street at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday after a disturbance. A man driving a gray, two-door older-model Cadillac came down the street and wanted to pass the crowd.

People refused to get out of the street, and the man opened fire, witnesses told police.

The girl was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center, and hospital personnel found the bullet in her clothing, police said.

No one else was injured, and the gunman fled, police said.

Open enrollment for Medicare ends today

COLUMBUS — The open- enrollment or “annual coordinated election” period for 2010 Medicare coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, which started Nov. 15, ends at midnight today.

The Ohio Department of Insurance, through its Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, is urging beneficiaries to call the OSHIIP hot line at (800) 686-1578 for plan and enrollment help. Coverage begins Friday.

During the Medicare open-enrollment period, people on Medicare can select one of several coverage options: original Medicare; original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and/or with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan; a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits including drug coverage; or determine if their current coverage is still the best choice for 2010.

For a listing of available plans, visit www.medicare.gov.

First Night schedule

First Night events in Youngstown, Canfield and Salem are scheduled to begin early tonight. The family-friendly, alcohol-free events feature entertainment at various venues throughout the cities. Fireworks will be featured in Youngstown and Canfield to celebrate the new year.

First Night Youngstown begins at 5 p.m. Admission buttons are $10 for adults, $5 for students age 13 through college (with an ID from the university) and free for senior citizens and children 12 and under.

First Night Salem activities begin at 4:30. Admission buttons are $10 for adults and free for children 10 and younger (must be accompanied by an adult).

First Night Canfield begins at 6 p.m. Admission buttons are $10 each and free for youths 18 and younger.

Shaken-baby case

STRUTHERS — The case of a New Springfield man accused of shaking his infant son will go to a grand jury.

David A. Bowdish, 26, of Struthers Road, appeared Wednesday before Judge James Lanzo of municipal court here for a preliminary hearing. Bowdish is charged with child endangering, accused of shaking his 9-week-old son and injuring him.

Bowdish waived the preliminary hearing, meaning the case goes to a grand jury.

People in court for the hearing, who said that they are friends of the family, said the baby, Kaleb, is out of the hospital and doing well.

Warriors Inc. classes

YOUNGSTOWN — Warriors Inc. offers community computer training with six weeks of beginners classes, which will be every Tuesday at the Hope Building, 2733 Market St.

The next class is scheduled for Jan. 12, 19 and 26; and Feb. 2, 9 and 16. Class times are 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m.

To reserve a seat and register, visit the Hope Building. For more information call Wendy Robinson at (330) 783-5440.

Trumbull Co. calendar

WARREN — Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, 321 Mahoning Ave. NW, has compiled a calendar of events available in Trumbull County for January through June.

Calendars can be picked up at the tourism office, or they can be requested by e-mail at Info@ExploreTrumbullCounty.com, or by phone at (330) 675-3081.

The calendar also will be mailed with each Visitors Guide in response to visitor information requests and distributed at state-operated travel information centers.

The office will accept event information throughout the year and include these listings online at www.ExploreTrumbull County.com.