Metro digest

Baby critical in Akron after severe beating

YOUNGSTOWN — A South Side toddler is in critical condition in Akron Children’s Hospital after being severely beaten Friday evening.

The child, of Lucius Avenue, was reportedly assaulted with a wire coat hanger by an unrelated adult male. The child was also punched several times and held under water in a bathtub.

A family friend said the child was born in February 2008 and the alleged suspect had met the child’s mother two weeks ago. The friend said the child remains on life support with his mother and grandmother at his bedside and is not expected to survive.

Youngstown police had no other information and are investigating the matter.

The suspect faces possible charges of child endangerment.

Police investigate crash

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Despite a tree branch’s going through the window of the SUV she was driving, a 17-year-old Springfield Township girl suffered no visible injuries.

The girl, with her 19-year-old brother asleep in the passenger seat, was driving along state Route 170 about 8 a.m. Thursday when the girl fell asleep. The SUV drifted across the road and struck a tree in front of 10792 Main St. The vehicle hit another tree head-on, and a branch broke off, and a piece pierced the windshield, just above and slightly in front of the driver’s side. The SUV stopped just shy of striking a house. Though there were no visible injuries, both were taken to the hospital by family. No citations have been issued, and village police are investigating.

Awareness weekend

YOUNGSTOWN — Today and Sunday, the Needles Eye Christian Counseling Center will have a cultural awareness weekend for young people from the city as well as visitors from Kansas and Maryland. A variety of events and learning opportunities will be provided.

A highlight of the weekend will be the dedication of the Irma Davis Playground sign, which is a follow-up to the dedication of one of the newer city parks in the city park system. The park is at Oak Hill and Kenmore avenues. The dedication and prayer session will be about 11 a.m. today.

Summer social tonight

NILES — The Art Outreach Gallery will sponsor Shades of Summer Social from 7 to 9 p.m. today as a fundraiser for the gallery and its youth summer and after-school programs.

Special musical guest Chookie Unplugged will perform along with Jeff Kelly, BIG106.1 WBBG program director and Morning Show host as emcee.

Local author Mark Peyko will sign copies of his newly released title, “Remembering Youngstown: Tales from the Mahoning Valley,” with all proceeds going to fund youth programming at the gallery.

Also performing will be bassists Adam DeAscentis and Vincent Vivacqua, who have held principal and assistant-principal chairs in Boardman High School Orchestra for the past four years.

The social will offer wines and hors d’oeuvres by chefs from Alberini’s Restaurant, Leo’s Ristorante, Vernon’s Cafe and Buena Vista Caf . The cost is $25 per person. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Child struck by car

SALEM — Hallie Hamilton, 7, of 1175 Cleveland St., was injured about 3:06 p.m. Thursday when her bicycle was struck by a car on Cleveland Street.

Police said she was riding in an unnamed alley and went into the street where she was struck by an eastbound car driven by William Kolozsi, 61, of 1412 Cleveland St. The impact threw her into the windshield of the car. She then fell onto the curb lawn.

She was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown, which would not release information about her injuries Friday.

No charges will be filed, police said.

Public-transit funding

YOUNGSTOWN — Western Reserve Transit Authority board and Sharon City Council approved a letter of agreement pertaining to the distribution of Federal Transit Administration funding. Under the agreement, which still must be approved by Niles officials, WRTA will get $2.52 million, Shenango Valley Shuttle Service will get $504,056 and Niles-Trumbull County Transit will receive $470,000.