YSU outlook improves

YSU outlook improves

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University may have been facing some $3 million in “budget challenges” this year, but all but about $300,000 of that amount has been covered by spending cuts and enrollment growth, a university official said.

The bottom line is that the remaining “challenges” are down to just two-tenths of 1 percent of the $148 million operating budget, said Thomas Maraffa, special assistant to the president.

Originally the challenges — a cut in state revenue, higher than expected utility costs, some contractual obligations and lower-than-expected investment income — amounted to about 2 percent of the budget. Most of that potential red ink has been covered by the receipt of additional tuition from increased enrollment, by not filling nearly three dozen non-faculty job vacancies and by making other spending reductions, Maraffa said, adding that the budget is in good shape.

Center gets free bus

YOUNGSTOWN — The Associated Neighborhood Centers/McGuffey Centre is getting a free specialized transit bus, thanks to the Ohio Department of Transportation and The Youngstown Foundation. The bus was delivered to the center at 1649 Jacobs Road on Thursday.

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments offered grant opportunities for organizations that would qualify for a specialized transit vehicle and ANC’s application was successful. The Youngstown Foundation picked up the $9,715 local share of the $48,573 bus.

ANC’s mission is to promote alternative and supportive activities and programs for low-income, minority and disadvantaged inner-city families in the Youngstown area.

Mosquito friends to meet

CORTLAND — A new organization called Friends of the Mosquito Lake State Park will have a meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 12 at the Bazetta Township Police Department, 2671 McCleary-Jacoby Road.

The group’s purpose is to create a partnership between outdoor enthusiasts and the state park, setting high conservation standards, promoting the preservation and protection of natural resources and promoting wildlife and nature education.

Several projects are planned for this spring and summer. For more information call (330) 637-5107.

Awareness month

LISBON — Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities presents Awareness Month during March. The official slogan to represent awareness is “Just Like You.” As part of the scheduled events, Robert Bycroft School, state Route 172, will implement “Project Coffee Cup” from Monday through Friday. Community members are invited to visit the school from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free cup of coffee in an “Everyone Belongs” mug that tour members can keep free of charge.

Recall the Depression?

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Aging is asking Ohioans who lived through the Depression to share their stories. Any tales of triumph or tragedy are welcome. Lessons learned during the tough economic times of the 1930s will be used to give hope to those who are struggling in the current economic climate.

Those interested in submitting their stories, which will be used in ODA publications and on the organization’s Web site, are asked to send about 500 words detailing their memories. The submissions are to be sent to the Communications Division of ODA, located at 50 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215-3363. Stories may also submitted via e-mail at depressionstories@age.state.oh.us. All stories must be received by April 10.

Preventing teen drinking

WARREN — The Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention and Community Solutions Association have received a $3,000 grant from the Drug Free Action Alliance to implement the 2009 Parents Who Host Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking public-awareness campaign. The Drug Free Action Alliance is distributing $60,000 to community coalitions such as ASAP to bring attention to the problem of underage drinking and remind parents of the health risks and legal consequences of making alcohol available at parties for teens. Parents can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted of providing alcohol, ASAP says. For more information on ASAP, call (330) 770-3818 or visit ASAP’s Web site at www.asaptrumbull.org.