Metro digest

Missing man sought

STRUTHERS — Police are searching for a man who has been missing since Monday morning.

Christopher R. DeShields, 35, 163 Como St., was last heard in his kitchen around 5 a.m.

Police reported DeShields has medical problems. He did not take his car.

He is 6 feet 4 inches tall and has brown hair and blue eyes. If you believe you’ve seen him, call Struthers police at (330) 755-9849.

Fresh-produce giveaway

YOUNGSTOWN — There will be a fresh-produce distribution at 10 a.m. today at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Ave. Recipients are asked to take bags or containers.

Scrap-tire drop-off

HOWLAND — The township is conducting a scrap-tire drop-off program this week for township residents only. Residents may drop off a maximum of eight passenger tires, with no rims, at the Public Works Department, 3600 North River Road, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Friday.

Officer’s bag stolen

BOARDMAN — A bag containing two sets of handcuffs, a traffic citation book and other items was taken from the private vehicle of a Struthers police officer.

The officer told township police that the passenger door of his truck doesn’t lock and the bag was stolen from the vehicle sometime Sunday as it was parked at his home on Meadow Lane.

Education conference

YOUNGSTOWN — Speakers from around the world will participate in the second Annual Distance Education Conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 in McKay Auditorium in Beeghly Hall at Youngstown State University.

The theme is “Web 2.0 – The Green Solution: How New Technology is Changing Distance Education.” Keynote speaker is Sandy Cook, systems director of Distance Learning Technologies for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

Guest speakers are Barbara Gellman–Danley, Ohio vice chancellor, Academic Affairs and System Integration, and Kate Carey, special assistant to the vice chancellor and director of the Ohio Learning Network. Their topic will be, “What’s the Next Big Vision for Distance Learning in Ohio; Will Your Institution Be a Part of It?”

The conference is free, but registration must be completed by Friday. For information, go to www.ysu.edu/distancelearning/index_conf.htm.

T’ai Chi Chih classes

BOARDMAN — The T’ai Chi Chih classes continue at Boardman Park with new courses scheduled to begin Wednesday.

The T’ai Chi Chih beginner’s course includes eight, one-hour classes once a week on Wednesdays at Boardman Park Community Center. There are two course times — 4 to 5 p.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Other class dates are Oct. 14 and 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, and Dec. 2 and 9. Classes are open to men, women and youth and are taught by Lucinda Kutsko, certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor.

The course fee for the eight weeks is $80. Pre-registration is required. Call Kutsko at (330) 538-2292 for information and to register.

Advocates say it improves balance and coordination, enhances sports performance, and increases focus, energy and stamina.