METRO DIGEST

GM prepares for visit by President Obama

LORDSTOWN — The east-end parking area of the General Motors complex will be closed Monday and Tuesday in preparation for the visit of President Barack Obama, Tom Mock, complex communications manager, said Saturday. All other complex parking areas, including the one at the administration building, will remain open both days, Mock added.

The president is scheduled to visit the facility Tuesday, where he will discuss the nation’s economy. According to a White House press release sent Saturday, the visit will be closed to the public and will be by invitation only. The event will be open to the press.

Kids may have started fire that damaged home

NEW CASTLE, PA. — Fire officials said a couple of kids are believed to be responsible for a fire that damaged the rear of a home at 11 W. Terrace Drive.

Patty Kelley, the occupant of the home, told authorities she left the house around 3:30 p.m. Saturday to attend a wedding and no one was at home.

Assistant Fire Chief Mark Panella said a neighbor saw a couple of kids run away from the house around 4 p.m. and discovered the back porch was on fire. The blaze spread into the kitchen before it was extinguished, he said, adding that the loss is insured.

Scout to sponsor informational meeting

BOARDMAN — Youngstown Boy Scout Troop 54 and Cub Pack 54 will have an informational meeting for participants to learn about Scouting programs and activities. It will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1951 Mathews Road. For more information about Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, call Dave Chauvin at (330) 651-0894.

Fire hydrants to be flushed in Hubbard

HOWLAND — The Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer’s Department will flush fire hydrants throughout the township this week. This may result in some low pressure at times and discoloration of the water, according to the sanitary engineer’s office.

United Way to sponsor wine taste fundraiser

NEW CASTLE, Pa — The United Way of Lawrence County is inviting the public to a wine tasting Sept. 24. The Wonderful Wines of the World event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the New Castle Country Club. Proceeds benefit the United Way. Cost is $50 per person. The deadline to register is Monday. For more information, call (724) 658-8528.

Author to speak

YOUNGSTOWN — Author William Cope Moyers speaks at Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic’s “Hope Has a Home Celebration” Tuesday at the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek Park. He is a best-selling author and executive director of Hazelden Foundation’s Center for Public Advocacy.

A reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner and program at 7. Call (800) 228-8287, ext. 7001 or visit www.nkrc.org for more information.