Metro digest || HIP HOP4 HAITI tonight

HIP HOP4 HAITI tonight

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown’s entertainment community has come together in local humanitarian efforts to help those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti.

The event — HIP HOP4 HAITI — is at downtown’s new Love Lounge, 15 W. Federal St. Proceeds will be given to the relief efforts.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together the community with live performances from local artists, great food and drink specials as the people of Youngstown show their support for the people of Haiti.

The benefit starts at 8 tonight. If you would like to perform as an artist, volunteer or just simply show your support with a donation, call (404) 781-5705.

Columbiana council

COLUMBIANA — After a 40- minute debate over the language of an ordinance led by new Councilman Bryan Blakeman, city council agreed to hire Howells and Baird Inc. of Salem to provide engineering services for a project to correct storm-water problems. Blakeman wanted the word “preliminary” added to the measure to distinguish the engineering services from the actual project. Howells and Baird will be paid $97,000 for its work. City officials have said that the city should be able to get low-cost storm-water drainage funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the project.

In another issue, council rejected placing a levy on the May ballot to provide more funds for the fire department. But council rules enabl another vote on the matter at the Feb. 16 meeting, before the ballot deadline. The 2-mill emergency levy, if placed and approved, would bring in about $269,000 a year.

The fire department is budgeted to receive about $156,000 this year, and City Manager Keith Chamberlin has said some of the equipment is old.

66 years of service

YOUNGSTOWN — Protestant Family Service will celebrate 66 years of community service at the 39th annual dinner Feb.15 at Third Baptist Church, 1177 Park Hill Drive.

There will be a brief business meeting at which officers will be installed. Musical entertainment will follow.

Fellowship will be at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6. The cost is $20. Reservations are due by Monday by calling (330) 746-4600.