MILESTONES || Trumbull award

HONORS

Making dollars count

WARREN — For the fourth- straight year, Trumbull County has received the Ohio Auditor’s Office Making Your Dollars Count award, which goes to fewer than 5 percent of government agencies.

In the eight-county Youngstown region, Trumbull was the only county receiving the award for 2008. The others eligible for the award are the cities of Salem, Hubbard and Conneaut and the Streetsboro school district. The district includes Trumbull, Ashtabula, Mahoning, Columbiana, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson and Portage counties.

“This award recognizes those that place a high priority on financial accountability,” said Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor. “Trumbull County officials have demonstrated their commitment to properly account for taxpayer dollars.”

Adrian Biviano was appointed Trumbull auditor Jan. 10, 2006, and was elected the following November.

To qualify, a government body must submit a comprehensive annual financial report, have no findings or issues present in their most-recent audit report and have no other financial concerns, the state auditor’s office said.

STATE PATROL

Trooper of the Year

Trooper Michael J. Vitullo of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a Youngstown native, has been selected 2009 Trooper of the Year at the Chardon Patrol Post.

Vitullo, 25, was chosen based on leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public, according to a highway patrol press release.

Vitullo joined the patrol in 2006. He then was assigned to the patrol’s Defiance Post. In April 2008, Vitullo transferred to the Chardon Post.

Vitullo is a 2003 graduate of Youngstown Christian School.

XMilestones is a regular Sunday feature in The Vindicator. Articles must be submitted within 30 days of the Milestone event. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want a picture returned. Pictures also may be picked up at the paper’s Front Street facility at the security guard station. Send items to: Milestones, c/o The Vindicator, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501.