METRO DIGEST | Man arrested

Man arrested

EDINBURG, Pa.

A man was arrested after he purportedly stabbed and cut his wife with a kitchen knife and a machete, state police in New Castle said.

Michael Cook, 26, was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and simple assault in the Saturday morning attack on Virginia Cook, 47.

Police said Cook also hit his wife with a hammer.

Police said they were called to the couple’s home on Green Lane in Mahoning Township around 5:45 a.m.

Virginia Cook was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Michael Cook was taken into custody.

The hospital had no information on Virginia Cook on Saturday evening.

Sainato appointed

NEW CASTLE, PA.

Pa. State Rep. Chris Sainato, D-New Castle, has been appointed to serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for the 2011-12 legislative session of the General Assembly.

Sainato, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, was appointed to the position by House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny.

The mission of PEMA is to coordinate the response of state agencies to man-made or natural disasters.

Sainato began his ninth term representing the 9th Legislative District, which includes Lawrence and Beaver counties.

Cabin Fever Day

VOLANT, Pa.

Artist demonstrations at the Blue Heron art gallery, a free hot beverage and roasted marshmallows by the fire will be featured at the midwinter “Cabin Fever Day,” here from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19.

The 30 specialty shops on Pa. Route 208 east of New Wilmington also feature a historic mill that is open to the public and is in the process of being restored.

For more information, visit www.volantshops.com.

Lark’s Amazing Race

NEW CASTLE, Pa.

Lark Enterprises will sponsor Lark’s Amazing Race on May 7.

Teams of two will compete physically and mentally in a race throughout Lawrence County. Each team must raise a minimum of $150 to enter, but the more funds a team raises, the more advantages it will have on race day.

Lark provides vocational evaluations, training and employment services for people with disabilities. All race proceeds will help defray the costs of their clients’ transportation.

The race will begin and end at Cascade Park. Secret locations throughout the county will be “destination sites.” The sites will feature physical and mental tasks each team must complete before receiving its next clue.

People interested in competing should call Katie Weisz at 724-657-2001, ext. 105, or visit larkenterprises.org under the Make a Difference page.

Spay and neuter clinic

NEW CASTLE, Pa.

The Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (ARF) will offer Animal Friends’ mobile spay and neuter clinic for cats again this year.

The clinic is expected to begin in April and will be on Saturdays at the Lawrence County Government Center in New Castle.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but should be comparable to last year’s prices, LC ARF says.

Last year’s price was $40 for a spay or neuter and a rabies shot if needed; $10 for a distemper shot and $25 for feline leukemima testing and vaccines. Shots are available only with a spay or neuter.

Pre-registration is required; no walk-ins will be allowed.

Household income for participants should be under $3,500 a month, but the income requirement is waived for feral and stray cats. Applications are available at LCARF.com.