House fire probed

House fire probed

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire that led to extensive damage to a home on North Hazelwood Avenue.

It appears the fire started on the first floor of the residence and moved into the attic, said Battalion Chief Gary DiTullio. The call for the fire came in at 3:03 p.m. Sunday, and there was no one home at the residence at the time.

There is no estimate yet, but there was considerable damage to the home, DiTullio said.

Shooting probed

youngstown

Youngstown police were called to St. Elizabeth Health Center just after 12:30 a.m. Friday for a report of a man who had been shot.

The 23-year-old victim told police he had been approached at Saranac Avenue and Elm Street by a man wearing all black who demanded money. The victim said that when he told the man he did not have any cash, the two began fighting in the street.

The victim said he was able to pull away 3 to 4 feet from the assailant, but was shot in the hand with what he believed was a small-caliber handgun, according to the report.

Police observed that despite fighting outside, the victim’s shoes and pants were dry, and he had gunpowder burns on his hand from being shot, according to the report. Police also went to the location of the incident and could not find any evidence of a struggle.

Tax service planned

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership again will provide free basic tax service to eligible low- and moderate-income individuals, families and senior citizens.

The annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax-preparation assistance to those who need to file local, state and federal taxes, but who can’t afford to pay to have their taxes prepared.

MYCAP is seeking volunteers to learn basic tax information for the 2012 tax year and then use this information and the learned skills to process basic tax returns.

For information about becoming a VITA volunteer, call Francine at MYCAP at 330-747-7921, ext. 1738.

Appreciation day

Cornersburg Dairy Queen, 3555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown, and Austintown Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, 146 N. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, will host an employee and customer- appreciation day and offer half-price on all items Tuesday.

For information, call the Cornersburg location at 330-799-5295 or the Austintown location at 330-792-3765.

Blessing of waters

youngstown

The Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning Valley will conduct the sixth annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday at the shore line of Lake Glacier in Mill Creek MetroParks.

The Rev. Thomas Constantine, pastor of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman, said the lake was chosen because its water flows into the Mahoning River.

Family Story Time

YOUNGSTOWN

The main branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will have a New Year’s Family Story Time.

The free program is at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and will focus on goal-setting, resolutions and tips for 2013. Each family also will make a time capsule to seal away until 2014. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

The main library is located at 305 Wick Ave.