METRO DIGEST || Fatal fire in Lawrence County

Fatal fire probed

ENON VALLEY, PA.

The Pennsylvania state fire marshal is investigating the cause of a Saturday fire that killed Vaughnie Sue Schwartz, 51, of Beaver Falls. Three people escaped from the blaze. Enon Valley firefighters said the fire broke out around 4:20 a.m. at 2140 Scott Wallace Road. Nine departments responded. The house was a total loss, firefighters said.

Pile-ups close I-76

Brimfield

A massive pile-up on Interstate 76 westbound between Brimfield and Tallmadge closed a portion of the highway for six hours Saturday. Around 11:40 a.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to two multiple-vehicle crashes, one just east of Tallmadge Road and the second about one mile west of there, east of the Summit County Line. The first involved 11 vehicles, including three semis. Ten people were taken to local hospitals. The second involved 16 vehicles, including two semis and a cargo truck. Four people were taken to local hospitals. In between those two sites were several other multiple-vehicle crashes. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and the crashes remain under investigation.

Weather conditions at the time included high winds and heavy blowing snow, which significantly reduced visibility and covered both lanes of traffic, the patrol said.

Want to buy a home?

LIBERTY

Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of America has scheduled a workshop to help those who want to buy a home but are having trouble doing so. The workshop will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Casa Ramirez Restaurant in the Quality Inn, 4055 Belmont Ave. The nonprofit organization assists those who have problems such as a low credit score or a lack of funds for a down payment.

Parking ban

BOARDMAN

The township implemented a parking ban Saturday through 6 a.m. Monday to allow crews easy access to plow snow. Motorists are asked to keep their vehicles off the streets.

Volunteers needed

NORTH LIMA

Beaver Township Friends of the Park is looking for volunteers. The group was established several years ago to support the park board and consists of area residents who donate their time and skills to help clean and beautify the township. Scott Conway, park administrator, said the group maintains a roster with names of individuals, groups or organizations willing to help when possible. When the park board initiates a project, members contact people on the roster to alert them to the activity. Projects include planting flowers and trees and decorating for holiday activities. For more information, call the board at 330-549-9552.