METRO DIGEST || Bikeway spur closed at MetroParks site

Bikeway spur closed at MetroParks site

Canfield

The MetroParks Bikeway Spur Trail at the MetroParks Farm will remain closed through Oct. 5 in conjunction with the stream- and wetland restoration project that is under way.

The bikeway will remain open during this time but will not be accessible from the MetroParks Farm parking lot.

Riders can access the Bikeway from other trailheads, including Mahoning Avenue, Kirk Road or Canfield High School. Contact Mill Creek MetroParks at 330-702-3000 with any questions.

Jim Traficant to sign books in Hermitage

HERMITAGE, Pa.

Former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. will sign copies of his book containing his artwork and speeches, titled “America’s Last Minute Man,” beginning at 11 a.m. today at Leana’s Books and More in Shenango Valley Mall. The 1,200-page book sells for $34.95.

No foul play in fire at Emerald Diner

HUBBARD

Investigators said they have officially classified the cause of the Emerald Diner fire as undetermined.

The investigation, which was conducted by the State Fire Marshal and the Hubbard Fire Department, showed no evidence of criminal intent, said Shane Cartmill, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Commerce.

While the cause of the fire is undetermined, he said the investigation was unable to eliminate an electrical malfunction as the cause.

The old-fashioned diner suffered heavy damage from the fire on Aug. 28. The blaze was contained to the dining room area of the restaurant and did not spread into the adjoining building. The restaurant was closed at the time, and no one was injured.

Green days next week

New Middletown

Green Energy Ohio, a nonprofit renewable energy advocate, will showcase renewable energy and green design in events throughout Ohio from Monday to Oct. 7.

Tour sites include public locations such as parks and schools, businesses, and private homes. The tour is free to the public during designated times listed at greenenergyohio.org. Visitors can choose from many sites and create a tour convenient for them.

A local participant in the event is the McAndrew residence at 5229 E. South Range Road. The McAndrews will be available for a home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 7.

Pond clinic in Canfield

CANFIELD

The Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District will conduct a pond clinic in conjunction with its annual dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, 7300 N. Palmyra Road.

It will address pond construction, fish stocking and weed control. For information and reservations, call SWCD at 330-740-7995.

Attorney appointed

COLUMBUS

Ronald E. Slipski, a Youngstown lawyer, has been re-appointed chairman of the Worker’s Compensation Law Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association for 2012-13.

A member of OSBA’s Council of Delegates, Slipski is a past president of the Mahoning County Bar Association, which named him 2004-05 lawyer of the year.

Benefit duck derby

CORTLAND

The Duck Derby to Quack Down on Domestic Violence will start at noon Oct. 6 at Lake Vista retirement community, 303 N. Mecca St. (state Route 46). Proceeds benefit Someplace Safe Inc., Trumbull County’s only domestic violence shelter. The event includes children’s games, food, vendors and the race.

Mandel stays confident

COLUMBUS

Republican State Treasurer Josh Mandel says his fate against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in the Ohio race for U.S. senator is not inextricably linked to what happens in the presidential election.

Mandel said he could still beat Brown even if Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney loses Ohio to President Barack Obama. Numerous recent surveys show both Republicans trailing, and by roughly the same margin.

“We don’t pay attention to public polls, and we don’t think they’re accurate,” Mandel said Friday, noting that his own polling shows he trails Brown “by a few points” and indicates he has strong support in some Democratic areas, including portions of eastern Ohio.

Staff and wire reports