METRO DIGEST || Free event today downtown Youngstown

Free event planned today downtown

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Community Mobilization Coalition will host a “Love and Protect Our Children” free event today in downtown Youngstown. The coalition has partnered with “Let’s Move” and will share space on Federal Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Groups from area schools and youth groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, Youngstown Flag Football, Girl Scouts and KBC Kids will have representatives present to encourage young people to invest in education and participate in positive activities in the community that will keep them away from violence. Local talent also will perform music, singing, dance and spoken word to entertain crowds throughout the day.

A balloon release at 3 p.m. will honor those who have lost their lives to violence. Family members of deceased victims will be present.

Land bank ready to sell vacant home

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Land Bank is ready to sell the first vacant home the organization rehabilitated and returned to the real-estate market.

The home at 1815 Canfield Road in the city has an asking price of $34,900. An open house will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday for interested buyers.

The two-bedroom, 11/2-bath ranch home has a 21/2-car garage and a large fenced backyard. The house has a new roof and plumbing, refurbished bathroom and central air conditioning.

“The house is perfect for a single person, a small family or perhaps an older couple looking to downsize onto a single floor,” said Debora Flora, land-bank executive director.

Bomb threat at YSU

youngstown

About 12 Youngstown State University employees arrived at work Friday morning to find a bomb threat in their email, said Ron Cole, university spokesman.

He said the YSU and city police as well as the FBI were investigating and believed the threat to be “low level” and “not credible.”

“It was vague, which is one of the factors they look at in determining the credibility of a threat,” Cole said.

A YSU email alert was sent out to let people know about the threat. “All operations continued without disruption,” Cole said.

Campaign to open

YOUNGSTOWN

DeMaine Kitchen, an independent candidate for Youngstown mayor, will officially open his campaign headquarters at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The campaign office is on the first floor of 16 Wick Ave., the former PNC Bank Building on the southwest corner of Wick Avenue and Commerce Street. Refreshments will be served.

Sponsors needed

youngstown

The Rev. Robin Woodberry, assistant pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, is seeking sponsors for four youths, 13 and older, who would like to participate in the Aug. 24 bus trip to Washington, D.C., to mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

The Youngstown Martin Luther King Planning Committee is sponsoring the trip, which costs $50. Donations are needed as soon as possible.

Young people receiving sponsorships will be required to write a 300-word essay on their experience. They will be encouraged to share their essay at their church or school when possible. Contact the Rev. Mrs. Woodberry at the church, 330-747-2125.

More Digest on A8