Fire destroys house

Fire destroys house

WARREN

A vacant house at 1823 Victoria Street SW burned to the ground in two fires early Sunday that officials say are suspicious.

Firefighters were called the first time at 2:44 a.m., finding the home engulfed, despite no one living there and no utilities being connected, said fire Chief Ken Nussle.

The house caught fire a second time at 9:09 a.m. This time, the fire brought down the remainder of the structure.

Public meeting set

VIENNA

Mathews Board of Education has scheduled a special public meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the high school cafeteria to hear about design services for new buildings.

Four architectural firms will discuss their qualifications and what they can provide to the district before submission of a bond issue next year. The board is expected to place a bond issue before voters on the May 2014 ballot that would finance the local share of a new building program. The last major bond issue for school construction was rejected by voters in 2009.

Stidham said the board and community members will be able to ask questions after each of the four presentations. The treasurer said the board hopes for a large turnout so that it can get more districtwide input.

Access88 program

YOUNGSTOWN

Participants of Ohio State University’s Access88 program will engage students at Paul C. Bunn Elementary School and their families in activities related to higher education this week.

From 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, family members of Bunn students will have the opportunity to meet with Access88 participants and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, program participants will visit classrooms throughout the school building to talk to students. Access88’s mission is to increase awareness about higher education to students and their families in communities throughout Ohio’s 88 counties while educating OSU students about access to education, community service and civic engagement.

Trick-or-treat planned

AUSTINTOWN

Clare Bridge Austintown, 1420 S. Canfield Niles Road, will welcome children for a trick-or-treat event with residents of the care center Thursday.

Refreshments will be offered at 5 p.m., and a parade will begin at 6. The event is open to the public. Admission, refreshments and tours are all complimentary. For reservations or for information, call Sonya Bennett at 330-270-1448.

Foundation gives $10,000 to shelter

YOUNGSTOWN

The Home Savings Charitable Foundation has donated $10,000 to Compass Family & Community Services to support the Sojourner House Domestic Violence Shelter. The shelter is a comprehensive community resource for domestic violence services in Mahoning County. The generosity of the Home Savings Charitable Foundation enables Sojourner to continue its vital services to hundreds of women and children seeking refuge from violence each year, said Joseph F. Caruso, Compass president and chief executive officer.

A look at the Penguins

YOUNGSTOWN

Social Connections, the teen and young-adult social group of the Autism Society of Ohio, Mahoning Valley, is offering young adults 18 to 25 a behind-the-scenes look at the Youngstown State University Penguin football program from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The itinerary includes watching the team practice, meeting Eric Wolford, head football coach, a tour of the football locker room and offices, and a visit to the new Watson and Tressel Training Site. Afterward, the group will eat at a nearby restaurant and discuss the event.

Ellwood City man charged with rape

new castle, pa.

State police have charged a man with rape of a child after a four-month-long investigation.

James Glenn Baxter Jr., 36, of Orchard Avenue in Ellwood City, Pa., was charged Friday, police said. He turned himself in Monday.

The assaults began when the victim was 10 and continued for approximately three years, police said. They happened at an address on Eastbrook Harlansburg Road and at other locations in Lawrence County, police said.

Baxter faces several charges. The rape charge, two counts, is a first-degree felony. Baxter is in the Lawrence County jail.