METRO DIGEST || Westfall murder before grand jury

Westfall murder before grand jury

YOUNGSTOWN

The case of a 40-year-old man accused of murdering a Struthers Manor resident was bound over to a Mahoning County grand jury Friday.

Roy Cleary faces felony charges of murder, auto theft and aggravated robbery. He was taken into custody by U.S. marshals at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh on July 16, just one day after 56-year-old Mark Westfall’s body was found in his third-floor apartment.

The two men had known each other through the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority-owned facility. Westfall and Cleary had been arguing over Westfall’s medication being stolen at the time of the murder. Cleary later stole Westfall’s vehicle and used it to travel to several area hospitals, seeking prescription drugs.

Cleary remains jailed on a $527,500 bond.

Republicans to nominate candidate

LEAVITTSBURG

The Trumbull County Republican Party will have a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Johnson Community Center, 800 Gilmer Road, to nominate its party’s candidate in the November general election to replace Commissioner Paul Heltzel.

John Blue, first vice chairman, said one person, J.D. Williams of Liberty, has expressed an interest in the position. Williams, a pilot for United Airlines, ran for 65th District state representative in the 2010 Democratic primary but lost to Sean O’Brien.

The Republican Party also will accept nominations from the floor. The winner will run against Mauro Cantalamessa, the Trumbull County Democratic Party’s nominee.

The position became vacant when Heltzel, a Democrat, died June 30.

Auction to benefit Easter Seals, YHS

WARREN

Easter Seals and Youngstown Hearing & Speech join forces with Byce Auction by tagging an array of new and used items for an online auction to raise funds for program and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

The auction will take place from today through Aug. 20. Visit www.byceauction.com to register for a bidder number.

There are more than 100 items to choose from including furniture, antiques and tools.

Visit Easter Seals Garage Sale, located in the Ridgeview Plaza, 1957 Ridge Ave. SE, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Aug. 16 to preview all online items. The auction ends at 7 p.m. Aug. 20. Pickup is from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 21.

Visit www.mtc.easterseals.com to learn more about Easter Seals and the YHS.

Fire cleanup

WARREN

The fire department is working to clean up after a fire that originated from a pile of debris at the site of the demolished Austin Village plaza.

Fire caught to a large debris pile at the demolition site, located on Market Street and Southern Boulevard.