Vindy.com for June 5, 2014

Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.

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Stories published June 5, 2014

Please note, our last day of publication was Saturday, August 31, 2019.

ODNR's fracking facility permit uncovered through public records check, activist says

Henrietta Bibbs takes exception to many aspects of hydraulic fracturing in the Mahoning Valley, such as the oil and gas industry’s claims of job creation.


Campbell valedictorian documents graduation tonight with selfie

Sydney Jones had waited her whole life to give Thursday evening’s speech.


Next pretrial set in Oakhill corruption cases in Cleveland

The first pretrial for Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally, Mahoning County Auditor Michael Sciortino and attorney Martin Yavorcik, who are facing a total of 83 political corruption charges, was uneventful and quick.


Youngstown officials haggling over replacing downtown event director

Even though city council has hired the Federal Plaza/downtown director for decades, it appears it may not have the authority to do so.


70-year-old memories still fresh for Youngstown vet of D-Day invasion

John E. Bistrica’s memories of D-Day are as vivid today as if the Normandy invasion had happened yesterday, instead of 70 years ago.


Lordstown not mentioned in long-awaited GM report

General Motors has forced out 15 employees for their role in the deadly ignition-switch scandal and will set up a compensation fund for crash victims, as an internal investigation blamed the debacle on engineering ignorance and bureaucratic dithering, not a deliberate cover-up.


Prosecutor: Repchics unaware their car was gang target that day

Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Doherty told jurors Thursday that Thomas and Jacqueline Repchic had no idea when they were driving on a South Side street on a September Saturday in 2010, that their car was a target for Aubrey Toney.


No more valedictorians in Canfield

With many students vying to earn valedictorian status among their peers, Canfield schools administrators looked to a different system to ease pressure on students — but also reward more youths.


BOE's picnic shows why Struthers is great place to live, residents say

By EMMALEE C. TORISK etorisk@vindy.com STRUTHERS For a few hours Thursday afternoon, Joseph Nohra, superintendent of Struthers City Schools, assumed grill duty. It was something he was more than happy and even excited to do, as the event for which he was grilling — a picnic at Mauthe Park sponsored by the Struthers Board of Education — was meant as a way for the school district to show its appreciation to the city’s senior citizens. “We wouldn’t have a school system if it wasn’t for the folks sitting there,” Nohra said, gesturing to the more than 100 senior citizens who had gathered at the Struthers Rotary Pavilion. “The school system is what it is because of their hard work.” Thursday’s cookout, which ran from 4 to 6 p.m. and cost $2 per person, was the second event during this school year intended to thank senior citizens for their past and present support of and contributions to the school district. The other event was a turkey dinner in December, and Nohra said he hopes to make both the dinner and the picnic into annual events — and even to “do more and more of this” type of community outreach in the future. “It’s about the pride and tradition here in Struthers,” Nohra said. “There’s so much, and you gotta celebrate it.” He added that most all elements of Struthers City Schools were represented at the picnic, as volunteers included the district’s food service staff, administrators, board of education members and even players from the high school’s boys basketball team. Seniors Cameron Suchora, Rayquan Phifer and Noah Linnen, along with sophomore Andrew Carbon, were among those basketball players who spent a portion of their Thursday hand-delivering food and drinks to the picnic’s attendees. All agreed that they had felt the urge to “do something good for the community,” Suchora said. “It’s big to give back to our community,” he explained. “They’ve done so much for us. They support us at all of our games.” Linnen added that helping fellow Struthers residents is what “it’s all about.” “Our community is our family,” he said. Echoing those words were several picnic attendees who, despite being presented with myriad food choices and live accordion music by John Gabriele, were most excited about spending time with others. Elizabeth Speziale was one such attendee. “It’s good to see everybody,” Speziale said. Sitting nearby was Theresa Pesa, who called Struthers “the friendliest community.” “I love Struthers,” Pesa said. “I love the school system and everything about it.” Asked what he liked most about Struthers, Al Fox responded that he doesn’t like Struthers. Instead, he loves it. He’s been in the city since 1930, he said, and four generations of his family are proud graduates of Struthers High School. Of the event, Fox called it wonderful — and wants to see more like it. Ron Carcelli, a member of the Struthers BOE, said the response so far to the events has been great, and that they will continue in the coming years. “It keeps the senior citizens united together in the community,” Carcelli said. “We’re trying to give back to them.”


A special graduation

Jovany Abath walked across the classroom, waving to the small audience, a big smile spread across his face.


Mohawk Trails tee times here for Juniors

The first group to tee off at 11 a.m. on Saturday.


YSU classified employees react to university budget and staff cuts

YSU classified employees react to university budget and staff cuts


Streets closed this weekend for Pride Youngstown parade

Streets closed Saturday for Pride Youngstown parade


ODOT reports state Route 14 closed temporarily in Green Township

ODOT reports state Route 14 closed temporarily in Green Township


Man indicted on murder charge in death of homeless man

Man indicted on murder charge in death of homeless man


Ohio renews plan to develop Lake Erie island site

Ohio renews plan to develop Lake Erie island site


Police: 2 infants' remains were Ohio woman's children

Police: 2 infants' remains were Ohio woman's children


Western Reserve baseball falls in DIV state semifinals

Western Reserve baseball falls in DIV state semifinals.


US interior secretary: Jamestown at risk

US interior secretary: Jamestown at risk


Ohio elections chief removes three county board members

Ohio elections chief removes three county board members


Ohio dad charged in fatal beating of 2-year-old

Ohio dad charged in fatal beating of 2-year-old


Catholic group exempt from contraceptives rule

Catholic group exempt from contraceptives rule


Mahoning commissioners pay webside developer

Mahoning commissioners pay website developer


Marine Corps to help families displaced by crash

Marine Corps to help families displaced by crash


Lordstown committee meets Friday

Lordstown committee meets Friday


Baby found dead inside car parked at New York home

Baby found dead inside car parked at New York home


Tire drop-off dates set for Howland residents

Tire drop-off dates set for Howland residents


Columbus Catholic teachers must sign agreements

Columbus Catholic teachers must sign agreements


Info on NAACP Youth Council trip to Detroit available Saturday

Info on NAACP Youth Council trip to Detroit available Saturday


Judge in Toney murder case allows jurors to see videotape

Judge in Toney murder case allows jurors to see videotape


Oakhill pretrial hearing uneventful

Oakhill pretrial hearing uneventful


Judge sets January trial date in suit over Penn State fine

Judge sets January trial date in suit over Penn State fine


NYC officials: 34 injured in Staten Island fire

NYC officials: 34 injured in Staten Island fire


Oberlin includes e-cigarettes in smoking ban

Oberlin includes e-cigarettes in smoking ban


West Branch students make video to mark end of year

students at West Branch Middle School celebrated with their own music video.


Boardman officials investigating arson

Boardman officials investigating arson


Mahoning commissioners set public hearings for sales-tax proposal

Mahoning commissioners set public hearings for sales-tax proposal


Boardman business vandalized

Boardman business vandalized


Father and son pastors charged in Ohio sex case

Father and son pastors charged in Ohio sex case


6-year-old stabbing victim’s dad: ‘What made you do this?’

6-year-old stabbing victim’s dad: ‘What made you do this?’


Ohio man convicted of having ricin, lying to FBI

Ohio man convicted of having ricin, lying to FBI


Sharpsville police charge student in threat, 3 alleged bullies

Sharpsville police charge student in threat, 3 alleged bullies


FitzGerald wants performance-based sin tax plan

FitzGerald wants performance-based sin tax plan


Pilot ejects as Navy jet crashes into sea

Pilot ejects as Navy jet crashes into sea


GM LIVE | Barra reacts to "deeply troubling" report on ignition switch failure

GM LIVE | Barra reacts to "deeply troubling" report on ignition switch failure


Second TEDxYoungstown coming in January

Second TEDxYoungstown coming in January


YSU to lay off 15 employees and eliminate 43 vacant positions

YSU to lay off 15 employees, eliminate 43 vacant positions


GM LIVE | Complete text of GM CEO Mary Barra's speech to employees

GM LIVE | Complete text of GM CEO Mary Barra's speech to employees


Obama, top European allies conferring on Ukraine

Obama, top European allies conferring on Ukraine


Trash & Treasure sale scheduled

Trash & Treasure sale scheduled LIBERTY Ebenezer Life Center Church of God In Christ, 319 Goldie


College Club of Sharon conducts meeting to a tea

The College Club of Sharon approved a new slate of officers for 2014-2015.


Cabrera's walk-off blast lifts Tribe

Cabrera slid into home plate with his fifth homer and was doused with water by his teammates, who were relieved to finally end a game that didn't finish until 2:02 a.m.


Tease photo

Hallof’s rapid development as a thrower up for discus-sion

He’s the lone sophomore in a 16-person field that includes 13 seniors.

» Attached: Photo

Tease photo

Many meetings boost costs for Youngstown BOE to $15K

City school board members have met 20 times this year including regular and special sessions, racking up more than $15,000 in payments to members less than halfway through the year.

» Attached: Photo

Settlement calls for Lyndsey Hughes to receive $72,000

She agreed to not keep her job as part of the deal.


Howland hires Lee to coach its boys basketball program

The Howland Tigers will have a new, but yet familiar face on the sideline when the 2014-15 boys basketball season rolls around.


Several area athletes earn all-state honors

Several area athletes earn all-state honors At least four area spring sports athletes have been


Ex-cop given 18-month sentence on child sex charge

He can no longer be a police officer.


Men question charges against fired Warren police officer

Former Warren Patrolman Reuben Shaw had handcuffs placed on his wrists and police officers escorting him in court


Manziel spends time away from Browns visiting a school and Progressive Field

Johnny Manziel spent a day away from football hanging out with little kids and major leaguers.


James still excited about NBA Finals

LeBron James should be used to the NBA Finals by now.


Tease photo

Howland class is 230 strong

Yousef Mousa was one of 230 Howland graduating seniors awarded diplomas in commencement ceremonies at W.D. Packard Music Hall on Wednesday evening — an amazing feat considering that less than two years ago, he did not speak English.

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Coach: defense work in progress

The U.S. is getting a little defensive about its defense.


Kip Moore sharpens edge

Kip Moore’s citing “Breaking Bad” as his favorite television program speaks directly to the fact that this singer-songwriter isn’t your typical country artist.


From Ireland to Youngstown Daniel O'Donnell

After decades of performing in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, Irish-born singer Daniel O’Donnell had almost become resigned to the fact that he would never enjoy large success in America.


Cleveland judge denies request for postponement in Oakhill case

The attorney is in a capital murder case


High-school rock bands in daylong show

Rock Jam 4, an all-ages show featuring eight local bands, will be Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. at Warehouse 50 in Youngstown.


Victorian Players offers 'Days of Wine and Roses'

The Victorian Players will close its 2013-14 season with J.P. Miller’s “Days of Wine and Roses,” which opens Friday and runs weekends through June 22.


NFL: Roman numerals, get the ‘L’ out

“Super Bowl 50” just looks better than “Super Bowl L.”


Rust Belt's Marisa Zamary in one-woman show

Marisa Zamary is a staple of Rust Belt Theater.

» Attached: Video

Judge to rule on transcript after witness invokes 5th in Repchic murder case

Convicted co-defendant refuses to testify


Trumbull County arson dog to help get arsonists off streets

Tom Domes says his main goal as an arson investigator and partner to his new arson dog, Trace, is to “get the arsonists off the street.”


State budget awaits Kasich signature, declares college athletes 'not employees'

With continued opposition from most Statehouse Democrats, the Ohio House and Senate gave their final approvals Wednesday to the main mid-biennium budget bill, sending it to Gov. John Kasich for his expected signature.


Tease photo

Pastors share commitment to ‘increase the peace’

NOW Youngstown and Community Initiative to Reduce Violence plan third year of outreach rallies

» Attached: Photo

Tease photo

We once had dreams too, inmates tell Liberty students

Inmate Paul Fitzpatrick and other inmates of Grafton Correctional Institute spoke to eighth-graders at W.S. Guy Middle School in Liberty Wednesday morning. They once had plenty of choices in life, they said, but now, have none.

» Attached: Photo

Donation to YBI

Donation to YBI YOUNGSTOWN The Home Savings Charitable Foundation will make a $10,000 donation


49ers, Kaepernick agree to extension

Kaepernick received a $126 million, six-year contract extension Wednesday.


now youngstown | Outreach programs

NOW Youngstown, in cooperation with C.I.R.V. (Community Initiative to Reduce Violence) Project, will


WTG

Today Dances Dance Party with DJ Ron Chick, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Ice House Inn, 5516 W. Webb


oddly enough

oddly enough Alligator removed from Mississippi pool GULFPORT, Miss. A woman opened the door


POLICE CALLS IN HUBBARD, LIBERTY, GIRARD

POLICE CALLS A summary of recent criminal activity in Hubbard, Liberty and Girard: HUBBARD May


City schools thank donors

About 300 donors were recognized at an event Wednesday for their contributions to the city schools


Divine intervention is needed to make ‘City of God’ a reality

Editorial: Twenty-nine years have passed since Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church on Youngstown’s South Side


NEW THIS WEEK

NEW THIS WEEK Chef (R) A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food truck in an effort


Nadal, Murray to meet in French Open semifinal

Briefly, and only briefly, Rafael Nadal was in a difficult spot in the French Open quarterfinals.


Counselor indicted

Counselor indicted CLEVELAND A federal grand jury has indicted a correctional counselor, who


Videos meant to help cops avoid dog shootings

Associated Press LOS ANGELES The majority of shootings in most U.S. police departments involve


Years Ago

Today is Thursday, June 5, the 156th day of 2014. There are 209 days left in the year. ASSOCIATED


“X Games Austin” (9 p.m., ESPN): Bicycle motocross and skateboarding kick off coverage

“X Games Austin” (9 p.m., ESPN): Bicycle motocross and skateboarding kick off coverage of the


Stabbing highlights juvenile-crime laws

Associated Press MILWAUKEE When two 12-year-old Wisconsin girls were charged this week with


CD RATES

CD RATES The table shows the annual percentage yield as of Wednesday. All yields given in percent.


Master plan for U.S. 422 corridor to be unveiled Friday

The area includes 3,500 acres in Youngstown, Girard and Liberty.


Putin dominates G-7 in absentia

Putin dominates G-7 in absentia BRUSSELS Russian President Vladimir Putin was kept out of


Steelers rookie doesn’t fit stereotype of short, wide NFL nose tackle

The numbers next to Daniel McCullers’ name look out of place, at least for someone who’s trying to do what McCullers does for a living.


Obama gives our kids a fighting chance

Opinion: By Mary Anne Hitt OtherWords As dire warnings from climate scientists continue to escalate and


NIGHTLIFE

Backyard Bar and Grill, 8942 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, Poland; 330-757-2476 Sat: After Hours, 9


Tease photo

Padres convert one hit into victory over Bucs

Liriano’s wildness results in San Diego win

» Attached: Photo

Toys “R” Us distribution center to cease operations

The Toys “R” Us Youngstown distribution center on Salt Springs Road come Aug. 1.


Selected local stocks

Selected local stocks STOCK, DIVIDENDCLOSECHANGE Aqua America, .61, 24.97 —.07 Avalon


Application inconsistencies vex new health care law

Associated Press WASHINGTON A huge new paperwork headache for the government also could be


Western couple held in Afghanistan

Associated Press WASHINGTON The family of a pregnant American woman who went missing in


Season tickets available for Warren Philharmonic

The Warren Philharmonic Orchestra has begun a sub-scription campaign for its 2014-15 concert schedule.


Artists market, Riverfest at B&O

Staff report YOUNGSTOWN Riverfest will take place Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the B&O


AUDITIONS

AUDITIONS ACTORS “You Can’t Take It With You,SDRq directed by Tom Smith, Victorian Players,


Luke Bryan is bringing country to the city

By Glenn Gamboa Newsday NEW YORK In a year full of firsts, Luke Bryan is ready for another


birthdays

birthdays Country singer Don Reid of the Statler Brothers is 69. Guitarist Fred Stone of Sly and


Agenda Friday

Agenda Friday Youngstown school board, curriculum, extracurricular and sports committee, 4 p.m.,


newsmakers

newsmakers Underwood wins CMT video of the year award NASHVILLE, Tenn. Carrie Underwood’s


Hopes fade for vote to help veterans

Associated Press WASHINGTON Hopes faded late Wednesday that key senators could quickly craft a


Man faces charges

Man faces charges YOUNGSTOWN A Hunter Street man is in Mahoning County jail on a charge he


Political correctness goes too far in spats over offensive language

Opinion: Political correctness goes too far in spats over offensive language 222They call it “Political


IHM Festival offers chance at 2014 Chevy Cruze

Festival ends Sunday night with firework display


Slenderman

Slenderman Two 12-year-old Wisconsin girls who have been charged with stabbing and nearly killing


GM to release results of attorney investigation

General Motors plans to release the results of an outside attorney’s investigation into its mishandled recall of small cars on Thursday morning.


LIberty schools to ask for release from fiscal oversight

The oversight commission is preparing a resolution for the July meeting.


MAHONING COUNTY COURTS

courts MAHONING COUNTY Marriage licenses Justin A. Wood, 22, of 63 Morrison St., Struthers,


Growing & pruning grapes

Growing & pruning grapes Grapes should not be planted on overhead trellis structures, but rather


Canoe on Berlin Reservoir

Canoe on Berlin Reservoir When: Saturday, 2-4 p.m. What: Explore the quiet waters where the


Star of Bethlehem – a real weed problem

Star of Bethlehem – a real weed problem Clusters of short, onionlike stems with white flowers


Little green worms

Q. What are these little green worms? I found them on my pine tree. Nancy from Boardman A. This


California Chrome favored in Belmont Stakes

California Chrome became the early 3-5 favorite on Wednesday to win the Belmont Stakes and become horse racing’s 12th Triple Crown champion and first in 36 years.


around the horn Wednesday’s other games

INTERLEAGUE Cardinals 5, Royals 2, 11 innings KANSAS CITY, MO. Matt Carpenter had a career-


Sterling agrees to sell Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling agreed Wednesday to sign off on selling the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for what would be a record $2 billion, according to his attorney.


Tease photo

Kings rally for series lead

Williams’ overtime goal lifts LA to 1-0 edge in Final

» Attached: Photo

Tease photo

Full sun, low moisture lead to best yields Sweet summer STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries planted in the home garden will produce fruits very quickly, and need a small amount of space.

» Attached: Photo

Answering nature’s (horticulture) call

By Mary June Emerson MCCTC horticulture instructor The horticulture program at Mahoning County


major league baseball standings and boxscores

American League East Division WLPctGB Toronto3624.600— Baltimore3027.52641/2 New


Children's choir, ventriloquist from the Valley 'got talent'

The ROCck Children’s Choir has been lifting spirits in the Mahoning Valley for a dozen years. Now it might get a chance to be heard by a national audience.


African-American fest on Courthouse Square

The 30th annual African-American Festival will be Friday through Sunday on Courthouse Square in Warren.