METRO DIGEST | Youngstown Beautification awards

Beautification awards set for Tuesday at Mill Creek MetroParks

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown CityScape Inc. will announce the winners of its eighth annual “Beautification Watch Awards” at a reception after its board meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Fellows Riverside Gardens’ D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center, 123 McKinley Ave.

CityScape is a nonprofit corporation focused on connecting and beautifying downtown, Youngstown State University, adjacent neighborhoods and gateways.

The awards will be presented in corporate/business, institution, individual, neighborhood group and youth categories. The awards are intended to nurture a grass-roots communitywide partnership and acknowledge those committed to making a difference in Youngstown.

Holiday lights contest

YOUNGSTOWN

The Brownlee Woods Neighborhood Association will not have its regular monthly meeting in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The neighborhood association is planning a Christmas Lights Tour and contest in partnership with Boulevard Park Block Watch on Dec. 19. A bus tour will begin at 6 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 1919 E. Midlothian Blvd. and will tour both neighborhoods. The group will return to the church for refreshments, and guests will vote for their favorite decorated homes.

Brownlee Park or Boulevard Park residents who wish to participate and be judged in the Christmas Lights contest must register with their respective neighborhood organization. Brownlee Woods residents must call 330-782-1022, and Boulevard Park residents, 330-501-5255.

3 arrested in gunfire incident in Campbell

CAMPBELL

Three people were arrested Thursday after reportedly shooting guns in the backyard of a city home, according to The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, 21 WFMJ-TV.

Officers were sent to Devitt Avenue near Sixteenth Street after receiving reports about gunfire. Officers then heard gunfire coming from a house, according to the report.

Police then found three intoxicated people in the house, along with empty shotgun shell casings and a gun.

Police arrested Carl Flesher, 34, Morton Hiles, 27, and Shannon Benzenhoefer, 34, on charges of discharging and using firearms while intoxicated and obstructing official business. Hiles also is charged with assaulting an officer after resisting arrest, according to the TV report.

Program scheduled for strengthening families

BELOIT

West Branch Middle School will host a Strengthening Families Program starting Monday and running for the next six weeks on Mondays and Thursdays.

The program’s purpose is to help break down communication barriers between parents and teenagers.

The program begins at 5 p.m. with a free dinner for participants followed by two hours of sessions for parents and students.

The program is sponsored by the Mahoning County Family and Children First Council and Ohio Children’s Trust Fund.

For information, visit www.westbranch.k12.oh.us. Registration forms are due by Wednesday.