METRO DIGEST || Hugs for Heart Challenge kicks off Monday

Hugs for Heart

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel and Teddy McHuggin of Youngstown, Guinness world hugging record holder, will participate in the kickoff of the American Heart Association’s local Hugs for Heart Challenge at 5 p.m. Monday at Pollock House , Wick Avenue. The event aims to increase awareness about the importance of fighting heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. McHuggin, also known as Jeff Ondash, said he hopes to raise $50,000 and give out 50,000 hugs by March 16. Individuals may donate by visiting his website at www.teddymchuggin.com and clicking “Donate Now” to be connected to an AHA donation page.

Hickory Twp. fire

New Castle, PA.

The Hickory Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at a home on Fairground Avenue at 7:40 a.m. Saturday. An official said the blaze started in a garage located separately near a home. The fire spread to the garage connected to the home. No injuries were reported. Five other fire departments assisted; the fire was under control by 8:11 a.m. The cause is under investigation.

Weaving, painting

MERCER, PA.

Munnell Run Farm, 753 Greenville Road, will offer two artistic events in February. A basket-weaving class in which participants will weave a heart-shaped basket will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 9. Cost will be $15 for supplies. Guests should take a pencil, scissors, ruler and a lunch. Register by Feb. 2 by calling 724-662-2242 and sending payment to 24 Avalon Court, Suite 300, Mercer, PA 16137.

A “Pigs and Paint” class, with guest artist Lauren Sheridan, will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Sheridan will teach participants to paint a birch tree. All ability levels are welcome. Cost will be $25. Make reservations by calling 724-662-2242; participants must register and pre-pay by Feb. 6.

Drug, gun charges

CLEVELAND

A federal grand jury indicted a Youngstown resident on charges of possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and marijuana last fall and being a felon with guns and ammunition. Daron Nesbitt, 35, was charged with possessing two pistols and ammunition after convictions for felonious assault in Mahoning County and drug trafficking in Trumbull and Columbiana counties, the U.S. attorney said Thursday. The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force.

Pumpkin seminar

CANFIELD

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host a giant pumpkin growing seminar from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at McMahon Hall at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road. To register, call Parks Garden Center at 330-533-7278. There is no charge to attend. Giant pumpkin seeds will be available for purchase. The class will be taught by Tim Parks and will cover seed selection, soils, fertility, pests, pollination, pruning and irrigation.

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin growers is considered one of the world’s premier giant pumpkin clubs, with 250 members across North America. The group’s members enjoy seminars, a summer patch tour and picnic, newsletters and the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth weigh-off on Oct. 10 at Parks Garden Center. The weigh-off has divisions for heaviest giant pumpkin, sunflower, tomato, watermelon, Halloween-type pumpkin and longest gourd. To learn more about the club, visit www.ovgpg.com.

Brownlee Woods

YOUNGSTOWN

Brownlee Woods Neighborhood Association will host its monthly meeting Thursday at Faith Community Church, 1919 E. Midlothian Blvd.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with refreshments and social time, followed by a business meeting at 6:30.

Officers will be elected for 2015, and the prize for the winner of the 2014 “Christmas Lights Tour and Contest” will be awarded.

Councilman John R. Swierz, D-7th, will attend to give a brief report on what’s new for this year and issues concerning the Brownlee Woods area.

Burglary interrupted

YOUNGSTOWN

Phillip M. Zell of Youngstown was arrested on a burglary charge at a home in Youngstown Friday evening.

The owner of the home told police her alarm company called to inform her alarm was going off. She went home and observed Zell walking out of her home through the front porch. According to a police report, Zell told police he heard the alarm go off, and decided to investigate. Zell also said he called police earlier about a suspicious car at the home. Police confirmed that he did not call. The owner also stated that she did not know Zell. Officers concluded that Zell broke in through the window to take items from the home and transported him to the Mahoning County jail to await arraignment in Youngstown Municipal Court.

New supervisor

YOUNGSTOWN

Jessy Horkey is the new assistant Mahoning County Microfilm Department supervisor. Horkey, who started last week, has a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

Knife threat

GIRARD

Luis A. Santos, 30, of Holly Drive, failed to appear in Girard Municipal Court last week on misdemeanor charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct after police said he threatened employees with a kitchen knife at El Jalapenos restaurant, 4055 Belmont Ave., last Sunday. A warrant for his arrest was issued. Liberty police said Santos was intoxicated and angry with restaurant staff, then took a large knife from the kitchen and threatened to kill employees. Police arrived to find Santos outside holding the knife and chasing two men. He threw the knife into a snow bank, then complied with the officer’s commands to get on the ground. Santos, who had minor injuries to his hands and face, was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.