METRO DIGEST || Insurance help

Insurance help

SALEM

Access Health Mahoning Valley offers residents free help to navigate their health insurance needs, based on their income and situation, ensuring that they have the necessary paperwork, and providing application assistance. Individuals may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or health insurance plans offered through the Marketplace. A representative of Access Health of Mahoning Valley will be in the Quaker Room of Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 to assist people with health insurance open enrollment. Appointments are preferred. Call Elaine Smith at 330-746-5424.

Woman found

FOWLER

Police in Fowler Township found a woman reported missing on Thanksgiving Day. According to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, Police Chief Michael Currington said his department took a report at 3 p.m. Thursday that Mary Rider, 85, of Cortland, was missing. Officers found Rider later in the evening in Erie, Pa., unharmed.

Give Back change

POLAND

Poland Union Elementary School students collected more than $370 in spare change as part of a “Give Back” program. For several years, Poland Union Elementary School’s students, staff and Parent-Teacher Organization have participated in “Give Back” programs. Throughout the school year, several “Give Back” days are sponsored by the PTO to benefit local organizations, special projects and/or charities. The $371.83 collected last month was donated to Sojourner House, which provides a crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter for victims of domestic violence in Mahoning County.

Advent procession

YOUNGSTOWN

St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., will present its annual Advent procession of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Sunday. The service will feature the cathedral choir directed by Dr. Daniel Laginya; cathedral lectors, led by Laura Elder; and students of the parish, led by Sister Martha Reed. The program is based on the ancient tradition of “O Antiphons” and culminates with the Annunciation narrative. The event will be dedicated to Sister Isabel Rudge to thank her for many years of pastoral leadership at the cathedral. A reception will follow in cathedral hall.

Road work planned

HUBBARD

The township, with the assistance of the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office, plans to pave and upgrade Tamarack Drive, Ruth Street and Club Street. A grant from the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments will fund about $95,040 of the project’s estimated $176,000 cost. Revenue from the recently renewed three-year, 1.75-mill roads and bridges levy will cover the remaining cost, according to a township news release. The township is to advertise for project bids in July 2017.

Crash on SR 11

VIENNA

A Cortland man was charged after a one-car accident on state Route 11 on Thursday afternoon. According to a news release, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers said Raymond Warzala, 39, of Cortland, was traveling north on Route 11, in the area of state Route 82, drifted off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. Warzala was transported from the scene to St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown with significant injuries.

Officials said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash and Warzala was charged for operating a vehicle while impaired.