METRO DIGEST || Officials’ bill would give award to Booker

Officials’ bill would give award to Booker

YOUNGSTOWN

Three U.S. House members introduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Simeon Booker Jr., who grew up in Youngstown and was a groundbreaking black journalist, to recognize his achievements. It is Congress’ highest honor.

“His long and illustrious career in journalism and his work to advance the civil-rights movement has forever changed our nation for the better,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th. “Simeon Booker has devoted his life’s work to breaking barriers and changing the hearts and minds of all those he touched through his writing. He is a true American hero.”

The legislation’s other co-sponsors are U.S. Reps. David Joyce of Russell, R-14th, and Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights, D-11th.

Kuzman’s to reopen

GIRARD

Kuzman’s bar, 1025 S. State St., will reopen today after being closed this week to mark the death of matriarch Helen Kuzman.

An employee said the bar will be open today, but will likely be closed for additional days up to a few weeks beginning Friday.

Helen Kuzman, owner and operator of the beloved polka establishment, died Jan. 24 at age 87.

For five decades, she ran the bar with her late husband, John Kuzman. He died in 2010. A sign outside the bar reads, “Rest in peace Helen Kuzman.”

Ill? Don’t visit hospital

SALEM

Due to an increase in the number of regional flu cases, Salem Regional Medical Center is urging potential visitors, who are sick, to avoid visiting hospitalized patients.

Instead, visitors are requested to telephone the patient or send an e-card via the medical center’s website at www.salemregional.com.

Individuals who feel they must visit a patient are asked to request a mask from the lobby receptionist as they enter the facility at 1995 E. State St.

In addition, the hospital is urging all visitors to use hand-sanitizer stations at the facility before entering and upon leaving a patient’s room.

New flu shot clinic

AUSTINTOWN

Because of the increase in influenza-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, the Mahoning County District Board of Health has scheduled an additional flu shot clinic for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in its offices at 50 Westchester Drive. No appointment is needed, but participants should bring their driver’s licenses and Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance cards to enable billing for the vaccine. Flu shots are free with most insurances.

Officials to meet

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning County commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. today for a board meeting in the commissioner’s hearing room, Mahoning County Courthouse, 120 Market St.

United Way donation

YOUNGSTOWN

Woman United! will present its first major donation to the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Success After Six Program at 2 p.m. today at the Youngstown Community School, 50 Essex St.

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