Vindy.com for February 16, 2018

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

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Stories published February 16, 2018

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

Taft Elementary's Ybucks program awards good character

If you’re seeking a few practical ideas regarding prudent money handling, but have no intention of consulting a financial planner, you might do well to seek Asia Stubbs’ advice.


LaRosa moved to Youngstown out of respect for jail employee

Jacob LaRosa was transferred to the Mahoning County Adult Justice Center Wednesday to avoid any issues related to a custodian at the Trumbull County jail who is the son-in-law of LaRosa’s crime victim.


Niles unable to perform 'critical function' after employee moves

The city treasurer’s office, down to one employee in the wake of the resignation of Janet Rizer-Jones, is unable to fulfill its primary function – reconciling financial statements with bank records.


Mahoning commissioners hire firm to help cut budget

Mahoning County commissioners hired a Columbus company to look for areas where the county can save money.


YSU falls to last place Detroit Mercy

YSU loses to Detroit for the 11th straight time.


SCHOOL SHOOTING | Trump visits shooting victims in Florida hospital

Trump visits shooting victims in Florida hospital


Penguins trail by a point vs. Detroit

The first half featured 14 lead changes and seven ties.


Trumbull commissioners expect to name Matas county administrator

Trumbull commissioners expect to name Matas county administrator


Romney will run for Utah Senate seat

Romney will run for Utah Senate seat


Officials identify body found in concrete buried in Ohio backyard

Officials identify body found in concrete buried in Ohio backyard


Rhode Island GOP senator charged with video voyeurism, extortion

Rhode Island GOP senator charged with video voyeurism, extortion


Youngstown mayor seeks applicants for administration

Youngstown mayor seeks applicants for administration


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Two hiring events planned

Two hiring events planned


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Woman involved in Ron Russo death pleads no contest, found guilty

Woman involved in Ron Russo death pleads no contest, found guilty


Boy treated after Harmon Avenue fire

Boy treated after Harmon Avenue fire


Pa. couple pleads guilty in case of child abuse, starvation

Pa. couple pleads guilty in case of child abuse, starvation


New maps could improve Dems’ chances in Pennsylvania

New maps could improve Dems’ chances in Pennsylvania


Backers to rally for Ohio nuclear plant in danger of closing

Backers to rally for Ohio nuclear plant in danger of closing


Magazine obtains ex-playmate's account of Trump affair

Magazine obtains ex-playmate's account of Trump affair


Food box idea draws criticism from Democrats, advocates

Food box idea draws criticism from Democrats, advocates


Officers fill Ohio church, gym for funeral of slain officers

Officers fill Ohio church, gym for funeral of slain officers


Commerce Dept. backs tariffs on imported aluminum and steel

Commerce Dept. backs tariffs on imported aluminum and steel


Schiavoni outlines plan to prevent school shootings

Schiavoni outlines plan to prevent school shootings


Residents evacuated after gas well explodes in eastern Ohio

Residents evacuated after gas well explodes in eastern Ohio


Special counsel: 13 Russians charged in Mueller investigation

Special counsel: Russians did hack the 2016 election


SCHOOL SHOOTING | FBI admits it failed to investicate Cruz complaint

SCHOOL SHOOTING | FBI admits it failed to investicate Cruz complaint


Turkey: 6 journalists sentenced to life in prison

Turkey: 6 journalists sentenced to life in prison


Campbell Library Express closed Monday

Campbell Library Express closed Monday


Pentagon watchdog raises doubts about Afghan war progress

Pentagon watchdog raises doubts about Afghan war progress


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Woman remains jailed on child endangerment, OVI charges

Woman remains jailed on child endangerment, OVI charges


'Black Panther' scores mighty $25.2 million Thursday debut

'Black Panther' scores mighty $25.2 million Thursday debut


Philadelphia DA files second lawsuit against opioid makers

Philadelphia DA files second lawsuit against opioid makers


Ohio State Fair accident victims reach settlement

Ohio State Fair accident victims reach settlement


Elections board removes Dem county auditor candidate

Elections board removes Dem county auditor candidate


Ohio’s 2 largest solar-array projects receive approval

Ohio’s 2 largest solar-array projects receive approval


ODOT closes state Route 165 near Salem due to flooding

ODOT closes state Route 165 near Salem


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Woman assaulted by two women at East Side apartment

Woman assaulted by two women at East Side apartment


Youngstown police investigating South Side home invasion

Youngstown police investigating South Side home invasion


Salem man faces charges after arrest at Boardman theater

Salem man faces charges after arrest at Boardman theater


Equipment issue sends Lordstown first-shift workers home

Equipment issue sends Lordstown first-shift workers home


Sheriff: Ohio prisoner died of asphyxiation in jail suicide

Sheriff: Ohio prisoner died of asphyxiation in jail suicide


Lockup List Friday — Mahoning County jail bookings, releases

Mahoning County Sheriff's Activity


Attorney files motion seeking release of Ohio serial killer

Attorney files motion seeking release of Ohio serial killer


Man tells police he was pistol whipped at North Side apartment

Man tells police he was pistol whipped at North Side apartment


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Man reported missing suspect in Youngstown, Boardman robberies

Man reported missing suspect in Youngstown, Boardman robberies


Activists delay rebirth of Hawaii hotel with Elvis ties

Activists delay rebirth of Hawaii hotel with Elvis ties


Jury convicts Ohio man in beating death of toddler

Jury convicts Ohio man in beating death of toddler


Jimmy Kimmel squarely blames Trump, Congress for shooting

Jimmy Kimmel squarely blames Trump, Congress for shooting


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Summary of recent criminal activity in Canfield and Austintown

A summary of recent criminal activity in Canfield and Austintown


Dog food recalled, possibly tainted with euthanasia drug

The company is pulling back several varieties of wet canned Gravy Train, Kibble ’N Bits, Skippy and Ol’ Roy brands.


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Fitch swimmers Direnzo, Lawrence set for districts at CSU

Gia Direnzo and Jake Lawrence will travel to Cleveland State University with completely different mindsets.

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Board recommends indefinite suspension of Sciortino’s law license

It’s up to the Ohio Supreme Court to make a final decision.

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YSU women edge Milwaukee in overtime

Sarah Cash a go-ahead layup with 22.1 seconds to play in OT.

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McGiffin quits as downtown events coordinator

He's taking take a new job at Stambaugh Auditorium.

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Profits for Prayer Matters

The Prayer Matters cause in West Branch School District has raised more than $20,000.


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Ursuline’s Curd loves defense, but is developing inside game

Anyah Curd has become the lead-by-example player on a team devoid of seniors.


YPD: Mother/daughter set up home invasion, father/son participate

All five suspects are now in custody.


Blaney wins Daytona qualifying race

Ryan Blaney went to victory lane after winning the first of two Thursday night qualifying races.


PREP ROUNDUP | Thursday’s high school results and upcoming schedule

BOYS BASKETBALL Liberty 52, Campbell 50 LIBERTY Elijah Matthews put back a Dra Rushton miss as


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Second Harvest Food Bank kicks off Harvest for Hunger Campaign

The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley kicked off its Harvest for Hunger campaign Thursday morning.


NAACP reviews of Youngstown City Schools show overall improvement

“We are making a major switch in terms of how we evaluate progress,” he explained. “It’s better than waiting until the end of the year to see what is going on with our children’s academics.”


Grammys defends its record on women

By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK After a few missteps, The Recording Academy is


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A big appetite for Top Hat theater’s ‘Mangia’

Top Hat Productions’ new dinner-theater show is a hit – and it hasn’t even opened yet.


Stop-motion animator Nick Parks returns with ‘Early Man’ Going CAVEMAN

By SANDY COHEN AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES The kooky caveman characters that come to


Judge grants early release to mom who taped son to chair

Judge ordered mental health treatment for Susan Malysa, and forbade contact with her children.


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Austintown STEM kids visit Brilex

Austintown Middle School STEM students received a guided tour through Brilex Industries’ manufacturing floor Thursday morning.


Board recommends permanent disbarment for Atty. John Large

Board recommends permanent disbarment for Atty. John Large


Poland township and police chief put employment terms into writing

Poland township renews police chief’s employment.


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Giffords, Kelly talk gun control in Youngstown

Retired NASA astronaut Mike Kelly, right, watches as his wife, former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, waves to the crowd at Youngstown State University’s Skeggs lecture Thursday night at Stambaugh Auditorium on Youngstown’s Nortth Side. Giffords, who has become a vocal gun-control advocate since surviving an assassination attempt, spoke just one day after 17 people were killed by a former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., north of Miami.

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Teams compete in Jam Tournament at UPMC

The Jam Tournament at UPMC Lemeiux Center in Cranberry took place on Jan. 27 and 28 and two ADM blue

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Short-term host family opportunities available

Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull County families will have the opportunity to welcome a young

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Suspected in robberies


Black History Festival


Crystal meth found


Opioid summit set


Boardman Community Briefs

Public invited to Audubon Society program Audubon Society/Mahoning Valley invites the public to


Boardman bands meld holidays, pop and jazz music

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com Boardman’s three jazz ensembles had their annual Holiday

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Main library celebrates Black History Month

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com The Main library began Black History Month with a series

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Boardman Park announces disc golf course expansion and tournament

The Boardman Park has announced the expansion of its disc golf course to 18 holes. An additional


Additional certifications coming through MCCTC digital design and print program

Students in the digital design and print program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center


Poland Community Briefs

Historical Society to meet on Feb. 20 The Poland Historical Society will meet on Feb. 20 at 6:30


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Sportsmanship and creativity at Pinewood Derby

Cub Scout Pack 27 competed in their Pinewood Derby wooden car races at Boardman United Methodist Church on Feb. 3.

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Francesca Kosec | Matthew Schiavone

PITTSBURGH Francesca Kosec and Matthew Schiavone, both of Pittsburgh, were united in marriage


Santa visits AES students

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com Austintown Elementary School’s PTA invited Santa to visit the

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Distinguished Young Women scholarship program to be Feb. 25

The Distinguished Young Women of Ohio Scholarship Program take place on Feb. 25 in Mount Vernon.

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NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL French Toast sticks, sausage, potato triangle, dragon punch, strawberries, milk


Poland Sports Briefs

Lady Bulldogs defeat Edgewood The girls varsity basketball team won against Edgewood with a score


Boardman Sports Briefs

Boardman Community Baseball registration announced Registration for Boardman Community Baseball


Canfield Sports Briefs

Neighbors wants winter sports news The snowy season is here, winter athletics have arrived and


Spartans win Swim and Dive Championships

The Boardman swim and dive team captured first place in 20 out of 24 events, broke one school

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First grade sings for the holidays

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com The first-grade students at Austintown Elementary School sang

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No one eats alone at AIS

Austintown Intermediate School participated in the national No One Eats Alone Day during lunch on Feb. 9.

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NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL Cocca’s Pepperoni Roll, salad w/dressing, carrots, pears, pudding cup, milk


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Union Elementary School hosts book fair

Union Elementary had a week dedicated for their Scholastic Book Fair from Jan. 29 until Feb. 2.

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Suit challenges ban on abortions due to Down

Associated Press COLUMBUS The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a lawsuit Thursday


Shiffrin fourth in slalom after winning gold in giant

The U.S. skier threw up right before an early run.


Senate rejects bills on immigration

Associated Press WASHINGTON The Senate left hundreds of thousands of “Dreamer” immigrants in


Fitch students wear their Christmas spirit

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com Austintown Fitch High School celebrated Christmas with their

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Black History Month programs at Main library

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com The Main library began Black History Month with a series

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Macchios celebrate 50th anniversary

canfield Mr. and Mrs. John Macchio of Canfield recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a


Young mother denied early release again in child-endangering case

Young mother denied early release again in child-endangering case


Canfield Community Briefs

Forever Young book club to host February meeting If you love reading YA books, join the Canfield


DISTRICT SWIMMING

DIVISION I qualifiers Boys Austintown Fitch Jake Lawrence — 200 IM, 100


MORE OLYMPIC RECAPS

WOMEN’S FREESTYLE SKIING Caldwell’s risks don’t come with rewards American freestyle skier


Aston-Reese produces again in Penguins’ victory

Zach Aston-Reese broke a third-period tie with a power-play goal.


Honoring police official

Honoring police official GIRARD Girard Police Chief John Norman and Warren Police Sgt. Manny


Penn State beats Ohio State men again

The Buckeyes’ only two Big Ten losses have come against the Nittany Lions.


Court got 1.17M war-crimes claims from Afghan victims

Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan Since the International Criminal Court began collecting


CLUB CALENDAR

associations American Association of University Women Youngstown Branch is partnering during


Columbus man accused of raping and killing Warren woman could get death penalty

Columbus man accused of raping and killing Warren woman could get death penalty


Chiabertas celebrate 50th anniversary

YOUNGSTOWN Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Chiaberta of Hubbard, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary


Shooting revives debate over gun age requirement

Associated Press Just months after his 18th birthday, Nikolas Cruz went to a Florida gun store to


Salazar likely won’t be ready by opening day

Team officials said Thursday that Danny Salazar had inflammation in his right shoulder.


PRESIDENTS DAY | What’s open/closed

A checklist of local, state and federal institutions and local businesses closed on Presidents Day,


Inside the ropes with … Jason Kokrak

Inside the ropes with … Jason Kokrak Thursday: The Warren JFK graduate made five birdies during a


THURSDAY’s NBA GAMES

Nuggets 134, Bucks 123 MILWAUKEE Nikola Jokic had a triple-double wrapped up in the first half,


Lawyer describes teen gunman as ‘broken human being’

Associated Press PARKLAND, Fla. The teenager accused of using a semi-automatic rifle to kill 17


Selected local stocks

Selected local stocks STOCK, DIVIDENDCLOSECHANGE Alcoa Inc., .1247.52-1.02 Aqua America, .71


Despite the 2017 debacle, Betras says endorsements here to stay

Opinion: In June of last year, Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras said: “I think the time


Tips are for the servers

Opinion: By Irene Tung and Te ≥filo Reyes OtherWords When we give someone a tip, we expect the money


Man indicted in murder; home invasion suspects indicted

Staff report YOUNGSTOWN A Mahoning County grand jury Thursday indicted an Outlook Avenue man


MAHONING COUNTY INDICTMENTS

The grand jury also indicted these people on these charges: Stephanie Stevens, 24, Winchester


Flu shot only 36% effective, making bad year even worse

Associated Press NEW YORK The flu vaccine is doing a poor job protecting older Americans and


Police chief intervenes in South Side shooting

Chief Robin Lees helped keep a family away from a suspected gunman


Austintown Community Briefs

Library closings announced The Austintown library will be closed from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on March


Grievance postponed


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Chili cook-off is spicy competition for second year

The Committee to Support Canfield Schools hosted its second annual Cardinal Chili Cook-off in the Canfield High School cafeteria on Feb. 9.

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Black History programs at library

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com The Main library began Black History Month with a series of

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Amtrak considers suspending service


Dog food withdrawn


Modern Props moves


Sentenced in burglary


Lockdown at Choffin


NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL Sub Sandwich, baked chips, carrots and celery w/dip, fresh fruit, milk


Kristin Pettola, Robert Woolley plan fall wedding

Canfield Michael and Janice Pettola and Donald and Concetta Woolley, all of Canfield, are


Hilltop Elementary hosts glove drive

By ABBY SLANKER neighbors@vindy.com Students at Hilltop Elementary School participated in a

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Teams compete in Jam Tournament at UPMC

The Jam Tournament at UPMC Lemeiux Center in Cranberry took place on Jan. 27 and 28 and two ADM blue

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Civic League will host Mardi Gras Party

Civic League will host Mardi Gras Party GIRARD The Junior Civic League will host its 7th annual


Births

Births St. Elizabeth boardman Latasha Stanley and Marcus Duvall, Youngstown, girl, Feb. 14.


Surplus food

Surplus food People’s Chapel Church of God, 2145 Hillman St., Youngstown. Food, 11 a.m. Saturday.


YEARS AGO FOR FEB. 16

Today is Friday, Feb. 16, the 47th day of 2018. There are 318 days left in the year. This is the


Today’s entertainment picks:

Today’s entertainment picks: v Youngstown Phantoms, 7:05 p.m.: The local squad takes on Waterloo


BUSINESS DIGEST || Serenity Center event

Serenity Center event WARREN The Serenity Center recently hosted the Youngstown/Warren Regional


McDonald’s to move cheeseburgers, chocolate milk off Happy Meal menu

Associated Press NEW YORK McDonald’s is taking cheeseburgers and chocolate milk off its Happy


Congress guilty of inaction to stem the tide of killings

Editorial: More than 150,000 U.S. school students have endured a senseless shooting on their campuses since


NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL Cowboy Burger, baked beans, oven fries, pineapple tidbits, peaches, milk


NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL Hot Dog, french fries, carrot dippers, fresh apples, milk Pizza Crunchers, baked


NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL Rotini & Meatballs, salad w/dressing, carrots, mixed fruit, cookie, milk


Main library programs celebrate Black History Month

By ZACK SHIVELY zshively@vindy.com The Main library began Black History Month with a series

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Canfield swim team competes at Poland Swimvitational

The 2018 Poland Swimvitational took place on Jan. 27 at the YSU Natatorium. The boys team won