The family was honored at a meeting of the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council.

"Basically, the biggest thing, we're trying to support and sustain top soil because that's where we grow our grass and that's what feeds our cows," said Todd Miller, fourth generation.

The Miller family farm is on Lower Elkton Road, three miles south of the roundabout in Columbiana. They have 125 acres. The Millers have been farming this land since the late 1800s. For most of that time, it was a grain farm.

"My dad went to his grave shaking his head a little but I didn't like riding a tractor as much as I do like moving cows and working cows," Miller said.

Miller says the least expensive way to feed cows is with grass, and they do so nine to 10 months out of the year, using hay only during the winter months. But grass needs good soil to grow, so conserving the soil is priority one.

"Practices such as what we're standing on here is a heavy-use pad used for feeding cattle when it's too muddy to feed them elsewhere," Miller said.

The building where Thursday evening's meeting was held is a heavy-use pen pack where the cattle are fed during winter.

"Other things we put into place, we have access roads when we do have to run tractors up and down to feed cattle, that we're not creating ruts and mud," Miller said.

Miller says these practices are a big change from how cattle farmers used to work.

"Oh, absolutely. It used to be all the pastures you saw were the bottom ground where they couldn't crop farm," Miller said.

But Miller says it took no convincing him that these were the methods to be used.

"No, because I think it just makes sense. Well, one thing is I hate mud, and so does cattle and so does equipment. So these conservation practices really eliminate a lot of the mud issues we had. No, I think when you look at the bottom dollar, the conservation issues make sense," Miller said.

Along with the Ohio Farm Family Conservation Award, State Representative Monica Blasdel presented the Millers with a proclamation from the House of Representatives on a job well done.

Crews were called to North Yorkshire Boulevard around 8:45 p.m. Thursday for a fully engulfed structure fire.

According to Austintown fire Chief Andy Frost, a business used the building for storage.

No one was hurt, but the building is a total loss.

Two other classes have also been scheduled:

• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Campbell Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center
• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Youngstown Jewish Community Center

"It's a three-component class. The first, we'll do a little background information about the law concerning self-defense," said Gina DeGenova, Mahoning County prosecutor. "Then, we're going to do a little bit about awareness of situations, and there will be a physical component as well, where our attendants and participants will get some hands-on training."

Thee will be five or six additional self-defense classes held next year at various locations throughout Mahoning County.

It was inside Brookfield Middle School's cafeteria, where seventh grader Luciana Kolat was eating breaded shrimp last Friday.

"One of those impossible breaks and half of it went down my throat and half of it stayed up," she said.

Kolat tried to swallow the rest, then tried to cough it out.

"So I stood up and I put my hands around my throat," she said.

The whole incident was caught on camera. In the video, you can see Kolat struggling to get the breaded shrimp out, even trying to stick her fingers down her throat.

"Her face started getting a little blue. I was like, 'OK, something is definitely up. Something is wrong,'" said Jenna Omar, Kolat's friend who was sitting at the same table.

Omar tapped Kolat's back. She tried looking for help before taking matters into her own hands.

"So I knew I had to do the Heimlich maneuver. So I found her belly button, put both of my hands right there and gave it one good push," Omar said.

Luckily, the food came out. Omar says she learned the Heimlich from her mom, who is in the medical field.

"Definitely a scare. I'm thankful I'm alive because if Jenna wasn't there, I don't know what would have happened," Kolat said.

Kolat said she had an anxiety attack before she calmed down. Since then, she has thanked Omar for saving her life.

Now, the school is considering teaching the Heimlich maneuver at a younger age.

"Because I feel like it's something that everyone should know because you never know when it could come in handy and when somebody actually needs it. So if somebody does need it, what are you going to do in that situation if you can't get someone for help?" Omar said.

The issue to be decided: Whether or not directors have the legal authority to cull the herd, including the use of USDA sharpshooters.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy is also a regional director of the wildlife group known as Whitetails Unlimited.

"'Whitetails Unlimited': That's just legalized government poaching," Malloy said.

He said that while hunting is a legitimate way to manage the deer population, he disagrees with the park's plans.

"That makes my stomach turn," Malloy said. "There's no tradition with that. There's no sport to that. That is basically calling an exterminator to get rid of the deer."

Local veterinarian Donald Allen is one of those filing the suit, claiming the best course is allowing Mother Nature to take over.

"When man steps in to interfere with Mother Nature, he generally screws up," Allen said.

The deer hunting program is set to begin this weekend in certain sections of park land, but several witnesses worry hunters won't adhere to the boundaries.

"I mean, this map -- nobody's going to follow this, I'm sorry. Nobody's going to follow it," said Kathryn Hamilton, who opposed the planned hunt.

Park directors say Mill Creek park is the only facility of its kind in Ohio without a deer management program, and those involved in the scheduled hunt say the deer population here is now threatening vegetation all around the park district.

The park's natural resources manager Nick Derico claims not managing the deer population would be irresponsible.

"MetroParks is charged to preserve, and conserve, and protect the lands within our holdings -- that includes all species of plants and wildlife," said Derico.

A decision in the case is expected before the weekend.

Pink Lights the Way will hold a cupcake walk at Eastwood Field starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The group will be walking four laps around the warming track inside the stadium. All participants will be getting cupcakes.

Co-founders of Pink Lights the Way Megan Shellhorn and Shannon Styer want to spread awareness for breast cancers because they are also survivors.

"We just want to show the community what we're doing and bring everyone together to help us to uplift those in treatment, and other people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer, in one way or another," Shellhorn said.

The group already has 500 people registered. If you wish to attend, you can register on their website or the day of at Eastwood Field.

Harvey is charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property in connection to a July 21, 2022, shooting on West Market Street in Warren.

Jauton Lee was killed in the shooting, and a 24-year-old man was hurt.

Harvey is now scheduled to stand trial on January 16. He's due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on November 27.

Fire Chief James Williamson says the Cadle Company donated property to the district for the new fire station. It's currently a parking lot on North Canal Street.

The land is located near one of the district's two fire stations, which is attached to the municipal court.

Williamson says the district's current stations aren't suitable for daily staffing levels and equipment. He says it would also be more financially responsible to have everything under one roof instead of paying for utilities at two stations plus off-site storage.

"My ultimate goal is to make this the gem of Newton Falls, you know, make this very aesthetically pleasing and something where, you know, everybody, make it a focal point of Newton Falls," Williamson said.

Williamson says under the agreement with the Cadle Company, the land will revert back to the company if nothing is done with the property in four years.

Over a dozen gunshots broke the silence of Brad Fumerola's evening with his family. His security camera video shows him rushing outside his home on the corner of McMyler Street and Ohio Avenue. A bullet went through his window just feet away from where he sat with his wife and 1-year-old grandson.

It's the second shooting in the area in a week. Though the shootings are not related, Fumerola and his family say they're fed up.

"It's just very nerve-wracking, frustrating that people do this to innocent people that have nothing to do with whatever is going on," Fumerola said.

Fumerola grew up in Warren and feels the violence is getting worse and closer to home. He has lived where he is now for a few years but is now considering moving. The events of the past week have left him rattled. He is worried for the neighborhood kids who play in their front yards in the early evening --the same time the shooting happened.

"This is where they come play and at 8 at night, it's not very late. There could have been kids out here," Frumerola said. "Things can be settled a different way than shooting, driving down the street and just opening fire."

Halloween Trick or Treat times 2023

The Amish Market on South Avenue in Boardman is celebrating its 10^th anniversary with a three-day event for the entire family.

The market's Fall Anniversary Event kicked off Thursday with dozens of vendor specials and specialty foods like candy and caramel apples, apple cider, pulled pork, lamb, BBQ chicken, fry pies and much more. Customers will also find a variety of handmade Amish furniture, a candy shop, a deli, a produce counter, a dry-goods store, hot food and a restaurant.

Underneath tents in the parking lot, workers are cooking and serving different foods as well. The event will also feature activities for children on Saturday like a balloon artist from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and donut decorating from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Fall Anniversary Event runs from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 28, and Friday, September 29 and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, September 30.

The Amish Market is located at 6121 South Avenue in Boardman.

Eviction notice prompts Niles standoff

Thursday afternoon, officers were sent to 64-year-old Robert Suchy's home on Tripplewood Drive to conduct a welfare check. He had not been responding to his sister, who had been with him the previous night, according to Mercer County District Attorney Pete Acker.

According to a police report, troopers had initially been called to the residence of Suchy's neighbor shortly before noon on Thursday. The neighbor told police that Suchy had entered the house with a handgun and had attempted to force the victim to come with him. When the neighbor tried to pull away, the report states that Suchy aimed the gun at the victim.

The victim was able to break away and escape the home, then called police, who obtained an arrest warrant for Suchy on charges of burglary, attempted kidnapping and simple assault.

Police were trying to get Suchy to come out of his own house. He did not respond, and they had been unable to reach him. Officers on the scene called for backup, including an armored vehicle and drone, to serve the warrant that had been issued in relation to the incident from earlier in the day. Troopers worked to clear a perimeter around Suchy's house, advising nearby homes to evacuate or shelter in place.

After several hours, at around 7 p.m., troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police Department were able to get Suchy out of the home after firing tear gas into the house. Suchy was then taken to Sharon Regional Medical Center for evaluation, according to Acker.

No shots were fired, and Suchy did not have any known physical injuries, according to PSP.

However, the police report states that there were multiple firearms found in Suchy's home, several of which were loaded.

At this time, it's not known if he will face any charges from the situation involving law enforcement Thursday afternoon into the evening.

It happened near the I-80 interchange just before 1 p.m.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the truck was traveling on I-76 when it hit a cement pile underneath a bridge for I-80.

According to a trooper, a vehicle cut the truck off and the truck swerved into the bridge.

The driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

ODOT engineers inspected the bridge and determined there was no structural damage, according to ODOT spokesperson Ray Marsch.

Interstate 76 eastbound in the area of the accident is down to one lane until the truck can be removed.

Kristen Hephner contributed to this report.

Robert Stare of Elsworth Township faces sentencing November 9 after pleading guilty in Sebring court to four counts of having animals running at-large after a May 2023 incident where sheriff's deputies found dozens of his goats running around, several of the animals were stuck in his electric fence.

Stare went on trial on two counts of animal cruelty, stemming from the same incident. Judge Joe Schiavone took that matter under advisement and will sentence stare on all the charges on the same date.

Stare still has another pending case in connection to an incident earlier this month, when two goats were seized from his property.

Police Capt. John Marshall said the man refused to leave the Spruce Street home when the notice was served about 12 p.m. Thursday and several police were called to the scene.

Police went inside and had to use chemical spray and a stun weapon to subdue the man, Marshall said.

Paramedics are treating the man before he is taken to the Trumbull County jail.

The Facade Grant Program, which is administered by the Marketing & Business Growth Committee of City Council, offers financial assistance to property owners and businesses within the city limits, encouraging them to restore and enhance the facades of their buildings.

The program seeks to stimulate investment in the Cortland community, ultimately boosting property values and local commerce.

Key program highlights include:

• Matching Grants: Property owners and businesses can receive matching grants of 25%
  up to $2,500 to cover eligible facade improvement costs.
• Eligible Improvements: Grants can be used for a variety of improvements, including
  exterior painting, signage, window replacement, awnings, and more.
• Application Process: Interested applicants can find program details and application forms at www.cityofcortland.org or by contacting City Hall.

Mayor Petrosky shared excitement about the program.

"The Facade Grant Program is a remarkable opportunity for our community to come together and breathe new life into our city. We encourage all eligible property owners and businesses to take advantage of this initiative and help us make Cortland even more beautiful and inviting."

For more information, please contact the office of Mayor Petrosky at (330) 637-4003 or
mayor@cityofcortland.org

Forrest Gilmore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and possession with the intent to distribute and distribute of a quantity of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a playground, school, and public housing.

All other charges against him were dropped. He is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 29, 2024.

Gilmore is one of 25 arrested during the sting in Lawrence and Mercer counties in 2021.

Investigators said the criminal enterprise began in June 2020.

Officers surround home in Mercer County

"I hope he spends the rest of his life in jail, and I hope that he rots in hell," the family member of the victims said.

Brian Harvey was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison as a result of his pleas to 15 felony charges, including eight counts of rape, gross sexual imposition and six counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.

"Mr. Harvey ran a house of horrors in his house. He sexually assaulted these three girls, starting with the two oldest and eventually grooming and perpetrating on the youngest one," said Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman.

Harvey's attorney, Ross Smith, said Harvey is remorseful and has taken responsibility for the crimes.

Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice handed down the sentence, which Wildman said was appropriate.

"Anytime we can get a life sentence for these kids without them having to come in here and testify, that's a good day, so I hope they're happy, and I hope he gets what he deserves as well," he said.

If Harvey is ever released from prison, he will have to register as a Tier 3 sex offender for the rest of his life.

Officers surround home in Mercer County

Ashley Croley, 37, was captured by members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force in the 100 block of East Judson Avenue.

A person who Marshals characterized as an "associate" of Croley, Mark Heath, no age given, was also arrested for obstruction of justice due to actions during Croley's arrest, a news release from the Marshals said.

They were both booked into the Mahoning County Jail.

Heath is expected to be arraigned in municipal court Friday. There is no word when Croley will be sent back to Columbiana County.

Croley has been wanted since Aug. 5, when she is accused of escaping from the Eastern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lisbon. The release said she stole a car and ran over a man's foot while making her getaway.

A Columbiana County grand jury Sept. 15 indicted Croley on charges of escape, a third-degree felony; grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony; felonious assault, a second-degree felony; and vehicular assault, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Crowley was booked into the center July 17 on a probation violation for a misdemeanor theft charge. The charge was filed in 2021 by Lisbon police, court records show.

Court records also show Croley has an address on the South Side. She was not arrested Thursday at that address but a short distance away from there.

The show is set for Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Will W. Orr Auditorium.

Some top singles from the band include "God Bless This Child," "Spinning Wheel," and "You've Made Me So Very Happy."

The band also received a Grammy for album of the year in the 1970s, beating out The Beatles' "Abbey Road."

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Celebrity Series Box Office at 724-946-7354 or visiting www.westminster.edu/celebrity.

The concert is part of Westminster College's "Celebrity Series."

The area between Routes 165 and 14 in Beaver Township was closed shortly before 6:30 a.m. The area is now back open.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) said one vehicle crashed into a tree, hitting a utility pole. Troopers said that the driver fled the area. Later in the morning, troopers said the driver of a semi-truck did not see the pole and wires, so the semi hit the pole and wires and knocked them onto the road.

Over 60 people are without power in Mahoning County, according to FirstEnergy. According to its website, power is expected to be restored by 11:30 a.m.

OSHP is still investigating.

Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report.

The majority of those outages were from Goshen Township and Berlin Township. At one point, more than 1,900 people were without power in the county.

There were over 100 power outages in Trumbull County, with the majority of them being in Warren.

First Energy is still looking into what caused the outages.

Power was restored shortly before 6:30 a.m.

This shooting happened just after midnight Thursday on Miller Avenue, near the intersection of South Avenue.

Youngstown police said a car was shot at, and a person inside was hit. The victim was shot in the back and taken to the hospital.

Police say the victim is in stable condition.

No arrests have been made at this time. This shooting is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the YPD tip line or Crime Stoppers at 330-746-CLUE or 330-746-8YPD 

But they were also supporting their own committee, which has been negotiating a contract with Ultium.

Eric Manaro and George Goranitis are both on the committee negotiating the first-ever contract with Ultium Cells of Lordstown.

"Because of the first contract and starting from scratch, there's a lot that goes into it -- more than people realize," Manaro said.

"This is a very crucial contract, not just for us, but also other Ultium Cells facilities could adopt our language out of our contact," Goranitis said. "We're not just looking out for us and negotiating a contract for ourselves but for our future brothers and sisters at Ultium Cells as well."

Many of the workers walking to and from the main entrance on Wednesday were members of United Auto Workers Local 1112 -- the same union that represented workers at the General Motors Lordstown plant.

Negotiations started Feb. 14 and have been ongoing on a weekly basis for the 1,200 union workers. Last month, Ultium agreed to pay raises of $3 to $4 per hour, but the union wants more.

"That was an interim raise until we get to where we feel we can get during contract negotiations at the end of the contract," Manaro said.

"It's not just health and safety. It's the wages, it's the working conditions. It's PTO and having time off with your family," Goranitis said. "It's going to be a fight."

But health and safety is an issue.

"We have a lot of chemicals and hazardous material in here that are coming from overseas that we don't even have the correct standards for here in the U.S.," Gorganitis said.

"At the end of the day, we all want to go home the same way we came to the plant," Manaro said.

Ultium is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solutions of South Korea, which Goranitis said makes negotiations more difficult. He said it would be easier if the union were negotiating with General Motors. But every time there's a tentative agreement, it must be approved in South Korea -- which takes time and involves transcending cultural differences.

"Also, [South Korea has] different working conditions and different lifestyles than we do here in the U.S., so there's a lot of differences and a lot of talks that have to go back and forth," Goranitis said.

Both Manaro and Goranitis worked at GM Lordstown until it closed. Goranitis transferred to Tennessee, missed his family and returned home. Manaro never left. They have both been with Ultium since the beginning.

In a recent video released by United Auto Workers, union members highlighted the impacts the closure of the Lordstown GM plant has had on workers in the Valley. As the jobs within the plant itself evaporated, surrounding and supporting industries, including parts suppliers, steelworkers and more -- also felt the hit.

"For decades now, we've had an economy where one CEO has the power to ruin the local economies," said UAW president Shawn Fain in the video. "It doesn't have to be this way."

Those on the Ultium workers negotiating committee hope there's a contract in place before the end of the year.

Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pick-up service.

Instacart is now available at more than 200 Giant Eagle grocery stores, including those in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Giant Eagle will continue to offer groceries being selected by Giant Eagle employees and ready for pick-up.

Using Instacart will now allow for delivery to a customer's doorstep.

It's something she said she never thought would happen, with the costs associated with homeownership and the credit scores required for a bank loan. When her children got older, she decided to start looking for something outside of the rental market.

"I have rented for a very, very long time. I have three children. My husband and I always wanted to own a house but was never able to afford it," she said.

But due to a program through the Trumbull County Land Bank and a chance encounter at a local restaurant, her dreams have come true.

The Trumbull County Land Bank has an "Improved Property Program" that gives homeowners and investors an opportunity to purchase vacant properties at a low price and then own them after renovations.

Shaw didn't know about the program until someone at a restaurant struck up a conversation with her husband about it.

"Looking into it, we thought that maybe this is possible that we can own our own home," she said.

Shaw, who is originally from Braceville, now owns the home on Orlo Street in Warren. It wasn't easy, but Shaw said it was affordable.

The couple acquired the house from the Land Bank in 2019 for around $5,000 and began renovations the next year. It was challenging to find workers during the COVID-19 pandemic so Shaw and her husband did a lot of the work themselves.

There are requirements to purchase a home through the Land Bank. Certain renovation requirements must be met by a certain time period, and only after those are met is the deed signed over to the new owner.

The Trumbull County Land Bank details the procedure on its website. Residential properties listed on the Land Bank's website range from $10,000 to $89,900.

Shaw and her husband ended up spending about $40,000 to $50,000 on renovations, but Shaw said it was still more affordable than buying a home upfront, and the repairs weren't made all at once.

Shaw said after making the required renovations, she and her husband are now taking their time to make little updates to make their new house feel more like home.

"Just knowing that you don't have that mortgage, it just really helped a lot, so now it's just like totally affordable and the little money that you do make, you can use it to fix up the house," she said.

Now, she said she's trying to get the word out about the program so that others who may believe home ownership is out of reach know that it's an option.

"So anybody out there that has hopes of ever owning a house and don't know how they're going to do it, try Land Bank. You will be pleased and amazed and feel really, really blessed. I mean, just when you think you're giving up. It just happened for me, and I'm just so happy. So happy. Words can't express how happy I am," she said.

"I can just sleep better at night. I can plan for the future. I can spend more time with my grandchildren and my children. I can just do more," she added.

Such a program isn't just available in Trumbull County. Keondre Johnson, 30, of Youngstown, also worked through the Mahoning County Land Bank to renovate a home on E. Lucius Avenue.

Applications for the Mahoning County Land Bank's Deed-in-Escrow program are first open for those looking for single-family homes. After that, investors like Johnson are given the option to purchase.

Johnson's family lives in the area, and he owns a few local rental properties. He said his goal is to offer some more affordable and quality rental options in the area, where he has seen rent climb as high as $1,300 to $1,400 a month. He plans to list the house for around $850 a month.

"My goal is to kind of be able to build up the area because I grew up in this area," he said. "I don't want to see people having to move outside of where they're from to get nicer quality housing."

Johnson said he purchased the house for $15,000 and estimates he put about $27,000 in renovations. Through the program, he said the Land Bank provides an inspector so that he knows the estimated renovation costs upfront.

"For this area, houses are going, the median is like $65,000, so they still give you enough room to you know, step into a situation where you'd have equity," he said.

Organizations like the Columbiana County Land Bank and Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation also offer properties for sale, often below traditional prices in the market, after making their own renovations. You can find out more on the Land Bank's website and YNDC's website.

This is part of a series of stories that WKBN is looking into involving local housing issues in the Valley. Do you have a housing issue that you’d like us to look into? Send us your information here.

Traffic now moves smoothly on North Road through the intersection of U.S. Route 422, but it hasn't always been the case since the Ohio Department of Transportation closed the East Market Street Ramp to eastbound state Route 82.

Niles police traffic Officer Shawn Crank says the traffic backup in the North Road turning lane was noticeable.

"Obviously, that traffic was coming out of Warren and going to our shopping areas on [routes] 46 and 422 there at the mall," Crank said. "In order to make it easier for them, a little more efficiently flowing, we added five seconds to the left-turn lane."

Crank said by adding just five seconds to the turn signal, an additional five or six cars can make it through the intersection per cycle.

"That's about as much as we can add to that at this point because when you take time, add time to a certain lane, it takes away time from all other four legs of the intersection," Crank said.

Time was added to the arrow just last week.

In addition, the light on Route 422 near Hot Dog Allie was put into flashing mode. Crank said there's already been a big improvement.

"As we approach the busy shopping season, the Christmas season, we'll reevaluate the area and see if we need to add or subtract from different lanes, and we'll adjust accordingly," Crank said.

"We're tired; I mean, we really are," said Mark Canzonetta, owner of Bistro 1907.

Canzonetta said after talking with a number of his colleagues, he is looking to sue the city over business that's been lost -- both to streets being closed as well as a lack of available parking. He has even set up an email -- enough@bistro1907.com -- and is encouraging other business owners to contact him regarding his effort.

"'Cause I heard it from hundreds of guests. They'll come downtown, and they're like, 'We can't get to your restaurant. We're going back home. We're gonna stay in the 'burbs," he said.

The lost revenue impacts not only the bottom line of these businesses but also the employees working there, many of whom Canzonetta said are single moms and young people.

"So it really hurts them and their ability to make a steady income," he said.

Canzonetta said there are times when he actually feels the city wants him to fail here, and he's not alone.

Some are taking another approach, however.

Attorney and bar owner Jeff Kurz sat down with city officials, looking for their help.

"You lose nothing by working with the city, asking them to work with you and identifying the problems they can help you with," he said.

His list of ideas includes reinstituting a loan program for businesses that hire and retain workers, utilizing a trolley service downtown as well as marketing the different establishments, and putting up signs directing customers to parking lots, making additional space available.

Kurz said officials seemed receptive.

"A successful downtown Youngstown doesn't just support Youngstown; it supports the entire Mahoning Valley. The image of the Mahoning Valley is directly tied to the image of Youngstown," he said.

Kurz said he will now try to sell his ideas to city council members next month -- hoping to get the help that's needed before it is too late.

Tom Foraker was taking a nap in his South Main Street home in Hubbard on Wednesday evening when the house caught fire. The front of the home was consumed by flames. He says his next-door neighbor's quick thinking saved his life.

"It was engulfed. I never would have made it if it wasn't for him," Foraker said. "I was sleeping, and thank God for my neighbor Johnny. He came up and got me. Woke me up. Got me out of the house. I would have been gone. That's the fact. That fire was right under my bedroom."

Foraker's wife was in their basement when the flames broke out. She was alerted when a woman started banging on her front door.

"She didn't even know it until the lady came screaming. And then I guess her and my wife flagged John down," Foraker said.

Foraker's wife didn't want to appear on camera but said she was praying for help when their next-door neighbor rushed in to help. Thanks to their actions, the couple and their two dogs got out safely.

"A lot of people stepped forward yesterday and came out of nowhere -- and I've never met. You know what I mean?" Foraker said.

Foraker, who suffered a bad burn while working in a steel mill over 40 years ago, said the ordeal was stressful. Now, they are putting the pieces back together, working with insurance and restoration companies to figure out the damage. They are incredibly grateful for the love of a community that saved their lives, evening wearing the sweatshirt his neighbor gave him while speaking with the 27 First News crew.

"It's amazing how people will help. It's really amazing. I give a lot of thanks to both of them," Foraker said.

Investigators are still working to find out how the fire started. Right now, the Forakers can't stay in the home. In the meantime, the Red Cross is helping them with everything they need.

No one was injured in the fire.

"We're trying to come to everything and anything that we can," said Rachel Raquel Flores with the Mexican Heritage Corporation.

Raquel Flores was born in Youngstown and both of her parents are Mexican. Her father was born in Mexico, then moved to Northeast Ohio to follow work.

Raquel Flores is committed to supporting and encouraging Hispanic culture within the community. She's a part of the Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana. It's a valuable organization that emphasizes economic protection, education and community service to Hispanic Americans.

Raquel Flores says over the years, the society has dwindled and she wants to help build it back up and raise awareness throughout the Valley.

"They need to be made aware, aware that we're here," she said.

Raquel Flores' concern is that younger generations "are not interested. They marry out of the culture and it starts to become diluted."

"I don't understand why they don't because they've heard it all their life," she said.

Embracing her culture, history and customs is something Raquel Flores plans to never stray from. It gives her great joy to see all types of people support Hispanic heritage.

"People that have traveled to Mexico or gone to one area or another, they're very happy and somewhat proud to talk about where they went, how much they loved it," she said.

Her closest friends say…

"It's easy to make a friend. It's easy to approach people in our culture. It's a happy moment," said Claudia Zacharko with the Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana.

It's been 10 days now since 24-year-old Steven Evans' family last saw or heard from him. He was reported missing to police on Sept. 18.

Evans' brother told officers Steven was in his (the brother's) truck when he got out to walk his dogs in Waddell Park on Sept. 17. When he got back to the truck, Steven was gone.

Steven's mother Tami Dean is now pleading for him to come home.

"I'm really worried about him," Dean said. "I don't know if something happened to him, but I just want him home safe."

Anyone with information on Evans' whereabouts is asked to give Niles police a call at 330-652-9944.

Ricardo Reeves was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison as well as four years of probation.

Reeves pleaded guilty in April to charges of possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin, as well as quantities of cocaine and cocaine base. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The Lawrence County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau
of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the conviction.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing gun violence through a joint law enforcement effort.

Patty Coller contributed to this report.

This will be the 13th year for the annual Nonviolence Week observance in the Valley.

Organizers say it was started by a group of school students who were part of Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past. The message has remained the same.

"Let's take a week and someone said, 'Why not a month?' And that's true, and why not a year? Why not a lifetime? But of having people focus on being nonviolent, a focus on the principles of nonviolence," said committee chair Penny Wells.

The week's activities will begin with a community parade on Sunday starting at 3 p.m. at the corner of Wood Street and Wick Avenue. It will head through the downtown area to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater, where there will be a rally.

"Paws for a Drink Bar Crawl" will benefit The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project.

The event begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Imbibe Martini Bar and continues through other establishments, ending at Ryes Craft Beer and Whiskey.

The cost to crawl is your choice of a monetary donation or an item or two from The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project's Amazon wishlist.

A prize will be awarded to the crawler who finds the most dog treats hidden at Paws locations, according to the event listing.

The trick-or-treat event at the Shops at Boardman Park will not happen this year.

A message on their Facebook page apologized.

We reached out to the owners of the shopping area but have not heard back.

Click here for a list of other fall and Halloween events happening in the Valley.

We also put together a list of trick-or-treat times for this year.

The celebration is a one-day art, craft and entertainment event. It's held at Boardman Park and usually draws at least 5,000 people.

The show will have more than 150 vendors selling their items. It's an event put on for you, but it raises money for the Rotary and its projects, which help give back to the community.

"A lot of things encapsulate this one day. We have the opportunity to make some money that we give away but also share some ideas with the community -- but also have fun. It's a fun event," said Shawn Golden, Boardman Rotary president.

Oktoberfest runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It's the Boardman Rotary's largest yearly fundraiser. The Pancake Festival is number two.

Dayton Foster, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping, felonious assault and having weapons while under disability with a firearm specification.

The charges stem from an August 22 incident at Oak Knoll Avenue SE where police were called on reports of a domestic dispute.

Prosecutors say a woman was beaten with a gun and held at gunpoint.

Foster was sentenced to serve five to six years in prison, including a three-year mandatory term because a gun was used in the commission of a felony. Foster also agreed to forfeit the Glock 19 handgun used in the felony. He will also have to register as a violent offender.

According to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office, Foster was forbidden to handle firearms because of a previous aggravated robbery conviction, in which he served a prison sentence.

Officers said when they arrived on the scene, the victim was crying out. She was treated for her injuries at St. Joseph Hospital.

The police report said the fight was fueled by alcohol and that the woman had been punched in the face several times and pushed down a flight of stairs, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office.

Why the Cleveland Browns won’t be on TV in Youngstown this week

The Cortland Lions Club is partnering with Northeast Ohio Junk Removal for a scrap metal fundraiser. It's all to benefit Cortland Parks and Recreation and Safety City.

Now through Thursday, you can call NEO junk to be placed on a list to have your scrap metal picked up. Just call 330-207-6504. They ask that all items be placed in your driveway.

All types of metals are accepted including things like dishwashers, refrigerators and miscellaneous metals such as copper and aluminum.

Propane tanks, TVs or household trash will not be accepted.

"All the money collected will be donated for replacement of trash cans, park benches and small improvement projects," said Ryan Stan with Northeast Ohio Junk Removal.

This Friday and Saturday, you can also drop off your scrap metal at Willow Park, and the Lions Club will be there to assist you.

The Scrap Day Event runs Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Report: Austintown native back in the NFL with new team

A partial list of acceptable items: refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, lawnmowers, tractors, window air conditioners, copper and brass items, aluminum cans, wire, car batteries, pots, pans, bicycles, aluminum ladders, metal office furniture, metal siding, wheel rims (without tires), metal doors & frames, metal storage cabinets, rototillers, snow blowers, trampoline and swimming pool frames, disassembled swing sets, nails, pipe fittings, copper tubing, black pipe etc. If your scrap is metal, it’s probably acceptable.

Why the Cleveland Browns won’t be on TV in Youngstown this week

Frank's Cafe manager David Smith said they are opening a second location inside the former Zoup! space on US-224 in Boardman, right next to One Hot Cookie.

Smith said they just signed the lease and will be making some changes to the space before opening.

This new location will have the same breakfast and lunch menu and will most likely keep the same hours as the original location on Market Street.

The new Frank's Cafe location should be open in a few months.

On Wednesday, the organization announced that West Nile has been detected in mosquitos collected from Pine Township. Other areas where West Nile was detected include Sharon, Hermitage and Hempfield Township.

At this time, no human cases of West Nile have been reported in Mercer County, but the virus is most commonly spread through the bite of a mosquito.

The Mercer County Conservation District recommends that businesses and residents take extra precautions. Residents should apply insect repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk and dawn. All businesses and residents should reduce mosquito breeding habitats by eliminating standing water, such as bird baths, discarded tires or any other containers capable of retaining standing water where mosquitoes could breed.

The virus has also been detected in mosquitos collected in Center Township, Columbiana County in Ohio.

Val Bender, 49, faces up to four years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of trafficking in cocaine/crack and having weapons while under disability, according to a release from the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday.

Bender will be sentenced after he undergoes a background investigation conducted by probation officers. He will also forfeit a 9mm Taurus firearm that was seized during a September 2021 search of his home after he had sold small amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Warren Police Department's Street Crimes Unit, according to prosecutors.

Bender was forbidden to handle firearms because of a 2002 conviction for aggravated robbery, prosecutors said.

Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million vehicles

Austin C. Chace, 30, who has addresses in Salem, Leetonia and Boardman, was given an 18-month prison sentence.

Chcse had pleaded guilty on Aug. 2 to seven felony charges dealing with a Dec. 12, 2022, crime spree through Girard and Bazetta townships, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office.

He pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, five counts of theft and one count of receiving stolen property.

Prosecutors had said Chace was involved in four separate vehicle break-ins in Girard where wallets and credit cards were taken. In one case, the vehicle was stolen and the defendant had driven to the Walmart Supercenter in Bazetta, where he tried to use a stolen credit card to purchase a Visa gift card, reports stated.

Why the Cleveland Browns won’t be on TV in Youngstown this week

Assistant Prosecutor Mike Yacovone also told Judge Anthony D'Apolito in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that "the lines of communication are open" when asked if there have been plea negotiations with attorneys for Kimonie Bryant, 26, of Youngstown.

Bryant could face the death penalty if convicted of the September 2020 shooting death of Rowan Sweeney, 4. Sweeney was killed during a shooting that wounded four other people at the Perry Street home of his mother.

Police said the shooting took place during a home invasion.

Bryant's trial is set for Jan. 8.

Judge D'Apolito set a deadline of Nov. 1 for any pretrial motions in the case.

A second defendant, Brandon Crump, 20, is expected to go on trial Nov. 13.

A third defendant, Andre McCoy, 22, pleaded guilty in August for his role in Sweeney's death. He is not expected to be sentenced until the cases against the other two defendants are completed.

Judge R. Krichbaum handed down the sentence to Davontae Miller, 19, of Youngstown, who earlier pleaded guilty to improper discharge of a firearm at or into a habitation, a second-degree felony.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Miller will serve a sentence of one year for a firearm specification and then a sentence of three to four and a half years in prison on the improper discharge count.

The sentence was recommended by the attorneys in the case and upheld by Judge Krichbaum.

Miller and two others were charged after police on May 17 answered a gunshot sensor call in the 200 block of East Avondale Avenue and saw a car leave at a high rate of speed.

Police chased the car, which crashed into a tree on Cambridge Avenue. Assistant Prosecutor Michael Rich said Miller ran from the car and threw a handgun at police. He was caught after a brief foot chase.

No one was injured in the shooting. Police found 30 shell casings in the street, reports said.

Miller's lawyer, Frank Cassese, told the judge that his client has no criminal record and was set to receive a football scholarship. Miller had a 3.2 grade-point average in high school, Cassese said.

But substance issues plus the people he was spending time with led to a series of bad decisions that culminated in him being arrested and going to prison, Cassese said.

"There was a lot of promise, a lot of investment in him, Cassese said. "To me, this is one of those, 'you show me your friends, I'll show you your future' type things."

His client has no prior criminal record. Cassese said he is still young enough to make a life for himself when he gets out of prison but his decisions that night are decisions that are still life-altering.

"There's a lot of potential here, judge,' Cassese told Judge Krichbaum.

Miller apologized to his family and to the people in the house he was accused of shooting at.

"I didn't set a good example [for my siblings]," he said. "Hopefully, when I get out, I'll start a new life."

Judge Krichbaum called Miller's remarks "intelligent" and "well thought out." The judge said what has to happen to people in his situation is they need to realize the consequences their families will face when they participate in criminal activity with guns.

"Nobody ever thinks, 'What's going to happen to my family if I go down?'" Judge Krichbaum said.

Last week Miller's cousin Dante Miller, 19, received the same sentence. Rich said all three defendants were offered the same plea deal with the same recommended sentence and all three accepted that offer.

The third defendant, William Huff, 19, will be sentenced on Tuesday.

Are we missing something? Submit a Trick or Treat time.

This list will be updated as more communities set their times.

COLUMBIANA COUNTY

Calcutta: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

East Liverpool: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Leetonia: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Lisbon: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Liverpool Township: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

New Waterford: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Salem City: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Salineville: Parade begins at 5 p.m., immediately followed by Trick-or-Treat until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31

St. Clair Township: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Summitville: 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Wellsville: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Bessemer Borough: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Ellwood City: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Hickory Township: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

New Castle: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

New Wilmington Borough: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 (parade to follow)

Plain Grove Township: 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Union Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Shenango Township: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

MAHONING COUNTY

Austintown Township: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Beaver Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Boardman: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Canfield City: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Campbell: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Milton Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Poland Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Sebring Village: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Struthers: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31

Youngstown: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

MERCER COUNTY

Freedonia Borough: 4:30-6:30 Tuesday, Oct. 31

Greenville: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Grove City Borough: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Mercer Borough: 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Sharon: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Sharpsville Borough: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Shenango Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

TRUMBULL COUNTY

Braceville: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Bristol Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Brookfield Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Champion: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Cortland: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Fowler Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Girard: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Howland: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Hubbard City: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Hubbard Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Johnston Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Kinsman: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Liberty Township: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Lordstown: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Masury: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Newton Falls: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Southington: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Warren City: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Weathersfield: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

More Halloween and Fall events here

It was decided Wednesday that he will have to begin his prison term even though he's appealing his conviction and sentence.

Earlier this month, Kent was ordered to serve a year behind bars after a jury found him guilty on a charge of tampering with evidence. He was accused of resetting his cell phone to keep investigators from finding potentially incriminating photos and videos on it.

The case involved sexual misconduct allegations from a Poland Seminary High School student, but a jury found Kent not guilty of those charges.

This week, Kent's request to delay his sentence as he appeals the case was turned down.

Wednesday, members of the Boardman Lions Club were at Stadium Drive Elementary performing free vision screenings. The Lions Club paid for the vision-testing cameras, which cost $6,000 each.

Every year, they screen over 1,000 students in the district.

In the past, this program has discovered vision issues among children -- some of them being minor, while others are much more complex and would have gone undiagnosed.

"A lot of students, if you go to the doctor, they can't read the chart. They can't determine the letters. This one is so accurate and so quick. It saves an enormous amount of time," said Joni Blase, of the Lions Club.

About 10 percent of the kids who were screened will be referred to an eye doctor. If any of them need eyeglasses and can't afford them, the Lions Club will pick up the bill.

Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report.

Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million vehicles

Around 11:30 p.m. Friday, an officer pulled over a vehicle on South Broad Street near Lisbon Street that the officer noted was traveling 13 mph above the speed limit. The officer also noted that the vehicle traveled over marked lanes on multiple occasions.

According to a police report, the driver, 46-year-old Cedric Hall, said he was on his phone, trying to find a hotel.

Police said the vehicle smelled like marijuana, there appeared to be a marijuana shake on the vehicle's center console, and there were two children sleeping in the backseat without seatbelts on.

Police noted that Hall also smelled like alcohol, and he admitted to drinking a couple of shots of brandy, according to the report.

According to the report, Hall performed a field sobriety test during which time inconsistencies were noted, but he refused to take a breath test.

The report stated that officers found two open cans of Bud Light in the vehicle, as well as a bottle of Paul Masson brandy on the floorboard and a bag containing a small amount of marijuana.

A passenger in the vehicle, a 56-year-old woman, told police that the marijuana and beer belonged to her.

Report: Austintown native back in the NFL with new team

Police confiscated the marijuana and transported the woman and children to a hotel in North Lima. The woman was cited on an open container charge.

Police arrested Hall on charges of OVI, endangering children, possession of an open container and for traffic violations.

A pretrial in the case is scheduled for Oct. 27.

Firefighters were called to the intersection of Jacobs Road and Arcadia Avenue shortly before 7:30 a.m.

No one needed to be taken to the hospital.

The pole and wires are blocking Arcadia Street.

It all happened back on September 27, 2021 on Russell Avenue in Youngstown.

Police say Leonelli was shot multiple times and succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

Police believe he was targeted in the attack, but no one has come forward with answers.

If you know anything, call Youngstown Police Department.

Police asked for information on the 15-year-old boy's whereabouts after he left home Tuesday night and did not return.

Wednesday afternoon, police said the boy was back home safe.