Democrats talk to women

Democrats talk to women

The Barack Obama campaign and the Ohio Democratic Party Women’s Caucus are having events this weekend to reach out to women to discuss the Democrat’s candidacy for president. More than 60 events are being held statewide.

Locally, those going door-to-door for Obama are to meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Dutch House, 14895 South Avenue Extension in Columbiana. There’s also a house meeting at 5 p.m. in Boardman at 4117 Oak Knoll Drive.

Murderer found competent

WARREN — A convicted murderer from Warren is closer to the death penalty after a court rejected his appellate claim that he is mentally retarded.

The 11th District Court of Appeals affirmed that Danny Lee Hill, who raped and mutilated 12-year-old Raymond Fife in 1985, is eligible for the death penalty because he is not mentally retarded.

A 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling banned the execution of the mentally retarded, calling it cruel and unusual punishment.

Autism society open house

AUSTINTOWN — The Tri-County Autism Society will have an open house at 6 p.m. Monday at its new office at 1749 Raccoon Road. The facility will allow parents of children with autism to obtain general information and other resources related to the disability, and will be the site of the society’s monthly support group meetings, said Dan Gallagher, president. The event will feature food, entertainment and activities for children. The Tri-County Autism Society serves those in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties and is the local chapter of the Autism Society of America. The office will likely be open three days a week and one night, though hours are to be determined, Gallagher said. For more information, contact Gallagher or Heidi Duhon at (330) 720-2066.