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Giveaway rises from ashes of 2005 arson

GIRARD — It warms Ken MacPherson’s heart that a devastating and tragic event more than two decades ago that claimed three young lives also has given birth to something that continues to be perhaps as enduring and endearing as it is positive. “It was an absolutely horrendous act of evil, but this is about happiness,” he said. MacPherson, a former Warren city councilman, was referring to the Sept. 13, 2005, fire that killed Lena Cross, 22, and her sons, Christian Pizzulo, 1, and Mason Cross, 5, at their Dearborn Street residence. Compounding the tragedy was the later discovery ...

Battle of the badges builds camaraderie

NILES — The annual police vs. fire department softball game became a battle between Trumbull and Mahoning counties Saturday at 717 Credit Union Field at Eastwood with the Youngstown Fire Department winning the day. A game between the Warren fire and police departments was followed by a game between the Youngstown fire and police departments. The winners of the first two games faced off in a final showdown for first- responder bragging rights. “I felt that this would be a good way for our officers to come together, not only our department but Warren PD, and join the fire ...

Competition cultivates Valley flower gardeners

BOARDMAN — Dazzling blooms in nearly every imaginable color, shape and size were on display over the weekend as more than 35 exhibitors participated in the Mahoning Valley Dahlia Society’s annual Dahlia Show at the Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park. Growers traveled from throughout Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland and Wooster, as well as Mahoning and Trumbull counties, to showcase the results of months of cultivation and compete for top honors. According to MVDS President Harriet Chandler, judging is based on a variety of factors including size, color, form, ...

Church distributes back-to-school clothes

YOUNGSTOWN – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul hosted its annual Back to School Children’s Sock & Underwear Giveaway on Saturday. Part of St. Vincent’s Summer Outreach program, the event provides struggling families with essential clothing for children going back to school this fall. Approximately 200 people received items at the society’s pantry on Via Mount Carmel Avenue. Of those receiving clothes 133 were children and 73 adults. “It is part of the outreach program where we actually take our mission out the front door,” said Alan Ricks, executive director of St. ...

Boardman contractor misses probation-violation hearing

LISBON — A Boardman area contractor convicted in 2024 of stealing from clients was scheduled for a probation-violation hearing in three cases Friday, but he failed to show up in court. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam issued a bench warrant for John P. Bartos, 43, of Youngstown, when he did not arrive for the 10:30 a.m. hearing. His defense attorney, Frank Cassese, who was present, filed a motion shortly before the scheduled time of the hearing to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with his client. The prosecution had filed a motion ...

Vienna teen reported missing for second time

VIENNA — Mahoning Valley law enforcement agencies are again looking for an autistic Vienna teen who went missing this weekend. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has issued a missing child alert for Landyn Zagorski. Zagorski went missing Saturday afternoon and was last reported seen on Ridge Road in Vienna. He has autism and also takes medication. The teen was last seen wearing a light blue shirt, silver basketball shorts, black socks and no shoes. He is 16 with brown hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. Anyone with additional information or ...