Free program will help youths earn their GEDs
YOUNGSTOWN - A program will be offered to help youths earn their GED.
The Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association is accepting registration for Bestway, an eight-week program available to people ages 17 to 21 who want to acquire their GED.
Classes begin in February and will be held at the MCTA office, 9 W. Front St., Youngstown.
The program is free, and participants also will have the opportunity to receive up to $500 upon successful completion of the program.
The current GED procedure will change at the end of 2013, when testing fees will increase and scores for portions of the test will expire if the entire test has not been passed. To register or for more information, call 330-259-0670, Ext. 6145.
High winds cause power outages in Howland, Bazetta
HOWLAND - Strong winds late Thursday were causing power outages in the area.
A 911 spokesman said power was reported out in the Elm Road and North River Road areas near Walmart in Bazetta. He also said there were a few auto accidents though there were no injuries.
The National Weather Service was forecasting snow for the area today and Saturday.
Attempt to start fire fails at South Side home
YOUNGSTOWN - Firefighters say an attempt to set a South Side home on fire about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday failed.
Crews called for a report of a fire at 33 E. Earle Ave. found no fire but were told by police on the scene that someone had thrown two bottles filled with gasoline at the home.
One bottle was thrown at the front porch but did not ignite and a second bottle thrown at the back stairs did ignite but was out before firefighters arrived. Crews soaked the spot down just to make sure before leaving.
Ex-State of Ohio employee accused of GED tampering
COLUMBUS - A former Ohio Education Department employee has been charged with tampering with records and forgery involving high school diploma equivalency certifications in Ohio.
The Ohio inspector general's office said Thursday that 41-year-old Kathleen Garner of Columbus was indicted last week in Franklin County on two counts of tampering with records and one forgery count. The state says she resigned from the education department in August.
Obituary deadlines earlier on Christmas Eve
WARREN - Due to an earlier press time, deadlines for obituaries and pending notices will be earlier on Christmas Eve.
Obituaries are due by 3 p.m. Dec. 24 for publication in the Dec. 25 paper. Pending notices will be due by 5 p.m.
Normal deadlines will resume Dec. 25.
For more information, contact the Tribune Chronicle obituary desk at 330-841-1738, Ext. 762.
Staff, wire reports