Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham has again released a summary of School District Financial Statistics for the 14 school districts in Mahoning County. The data was compiled from Cupp reports, five year forecasts and salary information provided by school district treasurers.
      In addition to the financial information, the data shows enrollment in the Boardman Local School System has declined by 14 per cent since Fiscal Year 2019.
      According to the county auditor’s report, in 2019, enrollment in the Boardman Local Schools was 4,446; and in Fiscal Year 2022 enrollment dipped to 3,819.
      “This report is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather to show relevant financial and demographic data to taxpayers in a comparative format,” Meacham said, adding “All information contained in the report is public information, as is the information is available on the Auditor’s Financial Transparency webpage.
      “On average, school districts in Mahoning County receive 60% of property tax proceeds, which the County Auditor is responsible for distributing. This year we anticipate distributing over $160 million in tax revenues to schools. I believe taxpayers are interested in and entitled to know how Mahoning County school districts compare to each other and how they are changing over time. Key measurements include total enrollment, cost per student and revenue sources. The purpose of this report is to make taxpayers aware of how their taxes are being spent and to encourage active dialog with school boards and administrators,” Meacham stated.
      Meacham noted “the population in Mahoning County continues to decline with fewer school-aged children. Most school districts face lower enrollment and higher cost per student. Some districts have turned to open enrollment to boost enrollment. Ohio is changing the formula for the amount an open enrollment student brings with them. The change in state school support will impact the financial effect of open enrollment in the eight districts participating. For example, Jackson-Milton School District has 195 open enrollment students out of 800 total students. State revenue per student was $4,669 in 2022, and total cost per student was $13,392, leaving local revenue of $8,430. As state support decreases, school administrators must calculate the financial impact, and cost to residents, of educating students from other districts.”
      According to data contained in the county auditor’s report, local revenue accounts for 63.74 per cent of funding for the Boardman Local School District.
      By comparison, local funding only amounts to 15.58 per cent of revenues for the Youngstown City School District, where the superintendent’s annual salary is listed at $195,400.
      In Boardman Local Schools, the superintendent’s annual salary is $92,407 (under a retire-rehire program).
      In Canfield Local Schools, the superintendent’s annual salary is $132,498 and in the Poland Local Schools, the superintendent’s annual salary is reported at $127,500.
      On average, upwards of 85 per cent of area school district revenues go to salaries and fringe benefits for employees.
      In the Youngstown City Schools, known for achieving failing grades on state report cards, the average annual salary of a classroom teachers for Fiscal Year 2022 was reported at $53,292.
      In the Boardman Local Schools, the average salary for classroom teachers for Fiscal Year 2022 is reported at $61,427.
      Despite failing state report cards, according to Meacham’s report, average per pupil expenditure in the Youngstown City Schools for Fiscal Year 2022 was reported at $28,967.
      During the same period, average per pupil expenditure in the Boardman Local Schools was $12,118.
      According to statistics compiled by the county auditor office, the total budget for the Youngstown City Schools in 2022 was $87.718 million.
      In Boardman Local Schools, the 2022 total budget was $42.944 million.

     Sunday, October 1st, Boardman Rotary will hold its 47th annual Oktoberfest, an outdoor arts and crafts event, on Sun., Oct. 1 at Boardman Park. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
      More than 150 vendors fill the park for this one-day event that draws over 15,000 people annually. Aside from traditional arts and crafts, the show includes vendors offering jewelry, baked goods, custom products, and clothing. A food court will be filled with all the local favorites from sausage sandwiches, fries, and sweet treats for all to enjoy.
      The YMCA of Boardman will provide entertainment packed with physical exercise and fun for kids and families. Live performances will be held throughout the day at the Maag Pavilion and the Boardman Spartan Marching Band will march down the midway.
      All funds raised at this event support local schools, organizations, and non-profits such as the
      Boy Scouts, Easter Seals, Beatitude House, Salvation Army, and the YWCA.
      The 2023 Title Sponsors for this event are Stifel and Jones Wealth Management. There is limited parking onsite, as well as off-site parking with bussing provided at Southwoods Commons on Southern Blvd., just south of the park.
      Admission is $5.00 per person. Children under 12 are free.
      This year’s event is being co-chaired by Rotarians Liam Jones and Tina Chance, under the
      leadership of Club President Shawn Golden

     Property Owner Given Final Notice To Clean The Site Up
     
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Seventh District Court of Appeals has upheld a Mahoning County Common Pleas verdict that sentenced a woman to a suspended 30-day jail sentence (while placed under two years of community control) after she was found guilty of criminal trespassing (reduced from the original charge of breaking and entering) into a home in the historic Newport Glen neighborhood.
      An Akron-based attorney, Don Pond, appointed at public cost, claimed in the appeal that when convicted, Desmonique Hammonds, 33, was not given her ‘right’ to address the trial court judge, Anthony D’Apolito, during sentencing, and as well, the court abused its discretion in giving the woman a suspended jail sentence.
      “It is extremely concerning when a person who disapproves of the results of a civil proceeding takes criminal steps to attempt to undo court actions,” said the Seventh District decision authored by Judge Carol Ann Robb, who added “This is especially true where the entire situation appeared manufactured (by Hammonds).” Judges Cheryl Waite and Mark Hanni concurred.
      On Sept. 14, 2021, five Boardman police officers were sent to 157 Newport Dr. to investigate a female was inside the vacant home.
      Ptl. Nicholas Brent said police met with agents of the property owner, who called attention to a limousine parked in the driveway, and numerous lights on inside the home. They were told the female believed to be in the home was Hammonds, who had been evicted in Dec., 2020.
      According to police, the day before they were sent to the home, Hammonds had signed a ‘Turn-On Release’ and made a deposit with the Youngstown Water Department for service at the residence. That same day she contacted Allied Locksmiths for a service call and door opening.
      Hammonds told police she had not been evicted from the home (4,584 sq-ft, with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and three fireplaces) and indeed, she did hold the real deed to the property
      She was arrested by police, who said they believed Hammonds had deceptively entered the home and was trespassing by denying the property owner of his right to the home. Hammonds was taken to jail, and her mother came to the home and took custody of her children.
     
      * * * * * * * * * *
      In May, 2019 the Mahoning County Treasurer filed a foreclosure notice against the then owners of 157 Newport Dr., who were identified as Donald and Stephen Shetterly, who were given notice at the residence in Indiana. Certified mail sent to any unknown residents at the home was returned to the post office as unclaimed about a month later, Judge Robb said, adding in Nov. 2019, [Hammonds] went to the county treasurer’s attorney “asking for a quit claim deed and then leaving in an upset state.”
      On Aug. 18, 2020, the property was sold at a sheriff’s sale for $151,000 to Portage Banc LLC, of Kent, Oh., as the appellant court noted “through its statutory agent, Jitendra Kapasi,” and some four months later, a Mahoning County deputy sheriff posted a 30 day notice on the home that ordered anyone living there (particularly Hammonds) to leave by Jan. 30, 2021.
      Three days later Hammonds sent an email to an internal affairs investigator at the sheriff’s department, complaining that she was given a three-day notice and no eviction action had been filed against her in any municipal court of Mahoning County.”
      The investigator told Hammonds the only way to stop the process was through court proceedings,” Judge Robb said, noting Hammonds was unsuccessful in her attempts to do so.
      Hammonds then made complaints against the sheriff’s deputy and Boardman police, however, as Judge Robb said “In doing so, she acknowledged receiving the [eviction] notice posted on the property, while complaining no eviction had been filed.”
      The locks on the home were changed, and the home was checked by police and found to be vacant. However, as the appellate court noted, “Sometine thereafter, an agent (of the property owner, Kapasi) stopped to check on the property and noticed someone broke in through the back door, and while there, he overheard Hammonds speaking on a phone call.
      In mid-April, 2021, Hammonds contacted the property owner, asking if she could rent the home for $250/month and make repairs.
      According to Judge Robb’s decision, the property owner did not respond and later told the trial court the offer was extremely low, the house had been trashed and Hammonds had previously threatened him over the phone.
      Judge Robb pointed out when Hammonds met a locksmith at the home on Sept. 13, 2021, “she pulled up in a limousine and told the locksmith she had locked her keys inside the house.” Judge Robb pointed out that Hammonds had a piece of mail and a driver’s license that matched the Newport Dr. address, and the locksmith let her into the home.
      Police learned that the new property owner (Kapasi) had turned the water service off, but Hammonds was able to have service restored after she displayed her driver’s license and a document purported to be a five-year lease.
      On appeal, Hammonds’ counsel claimed his client was not allowed to address the lower court at her sentencing “on her own behalf and present any information in mitigation of punishment,” a point on which Judge Robb said that Atty. Pond replied in court “We don’t have anything else to say.” Hammonds first assignment of error was thus overruled.
      Her counsel also argued the maximum suspended jail sentence was unlawful, constituting an abuse of discretion and was unjust and unfair.
      “The overriding purposes of misdemeanor sentencing are to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others, and to punish the offender,” Judge Robb said. She noted that evidence presented at Hammonds trial in the lower court “could reasonably be viewed as one of the worst forms of criminal trespass. Hammonds broke into the house by falsely telling a locksmith she locked herself out of her house. She moved herself and her children into the house from which she had been removed seven months earlier.
      “The imposition of a suspended 30-day jail sentence (with two years of community control), was not an abuse of discretion.”
      And as Judge Robb said, the lower court also told Hammonds her two years of community control would be suspended if she found stable housing and “abandoned her obsession with the property at issue.”
      * * * * * * * * * *
      On Aug. 4, an inspector from the Boardman Township Planning/Zoning Office inspected the home at 157 Newport Dr. It was the third inspection of the property, according to township zoning records.
      Inspector Shaun Heffner said the property failed, raising questions about the condition of a rear porch and stairs, noting exterior walls are damaged and deteriorating, there is vegetation and plant overgrowth around sidewalks, lamp posts, and a basketball hoop; areas of the roof are in disrepair with weeds and debris in the gutters, and windows, doors and screens are damaged.
      The property owner, Portage Bank LLC (not a bank), at 7799 St. Rt. 43, Kent, Oh., (Jitendra Kapasi agent), was advised “Please work on the violations and the overall condition and maintenance of the property. Clean up any rubbish/tree debris and make repairs…
      “If you do not bring this property to compliance by Fri., Aug. 25, Boardman Township will issue a violation citation.”
      Kapasi reportedly owns at least two other properties in Boardman, and also owned the former Terrace Motel on Market St. in Boardman that was closed down and demolished after Boardman police raided the establishment and charged several persons living in the motel with drug violations. The motel was noted for a sign at the clerk’s desk that read “No refunds after five minutes.”
      In June, 2022 when Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge Anthong D’Apolito found Desmonique Hammonds guilty of criminal trespassing (reduced from an original charge of breaking and entering) at 157 Newport Dr., he suspended 27 days of a 30 day jail sentence, he imposed a two-year community control sanction supervised by the Mahoning County Probation Department, and told Hammonds “if a violation of community control occurs, a more severe sanction may be imposed including a 30 day jail term and a fine.”
      Early in Apr., 2023, the Penn Hills Police Department, in Allegheny County, Pa., contacted Boardman police requesting local law enforcement check at 157 Newport Dr. to see if Hammonds may have returned to home. According to the Allegheny County police, Hammonds had reported her 12-year-old daughter was missing and ran away from their home in Pennsylvania. However, after making the claim the daughter was missing, Allegheny police said Hammonds would not cooperate with their investigation.
      While investigators with the Allegheny County Child Abduction Response Team were conducting their investigation into the missing girl, they found that Hammonds had fled from her home, and during a vehicular pursuit, the woman evaded law enforcement. Hammonds was eventually located at a home on Boston Ave. in Youngstown, where she was arrested on charges of obstruction and fleeing and eluding.
      Her daughter was located, unharmed.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      As the Boardman Fire Department will turn 100-years-old in October, former Chief Jim Dorman will release a two-volume book, “Signal 55,” after spending the last six years gathering information and photographs, including interviews with 41 past and present fire-fighters, for the work.
      Dorman served as chief of the Boardman Fire Department from 1996 to Apr. 1, 2001. He first served as a volunteer fireman in 1968, and became a full-time fireman in 1972.
      While serving as chief, Dorman often looked through records of the BFD.
      “I began to think that no one really knew the history of the Boardman Fire Department, so I felt an obligation to organize and preserve it, so our fire-fighters knew our history. The led me to writing the book,” Dorman said.
      According to the former fire chief, the Boardman Fire Department was founded on Sept. 10, 1923
      Early in the 20th century, Boardman Township was known as a farming community. About 2500 people lived in the town, where large farms abounded. The Agnew Farm was known for its potato crops, and just south of that was the Garver farms, where corn was grown in field that stretched from present day Market St., along West Western Reserve Rd. to Hitchcock Rd. The Hitchcock Farm, stretching from what is today the intersection of Rt. 224 and Market St., all the way down to Hitchcock Rd. was known for its various herds of livestock.
      “Around the 1920s, there were several, large fires in Boardman,” Dorman said, including one that leveled eight barns on the Hitchcock Farm, and two others at homes of prominent residents---the McKay Family (founders of Home, Saving and Loan) on South Ave., and another at the home of H.C Heintzleman, who was a township trustee.
      “The farmers used to hang buckets on fences so they could use water to fight any fires that started,” Dorman says. “After the rash of bad fires, a group of about 20 men began to gather in a boiler room at The Boardman School (now Center Intermediate) to figure out how to form a fire department.”
      Dorman said at the time, if there was a large fire in the township, Youngstown city fire-fighters would be called to help fight a blaze.
      “Since the roads were all dirt at that time, their truck would get stuck in the mud,” Dorman said.
      Among those 20 men, one was Merle Gifford, who operated a grocery store near what is now Rt. 22 (it used to be Ohio Ave.) and Southern Blvd.
      “He took the lead and in Sept., 1923, Township Trustees C.T. Geiger, C.H. Stafford and S.H. McClurg, approved the formation of the Boardman Fire Department,” Dorman says.
      Gifford became the department’s first chief.
      Boardman’s ‘first fire truck’ was nothing more than two, 40-gallon tanks atop a model-T truck. There was no money available, and trustees could not buy a ‘real’ fire truck. To find money for equipment, the fire department (then all volunteers) would hold community plays, picnics and holiday events.
      “The fire department became a social hub of the community, and in addition to raising money for the department, funds were also used to raise money for the poor. The fire department was a big part of the community,” Dorman says.
      By 1927, enough money had been raised to build the first Boardman Fire Station (located where a Sheetz now sits at Southern Blvd. and Boardman-Poland Rd.). The two-story, one-bay building cost $7000.
      Up until the mid-1950s, there were only seven, full-time fire-fighters, and the bulk of the manpower was provided by upwards of 35 volunteer fire-fighters.
      “At the time and for several years thereafter, field fires were rampant in Boardman. There were so many open fields. People would burn trash on windy days and the fields would catch fire. There were days when firemen would be out all day long fighting field fires,” Dorman recalls.
      During the 1950s, Boardman began to change from a sleepy farming community to a center of retail and commercial activity in Mahoning County, particularly as Edward J. DeBartolo began to build the Greater Boardman Plaza. As the community began to grow, including housing developments, so did manpower needs of the Boardman Fire Department.
      Eventually, and along with the formation of a union, volunteer firemen were driven out of the department until there are none today. As well, calls for fires decreased, while medically-related calls (whether needed or not) increased.
      Dorman recalls perhaps the first, major fire the newly-formed Boardman Fire Department fought was in 1924 at Southern Park Race Track at what is now Southern Blvd. And McClurg Rd. The site was serviced by trolley cars and drew crowds of 10,000 people or more to horse races. There were also tennis courts, band stand and baseball fields there.
      “Several structures caught fire, but what was unique is our fire truck got stuck on a muddy road. A bunch of firemen picked-up the truck and carried it over a swampy area to get it to the fire scene,” Dorman said.
      During the more ‘modern era,’ Dorman recalls perhaps the most damage caused by a fire was at Stambaugh Thompson’s in the Boardman Plaza in Sept. 1987 that caused some $2.5 million in damages.
      Another bad fire was in Apr., 1965 at the Boardman Lumber Co. (at Southern Blvd. and Boardman-Poland Rd.) when several structures burned to the ground, including all the lumber supply buildings.
      In 1930, a barn, said at the time to be among the largest barns in the state of Ohio, burned to the ground on the Hitchcock Farm, killing livestock and destroying wheat and oats stored in the building.
      A major duty of firemen in the 1930, 40s, and 50s was pumping water out of basements following heavy rains.
      Dorman says that he believes the biggest change in the operating of a modern-day fire department compared to earlier days of fire-fighting is equipment---among the two most useful being air packs for fire-fighters and the use of thermal imaging.
      Dorman grew-up in Boardman on Oregon Trail and graduated from Boardman High School in 1967.
      A year later he joined the Boardman Fire Department, influenced by his father, who served as a volunteer fireman.
      “I started writing the book in 2017, and once I started writing, I was surprised at how time-consuming it was,” Dorman says.
      On Sat., Sept. 9, Chief Dorman will preview his book during a presentation to the Boardman Historical Society, and on the same day he will be at Boardman Park for Community Day, to sell and sign his work, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
      On Sat., Oct. 7, he will be at Mr. Darby’s on Market St., that is owned and operated by Bob and Karen Neapolitan. Five members of the Neapolitan family served as volunteer fire-fighters in Boardman.

     There will be three candidates for two seats on the Boardman Board of Education in the Nov. 7 general elections, including two write-in candidates. Incumbent Frank Zetts will seek re-election. Two write-in candidates have also filed with the Mahoning County Board of Elections. They are Candy Rivera and Tex Fischer. Incumbent school board member Jeff Barone will not seek re-election.

     Boardman Fire Chief Mark Pitzer labeled 2022 as a “roller coaster year” that he cannot look back on “without great concern.”
      The chief released that message in his department’s annual report for 2022, that was released in Aug. 2023.
      “For as many positive strides we have made as an organization over the years, I cannot ignore the challenges that plagued our department [in 2022],” Pitzer said.
      Noting that eight members of the Boardman Fire Department left their posts last year.
      “This is a very alarming trend, equating to nearly 25 per cent of out department,” the chief said, adding “this turnover has several contributing factors---low wages and high health care costs seem to be at the top of the list.
      “Another factor is that most career fire departments provide advanced life support services.
      “The vast majority of fire-fighters hired have paramedic credentials and they want to function as a paramedic providing a higher level of care. Many recommendations have been made to the administration regarding these issues, and we are hoping improvements can be made in the future.”
      Chief Pitzer said in addition to staffing struggles, emergency medical services “continued to be an issue with the community...resulting in the unavailability of ambulances to respond to medical emergencies, requiring [the Boardman Fire Department] to call for mutual aid from neighboring fire departments.”
      During 2022, according to Chief Pitzer, the Cardinal Joint Fire District answered over 100 medical calls in Boardman. However, in August of this year, the joint fire district said they will no longer provide ambulance service to Boardman “due to our inability to provide reciprocal services,” the chief said, adding “All other surrounding fire departments who have also provided mutual aid wrote similar letters and emails stating the same.”
      Without mutual aid ready at hand, Chief Pitzer said “This has placed a significant burden and hardship on out department and community, resulting is delayed responses of up to 45 minutes in some cases.”
      The chief said “As someone who is tasked with the safety of our community, I have serious concerns for the well-being of our residents and our firefighters.”

     The 14th annual Panerathon 10K/2-mile fun run/walk was held Sun., Aug. 27 held at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. More than 10,000 people raised more than $600,000 to benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Among those competing in the event were pictured, from left, Abbi Mihok, Mackenzie Riccitelli, Colleen Sullivan and Lauryn Swantek, all from Bordman. Age division winners from Boardman included Amanda Ford, master’s women division; Jacob Turek, 13, in the 15 and under division; Alan Burns, 26, in the 25-29 division; and Gary Ford, 57, in the 55-59 division.

      Erica Galvin, coordinator of communications at St. Charles Parish in Boardman, has graduated with a Master of Pastoral Studies Degree from the Loyola University of New Orleans Extension program (LIMEX). Additionally, Galvin was granted the Loyola Institute for Ministry Scholar Award, demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.

     The Angels of Easterseals presented a check for $106,726 to Jody Klase, CEO of Easterseals, as their fundraising gift from events held during the past year. The presentation was made at the home of Emily DeToro. Piccadilly Parlor provided the main course and Emily contributed her culinary skills for soups, salad and dessert. The Angels’ next event is ‘Friendsgiving,’ set for Saturday, November 4 at Tippecanoe Country Club. Also, the Angels welcomed six, new members. They are Andrea DeToro Rupeka, Mandy Corvino, Mary Ann Navaro, Missy Jackson, Maureen Guterriez and Trina McCain Pictured, in front, from left, Patricia Ceglie, and Jody Klase, CEO Easterseals. In back, from left, Joan Zarlenga, Geri Kosar, Cathy Campana, Angels past president; and Susan Berny, Angels president. Easterseals serves multi-generational clients throughout their lives with the following services: Adult Day Center, Community Center for the Deaf, Deaf Kids Enrichment Club, Home Delivered Meals, Kindergarten Readiness, Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies, School Based Mental Health, Summer Camp-Kinship Camp, Teen Group and Transportation. For more information, visit the Angels website at: www.mtc.easterseals.com or call 330-743-1168.
     

     Meeting on Monday night, a report from Treasurer Arthur Ginnetti III showed revenue for the Boardman Local School District in Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) was $73.8 million.
      Expenses for the district during the same time frame were approximately $66.9 million, Ginnetti said.
      “Revenues have exceeded expenses in all funds by approximately $6.9 million,” Ginnetti said in his June financial report to the school board.
      Named as assistant principal at Glenwood Jr. High School was Brianne Severn, who was granted a three-year contract at $76,348 annually.
      Haley Blangero was granted a one-year limited contract ($40,870) as a sixth grade language arts teacher. She will replace Samantha Steele. Ms. Blangero received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.
      Lindsey Mack was granted a one-year limited contract ($40,870) as an intervention specialist at Center Intermediate School. She will replace Patricia Passarelli. Ms. Mack received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.
      Kaylee Randall was granted a one-year limited contract ($40,870) as a first grade teacher at Stadium Dr. Elementary School. She will place Cindy Bassett. Ms. Randall received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.
      The school board accepted the following resignations:
       • Wendy Kennedy, district speech and language pathologist;
       •Lisa Macciomei, Center Intermediate School intervention specialist,;
       •Eric Simione, noted high school social studies teacher;
       •Bryan Thompson, district school psychologist, resignation effective July 14, 2023.
       •Susan Bole, Glenwood Junior High School cafeteria server;
       •Jim Gahagan, bus driver;
       •Alessandra LaMonica, West Boulevard Elementary School teacher aide; and
       •Gay Mowery, Robinwood Lane Elementary School, noontime monitor.
      The school board accepted the following resignations from supplemental and pupil activity contracts:
       • Jamie Malish, Robinwood Elementary School language arts curriculum coordinator;
       •Noelle Matiste, high school Key Club advisor;
       •Eric Simione, high school Student Council advisor; and
       •Karen Rohan, high school drama business manager.
      Parental leaves of absence were approved for Alexis Drass and Sarah King.
      Limited, one year contracts were given to the following:
       •Patricia Ambrosini, 2.5 hr-server at Center Intermediate School;
       •Mary Friedberg bus driver replacing Ron Leone Jr.;
       •Maria Klacik, independent library aide at Robinwood Elementary School replacing Deborah Slaven;
       •Jessica Meyers, 2.5 hr-server at Glenwood Junior High School replacing Sandra Watson; and
       •Eileen Ramunno, independent Aide at Glenwood Junior High School replacing Natasha LaVolpa.
      Approved as curriculum coaches were the following:
       • Kristin Conroy, math coach at a rate of $28/hour and not to exceed 29.5 hours per week (to be paid from Title IIA Funds);
       •Lisa Hughes, literacy coach at a rate of $28/hour and not to exceed 29.5 hours per week (to be paid from Title IIA Funds);
       •Lori O’Heren, gifted coach at a rate of $28/hour and not to exceed 29.5 hours per week.
      Supplemental contracts were okayed for the following:
       • Haley Blangero, Glenwood Junior High School seventh grade volleyball coach, $4536;
       •Christine Carucci, high school orchestra assistant. $3780;
       •Laura Frost, Glenwood Junior High School Hope Club, $567;
       •Scott Lenhart, Glenwood Junior High School, Hope Club, $567;
       •Michele Prokop, high school Drama business manager, $2268;
       •Candace Wright, Robinwood Lane Elementary School language arts curriculum coordinator, $3780;
       •Scott Burns, high school Project Mayhem, $1890;5%
       •Claire Ferrando, high school volleyball assistant coach, $3402;
       •Khaled Kassem, high school boys soccer assistant coach, $3402;
       •Nader Kassem, high school boys soccer assistant coach, $3024; and
       •Tramane Pixley, high school freshman football coach, $4536.
      Approved as a high school girls cross country volunteer coach was Jacob Lape.
      Kristin Conroy was named to serve as Title 1 coordinator for the 2023-2024 school year and receive a stipend of $11,000 to be paid with Title 1 Federal Funds spread through 24 pays.
      The following employees were approved as hourly staff at $22/hour, not to exceed 29.5 hours per week, and not to exceed 1,110 hours per year for the 2023-2024 school year (to be paid out of Title 1 Funds):
       •Loraine Clark, Stacey Boccieri, Kelley Cervello, Sasha Detwiler Thomas, Jerome Gentile, Casie Joyce, Colleen Kather, Tiffany King, Erica Knapp, Renee LaBelle, Cherilyn Latimer, Frances Machuga, Janie Morckel, Georgiana Naoum, Timothy Niles, Susan Novak, Carolyn Nybell, Tom Olenych, Gary Orosz, Roula Saab, Melissa Seiple and Randi Wolfe.

     11 persons are slated for induction into the Boardman High School Hall of Fame in ceremonies set for Sun., Sept. 24 at Waypoint in Canfield. In addition, Boardman High School’s 1991 state runner-up baseball team will be honored. Members of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 are Jen Hlebovy Church, class of 2003, volleyball; Kris King, class of 2001, baseball; Evan Klepec, class of 2008, football and track and field; Jacob Lape and Richard Lape, class of 2007, track and field and cross country; Liz Lindsley, class of 1985, track and field; Rusty Morrison, class of 1972, tennis; Tim Morrow, class of 2006, golf; Connor O’Halloran, class of 2008, swimming; Dave Pavlansky, coach; and Courtney Schiffhauer Passas, basketball, 2008. The Hall of Fame event is sponsored by the Boardman Booster Club. Tickets for the ceremonies are $75/person. For further information contact Diana Alvino at 330-758-7819.

     A 10-Year Member of Toastmasters International Local #408, Greg Smith, president of Compco Industries, has been awarded a Certificate of Proficiency that finalizes his Effective Coaching Pathway. “I started this before COVID,” Smith said, adding, “and with COVID, it really set me back because I had a good rhythm going, so getting back into it was hard. But once I started again I was able to get it back. It took two years.”
      Smith is also a Vocal Coach for people all over the world, including singer Roger Love. Newly-elected local Toastmasters president Debbie Larson (pictured with Smith) noted the certificate enhances the theme of the 2023-24 Toastmaster Year, that is “You Have The Permission To Be Great,” and includes ‘The Permission to Act,’ ‘The Permission to Grow,’ ‘The Permission to Make Mistakes and to Right Those Mistakes’ and ‘The Permission to Be Great!’ Larson added, “I am proud of Greg Smith for completing this path. Although it looks good on our new administration, but really we’ve had great outgoing officers that really get the credit for keeping the club and the momentum going through Covid and afterward.”

     Meeting last week, Boardman Township’s Board of Trustees approved the 2023 road resurfacing program at a cost of $1.093 million. 21 streets will be resurfaced and the work will be done by Sheely and Sands, the low bidder for the project.
      2023 Boardman road resurfacing projects follow:
       •Crestline, from Market St. to Sheldon Ave.
       •Stadler Ave., from Washington Blvd. to the dead end.
       •Glenwoods Ct., from Glenwood Ave. to a cul-de-sac.
       •Nevada Ave., from Southern Blvd. to Tod Ave.
       •Shadyside Dr., from Southern Blvd. to the dead end.
       •Clifton Dr., from Southern Blvd. to Erie.
       •Terrace Dr., from Southern Blvd. to Erie.
       •Erie, from Clifton Dr. to Terrace Dr.
       •Appleridge Circle, from Kentwood Dr. to Appleridge Dr.
       •Sylvia Lane, from Hopkins Rd. to the dead end.
       •Donmar, from Hopkins Rd. to Sylvia Lane.
       •Laverne Rd., from Hopkins Rd. to the dead end.
       •Anderson Rd., from Hopkins Rd. to the dead end.
       •Forestridge Dr., from Oakridge Dr. to Mapleridge Dr.
       •Trailwood Dr., from Bristlewood to Applewood Blvd.
       •Homestead Dr., from Southern Blvd. to the dead end.
       •Park Ave., from Maple Dr. to the dead end.
       •Black Friar, from Tippecanoe Rd., to Green Glen Dr.
       •St. Albans, from Green Glen Dr. to Little Johns Place.
       •Heather Creek Dr., from Loch Heath Lane to the cul-de-sac.
       •Jackson Place, from South Cadillac Dr. to Wildwood Dr.
       •Loch Heath Lane, from Hopkins Rd. to the cul-de-sac.
       •Presidential Ct., from South Ave. to Presidential Ct.
       •Red Grouse, from Loch Heath Lane to the cul-de-sac.
       •Yakata Doro, from St. Albans to the dead end.
       •Miltrace Rd., from Lockwood Blvd. to Truesdale Rd.
       •Oak Knoll Dr., from Overhill Rd. to the dead end.
       •California, from Rt. 224 for Southwoods Dr.
       •Trenholm Rd., from Rt. 224 to Melbourne Ave.
       Thalia Rd., from Lake Park Rd. to the Youngstown city limits.
      Township Administrator Jason Loree said the resurfacing work will begin within two to three weeks.

     At a court hearing before Common Pleas Judge R. Scott Krichbaun on Monday centering on allegations a home at 8383 Glenwood Ave. is being used as a business, Boardman Township, and defendants in the matter (represented by Atty. Mark Lavelle) agreed that a “joint stipulation of facts” will be submitted to the court by July 21.
      After the stipulations of facts are presented to the court, counsel for Boardman Township, Atty Matthew Vansuch, said the court “will issue its decision expeditiously.
      “In the meantime, the current agreed order prohibiting the property owners from hosting any social gatherings remains in place.”
      The initial hearing on the matter before Judge Krichbaum concluded with an agreement that the owner of 8383 Glenwood Ave., Michelle Firman, and residents, Taylor Moore and Malcom A. Carter, will not “schedule, organize, promote or host any social gathering...until further court order.”
      The use of the home for rental purposes first came to the attention of Boardman Township during the Memorial Day weekend when large crowds of people gathered there, and a resident said “only” the swimming pool was rented out.
      “The agreement is very clear,” Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree said, noting that “any person who violates the terms and conditions of that (initial) order will be subject to sanction for contempt of court and will be arrested and held, without bond, pending a hearing upon the court’s earliest availability.”
      Stipulation of Facts Already Agreed To
      The following “facts” agreed to by Boardman Township and defendant in the matter at 8383 Glenwood Ave., include the following---
       •In May 2023, [defendant Taylor Moore) created a public profile for the residence as a ‘Luxury Pool Party Rental.’
       •The Luxury Pool Party Rental...is advertised...to accommodate up to 100 guests with parking for up to ten cars on the driveway and on the street.
       •Moore charges customers for the privilege of renting out and using the residence’s backyard as the Luxury Pool Party Rental.
      •The residence (at 8383 Glenwood Ave.) was rented out to individuals other that the defendants (Michelle Firman, Taylor Moore and Malcom Carter)...for ‘One Epic Pool Party’ on May 29; and admission was charged for the event.
       •8383 Glenwood Ave. is located in a single family residential district....where commercial uses are not permitted.
      Cease and Desist
      In addition to the case before Judge Krichbaum, the Mahoning County Health Department has issued a cease and desist order on property at 8383 Glenwood Ave., where residents have rented a swimming pool to members of the public in a residential area.
      The cease and desist letter was issued to the listed homeowner at 8383 Glenwood Ave., identified as Michelle Firman.
      Notes the letter, “On or about June 7, Mahoning County Public Health was made aware that guests of your residence were being charged a fee to use the swimming pool located at 8383 Glenwood Ave.
      “Please be made aware that since a fee is being charged, the swimming pool no longer meets the definition of a private residential swimming pool and to continue to operate this way, a license must be issued by Mahoning County Public Health.”
      Colton Masters, Health Board environmental health director, told Firman the Ohio Revised Code states that “No person shall operate or maintain a public swimming pool...without a license.
      “Since the swimming pool located at 8383 Glenwood Ave. has not been licensed in the past, the swimming pool would not be able to classify as an existing pool and would require plans to be submitted and approved by the Ohio Department of Health, prior to a license being issued.”

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Daniel Slagle Jr., 72, who served as executive director of Boardman Park for 40 years, died Wed., June 28, following complications from surgery. He had retired as the park’s executive director in 2022.
      Mr. Slagle’s devoted his entire adult life to Boardman Park, a tenure that spanned some 50 years.
      He made his home in the historic Diehm House, the former residence of legendary Boardman Court Judge Edgar J. Diehm.
      A 1969 graduate of Boardman High School, Mr. Slagle’s tenure with the park began in 1972 when he was hired as a groundskeeper. While working at the park, he earned an associates degree in natural science from Youngstown State University, then continued at YSU, earning a bachelor of science degree in Combined Science.
      Mr. Slagle was promoted to assistant superintendent of Boardman Park in 1988 and four years later the Boardman of Park Commissioners named him to the post of superintendent/clerk, a position he held until his retirement.
      Upon becoming the park’s superintendent, Mr. Slagle developed a master plan, and during his service some 20, major capital improvement projects were completed. They included---
       •Kids’ Town Creative Playground, Robert Leathers Community Built Concept constructed by more than 3000 volunteers.
       •Tot’s Town Playground, community built, initiated by local Realtor, John Burgan.
       •Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre.
       •Elton Beard Family Cabin, funded by an ODNR Nature Works Grant. Major contributor, Elton and Christina Beard.
       •Kenneth Hofmaster Pavilion, community built concept.
       •Hike & Bike Trail.
       •Main Septic system that eliminated an antiquated on-site Leech Bed system and the connection to a public sanitary system at the Shops at Boardman Park. Major contributors, David Handel and Chuck Bishara.
       •West Quadrant Improvements Project that included the Thomas C. Masters Pavilion w/restrooms, a 300-car lighted parking lot, and landscaping funded by a LWCF grant.
       •Two sand volleyball courts.
       •Practice tennis wall.
       •Acquisition of 35 acres of greenspace that increased the size of Boardman Park to 227 acres, with 40 acres of Open Space property located in seven areas of Boardman Township.
       •Renovation of Kids’ Town Playground with plastic lumber made from recycled materials, funded by a Green Team recycling grant.
       •Exterior renovation of St. James Meeting House.
       •Veterans Memorial project developed in conjunction with Boardman Trustee Elaine Mancini and noted local philanthropist Clarence R. Smith.
       •Historical Village Septic System that eliminated an on-site leech bed/holding tank system and the connection to a public sanitary system at the Shops at Boardman Park.
       •West Quadrant Phase II, including the Lariccia Family Bocce Pavilion, ADA accessible playground and the asphalt paving of the 300-car parking lot, funded by an ODNR NatureWorks Grant and ODNR Scrap Tire Grant for Paving of Parking Lot. Major contributor, Anthony Lariccia.
       •The Lariccia Family Community Center Phase I, the renovation and expansion of the 33-year old Community Center. Major contributors, Anthony Lariccia, Boardman Rotary Club, Kennedy Family Trust/SJK Trust, Helen Stambaugh.
       •Exterior renovation of the Oswald Detchon House, a local historic landmark.
       •North Trail project, an 8-foot wide paved ADA accessible walkway that travels parallel to the main drive in the park and connects all park facilities, as well as connecting to existing nature trail system, four miles of trails, funded by an ODNR Recreational Trail Grant
       •Renovation and expansion of the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center.
       •Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park, developed in conjunction with a non-profit committee, Friend of Paws Town, Inc., organized by Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree and his wife, Abbey, that led to the development of a 3.25-acre dog park, designed for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners
       •Departmentalized maintenance operations, delineating daily duties and responsibilities; which resulted in more efficient and effective operations.
       •Web site and online reservations.
       •Military concerts and fireworks. Upon the completion of the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre, initiated and established the annual Military Band Concerts and fireworks displays. He encouraged and eventually convinced the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus to perform at the park for the first time in 1996, and nurtured the relationship over the years to where the park is now part of their Summer schedule. Additionally, Slagle developed a relationship with the B.J. Alan Fireworks Co., headed by Boardman native Bruce Zoldan, where they are now one of the park’s annual sponsors.
       •Haunted Hay Rides and Family Night events.
       •Pepsi Vending and Donations. Under Slagle, Boardman Park initiated and implemented the placement of Pepsi vending machines within the park as a new revenue stream. As part of the Vending Machine agreement, Pepsi donated to Capital Projects (Maag Theatre, $6,000) and Kids’ Town awnings ($3,000) and a $1,000 annual sponsorship.
      Mr. Slagle was a recipient of the Boardman Civic Association’s Community Service Award, a member of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.
      His civic involvement included---Past President of the Boardman Civic Association, member of the Boardman Rotary Club, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Uptown Youngstown; a member of the Boardman Township Bicentennial Committee; past vestry member and chairman of the properties committee at St. John’s Episcopal Church; past president and life member Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown; Mahoning Valley Landscaping and Nursery Association.
      In 2014, Slagle was honored by The Ohio Parks & Recreation Association’s with its Harvey Woods Lifetime Achievement Award.
      On July 25, 1987, appropriately, he married his wife, the former Marilou Bonte, during ceremoies held in Olde St. James Meeting House in the park. They have two sons, Daniel, III (Dewey), and Tom.
      ‘I Love Boardman Park’
      “Most importantly, Boardman Park is about our community,” Mr. Slagle said upon his retirement as executive director of Boardman Park, adding “I love Boardman Park.”
      All of the improvements during his lengthy tenure were the result of community involvement and gives the park a unique niche, where volunteerism and donations have played a key role in the development of Boardman Park.
      Mr. Slagle had a unique ability to acquire and maintain community support; and weave through local politics to maintain his position.
      He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Marilou Bonte Slagle; two sons, Daniel N. Slagle III and Thomas J. Slagle; a brother, Dave (Cindy) Slagle; a niece, Mandy Glace and three nephews, David (Connie) Slagle, Jr., Chris Slagle and Joe Slagle; a brother-in-law, William K. Bonte III; Matthew (Ashley) Bonte and Gwen (Murray) Thames.
      A sister, Ann Slagle Smotrilla, and a brother, Richard Slagle, preceded Dan in death.
      Dan was born February 25, 1951, the son of the late Daniel N. Slagle Sr. and Margaret Hayworth Slagle.
      Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Building
     
      PICTURED:  UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DAN SLAGLE JR., at right, Boardman Park became the ‘Green Oasis,’ where annually upwards of 500,000 people visit. Slagle, who coined the phrase of the ‘Green Oasis,’ led the park for 40 years, and was employed by the park district for 50 years. He retired last year. He had a unique ability to welcome garden clubs, civic organizations and individuals who wished to plant trees, or create gardens in memory of their loved ones; as well as galvanize support for the park district that resulted in the construction of many buildings and trails, while still maintaining Boardman Park as a Green Oasis. Dan died Wed., June 28, 2023.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Mahoning County Health Department has issued a cease and desist order on property at 8383 Glenwood Ave., where residents have rented a swimming pool to members of the public in a residential area.
      The cease and desist letter was issued to the listed homeowner if 8383 Glenwood Ave., identified as Michelle Firman.
      Notes the letter, “On or about June 7, Mahoning County Public Health was made aware that guests of your residence were being charged a fee to use the swimming pool located at 8383 Glenwood Ave.
      “Please be made aware that since a fee is being charged, the swimming pool no longer meets the definition of a private residential swimming pool and to continue to operate this way, a license must be issued by Mahoning County Public Health.”
      Colton Masters, Health Board environmental health director, told Firman the Ohio Revised Code states that “No person shall operate or maintain a public swimming pool...without a license.
      “Since the swimming pool located at 8383 Glenwood Ave. has not been licensed in the past, the swimming pool would not be able to classify as an existing pool and would require plans to be submitted and approved by the Ohio Department of Health, prior to a license being issued.”
      Masters concludes “You are hereby ordered to cease and desist all operations regarding the charging of a fee to access the aquatic facilities at 8383 Glenwood Ave until plans have been submitted to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), plan approval by the ODH has been issued, appropriate inspections have been conducted and deemed satisfactory, the appropriate applications and fees have been received by Mahoning County Public Health, and the appropriate license regarding a public swimming pool has been issued by Mahoning County Public Health.”
      Masters told Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth that “a lady staying on this property...wanted to say she is not a commercial pool.
      “I explained to her that ODH has made the determination that any pool that is rented out falls under the laws that commercial pools need to abide by.”
      The home at 8383 Glenwood Ave. came to the attention of Boardman Township officials when many complaints were received about a large party there over the Memorial Day weekend. The event was advertised on social media, and indicated admission was charged for the party.
      Raising more concerns for township officials were other social media posts advertising another party on July billed as “The craziest event of the year. Dancers will be on the deck and bottles will be in the air.”
      According to Boardman police, residents of the home have been identified as Taylor Moore, 30; Malcom Carter, 29; and three young children, including a 1-year-old child.
      Both Moore and Carter have been arrested on failure to appear warrants on matters unrelated to the so-called pool parties on Glenwood Ave.
      Boardman Township has filed suit against Firman and her daughter, Moore, as well as Carter, in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court seeking injunctive relief to prevent the home at 8383 Glenwood Ave. from operating as an event center in a residential neighborhood.
      The suit says in June 3, Carter indicated to Boardman Township officials that Moore and Carter had “no intention of ceasing the activities.”
      Notes the suit, “On June 10, Moore indicated to Boardman Township officials they will just keep paying the tickets, in reference to civil citations that Boardman Township officials issue to violations of limited home rule resolutions.”
      The law suit, that was filed by Atty. Matthew Vansuch, charges that Firman, Moore and Carter “are currently operating a luxury pool party event center at 8383 Glenwood Ave.” and “because of the nature of the defendants’ business, a public nuisance is created by the noise and light generated by the people and the music” and “the excessive numbers of people at the residence, the heavy traffic and parking on the roads in the area creating a hazard on the roads, and sanitation issues with the number of people using the residence...in particular, the pool and hot tub, all of which greatly disturbs the neighbors and the neighborhood.”
      Atty. Vansuch concludes that such an operation is prohibited by Boardman Township’s Zoning Resolution.

     As we celebrate this historic day in our country, maybe this July 4 can serve not just as a reminder of the past, or our accomplishments, or how many ‘likes’ we can get in our lives, but rather as a testament to WHO WE ARE TOGETHER.
     
      BY SHELDON DeVRIES
      July 4---Independence Day. It is a monumental day.
      The simple mention of this date will automatically spin us into a world of memory, with the backdrop of waving flags of red, white and blue. We remember parades, fly-bys, hot dogs, time off, family, cookouts and fireworks. It is a day bursting with meaning, memories and celebration.
      We are reminded that we are a free people, an independent nation. In the 200-plus years that these United States have been independent we have accomplished so many exceptional things. We have won wars, we have gone to the moon, we have invented the electric car. America is a testimony to a good work ethic, a tenacious vision and the human spirit. Independence seems to look good on us. There is a lot to celebrate.
      But, there is another side to independence, a darker side that we often forget. With great progress comes great cost and with exceptional freedom comes the ability to do as much harm as good. We have also watched the self-absorbed nature spike, and personal selfishness grow to an all time high. We watch people destroy their lives with negative choices and now we hear constant stories of harm, violence, bullying and dissatisfaction. Everyone seems to fight with everyone, and you can’t turn on the television without seeing atrocities. Even our social media accounts, that are seemingly filled with ‘friends,’ are testaments to hatred and discord, rather than encouragement and engagement. We are more plugged in, but less connected.
      This monumental day, July 4, is a somewhat bipolar expression of who we are and what our immense freedom has created. We have conquered the world and progressed further than any others recorded in the human experience, but at what cost? What mountain did we destroy to build our stone monument to ourselves? What was the cost of progress?
      As I watch the world pass me by, I sometimes think that the very thing we are searching for is the thing we have had the whole time. Have you ever watched those movies where the hopeless romantic sets out on a quest to find true love, only to realize that it was in the forgotten friend that was next to them the whole time? I think sometimes we are like that. We have given up community in search of significance, we have traded accomplishments for love, and have sold independence for entrapment to a world that does not seem to care.
      But you see, we missed something. We thought that independence is about being alone, and actually it’s not. It is about realizing that when we work together, we become free. True freedom is not about being alone, it is about belonging. Through my years of counseling couples, we spend much time working against the forces of dependence and co-dependence. As infants, we are utterly dependent on our parents and in nature, co-dependence between the crocodile and the bird who eats the bugs out of its teeth, are appropriate but in people-partnership they seldom mix well. You see, what we have failed to see, is that interdependence is what gives rise to independence. And when independence begins to become a lonely place, we can walk back into the safety of interdependence. We need each other. More than we may know. And maybe now, more than ever.
      As we celebrate this historic day in our country, maybe this July 4 can serve, not just as a reminder of the past, or our accomplishments, or how many likes we can get in our lives, but rather as a testament to WHO WE ARE TOGETHER--- That together we are strong. only together we are free. Together, we have created beautiful things. And so, maybe today is a time to reflect on who your people are. Who is your tribe? Who is your family? Who have you leaned on to become the independent person you are?
      Take a moment to tell them – build a monument of encouragement for those who have walked with you and helped you achieve. Whether they are living or gone, near or far, give them your thanks and appreciation. Celebrate your community today. Celebrate the ones who have gone before you, the ones who ones who walk next to you, the ones who will come after you.
      When you use your independence to celebrate their role in your life, you acknowledge your own place in theirs.
      Happy Interdependence Day!
      Sheldon DeVries is currently executive pastor
      of staff operations at Greenford Christian Church and future Boardman Campus Minister at Greenford’s new campus location at 7782 Glenwood Ave. that will open early in 2024.
     
      Even our social media accounts, that are
      seemingly filled with ‘friends,’ are testaments to hatred and discord, rather than encouragement and engagement. We are more plugged in, but less connected.

     Meeting last week, Boardman Township Trustees appointed Liam Jones, 28, of Rockland Dr., as a member of the Boardman Park Board of Commissioners. Jones replaces Ken Goldsboro and joins Trent Cailor and Joyce Mistovich on the park board. Jones is a graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in finance. He is employed as a Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch, and is a member of the Boardman Rotary Club.

     At the June meeting of the Mahoning Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Regent Marty Campana installed the following officers for the 2023-2025 term. The are, from left to right, Standing left, Corresponding Secretary, Carol Hubbard; Recording Secretary, Bev Berger; Vice Regent, Emily Slaven; Registrar, Betty Rider; Regent, Kimberly Bland; Treasurer, Lisa McKinnon; Chaplain, Peg Goff; Historian, Louise Farkas. Missing from photo, Librarian, Sarah Keeler.

     The Mahoning Valley Ulster Project is looking for teenagers and their families to host a teen from Northern Ireland during the month of July.
      The teens who are coming to the United States are 15-years-old and the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project is looking for families who have teenage children between the ages of 14-17-years-old to host the children from Northern Ireland from June 26 - July 17.
      The Northern Irish teens and American host teens are provided with a variety of spiritual, social and service opportunities. They gather to engage in group discussion and dialogs to help to begin to understand that they share much common ground. They also participate in many community service projects including working at day care centers. There are also many opportunities for fun as the teens gather for picnics, swim parties, dances and golf activities.
      Ecumenical services and Time of Discovery sessions focus on the theme of Faith, Love, Hope and Peace and Underground sessions are discussions in an atmosphere of tolerance building the bonds of friendship, trust and understanding.
      All expenses for the host teen and Northern Irish teen will be paid by the Ulster Project, except for the host family contributions such as room, board, local transportation, and family outings.
      The Northern Irish teens bring their own pocket money and monies to purchase gifts to take back home.
      Car pooling and rides are available to get teens to the project’s events.
      “The project has been described by past participants as the best month of their lives,” says local coordinator Greg Hartz who adds, “participants in the project agree that the friendships and activities of the month make it an exceptional experience that they will never forget.”
      For more information, call Greg Hartz at 330-770-1440.

     “Moore and Carter indicated to
      Boardman Township officials that they do not have any intention of ceasing the activities.”
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Township Trustees have filed a complaint seeking a declaratory judgement and injunctive relief to prevent a home at 8383 Glenwood Ave. from operating as an event center.
      The home came to the attention of Boardman police on the Memorial Day weekend when an event that had been posted on social media drew hundreds of persons to the home, clogging roadways with parked vehicles and complaints about profane and loud rap music emanating from the party. According to a social media post, admission was charged for the party at $10 for woman and $20 for men.
      According to the suit, filed by Atty. Matthew Vansuch, the defendants, identified as the home owner, Michelle Firman (who purchased the home in Nov., 2022 for $280,000); as well as her daughter, Taylor Moore, and Malcolm Carter (who live in the home with three, small children) have been advised on several occasions that “their actions and activities violate the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution as well as other, limited home rule resolutions.”
      The suit notes that on June 3, Carter “indicated to Boardman Township officials that they would continue to have the parties unabated; and on June 10, Moore and Carter indicated to Boardman Township officials that they do not have any intention of ceasing the activities.”
      Notes the suit, “On June 10, Moore indicated to Boardman Township officers that they will just keep paying the tickets, in reference to civil citations that Boardman Township officials issue for violations of the limited home rule resolutions.”
      Atty. Vansuch says in the suit that Firman, Moore and Carter “have not secured any applicable permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies, this includes Mahoning County Public Health, for the commercial establishment that they are operating at the residence.”
      The law suit, that was filed this week, charges that Firman, Moore and Carter “are currently operating a luxury pool party event center at 8383 Glenwood Ave.” and “because of the nature of the defendants’ business, a public nuisance is created by the noise and light generated by the people and the music” and “the excessive numbers of people at the residence, the heavy traffic and parking on the roads in the area creating a hazard on the roads, and sanitation issues with the number of people using the residence...in particular, the pool and hot tub, all of which greatly disturbs the neighbors and the neighborhood.”
      Atty. Vansuch concludes that such an operation is prohibited by Boardman Township’s Zoning Resolution. A hearing on the matter has been set for June 27 in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Courtroom of Honorable Judge R Scott Krichbaum.
     

     Dylan Barrett, who will be a senior at Boardman High School, has been awarded third place in Fleet Reserve Association’s North Central Region’s essay contest. FRA is first and foremost a community of the Sea Services; U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel. Following is Barrett’s essay---
      On the surface, the United States flag stands for the thirteen original colonies and the fifty united states. However, to understand the real meaning of the flag, you have to search much deeper than the surface. You must look closely at every single person who lives in our nation to truly understand our flag.
      The America flag represents all 330 million citizens of this great country. It united each individual as one solid body. No matter your political views, your race, or your gender, you are an American. Every citizen has a vital contribution to what makes our country great.
      The flag stands for the great leaders of this nation. It stands for every government official who has ever served to make America a nation to be proud of. It represents the people who founded the principles for which this country stands on.
      The red, white and blue flag stands for the brave people who served our country. The men and women who risked their lives to defend us, the citizens of America. They put the needs of the whole nation above their own. They are some of the bravest and most selfless people that the world has to offer. They are truly heroic, and that is what the American flag stands for.
      The flag represents the dedicated workforce of our country. Whether you are a doctor, an educator, or anything in between, the flag stands for you. The flag recognizes the hard-working citizens who provide immensely for the rest of their community. Citizens who construct their community, protect their community or serve their community in any way they can, the flag stands for you.
      Our flag stands for the great citizens of our country. It stands for every leader, every soldier, and every worker who calls America their home. Our flag represents the greatest country in the world.
      That’s why I can always say I am proud to call the United States Flag my own.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A large party held at 8383 Glenwood Ave. on Memorial Day has caused concern for Boardman Township officials who promptly responded to complaints about the event that was posted on social media and drew hundreds of persons to the home, clogging nearby roadways with parked vehicles, and complaints about profane and loud rap music emanating from the party.
      According to a social media post, admission was charged for the party at $10 for women and $20 for men.
      One woman who told police she had been at the party, was arrested after she left the event and was charged with driving under the influence.
      Raising more concerns from township officials was another post on social media advertising another party at the home on Sat., July 1 that would be hosted by a person who calls herself ‘Toothicktomiss,’ and another person identified as Taylor Promyss.
      Toothicktoomiss says on social media she “don’t work jobs. I am a job.”
      The July 1 party is advertised as “the craziest event of the year. Dancers will be on the deck and bottles will be in the air.”
      According to property records of the Mahoning County Auditor’s Office, 8383 Glenwood Ave. is owned by a woman named Michelle Firman, who purchased the home on Nov. 17, 2022 at a cost of $280,000.
      Firman is a ‘family services advisor’ employed at Calvary Cemetery.
      The auditor’s office lists the taxpayer as Firman, with an address of 8383 Glenwood Ave.
      When Boardman police were at the home two days after the party, they reported two adults inside, a 30-year-old female named Taylor Moore, who was arrested on two felony theft warrants issued out of Austintown; as well as a man named Malcom Carter, whom police said is Moore’s live-in partner of 11 years; and three children, including a 1-year-old.
      Moore told police she moved into the home in Nov., 2022, moving from Austintown, where she resided at 4427 Nantucket Dr. Court records also show that Firman once listed the Nantucket Dr. residence as her address.
      Police also said a car had been repossessed at 8383 Glenwood Ave. about 5:00 a.m. on June 1.
      On May 29, complaints brought Boardman police to the home at 8383 Glenwood Ave. no less than five times.
      Near 11:00 a.m., police responded to a call of an erratic driver (driving in reverse and on the wrong side of the road) on Glenwood Ave., near Boardman High School.
      Ptl. Evan Beil said he observed a Jeep Cherokee with Florida license plates traveling towards Youngstown at an extremely high rate of speed, estimated to be 90-miles-per-hour.
      Officer Beil pursued the vehicle that finally stopped on Glenwood Ave., near Ridgewood Estates.
      The driver was identified as Tyeisha Burney, 34, of 351 Breaden St., Youngstown, Oh.
      “I noticed she was not wearing any shoes. She was crying and complaining about being assaulted,” Officer Beil said, adding the woman was slurring her words and he detected an odor of alcoholic beverage.
      Burney told police she had been at a party at 8383 Glenwood Ave. and had smoked marihuana “earlier in the day and had ‘about’ two shots of liquor,” while complaining about being assaulted and that her purse and cell phone were stolen and the people at the house of Glenwood Ave. had them.”
      Officer Beil noted that Burney stated she “was going to f--- up’ the girls who had assaulted her.
      She was placed under arrest for driving under the influence and reckless operation, and police said a bag of marihuana was found in her purse.
      On Fri., June 2, Boardman Township officials met on concerns at 8383 Glenwood Ave., and upon the advice of the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, consideration was given to seek injunctive relief in an effort to prevent additional events at the home.
      Township Administrator Jason Loree said that 8383 Glenwood Ave. is located in a residential area, and Boardman’s zoning ordinance prohibits an “event center” from operating in a residential area.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      New DNA testing has concluded the likelihood that Joseph Norman Hill was the killer of 13-year-old David Evans, whose frozen body was found on Jan. 23, 1975 in the backyard of a Crestline Place residence.
      In Jan., 2023, Boardman police announced that DNA testing had concluded the Hill was the killer of 13-year-old Bradley Bellino, whose lifeless body was found in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza on Apr. 4, 1972.
      Hill, who lived at 151 Shadyside Dr. in Boardman, reportedly moved to southern California in 1978. He died on July 3, 2019 in Yusiapa, California of senile degeneration of the brain.
      Soon after the announcement that Hill had murdered Bradley Bellino, 30-year veteran Boardman police officer Sgt. Mike Hughes was assigned to investigate the death of David Evans.
      A major hurdle in the newly-opened investigation into Evans death, was his death certificate, that stated the boy had died as a result of a diabetic attack, or in other words, of natural causes. As such, according to Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) standards, no crime had been committed.
      Sgt. Hughes, as did former Boardman Police Officer Steve Balog on the day Evans body was discovered, disputed then Coroner Nathan Belinky’s ruling that Evans death was from natural causes, especially in light of a broken arm that had apparently been suffered after his death.
      Sgt. Hughes, with assistance from former Boardman Police Chief Glenn E. Bowers, contacted current Mahoning County Coroner Dr. David Kennedy, who amended Evans cause of death to a homicide, clearing the way for BCI to conduct new DNA testing.
      Then, in mid-May, Boardman police were informed that DNA testing indicated that Hill is likely the killer of David Evans.
      “Even if he died as a result of a diabetic attack, he was prohibited from receiving the proper treatment,” one respected law enforcement officer told The Boardman News.
      David Evans lived at 208 Ridgewood Dr. in Boardman, and on Jan. 18, 1975 at 2:10 a.m., his father reported his son, a diabetic, was missing. The boy’s frozen body was found six days later in the rear yard of a home on Crestline Place, near the intersection of Rt. 224 and Market St.
      The Evans family moved to Boardman’s Ridgewood Estates in 1972 from Lakewood, New York in New York State’s southwestern tier, by Lake Chautauqua.
      Interviewed by legendary local writer, Janie S. Jenkins a week after David went missing, his parents, Peter and Gracia, said the family moved to Boardman, in part because the local school system offered what their children needed.
      At school in western New York, David was described as a self-conscious lad who was often the subject of ‘verbal harassment’ from his schoolmates. He was born with a deformity that resulted in one hand with two fingers and a thumb, and more narrow than the normal hand---He also had an operation to correct eye muscles when he was six, and at the age of nine was diagnosed with diabetes.
      “The other children in New York were not kind about it,” the parents told Ms. Jenkins.
      In Boardman, David played in Boardman Little League for longtime coach Rudy Granito. He learned to catch using his deformed hand to catch the ball without the glove falling off, spending hours bouncing the ball from his house roof into the mitt. He was an ‘A-B’ student as a seventh grader at Center Middle School, where he was a member of the band. He went to the YMCA and liked model airplanes.
      Mr. Granito told police that David was not the kind of boy who would get into a car with somebody that he didn’t know.
      “He was shy...picky with his friends and did not just mingle with anybody...He was a more grown-up boy that some of the boys on our team,” Granito told police.
      His father told Ms. Jenkins his son had “a fierce determination to succeed in everything, from studies to athletics, and that was the result of having ‘to excel to overcome’ the diabetes, eye surgery and malformed left hand.” He also said his son wasn’t ‘a hanger-outer’ and had been taught to let his parents know where he was going after school, or after a game, and he always did.”
      A Boardman Police Department report taken at 12:10 a.m. by Ptl. George Statler on Jan. 18, 1975 provided the first notification that David Evans could be missing, when his father said his son had not been seen for six hours.
      David was last seen near the intersection of Withers Dr. and Market St. about 6:00 p.m. on Jan. 17, an area where the stocking hat he was wearing was later found in the snow. His father said he thought David was walking home and told Ptl. Statler his son “never had any problems at home, nor had he been depressed,
      “Mr. Evans then stated ‘David is a diabetic’ and needed a shot once every day.”
      Within 20 minutes of the information, Boardman police scoured the Ridgewood Estates neighborhood, nearby Lake Forest Cemetery, as well as Boardman Lake area---then the Boardman Plaza, Southern Park Mall, Boardman High School, and two middle schools
      “Many dumpsters were looked-in, all of the night coffee shops and restaurants were checked,” Capt. Harry VandenBosch said. Information in the missing boy, as well as his need for insulin was provided to all area law enforcement agencies. The Ohio National Guard provided a helicopter to assist in the search.
      On Jan. 23, 1975, Boardman police were notified a body had been found in the back yard of a home on Crestline Place. David Evans was found---laying on his back in below-freezing temperatures, without the stocking cap his father said he had been wearing.
      One day after the body was found, Mahoning County Deputy Coroner Dr. William A. Johnson ruled an “investigation developed no element of criminality” into Evans’ death, and the immediate cause of death as a diabetic coma.
      County Coroner Dr. Nathan Belinky said “since David’s death was caused by diabetic coma, and there were no physical findings serious enough to cause traumatic death.”
      The ruling was made, despite strong objections from Ptl. Steve Balog, who was on the scene of the discovery of the body.
      As Balog and others argued, the body of David Evans showed fractures to his left radius and ulna were suffered after he died, as well there was a puncture wound in his lower back, also incurred after death. Assistant Coroner Johnson also noted the were “multiple abrasions” on the child’s face, including left eyebrow, right chin and earlobe, and upper part of his back.
      “How could the boy suffer broken bones after he was dead,” Capt. Balog and others opined.
      Despite the coroner’s findings, then Boardman Police Chief Grant L. Hess asked the Ohio Bureau of Identification (BCI) to process an ‘Inventory of Evidence’ that included the clothes Evans was wearing, “slides” of fingernail scrapings and a surveyor’s stake.
      “We are particularly interested in any evidence of semen, blood, hair samples, fibers or other particulars,” Hess said.
      On Feb. 3, BCI Identity Technician Charles Barna told Hess his examination found “no seminal fluid or blood on Evans’ clothing; hair,” however he did find red and white fibers and orange paint particles on Evans’ shoes, and a hair was found on the jacket the boy had been wearing. A button was also missing from the jacket he was wearing.
      “The red and white nylon fibers could be from a blanket or a carpet,” Barna said, noting the greatest concentration of material on the shoes was “on the back of the heel, as though he was drug.” Barna also said the sole of a shoe “appeared sticky.” He also noted a tire track had been located near where the boy’s body had been found, but was “as yet unidentified.”
      Late in the evening on Jan. 24, 1975, a woman called police saying she was in a parking lot of a dance studio on the night Evans was first reported missing. The parking lot abutted the property where Evans’s body was discovered.
      The woman said she pulled into the parking lot about 7:00 p.m. and believed she observed a “red, full-sized auto back up to the embankment, near where Evans’ body was found,” Ptl John Rosensteel said.”
      According to a report filed by Rosensteel, the woman said a white man wearing a tan windbreaker exited the car, “looked around and then tossed something over the embankment.
      “She observed the man return to his car, flip the front seat forward and flash a light around the back seat.”
      The woman gave police what she believed was the first several letters and numbers on the car’s license plate. Several years later, attempts were made to match the license plate with a red car, to no avail.
      As for the stocking cap found the night of David’s disappearance in the area of Market St. and Withers Dr.---On Jan 28, Ptl. William Laubenheimer said that he received a call from an anonymous man who said sometime between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, someone had observed a man and a boy in a struggle near Market St. and Withers Dr., during which both got into a black car.
      Boardman police never closed their files on the Evans case, and as in the death of Bradley Bellino, tracked down potential suspects throughout much of the eastern United States; and as was the case in the Bellino investigation, to no avail.
      Sometime after his son’s death, Peter Evans received a letter in the mail from an inmate in an Ohio Penitentiary in which the inmate claimed to know his son’s killer, who was also in the same jail and had talked about the crime.
      After lengthy exchanges of letters, on July 26, 1988 BPD Capt. Steve Balog (who as a patrolman found Evans body) and Det./Lt. Robert Rupp travelled to Lucasville Prison to interview the inmate.“ After listening to the facts of the case that he was aware of, it became evident that his knowledge of the case is extremely limited,” Capt. Balog said.
     
      PICTURED:JOSEPH NORMAN HILL, formerly of 151 Shadyside Dr., has been named as the likely killer of 13-year-old David Evans, of Ridgewood Estates, in Jan., 1975. Earlier this year, DNA testing revealed the Hill was the killer of 13-year-old Bradley Bellino in 1972. Hill moved from Boardman to southern California in 1978 and died there in 2019. Police in California are looking into cold cases in the state to uncover if there could be any link to Hill. There are a reported 41,000 cold cases in California.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A new, three-year contract between the Boardman Board of Education and its teachers union, the Boardman Education Association (BEA), will cost the school district $2.416 million in salary increases over the span of the agreement, that takes effect on July 1. In addition, health care allocations paid for by the district will increase some $700,000.
      The agreement was unanimously approved by the Board of Education last week.
      Also, according to the agreement, members of the BEA will also receive a one-time, $1500 cost of living stipend, and employee contributions for health insurance will increase by 5 per cent.
      The school district says it employs “nearly 300 teachers.” An online source called the Public School Review says the district employed 210 teachers in the 2020-21 school year.
      Spread over the term of the agreement, teachers’ pay raises will cost the district $770,631 for the 2023-24 year; $805,078 for the 2024-25 year; and $841,065 for the 2025-26 year, according to Supt. Tim Saxton.
      The base (beginning) salary will increase from $37,805 during the first year of the agreement, to $42.276 in its third year.
      Maximum teacher salaries will rise from $81,188 for the 2023-24 year to $86,134 for the 2025-26 year.
      According to the newly-approved negotiated agreement, the Board of Education will allocate $6.9 million during the 2023-24 school year for medical insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision) and health insurance payments will increase to $7.6 million in the 2025-26 school year.
      “Health insurance costs above the allocated amount will be offset by increased employee contribution, and/or a plan/design change as determined by the Boardman Local Schools Health Insurance Committee,” says the negotiated agreement.
      “It’s important that Boardman stays competitive salary wise to attract and retain top educators...but we have to balance that concern with fiscal responsibility to the community. I firmly believe this contract accomplishes both,” Supt. Saxton said.
      BEA president Brandy Barborak said the new contract is a “fair compromise that takes into account the needs of our students, the good of the community, and the dedication our members have to the district and to Boardman in general.”

     Tom Donadee, a 27 year veteran of the Boardman Fire Department, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant as a Fire Prevention Officer last week at a meeting of Boardman Township Trustees. He is pictured with his wife, Karen, who pinned his new rank bar in on his uniform. Lt. Donadee holds a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and served six years in the Ohio National Guard’s 838th MP Battalion. He received his firefighter certification at the Ohio State Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg. Lt. Donadee is an American Heart Association CPR instructor, a certified Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Officer, and State Certified Fire Inspector. He is also the recipient of the State Fire Service Valor Award and is a Liberty Mutual Fire Mark Award winner. During the promotion ceremony, Chief Mark Pitzer noted Lt. Donadee “goes above and beyond the call of duty and his service has impacted a lot of people in a positive manner.”

     BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP’S 119th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY parade and services were held on Monday. Among the lead vehicles in the parade was a U.S. Army jeep driver by John Curea, at right, a U.S. Airborne vet who served in the Army from 1983-87. In middle is his father, John Curea, a Korean War veteran. At left is U.S. Army veteran Phill Markovitz, who serves as local American Legion commander.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A search warrant served at 167 Shields Rd. on Wed., May 17 netted police 3,717 pills of suspected oxycontin as well as a stolen gun and led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man who lived there.
      Boardman Police Narcotics Enforcement Unit commander, Sgt. Michael Hughes, said the pills will be further analyzed to see if they contain fentynal.
      Arrested was Jose Luis Valentin. He was charged with trafficking in drugs, receiving stolen property and having weapons under a disability.
      Sgt. Hughes said the gun, a 40-caliber Glock, had been stolen in a burglary in New Castle, Pa. When seized by police, the weapon was loaded, with one round in the chamber.
      Police went to Valentin’s residence after obtaining a search warrant signed by Boardman Court Judge Joseph Houser.
      Police had to break down the door of the apartment to gain entry, and then observed Valentin near a bedroom door.
      According to police, Valentin then entered the bedroom and slammed the door shut, as police commanded the man to come out of the bedroom.
      “He did, slowly,” Sgt Hughes said, noting Valentin was then asked if there was anything he should not have in the apartment.
      “He responded, ‘my gun,’ and also stated ‘pills.’”
      When asked if he had a prescription for the pills, Valentin told police, “No, I just take ‘em, pop ‘em.”
      In addition to the pills and loaded gun, police found $647, a cell phone and two loaded magazines of .40 caliber ammunition.
      When asked to provide the code for his cell phone, Valentin refused, Sgt. Hughes said.
      Records of the Boardman Police Department show on Jan. 20, 2016, a raid was conducted at Valentin’s residence, an apartment located at 46 Shields Rd.
      When police entered the apartment through an unlocked door, they found Valentin, a female named Leasal Scott, 19, and their 1-year-old son inside, as well as a plastic tray that contained several pieces of crack cocaine and paper folds of crack cocaine.
      Police said the paper folds were packaged for sale and located inside a kitchen cabinet.
      The crack cocaine seized by police field-tested positive and weighed 8.6 grams.
      Sgt. Mike Hughes reported at the time Valentin became “very confrontational, stating ‘you have no right to be in my house, you have no right to search my house.’ Officers then asked who rented the apartment and Scott said that she was the renter, as Valentin shouted ‘she has nothing to do with what I do.’”
      Valentin was charged with trafficking in drugs (cocaine) and endangering children.
      He entered a plea in Boardman Court of not guilty to the charges and was given an attorney appointed at public cost. He was bound over to a Mahoning County Grand Jury where he was indicted.
      Following his indictment, Valentin appeared in the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court of Judge R. Scott Krichbaum, where the endangering children charge was dropped, and the trafficking in drugs (cocaine) charge was reduced from a felony 3 to a felony 4.
      On June 22, 2016, Valentin entered a plea of guilty to the cocaine charge. Judge Krichbaum ruled that Valentin was “not amenable to a community control sanction and prison is consistent with the purpose and principles of the Ohio Revised Code” and ordered Valentin to serve eight months in jail.
      The record of the court also shows in May, 2014 that Valentin, when he was 18-years-old, faced a charge of trafficking in marihuana that was lodged by the Youngstown Police Department.
      He received a court appointed attorney on that charge and entered a plea of guilty on Oct. 1, 2014 and received no jail time, as Judge Lou D’Apolito ruled that a “non prison sanction will adequately punish Valentin and protect the public.”
      Valentin was sentenced to one year of community control, supervised by the Adult Parole Authority, and ordered to obtain a high school diploma, obtain employment, submit to random drug testing and obtain a driver’s license.
      On Sept. 1, 2015, Valentin’s parole officer, Brian L. Worrell informed the court that Valentin had failed to obtain a high school diploma, as well as employment.

      Denise DeBartolo York and her husband, Dr. John York, co-chairs of the San Francisco 49ers and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 college scholarships worth $10,000 each to 17 graduating high school seniors in ceremonies held during a luncheon last week at the Lake Club.
      The presentations were made for the 26th straight year, continuing a tradition begun by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., an America shopping mall pioneer, whose headquarters were located at Southwoods Dr. and Market St. Denise and John still maintain their offices today, in the same location.
      Gary O’Nesti served as master of ceremonies, while Mrs. York spoke briefly about the importance of education, and her father’s strong beliefs in higher education.
      “My father always believed that students who have worked hard to achieve their goals should have the opportunity to continue their education, regardless of their financial situation. The mission of the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation is to reward students who have proven themselves as leaders and role models in their schools and communities,: Mrs. York said.
      Dr. York then made presentations to the recipients.
      More than 300 applications were received by the foundation, and scholarship winners were determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
      Scholarship recipients included Devyn Tusinac, Boardman High School; Will Varley, Cardinal Mooney; Abbey McCabe, South Range; Kylee Kocanjer, Columbiana; Madelyn Ray, Poland; Ben Harrel, Poland; Caydin Barkerm Sebring; Sadie Barker, Sebring; Racelle Christy, Western Reserve; Lillian Dilts, Austintown; Emari Edmonds, Warren G. Harding; Kylee Fetkovich, Jackson Milton; Kelsey Hamm, Jackson Milton; Noah Minor, Lisbon; Abigial Rafferty, Girard; Jayme Richardson, Girard; and Mia Russomann, Chalker.
      To date, some $1.7 million in college scholarships have been awarded to graduating high school seniors.

      Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has announced that 89% of Ohio’s population is now served by a law enforcement agency meeting or seeking to meet standards developed by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board.
      There are approximately 900 law enforcement agencies in Ohio, and among them only 163 agencies are fully certified by the collaborative, including the Boardman Police Department.
      “Uniform standards for law enforcement increase the trust between the public and local agencies,” Boardman Police Chief and former FBI Special Agent Todd Werth said.
      The Boardman Police Department is certified in each of the five categories developed by the collaborative. They are---Group 1 (use of force, and hiring and recruitment); Group 2 (community engagement, body-worn cameras, and telecommunicator training); Group 3 (bias-free policing and employee misconduct); Group 4 (vehicular pursuits); and Group 5 (mass protests and agency wellness).
      Sgt. Michael Sweeney oversees The Boardman Police Department’s compliance with the collaborative’s standards.

     Boardman High School’s Rock Orchestra, Project Mayhem, will hold an encore performance–this time outdoors in Spartan Stadium--and will debut eight brand new songs never performed before by Mayhem. The new songs include a wide range of the best-ever hits from Billie Idol and Joan Jett, to Adele and Kelly Clarkson–even Jimmy Buffet and Frankie Valley. Tickets are now available for an outdoor Mayhem Concert set for Friday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. There will be seating in the home stands and blanket-only lawn seats on the field. There is no limit to the number of tickets patrons can purchase. “Our March concert was sold out with more than 1,600 persons in attendance at the Boardman Performing Arts Center,” said Mayhem Music Director Bill Amendol. “The May 19, two-hour show will be a ‘Best Of Mayhem’ performance with more than 60 percent of the songs as new material from the indoor concert that we performed in March.” Tickets are $10 general admission. The public may purchase tickets at Boardman High School at the main front entrance on any school day between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rain date for Mayhem is Saturday, May 20 at 8:00 p.m.
     

     The ABC Water and Stormwater District announces a Sanitary Back-flow Assistance Program for Boardman Township residents.
      This program is a supplemental program based on the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineers Program.
      What is the Mahoning County Sanitary
      Engineer’s Backflow Control Program?
      Currently and since 2019, the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineer’s Department offers up to $3,600 for the installation of a backflow device that also requires property owners to remove any clear water source (footer drains and downspouts) from the sanitary sewer lines. This program is designed for property owners serviced by the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineer.
      How will the ABC District Program
      Work with the County Program?
      Any resident of Boardman Township who has already received funding from the County Program can submit documentation proving funding was obtained by the county, and upon review of the District can receive an additional $1,500. This would extend to anyone who as previously put in a backflow control devices from 2021 through 2023. This program will be initially funded with $50,000 and checks will be issued on a first come – first serve basis.
      How can I get these additional funds?
      Starting in May 2023, Boardman Township residents can stop into the Boardman Township Government Center at 8299 Market St., during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) with a copy of documentation from the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineer’s Office and complete a one page form.
      Once confirmed the ABC Water and Stormwater District will contact residents to pick up a check to receive $1,500.

     Eight high school seniors were honored as recipients of Boardman Civic Association $750 college scholarships during the civic organizations annual Academic Achievement Awards Dinner held at Boardman Park.
      Featured speaker at the event was Dr. Kelly Wilkinson, dean of the Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business.
      Scholarship recipients were Tyler Cherne, Daniel Csernik, Katelynn Kershaw, Gianna Pinciaro and Jacob Wolf, from Boardman High School; Maggie McGlone and Abigail Mitchell, Cardinal Mooney High School; and Maria Fusillo, Ursuline High School.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Addressing the Boardman Township Board of Trustees last week, Chrissy Smith, who operates a new Dairy Queen at 6532 Market St., at Brookfield Ave., with her husband, Ray, of 4400 Augusta Ct., Canfield, Oh., said the business plans to be as “neighborly as we can be.”
      During a Board of Trustees meeting held in early April, three residents who live near the ice cream store complained the business is impacting their privacy, and was also creating potential safety issues.
      Brian Perry, who lives in a home next to the Dairy Queen, told Trustees Tom Costello, Brad Calhoun and Larry Moliterno that parking lot lighting from the business shines into the home, loud music blares from the business intercom, and he and his family are constantly bothered with noise (including music blaring from cars) from patrons who use the drive-up order window.
      Another nearby resident, Dan Craig, of 6535 Glendale Ave., said traffic flows in the neighborhood have increased since the business opened.
      “It’s gotten to be a nuisance,” Craig said, adding motorists often fail to obey traffic signs and that creates potential safety issues, particularly for children.
      Craig noted “kids can’t play,” and during rainfalls, water from the Dairy Queen parking lot flows into Brookfield Ave.
      Perry’s wife, Meghan, added there are traffic jams in front of her home, adding “My house is not a home anymore.”
      On Apr. 4, the Boardman Township Zoning/Planning Department sent Mr. Smith a letter about landscape buffer requirements, noting “It looks like the landscaping has not been completed according to the plans that were submitted and approved by the Architecture Review Board.”
      Then Acting Zoning/Planning Director Marilyn Kenner told Mr. Smith “A dense landscape buffer is required along the property line when a commercial property borders a residential lot.
      “There should be a solid border of plantings, fencing, or a combination of the two along the entire property line. Your approved plans showed 20 pine trees along the west property line bordering 25 Brookfield Ave.
      “We believe there are currently 12 trees installed.
      “In lieu of adding more trees and other plantings along this property line, we would like to suggest adding a fence of 8-foot height instead.”
      Kenner added “Our office has also received numerous complaints about the volume of the drive-through speaker. Please turn down the volume so it is not as much of a nuisance to the surrounding parcels.”
      Trustee Brad Calhoun accented residents’ concerns, saying DQ patrons “can see into adjacent residences. Would you consider a fence to protect the integrity of the neighborhood?”
      Mrs. Smith responded claiming Boardman Township’s Site Plan Review Committee “put aesthetics before the integrity of the neighborhood.”
      Trustee Larry Moliterno replied, “You will decide if you want to be a good neighbor or not. We expect you to be respectful of the neighborhood.”
      Mrs. Smith did not respond to requests to erect a fence, and said more trees have been ordered.

     The 119th annual Boardman Memorial Day Parade and Services will be held Monday, May 29, opening with a parade led by the Boardman High School Spartan Marching Band. The parade will begin at Center Intermediate School and head to market St., then turn down Boardman-Poland Rd. to Boardman Park.
      “The parade and memorial service (At the Outdoor Arts Theater in Boardman Park) honor those who have served, are serving, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country,” Kiwanian Mark Luke said.
      Organizations that would like to participate in the parade assemble at the Boardman Center Intermediate School at 9:00 a.m.
      Prior to the Parade, and starting at 9:00 a.m. is the Memorial Mile (a running road race) which follows the same route as the parade. Applications available at Chili’s, the D.D. and Velma Davis Family YMCA and Second Sole.
      As special feature of this year’s parade will be Boardman native LTC Christopher Dobozy, who will pilot a Blackhawk helicopter with a flyover of the parade, with plans to land in Boardman Park and participate in the memorial service.
      Keynote speaker this year at Boardman Park will be United States Congressman 6th District Bill Johnson.
      Rep. Johnson is a United States Air Force veteran.
      Lauren Johnson will lead the invocation and LTC Bill Moss, USAF retired, will lead the
      Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans. The Boardman High School
      National Honor Society President will also place a wreath in honor of those currently serving military personnel.
      Luke will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
      Music for the service will be provided by The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble conducted by Tom Ruggieri, as well as the Boardman High School Chorus conducted by Linda Smrek.
      In the event of inclement weather, the Memorial Day Service will be held in the Boardman Park Community Center at 10:00 a.m.
      All veterans and community members are welcome to attend the memorial service to recognize, remember and express solemn thankfulness for the historical sacrifices of our military forces to preserve our way of life.

     Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has named Richard C. Fryda, president and CEO of Compco Industries, to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees. Fryda will serve a term that starts May 1, 2023, and runs through April 30, 2032. He replaces Dr. John Jakubek, whose term has expired. Beginning his career at Compco Industries in 1980, Fryda advanced to become Chief Operating Officer in 2004 and took over his current role as president and CEO in 2007. Fryda is responsible for leading a team that increased annual sales from $12 million in 2004 to approximately $120 million in 2022. Fryda is involved throughout the community, currently serving as a board member for Potential Development School for Autism, Counseling Center of Columbiana County and Youngstown State University’s Penguin Club, where he is currently serving as president. Previously he has served as a board member with Salvation Army Mahoning County, United Way of Youngstown & Mahoning Valley, Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Boardman Community Baseball, and Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting last week, Boardman Park Director Gabe Manginelli and Community Outreach/Recreation Director Karen McCallum addressed the Boardman Township Board of Trustees.
      Manginelli assumed the directorship of the park earlier this year following the retirement of longtime superintendent Daniel Slagle.
      “Moving forward, we will be working as a team,” Manginelli said, adding that he, McCallum and Office Manager Angela Davis will lead the park district.
      “Angela will help to insure that we maintain the conservative budgeting that we have been known for,” Manginelli said, adding “While we may be one park, it will not be a single vision leading us forward. We will be working as a team, in conjunction with the community to insure we deliver the recreational benefits it deserves.”
      The park director informed the Board of Trustees improvements will be made at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre, including installation of new restroom facilities and improved lighting for added safety of people in the park during night hours.
      Cost of the improvements is about $330,000 and Manginelli said the park district has received a $150,000 grant from Mahoning County Commissioners and a $25,000 donation from the Boardman Rotary Club in support of the improvement.
      He added another project will be the completion of waterproofing at historic Olde St. James Meeting House.
      “We have had an intermittent water issue and it has finally come to the point that we have to address it before larger issues occur,” Manginelli said.
      The park director noted preparations are already underway for Boardman Township’s annual Memorial Day observance, including work on flower beds and lawn clean-up.
      He added the grounds of the Southern Park Stables and Smith Homestead will be enhanced, and the park district is working on developing programming at the homestead.
      McCallum told the Board of Trustees the park district’s annual father-daughter dance held in February was sold-out for its five day run, and attendance has increased at senior citizen lunches at the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center, as well as Senior Citizen Fun Days at the Communiy Center.
      McCallum noted the annual Music in the Park concert series will open June 8 and run through Aug. 17.
      There will be fireworks displays at the park on July 8, as well as Sept. 9 when a Community Day celebration is held
      Manginelli said anyone who wants to learn about park program can call the district at 330-726-8107, or visit the web at https://www.boardmanpark.com
      In other matters at last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, CT Consultants was hired to provide engineering inspection services for the township’s 2023 road resurfacing program at a cost of $49,915.
      Road Superintendent Marilyn Kenner said cost of this year road resfuracing program will be approximately $1.9 million.
      Boased upon the recommendation of Police Chief Todd Werth, Trustees authorized the purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch software, licensing and a training module from the APCO Insitute at a cost of $41,000.
      “This will equip and cerify the police department’s communication center with the ability to dispatch medical calls,” Chief Werth said.
      Trustee Tom Costello noted he was in attendance at recent ribbon cutting ceremonies fora $31 million expansion of the emergency room at Akron Children’s Hospital.
      Noting that ACH employs upwards of 500 people, Costello said the capital improvement project was “extremely impressive. To have that facility in Boardman Township is a blessing.”
      Music In The Park 2023 Concerts
      June 8..................................BHS 2K23
      June 15...............................Celebration
      June 22.........................Guys Without Ties
      July 6....................................Decades
      July 8..............(Independence Day Celebration)
      Salem Quaker City Band
      June 13...............................Del Sinchak
      July 20............Boardman High School Jazz Band
      July 23.....Y-town Area Community Concert Band
      July 27.............................Wrangler Band
      August 3....................Girard Swingtime Band
      August 10.........................John Reese Trio
      August 17..........................Dueling Pianos
     

     It has taken less than three weeks to tear down old Market St. Elementary School, and the demolition work has revealed that storm water flows were discharged into sanitary sewers, especially during peak rainfall periods.
      Dating back more than 70 years, residents in the area have suffered flooding issues during peak rainfall periods.
      After the school is demolished then cleared of the debris, the site will be turned into a stormwater park, in an effort to address drainage concerns in the area.
      But the demolition of the old school has revealed some of the drainage issues may have been caused when it was discovered that the foundation of the school discharged storm water into the area’s sanitary sewer system.
      In addition, basement flooding in the old school was alleviated at some time in the past, but that water too was discharged into the sanitary sewer system.
      “Now that those problems have been discovered, they have been eliminated with the demolition of the school. Hopefully with less discharge into the sanitary system, some of the flooding issues will also be improved,” Township Administrator Jason Loree said this week.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township Trustees heard three residents who live near a new Dairy Queen at Brookfield Ave. and Market St. complain the business is impacting their privacy, and also creating potential safety issues.
      Brian Perry, who lives in a home next to the Dairy Queen, told Trustees Tom Costello, Brad Calhoun and Larry Moliterno that parking lot lighting from the business shines into the home, loud music blares from the business intercom, and he and his family are constantly bothered with noise (including music blaring from cars) from patrons who use the drive-up order window.
      Another nearby resident, Dan Craig, of 6535 Glendale Ave., said traffic flows in the neighborhood have increased since the business opened.
      “It’s gotten to be a nuisance,” Craig said, adding motorists often fail to obey traffic signs and that creates potential safety issues, particularly for children.
      Craig noted “kids can’t play,” and during rainfalls, water from the Dairy Queen parking lot flows into Brookfield Ave.
      Perry’s wife, Meghan, added there are traffic jams in front of her home, adding “My house is not a home anymore.”
      “I agree, you have lost your privacy,” acting zoning director Marilyn Kenner said, adding an effort will be made to get a fence erected between the Dairy Queen and the Perry’s residence.
      Kenner said a letter had been sent to the Dairy Queen requesting the volume be turned down on the intercom system at the business.
      Additionally, Kenner said the Ohio Department of Transportation would not allow an entrance to the Dairy Queen off Market St.
      “ODOT made the business close that entrance,” Kenner said.
      Trustee Larry Moliterno told the Perrys and Mr. Craig, “We recognize your problem, you have every right to be concerned.”
      A resident of Tippecanoe Rd., Melinda Rulli, complained about Mill Creek Park enlarging a parking lot, as well as adding a public restroom on Pinewood Dr. at Boardman-Canfield Rd., saying the project will invade the serenity of Pinewood residents.
      “People’s basic property rights are being violated,” Rulli said, noting the entrance to the parking lot will be off Pinewood Dr., a residential street.
      Joel Cohn, of 543 Pierce Dr. complained a guard rail had been removed from Lockwood United Methodist Church, allowing Pierce Dr. to now be used as a cut-through to Lockwood Blvd. crating traffic flow issues in that neighborhood.
      Noting the township has no authority to place guard rail to block a road, Trustees pledged to help Cohn with his concerns in any manner in which they can.

     THE BOARDMAN HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA’S annual Project Mayhem played to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 persons last Friday at the Performing Arts Center. Keegan Kilpatrick’s performance of Creedance Clearwater Revival’s Lookin’ Out My Back Door was a real show-stopper at the concert. Pictured here are Catherine Oliver, at left in background, Kilpatrick, and Ivan Lindbergh, at right, in background.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township Trustees approved an operating budget of $22.841 million for 2023.
      The motion, proffered by Township Fiscal Officer William Leicht, read --- “Move to adopt the 2023 appropriations of $29.28 million by object code in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code
      “By adopting these appropriations, the Township Trustees (Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun) are approving the operating budget for 2023 in the amount of $22.841 million.” It passed unanimously.
      A breakdown by departments appropriated for 2023 includes $9.84 million to the police department, $5.2 million to the fire department, $3.938 million to the road department, and $715,710 to planning/zoning.
      Boardman Township public employee wages are projected for 2023 at $11.031 million (up from actual wages paid in 2022 of $10.572 million); and 2023 benefits are projected at $5.09 million (up from $4.345 million in 2022).
      The Fiscal Office called attention to the rising costs of health insurance, noting the coverage cost Boardman Township $2.338 million in 2022, and that could increase to more than $2.971 million in 2023.
      “Health insurance represents a 20 per cent increase for 2023, based upon usage and trends of costs increasing.
      “As we get closer to renewal time, were can make better assumptions,” Fiscal Officer Leicht said.

     Since 1943, upon a proclamation of President Franklin Roosevelt, every March is recognized at National Red Cross Month.
      Did you know that a woman with ties to Boardman, Ohio helped to make the Red Cross what it is today.
      Mabel Thorp Boardman, daughter of William and Florence Boardman, began her service with the American Red Cross in 1901. Her grandfather, William, was born in Boardman, Ohio on Apr. 15, 1832.
      Mabel Thorp Boardman’s father was Henry Mason Boardman, a son of the founder of Boardman Township, Elijah Boardman.
      Henry Mason Boardman married Sarah Benham in 1818. He set out for Ohio to manage his family’s extensive land interests in the town founded by his father. He arrived in 1819, and, feeling for the lack of organized religion, organized the St. James Episcopal Church in 1820. When a pastor was unavailable, Boardman would serve as lay reader. Eventually, he would sponsor construction of a meeting house.
      The Boardman’s had one child, William, and spent the remainder of their lives in Ohio. On December 15, 1846, Henry was stepping into his carriage when his horse moved. He fell backward onto the seat, which was not fastened to the carriage, and subsequently landed on the ground. He was paralyzed from the neck down and died two days later.
      Henry’s son, William, moved to Cleveland and on October 12, 1860, Mabel Thorp Boardman was born there. Her Boardman-born father, William, was a lawyer and active in politics, was the grandson of the U.S. Senator Elijah Boardman. Her mother, Florence Sheffield, was the granddaughter of Joseph Earl Sheffield, who was a major benefactor of Yale University.
      Mabel Thorp Boardman was a socialite and she devoted time to many philanthropies.
      During the Spanish–American War in 1898 she was active in recruiting nurses.
      In 1900 her name appeared, apparently without her knowledge, as one of the incorporators on the application of the American Red Cross for a congressional charter. She accepted the involvement, secured a seat on the executive committee of the Red Cross, and began studying the work of international Red Cross groups. She quickly concluded that the leadership of the aging and autocratic Clara Barton was the root of public apathy about the Red Cross, and she began to agitate for change.
      In 1901 she was elected to the Executive Board of the American Red Cross and subsequently led the faction that ousted Barton from the presidency of the organization in 1904.
      Barton always took personal charge during major disasters. She gave the illusion of efficiency but was unable to build up a staff she trusted, and her fundraising was lackluster. As a result, she was forced out in 1904, when male professional social work experts took control and made it a model of Progressive Era scientific reform.
      They imposed a new corporate ethos of ‘managerialism,’ transforming the Red Cross away from Barton’s cult of personality to an ‘organizational humanitarianism’ ready for expansion along increasingly professional lines.
      Mabel Boardman refused formal chairmanship of the Red Cross, insisting that the occupancy of the conspicuous positions by men was necessary to retain public confidence. To that same end, she worked hard to develop support for the Red Cross among the socially prominent. By her indefatigable labors, the Red Cross accumulated a large endowment fund, established branches across the country, greatly improved its lifesaving, first aid, and other services (in part through hard-won cooperation with such groups as the American Nursing Association), and developed a readiness to respond quickly to disasters and military needs.
      In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson appointed Mabel Boardman to be the first and only woman member of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia.
      From 1923 until 1944, Boardman served as the Director of the Red Cross’s Volunteer Service and overseeing its considerable expansion.
      She died on March 17, 1946, of a coronary thrombosis in Washington D.C.
      Compiled by Boardman News
      Associate Editor John A. Darnell jr

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A stormwater park, believed to be the first of its kind in the state of Ohio, moved a step closer towards construction on Wed., Mar. 22 when the demolition of Market St. Elementary School, 5555 Market St., was begun.
      In 2019, the Boardman Local School Board closed the school that was the first ‘separate’ school building ever erected by the local, public school system. (Prior to its construction, all students in the Boardman Local Schools attended classes one building that is today Center Intermediate School).
      Market St. Elementary School opened in 1950. When it closed, Market St. Elementary School had an enrollment of 351 students, more than half of whom were deemed “economically disadvantaged” by the Ohio Department of Education.
      The closing of the school opened the door for the development of a 14.6-acre green space that will become the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park.
      Demolition work is expected to be completed within 60 days, depending on weather conditions. Bid for the demolition and site improvements was awarded by the ABC Water and Stormwater District to Gary Modarelli Excavating, of Poland Oh., at a cost of $147,000.
      Once excavation and site work is completed, the design concepts will be finalized by CT Consultants and the Davey Tree Resource Group. That portion of the project will be done with funding provided by a $300,000 grant provided by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
      The Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be designed to improve drainage flows in the Cranberry Run watershed. Once completed, the park will provide improved surface water flows impacting up to 1,400 homes; and will include the creation of a passive park where people can gather and walk along a lighted sidewalk.
      During heavy rainfalls, the project will be able to hold up to the equivalent of 9-feet of water spread over the surface the size of a football field.
      In addition to the design funding, the stormwater park will be funded by a $1 million grant from Mahoning County Commissioners Anthony Traficanti, Carl Rimedio-Righetti and David Ditzler; a $2.167 million FEMA/Ohio EPA hazard mitigation grant, a $500,000 Capital Grant secured by Rep. Al Cutrona, and a $750,000 Ohio Capital Grant announced by State Rep. Cutrona and State Sen. Mike Rulli (phase 2 of the project that will include construction of an environmental center).
      In an agreement with the Boardman Local School Board, property for the stormwater park was formally transferred (donated) to the water and stormwater district in Apr., 2022.
      Township officials expect the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will help solve a long-standing issue of flooding in the neighborhood during heavy rain events and improve water quality in the Anderson Run – Mill Creek watershed. The project involves the daylighting 700 ft. of a culverted stormwater system that runs underneath the property. The stream will be naturalized by creating a winding stream that flows through the 14-acre property. Floodplains will be created and native species planted. A walking path will be installed around the area and viewing platforms will be available to encourage watching wildlife that will be attracted to the natural area.
     
      PICTURED: ONCE DEMOLITION OF MARKET ST. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is completed, a stormwater park will be created on the site. Above is an artist’s conception of the park that will be designed to help alleviate surface water flooding during peak rainfall periods. Total project cost is more than $3 million, with all funding provided through local, state and federal grant monies.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      First-opened in 1950 to combat overcrowding at Boardman School (that at the time served students in first grade through high school), Market St. Elementary School closed its doors at the end of the 2019-19 school year in light of the district’s enrollment that has been declining for more than a decade.
      “While most may believe cost savings is the driving force behind the recommendation [to close the school], cost savings is not the only benefit, nor the greatest benefit,” said Supt. Tim Saxton. “Ultimately, we believe this move will help us provide greater educational services in a more efficient manner.”
      A news release about closing Market St. Elementary School, stated “The prospect of closing Market Elementary has been discussed in district-wide focus groups and strategic planning sessions that date back more than a decade. The school board believes now is the time to move ahead with that plan.”
      With the closing Market Street Elementary School, the remaining three elementary schools (Stadium Dr., Robinwood Lane and West Blvd.) became kindergarten through third grade buildings; and all fourth grade through sixth grade students in Boardman Local Schools were enrolled at Center Intermediate School; and Glenwood Jr. High School was tapped to service seventh and eighth grade students.
      History
      Market St. Elementary School was built with funding (a bond issue) approved by the electorate in the late 1940s.
      At that time, enrollment in the local school district reported enrollment growing at some 8 per cent annually. Amidst such growth in student population, Supt. Irvin J. Nisonger noted “The need for Boardman’s new, separate elementary school...being built on a 14-acre plat between Meadwobrook Ave. and Erskine Ave. is shown by the large number of children between the ages of five and seven-years-old in the school district.
      “The new elementary school at the north end of the township will absorb part of the overcrowding when the first six grades are opened there.”
      Although the school board projected cost of the new school to be $700,000, its construction was actually closer to $1 million.
      Among 19 firms that submitted bids to construct Market St. Elementary School, G.F. Howard Co. of Canfield was selected as the general contractor for the project at a cost of $557,501, a cost that was reported at the time at about $120,000 lower that the next lowest bidder.
      Other bids for the construction of the new school were taken for cafeteria equipment, plumbing, heating, and electrical work.
      “Despite its desire for economy, the school board is faced with the problem of providing adequate room, even at inflated prices, for the children of Boardman,” Supt. Nisonger said at the time, adding “The school will be one of the show places of Ohio, rating as perhaps the best of its kind in the state in physical equipment.”
      During the construction of Market St. Elementary School, then Boardman Trustees Fay C. Heintzelman, Howard Cherry and J. Donald Smith waived building permit fees for the project.
      “Collecting that fee, we felt, not only would be kind of double taxation, it would be diverting tax money from Boardman people which can be well used in building our new school,” Trustee Cherry said.
      At the time of its closing, Ohio Department of Education statistics claimed more than half of the students attending Market St. were “economically disadvantaged.”

     YSU Dana School of Music will present the Dana Spring Choral Concert, “Love, Laugh, Longing, Harmony, and Praise,” as part of its Choral Masterworks Series on Monday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Boardman United Methodist Church. The featured ensembles will be the Dana Chorale, directed by Hae-Jong Lee, and Voices of YSU, directed by Adam Howard.
      The evening’s program includes some of the most enduring and beloved choral masterworks from the Renaissance to contemporary composers. Selections will consist of classics such as Thomas Morley’s ‘My bonny lass she smileth,’ an English madrigal, Palestrina’s ‘Sicut cervus,’ Brahms’ ‘Geistliches Lied,’ Faure’s ‘Cantique de Racine,’ Haydn’s ‘Awake, the Harp’ from the oratorio The Creation, and many more. The concert concludes with an uplifting song inspired by the West African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The music embodies the cultural concept behind the proverb - all the individual parts are linked and working together to create and support the whole.
      Admission is free and open to the public.

     Kenneth Goldsboro, of Reserve Dr., Boardman, was elected chairman of Potential Development at the agency’s annual meeting held in February.
      Other officers include Deloran Thompson, vice president; James Houck, treasurer; and Linda Mansfield, secretary.
      “Potential Development is strengthened by those on our board. We look forward to the guidance and support these talented individuals will provide our school over the next three years,” said Paul Garchar, CEO.
      Garchar acknowledged outgoing chair, Sue Stricklin for her terms in office.
      Potential Development, founded in 1953, is a Pre-K through 12th grade school for children with autism. It provides a safe, structured educational environment with supportive services that gives students the necessary skills and independence to lead a productive life. In 2013, as Potential Development entered its 60th year of service, and expanded its services to include a high school.

     Meeting last week, Boardman Trustees Brad Calhoun, Larry Moliterno and Tom Costello adopted a resolution aimed at improving drainage in the township, saying they will cooperate with the ABC Water and Stormwater District “to efficiently provide stormwater drainage through the Cranberry Run stream area, that will include the proposed Forest Lawn Stormwater Park that is scheduled to be built on the property of the now vacant Market St. Elementary School, 5555 Market St.
      Construction of the stormwater park will begin after asbestos removal work is completed at the school. The removal work is supposed to be completed in late February, Trustee Costello said.
      The stormwater project is collaborative project funded by ABC District monies, federal and state grants, and a $1 million grant from the Mahoning County Commissioners.
      Trustees have designated Road Superintendent Marilyn Kenner as agent for mitigation grants submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as a state-local hazard mitigation grant.
      Goal of the proposed stormwater park is to alleviate high, surface water flows during peak rainfalls.
      In other matters---
      Trustees approved the purchase of four,2023 Ford police utility vehicles at a cost of $172,206.92 for user as unmarked police units, upon the recommendation of Police Chief Todd Werth.
      Based upon the recommendation of Kenner, Trustees approved the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Silverado for the Road Department at a cost of $40,800.
      Kenner also recommended a temporary easement be granted to the East Ohio Gas Co. at 5007 Southern Blvd. to allow for the construction of gas lines along Southern Blvd. Trustees okayed that request.
      The Township Trustees endorsed C-1 and C-2 liquor permit requests for the Garden Kettle, 8049 Market St.; and voted unanimously to not endorse a D-3 liquor permit request sought by the Ohio Sport Bar and Betting LLC, 5600 Market St.
      C-1 and C-2 permits allow carryout sales of beer and wine. A D-3 permit allows the consumption of high-proof liquor until 1:00 a.m.
      Trustee Moliterno and Administrator Jason Loree were appointed as Boardman Township’s representatives to the Mahoning County Tax Incentive Review Counsel.
     

     The National Speech & Debate Association announces that Eric Simione of Boardman High School is a recipient of the Diamond Coach Award, recognizing a professional career that combines excellence and longevity in speech and debate education. This is his fifth Diamond Award.
      To earn a Diamond Award, a coach must be a member of the National Speech & Debate Association for at least five years. Coaches earn additional awards with more points earned in the Honor Society. A coach who attains 15,000 points is awarded a first Diamond; they receive a second Diamond for 30,000 points, a third for 60,000 points, and so on. Five years must pass between each Diamond Award.
      “Our Diamond Award winners provide access to the life changing benefits of speech and debate for thousands of students,” said National Speech & Debate Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. “We are proud to recognize these educators for their service, and thank them for their hard work.”
      All Diamond Award winners will be recognized at the world’s largest academic competition, the National Speech & Debate Tournament, in Phoenix, Arizona in June 2023. More than 10,000 students, coaches, and parents from across the nation attend the National Tournament every year.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      More than a decade ago, Boardman High School graduate Mike Mannozzi was at a wrest-ling meet hosted by Kent State University where he gained entry as an ‘unattached’ wrestler. At the meet, he wore a hoody bedecked with a logo of YSU wrestling.
      YSU had dropped its wrestling program, but wearing the singlet with the YSU logo opened a door for Mannozzi to attend Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Oh. when a father of a Kent State wrestler approached Mannozzi, and inquired about YSU not having a wrestling program.
      Mannozzi explained he was seeking an opportunity to wrestle at the collegiate level and was actively in contact with multiple colleges after unsuccessfully trying to revamp the program or start a wrestling club at YSU.
      Mannozzi immediately researched Notre Dame, set up a campus tour, visited and signed his letter of intent within 90 days. His timing could not have been more perfect as he was part of the inaugural recruiting class for wrestling and was one of over 65 wrestlers to enter the program.
      “When I first went to a wrestling practice, I learned I was the only member of our team who had never competed in a state championship meet,” Mannozzi recalls. “It was daunting.” He stuck with the program and was one of only 24 wrestlers to return to the program for its second year, despite posting just a 4-12 record in his first season on the college mats.
      Believing he could be better in another sport, Mannozzi had a burning desire to compete in cross country and track and field.
      His focus on running was met with doubt and questioned by many, especially the Notre Dame cross-country coaching staff that required approval to switch sports from the school’s wrestling coach, and also mandated that Mannozzi be able to keep up with the runners on the team.
      Notre Dame’s head mat coach, Frank Romano, okayed the move and it was the beginning of the now 36-year-old’s career as a race walker.
      In his first competitions, Mannozzi wasn’t that good, often times finishing his events at the back of the field. Showing persistence, he began to improve, eventually becoming a scoring member of the Falcons varsity team in every race.
      His college coaches reminded him that he was “not a bad runner for a wrestler.” In track, he competed in the 800 meter run, and threw the javelin, although they were not events in which he showed much promise.
      His javelin coach, Dave Bellar, asked Mannozzi if he was willing to try the race walk.
      Knowing nothing about racewalking, Mannozzi accepted the offer and turned his attention to racewalking.
      After becoming Notre Dame’s first walk- on to qualify for national competition, his scholarship was changed from wrestling to cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field.
      Despite being a back-up on a national championship wrestling team with a paltry 4-12 record, Mannozzi applied the mental fortitude and discipline honed during his time as a grappler to help him persevere in race walking, and despite finishing last in his first race in 2008.
      Just a year later, his dedication and hard work paid off. He won his first race collegiate race walk.
      Then in 2010, something magical happened---Mannozzi competed in the 2010 NAIA national racewalking championships in Johnson City, Tenn. at Eastern Tennessee State University. Trailing by at least 80 meters on the final lap of the race, the former Erskine Ave., Boardman resident surged to take first place in the race, including defeating the defending national champ.
      After graduation in 2011, he didn’t give up on his racewalking career and competed in meets at venues all across the world, becoming known in his sport as ‘The Italian Stallion,’ first qualifying for a spot in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2011 where he also finished 12th in the Pan Am Games. Despite strong performances finishing 9th and 5th respectively in the 20k and 50k race walks, he didn’t reach his goal of making the cut to be on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team
      Following that, he went on to win the 1-mile racewalking title at the prestigious Millrose Games in 2012, as well as competing in the 2013, 2015 and 2017 Pan Am Cups, 2014 World Cup, and World Racewalking Team Championships in Italy in 2016.
      In 2017, he became the first student-athlete in track and field to be inducted into the Notre Dame Hall of Fame, while also being the first to be inducted as part of two different sports in the same ceremony, as he was part of the 2010 national championship wrestling team.
      In 2019, Mannozzi enlisted in the United States Air Force where his first duty assignment was at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Oh. He was up early in the mornings while there, at 4:00 a.m., practicing his racewalking before he assumed his duties as part of the Chaplain Corps, where he was a Religious Affairs Airman while also competing as a race walker for the Air Force.
      In 2020, he gained recognition as the Air Force Male Athlete of the Year.
      Including his time in college, as a civilian and as a military member, Mannozzi is now an 18-time USA national champion in various distances and events in racewalking.
      At 36-years-old, married and the father of two children, Mannozzi still hasn’t given-up on his Olympic dreams.
      Now stationed in San Diego, Calif., he is a full-time athlete for the Air Force and in Jan., 2023 he qualified for next year’s 2024 racewalking Olympic trials in the 35K distance (21.75 miles). It will be his fourth try at making the United States Olympic team. At the qualifying meet, he finished eighth, walking the 35 kilometers in a time of 3:18.41, overcoming a torn adductor and not being able to train every day.
      “Getting assigned to the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) as an Air Force athlete is a dream for me---I now have the opportunity to train with the most U.S. Olympic racewalkers in one location. Qualifying for the for a fourth consecutive trials is wonderful!” Mannozzi said.
      Truly an underdog story, ‘The Italian Stallion’ hasn’t given up on his Olympic dreams
     
      PICTURED: NEVER GIVING UP ON HIS DREAMS, Boardman native Mike Mannozzi qualified for his fourth racewalking Olympic Trials in the 35K event that will be held next year. Mannozzi now competes for the United States Air Force where he is now stationed in San Diego, Calif. and is a member of the World Class Athlete Program. He is pictured crossing the finish line in a qualifying event held in January in Santee, Calif.

     BOARDMAN PARK’S 19th annual Father-Daughter Dance opened last weekend at the Lariccia Family Community Center to a sellout crowd. Among those in attendance was Glenwood Jr. High School Principal Bart Smith, pictured with his daughters, Bella, at left; and Lia, at right.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Following DNA testing that resulted in naming the killer of 13-year-old Bradley Bellino 50 years ago, Boardman police are now considering their options into advanced DNA testing in an effort to determine what caused the death of 13-year-old David Evans in 1975.
      Bellino’s body was found in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza on Apr. 4, 1972. Three weeks ago, Boardman police announced that DNA testing had determined his likely killer was a man named Joseph Norman Hill, formerly of 151 Shadyside Dr. in Boardman. Hill was 32-years-old at the time, and police say his family relocated to southern California about six years later.
      Following the death of his wife, Bonita, in 1993, Hill became estranged from his remaining family and lived in various places in California until he died on July 3, 2019 in Yusiapa, California of senile degeneration of the brain. To date, there is a paucity of information about Hill’s life in California, except one claim he was charged in 1986 with solicitation of a lewd act.
      David Evans lived at 208 Ridgewood Dr. in Boardman, and on Jan. 18, 1975 at 2:10 a.m., his father reported his son, a diabetic, was missing. The boy’s frozen body was found four days later in the rear yard of a home on Crestline Place, near the intersection of Rt. 224 and Market St.
      Like the Bellino death investigation, efforts to determine what happened to David Evans have been ongoing for nearly five decades, and now veteran Boardman police detective, Sgt. Mike Hughes, has been named the lead investigator on the case. Hughes has been a Boardman police officer for three decades, serving the department for many years as head of its Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU).
      The Story of David Evans
      The Evans family moved to Boardman’s Ridgewood Estates in 1976 from Lakewood, New York in New York State’s southwestern tier, by Lake Chautauqua.
      Interviewed by legendary local writer, Janie S. Jenkins a week after David went missing, his parents, Peter and Gracia, said the family moved to Boardman, in part because the local school system offered what their children needed.
      At school in western Ney York, David was described as a self-conscious lad who was often the subject of ‘verbal harassment’ from his schoolmates. He was born with a deformity that resulted in one hand with two fingers and a thumb, and more narrow than the normal hand---He also had an operation to correct eye muscles when he was six, and at the age of nine was diagnosed with diabetes.
      “The other children in New York were not kind about it,” the parents told Ms. Jenkins.
      In Boardman, David played in Boardman Little League for longtime coach Rudy Granito. He learned to catch using his deformed hand to catch the ball without the glove falling off, spending hours bouncing the ball from his house roof into the mitt. He was an ‘A-B’ student as a seventh grader at Center Middle School, where he was a member of the band. He went to the YMCA and liked model airplanes.
      Mr. Granito told police that David was not the kind of boy who would get into a car with somebody that he didn’t know.
      “He was shy...picky with his friends and did not just mingle with anybody...He was a more grown-up boy that some of the boys on our team,” Granito told police.
      His father told Ms. Jenkins his son had “a fierce determination to succeed in everything, from studies to athletics, and that was the result of having ‘to excel to overcome’ the diabetes, eye surgery and malformed left hand.” He also said his son wasn’t ‘a hanger-outer’ and had been taught to let his parents know where he was going after school, or after a game, and he always did.”
      A Boardman Police Department report taken at 12:10 a.m. by Ptl. George Statler on Jan. 18, 1975 provided the first notification that David Evans could be missing, when his father said his son had not been seen for six hours.
      David was last seen near the intersection of Withers Dr. and Market St. about 6:00 p.m. on Jan. 17, an area where the stocking hat he was wearing was later found in the snow. His father said he thought David was walking home and told Ptl. Statler his son “never had any problems at home, nor had he been depressed,
      “Mr. Evans then stated ‘David is a diabetic’ and needed a shot once every day.”
      Within 20 minutes of the information, Boardman police scoured the Ridgewood Estates neighborhood, nearby Lake Forest Cemetery, as well as Boardman Lake area---then the Boardman Plaza, Southern Park Mall, Boardman High School, and two middle schools
      “Many dumpsters were looked-in, all of the night coffee shops and restaurants were checked,” Capt. Harry VandenBosch said. Information in the missing boy, as well as his need for insulin was provided to all area law enforcement agencies. The Ohio National Guard provided a helicopter to assist in the search.
      On Jan. 23, 1975, Boardman police were notified a body had been found in the back yard of a home on Crestline Place. David Evans was found---laying on his back in below-freezing temperatures, without the stocking cap his father said he had been wearing.
      One day after the body was found, Mahoning County Deputy Coroner Dr. William A. Johnson ruled an “investigation developed no element of criminality” into Evans’ death, and the immediate cause of death as a diabetic coma.
      County Coroner Dr. Nathan Belinky said “since David’s death was caused by diabetic coma, and there were no physical findings serious enough to cause traumatic death.”
      The ruling was made, despite strong objections from Ptl. Steve Balog, who was on the scene of the discovery of the body.
      As Balog and others argued, the body of David Evans showed fractures to his left radius and ulna were suffered after he died, as well there was a puncture wound in his lower back, also incurred after death. Assistant Coroner Johnson also noted the were “multiple abrasions” on the child’s face, including left eyebrow, right chin and earlobe, and upper part of his back.
      “How could the boy suffer broken bones after he was dead,” Capt. Balog and others opined.
      Despite the coroner’s findings, then Boardman Police Chief Grant L. Hess asked the Ohio Bureau of Identification (BCI) to process an ‘Inventory of Evidence’ that included the clothes Evans was wearing, “slides” of fingernail scrapings and a surveyor’s stake.
      “We are particularly interested in any evidence of semen, blood, hair samples, fibers or other particulars,” Hess said.
      On Feb. 3, BCI Identity Technician Charles Barna told Hess his examination found “no seminal fluid or blood on Evans’ clothing; hair,” however he did find red and white fibers and orange paint particles on Evans’ shoes, and a hair was found on the jacket the boy had been wearing. A button was also missing from the jacket he was wearing.
      “The red and white nylon fibers could be from a blanket or a carpet,” Barna said, noting the greatest concentration of material on the shoes was “on the back of the heel, as though he was drug.” Barna also said the sole of a shoe “appeared sticky.” He also noted a tire track had been located near where the boy’s body had been found, but was “as yet unidentified.”
      Late in the evening on Jan. 24, 1975, a woman called police saying she was in a parking lot of a dance studio on the night Evans was first reported missing. The parking lot abutted the property where Evans’s body was discovered.
      The woman said she pulled into the parking lot about 7:00 p.m. and believed she observed a “red, full-sized auto back up to the embankment, near where Evans’ body was found,” Ptl John Rosensteel said.”
      According to a report filed by Rosensteel, the woman said a white man wearing a tan windbreaker exited the car, “looked around and then tossed something over the embankment.
      “She observed the man return to his car, flip the front seat forward and flash a light around the back seat.”
      The woman gave police what she believed was the first several letters and numbers on the car’s license plate. Several years later, attempts were made to match the license plate with a red car, to no avail.
      As for the stocking cap found the night of David’s disappearance in the area of Market St. and Withers Dr.---On Jan 28, Ptl. William Laubenheimer said that he received a call from an anonymous man who said sometime between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, someone had observed a man and a boy in a struggle near Market St. and Withers Dr., during which both got into a black car.
      Boardman police never closed their files on the Evans case, and as in the death of Bradley Bellino, tracked down potential suspects throughout much of the eastern United States; and as was the case in the Bellino investigation, to no avail.
      Sometime after his son’s death, Peter Evans received a letter in the mail from an inmate in an Ohio Penitentiary in which the inmate claimed to know his son’s killer, who was also in the same jail and had talked about the crime.
      After lengthy exchanges of letters, on July 26, 1988 BPD Capt. Steve Balog (who as a patrolman found Evans body) and Det./Lt. Robert Rupp travelled to Lucasville Prison to interview the inmate.
      “After listening to the facts of the case that he was aware of, it became evident that his knowledge of the case is extremely limited,” Capt. Balog said.
      Current Investigation
      Det./Sgt. Michael Hughes is hopeful that new and enhanced DNA testing could lead law enforcement to a suspect in the Jan., 1975 death of David Evans, as it did in the Bellino investigation; and anyone with information can call him at 330-726-4144.
      Bellino Investigation
      In the Bellino investigation, certain evidence in an effort to obtain DNA samples was sent by Boardman Det. Ben Switka to BCI on Sept. 19, 2017 for analysis that concluded that semen had been identified on pants that Bellino was wearing, and on Jan. 11, 2018, DNA was obtained from one of the boy’s femur bones. Then on Nov. 1, 2022, evidence sent by BPD Det. Rick Kridler contained another DNA standard.
      DNA that showed Joseph Norman Hill as a 98 percent match for the DNA found on Bellino’s body.
      A 100 percent match was not possible because Hill was cremated after his death and had no DNA on record to test, Boardman police Capt. Albert Kakascik said, adding a forensic scientist with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation was comfortable agreeing it was Hill’s DNA that was found on Bellino’s pants.

      San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York, 43, son of John and Denise York, is among 14 persons set for induction into the Cardinal Mooney Hall of Fame in ceremonies that will be held Sat., Feb. 18 at the Lake Club.
      York is a 1999 graduate of Cardinal Mooney, where he was captain of the baseball team and served as senior class president.
      He grew-up with the Niners, under the wings of his grandfather, Edward J. DeBartolo, and Mr. DeBartolo’s son, Eddie, and daughter, Denise.
      Since Denise’s father, Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., purchased the 49ers in 1977, she has been an integral part of four decades of 49ers football, including more than 50 playoff contests and five Super Bowl victories.
      In 2000, Denise and her husband, John, assumed control of the Niners and their eldest son, Jed, now carries on the family’s legacy.
      As chief executive officer of the San Francisco 49ers, Jed York oversees all aspects of the organization. Now in his 18th year with the team and 13th as CEO, York has been a driving force behind the 49ers success on and off the field during that time.
      During York’s tenure, the team has experienced great success having won four NFC West Division titles (2011, 2012, 2019, 2022), advanced to six NFC championship games (2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021 and 2022) and two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XLVII and Super Bowl LIV).
      In Oct., 2017, York was the feature of an interview with the National Museum of America History, excerpts of which follow--
      “Sports is a platform that can help make our country a better place; I will fight for that,” Jed York says.
      “As a kid, I played baseball, soccer, basketball, everything. There was a lot of going into the woods and fishing. I was a student council president and captain of my baseball team. I loved the camaraderie and the physicality of sports.
      “My dad is a doctor. His family is German, Pennsylvania Dutch and Polish. His great-great-grandfather was an indentured servant, as was his great-great-grandmother. They met in Pennsylvania and still had several years of servitude left, so they ended up skipping town to (Musgokee) Oklahoma and changed their name to York.
      “My mother was a great mom and homemaker, but also vice president of her father’s corporation. Her family is Italian from Naples and the Abruzzi region. We keep the Italian tradition of getting together over meals often and there is a lot of ‘over-feeding’ people.”
      Jed says “It was unique for me, growing up in Youngstown, with the family’s sports team in San Francisco. My parents’ rule was that we could go to any game, but we had to go to school the next day. We would go to the away games in Washington, New York, New Orleans or Atlanta. We knew that we were fortunate to be able to do that, but we also knew there was a work ethic required in order to prepare for school the next day.
      “We would probably go to 20 Pittsburgh Penguins games a year. As an owner and president of the team, my mom was one of the first and only women to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup.
      “For my mom, hard work wasn’t just going to the office and putting in a full workday, it was putting in work with her family too. She was an unbelievable mother, getting us out the door for school, going to work, gathering us back up, and cooking five nights a week, at least, for her family and for her father. She did so much on both ends of the spectrum.
      “And I think the biggest thing that I have learned from my mom is that you can work very hard in your day job, but you can work very hard at home too. And I try to bring that sort of reality to my life.”
      On The Family Legacy at Notre Dame
      And Building the 49ers
      “My grandfather, Edward DeBartolo Sr., grew up in Youngstown. He was a smart kid but didn’t really enjoy school, so he would help his stepfather with a lot of construction jobs. His mother came to him one day and called him the Italian word “chooch,” meaning idiot, for not wanting to go to college.
      “So he packed up his stuff, and they sent him on a train to South Bend, Indiana. Turns out, Notre Dame doesn’t just accept you because you show up at their doorstep. So he ended up attending community college in South Bend while working construction, until he made his way into Notre Dame. He finished college at the top of his class.
      :That experience got him to see the world beyond Youngstown, Ohio. I was honored when my grandfather gave me his graduation ring when I made my First Communion.
      “His son, Eddie Jr., went to Notre Dame too, and his daughter, my mother, went to Saint Mary’s [College], the all-girls school. She met my father at a blind-date party at Notre Dame and they went on to get married. I was the first person of the next generation to go to Notre Dame.
      “My uncle, Eddie Jr., is in the NFL’s Hall of Fame, and he is an icon in the game. I think he really changed what it meant to be an owner.
      “He just had such passion. He took care of people. He ran the 49ers from ’77 to ’99, and his hallmark was making a family culture out of the team. I’ve tried to live up to that legacy that he started. This means really taking care of the folks that work for you and making it more than just a transactional partnership. I want to make sure people feel like they’re at home and they have a family at the 49ers.
      Football is a Reflection of American Life
      “Football is a very complicated sport. There are so many things that revolve around success, and it’s not related to one specific person. Even if you have the best player in the league, that doesn’t mean you have the best team. The more that you understand the nuances of football, you can see how special it is.
      “In American sports stadiums, people from all walks of life come together for a few hours to share in the drama and excitement of live sporting events.
      “It is the daily grind of it — the ‘three yards and a cloud of dust.’ The grind of the offensive linemen---they’re so very important, but the joke is, ‘You don’t know an offensive lineman’s name, until they make a mistake and somebody sacks the quarterback.’ They are the day-to-day workers that you see in America.
      “You have the quarterback with everything on his shoulders. When you win, it’s the quarterback; when you lose, it’s the quarterback. And that is like your titans of industry, your senators, your presidents---the people who get all of the credit or all of the blame, even though there are so many other people that helped. And then you have receivers and running backs; they are sort of in the middle class.
      “So the football field has everything. All different walks of life come together, and I think that’s powerful for people.
      “There’s never a perfect game in football. There’s always a mistake somewhere. But what do you do with it? How do you get better from the mistakes that you made in the first quarter? What is so beautiful about the game of football is that you can call the right play, and everything can seem to be working out, but somebody can drop the ball. I think that’s life in general.”
      Football Team Pennant
      Fans purchase a wide range of pennants, souvenirs, jerseys, and other products to proclaim their allegiance to their favorite teams.
      “I look at the stadium today as sort of the last bastion of that town square, where you don’t know who you’re sitting with; you don’t know who else is there, but we’re all here together for a common purpose, Jed said/
      “When we built Levi Stadium, we wanted it to be a dedication to what makes the Bay Area great. We wanted it to be an outdoor experience and a forward-thinking stadium. It is a software-driven stadium. We built a green roof on our suite tower, which highlights our commitment to sustainability. We are the only stadium in the northern hemisphere that’s net neutral to the grid for all of our home games.
      “We also wanted to convey a historical feel for the team because we’ve been one of the most prominent teams in sports, and we want to celebrate it. We have our heroes front and center. We’ve built life-size statues of them. You can actually go take a picture next to Bill Walsh’s statue or Joe Montana’s statue or Ronnie Lott. We also have the “Star Wars” wall, where anybody that’s played for the 49ers, even for just one game, is highlighted on the wall. You want to preserve the history of the 49ers. These are all the people that have suited up and have contributed to the 49ers.”
      Football as a Platform for Conversation
      And Social Justice Awareness
      “We want to use our platform as a sports team to do more than just win games. We want to help the community. I’m proud of our STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] education program, which inspires young kids to learn. We want it to be an accessible program for all of the area’s youth so we cover the cost of transportation and make sure that they have a good meal during their visit.
      “Some of our efforts in the community aren’t always well-received by everybody. We have players right now that have been taking a knee during the anthem and protesting. I wouldn’t take a knee during the anthem; that’s not my stance.
      “But we live in America, where the First Amendment is very, very important to me, and I think it’s important to back our players when they’re trying to gain awareness for social justice causes. We are trying to help our guys bring that message front and center and actually make progress in social justice awareness.
      “It certainly isn’t popular with everybody. But sports is a platform that can help make our country a better place. I will fight for that. I’ll fight with our players for that. We have so much impact as a professional football team that we actually can help shift people’s views on diversity, on race, on social issues in America — topics that we don’t talk about. And I think we can help America become a better place by raising awareness to those issues.
      Mooney’s 30th Hall of Fame Class
      In addition to York, other inductees into Mooney’s 30th Hall of Fame Class are four-time state champ head football coach P.J. Fecko, former pro golfer Jon Hamarik and former NLF player and Kent State graduate Ismaa’lly Kitchen are among 14 persons who will be inducted during ceremonies set for Sat., Feb. 18 at the Lake Club. Allso set for induction are Ray Allen, football; Sean Finnerty, cross country; Jonathan Italiano, football; Melissa (Larose) Austin, softball; Alicia (Hehr) Stefanski, volleyball; David Ciccone, baseball; Derrell Johnson Koulianous, football; Michael Philibin, football; Christo Frangopoulos, soccer and Marissa (Simon) Howell, soccer. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with induction ceremonies set to begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at CardinalMooney.com/events; or call Sue Brandenstein at 330-788-5007.
     

     Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that more than 900 schools will receive state funding support for physical safety and security upgrades as part of the latest round of Ohio’s K-12 School Safety Grant Program.
      Among the schools receiving the funding is the Mahoning County High School, 940 Bryn Mawr Ave., in Youngstown, Oh., that received a $100,000 grant for the safety and security upgrades. According to the school’s website, 77 students attend classes at the Mahoning County High School, that employs three, full time teachers.
      By comparison, Campbell Memorial High School, that has an enrollment of 377 students, received the same grant award, for $50,000.
      According to Gov. DeWine’s office, Boardman Local Schools, with an enrollment of 3800 students, has received $279,014 in K-12 School Safety Grant Program monies; and Cardinal Mooney High School, with an enrollment of some 400 students, received $98,071 from the same program.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman police believe they have solved a 50-year-old murder case, the death of 12-year-old Brad Bellino, son of the late Joseph and Elissa Bellino-Pascarella, of 61 McClurg Rd., whose body was found in a dumpster behind an Isaly’s Dairy store in the Boardman Plaza on Apr. 4, 1972.
      A coroner’s report said the boy had been strangled and sexually assaulted.
      According to police reports from 1972, Bellino was at the home of a friend on Teakwood Dr. in Applewood Acres on Fri., Mar 31 when he supposedly left the home in the evening to walk to his house on McClurg Rd.
      He never showed-up and the following day, and not until 3:30 p.m., Bellino was reported missing to police.
      Then, sometime around 8:00 p.m. on Tues., Apr. 4, the boy’s lifeless body was found in a dumpster behind the Isaly Dairy store in the plaza. A belt (from JCPenney) was found strapped around his neck. The strap bore teeth marks; and body fluid, not Bellino’s, was later discovered on the boy’s pants.
      The body was taken to South Side Hospital in Youngstown, and a post mortem exam was conducted by Mahoning County Coroner Dr. David A. Belinky. His report listed Brad’s time of death at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, more than 24 hours after he was last confirmed to be seen.
      Also, the day the boy’s body was found, it was the first day on the job of newly-named Police Chief Dave Hartsock. Not only did his department have to deal with the boy’s death, but on the same day an organized crime figure, Randall Good, 24, was killed when his car was blown-up at an apartment building on Shields Rd.; also resulting in injuries to his 18-year-old wife, Debra, and a 22-year-old man named Salvatore Pizzulo.
      Spanning through police chief’s Hartsock, Grant L. Hess, Roy Fink, James McBride, Bill Walters and Glenn Bowers (who served until 2000), local police continued their investigation into the Bellino murder, following hundreds of tips and traveling around the United States to check on leads, to no avail.
      In 2000, Jeffrey Patterson was named chief upon Bowers’ retirement and he renewed the investigation into the Bellino murder, when the boy’s body was exhumed at Green Haven Memorial Park in Austintown in 2001. His clothes were sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s forensic laboratory, and a DNA profile was obtained.
      “Over the years, numerous, potential suspects were checked against the DNA sample, and also through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, with negative results,” current Police Chief Todd Werth told The Boardman News.
      In Dec., 2018, Capt. Albert Kakascik approached Chief Werth, expressing an interest in continuing the DNA investigation into Bellino’s death.
      Then, in Jan., 2019, at Chief Werth’s recommendation, Boardman Trustees approved $3,500 to conduct snapshot genetic genealogy analysis of DNA evidence, body fluids, that had been obtained from the crime scene, in conjunction with Parabon Nanolabs, of Reston, Va.
      Capt. Kakascik was assigned to revisit the case and began work to facilitate the use of familial DNA testing and genetic genealogy related to the DNA sample (body fluids) found on the Bellino boy.
      “Capt. Kakascik took the initiative in this case, and overcame many obstacles in bringing this case to a conclusion,” Chief Werth said.
      Over the next four years, DNA samples of persons identified by Parabon as potential suspects were checked by Boardman police, again without a positive results---until in December, 2022, when a sample resulted in a positive identification of a man whose DNA was found on Bellino, and who is now considered as the boy’s killer.
      He has been identified as Joseph Norman Hill, who resided at 151 Shadyside Dr. in Boardman at the time of the murder. According to police, he was 32-years-old when Bellino was murdered.
      “We believe there is sufficient evidence to present to a grand jury if Hill was alive, and that it would lead to his indictment,” Chief Werth said.
      According to Capt. Kakascik, Hill moved to California about six years after the Bellino murder and died there on July 3, 2019 in Yusiapa, (San Bernadino County), California. Reportedly, Hill was arrested on a charge of solicitation of a lewd act in 1986 in Los Angeles, Calif., while living in San Bernadino County, Calif., however details of that case are not currently available, or have been purged from police records. Hill reportedly worked as a truck driver while living in California.
      Records obtained by The Boardman News show that Hill filed a marriage license application when he was 19-years-old, listing his address as 336 Grant St., Youngstown, Oh. His future wife is listed as Bonita Powell, 21, of 1130 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Oh. She died on Oct. 31, 1993, in Anaheim, Calif.
      At the time of his marriage license application, he listed his occupation as a “bottle washer,” and was his future wife was employed as a “secretary.”
      The marriage license application says his father was deceased at the time of his marriage, and his mother’s maiden name was Mildred Ridel. Another document obtained by The Boardman News says that Hill’s mother died in Youngstown on Aug. 22, 1973, and her name was then Mildred Minehart.
      Sources indicate the Hills had at least one son.
      “The was a significant amount of work done on this case by the Boardman Police Department and other agencies in the area,” Chief Werth said. “Investigators (including Det. Robert Rupp) followed-up on several hundreds of leads, not only at the start of the investigation, but as information and potential tips came in over the years.
      “The work in 2001 to obtain the DNA sample was a key aspect of the investigation that led to identifying Hill as the subject in the death of Bradley Bellino over 50 years ago,” Chief Werth said.
      Cost of the DNA work, according to Chief Werth, was $29,000.
      “We have notified the family and our hope is that after 50 years, knowing who is responsible for Bradley’s death can bring some sort of closure to his family and friends,” Chief Werth said.
      Anyone who may have information about Hill while he resided in Boardman can contact the Boardman Police Department (Chief Werth or Capt. Kakascik) at 330-726-4144.
      The Death 1975 Of David Evans
      As Hill has been named in the death of Bradley Bellino, interest in Hill could re-ignite efforts to determine who killed 12-year-old David Evans.
      Evans’ lifeless and frozen body was found on the night of Jan. 23, 1975 in the rear yard of a home on Crestline Place.
      An autopsy revealed there was a three-inch hole in his back and he had several broken bones that were determined to be wounds suffered after his death (suggesting a killer had dumped the body there after the boy died).
      At the time of the discovery of the lad’s body, Coroner’s Investigator Mike Yarosh speculated that an animal, possibly a squirrel, caused the hole in the boy’s back, and Evans death was ruled the result of a diabetic emergency, as the boy was a diabetic.
      At the crime scene on Jan. 23, 1975, Boardman Police Officer Steve Balog, sharply disagreed with Yarosh’s conclusions (there was a heated argument), at one point noting that Evans couldn’t have broken his own bones after he died.
      To this day, former and current Boardman police officers agree with Balog’s conclusion and suggest that Evans’ death should be investigated as a murder, not the result of a diabetic emergency.
      Hill still lived in Boardman at the time of Evans death.
      Evans’ father steadfastly maintained that his son had been kidnapped and murdered.

     The Mahoning Valley Irish Festival announces the inaugural Best Corned Beef in the Valley contest, just in time to make plans on where to spend your St. Patrick’s Day. The event will be held at the B&O Station Banquet Hall (530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, Oh.) on Sunday, February 19 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Two awards will be given for the best corned beef in the Valley---Judge’s Choice (chosen by a panel of judges) and People’s Choice (chosen by ballot/popular vote). Only 150 tickets will be sold to the public. Ticket cost is $15. A children’s soda bread contest will also be held. Contact the Mahoning Valley Irish Festival at mvirishfestival@gmail.com for more information. All proceeds to benefit the 2023 Mahoning Valley Irish Festival.

     An 18-year-old Youngstown male has been charged with making false alarms when he claimed he had been assaulted when his car ran out of gas on Boardman-Poland Rd. near Hot Head Burritos on Jan. 6 shortly after 2:30 a.m.
      Levi Williams, of 551 Mistletoe Ave., Youngstown, was found by police in the waiting room of Akron Children’s Hospital on Market St., where four police officers answered a call of a teenager who claimed he had been assault.
      “Williams had a torn t-shirt and was in the waiting room with his mother and father,” Ptl. Brian Moss said. Williams told police he is employed at Wendy’s, 433 Boardman-Poland Rd. and finished his work day at 2:30 a.m. As he was leaving the business, he told police his car ran out of gas, so he walked to Sheetz (at Boardman-Poland Rd. and Southern Blvd.) in a t-shirt and no jacket, with a gas can.
      He told police once he got gas, he walked back to his car and while putting gasoline into his car a black male in a 2003 Lincoln Aviator yelled, ‘hey.’
      “Williams said he didn’t pay much attention to it because he was not sure where the voice came from. The male (from the Aviator) then approached him and grabbed onto his t-shirt, ripping it halfway down his chest,” Officer Moss said.
      Williams said he then ran on foot behind the old Golden Corral building and stayed there for about 90 minutes, before returning to his car and then going to Akron Children’s.
      While interviewing Williams, he became uncooperative...and stated he did not want to talk any longer,” Ptl. Moss said, noting “Williams was completely dry when it had been raining and snowing the entire time he was outside when the temperature was 35-degrees.”
      Williams told police his phone was ‘dead,’ but told his mother that he left his phone in his vehicle. When asked why he didn’t go home, or contact the police, Williams stated that he went to the hospital “because he was scared and thought police would be inside.”
      On Jan. 9, police asked Williams to explain the assault and the teenager replied that he as “at a girl’s house” and was afraid to tell his parents, so he made up the whole thing.”
      Williams showed-up at the Boardman Police Department near 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 11 where he was booked on a warrant for making false alarms. He was released pending his arraignment in Boardman Court.
     

     John Landers President Of The School Board
      At their annual reorganizational meeting held in January, the five-member Boardman Local School Board elected John Landers as president for 2023.
      Landers, 41, of Red Tail Hawk Dr., a Democrat, is the longest serving member of the school board, elected in November of 2009, he took his seat in January, 2010.
      Landers is employed as the director for IT Service Management at Case Western Reserve University. He is a 2000 graduate of Boardman High School and earned a degree in Computer Science from Case Western Reserve University 2004, as well as a masters in Engineering and Management in 2005.
      In 2009, Landers was named by the Ohio Young Democrats as Young Democrat of the Year.
      “As a BHS Class of 2000 graduate, I care deeply about our community and our schools.
      “In addition to striving to improve and maintain the Boardman school system, as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Boardman Township to improve our community with the creation of the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park (that will be located on the site of the former Market St. Elementary School) and the fire station (at Stadium Dr. and Market St.) and school bus garage land trade
      “We will continue to make impactful decisions to advance the district and strongly advocate for fair school funding. We work hard to maintain excellence across our programs,” Landers said during his most recent re-election campaign.
      John Fryda was elected vice-president of the school board.
     
      Tom Costello Chairman Of Board Of Trustees
      Thomas Costello, 73, of Hitchock Rd., a Republican, was elected chairman of the Boardman Board of Trustees for 2023 at their annual January reogranization meeting.
      Costello was elected to the Board of Trustees on Nov. 3, 2009, and previously served as a Boardman Township Trustee from Dec., 1999-2005.
      Costello has been active in the community for many years. His involvement includes Kiwanis, Boardman Civic Association, Hope House Visitation, Friends of Boardman Park, Steel Valley Homes for Youth and is a member and past president of the Mahoning County Township Association. He is a 2005 recipient of the Boardman Civic Association’s Community Service Award.
      The current vice-chair of the Mahoning County Republican Party, Costello served as co-chairman of Auditorium 2000 Committee that raised more than $1.4 million for the construction of the Boardman Performing Arts Center at Boardman High School.
      He is a longtime member of the executive committee of the Coalition of Large Urban Townships (CLOUT).
      He recently retired after a 40 year career at James and Sons Insurance, a local independent insurance agency, including 20-plus years as president of the company.
      Tom and his wife, Janet, have a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Michael Wolfe; a son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Danielle Costello; and grandchildren, Mallory and Cameron Wolfe and Brielle Costello.
      Elected to serve as vice-chairman of the Boardman Board of Trustees for 2023 was Brad Calhoun.
     

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Legendary former Boardman High School girls basketball coach, Ron Moschella, 72, of West Glen Dr., died Wed., Jan. 4.
      Coach Moschella joined the Lady Spartans basketball program in 1978 and serving first as an assistant coach and then becoming head coach for the 1980-81 season, serving in that capacity held that position for 31 years where he compiled a record of 569-155.
      During the current season, he returned to the Lady Spartans bench where he served as an assistant coach.
      Coach Moschella elevated the Lady Spartans to new heights with 19 Steel Valley Conference titles and two Federal League crowns.
      The 2002 United Press International and Associated Press “Coach of the Year,” he was a 21-time recipient of the Mahoning Valley Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” award, a four-time recipient (1986, 1992, 1995 and 2002) of NEO “Coach of the Year” laurels and the 2001 Ohio High School Basketball Association “Coach of the Year” honor as well.
      Selected to coach in the 1987 Ohio State All Star game, his Boardman teams advanced to district play in 21 seasons, winning 14 district titles and finishing as runners-up on seven other occasions.
      The Lady Spartans were regional finalists in 1986, 1996, 2001 and 2005, and won the regional title in 2005 and 2008 and were regional semifinalists on ten separate occasions. Under Coach Moschella, Boardman teams advanced to the Ohio ‘Final Four’ twice, in 2005 and 2008.
      He was also honored by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association for his 500th victory in 2007 and again 2013 for his 600th win.
      Following his career at Boardman, Moschella led Columbiana High School Lady Clippers basketball for six seasons where he compiled a 130-21 record.
      During his tenure at Columbiana, in Dec., 2017, he won his 700th game as a basketball coach, when Columbiana defeated Mineral Ridge, 70-32.
      His 2015-16 Lady Clippers team went undefeated in the regular season, before losing to Ursuline in the district finals.
      Coach Moschella was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Boardman High School Hall of Fame in 2013.
      In Apr. 2016, he was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, joining former Spartan head boys basketball coach, Al Burns, as the only Boardman coaches to receive the honor.
      Many of his players went on to play in college, including at Ohio State, Michigan State, Indiana State, Akron, Penn State and Youngstown State. At one time, four of his former players were on the court for the Penguins---including two of his daughters, Christine and Nadine, as well as Liz Hauger and Mary Valley.
      He was often seen ‘coming off the bench’ and exhorting his players, most if not all of whom would tell you his bark was bigger than his bite.
      Coach Moschella sounded a common chord to all his players---“Time, plus hard work, plus discipline, plus pride, equals champions.”
      He was known for his demand of excellence from his players, not only on the court, but also in the classroom. In 2000, he was named the Boardman High School Teacher of the Year.
      A 1968 graduate of Ursuline High School, where he was a member of the basketball team, he was a 1972 graduate of Kent State University where he earned his bachelor of science degree in business and physical education. He earned his masters degree from Youngstown State University in 1980.
      He began his teaching/coaching career in the Howland Local Schools where he taught marketing education and served as Tigers golf coach for seven years, baseball coach for three years and tennis coach for two years.
      He moved to Boardman High School in 1978 where he taught marketing education, business law and physical education. In addition to his duties as head girls basketball coach, he also served a girls golf coach for several years.
      Coach Moschella and his high school sweetheart and wife, Judy, raised three daughters: Christine (Brian Terlesky), Nadine (Nick Colla) and Jolene (Don Ross), who all played for their father at Boardman where each was inducted into the Boardman High School Hall of Fame. They have ten grandchildren---Brian, Tyler, Emma, Jimmy, Jenna, Nicholas, Lia, Tessa, Gianna and Lena.
      Ron was born March 2, 1950 in Youngstown, the son of Joseph and Harriet Moschella
     
      PICTURE: RON MOSCHELLA, WHO SERVED AS head girls basketball coach at Boardman High School for 31 years, died Wed., Jan. 4 at the age of 72. His teams won 19 Steel Valley Conference titles and two Federal League crowns. Following his retirement as Lady Spartan head coach, Boardman Township Trustees issued a proclamation designating Feb. 27, 2012 as Ron Moschella Day.

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      If you were fortunate enough to see former Boardman and Columbiana high school girls’ basketball coach Ron Moschella in action, you saw a man without a filter, a coach who was passionate about the game and a person who cared to a fault about the players that he coached and students he taught in his classroom.
      Moschella passed away Jan. 4 at the age of 72 and up until the time of his death was still coaching, serving as an assistant on current Boardman girl’s head coach Jeff Hammerton’s staff, happily imparting his knowledge of the game and the wisdom he accrued over the years to this new group of players, those selected to represent the maroon and white and the program that he put on the map beginning in 1980-81, his first season at the helm.
      He was a coach and teacher who never compromised his principles and if there was ever anyone cutting edge, ‘Mosch’ was that person.
      Hired in time for the 1980-81 season, he went 4-16 that first season and no one took a loss harder than the first-year coach.
      Thirty years later, his last at the BHS helm, he suffered through his second losing campaign, going 8-13.
      In between, he guided his teams to 21 conference championships – he won 19 Steel Valley Conference titles and two Federal League crowns – 13 district championships, two regional crowns and two state Final Four appearances (2005 and 2008).
      He demanded excellence from his players but no more so than the demand for excellence from him and his staff.
      During his tenure he authored 29 winning seasons, guiding his Spartan teams to a 569-155 (.786) overall mark.
      Current Boardman girls’ basketball coach, Jeff Hammerton, called Moschella a mentor and friend.
      “I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to have Coach Moschella in my life for as long as I did,” Hammerton said. “He had such an impact on me from the time I was in high school and he was both a teacher and coach. When I chose Kent State University as my college, he was so happy and proud because that is where he went to school. While pursuing my degree in sports broadcasting, he would often check in because he wanted me to be on ESPN so bad.
      “When I went back to school to become a teacher and coach, he was one of my mentors, both in education and coaching. He taught me so much about coaching and life that I could never repay him. As a coach, he was Boardman Spartans girls’ basketball. For over 30 years he poured his heart and soul into every girl who played for him and for all the successes on the court that his teams enjoyed, he was prouder of what each of his players later became in life.
      “When I was hired back this year to coach the girl’s team, he was the first person I wanted on my staff because of what he means to the program. In the short amount of time that he worked with our team, he left a lasting impression on each of our girls. I could not have been luckier to coach, teach and be his friend and I am going to miss him so much.”
      Former Boardman athletic director, Jim Fox, said the Ron Moschella you saw on the court was not the man others witnessed away from the gymnasium.
      “Working with Mosch at Boardman was memorable, to say the least,” Fox added. “The image some may have after watching games in which he coached is not the same ‘24-7’ man that I worked with for over 20 years. He had a heart that cared immensely for the kids he coached. It is because he genuinely cared about his players that there is no doubt about the positive impact he had in the development and success of one of the truly great girls’ basketball programs in the state of Ohio.”
      Current Spartan athletic director, Marco Marinucci, said Moschella’s passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
      “Coach Moschella holds a place in Boardman High School history that can never be filled,” Marinucci stated. “He has given his talents, skills, guidance, support and love to his players, students and colleagues throughout his whole tenure and he will truly be missed by our staff and students.”
      Moschella took over the reins of the Spartans’ program from Denise Gorski, also a former athletic director and the longtime Boardman track and field coach while her husband, Dan, coached the Boardman boys’ hoopsters when Moschella coached the girls team.
      “My association with Mosch goes back to my first and only year as head coach of the Spartans girls’ basketball team in 1980,” Denise noted. “Many people do not know that he was my assistant that year and I vividly remember having to pull him down on the bench at times by his suit jacket. We began a lifelong friendship and I knew that he had a tremendous desire to want to take the girls’ program to new heights, which he certainly did.
      “I wanted to focus on coaching our indoor-outdoor track teams and we were both incredibly supportive of each other’s programs, always encouraging our girls to do both sports. We had many of the same athletes and I know many of them are just devastated right now. I also taught physical education with Mosch for many years and saw the interaction that he had with students as well, not just athletes. They loved him for his personality but also because he cared about what was going on in their lives.”
      Dan Gorski said Moschella forged relationships with everyone with whom he came in contact.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      “Mosch touched countless lives of the girls he coached,” he said. “He treated them like competitors on the floor and women off the floor. We can all appreciate his intensity at game time but it’s the relationships he forged with his athletes that was so impactful.”
      Current Boardman Schools Superintendent Tim Saxton said Moschella’s teams were always well-prepared.
      “A Coach Moschella team always played hard and intense,” Saxton added. “The secret to his success was how much he cared for those that he coached. Girls played hard for him and he could push them hard in games and practices because at the end of the day, his players knew he truly cared about them. He will be missed.”
      Dave Smercansky was another BHS athletic director who witnessed his drive and intensity, first as an assistant for three years then for 12 more years at the helm of the school’s athletic department.
      “If you didn’t know Mosch, you would probably roll your eyes and raise your eyebrows,” Smercansky added. “If you were fortunate enough to know him, however, you would quickly realize that he loved his players and had a passion for coaching. He would cry with the girls on senior night because of the relationship he had with each of them, knowing he would soon lose them as players when the season ended. He cared about everything and everybody, even when opposing players were injured.”
      Former players revered their coach.
      “He made us all a part of his family,” stated Tanja Simione, a Spartan three-year letterwinner who went on to earn four more letters while starring at nearby Youngstown State University. “His three daughters were at most practices and his oldest, Christine, could handle the ball as good, if not better, than most of us. His wife, Judy, took care of us with her warm smile, letting us know how proud she was of us. I thank you, coach, because you helped make me a better person. He instilled strength, confidence and leadership in his players and those are life lessons that stay with you forever.
      “For that, I will be forever grateful. Knowing that you are now reunited with your daughter, Christine, brings us all some peace. I know when we meet again you will probably remind me of that over and back violation my senior year. He simply loved all of us.”
      Dr. Ashlee [Russo] Rohan, who was a three-year letterwinner for Moschella from 1999-2002, is currently a noted pulmonary and critical care doctor locally.
      “It is hard to summarize a 25-year relationship with Mosh,” she noted. “He would best be known as my high school basketball coach but was much more than that to me. He was a mentor during my most impressionable years, always encouraging to me to have dreams and to chase them. He didn’t believe in meeting potential, he believed in exceeding it. As he transcends to his new journey, I hope he feels how loved he is by so many. I would especially like to extend my prayers and condolences to the Moschella family and to all of those he impacted.”
      After a year away from the game, Moschella was hired by former Spartans’ and YSU football standout, Dr. Don Mook, Columbiana Exempted Village superintendent, to guide the Clippers girls’ basketball team.
      In six seasons at the helm – he also coached the boy’s team in 2014-15, going 14-10 – Moschella went 130-21 (.861) with five league titles and six sectional championships.
      “How do you not enjoy a guy who brings an unmatched passion to whatever he does,” Mook said. “I had two daughters play for him and one of his former players, Courtney Schiffauer, served as his assistant for us. He was a heck of a coach but an even better person. He surrounded himself with quality people and Courtney is now a pre-K physical education teacher at our Joshua Dixon Elementary School.”
      Schiffauer played for Moschella from 2004-08, was a McDonald’s H.S. All-American nominee, the OHBCA Division I ‘Player of the Year’ as a senior, scored 2,000 points during her career and went on to earn a scholarship to Michigan State University.
      “Coach Moschella was not only my coach and mentor, but he was also my best friend,” Schiffauer added. “It wasn’t always about basketball for him because he truly wanted me to be the best human being I could be. No one saw behind the scenes when he pushed me in the classroom, got me tutors if I needed one, fed me dinners after practices, consoled and counseled me when college basketball was mentally draining or when he called just to say hello and check on me.
      “Our relationship didn’t end after high school. He continued to care and love me until the moment he left us. He changed my life by pushing me to my limits, mentally and physically, and I would not have had the success I had, then or now as an adult if it were not for him. As a coach, he pushed for women’s basketball to be treated with respect. We weren’t just girls playing a game in his eyes, we were people who deserved the recognition and accolades that we earned. He would put his teams up against boys, not only to make us better but to show people we could do it.
      “Coach Moschella is the definition of high school girls’ basketball. He will not only be remembered for that and his accomplishments but also for his ever giving heart, his laugh, his hugs, his cologne and the passion he had for his players. I’m just glad he will be reunited with his beloved daughter, Christine, who I know he loved so much. I will forever cherish my time with coach and may his legacy live on forever.”
      With his time at Boardman and stint at Columbiana, Moschella finished his head coaching career as a member of the 700-win club, posting a combined 713-186 (.793) overall ledger – including his time as boys head coach for the Clippers – in 899 total games coached.
      Current McDonald girls’ basketball coach Tony Matisi, who earned his 500th career coaching victory back on November 23, said Moschella taught him to be passionate about everything that he does in life, including coaching.
      “I met Mosch my first year as head coach of Ursuline High School in 1992,” Matisi stated. “He taught me that if you are going to do something, do it with passion and give it 100 percent. I had the pleasure of knowing him for over 30 years and underneath that tough exterior he was always so helpful when I would call and just want to talk basketball. He put Northeast Ohio on the girls’ basketball map and will be sadly missed.”
      Allison [Dougherty] Brien also played for Moschella, graduating in 2006. She is currently an assistant on Hammerton’s staff, handling the lower grades and feeder system for the program.
      “Coach Mosch had five very important values that he wanted us to implement if you were a part of his program,” O’Brien noted. “It was God, family, school, basketball, social life and in that order. He taught us how hard work can pay off. Most days, our practices were four hours long, which may have felt long in the moment but I would do anything to go back to those days with the greatest teammates of all.
      “We weren’t projected to be a state qualifying team my junior year but you better believe we kept pushing and made a dream reality by making our way to the state ‘Final Four,’ his first appearance. We had the time of our lives and I will never forget it. He was more than a basketball coach, he was a family man who loved his children and grandchildren more than anything. I was fortunate enough to have played for him in high school and be able to coach alongside him for a couple of months this season.”
      Former Spartan all-state wrestler and 1973 BHS graduate, Greg Cooper, who served as the athletic director at arch-rival Canfield High School until his retirement, always kept up with the local news during his time in the Navy.
      “First and foremost, my sincerest, most heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to the Moschella family for their loss, Cooper said.
      “While I was in the Navy, I kept up with the hometown news by subscribing to The Boardman News and that was when I first heard about coach Moschella. I remember reading with pride about his Lady Spartans’ basketball teams and how good they always were. He was the architect of some of Boardman’s best and most successful squads. Even from afar, it was obvious that he was a fiery competitor who demanded the best from everyone associated with his program.
      “I first came face to face with him when I returned home and became Canfield’s athletic director when we played basketball games between the two schools. He lived up to his advance billing and watching him on the sidelines was often as entertaining as the game itself. What really shone through everything was that he was a ferocious competitor and demanding coach on the court, truly caring for each and every one associated with his program.
      “Off the court, he was always a friendly, even gregarious man. You could tell how proud he was of his family and his extended family of players. The local athletic scene is diminished with his passing and he will be sadly missed.”
      Dana Balash, the dean of area sportscasters, appreciated Moschella’s passion for the game and for life.
      “I covered Coach Moschella’s teams in my early days while serving as a stringer with The Vindicator in the mid-1980’s,” Balash added. “He was professional and always wanted to promote his players and program. When I started in the sports department at WFMJ-TV in 1991, he remembered those days from the ‘80s and always said I knew you back then.
      “Ron was passionate on the court and at practice but always credited his players and staff. At times, he would have his assistant coaches do pre or post-game interviews. Even during the tough times, he always returned my calls or consent to an interview where he was never short on words. His on court antics was ‘him’ and no other coach would get away with what he did, but that was Ron Moschella. He simply is girls’ basketball in Boardman.”
      Rob Luklan is an Atlantic Coast Conference football official who was selected to work this year’s Alamo Bowl between No. 12 Washington and No. 20 Texas.
      He has also officiated local boys and girls’ basketball games for over three decades, noting Moschella expected the best from everyone at game time.
      “Ron expected great things from his players and also from the officials,” Luklan stated. “I have had several conversations outside basketball with him and soon realized that he not only cared about the players he coached but boasted of their successes in everyday life.
      “We would talk about the North Canton Hoover-Boardman girls’ games because there was no harder game than that one to officiate. It was fun listening to coach and his many conversations during a game. I am deeply saddened by his passing.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      Jean Armstrong is the longtime secretary in the BHS athletics department, spending the past 32 years working with the many colorful coaches and characters who have walked through their doors.
      “Ron was a great coach, a person who cared about everyone and everything and was a lot of fun to work with,” she noted. “I will miss him.”
      Former Spartans boys’ soccer coach, Eric Simione, has been courtside for many of Moschella’s games where he serves as the school’s public address announcer.
      “Announcing games that Mosch coached was always entertaining, yet a challenge,” Simione said. “There were plenty of times when I had to turn off the microphone so no one would hear me chuckle over something he said or did from the bench. He was a great motivator for his players but you could learn a lot from him as a coach, too, if you were inclined to pay attention. I realized his players would do anything he demanded in a game or practice because they knew how much he cared about them away from the game.
      “Ron was simply a great guy with a heart of gold, a wonderful wife, three amazing daughters, fantastic grandchildren and my thoughts are with all of them during this trying time.”
      He gave the media multiple storylines and they appreciated his candor.
      “You just had to love the guy, quite simply, because he was a news and sports person’s delight,” area freelance sportswriter and noted humorist John Butera added. “He was a delight to work with and his quotes were classic. His coaching style was really something to watch and there was never a dull moment when you covered one of his games.”
      Son-in-law Brian Terlesky coached basketball for his father-in-law with both serving as golf coaches – Terlesky the boys and Moschella the girl’s – for the Spartans.
      “Ron Moschella was the ultimate family man, loving his family more than anything,” Terlesky stated. “He had a passion for teaching and coaching because he genuinely loved people. His intensity for life and his willingness to push others to make the most of themselves was what made him a legend.
      “Boardman students, especially the girls that played for him in basketball, were blessed with his love. Once he became part of your life, if you could handle it, he never let you go and you became a part of his extended family. His life will be known for his unique ability to see the best in people and the potential they possessed. He was the best father, grandfather, teacher, coach and husband.
      ”The love he had for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren was immeasurable. His generosity through his constant wishes to take care of people, feed them, make people laugh and have fun made him such a special person. There will never be a high school coach that was as successful as he was and this success is measured by the love that he has received from the many lives that he has influenced.
      “A second father to so many as a teacher and coach, he was most proud of his 10 grandchildren, pushing each one of them with high expectations but most importantly, his love. He won over 700 games, went to three state championships with his golf teams and two state finals with his basketball teams. The loss of his eldest daughter and fellow coach, Christine, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, devastated him over the past two years. He missed her more than words could describe.
      “He was so proud of people for their successes. There will never be another person quite like Mosch.
      “He was emotional, gave the best hugs, wore his heart on his sleeve, wore the best cologne, made the best jokes and made you want to be the best version of yourself that you could be. He will be loved and missed greatly while the world lost a true father.”
     

     LEGAL NOTICE
      The Boardman Township Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendments to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 5:30 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment will be referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-13
      Pete Schwiegeraht on behalf of Daniel Tokich & Victor Kuchmaner, property owners, requests a zone change for 8048 South Ave. Boardman, Ohio 44512 & 4 surrounding vacant parcels, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property from General Business to Multi-Family Residential District (R-3) zoning district. The property is further known as GL 27 DIV 4, Parcels 29-046-0-008.01-0, 29-046-0-008.00-0, 29-046-0-008.03-0, 29-046-0-008.02-0, & 29-045-0-005.00-0. Said property is currently zoned General Business, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to jmacomber@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Joe Macomber,
      Interim Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning

     The Boardman Local School District is projecting increases in the costs of personal services and employees’ retirement and insurance benefits to increase by nearly $3 million dollars, for the five year period, between fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2027, according to a five-year forecast presented to the Boardman Board of Education on Monday night.
      The forecast, prepared by Treasurer Arthur Ginnetti, shows that expenditures for personnal services in fiscal year 2023 is set at $26.924 million, and that is forecasted to increase to $28.385 million in fiscal year 2027.
      For fiscal year 2023, the forecast shows expenditures for retirement and insurance benefits are $10.62 million, and that will increase to $11.712 million in fiscal year 2027.
      “This five-year forecast is being filed during a two-year economic recovery following the COVID-19 Pandemic, which began in early 2020. The effects of the pandemic have lessened, but several supply chain concerns and high inflation continues to impact our state, country, and broader globalized economy.
      “Inflation in June 2022 hit a 40-year high of 9.1% before falling to 8.3% in August (2022). Costs in fiscal year 2022 were notably impacted in areas such as diesel fuel for buses, electric and natural gas, and building materials for facility maintenance and repair.
      “Increased inflation affecting district costs is expected to continue in fiscal year 2023. It remains to be seen if these costs are transitory or will last over the next few years, which could significantly impact our forecast and adversely affect state and local funding,” Ginnetti said.
      The treasurer noted that “An overall inflation of 3 per cent is being estimated for the category of expenses which are characterized by textbooks, educational supplies, testing supplies, copy paper, maintenance and custodial supplies, materials, and bus fuel. We will buy the technology updates for students from these federal stimulus dollars to help our general fund.”
      Ginnetti said “In fiscal year 2022 we have added staff for an operations manager, speech pathology position, school psychologist and an auditorium manager. In addition we have added costs for classroom and independent aides, bus driver and bus driver aides and added costs for existing staff for additional coverage.”
      He added “A five-year financial forecast has risks and uncertainty not only due to economic uncertainties, but also due to state legislative changes.”

     Following worship services held on Sun., Nov. 6, Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St., observed its 200th anniversary.
      The church was first known as the Methodist Episcopal Church and in its early days, services were presided over by ‘circuit’ preachers, who would travel (by horseback) to communities of the Western Reserve, where they most often gave their services in homes of members of the church.
      According to a history of Boardman Township, one of the earliest members of the church was Thomas Agnew, whose family founded Agnew Farm Equipment in 1826,
      The congregation’s first church building was erected in 1844 (at a cost of $803), about a quarter mile south of Boardman Centre, along Market St., just across the street from St. James Episcopal Church.
      Almost a century later, Boardman Methodist moved to its present location on Market St., at Buena Vista Ave. on land donated by noted philanthropist Leon A. Beeghly. (Mr. Beeghly resided on a large plot of land in Boardman that is now the site of Akron Childrens Hospital).
      At that time, Frank Agnew contacted Beeghly, hoping to buy three lots from him on which to build the new church. Although, it is said, Beeghly adamantly refused to ‘sell,’ he quickly offered to ‘exchange’ his property with the church for three gallons of maple syrup, that Agnew had to provide from his own farms. At the suggestion of Mrs. Beeghly, a gift of $5,000 soon followed to spearhead the church building campaign toward its goal of $40,000.
      The first service at that location was held on May 17, 1940.
      Since that time, two additions have been constructed to augment the original construction--an educational building in 1957, and in 1967, the present sanctuary was constructed under the leadership of Rev. Norman Crewson and lay leader Clarence R. Smith.
      Current pastor at Boardman Methodist is Rev. Jerry Krueger. Membership is 400 persons.
      Members of the 200th anniversary committee are Rev. Krueger, Bonnie Babyak, Paula Barrett, Edie Davidson, Kathy Longmuir, Lee Monit and Bill Russell.
     

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township Trustees Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun unanimously approved payments of retention and hiring bonuses for the 61-member Boardman Police Department and its dispatchers.
      Funding for the retention and hiring bonuses will be provided from a $628,358 grant from the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Program that was awarded to the township in August.
      According to the grant application, some $435,200 is set aside for “retention bonuses” for Boardman Police Department officers and the staff of 15 persons who work in the township’s dispatching department. The bonuses will be paid of over a two-year period and range from a $3,500 yearly bonus for senior members of the department to $2,000 for lesser-serving officers. The township’s dispatchers will receive yearly bonuses between $2,400 annually to $1,500 annually depending on their term of service.
      Earlier this year, Trustees Brad Calhound, Larry Moliterno and Tom Costello approved bonues of $1,250 for all township employees, using funds provided by the American Rescue Act.
      “The intent of the grant award is to assist in recruiting and retaining employees in critical law enforcement positions, so as to maintain staffing to address violent crime enforcement initiatives in the community,” Police Chief Todd Werth said.
      According to the grant application, violence in the Boardman community has increased since the pandemic began.
      “Boardman Township has not been immune to the effects of the national increases in violent crime.
      “During the COVID-19 pandemic, our jurisdiction experienced an increase in violent crimes similar to what has occurred nationally.
      “Specifically in Boardman Township, felonious assaults have increased 33% from 2019 to 2020; rape was up 28% from 2019 to 2021; robberies increased 17% from 2019 to 2020; and aggravated burglaries increased 85% from 2019 to 2021,” says the grant application.
      Additionally, the application notes “Boardman, like so many other communities, has had its share of difficulties during the pandemic.
      “From 2019 to 2021, there was a nearly 200% increase in the amount of drug overdoses and a nearly 400% increase in overdose deaths in
      Boardman Township.”
      The bonuses for new hires could offset Boardman Township’s relatively low, hourly wage for new police officers, currently at $19.35.
      By comparison, new police officers in Austintown Township receive an hourly wage of $23.07, and in Canfield, the hourly wage for new hires in that police department is $26.36. New hires in the Youngstown Police Department earn $21 an hour.
      Chief Werth said the retention and hiring bonuses are “a step towards keeping us competitive.”
      In another police-related matter, Trustees approved a purchase order for $167,431 for four utility vehicles, Ford Explorers. Cost of the vehicles was some $30,000 more that had been previously approved for the vehicles, Chief Werth said.
      He explained the price increase noting the Ford Motor Co. cancelled “2002 build-outs, requiring the purchase to be resubmitted...with the increase in the purchase price.”

     Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Dr. Jack Marchbanks have announced details on $121 million in new traffic safety projects planned for Ohio, including the installation of approximately two dozen roundabouts in numerous counties across the state.
      Among the projects is a $1.4 million roundabout at Wildwood Dr. and Glenwood Ave., where construction is scheduled to fiscal year 2027.
      “A top priority of my administration has been making travel in our state safer - particularly at Ohio intersections that are known to be dangerous,” said Gov. DeWine. “Studies show that roundabouts significantly reduce the likelihood of serious or deadly intersection crashes, so we’re investing in these projects to save lives in the future.”
      According to ODOT, there were only six traffic deaths at Ohio roundabouts from 2017-2021 compared to 1,126 deaths at a signalized or stop-controlled intersection.
      “Roundabouts save lives. They reduce severe crashes, move traffic more efficiently, and are cheaper to maintain than signalized intersections,” said ODOT Director Marchbanks.
      Funding for these projects will be awarded through ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program which, under the DeWine-Husted Administration, has grown to become one of the largest traffic safety programs in the country.

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      If head coach Pat Birch’s Boardman Spartans’ basketball team wins a fifth straight All-American Conference championship, they will do so with just three returning letterwinners and a squad that was all but depleted after the graduation of ten senior leaders.
      Birch (123-110 overall, .528) returns for his 11th season at the helm, having guided the program to a 110-40 (.733) mark the past six seasons and a most impressive 35-1 (.972) mark during their last four league title campaigns.
      The Spartans were sectional champions a year ago, losing to Lyndhurst Brush (82-78) in the district semi-finals so if they expect to make a deep post-season run, then Birch must find a way to replace 10 seniors from last year’s team that were lost to graduation.
      Seniors lost include Trey DePietro (13.8 ppg., 9.6 rpg, both tops on the team), Anthony Hightower (7.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Ben Alvarico (3.4 ppg), Seth Cervello (5.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Luke Ryan (8.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals), Danny Zahran, Max Rassega, Ryder Kreps, Carter Mraz and Courtney Love.
      “We graduated a large and talented senior class, 10 seniors in all and a group that was led by all-Ohio player Trey DePietro,” Birch said.
      “Other big losses were All-American Conference first-team selection Luke Ryan, and AAC second team picks Seth Cervello and Anthony Hightower.
      “Coming off four consecutive AAC championships, we will look to reload and defend our title. Losing DePietro, who was also the conference ‘Player of the Year,’ along with nine other senior players will be a big challenge, however, we have some talented players who will get an opportunity to leave their mark on our program.”
      Those three returning letterwinners include Brady DePietro, a 6’ 2” senior guard, Nico Holzschuh, a 6’ 3” junior forward and David D’Altorio, a 6’ 2” sophomore guard who played well for the varsity the last half of last season as a freshman.
      DePietro played in all 24 games a year ago, finished fifth on the team with 104 points (4.2 ppg) while hauling in 1.5 caroms per fray, Holzschuh also played in all 24 games, averaging 1.9 points and 0.9 rebounds while D’Altorio’s freshman year resulted in averaging 2.6 points – he was 13 of 33 from downtown – and 0.7 rebounds over 18 games played.
      Coach Birch on his three returning letterwinners---
      “Brady started a good portion of last season for us, is two years removed from a knee injury and has worked extremely hard this off-season so he can have a successful senior year. We will need scoring, play-making and leadership from him this season.”
      “Nico also gained valuable experience for us last year, getting the start for a big part of the season. He provides toughness on both ends of the court as well as the ability to score.”
      “David earned playing time as a freshman, showing an ability to make shots and run the offense. He will be looked at to do more of both this season.”
      The cupboard is anything but bare for Birch and his staff.
      “Expectations are high within our program,” the head coach added. “Our goal is to maintain the high level of play that we have established as we expect to defend our conference championship and compete for a district title. Both of those will in no way be easy, however, we are challenging our players to set high expectations.
      “Despite losing ten seniors to graduation, we return a nice nucleus of talent along with some up and coming players eager for their opportunity. We will rely on our seniors to provide much needed leadership and our young, inexperienced guys to mature quickly into varsity caliber players.”
      Players to keep an eye on this season include Demarr Clark, a 6’ 5” senior wing man, Antoine White, a 5’ 7” senior guard and Grayson Eicher, a 6’ 3” sophomore forward.
      Clark played in three games while White played in one a season ago.
      Rounding out the roster and competing for playing time are seniors Prabh Singh, Alex Micco and A.J. Nigro, junior Jeff Markovitch, and sophomores Kaden Mayhew and Terrell McDowell.
      The Spartans play four of their first five games at home, opening the season November 29 when they play host to the Campbell Memorial Red Devils then following that up with a game versus arch-rival Cardinal Mooney on December 2.
      They then travel to Hickory (PA) High School on December 6, returning home to play host to both Louisville (December 9) and Canton GlenOak (December 13).
      2022-23 Boardman Boys

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      With two consecutive district championships and a regional runner-up finish a year ago to their ever expanding resume, the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals boys’ basketball team is chomping at the bit to get underway with the hopes this year of making it a district championship trifecta.
      Head coach Carey Palermo enters his seventh season at the helm with a 73-70 overall ledger, the team going 18-10 last season – they were 3-3 in the Steel valley Conference – and 35-15 the past two campaigns.
      “It’s very special to be able to say that you are back-to-back district champions,” noted Palermo as he recapped last season’s run. “We advanced to the regional finals with a senior heavy team that just got better every week so that, too, was also very special.
      “We played our best basketball at the end of the year, beating NE8, All-American Conference, Steel Valley Conference, and MVAC Grey and Red Tier conference champions. That team was built on defense.”
      Palermo must find a way to replace six very special players off last year’s squad, players that were scorers, rebounders and leaders both on and off the court if he expects his team to make a run at another district title.
      Gone are leading scorer Mick Hergenrother, who averaged a team-best 13.4 points per game and a senior leader whose steady play also contributed 4.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.0 steals per outing.
      Also gone are Drew Pecchia (3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds), Jack Pepperney (5.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg), James Campbell, Jack Phillips (1.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Jack Desmond (1.4 rpg).
      Players returning to the fold must jell early if they expect to enjoy the success that they have over the past two seasons.
      “We have a very talented group returning, an inexperienced yet hungry group,” Palermo said. “We return three starters but the next six players were junior varsity players, all moving up after leading our JVs to a 16-5 record last season.”
      The three starters returning to the fold include senior Jaxon Menough (3.9 points,1.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals), junior Rocco Turner (12.8 points, second on team, 2.9 rpg, 1.9 steals) and junior Ashton O’Brien (7.2 ppg, third on team, 2.7 rpg, 1.2 assists, 1.6 steals), who is the starting quarterback on the Cardinals’ football team and will undoubtedly need a few weeks before he works himself into basketball shape.
      Rounding out the roster and competing for playing time will be seniors Nolan Radinsky, also a football player and Aiden Kim, juniors Anthony Allen, Jibri Carter, Jr., Will Desmond, Dominic Graziano, Matt Kay, Eddie Nieves and Nick Pregibon, and sophomore Aiden Radinsky.
      “Jaxon [Menough] is our senior leader and best defender on the team,” added Palermo. “This will be his third year playing varsity, he is our most experienced player and has been a key player on our two regional squads. He brings a ton of energy every day.
      “Nolan [Radinsky] has great length at 6’ 3,” is a very good spot up shooter and member of our play-off football team as well. Rocco Turner is our returning scoring leader, is a state champion on our golf team and can really shoot the basketball.
      “Ashton O’Brien, quarterback on the football team, is our second leading scorer from last year, a player who is long and athletic and a great all-around player who shoots extremely well. Nick Pregibon is a very versatile player who can do many things including shoot, handle the ball and pass. He is a key player on our soccer team while Will Desmond is a scrappy, athletic post player who also plays on our play-off football team. He does a lot of the dirty work while Dom Graziano is a scrappy player, a good shooter, can handle it and is yet another key player on our play-off soccer team.
      “Matt Kay is a tough defender, knock down shooter and football guy while Eddie Nieves, who is 6’ 5” tall, is athletic and very long, can shoot and is very skilled.”
      The Cardinals open their season with two road games, the first at Liberty on November 29 then at Boardman on December 2.
      Their home lidlifter is set for December 6 when they play host to Academy for Urban Scholars, a team they defeated 62-28 a season ago.
     

     The Boardman-Youngstown Kiwanis Club and Boardman Police Department renewed their annual, decades-long Halloween trick-or-treating candy distribution on Monday. Its purpose is to serve trick or treating children and families along with the police department in a friendly and supportive manner in the community. Pictured, in front, from left, Kiwanis members Jerry Osborne, Michael Thomas and Tom Mumaw. In back row, from left, Kiwanis member Mark Luke, Ptl. Evan Beil, Capt. Ed McDonnell, Ptl. Erin Higgins and Ptl. Tom Zorzi.
     

     The Mahoning County Bar Association has issued its recommendations on judicial candidates who will be on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
      “In keeping with their Code of Professional Responsibility, lawyers are charged with the duty to aid the public in the selection of those seeking a judicial position. Attorneys consider the qualities of Legal Knowledge, Professional Experience, Judicial Temperament, Integrity, Diligence and Professional Responsibility,” the bar association said in a press release.
      In the race for a seat on the Seventh District Court of Appeals, the bar association said that incumbent Judge Gene Donofrio is “highly recommended,” and his opponent, Mark Hanni, is “not recommended.”
      Running unopposed for re-election as a Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge is incumbent Anthony M. D’Apolito, The bar association said that Judge D’Apolito is “highly recommended.”
      Also unopposed for re-election on the November ballot are Juvenile Judge Theresa Dellick and County Court Judge Joe Schiavoni, The bar association said both candidates are “recommended.”
      The bar association said “survey results are not and shall not be characterized as an endorsement of any candidate.”

     Ashley Mariano, prevention coordinator/ family and community partnership liaison at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio in Canfield, was recognized as the Support Staff of the Year by the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board for service to a local district, its students and community.
      After tragedy struck at Lowellville Local School District in May, the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio (ESCEO, formerly Mahoning County ESC) immediately became engaged to support the district, with Mariano coordinating the response.
      “Ashley was instrumental in responding to the crisis situation with a team of mental health professionals, including school and local agency personnel,” says Dr. Traci Hostetler, ESCEO superintendent. “Throughout the process, she connected students, family and staff to appropriate providers for additional support and resources.”
      Mariano worked with staff, law enforcement, and other key county agencies to develop a re-entry plan for students, families and staff, including developing a tiered counseling support plan based on individual needs.
      Mariano, of 224 Brainard Dr., was recognized for her service and support at the Mahoning County Mental Health Recovery Board’s annual Recognition Luncheon.
      “This award is such an honor,” says Mariano “I am fortunate to get to work my dream job, supporting educators and helping professionals to provide the best care for our students and our community. “
      “Ashley takes her role and responsibilities to heart and is dedicated to her vocation,” says Hostetler. “She is always willing to go above and beyond and is very passionate about wanting to help others.”
      The ESC of Eastern Ohio (then Mahoning County ESC) introduced the role of prevention coordinator when Mariano was hired in August, 2020 and her duties were expanded in December, 2020 with the addition of the duties as family and community partnership liaison. Her services provide mental health and wellness support and connections for educators, families, counselors and students, especially those most vulnerable.
     
      PICTURED: Ashley Mariano, prevention coordinator, received the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board’s Pillar Award as Support Staff of the Year for her service to a local school district, its students, families and staff.

     Meeting last week, Boardman Trustees Brad Calhoun, Tom Costello and Larry Moliterno learned a first step in applying for hazard mitigation assistance grant monies for storm water control have been accepted.
      Township Administrator Jason Loree said the ABC Water and Stormwater District, in partnership with Boardman Township and Mahoning County, is seeking a $16.965 million grant to separate storm lines from the Boardman Plaza, north to Cranberry Run. The project would also include the creation of a detention area for storm water.
      Loree said a second, pre-application for $10.12 million has been approved. That grant would also aid surface water issues at the Boardman Plaza and would include acquiring several parcels of land that could be used to create a water detention area.
      According to pre-application papers, the “most recent” flooding issues in Boardman Township was on Sept. 4 that caused over 300 homeowners property damage.
      “One such problem area is in the vicinity of the Boardman Plaza, where a grocery store (Save-A-Lot) has been....flooded multiple times, in addition to a five-lane highway, Rt. 224, becoming a ‘lake’ at the intersection of Locust Ave,” according to the pre-application papers.
      “This project proposes safety improvements and provides a new outlet and central storm relief conduit to off-load 105 acres from the headquarters of Cranberry Run to an open stream to re-route runoff,” says the pre-application, noting that Rockdale Ave. “suffers recurring flooding four to five times a year.”
      The grant concept would also include the construction of an underground detention system to manage storm water runoff from the plaza and its parking lot (near Locust Ave.), as well as a regrading of the parking lot.
      “The Stormwater District has submitted two pre-applications for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The pre-application process is very competitive, and historically townships have a tougher time applying for these grants.
      “However utilizing a partnership with the ABC Water and Stormwater District might give the pre-applications better odds at passing the screening process. If we receive the go ahead to put into a formal application, the ABC District will reach out to the property owners and different area agencies for a more solid commitment on property acquisition.
      “These two proposed projects are going to be ‘long shots,’ but both the township and ABC District are committed to explore every option possible in leveraging funding help improve the stormwater system,” Loree told trustees.
      “Boardman Township was developed in the 1940s and 1950s with little to no (drainage) detention. As neighborhoods developed, roadways were widened, and commercial areas boomed.
      “Unfortunately, impervious areas were not mitigated with storm detention during or after construction. Today, rainfall patterns are trending to become more frequent and more intense. The township has suffered two, 1000-year events, and one 500-year event in the past five years. These rainfall events have devastated portions of the community,” says grant pre-application language.
      In other matters, Trustees approved a lighting district on Berklee Dr. for the installation of four street lights. A majority of the property owners voted in favor of the lights being installed by First Energy with an assessment for the first year to be approximately $756.61 per lot for the installation of the four lights, with an annual assessment of approximately $47.34 per lot for each year after that. In addition, each property owner, at their own expense, must trim any applicable trees on their property prior to installation.
      Trustees approved the sale of property at Lot 61 on Brandon Ave. to Shane Selman, 12921 Springfield Rd., at the fair market value of $3,300 based upon the recommendation of Marilyn Sferra Kenner, P.E., Road Superintendent/Land Bank Manager.

     “The table is set for a Middle-America comeback...
      This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for meaningful economic and cultural progress is knocking on our front door”
     
      by Joe Metzger
      Be inspired! Life is full of challenges – but that is exactly what makes it worth living. I am here as a builder of houses and rebuilder of dreams. A former Navy Seal and Yale University graduate, who served in the Navy’s Construction Engineering Battalions as a ‘Seabee.’
      Before all that, I was just an average ‘Joe’ from Youngstown, Ohio. A skinny kid with a higher purpose who wouldn’t give up. And like Youngstown – and so many other American communities – I had an undying desire to rise above any obstacle and be all I could be.
      So let me start with a story…
      It was a particularly cold Sunday morning during the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown. I was driving on Wick Ave. in Youngstown, Ohio – a former steel manufacturing mecca that had been left to die since World War II – when I saw something I will never forget.
      Standing in the rain outside a half-renovated building was a nicely-dressed man holding a set of blueprints. He was pointing and discussing what appeared to be a rebuilding project. At that time, the powers-that-be had deemed the construction industry essential to our national economy; and as he kept working, I realized I was witnessing a glimpse of Youngstown on its way to newfound glory.
      My hometown, and in fact many of America’s heartland cities who once lost their ‘best and brightest’ to greener pastures, now have a chance to reclaim lost prosperity. If we combine the unique upshot of the Covid lockdown with courageous vision and positive thinking, our economic renaissance can and will become reality.
      It is time to imagine Youngstown as a Zoom Town Boom Town.
      Remote working is here to stay. According to projections, 25% of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022, and remote opportunities will continue to increase through 2023…Remote opportunities leapt from under 4% of all high paying jobs before the pandemic to about 9% at the end of 2020, and to more than 15% today.
      “This change in working arrangements is impossible to overhype. As big as it is, it’s even bigger than people think,” said Ladders CEO Marc Cenedella, who says it’s the largest societal change in America since the end of World War II. “Hiring practices typically move at a glacial pace, but the pandemic turned up the heat so we’re seeing a rapid flood of change in this space. It’s really rather amazing.”
      Yes, doing business during the Covid lockdown fundamentally transformed the modern workplace. Communities who have experienced decades of the proverbial ‘brain drain’ need to take note. Zoom calls and home companions barking at a FedEx delivery are worthy tradeoffs for unreasonably high rent and big city dehumanization.
      The table is set for a Middle-America comeback.
      Let’s not forget, from the promise of Plymouth Rock to the Great Migration of the early 20th century, Americans have always sought a better life for themselves and their families—it’s in our Pilgrim DNA. Undoubtedly, the transient tendencies of our upwardly mobile population are as American as coming home for the holidays. And people always want a better deal.
      Here are the facts…most large cities are experiencing unprecedentedly high housing costs, unmanageable property taxes, terrible traffic, and horrific crime rates that are pushing people to recalculate where to live. According to a recent article at SBSun.com, Kenneth P. Miller asserts that in addition to median home value, other factors increase the desire to leave one place for another:
      A quick glance at the price of a gallon of gas, a utility bill, or a tax bill in California compared to Texas or other states makes one wonder if the premium is worth paying… Although California is a natural paradise, it also is plagued by various three forms of social disorder, including, in many places, crime, drug paraphernalia, vandalism and scandalous levels of homelessness.
      Fundamental change often starts with pain in the pocket book. The global pandemic exposed just how fragile the world’s supply chains are. Look to the local grocery store or car dealer and see the uncomfortable results. The “push” to find a better deal is real and relentless.
      Fortunately, with every push comes a pull. By dramatic contrast, smaller, often forgotten cities like Youngstown provide an affordable alternative to those feeling the squeeze of big-city insanity. Certainly the most attractive ‘pull’ factor of Middle America is the low cost of living. So let’s crunch some numbers. A $300,000 home in northeast Ohio can be valued at well over $1 million with identical specs elsewhere. Taxes of all kinds, utility bills, gasoline, parking, and everyday amenities are much cheaper in the Midwest. According to Bestplaces.net, the calculated difference of the overall cost of living between Los Angeles, California and Youngstown, Ohio is approximately 65%. In Youngstown, housing costs are nearly 80% less and property taxes are close to 75% less. These numbers reflect the answer…pay less, get more.
      In short, our country is poised for a major reset. As a result, many less densely populated regions of America have a golden opportunity to experience an economic equalization of epic proportions.
      My old hometown is suddenly in the sweet spot.
      But the allure of a better life is about more than bank statements and recovering from the Covid lockdown. In fact, there are many intangible factors playing into the places to which we are drawn. Let’s dive deeper. The aging baby-boomer population and the projected shortage of health care professionals will also cause the younger generation to rethink where to call home.
      A 2022 study by Duquesne University suggested the number of health care workers needs to increase dramatically to meet the demands in coming years…by 2025 projections indicate a shortage of more than 400, 000 home health aides and 29,400 nurse practitioners. Furthermore, the over-65 demographic will increase by 48% by 2032.
      Being connected to something larger and more meaningful than ourselves plays a vital role in our overall emotional and mental wellbeing. Communities like Youngstown embody a noteworthy depth of family relationships and collective relevance. It is about more than caring for your aging loved ones. These are the “Legacy Cities” that formed the foundation that America was built upon. Their contributions have been enormous, and it is time to give back.
      The history, cultures, traditions, and natural beauty are just a few of the factors that draw people together in a smaller town.
      In The Celebration Chronicles, sociologist Andrew Moss tells the story of a fantasy town the Disney corporation built near Orlando, Florida. It was intended to reflect the characteristics of a tight-knit community, with all the charm and convenience of a smaller town—like a reincarnated Mayberry. Builders even erected a statue of a fake founder in the town center.
      Oddly enough, it was the shoddy construction caused by unrealistic deadlines that brought the residents of this town together. The collective discomfort brought on by leaky roofs and broken air conditioners created an esprit de corps—a call to arms. Selfless and meaningful bonds developed in similar fashion to the strong connections and mutual respect forged between military veterans when fighting a common enemy as one cohesive unit. But we don’t need corporate America to create fake Mayberry. Mid-sized cities all across America already embody the perfect imperfection we desire— the battlefields are plentiful and the call for troops is already real.
      Youngstown itself does not need a fake statue in Town Square and newly-minted antique homes to create a sense of community. We already have it. We simply need to recognize the good bones of the spaces that surround us, shake off the rust, and reveal the shiny steel still lying beneath the surface.
      “If you build it, he will come”—famous words spoken by that mystical voice to Kevin Costner in the movie Field of Dreams as he walked through that idyllic Iowa cornfield. Much to the dismay of family and friends, Costner’s character listens to the unseen voice to plow under his corn crop to construct a baseball field and create a place where past failures can be made right.
      For him it provides a way to reconcile with his late father. His father’s spirit comes back in physical form within the confines of this faith-filled space to play catch with his son one more time. It allows forgiveness and closure to their regrets—and we all can relate.
      “Field of Dreams amends generational gaps and unresolved tensions so that life can progress while still having respect for the past, said Jordan Williams, ScreenRant.com
      This invaluable notion that sacred ground provides a place to reconcile the work of previous generations with the work yet to be done not only prevents small-townliving from becoming a relic of the past -- it also provides an opportunity to become our future’s shining city on the hill. And we do not have to rely on blind faith to walk the path to prosperity, because the new workplace environment has already shown us the way. Remote work for companies that improve their own bottom line by allowing us to live in places where we will be happier - this is the win-win.
      This is the essence of the Zoom Town Boom Town---We are creating a space for generational reconciliation, a deeper connection to what matters, a higher standard of living, a new reality for communities like Youngstown and others across America.
      This time, we will re-build it, and they will come back.
      But what does all this have to do with me? I am here as an agent of optimism and action. I believe the resilient, industrious nature of the average Midwesterner is anything but average. If we can hear and heed the pull of the opportunity provided, listen to the voices speaking to us now, trust in the future and summon the strength to lead the way, we can be part of the change we wish to see.
      Enter 1978 Wakefield Avenue in Youngstown’s Brownlee Woods Neighborhood. This is the field I have been charged to plow. When you look at the big picture, property values in cities like Youngstown have been grossly undervalued for too long. My cold Sunday-morning moment inspired me to resurrect a historic home near where I live. Here is an excerpt from its recent listing:
       •Pretty Much Perfection---Come home to Brownlee Woods and be part of something special! Nestled away in one of northeast Ohio’s most charming neighborhoods lies the million-dollar home you’ve always dreamed of but for a fraction of the cost! Take advantage of America’s beauty and ditch the traffic with a short country drive to numerous farm-fresh markets, world-class healthcare, major universities, and cheap golf with some of the best courses in the country. Chestnut trees line the boulevard as numerous amenities are a short walk away. Get plugged-in to the acting studio, Neighborhood Association, Fall Festivals, Christmas Dinners and Fourth of July Parades. Feel safe with a nearby fire station and dedicated community police officer. Your new home is in America’s heartland where the birds sing proudly, people safely walk their dogs, and baby strollers rule the sidewalks. Welcome home!
      1978 Wakefield is a microcosm of America’s heartland. Its description is comprised of more than impersonal facts and statistics—more than square footage, number of rooms, age of the roof, and the laundry room on the first floor. The intangible characteristics are what give the space its powerful impact.
      The home’s relationship with the natural environment is what sets it apart from others. Because of its southern orientation with 35 oversized windows, each sun-drenched room creates a warm emotional reaction you immediately feel. From sunrise to sunset, as the sunbeams slowly wrap around the exterior of the home and highlight every interior space in its own unique way, a curious sense of tranquility envelopes you and creates a sense of sanctuary you will treasure.
      The promise of the care we put into this home - along with our desire to rebuild this hidden gem of Youngstown - is echoed in the 1985 poetry of Louis Zlotkin:
      I Still Believe in Youngstown
      And all the good folks there.
      Though mills are gone
      The show goes on
      Because of those who care.
     
      I Still Believe in Youngstown
      They’re shopping everywhere.
      Some stores are out
      But there’s no doubt
      Most stores still get their share.
     
      They’re Giving It A Face Lift
      With hopes and dreams anew,
      Cause all around
      They’re breaking ground
      For other buildings too.
     
      I Still Believe in Youngstown
      With all its faults, I swear.
      There’s much to do
      But we’ll pull through
      Because of those who care.
      I am not the only one who still believes in Youngstown.
      Courage and vision are what I saw on that cold, wet Sunday morning as it dawned on me the individual holding the blueprints was local builder Dominic Marchionda. What makes his standing more noteworthy is his belief in Youngstown prior to the opportunities provided by the freedom to work remotely. Marchionda believed in Youngstown before it was cool to believe in Youngstown. And despite risking life and limb navigating through political tripwires and minefields, he has become the most influential property developer Youngstown has experienced in a generation.
      Others possess that same warrior spirit.
      Julius Oliver recently built a 4,000- square-foot home on the lower end of Youngstown’s First Ward near the Mahoning River to motivate others to invest in at-risk neighborhoods.
      Jim Tressel helped transform Youngstown State University (YSU) into a place to live and not just learn.
      Others include Ian Beniston and his merry band of neighborhood crusaders who have raised more boats with their tidal-wave intensity more than any other.
      Meshel, McNally, Mcarty, Mcarthy, Swierz, Smith, Carter, Raymond, Brown, Palumbo, Danyi, the Stone Fruit Coffee company, Wendy P. and her team of Aces, Voltage Valley champs like Rivers and Verb.
      Barack Obama helped facilitate a federally-funded additive manufacturing lab that is promising to transform Youngstown from a steel town to a 21st century tech-hub. The list of action-oriented believers includes everyday people who, despite facing daunting odds and the onslaught of constant negativity, often possess the power to affect change on the grandest scales. They are the unlikely heroes who seek neither glory nor gold.
      As a SEAL, I had the rare privilege to work alongside some of the best warriors. Yet it was a ten-year-old Iraqi boy who gave me the greatest inspiration during my darkest time. I watched him run through machine gun fire on numerous occasions to help protect his family and help our coalition forces—all while carrying his soccer ball he wanted to protect. In addition to being a sweet young boy, he was one of the most courageous individuals I ever met.
      “The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse,” said Don Jun in Tales of Power.
      The lifeblood of America flows through the heartland and thanks to the not-so-average Midwesterner and the freedom to work remotely, cities like Youngstown, Ohio are now poised for a new economic reality. Like the ingredients for making steel, our new normal is a confluence of three core components. Our essential ingredient—the iron ore—is the new freedom to work from where we choose. Our catalyst—the coal that fuels change—is the conviction that drives us to new economic growth. Our purifying agent—the limestone flux -- like our common goal of a better life for us and our children—is the inspiration that is passed to others who will continue rebuilding for generations to come.
      This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for meaningful economic and cultural progress is knocking on our front door as we can now attract nicely paid professionals to a new and better existence. Let the steel shine brightly and build on, for our work here is not done.
      We shall not cease from exploration
      And the end of all our exploring
      Will be to arrive where we started
      And know the place for the first time.
      –T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”
      Joe Metzger graduated from Boardman High School. in 1988. He graduated from Yale University with a BA in American Studies with an emphasis in politics and American communities. He joined the Navy as a construction engineer (SeaBee), became a SEAL and graduated (cross trained) Army Ranger training and became Ranger qualified. He has extensive experience in the contracting and construction management field. He served as Youngstown’s Brownlee Woods President, vice president and is a current member of Youngstown’s 7th Ward association. He currently works at 70E Solutions that helps facilitate numerous ongoing contracts with the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Metzger can be reached at joseph.metzger@gmail.com

     One of the more colorful characters in Boardman Township history, Jefferson ‘Bear’ Heaver, 73, died Fri., Oct. 7, of a heart attack. At the time of his sudden death, he was helping an elderly person at Marcs get merchandise off a display shelf.
      Bear was a 1967 graduate of Boardman High School, growing up on Tanglewood Dr., a son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Heaver.
      He leaves his wife of eleven years, Sharon Moran. He had a brother, Bob (Trush), of Georgia; and three sisters, Cathy (Dan) Hunt, and Laurie Heaver, of Florida; and Nancy Heaver, of Columbus, Oh.
      At Boardman High School, Bear was a standout member of the Spartans football team, where he served as a co-captain and earned first-team All Steel Valley Conference laurels as a senior. He was also a three-year letterman with the Spartans wrestling team.
      After attending Heidelberg College, he was employed for two years with the Boardman Township Road Department.
      In 1973, he joined the Boardman Police Department, where he was a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #43, serving a term as president. He retired on Dec, 2, 2002, as Chief of the Detective Division.
      “He was particularly adept and remembering dates, times and names,” his former Police Chief Glenn Bowers once said.
      Heaver’s term of service at the Boardman Police Department was recognized many times for his professionalism.
      When promoted to the rank of detective in 1981, Chief James McBride said that Heaver “served with great devotion to duty and has displayed good investigative ability. He has shown soundness of decision, promptness of action, and application of good investigative procedures.”
      In May, 1991, Chief Bowers commended Officer Heaver for his work in an investigation into a hit-skip accident that killed a 13-year-oldboy on Glenwood Ave.
      “The police department received an anonymous tip that an individual made a statement in a bar in Austintown about striking a youth. Your experience and expertise as an investigator, along with your diligence led to the arrest and conviction of the individual who was responsile,” Chief Bowers said of Heaver’s efforts.
      As a member of the FOP, he was known for his ability to negotiate contracts for members of his union, without petty squabbles.
      While a member of the police department, the Bear decided to take up the sport of golf, first learning the game at Tippecanoe Country Club.
      In retirement, he golfed all the time. He had a reputation as an excellent putter, especially from distance. In his later years, any putt he had from 4-ft. or closer, was a ‘gimme!’
      He was a member and past president of the Sigma Club, a member and treasurer of the Sigma-60 Investment Club, and a member of the board of the Springfield Ridge Association.
      He and his outgoing, sometimes gruff character will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.
      The Bear could spin a yarn better than most, and often would tell his tales with unmatched repetition.
      He loved the community, and the police department that he served.
      Calling hours are set for Mon., Oct. 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at the Rossi-Santucci Funeral Home.
      Shortly before his death, the Bear sent the following to his friends---
      THE LAST QUARTER
      Most of us, not all, are now in the last quarter of our life and should read this interesting piece of advice. This is one of the nicest and most gentle articles I’ve read in a while: no politics, no religion and no racial issues - just food for thought.
      You know …… time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
      It seems just yesterday that I was young and embarking on my new life. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.
      I know that I lived them all.
      I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.
      However, here it is …… the last quarter of my life and it catches me by surprise.
      How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
      I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that I was only on the first quarter and that the fourth quarter was so far off that I could not visualize it or imagine fully what it would be like.
      Yet, here it is …… my friends are retired and getting grey - they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me but I see the great change.
      They’re not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant …… but like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d become.
      Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day and taking a nap is not a treat anymore. It’s mandatory because if I don’t of my own free will, I fall asleep where I sit.
      And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did. But at least I know that, though I’m on the last quarter and I’m not sure how long it will last, that when it’s over on this earth, it’s over. A new adventure will begin!
      Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done; things I should have done but truly there are many things I’m happy to have been done. It’s all in a lifetime.
      So, if you’re not on the last quarter yet, let me remind you that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life do it quickly.
      Don’t put things off too long. Life goes by so quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you’re on the last quarter or not.
      You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life. So, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember - and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the past years.
      ‘Life’ is a gift to you. Be Happy! Have a great day!
      Remember, it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.
      You may think:
      Going out is good - but coming home is better! You forget names - but it’s okay because some people forgot they even knew you! You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything like golf - but you like the outdoors!
      The things you used to care to do, you aren’t as interested in anymore - but you really don’t care that you aren’t as interested.
      You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV on than in bed – you call it ‘pre-sleep’!
      You miss the days when everything worked with just an ‘On’ and ‘Off’ switch!
      You tend to use more four-letter words – ‘what’ and ‘when’
      You have lots of clothes in your wardrobe, more than half of which you will never wear – but just in case!
      So, stay well, ‘Old friend!’ Have a fantastic day! Have an awesome quarter – whichever one you’re in!
      Take care,
      The Bear

     By Donald K. Allen, MS, DVM
      Lt. Col., USAF/USAFR (Retired)
      Former Military Public Health Officer
      To know of an effective treatment for a disease, and not use it to cure a patient, is malpractice. Government (USDA, AMA, VMA, etc.) cannot override your commitment to effective treatment.
      Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine have been shown to be very effective in combating Covid, yet because “there have not been enough studies,” government banned their use.
      Meanwhile, vaccines for Covid that have been PROVEN to be dangerous to your health, and not effective in preventing infection, are promoted by government, without ANY long-term studies. AND, vaccine manufacturers have been given protection from litigation due to adverse effects!
      Insanity; to do the same thing (vaccination) over and over again and expecting different results.
      “Following orders” was not a legitimate defense during the Nuremberg Trials of Nazis after WWII, and it will not be accepted as a defense this time. Discouraging the use of ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine is criminal, and those who have done this should be held accountable.
      Read the article, “Ivermectin and the Price of Life,” by Justus R. Hope, MD, and see what money has bought that hindered the conquest of the Covid pandemic, and cost countless lives. You should be mad as hell.
      But this is just the first of three issues I have with “modern medicine.”
      As a veterinarian, I have been using a product named, “Azodyl,” for over nine years in cats and dogs. It consists of three bacteria (essentially a probiotic) that destroy urea, a waste product of protein metabolism that builds up in the body when the kidneys are failing. The acid-resistant capsule releases the bacteria in the small intestine, and they begin work immediately to reduce the toxic effects of uremia, which poisons the body.
      Recently this product was approved for use in humans (we’re all animals, you know) and is marketed as, “Renadyl.” During early research, Azodyl was tested in nearly all domestic animals, as well as humans, and was found to be equally effective, since kidney function is basic the same in
      mammals. I have seen Azodyl cut blood urea nitr gen (BUN) and creatinine numbers in half, along with a reduced protein diet. But I doubt your urologist would recommend it, since dialysis is a huge, multi-billion-dollar business, and this product may keep you out of, or delay your need for it.
      Here’s the third issue. I developed prostate cancer in 2015 and had my prostate robotically removed. Then I needed 33 radiation treatments to ensure the cancer was controlled. A friend told
      me about maitake mushrooms tripling (300%) your T-lymphocytes, which are your hunter-killer white cells that scavenge dead and foreign cells. Since radiation destroys cells, I thought this would be helpful in healing. I take a mushroom supplement every day. You can find studies to confirm this from the National Institute of Health (NIH). My oncologist just blew it off; not interested. So, if it doesn’t come down from above, i.e. the American Medical Association (AMA), or read about in the Journal of Oncology, forget about it.
      So, our “government” continues to downplay ivermectin, and the citizens who totally obey their directives will ridicule you for using, “horse wormer.” Well, just disregard the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine, given to the Japanese discoverer of ivermectin. Also disregard the millions of humans in Africa who have been taking ivermectin for decades to prevent river blindness and elephantiasis. That’s all nonsense, right?
      I know, I’m a veterinarian, and you know we’re not “real doctors.”
      Dr. Allen’s Office is located at
      4501 Market St., Boardman, Oh., 44512

     Center Intermediate School is planning something new for its more than 800 students, teachers and staff. Plans to convert a second floor auditorium into a new Social Emotional Learning Center are in the works and community partnerships are already helping to pave the way. “Students need to know how to manage negative behaviors, be calm and focused, follow directions, and establish and maintain positive relationships with peers,” said principal Michael Masucci. “Individuals with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges. They also benefit academically, professionally, and socially. This SEL Center will be a place to gather and foster these skills.” Decades ago, attendance issues and bullying were at the heart of most conversations about students’ social and emotional learning and mental health. Today’s students, educators, counselors and caregivers face additional issues such as anxiety, cyberbullying, depression, self-harm and even suicide. Creative ways must be developed to address current and future needs, the Boardan Local School District said.

     Boardman Park Executive Director and Clerk Dan Slagle, Boardman Park executive director and clerk, has decided to retire after 50 years of service with the local park district.
      Meeting in September, the park board accepted his resignation and named Gabe Manginelli as the park’s new superintendent, and Angela Davis will serve as clerk.
      During Slagle’s tenure, Boardman Park has grown from a small plot of land for the use of the community into the “Green Oasis,” one of the most unique and popular recreational facilities in the Mahoning Valley. Boardman Park has become a multi-facility recreational greenspace---a place where residents can find nature ‘right next door.’
      Slagle started his career in 1972 as a groundskeeper and was promoted to assistant superintendent in 1988. In 1992 he was appointed to superintendent/clerk.
      “It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve the community for all these years, especially with so many wonderful and dedicated people, for that I am most grateful.” said Slagle. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years. Boardman Park is truly a community-built park and is definitely a treasure that we should all be proud of and cherish. It has been the generosity of the community that is responsible for making Boardman Park what it is today.”
      Angela Davis/Gabe Manginelli Promoted
      The Park Board decided to split Slagle’s duties and promote two employees to carry on what Slagle has guided for so long. Park Board Chair Joyce Mistovich announced the promotions saying, “On behalf of my fellow board members, Trent Cailor and Ken Goldsboro, we are pleased to announce that Angela Davis and Gabe Manginelli have been promoted. Angela has been promoted to Clerk and Gabe has been promoted to Superintendent.
      Prior to their new positions, Angela was the Office Manager/Assistant Clerk and Gabe served as Grounds Maintenance Supervisor.”
      “In their previous positions with the Park,” Mistovich continued, “They have proven to be dedicated and hardworking employees. Angela has been with the park for 12 years and Gabe has been with the park for 21 years. Over their tenures, they have played instrumental roles in making the Green Oasis what it is today.”
      Slagle says that he is comfortable with the succession plan,
      “I know that I am leaving The Green Oasis in very capable hands.” he said. “Gabe and Angela understand and believe in the mission of Boardman Park. They are dedicated to serving our community. Based on their experience, dedication to the park and readiness to assume their new roles, we expect a smooth and seamless transition.” added Mistovich.
      Family Support
      While reflecting on his 50 years of service, Slagle thanked his family.
      “My family has always supported and understood my overwhelming dedication to Boardman Park. For their support and understanding, I am so ever thankful. My retirement is long overdue, and I am very much looking forward to enjoying retirement with my precious family, my wife Marilou and our boys, Dewey and Tom.”
     
      PICTURED: NEW LEADERSHIP AT BOARDMAN PARK, following the retirement of Executive Director Dan Slagle, will be two longtime employees of the district. At left is Angela Davis, who will become clerk; and at right is the new superintendent, Gabe Manginelli. They will assume their new positions on Oct. 31.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Permanent improvement tax levies could be used in the future to construct a new public school building; an incumbent office-holder and her challenger both said they ‘go to work everyday;’ and a Republican incumbent state senator failed to appear last week at a candidates’ night held at the Lariccia Family Community Center at Boardman Park.
      Boardman Local School Supt. Tim Saxton said, among two renewal issues on the ballot will be a 1.6-mil permanent improvement levy---
      “There’s one, little tweak we’re looking for, asking to make this a continual levy,” the superintendent said, meaning the tax funds raised by approval of the issue would never be voted on again.
      The permanent improvement levy was first approved by the electorate in 1998 and raises about $1.4 million a year, Saxton said.
      “A continual levy…gives us a financial foundation for large capital improvement projects…we can do our own, creative financing and not pass new taxes on anybody,” Saxton said.
      For several years, Boardman Local School officials have discussed abandoning Center Middle School that sits on some 19 acres near the center of Boardman Township. At one point, some suggest that Mernard’s had looked at the property, valued at more than $5 million, but considered the site too small.
      As well, the school board now calls Glenwood Middle School, Boardman High School and Spartan Stadium a ‘campus,’ where a new intermediate school could be constructed.
      “There’s no doubt Center is an aging building…a long-standing tradition…We have to make some decisions about it and we can’t even have a conversation until we strengthen our financial picture,” Saxton said.
      “Going to a continuing levy will allow us to begin some great conversation with our community about what we can do with Center Intermediate School,” he said.
      Saxton added that the school system will also place a 5.8-mil renewal issue on the November ballot. The issue, first approved in 2003, raises about $5 million annually.
      Gino DeFabio, challenger for a seat on the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners, recalled his work history as a Teamster, decried some $27 million in county funds that were spent on at Oak Hill Center in Youngstown (where the Mahoning County Board of Elections is headquartered), and called for a ‘comprehensive audit’ if he was elected.
      “I wanna help you protect your tax dollars,” DiFabio said, claiming he “didn’t see the commissioners working for our county.”
      DiFabio, the Republican challenger, told those in attendance, “I won’t worry about the politics.”
      Incumbent Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a Democrat, has served as a county commissioner since 2011.
      “I go to work everyday. Experience is invaluable and I am proud to run on my record in overseeing this $350 million (county government) corporation,” the incumbent said. “We are prudent with our finances.”
      Rimedio-Righetti said among her priorities are public safety, creation of a justice fund for monies for the sheriff’s department, prosecutor and coroner’s office.
      Among many accomplishments of the board of commissioners while she has served, the commissioner cited creation of a facility to serve developmentally-disabled persons, partnering with the Western Reserve Port Authority to aid economic development in the county, approval of a special district to aid in redevelopment of the Southern Park Mall, distribution of American Relief Act funds to communities throughout the county, and support for infra-structure projects.
      For example, last November, the county board of commissioners approved $1 million in funding for creation of a stormwater park on the site of Market St. Elementary School, Rimedio-Righetti said, adding she has received endorsements from law enforcement and labor groups.
      Judge Eugene Donofrio is seeking re-election to a seat on the Seventh District Court of Appeals. He cited his record of judicial integrity and independence.
      He is opposed by Atty. Mark Hanni, who unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the appellate court a decade ago.
      Hanni said he is a ‘constitutionalist,’ who doesn’t believe the critical race theory or transgenders “should be shoved down our children’s throats.”
      Incumbent State Rep. Al Cutrona, a Republican, seeking reelection to the 58th district Ohio House of Representative seat, said he is able “to reach across the aisle,” noting he has supported funding for law enforcement, schools, nurses and combating the opioid epidemic.
      Cutrona will be opposed by Bruce Neff, a Democrat and a member of Canfield City Council.
      “The dysfunction in our state government makes our state legislature incredibly important, and that’s why I am running,” Neff said. He called the state’s school funding “unconstitutional.”
      Boardman Township Administrator, Jason Loree, said the township will place two renewal issues on the ballot---a 2.2-mil police and fire issue; and a 2.9-mil issue for current expenses.
      He also said bids for the stormwater park at the site of Market St. Elementary School will be opened in October.
      The park will be able to provide some 1,000,000 gallons of water retention during peak storm periods and is designed to alleviate surface water issues for some 1,400 homes, Loree said.
      Once the stormwater park is completed (fall of 2023), Trustees will seek water flow improvements along a water course that extends from Forest Lawn Cemetery to Lake Newport in Mill Creek Park. To date, neither the cemetery or park district has demonstrated a willingness to work with township officials to make improvements along the water course.
      Also addressing the Civic Association forum was Democrat Bob Hagan. seeking a seat at an Ohio State Senator. He is opposing incumbent Republican Sen. Michael Rulli, who failed to show-up at the forum. Hagan spewed party politics, asking those in attendance if they were better off this year than last year, and then spewing a barrage of party politics blaming Republicans for ‘partisan politics.’
      Serving as moderator for the election forum was Mark Luke. The invocation was given by Lauren Johnson.
     

     Southwoods Health, headquartered in Boardman, has announced it will begin providing physical, occupational and speech therapy, skilled nursing and social work services in ‘in-home’ settings.
      “We are proud to announce that many of those services will now be conveniently available in your home,’ said Ed Muransky, CEO of Southwoods.
      “We all know the best place to recover from an illness, injury or procedure is in the comfort of your own home,” Muransky, said, adding “Our goal is to provide patients with expert care by offering compassionate support, encouragement and genuine peace of mind for patients and their families.
      “Home health services are so very important to the overall continuum of care for patients. We will provide a service that allows patients to safely remain at home, helping them recover faster, with fewer complications.”
      According to the Southwoods CEO, additional benefits of home health care include:
       •Improving or maintaining a patient’s current condition and/or level of function,
       •Helping manage medications,
       •Assessing current living environments for safety,
       •Recognizing signs and symptoms, which can reduce avoidable hospital re-admissions and expensive hospital bills,
       •Understanding how to appropriately manage chronic conditions,
       •Regaining independence (over time), and
       •Assistance following discharge instructions and/or physician orders.
      Southwoods Health: Southwoods Health is the region’s fastest growing healthcare system and is proud to be locally owned and operated by the Muransky family and area physicians. It includes The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods, an acute care hospital in Boardman; Southwoods Imaging, offering advanced diagnostic imaging services; Southwoods Pain & Spine Center, offering services to treat chronic pain, as well as an advanced spine surgery program; Southwoods Sleep Centers, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders; Southwoods Physician Services, a multi-specialty physician group; and Southwoods Express Care, providing same day, walk-in non-emergent services.

      The fountain area at the core of the Youngstown State University campus, where students and the community have gathered for decades to study, lunch and socialize, is being named for Daniel H. Becker, chief executive of Becker Funeral Homes, and his family.
      The naming is in recognition of Becker’s $1 million gift to YSU to establish the Daniel H. Becker Family Scholarship.
      “All of us at YSU thank Dan and his family for their ongoing support of the university and the entire Mahoning Valley community,” President Jim Tressel said. “His legacy will live on in perpetuity at this very special place on campus.”
      The annual scholarship will go to a full-time student with a minimum 2.5-grade point average, with a preference for students from Struthers, Becker’s hometown, and who volunteer in their communities.
      “We are proud to be so closely associated with a business and a family that is so well-regarded and respected as the Beckers, whose commitment to the Mahoning Valley dates back more than 100 years,” said Paul McFadden, president of the YSU Foundation.
      The Becker family has been in the funeral profession since 1896; the business now has four locations throughout the Mahoning Valley. Dan Becker, who was educated in the Struthers schools, Mercersburg Academy, YSU and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, began working in the family business as a teenager with his father, Hazen. He joined the business full time in 1961, upon his return from the Army as a Paratrooper Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division.
      In 1967, Becker founded Gold Cross Ambulance and Medical Service, and ran the company for 28 years until selling it in 1995. While operating the ambulance company, he was a pioneer in working with the state legislature to establish standards for emergency medical technicians.
      He was president of the Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Funeral Directors Association and a member of the Ohio and National Funeral Directors Associations. Becker is a longtime member and current president of the Ohio Embalmers Association. He also formerly served on the boards of Aqua Ohio and Western Reserve Bank.
      Becker has been an active member of the community. From 1974 to 1978, he was an adjunct faculty member at YSU, teaching first aid and personal safety. Becker also served on the Struthers City Board of Education, and he is a founding member of the Struthers School Foundation for Educational Excellence. He is a former Board member and served as Vice President of the Ohio American Heart Association. He served as a board member for many years for the Mahoning County and Youngstown Libraries, as well as the Better Business Bureau of Youngstown, the Struthers Fire Department and the Dyslexia Learning Center of the Youngstown Scottish Rite.
      Becker is a 33-degree Mason. He served as scout master of Troop 16, is a member of the Struthers Rotary, and is a graduate of Leadership Mahoning Valley. He is a member of the Struthers Parkside Church, formerly known as the Struthers Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a deacon, elder and chairman of the congregation.
      Dan and the former Margaret (Margy) Trucksis were married nearly 54 years before her death in July 2009. They have five children: Kim Horyn of Cape Cod, Mass.; Kandace Becker-Hagendorn and Kelly Becker, both of Poland, Ohio; Kate Becker of Rocky Point, Mass.; and Daniel H. D. Becker of St. Paul, Minn. They also have nine grandchildren. His daughters Kim Horyn, Kelly Becker and Kate Becker, and a grandson, Robert Rumberg, are all graduates of YSU. Becker’s partner of 11 years, Dottie Melody, is a 1962 graduate of Youngstown University with a degree in Education.
      A fountain has been part of the YSU campus since at least 1966, when the Kilcawley Center student union first opened, according to University Archives. The original fountain was in the same approximate location but had three spouts and a shallow pool.
      In 1973, the campus underwent a major expansion, with five new buildings under construction. At that time, the YSU Board of Trustees approved a master landscaping plan that was part of an overall strategy to remove vehicular traffic from the center of campus and create a pedestrian campus core. Construction of the new campus core, with the circles and mounds that still exist today, started in July 1974, and was completed in May 1976.

     Last Saturday was a special day for Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops and his family. Prior to a match-up against Youngstown State, Stoops’ family joined him on field as he was recognized for becoming the Wildcats’ all-time winningest coach. More than 59,000 fans (many wearing ‘Stoops Troops’ t-shirts) in the stands went wild as he and his family were introduced.
      With a victory over the Florida Gators two weeks ago, Stoops earned his 61st victory in Lexington, surpassing Hall of Fame coach Bear Bryant for the program lead.
      After a 31-0 shutout against Youngstown State, the coach addressed what it meant to him to share that moment with his mother, brothers, sisters and children.
      “I really appreciate that and the administration doing that acknowledgement and having my mother there and my brother Bob and all my sisters and brothers,” Stoops said.
      “It was really nice. So it was fun. I’m glad it’s all behind us now and we can concentrate and move on to the next games. But great weekend. Great day. So, that was fun.”
      Stoops took over for the Wildcats in 2013 and holds a 62-53 record since then following Saturday’s victory. Last season, in which the Wildcats finished with a 10-3 record, he became the first coach to lead UK to multiple 10-win seasons.
      Mark Stoops comes from a big football family from Cardinal Mooney High School where they all played on the gridiron under legendary Don Bucci. His brothers, Bob, Mike and Ron were also college football coaches. Bob retired in 2016 after 18 years as head coach Oklahoma (where he won a national championship and is the winningest grid coach in Sonners’ history), while Mike is in his first season working with Mark as the Kentucky linebackers coach. Ron spent several seasons at Youngstown State as an assistant coach. With the family all back together, Stoops said he was looking forward to spending some quality time with them Saturday evening.
      “I’ve got a lot of family and friends here,” Mark said. “We’ll enjoy the evening and spend some time with my family and friends. I’m really appreciative that my whole family got here and was here to share in that. It’s been a fun weekend.”
      Kentucky is currently ranked No. 8 in the AP poll, its highest mark since 2007.
      Pictured, from left, moments before kickoff with Youngstown State are, Mike Stoops, Ron Stoops, Will, Mark and Zach Stoops, Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky athletic director; Bob Stoops, Reenie (Stoops) Farragher and Kathy Stoops.

      On September 5, the Boardman Tennis and Swim Club honored Mrs. Judy Sommerlad for 59 years of membership in the facility. Judy is the last ‘original’ member who established the club. In 1963 the Boardman-Canfield Swim Club was established after much planning and discussion. The club was originally going to be built on farmland just north of West Boulevard School. The farmland asking price was a bit too high, so the club decided to purchase land where it presently is located on West Boulevard. The 400 original members each paid $350 to purchase stock and begin the construction process. The dues for members were originally $25/year. Judy and her husband, Jack, were the 56th member to buy stock in the new facility. Their stock is numbered and signed by the first president, Robert Froom, and the first secretary, Paul Zellers. The date of Judy’s stock acquisition is July 1, 1963. For 59 straight years, Judy has paid her yearly dues to maintain her membership. The now named Boardman Tennis and Swim Club knows of no other original stock certificates and interested parties may view the stock certificate hanging on the club’s office wall. Judy presented the stock to the club board and current membership at the annual end of the summer picnic on Labor Day. Judy and her husband worked for the government during the Korean War in the Counter Intelligence Bureau in Washington, DC.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      80-year-old Mike Little, who taught earth science and biology classes at Boardman High School from 1972-1999, recently reached a milestone when he rode his bike along the Greenway Trail, from Leetonia to Lisbon, Oh. The end of that ride marked some 80,000 miles Little had ridden on his bicycle in the last 50 years.
      His travels on his bike took him everywhere in America, including a month-long trek in Alaska, from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
      A week ago, Little stopped by The Boardman News to tout his milestone achievement, leaving his phone number if this writer had any questions.
      So, last Friday, a call was made to Little. His wife answered, informing on Wed., Aug. 31, Little died doing what he liked, riding his bicycle on the Little Beaver Trail in Columbiana County.
      He apparently fell and struck his head and never recovered.
      Little had a unique passion, the wilderness, saying “Mother Nature can bring us together. It provides peace of mind, that’s why I like it. When you’re in the wilderness, you must listen to the ‘music’ of the woods. It soothes the soul”
      In addition to his exploits on his two-wheeler, Little also hiked all over America, including such gems as the Long Trail, Appalachain Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
      Only days before his death, he and his wife, Karen, were set to embark upon a journey to Austria.
      While teaching at Boardman High School, Little organized camping trips for his students.
      “For some, it was a life-changing event,” he said.
      Little was a teacher for 34 years including four years on a Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona, and 27 years at Boardman High School.
      Mike was also a National Park Ranger and worked at Wind Cave National Park, Colorado National Monument and Arches National Park.
      He also earned his pilot’s license and flew small airplanes in the 1990’s.
      He served in the Air Force Reserves and was a member of the Benjamin Firestone Post #290 American Legion. He was also active in many clubs including, Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Society, Sierra Club and the Sebring Model Railroad Club.
      Mr. Little is survived by his wife, the former Karen Conkle, whom he married on June 3, 1967; his daughter, Sarah (Glenn) Forney of Boise, Idaho and Molly (Dwight) Pavek of Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and siblings David Little and Rosemary Deioma.
      He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Leetonia.
      Mike was born on August 1, 1942 in Dover, the son of the late Charles and Irene Monti Little.
     
      PHOTO OF MIKE LITTLE along the Greenway Trail just after completing a 50-year journey of 80,000 miles riding his bicycle.
     

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Park observed its 75th anniversary on Sat., Aug. 27 with a host of activities where more than 10,000 people flocked to Boardman Township’s ‘green oasis’ of more than 200 acres.
      Among the most unique features at Boardman Park is its executive director, Dan Slagle Jr., who tenure has stretched over four decades in serving as director of the park’s operations, and indeed, Boardman Park has prospered under his leadership
      Slagle, 71, has spent his entire life working at Boardman Park, some 50 years. He was first hired under Supt. Ivor Jenkins, and when John Holzbach retired in 1992, Slagle became superintendent, pledging to improve programming and open-up the park to more people.
      Today, more than 500,000 people go to Boardman Park every year---wether just to enjoy the solitude and green spaces, for weddings and class reunions, the Oktoberfest, annual Community Christmas and Holiday Light Display, summer concerts or annual Fourth of July events.
      “Remember, the park has only been able to grow because the community supports us, including the many donors who have helped us grow. It is truly special,” Slagle says.
      Boardman Park is still funded by a 1-mil levy, the same millage that created the park in 1948.
      “Of all the things I am most proud of, we have been able to build the park into what it is today on virtually the same funding we had when the park was created,” Slagle observed this week.
      He noted all the improvements could not have been made without strong community involvement.
      There were the hundreds of people who joined as volunteers to build Kids Town; the Tony Lariccia family provided major funding to build a grand community center.
      “There are so many people who have helped create the park,” Slagle said, mentioning William F. Maag, Martha Roepke, Tom Masters Sr., C.R. Smith Jr. and Joseph Sylvester Sr. and the Boardman Rotary Club as among the many who have provided support over the years.
      Slagle recalled the development of the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater with some amazement.
      “One day a community resident, Martha Roepke, walked into my office and said she wanted to do something in honor of William F. Maag (who donated the original acreage to form the park),” Slagle said. She provided the major funding to build the theater and Jose Sylvester Sr. donated much of the labor.
      “We were still short of funds and I began researching potential donors. One day, I called Clarence Smith, whom I had never met before, and told him of the situation.
      “Right on the spot he pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check that covered the final construction costs.
      “I love Boardman Park. The rewards I have received serving the community and developing the park district have filled my lifetime,” Slagle observed.
      Slagle is a life-long resident of Boardman Township, and a 1969 graduate of Boardman High School.
      Upon graduation, he worked at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. as a loader in the Butt Weld Shipping Department, which for a young suburbanite was a very enlightening experience.
      While working at Youngstown Sheet & Tube, he enrolled at Youngstown State University, pursuing a degree in Biology/Pre-Forestry.
      In 1972, he started his career at Boardman Township Park as a groundskeeper. While working at the park, he earned an associate’s degree in Natural Science from YSU and continued his academic career at YSU, earning a bachelor of science degree in Combined Science.
      Slagle was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Boardman Park in 1988, with the primary responsibility of planning and overseeing the maintenance of the grounds and facilities. During his tenure as assistant superintendent he developed an extensive grounds maintenance and landscape programs, which included a comprehensive display of annual and perennial flowers, and a long-term tree planting and maintenance program, with emphasis on the preservation and re-establishment of native hardwoods. The realization of these programs has resulted in a widely acclaimed recognition as a Park that is beautifully landscaped and as the “Green Oasis” of the community.
      The Board of Park Commissioners appointed Slagle as the Superintendent/Clerk in June, 1992. His first project was to research and develop the first-ever master plan for the Park District.
      In the more than four decades since, more than 20 major improvements have evolved from the master plan, with a value of over $6.5 million.
      “The primary funding, 80 per cent, for these improvements has been donations of volunteer time, materials, and money, coupled with government grants,” Slagle notes.
      In 2000, Boardman Park was selected as the host site from a four-county area by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Office of Governor, when then Gov. Robert Taft awarded $560,000 in NatureWorks and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to 13 public entities, with Boardman Park receiving a lions share of $131,122, for its West Quadrant Improvement project.
      Gov. Taft in his presentation remarked “Boardman Park is one of the finest small parks in the state.”
      That same year, Slagle was awarded the Boardman Civic Association’s Community Service Award.
      In 2014, Slagle was honored by The Ohio Parks & Recreation Association’s with its Harvey Woods Lifetime Achievement Award.
      Boardman Park’s executive director is a member of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association. His civic involvement includes-Past President of the Boardman Civic Association, member of the Boardman Rotary Club, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Uptown Youngstown; a co-chair of the Boardman Township Bicentennial Committee; past vestry member and chairman of the properties committee, St. John’s Episcopal Church; past president and life member Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown; Mahoning Valley Landscaping and Nursery Association.
      In July, 1987, appropriately, he married his wife, the former Marilou Bonte, during ceremoies held in Olde St. James Meeting House in the park. They have two sons, Daniel, III (Dewey), and Tom.
      Boardman Park Under Slagle
       •Master Plan - Initiated, researched, designed, drafted, and successfully implemented the 1992 Master Plan for the park and the community it serves, which resulted in approximately $6.5 million in capital improvements, with the majority of the funds (approximately 80%) necessary for its success generated by the following revenue streams: local, state and federal grants; donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and foundations; and the balance (approximately 20%) from the park’s capital budget. The completion of the Master Plan fostered the following recreational assets for the community:
       •Kids’ Town Creative Playground, Robert Leathers Community Built Concept constructed by more than 3000 volunteers.
       •Tot’s Town Playground, community built, initiated by local Realtor, John Burgan.
       •Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre.
       •Elton Beard Family Cabin, funded by an ODNR Nature Works Grant. Major contributor, Elton and Christina Beard.
       •Kenneth Hofmaster Pavilion, community built concept.
       •Hike & Bike Trail.
       •Main Septic system that eliminated an antiquated on-site Leech Bed system and the connection to a public sanitary system at the Shops at Boardman Park. Major contributors, David Handel and Chuck Bishara.
       •West Quadrant Improvements Project that included the Thomas C. Masters Pavilion w/restrooms, a 300-car lighted parking lot, and landscaping funded by a LWCF grant.
       •Two sand volleyball courts.
       •Practice tennis wall.
       •Acquisition of 35 acres of greenspace that increased the size of Boardman Park to 227 acres, with 40 acres of Open Space property located in seven areas of Boardman Township.
       •Renovation of Kids’ Town Playground with plastic lumber made from recycled materials, funded by a Green Team recycling grant.
       •Exterior renovation of St. James Meeting House.
       •Veterans Memorial project developed in conjunction with Boardman Trustee Elaine Mancini.
       •Historical Village Septic System that eliminated an on-site leech bed/holding tank system and the connection to a public sanitary system at the Shops at Boardman Park.
       •West Quadrant Phase II, including the Lariccia Family Bocce Pavilion, ADA accessible playground and the asphalt paving of the 300-car parking lot, funded by an ODNR NatureWorks Grant and ODNR Scrap Tire Grant for Paving of Parking Lot. Major contributor, Anthony Lariccia.
       •The Lariccia Family Community Center Phase I, the renovation and expansion of the 33-year old Community Center. Major contributors, Anthony Lariccia, Boardman Rotary Club, Kennedy Family Trust/SJK Trust, Helen Stambaugh.
       •Exterior renovation of the Oswald Detchon House, a local historic landmark.
       •North Trail project, an 8-foot wide paved ADA accessible walkway that travels parallel to the main drive in the park and connects all park facilities, as well as connecting to existing nature trail system, four miles of trails, funded by an ODNR Recreational Trail Grant
       •Renovation and expansion of the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center.
       •Marge Hartman’s Paws Town at Boardman Park, developed in conjunction with a non-profit committee, Friend of Paws Town, Inc., organized by Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree and his wife, Abbey that led to the development of a 3.25-acre dog park, designed for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners
       •Departmentalized maintenance operations, delineating daily duties and responsibilities; which resulted in more efficient and effective operations.
       •Web site and online reservations.
       •Military concerts and fireworks. Upon the completion of the Maag Outdoor Arts Theatre, initiated and established the annual Military Band Concerts and fireworks displays. He encouraged and eventually convinced the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus to perform at the park for the first time in 1996, and nurtured the relationship over the years to where the park is now part of their Summer schedule. Additionally, Slagle developed a relationship with the B.J. Alan Fireworks Co., headed by Boardman native Bruce Zoldan, where they are now one of the park’s annual sponsors.
       •Haunted Hay Rides and Family Night events.
       •Pepsi Vending and Donations. Under Slagle, Boardman Park initiated and implemented the placement of Pepsi vending machines within the park as a new revenue stream. As part of the Vending Machine agreement, Pepsi donated to Capital Projects (Maag Theatre, $6,000) and Kids’ Town awnings ($3,000) and a $1,000 annual sponsorship.
      “Most importantly, Boardman Park is about our community,” Slagle said this week. All of the improvements during his lengthy tenure have been the result of community involvement and gives the park a unique niche, where volunteerism and donations have played such a key role in the development of Boardman Park.
     
      PHOTO: BOARDMAN PARK’S Executive Director, Dan Slagle Jr., pictured, has worked his entire adult life at the Green Oasis.
     

     In response to the severe weather event that was responsible for flash flooding throughout various neighborhoods and a EF0 Tornado in Boardman Township, Mahoning County Ohio, Boardman Township is asking residents who experienced damage related to the storm to use the dedicated number of 330-716-0038 and leave your name, address, phone number and type of damage to property. We are collecting this information in conjunction with the Mahoning County Emergency Management Office to try and get a disaster declaration.
      Please keep any photo or video of storm damage. As this process develops further assessment teams may contact those who call-in for on-site visits.

     School Safety will be the topic of the first Boardman Local Schools
      Community Dialogue, whose purpose is to inform the community at large of the various issues and concerns facing us all. The forum will be held
      Thursday, September 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Boardman United Methodist Church, 6809 Market St. Presenting the School Safety topic will be Tim Saxton, Boardman Schools Superintendent; Mike Sweeney, School Resource Officer; and Chief Todd Werth, of the Boardman Police. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer time
      period. The Community Dialogue will return on November 3 and February 9 to discuss other topics of interest with professionals in the area. The forums are open to the public.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Boardman Park’s 75th anniversary celebration drew more than 10,000 persons last Saturday to Boardman Township’s ‘Green Oasis.’
      The park was founded in Nov., 1947, when voters approved its formation by a 4-1 vote; followed by a 1-mil tax levy in 1948. The levy to this day, still provides the bulk of funding for the park district’s estimated $1.3 million annual budget.
      Prior to its formation, the land on which the park sits was part of a 123-acre site of what the federal government called ‘surplus federal lands.’ Boardman Township purchased the property for $14,500 in 1946, and then turned around and sold the land to William F. Maag Jr. (WFMJ), who needed 51 acres to build a transmitter for his radio station. He then donated the rest of the property back to Boardman Township for the establishment of Boardman Park.
      Named as the first commissioners to Boardman Park were Ralph P. Smith, Lewis Barger and Atty. Hugh Manchester., who along with architect H. Walter Damon and architect/engineer Chet Long. surveyed the property and began to develop plans for a park, including the main drive that still serves the park today.
      A major addition to Boardman Park was completed in 1972, when St. James Church was moved from the center of the township to the front entrance of the park. The church, built in 1829, is among the oldest Episcopal church structures east of the Mississippi River.
      In its early years, there were two pavilions, a winter ice skating rink and a baseball field, that along with all its woods, were the main features of the park. The ‘big event’ each year was the annual Memorial Day ceremonies that were held around the flag pole.
      The park’s main ballfield, located near where the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater is today, served as home field for the Boardman Spartans baseball team. In the 1960s, famed NFL quarterback Joe Namath played baseball on that field as a member of the Beaver Falls High School diamond team.
      In 1949, Homer V. Holl Sr. was named as the first superintendent of Boardman Park. Chuck Wedekind served as superintendent from 1951 to 1956, when Ivor Jenkins took over the reigns. It was under Jenkins and park commissioners Phil Prosser, Frank Showalter and Frank Mastriana that St. James Church found its new home, gracing the entrance to Boardman Park and all who pass by on heavily-traveled Rt. 224.
      Jenkins served until 1975 when John Holzbach took over the superintendent’s duties.
      Under Holzbach, Boardman Park began to develop an historical village that today includes the Beardsley-Walter Diehm house, the Oswald Detch House and the Schiller-Chuey summer kitchen.
      In addition, the gazebo that stands in the park today, was constructed, and the Georgeanna Parker Activity Center that houses the park district’s offices was constructed in 1976, the same year the annual Music in the Park concerts were begun.
      Holzbach drew the ire of Township Trustees in the early 1990s, when concerns were aired about park funds being spent on a private collection of nature books. He was replaced by Daniel Slagle Jr., who has directed Boardman Park’s operations since 1992.
      Under Slagle, the park district has prospered and greatly expanded its programming. Use of the park today draws more than 500,000 visitors annually, including at its biggest annual event, the Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest.
      The Oktoberfest might never have been held, as when first proposed, park directors expressed concern that so many in people in the park at one time could damage its landscaping.
      However, in 1976, Boardman Township held its Bicentennial Celebration at Boardman Park and the event drew upwards of 15,000 people---paving the way the next year for the first Oktoberfest.
      When Slagle took over the duties of leading Boardman Park, he proposed a mission statement that was approved by the Board of Commissioners, providing guidance for the many improvements under his tenure.
      That mission statement called for the park district “to provide a diversity of recreational and educational opportunities in an environment that lends itself to pleasant family experiences.”
      For example, in 1993, Kids Town Playground was completed with the help of a large outpouring of community support, including hundreds of volunteers who built the playground.
      In 1994, a hike and bike trail was completed, and in 1996, the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater was built. A year later, the Elton Beard family cabin and Hofmaster Pavilion was built.
      Today, Boardman Park not only encompasses its original acreage, but also includes seven ‘open space’ lands scattered throughout Boardman Township, as well as the Southern Park Stables and the Clarence Smith Homestead (both located by Washington Blvd.).
      In 1972, when Slagle began his career at Boardman Park, serving as commissioners were Frank Mastriana, George Economus and Phil Prosser. Others who served on the park board during Slagle’s tenure are Tom Masters, Janie Jenkins, Mark Luke, Jack Russell, Gwen Smith, Dr. Robert Johnson and Josh Zarlenga; as well as current commissioners Joyce Mistovich, Trent Cailor and Ken Goldsboro.
      In remarks at last Saturday’s celebration, Joyce Mistovich, chairperson of the park’s board of commissioners noted “With support from the public and our visitors, Boardman Park has evolved into one of the most unique and popular recreation areas in the Mahoning Valley.
      “Boardman Park has grown tremendously over these 75 years [and] all of this has occurred as we have been operating on the equivalent of a one-mil levy for 74 years.”

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Boardman Police Department has received a $628,358.56 grant from the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, Gov. Mike DeWine announced last week.
      The bulk of the funding, some $435,200 is set aside for “retention bonuses” for the 61-member Boardman Police Department and the staff of 15 persons who work in the township’s dispatching department. The bonuses will be paid of over a two-year period and range from a $3,500 yearly bonus to senior members of the department to $2,000 for lesser-serving officers. The township’s dispatchers will receive yearly bonuses between $2,400 annually to $1,500 annually depending on their term of service.
      Earlier this year, Trustees Brad Calhound, Larry Moliterno and Tom Costello approved bonues of $1,250 for all township employee, using funds provided by the American Rescue Act.
      Additionally, $36,000 is designated for law enforcement hiring bonuses for 12 new police officers, according to the grant application provided to The Boardman News by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
      Another $137,158 is ear-marked for two, new police officers, and $20,000 is directed for a video recording system that will update the department’s current system.
      Governor DeWine, in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, created the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program to give local law enforcement additional tools to address violence, including increases in crime associated with law enforcement retirements and resignations.
      The program is funded through both the state operating budget and with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds dedicated to first responders to counter various pressing issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including violent crime. The grant announced last week is funded through ARPA.
      According to the grant application, violence in the Boardman community has increased since the pandemic began.
      “Boardman Township has not been immune to the effects of the national increases in violent crime.
      “During the COVID-19 pandemic, our jurisdiction experienced an increase in violent crimes similar to what has occurred nationally.
      “Specifically in Boardman Township, felonious assaults have increased 33% from 2019 to 2020; rape was up 28% from 2019 to 2021; robberies increased 17% from 2019 to 2020; and aggravated burglaries increased 85% from 2019 to 2021,” says the grant application.
      Additionally, the application notes “Boardman, like so many other communities, has had its share of difficulties during the pandemic.
      “From 2019 to 2021, there was a nearly 200% increase in the amount of drug overdoses and a nearly 400% increase in overdose deaths in
      Boardman Township.
      “The increase of illicit drug activity with the resulting increase in overdoses during the pandemic has had a direct impact on [the Boardman] community and safety services resources.”
      Lead author of the grant was longtime Boardman policeman, Lt. John Allsopp.
      Narrative
      A narrative provided within the grant application, says the following-----
      “As in many parts of the country, the coronavirus pandemic has had multiple adverse impacts on our local community in Boardman Township, Ohio. The Boardman Police Department’s ability to safely complete our stated mission and also keep our officers and employees safe and well has been made increasingly difficult. In addition to the daily requirements of responding to calls for service, conducting proactive enforcement operations, training and administrative tasks, we have had to put into place many measures to mitigate the risks that the pandemic posed. This has increased the level of stress on our employees and adversely impacted on our ability to adequately address violent crime in a proactive manner. To compound this problem, the nation has seen the rate of aggravated assaults increase nearly 12% between 2019 and 2020, with a stated increase in overall violent crime increasing in the country of over 5%. “As our crime statistics have shown, Boardman is certainly not immune to the effects of these national increases in violent crime. Boardman Township...is a suburb directly south of the city of Youngstown. The target population that will immediately benefit from this Violence Reduction (including the purchase of vital technology and equipment) and retention bonuses, incentives, and activities initiative are not just the 40,889 (2010 census data) residents of Boardman Township, that as the economic hub of Mahoning County, is estimated by traffic studies to have a daily service population of approximately 100,000 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
      “The most recent data available for the demographics of Boardman Township reveal ...9.9% of Boardman Township residents live in
      poverty.
      “To the north and west of Boardman Township, is a direct boundary with Youngstown, which has approximately 66,500 residents...Some 38% of the population lives below the poverty line, the third highest poverty rate among U.S. cities.
      “Youngstown is also the only U.S. city where more than half of all households earn less than $25,000 a year. The low incomes are reflected in the city’s low property values. The typical home in Youngstown is worth just $43,300, less than a quarter of the national median home value of $205,000.
      “Like many poor cities, crime rates are high in Youngstown. There were 3,780 property crimes for every 100,000 city residents in 2016, well above the national property crime rate of 2,451 per 100,000.
      “Again, as the major retail and shopping hub of the area, many Youngstown residents travel to Boardman Township.
      “Proactively addressing violent crime is not only a focus and absolute necessity for Boardman Township, but also as it directly impacts the well-being of our surrounding communities as well.
      “The increase in overdoses and overdose deaths...is compounded as that activity is closely associated with other related conduct to include both crimes of violence and property crimes in [Boardman].
      One area of note which will be a focus using any resources obtained through this grant is the identifying, developing investigations, and disrupting instances of human trafficking (prostitution). Boardman has five motels and six hotels concentrated in two areas of the township.
      “To address the general instances of violent crime, to include specifically targeting human trafficking (prostitution), we will utilize this grant funding to expand a marked patrol presence, along with initiating an unmarked presence
      in identified problem areas.
      “In addition to increased enforcement, we will leverage existing relationships with non-governmental agencies to identify and link victims of human trafficking to services .
      “Some specific objectives [the Boardman Police Department] would like to achieve are overall, reduce the percentages of all violent crime in all listed areas where we had an increase from 2019. Specifically, reduce robberies and aggravated burglaries by 5% in 2022 and an additional 10% each in 2023---Achieved through additional targeted patrols, funded through this grant, in neighborhood and business districts identified as having high instances of these crimes. These patrols will also facilitate a quicker response to other instances of violent crime which will positively impact deterrence and the likelihood of initiating arrests at the scene of these occurrences.
      “[The Boardman Police Department] would want to proactively initiate seven new investigations into human trafficking (prostitution) instances in 2022, and an additional thirteen in 2023, with the objective of identifying and pursuing an investigation into instances focusing on tying them to individuals or groups perpetrating human trafficking (prostitution) operations in [Boardman] and surrounding communities.
      “Being freed from responding to calls for service, the additional targeted patrols will focus on officer interaction with the public in the affected areas. We will further work with community-based organizations to facilitate identifying and linking victims of violent crime to available services, including the Coalition for a Drug-Free Mahoning County, the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, and Compass Family and Community Services that offers support for domestic abuse , sexual assault, and other victims of violent crime.
      “With the added focused patrols, we will have the ability and time to interact, respond, and meet with community block watch programs and business associations to foster relationships to better address and respond to violent crimes.
      “In May 2021, the U.S Treasury Department announced the State of Ohio would receive aid as part of President Biden’s coronavirus relief package. However, after issues arose about including Ohio townships in this funding, it was determined that Boardman would get just over $4 million over two years.
      “...To put it in further perspective, the city of Youngstown is set to receive approximately $82.7 million in funding through American Rescue Plan Funding.
      “That money obviously goes directly to issues within the city of Youngstown, while again a significant number of their residents work and visit Boardman on a daily basis. This grant gives Boardman the ability to proactively address and reduce violent crime for the residents of several area communities to include the citizens of the of Youngstown and other surrounding areas.”
      The grant application notes that “The population that is going to served will be both residents of Boardman and also the surrounding communities which rely heavily on [Boardman Township] for important services to include medical care, groceries, jobs, and other important necessities,
      “The planned initiative in the two hotel/motel districts [in Boardman] will be focused to identify and intercede with the most vulnerable victims from both the extended Youngstown metropolitan area and those traveling interstate.
      “One concentration of motels in Boardman is adjacent to Youngstown, with the hotels in another section being adjacent to and frequented by those traveling along an interstate highway cutting through [Boardman].
      Each area is prone to instances of human trafficking (prostitution), drug activity, and other violent crime that this grant provides an opportunity to specifically and consistently address, while still maintaining the ability to address calls for service and a proactive presence necessitated by the issues aggravated by the pandemic.
      “...The total target population including Boardman Township that could potentially benefit from this violence reduction initiative could very well impact an area up to 3,479 square miles and serves 909,522 residents (2010 census data).
      Bonus for Police and Dispatchers
      According to the grant application, “In setting goals and priorities to reduce violent crime in the community, which has been exasperated by the pandemic, we are additionally cognizant of the impact that reduced hiring and retention issues have and the challenges that they present in addressing violence in Boardman. The Boardman Police Department (BPD) has recently lost a multitude of police officers and other employees, who have left the agency for higher paying jobs.
      “A focus of the request for grant funding is to increase staffing presence that address specifically the victims of violent crime.
      ‘Retention incentives/bonuses can only be paid if there is a likelihood of the employees leaving without the incentives/bonuses.
      “Since January 2020, the BPD has lost at least 11 employees, with several more expected in the near future. These losses can be attributed to the increased stress of the job during the pandemic and the increasingly competitive job market in the country. The frequency of these losses has affected over 10% of our work force so far and is expected to continue and likely increase.
      “The high turnover of experienced trained law enforcement personnel directly impacts on our ability to both reactively and proactively respond to violent crime in our community. If unabated, it will result in increasing instances of crime, an inability to investigate and disrupt the most egregious repeat offenders, and an inability to focus on better assisting victims of crime. An incentive bonus program, as allowed for in this grant, has an immediate direct positive impact on our ability to retain valued personnel and immediately effects our ability to address violent crime issues.”
     

      ASSOCIATES AND STAFF AT Mayo and Associates Realtors, of Boardman, held a fundraising event to not only raise money for a great cause, but to also give a lucky winner (Nicole Haggerty), tickets to see Luke Bryan in concert. The staff raised $2500 for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV) and the lucky winner not only saw Luke Bryan in concert at Wean Park but also enjoyed a pre-show dinner at Bistro 1907. The staff was very excited to present DSAV with their check at their recent annual summer sales awards luncheon at Tippecanoe Country Club. Pictured, from left, Charley Althof, Rachel Liguore, Bob Roberts, John McCarthy, Dan Durkin, Michael Duponty, Emily Estok, Jack Fergus, Petrina Antonucci, Christina Pascarella, Carole McTigue, Amy Walp and Erin Zumbar.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A suspect in the theft of a catalytic converter avoided his arrest last week by walking out of Mercy Health/Youngstown where he was lodged under a ‘police hold.’
      Leslie James Tate, 35, of 107 North Belle Vista, Youngstown, had been taken to the hospital for treatment of a staff infection, after he was charged with theft of a catalytic converter, criminal damaging and possession of drug abuse instruments on June 30.
      When first charged, police transported Tate to the Mahoning County Jail.
      “Tate was declined lodging due to a leg infection and was taken to Mercy Health/Youngstown,” Ptl. William Woods said.
      At Mercy Health/Youngstown, the medical staff in the emergency department told police that Tate had a staff infection in his right calf, and advised he would need to be admitted to treat his injuries, Ptl. Troy Mackall said, adding that Mercy Health PD was advised a ‘police hold’ was placed on Tate.
      “I further advised Tate he was not to leave the hospital prior to being transported to the Mahoning County Jail, or he would face an additional charge of escape,” Officer Mackall said.
      Eight hours later, at 10:00 p.m., police were told Tate escaped from Mercy Health.
      “BPD dispatch advised that Mercy Health Main Campus PD called, stating that Tate ‘walked out’ of the hospital approximately an hour ago,” Ptl. Earl Neff said.
      Tate came to the attention of Boardman police following a call about 10:20 a.m. on June 30 that a catalytic converter was being stolen from a vehicle in the rear parking lot of the Little Greek restaurant, 220 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
      When police went to the call, they spoke with a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who said he had seen a man “running between apartments” on nearby Locust Ave.
      During a canvass of the area, Sgt. Paul Grimes found a blue and white bag that contained a catalytic converter and a battery-powered saw. Police also located surveillance footage that showed a man crawling underneath a car.
      About two hours later, police received a tip that a man had been spotted ‘looking through car ports’ on Locust Ave., and the man was also going door-to-door, asking people if they had seen the blue and white bag.
      While checking the tip, Ptl. Patrick Klingensmith observed a car leaving an apartment building lot of Locust Ave. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was identified as Walter Colon. A front seat passenger was identified as Dessie Howell, 30, of 129 Jean St., Campbell, Oh. Police said in the rear seat was Tate.
      “When Howell was ordered out of the front passenger seat, he reached over his left side and was fidgeting with something between the seat and center console...A loaded firearm (9mm handgun) was...located between the seat and console,” Ptl. Mike Dado said.
      Colon told police he is a “private-type Uber driver” who had been contacted by Howell to pick him up on Louis St. in Youngstown, and then ‘pick-up some friends’ and take them to a motel in Trumbull County.
      “He advised that he picked Howell up...[and]...took him to a motel in Boardman where they picked-up Tate, whom he did not know; then took ‘them’ to an apartment on Locust Ave. where Tate got out and started looking in a dumpster.”
      A female told police she is Tate’s girlfriend and they had been staying at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Boardman.
      She told police she had ‘walked to the store and just got back’ to their motel room when Tate told her ‘he needed to go somewhere to get something off a guy.’
      Police said a witness to the theft of the catalytic converter “positively” identified Tate as a suspect in the theft.
      Police said a search of the vehicle that had been stopped coming out of a Locust Ave. parking lot turned-up a “hypodermic needle on the rear seat where Tate was seated.” Tate was additionally charged with possession of a drug abuse instrument.
      Police said Howell has a record as a convicted felon, and when placed under arrest, Ptl. Dado said the suspect was concealing something in his hand.
      “The white substance was field-tested positive as 10.3 grams of fentynal,” Ptl. Jamison Diglaw said.
      Howell was charged with having weapons under a disability, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and felony possession of drugs and taken to the county jail pending his appearance in court.
      Tate, as well as a woman identified Shayla Patrice Demar, 29, are facing charges for reportedly stealing the catalytic converter from a car parked in a hospital parking lot in New Castle, Pa. in March.

     Meeting last week, the Boardman Local School Board approved two resolutions indicating their intent to place two renewal tax levies on the Nov. 8 general election ballot---a 5.9 mil tax issue for current expenses, and a 1.6 mil issue for permanent improvements.
      The current expense 5.9 mil levy, first passed in 2003, generates approximately $4.97 million. The 1.6 mil levy, first passed in 1988, generates approximately $1.37 million
      The school board also approved an appropriations resolution report for fiscal year 2022 showing that total appropriations for the school district between July 2021 and June 2022 totaled $69.049 million.

     ‘I have had the opportunity to lead an extraordinary faculty and students who very much have earned this
      recognition right beside me’
     
      Nancy Landgraff, 62, of Ron Joy Place, Boardman, whose leadership has brought national and statewide accolades to Youngstown State University’s Department of Physical Therapy, is the second President James P. Tressel Endowed Chair in Leadership.
      “Dr. Landgraff’s hard work, expertise and her commitment to the physical therapy profession over the course of 25 years at YSU has transformed PT into one of the university’s most successful academic programs,” said Brien Smith, provost, who made the appointment. “We are fortunate to have someone of Nancy’s caliber and passion here at YSU.”
      The endowed chair was created in 2021 through a $1.6 million gift from a group of YSU Foundation trustees in recognition of Tressel’s leadership at YSU and across the region. The honor is bestowed annually on a YSU department chair with an established record of outstanding leadership. The award also comes with a stipend and expenses to support development and growth of the department. Nancy Wagner, chair of the YSU Centofanti School of Nursing, was the first recipient.
      “During her 25 years at Youngstown State University, Nancy has had numerous accomplishments across all academic realms, including in teaching, research and scholarship, and university, community and national service,” Jeffery Allen, dean of the YSU Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, said in his nomination letter.
      Landgraff, who holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, said she was humbled by the appointment. “At YSU, I have had the opportunity to lead an extraordinary faculty and students who very much have earned this recognition right beside me,” she said. “For all of them, I am truly grateful.”
      Landgraff, who also holds a bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in Health Science from the University of Florida, worked nearly 15 years in the PT profession before joining the YSU faculty in 1997, becoming chair in 2012.
      Under Landgraff’s leadership, the YSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program has been named the statewide Program of the Year for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, besting the state’s 10 other PT programs to receive the award.
      The YSU DPT, a 2.5-year full-time doctoral program started in 2008, has grown from annual cohorts of 19 students to annual cohorts of 45 students. The program has graduated 376 students, including 35 at Spring Commencement this past May.
      As chair, Landgraff also oversaw the renovation and expansion of PT training and academic spaces in Cushwa Hall, and she supported the development of a new PhD program in Health Sciences and a new master’s program in Health and Human Services, both of which continue to grow.
      Landgraff’s scholarly work is extensive, including nearly three dozen academic presentations across the world, from New Orleans to the Netherlands, San Diego to China. She has received more than two dozen research grants totaling nearly $100,000 and authored seven peer-reviewed scholarly articles and three abstracts. She also provides editorial/manuscript review for several scholarly journals related to neurological and cardiovascular disease as well as the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
      Landgraff’s community service is equally extensive, volunteering for Walk With a Doc, the Marquette Challenge (for PT research), Where There’s a Wheel There’s a Way (accessibility awareness), Women in Science and Relay for Life. She had held leadership positions with the Ohio Physical Therapy Association, the America Heart/America Stroke Association in Mahoning County and Ohio Living-Park Vista Retirement Center. She also has served as a PT consultant for Steward Health/Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Warren.
      Landgraff also has an extensive list of honors, including an Excellence Award for Department Chairperson in Teaching, Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society, YSU Watson Merit Award for Academic Leadership, YSU Distinguished Professor Awards for Public Service and for Scholarship, the American Physical Therapy Association’s Dorothy Briggs Memorial Scientific Inquiry Award and Ohio Physical Therapy Association Research Committee’s Recognition for Contribution to Research

     NEW CENTURION---The family of James G. Nagle, of Pinetree Lane, honored him last Saturday at Boardman Park where he was feted on his 100th birthday. Mr. Nagle was born July 12, 1922 and is a retired school teacher at Lowellville High School where he taught science classes. His wife, the former Lenore McLaughlin Kerrigan Nagle, passed away on June 17, 2010. Pictured, from left, surrounding Mr. Nagle are Pat Kerrigan, Maureen Kerrigan, Betty Winland, Kitty King, Nancy Kerrigan and Tom Kerrigan.

      The Butler Institute of American Art is offering classes for new docents (volunteer tour guides). Docents are trained museum volunteers who offer teaching, understanding, and appreciation of art through guided tours of the permanent collection. Docents provide a valuable support to the operation of the museum and to the public through their understanding of the museum’s collection. “The docents are a dedicated group of well-trained volunteers who continue to be one of The Butler Institute of American Art’s most valuable resources,” says Joyce Mistovich, director of education. No previous museum experience is necessary, but a willingness to participate and commitment to study the masterpieces in the museum collection is required. Classes will begin in mid-September 2022 and run through mid-April 2023.
     
      For additional information call Joyce Mistovich, Director of Education, in The Butler Education Department. 330.743.1107 ext. 1101

     Meeting last week, the Boardman Local School Board named Nick Deniakis as the new Supervisor of Transportation for the district at an annual salary of $56,605. He replaces Interim Director Kathy Fait. Deniakis has more than a decade of mechanic, shop foreman and supervisory experience and has been a mechanic at Boardman Local Schools for the past year. He’s a Boardman HS graduate, Class of 2001, and says he’s looking forward to working with a great team of drivers and serving the families of Boardman. The school board also granted limited, one year contracts for the 2022-23 year for Gina Rohan, math teacher at Boardman HS, replacing Jeana Carpenter; Victoria White, district psychologist, replacing Cynthia Davenport; and Eleni Yargo, science teacher at Boardman HS, replacing Larry Davis.

     “This evening is a testament to Mr. DeBartolo’s belief that if we all continue to work together, we can provide opportunities to the young people in our valley.”
     
      BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      An elegant evening at the Covelli Center in downtown Youngstown last Friday, June 17, raised more than $200,000 for the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Guests enjoyed food stations from some of the area’s top restaurants and chefs, a live auction that included a trip to the next Super Bowl, and music featuring the sounds of Frank Sinatra presented by local crooner Angelo Babbaro and the Skatch Anderssen Orchestra. Some 350 people attended the event.
      And, the game of football spiced the evening with many grid celebrities, including coaches and players in attendance---Among them, former Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, who was silent when asked about his ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972 that gave his team a 13-7 playoff win over the Oakland Raiders. The play is often heralded as the greatest play ever.
      On hand were many members of the San Francisco 49ers. (The team was purchased by the Boardman-based DeBartolo family in 1977 and under the leadership of Ed DeBartolo Jr. became the first franchise in NFL history to win five Super Bowl titles).
      As introduced by Dr. John York, co-chairman of the Niners, they included---
       •Azeez Al-Shaair, a fourth year undrafted free agent linebacker. Last year Azeez had 102 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
       •Aaron Banks, who was a 2021 second round All American draft pick out of Notre Dame. He will be the Niners left guard in the upcoming season.
       •Samson Ebukam, who is in his sixth year in the NFL and second with the 49ers. He had 4.5 sacks as a defensive lineman last year.
       •Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who is entering his fourth season as a linebacker for the 49ers. After spending his rookie year on the team’s practice squad, he has appeared in 28 games, including three starts, over the last two seasons.
       •Talanoa Hufanga, who is entering his second season as a safety for the 49ers. Hufanga came to San Francisco as a fifth-round draft pick out of University of Southern California in the 2021. He returned the blocked punt for a touchdown in the NFC divisional game against the Green Bay Packers, as the 49ers won, 13-10.
       •Drake Jackson, will be in his rookie season as a second round defensive lineman from USC. He was second team All-PAC-12 pick twice during his collegiate career.
      Also on hand were a pair of Forty-Niner Hall of Famers, Tom Rathman and Bryant Young.
      Rathman spent 23 years with San Francisco as both a player and coach. He was a member of two back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams (Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV). Following his playing career, he spent 15 years coaching San Francisco’s running backs, including Frank Gore, over a pair of stints (1996-2002 and 2009-16). Rathman finished his NFL career with 2,020 rushing yards, 320 receptions for 2,684 yards with a total of 34 touchdowns.
      Young is the Niners’ newest Hall of Famer. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August. He was the 49ers first round pick (7th overall) in the 1994 draft. He played his 14 seasons with the team and was a member of the Niners Super Bowl XXIX team. He was the NFL’s defensive Rookie of the Year in 1994, named All Pro four times. After a devastating leg injury in 1998, he was the Comeback Player of the Year in 1999.
      In addition to members of the Niners, several local football personalities were at the Memorial Scholarship Foundation event.
      They included Paul McFadden and Jim Tressel, out of Youngsown State football lore; and current Penguins Head Coach Doug Phillips; and former Cardinal Mooney standout Ed Muransky (current owner/operator of Southwoods Health).
      McFadden, who is currently president of the Youngstown State University Foundation, gained note for his barefoot kicking style. He made the Philadelphia Eagles roster as a 12th-round pick in 1984 and earned Rookie of the Year honors. McFadden played in the NFL with the Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants for six seasons (1984-1989). McFadden was originally recruited at YSU as a soccer player, and moved onto the gridiron in 1981 as a placekicker for the Penguins under Head Coach Bill Narduzzi. The first field goal he ever attempted, he made, from 54 yards out, at Murray State.
      Tressel, current president of Youngstown State, led the Penguins to four national titles and six appearances in national championship games. After a stellar coaching career at YSU, he moved on to Ohio State where he won the national title in 2002 and his teams also dumped rival Michigan seven times during his tenure as head coach.
      Muransky played football for Cardinal Mooney High School under legendary Head Coach Don Bucci. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played in 24 games and was a member of the Raiders Super Bowl XXVIII championship team.
      Phillips came to YSU from the University of Cincinnati, where he was an assistant coach under Luke Fickell. Since Tressel’s tenure, only Bo Pelini, Phillips predecessor, has led the Pens to an appearance in the national title game.
      The grid game not withstanding, the accent of the evening was on the DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
      “This evening is a testament to Mr. DeBartolo’s belief that if we all continue to work together, we can provide opportunities to the young people in our valley,” Dr. York said.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the past 25 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.
      Denise DeBartolo York and her husband, Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties during ceremonies held in May at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $170,000 and were presented to the recipients at The Lake Club during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education.
      The scholarship foundation, run by the Yorks in Mr. DeBartolo’s honor, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      Presenting sponsor for the event was Phantom Fireworks and the Zoldan family.
      Major sponsors included Brown & Brown, Bury Financial, the Cafaro Foundation, Compco Industries, Covelli Enterprises, Candy and Edward DeBartolo, Furrie Vitullo Group Sparkle Markets, Garry and Wanda Mrozek and family, Hill Barth & King, JJ Cafaro Investment Trust, Mercy Health, Mercy Health Foundation, Muransky Companies, PNC, Rick’s Boot Factory Outlet, RT Vernal Paving, Simon Property, Trumbull Supply, Wesley Family Foundation/FLICORE, and Woeber Mustard Company.

     Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has named Dr. Sergul A. Erzurum, a well-known local ophthalmologist and vice president of Eye Care Associates, to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees.
      A YSU alumna and Boardman native, Dr. Erzurum, is a surgeon and owner of the Center for Advanced Eye Surgery in Poland. She will serve a term that starts June 27, 2022, and runs through April 30, 2031. She replaces Atty. James E. ‘Ted’ Roberts, whose term has expired.
      Co-founder of Sight for All United and the founder of Doctors for Sight, Dr. Erzurum earned a bachelor’s degree in Combined Science from YSU in 1984 and a doctorate in Medicine from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 1988. She did her ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and pediatric fellowship at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She is currently a full professor and master teacher at the Northeast Ohio Medical University and a clinical associate professor at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
      She also served as chair of the Division of Ophthalmology at Northside Hospital in Youngstown until 2018 and as vice chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, a national research group. She has a long list of research activities, more than 60 publications and presentations and extensive professional service, including a current member of the Ad Hoc Vision Advisory Board for the Ohio Department of Health.
      Among her recognitions and awards: National Philanthropy Day Award, Essilor Difference Maker Award, Advocate Award from Akron Children’s Hospital and the Dedicated Service Award from the United Way of the Mahoning Valley.

     On Saturday, June 18, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will ordain Rev. Mr. Connor Hetzel to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The ordination liturgy will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Columba in Youngstown at 10:30 a.m.
      Upon ordination as a priest, Deacon Hetzel will be assigned to serve as a Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) at a parish in the Diocese of Youngstown. His assignment will be announced during the ordination Mass.
      Deacon Hetzel, 27, is the son of Brian and Kristen Hetzel, of Havenwood Dr. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Catholic schools in both Illinois and Wisconsin, before his family moved to Boardman in 2004 and became parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. He attended St. Charles School for two years, was homeschooled for four years, and then attended and graduated from Boardman High School.
      He is a graduate of Youngstown State University, with a bachelor’s degree in physics. While there, he was an active participant at the Newman Center. In May 2022, he received his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in Wickliffe, Ohio (near Cleveland).
      As a transitional deacon, while he completed his seminary formation, Deacon Hetzel was assigned to Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers followed by St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Canton.
     
      PICTURED: Connor Hetzel will be ordained into the priesthood on Sat., June 18. The soon to be Father Connor Hetzel will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at 2:00 p.m. on Sun., June 19 at St. Charles.
     

     CHRISTOPHER J. ANDERSON, 33, OF 77 CLIFTON Dr., Boardman, was named chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party on June 4 during a confab held at St. Luke Church on South Ave. Anderson will succeed Joyce Kale-Pesta. Anderson says his goal is unity, modernizing communications through social media campaigns, protecting incumbents, building a strong list of democratic candidates, and running fully coordinated campaigns. “Job one will be uniting our party and getting us moving in the same direction,” Anderson said. In Nov., 2017, the Ohio Democratic Party selected Anderson as the state’s young Democrat of the Year. Other officers of the Mahoning County Dem Party include Kale-Pesta, first vice-chairman; Rick Calutti, treasurer; Katherine Miller, secretary; Jaladah Islam, vice-chair/labor relations; and Tito Brown, vice chair/minority affairs.

     George Hill, 46, who was convicted two years after the May, 2020 death of his girlfriend, Jennifer Mullen, 35, of Shields Rd., was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court last week by Judge Anthony D’Apolito.
      Mullen died May 31, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Health Center from injuries sustained at her Shields Road apartment that she shared with Hill.
      Hill was arrested by Boardman police in Feb., 2021, after he was indicted by a Mahoning County Grand Jury in Dec., 2020 on charges murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in connection with Ms. Mullen’s death.
      On May 31, 2020, near 6:40 a.m., Boardman police were called to Mullen’s residence at 49 Shields Rd. when Hill reported she had overdosed.
      Hill told Ptl. Jamison Diglaw he resided with Mullen, who had been his girlfriend for a year.
      “He stated he called for medical attention when brown foam was found coming out of Mullen’s mouth and he could not wake her up,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Hill told police he and Mullen had been drinking at the Steel City Bar in Youngstown and she became intoxicated after consuming six to seven Long Island ice teas; and also claimed she had an argument with a bartender, then they drove back to her residence about 2:00 a.m.
      Once at the residence, Hill claimed that he and Mullen began to argue, after which, according to police, Hill said Mullen went to bed when he noticed she was bleeding from a head wound so he placed a towel on her head to stop the bleeding.
      Hill told Ptl. Diglaw he then went to sleep “for an hour or two” and when he awakened, he saw a brownish foam coming from her mouth and he could not wake her up, “but she was breathing.”
      “He believed it may have been an hour or two before he called EMS, due to him having to charge her phone, as his phone does not make calls,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Mullen was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she died.
      Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police department, said an autopsy was conducted in Cuyahoga County “showed little or no alcohol,” adding a urine sample confirmed no alcohol or drugs were in her system.
      Det Stepuk said he spoke with a bartender at Steel City who said vodka and Sprite was Mullen’s drink of choice.
      According to Det. Stepuk, Mullen suffered a fractured skull and had injuries and bruises all over her body.
      “Due to the amount of injuries, we believed she was severely beaten,” Det. Stepuk said.
      Hill also came to the attention of Boardman police in late Aug., 2019 after allegations were made that a 65-year-old man who lived on Argyle Ave. had been bilked-out of some $30,000 by caregivers over a four-month period.
      Reportedly Hill had lived at the home for several months, until he was asked to leave the home.
      At the time of his arrest on the murder charge, Hill was on the most wanted list of the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
      Mullen was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A proposed stormwater park, dubbed the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park, to be located on the property of the current Market St. Elementary School, 5555 Market St., received a boost last week with the announcement that the project has been awarded a $750,000 capital grant from the state of Ohio.
      When completed, the Forest Lawn Stormwater Park will be a 14.6-acre green space on the property of the former elementary school that will be designed to improve surface water flows impacting up to 1,400 homes.
      It will include the creation of a passive park where people can gather and walk along a lighted sidewalk, complete with security cameras, as well as the entire site will be re-forested with appropriate plantings.
      Once completed, during heavy rainfalls, the project will be able to hold up to the equivalent of 9-feet of water (an estimated one million gallons) spread over the surface the size of a football field.
      Already the stormwater park has received allocations totaling some $3 million, including a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $1 million from Mahoning County Commissioners Anthony Traficanti, David Ditzler and Carol Rimedio-Righetti, a $500,000 grant from the state of Ohio and a $320,000 grant from H-2 Ohio.
      The current grant award will be used for property acquisition, parking lot construction and construction of an environmental education pavilion, thanks to the lobbying efforts of State Rep. Al Cutrona and State Sen. Michael Rulli.
      The environmental education pavilion will maximize educational opportunities at the stormwater park.

     63 seniors received diplomas from Cardinal Mooney High School during commencement exercises held Sun., May 29 at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, Oh.
      Recognized as valedictorian of the Mooney Class of 2022 was James Campbell, and salutorian was Drew Pecchia.
      Cardinal Mooney High School Class of 2022
      Mohamed Attia, Asia Baker, Emoni Barnes, Shayla Berger, Silas Blackshear, James Campbell, Demetrius Chambers, Vito Colella, Olivia DeCesare, Jack Desmond, Bridget DiVencenzo, Michael DiVencenzo, Daqua Douglas, Edward Driscoll, Brandon Evans, Alexa Fecko, Natalie Femia, Alexandra Fernandez Sanchez, Emyrre Figueroa, Alaina Francis, Jenna Frommelt, Isiah Givens, Tyler Hayes, Mick Hergenrother, Millie Heschmeyer, Tyrin Howell, Zachary Hryb, Jenna Hughes, Elise Johnson, Andre Jones, Asia Jones, Lavella Jones, James Litman, Brandon Lott,
      Christina Maruca, Davontae Miller, Brian Moore, Matthew Morales, Joseph Morrison, Dalton Nickell, Drew Pecchia, Jackson Pepperney, Jack Phillips, Savvas Pizanias, Alyssa Rapp, Grace Raymer, Gianna Reali, Savanna Reali, Zy’ere Rogers, Angelina Rotunno. Domingo Ruiz, Nailah Salahuddin, Alaina Scavina, Trinity Spencer, Sharlie Stewart, Tionde’ Stewart, Isabella Thomas, Mitchell Tofil, Keelee Torma, Savanna VanSuch, Kevon Weaver, Leona Whatley, A’niya Williams.
     

     Commencement for the Spartan Class of 2022 will be held Sunday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m. Approximately 346 graduating seniors will walk from Boardman High School into Spartan Stadium and be seated on the field for the ceremony.
      Stadium gates will open at 12:45 for guests. Graduates may bring as many guests as they wish to Spartan Stadium. Tickets are not required for an outdoor event.
      In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the high school gymnasium.
      The Boardman High School Class of 2022 has earned and accepted more than $3.7 million in scholarships.
      There are 26 ‘First in Class’ students who earned a perfect 4.0 gpa during their high school career. They are Lainey Beichner, Brendan Butler, Carter Cailor, Stephen Conti, Alexander DePinto, Li Peng DiMuzio, Lilliana Donatelli, Myra Garzanich, Taylor Greenaway, Marrwa Kermagi, Madison Lester, Jenna McCollum, Jenna Olexa, Alyssa Olsen, Nina Pilolli, Adrianna Quinlan, Nadia Rawhneh, Karlynn Riccitelli, Gabriella Roller, Brynna Schobel, Brittany Sellers, Ava Valko, Kira Vasko, Aroonrassamee Wongkeaitaroon, Justin Yocum and Anna Zheng.
      84 students earned honors diplomas for rigorous coursework completed.
      149 students are honors graduates with a 3.5 GPA or above.
      45 seniors also earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence for superior academic achievement in math and reading.
      Boardman High School Class of 2022
      Rahma Ababseh, Mohammad Abbadi, Tawfiq Abuenaaj, Moaath Abuoraq, Riley Adams, Jamil Albdour, Alyssa Alberti, Ayed Alemaishat, Tyler Allison, Devon Alm, Aseel Alsamameh, Benjamin Alvarico, Amari Anderson, Louis Andrews, Gerick Angel, Annmarie Anos, Khalid Aras, William Arcuri, William Armour, Justin Atwood, Rachel Baghurst, Kaitlynn Baker, Jason Balentine, Anthony Barber, Ethan Barrett, Rees Beckman, Lucas Beeman, Lainey Beichner, Jordan Bell, Megan Bendel, Mario Berardi, Hollis Bernacki, Rachael Bharat, Allen Biggart, Justin Bina, Connor Blasco, Jacob Blazina, Kevin Bonavia, Alec Bosnjak, Samantha Breen, Cassidy Bryan, Benjamin Bucci, Luca Buonamici, Brendan Butler, Anthony Butto, Carter Cailor, Kayla Campbell, Chase Caroline, Ashli Casanova, Timothy Case, Ella Catanzarite, Scarlett Cave, Taylor Cayson, Seth Cervello, Weixi Chen, Daniel Chiaberta, Aiden Chunn, Logan Ciavarella, Sanayah Clay, Kellie Coffer, Faith Colkitt, Victoria Colovos, Viviana Condoleon, Cole Congson, Stephen Conti, Corey Cook, Jac Cordon, Adriana Cordova Rivas, David Coss, Phillip Crawford, Emily Crump, Tatyanna Cruz-Banks, Andre Joshua Cubarrubia, Leah Cuttica, Angelina D’Apruzzo, Jack Dascenzo, Kennedy Davis, Theodore Davis, Harmony DeFrank, Eric DeLeon, Trey DePietro, Alexander DePinto, Connor Dettmer, Nikol Diaz Rosario, Makenzie Dietz, Li Peng DiMuzio, Jacob Dohar, Lilliana Donatelli, Patrick Dorazio, Aaryan Dorff, Xavior Dorff, Gabriel Dorn, Lucas Dray, Charles Duncan, Atticus Duster, Lydia Eicher, Bella Eliser, Dre’Ana Elliott, Gavin Fernandez, Alec Ferrebee, Daniel Fetty, Emmah Fishbeck, Malysea Flood, Braedynn Flynn, Danielle Flynn, Elijah Foster, Mary Frommelt, Jason Fuese, Mia Gagliano, Rhiannon Gallimore, Olivia Garland, Yazmine Garner, Myra Garzanich, Thomas George, Erin Giampietro, Emma Gigax, Kamryn Gilger, Jacqueline Gollings, Lynnz Gonzalez, Daniel Gordiejew, Michael Grace, Jack Graff, Vanessa Graham, Destini Gray-Scott, Taylor Greenaway, Alyssa Greenwalt, Raymond Griggy, Leslie Grimes, Emma Haase, Khadija Hadidan, Brianna Hall, Helena Haloulos, Noelle Hammar, Mia Hammerton, Shania Hancox, Ashley Harding, Nat Hardy, Nathan Hargrove, Jayden Harris, Dana Haus, David Haybarger, Destinee Hayes, Sierra Hernan, Shane Hetzel, Anthony Hightower, Sa’Riya Hildreth, Thomas Hite, Caroline Ho, Samantha Hoffman, Sofia Hoffman, Aidan Holt, Aaron Horton, Dylan Humphreys, Aaron Hura, Ella Huston, Tristen Hutchko, Kaylie Hutter, Ahmad Imeishat, Antonio Jacobson, Naiume Jairam, Patricia Jeffrey, Elizabeth Johnson, Todd Johnston, Allison Jones, Noah Jones, Evan Jornigan, Brayden Joseph-Robinson, Nikolaus Keil, Austin Kelly, Madison Kelso, Marrwa Kermagi, Guevara Sanad Khatib, Kaylee Khlem, Naji Khoury, Camden Kidd, Declan Klein, Zachary Knickerbocker, Ypatia Kolidakis, Ryder Kreps, Ashton LaBelle, Korynne Lamparty, Donte Lancaster, Raiden Lateef, Katelyn Laughlin, Keisha Laviena, Rocco LaVolpa, Lyna Le, Malcolm Leicht, Sarah Leipply-Caban, Ayden Lesko, Eden Lesnansky, Madison Lester, Daisy Li, Alex Lindeman, Andrew Lipinsky, Adam Lipka, Isabella Loccisano, Ryne Loftus, Brandon Lotz, Cortland Love, Jenna Madick, Arabella Malie, Mason Martin, Maximillian Martin, Tatyana Martinez, Carter Mascola, Hunter Mathie, Keaton Mayhew, Grace McCarty, Jenna McCollum, Joslyn McConnell, Riley McCurdy, Aiden McIntyre, Bresiah McMeans, Paige Mercer, Meekah Meuter, Aidan Miller, John Miller, Emma Mills, Elijah Mitchell, Adam Mohammad, Dominic Mordocco, Abdul Rahman Mousa, Carter Mraz, Joseph Mullarkey, Ibraheem Mustafa, Kaiden Nagel, Thomas Nawrocki, Cara Neuroh, Nicholas Niarhos, Steven Nock, Anthony Noday, Christian Odom, Sean O’Horo, Grace Oklota, Jenna Olexa, Elion Oliver, Alyssa Olsen, Katya Paige, William Parker, Roderica Patterson, Patrick Pavetic, Autumn Payne, Emma Pekar, Carlos Perez, Lukas Peters, Nina Pilolli, Benjamin Piper, Josephine Porter, Alexus Pratt, Adrianna Quinlan, Max Rassega, Nadia Rawhneh, Caitlyn Realty, Karlynn Riccitelli, Tyrel Richards, Gabriella Roller, Benjamin Rolston, Breigh Rougk, Jemma Rudolph, Miranda Russell, Luke Ryan, Lizette Salas, Zachary Saluga, Ryan Sam, Mariah Santistevan, Amelia Sapienza, Quentin Sawman, Kaytelynn Sayers, Anthony Scarano, Brynna Schobel, Bryce Sconyers, Dante Scott, Brittany Sellers, Kevin Serrino, Joseph Sferra, Alexis Sharp, Kalyssa Shoemaker, Alliyah Shorterage, Noah Shurell, Carsyn Sikora, Nicholas Simione, Isaac Sipus, Ethan Slick, Dylan Slipkovich, Jaylin Smith, Madalyn Smith, Vivien Smith, Nathan Smrek, Paige Snyder, Morgan Spearman, Joseph Steiner, Tierra Stevenson, Maurion Stigall, Haylie Stilson, Riley Storey, Bailey Strickland, Ethan Strickland, Blaie Strines, Isabella Strines, Keira Stringer, Lianna Sulebi, Cierra Sullivan, Brandon Swader, Kathryn Taghaboni, Jaden Taylor, Santino Testa, Colin Thomas, Terence Thomas, Cameron Thompson, Marcell Tomlin, Alejandro Torres, Chloe Treadway, Jason Triveri, Alayna Turillo, Ava Valko, Alayna Varley, Kira Vasko, Matthew Vasko, Alissa Vaughn, Logan Vega, Dominic Vennetti, Nicholas Vivacqua, Alexandria Vouvalis, Katherine Wamsley, Brynna Welsh, Aubriellen Wheatley, Mia Wichert, Griffin Widrig, Robert Williamson, Jessica Winsen, Aroonrassamee Wongkeaitaroon, Elena Woods, Josiah Worsencroft, Christopher Yambar, Justin Yocum, Guy Young, Daniel Zahran, Dylan Zets, Amy Zheng, Anna Zheng, Colin Ziak, Connor Zimmer.

     A HALF CENTURY AFTER RIDING A BICYCLE ACROSS AMERICA, 70-year-old Carl Foote, of Maple Dr., Boardman, is making the trek again, this time in an effort to raise $3 million for Alzheimers Disease research. His cross country adventure began on May 21 in Oakland, New Jersey and he hopes to complete his journey on July 9 at Crater Lake Oregon. “Upon retirement, I thought I might recreate my ‘once in a lifetime experience’ of crossing America on a bicycle while adding the component of fundraising for a charity. Having recently had a family member suffer from Alzheimers, I looked for a way to help fight this memory robbing disease,” Foote said, adding “This trip will be a bigger challenge that when I was 20-years-old. With each mile, each climb, each pedal stroke will be the thought and hope that we will eliminate this terrible disease.”

     Denise DeBartolo York and Dr. John York, San Francisco 49ers co-chairs and longtime education advocates, awarded 17 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties during ceremonies held last week at the Lake Club.
      The scholarships, part of The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, totaled $170,000.00 and were presented to the recipients at The Lake Club during a luncheon for the students and their families.
      The scholarship was first established by DeBartolo York’s father and several close friends, who worked to provide commendable youth the opportunity to continue their education.
      The scholarship foundation, run by the Yorks in Mr. DeBartolo’s honor, serves to provide the same platform for excellent area youth in need of financial assistance.
      “The objectives of the foundation are to reward those students who have proven themselves as role models and leaders in their community. My father believed that all students who have worked hard to achieve their goals while contributing to their community, should be afforded the opportunity to receive a college education, regardless of their financial situation”, said DeBartolo York.
      2022 scholarship recipients are Cassidy Claypoole, Austintown; Monica Cobbin, Columbiana; Sarah Cornelius, Austintown; Ryssa Coudriet, Niles McKinley; Jenna Croy, Youngstown Rayen Early College; Aiden Exline, Girard; Jazzlyn Flores, Campbell; Lauren Haynie, Champion; Catie Herberger, Hubbard; Samantha Joki, Austintown; Emily McKarns, United Local; Ashely Nicholas, Champion; Quentin Pew, South Range; Cadence Pounds, Austintown ; Evan Sahli, Austintown; Brynna Schobel, Boardman; and Peyton Shorthouse, Struthers.
      More than 375 applications were received by The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which included grade transcripts, student essays and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Scholarship award winners are determined by academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
      The Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the past 25 years and strives to provide advanced education for deserving valley students well into the future.
     

     Boardman police are investigating a shooting incident that happened on May 19 about 9:30 p.m. at the London Square Apartments, 411 Rockdale Ave., unit 22.
      Nine police officers responded to the call, interviewing at least eight people about the incident.
      When police first arrived, they were met by Laneise Coggins, 58, of 1400 Springdale Ave., Youngstown, Oh., and James Jordan, 41, of 442 West Marion, Youngstown.
      “Jordan was holding Coggins’ chest, and she was asked if she was shot by gunfire,” police said, noting the woman replied she was “only experiencing chest pains that occurred as a result of the shooting.”
      According to police, unit 22 is rented by 53-year-old Ronetta Mitchell, and she was hosting a cookout.
      Mitchell said at the time of the shooting she was in her bedroom, talking to her son on the phone.
      Coggins told police that Rayvon Parker, 23, “came to the apartment to get his childrens’ mothers, Isis Taylor, 21, of 37 North Bon Air, Youngstown; and Ashma’Ray Lee, 24, of 37 North Bon Air, Youngstown, and his four, juvenile children.”
      Coggins told police when Jordan attempted to stop Parker from entering the apartment that Parker brandished a handgun and the two men began to struggle when the gun was fired outside of the residence.
      Coggins further stated she got in-between Parker and Jordan and as police were heard arriving, Parker fled with Ashma’Ray and their three children.
      “Coggins advised it appeared as if Ashma’Ray was not leaving with Parker under her own free will, and she suspected “Ashma’Ray and the children may be in danger,” police said.
      Taylor told police that when Parker arrived at the apartment he was “extremely agitated” and she went to a bathroom when Parker “came up to her with a gun is his hand,” telling Taylor that she needed to “come home with him.” Police were told the pair were arguing over the handgun when a bullet was discharged into a ceiling.
      Jordan told police he did not want to get involved and denied that Parker shot at him.
      Police recovered four spent rounds and one live, hollow point round.
      Det Greg Stepuk is investigating.
      In addition to Jordan, Coggins, Mitchell and Taylor, police said additional witnesses included Kelsey Iesha Mayris, 25, of 34 Hilton Ave., Youngstown; Darnise Rochelle Coggins, 39, of 2249 Jacobs Rd., Youngstown; and Odyessie Odessa Butler-Reed, 20, of 225 Ferndale, Youngstown.

     A lengthy issue over vehicles and other items on the property at 8057 Aquadale Dr. ended this week when a suit brought against the resident, Stanley Feret, was dismissed. The case was brought forward by the Boardman Township Planning/Zoning Office. Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Karen Gaglione said the property had been cleaned-up.
      Issues with property maintenance were given to Feret in May, 2021, when the county prosecutor’s office asked Feret to clean-up the property, citing ‘abandonment of euipment’ including barrels, buckets, wire shelving, windows, plastic cabinets, an indoor stationary bike, foot lockers, indoor furniture, desks, wooden chairs, garbage bags, portable toilets, tarps, appliances, vehicles and trailers on the property.
      “You were given time and the opportunity to correct the zoning violations, but as of the date of this letter, no work has been done on the property to correct the violations,” Atty. Gaglione told Feret.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting last week, Mahoning County Commissioners Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Anthony Traficanti and David Ditzler received an appeal from Boardman Township officials seeking the development of a regional system top handle emergency medical calls.
      In a letter to the commissioners, Boardman Trustees Brad Calhoun, Thomas Costello and Larry Moliterno said the EMS network in Mahoning County is comprised of various local entities and private companies, all of whom seem to be struggling with staffing shortages and rapid response times to calls “largely because (EMS services] are a very substantial burden for any one community or company alone.
      “We believe the best approach is a regional one that would provide for cost sharing with all communities involved, better resource management and a stable EMS system that can provide support for our county,” Boardman Trustees said.
      The Trustees noted they are aware that Lanes Life Trans ambulance services has “pulled out of Struthers, Campbell, Lowellville and Coitsville; and that AMR ambulance services has asked the city of Youngstown to supplement their operations in order to be able to continue to provide coverage.
      “The Canfield Fire District is asking their voters for additional tax funding to hire personnel as they are currently jumping back and forth between their fire trucks and ambulances” and noted that “Austintown Township is buying ambulances but has limitations on when they can actually provide EMS services.”
      “Seeing all these issues, we believe that EMS services could best be addressed regionally. It is our hope that working together, we could reach out to other communities and private companies to discuss and develop a county-wide strategy that helps every community receive quality and cost effective EMS services,” the Boardman officials said, noting the issue impacts every Mahoning County resident.

     A 46-year-old man, George Hill, was found guilty of murder, felonious assault and domestic violence following a trial in a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on Mon., May 2. Hill was charged in the May, 2020 death of Jennifer Mullen, 35, at her Shields Rd. apartment.
      Hill told police the night Mullen died that he and Mullen went to a Youngstown bar where Mullen became drunk after consuming Long Island Iced Tea drinks. Hill told police that Mullen hit her head in the bathroom of her apartment, after having six or seven drinks, and he could not wake her.
      Assistant county prosecutor Jennifer McLaughlin said that blood and urine tests performed on Mullen detected no alcohol and that Hill had lied about the kind of drinks he claimed Mullen drank.
      The case was tried before Judge Anthony D’Apolito. Lead investigator on the case was Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police Department. Hill, who will be sentenced later, faces 15 years to life on the murder charge, and additional jail time on the domestic violence and assault charges.
      Hill was arrested by Boardman police in Feb., 2021, after he was indicted by a Mahoning County Grand Jury in Dec., 2020 on charges murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in connection with Ms. Mullen’s death.
      On May 31, 2020, near 6:40 a.m., Boardman police were called to Mullen’s residence at 49 Shields Rd. when Hill reported she had overdosed.
      Hill told Ptl. Jamison Diglaw he resided with Mullen, who had been his girlfriend for a year.
      “He stated he called for medical attention when brown foam was found coming out of Mullen’s mouth and he could not wake her up,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Hill told police he and Mullen had been drinking at the Steel City Bar in Youngstown and she became intoxicated after consuming six to seven Long Island ice teas; and also claimed she had an argument with a bartender, then they drove back to her residence about 2:00 a.m.
      Once at the residence, Hill claimed that he and Mullen began to argue, after which, according to police, Hill said Mullen went to bed when he noticed she was bleeding from a head wound so he placed a towel on her head to stop the bleeding.
      Hill told Ptl. Diglaw he then went to sleep “for an hour or two” and when he awakened, he saw a brownish foam coming from her mouth and he could not wake her up, “but she was breathing.”
      “He believed it may have been an hour or two before he called EMS, due to him having to charge her phone, as his phone does not make calls,” Officer Diglaw said.
      Mullen was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where she died.
      Det. Greg Stepuk, of the Boardman Police department, said an autopsy was conducted in Cuyahoga County “showed little or no alcohol,” adding a urine sample confirmed no alcohol or drugs were in her system.
      Det Stepuk said he spoke with a bartender at Steel City who said vodka and Sprite was Mullen’s drink of choice.
      According to Det. Stepuk, Mullen suffered a fractured skull and had injuries and bruises all over her body.
      “Due to the amount of injuries, we believe she was severely beaten,” Det. Stepuk said.
      Hill came to the attention of Boardman police in late Aug., 2019 after allegations were made that a 65-year-old man who lived on Argyle Ave. had been bilked-out of some $30,000 by caregivers over a four-month period.
      Reportedly Hill had lived at the home for several months, until he was asked to leave the home.
      At the time of his arrest on the murder charge, Hill was on the most wanted list of the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
      Mullen was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School.

     POWELL, OH.---Angelo John Iannucci, 89, passed away on Friday, April 22.
      Angelo was born on April 1, 1933, to Angelo M. and Mary Lou Caizzo Iannucci, in Youngstown. His sharp wit and keen sense of humor were second-to-none, and often attributed to his April Fool’s Day birth date.
      He loved all things Italian---the pasta, the culture and the sports cars. He was known for his sweet tooth and looked forward to all sweet treats. He was an avid reader of books, magazines and newspapers, and knew so much about so many things.
      Angelo loved all things football. He was a diehard fan of both The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. On Saturdays in the fall, he was all about college football, whether it was attending in-person or viewing endless games on television.
      Angelo was a 1951 graduate of Boardman High School, where in addition to starring at running back on the football field, he was a valued member of the Spartan track and field squad. He earned three letters in each sport. On the gridiron he earned All Tri-County League and All Mahoning County honors. He was inducted into the Boardman High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 and to the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.
      Angelo attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., where he earned a B.A. degree in English in 1955.
      During his stellar collegiate football career as a Scarlet Knight, he earned three varsity letters. He was awarded the Homer Hazel Trophy as a junior in 1954. As the captain of the 1955 squad, he was an All-East selection as both a junior and senior, earning Honorable Mention All-American laurels his final season.
      Upon graduation, he spent one year in New York City employed by the nation’s seventh largest corporation at the time, Union Carbide. From 1956 to 1959, Angelo served in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of captain.
      For 50 years, Angelo made a name for himself as the ‘go-to-guy’ in the beer, wine and soft drink industry.
      From 1959 to 1970, he served as sales manager for Superior Beverage in Youngstown. He later worked as the general manager for Western Reserve Distributing Company in Painesville, Oh., from 1970 to 1982. Angelo purchased the company in 1983, serving as the owner/CEO until 2002, when he sold it to Gil Schwartz Distributing Company. From 2003 to 2009, he was the brand manager for Heritage Beverage in Mentor.
      Throughout his 89 years, Angelo touched countless lives and is loved by many. He will be dearly missed by his family. Angelo is survived by his wife, Dolores; three children, Joen, Jon and Robert; three grandchildren, Michael Haring, and Anna and AJ Chadwick; sister, Katherine Iannucci; and nieces, Andrea Lepore and Christina Tanger.
      He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Michael Lepore; and numerous aunts and uncles.
      Angelo (‘Poppy’) will be missed by his friends and caregivers at the Ganzhorn Suites in Powell. A special thanks to Kelly, Zach, JJ and Rowe for serving as his special guardian angels, and to Ebony and Natalia for providing such compassionate care. Much heartfelt gratitude to Poppy’s favorite Ganzhorn visitors (also special guardian angels)---Tracy, John and Johnny Haring, and Morgan (Kuntupis) Koch---whose visits always made him smile and laugh.
      A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com.

     For the first time in its 15 year history, Boardman’s Rock Orchestra, Project Mayhem will hold an encore performance–this time outdoors in Spartan Stadium.
      Tickets are now available for an outdoor Mayhem Concert set for Friday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.. There will be seating in the home stands and blanket-only lawn seats on the field.
      “Our March concert was sold out with more than 1,600 fans in the Boardman Performing Arts Center,” said Mayhem Music Director Bill Amendol. “This show will be a ‘Best Of Mayhem’ performance with more than 60 percent of the songs as new material from the indoor concert that we performed in March.”
      The two-hour event combines the talents of the Boardman Orchestra with vocals by Boardman students in a ‘Trans-Siberian’ style performance.
      “This electrically charged show will rock Spartan Stadium,” said Amendol.
      Tickets are $10 general admission. The public may purchase tickets at Boardman High School at the main front entrance on any school day between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Rain date for Mayhem is Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m.
     

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-15
      Newton Murphy, on behalf of Kimberly Lucarell, property owner, 6745 Applewood Blvd, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.05 Fencing, Walls, Hedges, and Similar Structures (E) (3) (a) (i) to have a six foot (6’) fence (11) eleven feet from the property line on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 522 135 X 160 IRR APPLEWOOD ACRES PL 15, Parcel 29-017-0-038.01-0. Said property is zoned R-2-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-16
      Haider Ali, on behalf of Noureen Fatima, property owner, 428 438 E Western Reserve Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.06 Stormwater Management, Site Drainage, and Compliance (B) for an exemption from stormwater management to add additional impervious surface to make up for property purchased for right-of-way expansion by the County Engineers on Western Reserve Rd. The property is further known as GL 31 DIV 4 & GL 31 DIV 4, Parcel 29-037-0-006.00-0 & 29-037-0-007.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-17
      Ward Martin, property owner, 1474 Walker Mill Rd, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Area, Setback, and Other Site Development Standards Table 4.09-1 to reduce the front setback from 50’ to 16’ on Paulin Drive and the side yard setback from 9’ to 4’ on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 2 100 X 220 PAULIN PL, Parcel 29-051-0-033.00-0. Said property is zoned R-1A-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-18
      ECHO PARTNERS 2002, property owner, 478 Boardman Canfield Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Districts (C) (1) to have a pole sign with 13’ supports 10’ higher than the allowed 3’ high supports. The property is further known as LOT 2 263.57 X 800.52 IRR RP WARD PLAZA ASSOC PL 2 RP LT 2 WARD ASSOC 1, Parcel 29-067-0-062.02-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-19
      Robert Baluch, property owner, 8415 Hickory Hill Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44514, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 8.03 (B) (3) to eliminate the 25’ riparian setback. The property is further known as LOT 78 148.31 X 188.79 IRR FOREST HILLS PLAT 2 & LOT 79 157.05 X 188.79 IRR FOREST HILLS PL 2, Parcel 29-049-0-013.78-0 & 29-049-0-013.79-0. Said property is currently zoned R-1A Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-20
      Greenheart Companies on behalf of Aaron & Wendy Fishbeck, property owner, 605 Berklee Dr., Boardman, Ohio 44514, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.09 Area, Setback, and Other Site Development Standards Table 4.09-1 to reduce the front, east, setback from 35’ to 28’ and the west side setback from 9’ to 6’. The property is further known as LOT 45 90 X 170 REPLAT OF LOT 23 IN THE REPLAT OF BRISTOL PARK ESTATES PLAT NO 1, Parcel 29-108-0-001.46-0. Said property is currently zoned R-1A Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development
     

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Trustees will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-02
      Baker, Bednar, Snyder & Assoc. on behalf of TOB KIA REAL ESTATE LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for 7870 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property in its’ entirety to GB-General Business zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 1 386.10 X 770.00 (IRR) TAYLOR KIA PLAT NO. 1, Parcel 29-093-0-033.00-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business & R-1 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP,
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     Mill Creek MetroParks presents “Art and Memory: Reflections of Ron Mistovich” showcasing the range of Mistovichs’ creative energy and talent as an artist. This free art exhibit will be displayed in the Weller Gallery at Fellows Riverside Gardens through July 24, during the normal operating hours of Tuesdays thru Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      Mistovich passed away at the age of 71 in Nov., 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was a 1966 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. He received his bachelor of science degree in Art Education from Youngstown State University and his master’s degree in Studio Art from Kent State University. He was an art educator for Struthers City Schools for 35 years. He also served as an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University in the Art Department.
      He enjoyed creating art in various mediums, whether at his home studio or in the classroom. Not only was he respected for his abstract painting and being a master art educator, but his creativity also extended to printmaking, sculpture, enamel and jewelry.
      His artwork is exhibited in multiple permanent collections nationally, including The Butler Institute of American Art, as well as many private collections.
      Mistovich served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles, where he designed the new church’s altar.
      Mistovich, who resided on Presidential Ct. in Boardman, was the recipient of the outstanding art educator award by The Steel Valley Art Teacher’s Association for his noteworthy contributions to the field of fine art and education.
      He continued painting throughout the last days of his life.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A 25-year-old Lisbon man was arrested by Boardman police on Sun., Apr. 24 after police indicated he had been at the Holiday Inn, 7410 South Ave., and Sheetz, 134 Boardman-Poland Rd., parading around as if he was a federal law enforcement officer.
      Logan Daniel Malik, of 39055 Harvey Rd., Lisbon, was charged with impersonating a police officer.
      An employee of the Holiday Inn told police that Malik came to the business about 6:00 p.m. and identified himself as a U.S. Marshal, stating he was looking for “skin heads” and the marshal’s service “had arrested five of them earlier at the Southern Park Mall.”
      The Holiday Inn employee said that Malik was “shaking so bad and she did not want to agitate him because he had a gun.”
      Shortly thereafter, police were told the same man was at Sheetz and the car he was driving was stopped by law enforcement.
      “Malik was wearing civilian clothes with a police tactical vest, a gun holstered on his right waist and a badge on his left waist. The badge on his waist was a Washingtonville police badge,” Ptl. Shannon Chaffee said, adding inside Malik’s wallet, he carried a Leetonia police badge.
      Malik told Boardman police Lt. Brian Habeger he was at the Holiday Inn “asking about people the U.S. Marshal’s service are looking for, because his dream is to be a U.S. Marshal, but he never told police he is a U.S. Marshal.”
      Malik told police “he never identified himself as a federal law enforcement officer while he was in Boardman, however he ‘jokingly’ told someone at Sheetz that he had a warrant for them, but quickly told them he was joking around,” Officer Chaffee said.
      Lt. Habeger contacted Chief Ken Faust of the Washingtonville PD, who confirmed Malik was a member of his department, and was not on a U.S. Marshal’s task force, “nor would he have any Washingtonville police business in Boardman.”
      Lt. Habeger also spoke with Chief Alan Haueter of the Leetonia PD, who said at one time Mailk served as a police officer there “but was let go a couple years ago and was supposed to turn his badge in.”
      After booking, Malik was released on a summons.
      Boardman police took possession of a 9mm handgun, a taser, a police vest, a baton, a pair of handcuffs and the police badges from Malik.

     Meeting on Monday night, Apr. 25, the Boardman Local School Board accepted the resignation of Ryan Dunn, 31, as the system’s transportation director.
      Dunn was pinned underneath a 3-ton tractor at the Boardman School Bus Garage, 8252 Raupp Ave., about 4:19 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 18, a day there were no classes scheduled. According to reports, the only, other person in the garage at the time was a 15-year-old boy who witnessed the accident and called 9-1-1.
      “I need help now,” the teenager yelled out in the 9-1-1 call, telling the dispatcher who handled the call “A tractor ran over the transportation director...Get here now, I can hear his bones breaking...Please help me. Hurry up.”
      A police report of the accident says that Dunn got off the tractor while it was “slightly moving forward. The tractor drove-up Dunn’s leg to the middle of his lower back, before coming to a stop, pinning Dunn to the ground.”
      A report completed by Boardman fireman Shawn Conroy said that Dunn’s left leg was pinned under the right, rear tractor tire.
      Conroy said emergency crews used a 10-ton jack to lift the tractor off Dunn, who was then transported by ambulance to a hospital.
      Ten Boardman Fire Department personnel responded to the scene.
      According to several sources, recently installed security cameras inside the school bus garage could have captured the incident, however a hard drive was removed from the system shortly after the mishap.

      Farmers National Bank has announced plans to combine its current Boardman branch at 102 W. Western Reserve Rd., with its North Lima branch at 9001 Market St., North Lima, a tenth of a mile away and across the street.
      The Boardman branch will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22 and the ‘combined’ North Lima branch will open on Monday, April 25.
      The North Lima location is a newer built branch, with size that is more reflective of today’s banking model.
      The North Lima interior has been renovated to showcase Farmers’ new interior branding package.
      “We are excited by all the possibilities that will come with our new combined branch,” says Amber Wallace, chief retail and marketing officer. “This move will allow us to continue offering our comprehensive slate of financial services, while adapting to an ever-changing banking model.”

     BY GREG GULAS
      Boardman News Sports
      bnews@zoominternet.net
      The 53rd Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame Banquet, sponsored by Briarfield Health Care Center and Ed and Diane Reese, is scheduled for Sunday, May 1 with a dozen new members set for enshrinement during ceremonies at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center, 7440 South Ave., Boardman.
      The class was originally set for installation May 3, 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellation of induction ceremonies in both 2020 and 2021.
      Former Ohio State University and NFL quarterback, and current YSU assistant football coach, Mike Tomczak, will serve as guest speaker.
      This year’s class includes Phil Annarella (football, posthumous), Mike Banks (basketball), Dr. Andrew Bushey (baseball), Sandra DePizzo (bowling), Jim Evans (sports media), Tim Filipovich (basketball), Denise Gorski (contribution to sports), Tim Joyce (basketball), Joe McHenry (all-sports award), Rick Shepas (football), John Turco (football) and John Zebroski (golf).
      A standout receiver at both Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University, Shepas played for and learned the game from three local coaching icons in Don Bucci at CMHS, and both Bill Narduzzi and Jim Tressel at YSU, head mentors who would shape and mold him into the coach he would become on the scholastic and collegiate level years after his playing days concluded.
      A 1983 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, he played for Bucci from 1980-82 and as a receiver, wreaked havoc on opponent defenses to the tune of 45 career receptions – ranking second to his brother, Bob, who caught 50 passes from 1967-68 – where he remains third on the Cardinals’ all-time career list.
      He served as game captain during his senior season with his six touchdown receptions still tied for ninth all-time and his 20.4 yards per catch average, also tied for ninth all-time.
      As a senior he caught 32 passes, still fourth all-time for a season while his 596 receiving yards that same year is third in the all-time single season ledger.
      His 130 yards receiving against Howland in 1982 remains fourth all-time while his six receptions against Cleveland St. Joe’s, also during his senior year, is still tied for second in a single game.
      Inducted into the Cardinal Mooney High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, a little known fact about this year’s inductee is that he is ambidextrous, someone equally adept at throwing a spiral at great length with both arms.
      Upon graduation he accepted a scholarship to Youngstown State University, playing his first three seasons under Narduzzi (1983-85) and his final collegiate campaign under former head coach and current YSU President Jim Tressel.
      During his years as a Penguins’ wide out, he earned four letters and served as team captain his senior year.
      A two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team selection (1985-86), he earned third-team All-American laurels those same two seasons.
      He finished his career with 150 receptions – second all-time at the time of his graduation and currently tied for third overall – and compiled 2,263 career receiving yards, which remains third all-time on the Penguins’ career receiving list.
      He was inducted into the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
      Upon completion of his collegiate career, he was with the Cleveland Browns (Mini-Camp; May-June, 1987) and Green Bay Packers (Training Camp, 1987), finishing his playing career as a wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner as a member of the Pittsburgh Gladiators of the Arena Football League (1988).
      He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from YSU in 1987, majoring in sports management and minoring in health and physical education, earned his teacher certification from Hiram College in 1989 and Master of Education in Sport Science from Ashland University in 1991.
      He began his successful coaching career at Poland Seminary High School (1990-96) with stops also at Seneca Valley (PA) High School (1996-98) and tradition-rich Massillon Washington High School (1998-2005) scholastically, then at Waynesburg University (2005-17) on the collegiate level.
      Success has followed this year’s inductee at every stop along the way, coaching teams to seven play-off appearances and four league titles while earning seven “Coach of the Year” honors during his high school years.
      He also served as a coach in the Big 33 Football Classic (1996).
      His 97-35 (.734 winning percentage) career record as a high school head coach includes a 12-win season while at Massillon, the first Tigers’ head coach to win that many games in a single season.
      While at Waynesburg he posted a 69-55 overall mark (his 69 wins is most all-time amongst all WU head coaches), going 47-38 in the PAC (President’s Athletic Conference) with one league championship (2012) and five ECAC post-season bowl appearances (2007, 2011-14).
      Most recently, his work with the Youngstown City Schools has been lauded as he helped restore athletic departments at East and Chaney High School while bringing back the Golden Bear at EHS.
      He was instrumental in reforming the Steel Valley Conference – he brought together Cardinal Mooney, Chaney, East and Ursuline as its first members – also serving as its first commissioner.
      He and his wife, the former Christine DiVincenzo, are the parents of three daughters, Maria, Katy and Gina. They reside in Boardman.
      Individual tickets are $60 each, tables of eight $480 and further information can be obtained by calling 330-506-6774, or by visiting the Curbstone Coaches website at www.thecurbstonecoaches.org.
     

     Did you know that Boardman Park, the Green Oasis, offers visitors the chance to see a living fossil? No, it isn’t a topiary of a dinosaur. The living fossil is the tree Dawn Redwood, or Metasequoia Glyptostroboides.
      From fossil data, the Dawn Redwood is known to have existed as many as 50 million years ago. It is the sole living member of the genus Metasequoia, which literally means ‘almost a sequoia.’
      The Dawn Redwood is closely related to the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). All redwoods are cone-bearing trees and get their common name from their reddish-brown bark and heartwood.
      The Dawn Redwood is a large, fast-growing, deciduous (the tree loses its leaves in the fall), pyramidal evergreen tree that grows up to 100 feet tall with attractive, feathery foliage. It has spreading branches that droop with age. New growth is light green, maturing to a deep green in the summer, and eventually turning red-bronze and falling off in autumn. While the bark and foliage of the Dawn Redwoods are similar to the other redwoods, it is distinct in that it is deciduous and develops a widened trunk-base as it matures. It is the shortest of the Redwoods. The tree prefers moist, deep, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. It is tolerant of wet soils and has minimal pest and disease problems.
      This tree was once one of the most widespread tree species in the northern hemisphere during the Tertiary period (from 66 million to 2.6 million years ago). The Dawn Redwood was first described in 1941 based only on fossil evidence. It was believed to have been extinct for millions of years.
      However, six years later in 1947, during an expedition to Southwest China, T. Kan, a Chinese forester of Beijing National Central University, found three strange deciduous trees he had never seen before. These trees were found to belong to the fossil species of Dawn Redwood. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University made arrangements to collect seeds from the discovery site. The seedlings grown from these seeds were then distributed to universities and arboreta around the world in an attempt to preserve the species.
      In 2012 Boardman Park was very fortunate to be the proud recipient of ten Dawn Redwood trees that were most graciously donated by the late Clarence R. Smith Jr.
      Mr. Smith, who had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and was quite knowledgeable about plants and landscaping, sadly passed away in April of 2021, at the age of 93. It is definitely a tremendous benefit to have these beautiful and unusual specimens added to the landscape of the Boardman Park.
     
      This article, by Daniel Slagle,
      executive director of Boardman Park, is
      one of several stories The Boardman News will provide this year as the park observes its 75th anniversary.
     

     The Boardman Board of Education met on Thursday, April 7 in a special board meeting and unanimously approved hiring Arthur J. Ginnetti, 40, as the district’s new treasurer. Ginnetti officially begins on May 2, taking the reins from interim treasurer, Ryan Jones.
      Ginnetti will receive an annual salary of $105,000.
      Ginnetti joins Boardman Local Schools after serving as the chief financial officer/treasurer with the Youngstown City School District.
      Ginnetti began his career as treasurer in the Struthers City School District in 2011. He then served as assistant treasurer and then treasurer in Austintown Local Schools before taking the CFO position with Youngstown City Schools in 2018.
      “The school board is excited to welcome Mr. Ginnetti, and we look forward to working with him,” said Board President John Landers. “We believe his experience in similar-sized school districts, his reputation for detail, and his desire to make Boardman his home will serve the district well.”
      “I’ve enjoyed my time in every district where I’ve worked and I look forward now to being a Spartan,” said Ginnetti. “My goals will always be to continue the success of Boardman schools, to make sure our students thrive, and to keep a watchful eye on our fiscal responsibilities to the community of Boardman.”

     Boardman police are scheduled to interview at least one person in connection with a claim that an assault on an 81-year-old landlord may have led to his death.
      Luidi Farina, 81, of 3179 Chablis Lane, Poland, died on Sun., Mar 27.
      Two days before Farina’s death, his wife, Maria, 75, told police her husband was at 5751 Sheridan Rd. to collect rent money. She told police a “middle-eastern man confronted Luigi, and an argument took place...and the man struck Luigi in the right side (just below the rib cage) with a wide metal object that resembled a baby gate.”
      After being struck, Farina grabbed a baseball bat he had in his vehicle to defend himself as he and the man continued to argue.
      Later the same day, Farina was complaining of pain and soreness, and shortness of breath, his wife said and he went to the emergency department at Mercy Helath/Boardman where he received pain medication.
      The following day, Farina was transported by ambulance to Mercy Health/Youngstown, “still complaining about chest pain and shortness of breath,” his wife said, adding that her husband died while there.
      Farina’s cause of death is awaiting a coroner’s ruling.

     On Monday, May 30, Boardman Township observe its 118th annual Memorial Day remembrance, including a parade from Center Intermediate School to Boardman Park, where ceremonies will be held at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater.
      ‘We are proud to honor those who have served, are serving, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country,” said mark Luke, of the Boardman Kiwanis Club that organizes the event.
      Groups participating in the parade assemble at the Boardman Center Intermediate School at 7410 Market St. at 9:00 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.
      Prior to the Parade, and starting at 9:00 a.m. the Memorial Mile (a running road race) which follows the same route as the parade will get underway. Applications to run in the event are available at Walgreen’s, the YMCA and Second Sole.
      Following the parade, at 11:00 a.m., the Memorial Day Service will be held.
      Keynote speaker will be James Guterba, a United States Marine Corps and Vietnam Conflict veteran, and a retired educator with the Boardman Local Schools.
      Lauren Johnson will lead us in the invocation and LTC Bill Moss, USAF retired, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and place a wreath in honor of deceased veterans
      The Boardman High School National Honor Society President will place a wreath in honor of currently serving military personnel. Luke will serve as master of ceremonies. The Boardman High School Wind Ensemble conducted by Mr. Tom Ruggieri will provide music for the service.
      In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Center Intermediate School Auditorium at 10:00 a.m.
      All veterans and community members can join together to recognize, remember and express their solemn thankfulness for the historical sacrifices of military forces to preserve the American way of life.

     Southwoods Health announces The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods has been named a “Best Hospital for Patient Experience” as reported by Becker’s Hospital Review. Southwoods is one of only 10 hospitals in Ohio named to this list, and the only hospital in the tri-county area with a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
      The ratings are based on figures using Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores from ten, topic-specific measures. The CMS summary star rating combines this information about different aspects of patient experience of care to make it easier to compare hospitals. The ratings come from the CMS Care Compare website and represents their most recent scores.
      “It is an honor to once again be named a top hospital for patient experience,” said Ed Muransky, Chief Executive Officer at Southwoods. “These types of awards are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our physicians and staff. Their commitment to providing the best care possible to our patients is unmatched.”
      Southwoods Health is owned and operated by the Muransky family and area physicians. It includes The Surgical Hospital at Southwoods, an acute care hospital. The hospital continues to expand its scope of services, that includes inpatient, outpatient and robotic-assisted surgery, as well as endoscopy services.
      Southwoods Health also provides an expanding array of ancillary health services at locations throughout the Mahoning Valley. These locations include Southwoods Imaging, offering the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging services in the area; Southwoods Pain & Spine Center, offering services to treat chronic pain and the region’s most advanced spine surgery program; Southwoods Sleep Centers, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders; Southwoods Physician Services, a multi-specialty physician group; and Southwoods Express Care, providing same day, walk-in non-emergent services.

     The following students were inducted into the Boardman High School National Honor Society during ceremonies held last week at the Performing Arts Center---
       Benjamin Ams, Caleb Austin, Julia Basista, Lauren Bero, William Bierlair, Ethan Blevins, Kay Budrovic, Jonah Bukovac, John Cagnina, Marley Cheff, Emily Choleva, Daniel Csernik, Natalie Davis, Madison Dravecky, Ethan DunLany, Kamryn Duritza, Carson Essad, Morganne Evans, Zoey Fick-Mills, Anna Fink, Leah Franke, Camille Goske, Jenna Greene, Konner Hines, Taylor Hurd, Katelynn Kershaw, Aliza Khan, Chloe Khoury, Jasmine Le, Luke Leonard, Elizabeth McCrea, Sara Merzic, Alex Micco, Alexis Mihok, Madison Murphy, Megan Murphy, Anthony Nigro, Kate Pendleton, Gabrielle Picino, Olivia Pickens, Gianna Pinciaro, Genevieve Quinlan, Caleb Satterfield, Alexander Schmitt, Reagan Smith, Lillian Snyder, Kathleen Sullivan, Jason Sweder, Gia Triveri, Devyn Tusinac, Emma Vondran, Owen Waller, Austin Ward, Aidan Wittman, Jacob Wolf, Syydney Yauger, Andrew Yocum, Ava Young, Rees Beckman Sandra Breen, Samantha Hoffman, Megan Bendel, Olivia Garland and Robert Williamson.
      A total of 58 juniors and six seniors were inducted based on their dedication to the four pillars of NHS---Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
      To be eligible for consideration for NHS, a student must be a junior or senior and have a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average.

     On Mar. 16, the Boardman Local School Board held a special meeting, during which Kathy Fait was granted a one-year, limited contract as interim supervisor of transportation for the school district, effective Feb. 22.
      Her appointment to the post came after the system’s Director of Transportation, Ryan Dunn, 31, was involved in an accident at the system’s school bus garage at 8252 Raupp Ave.
      Police were called to the bus garage at 4:19 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 18. They were told that Dunn was trying to move a 3-ton International Harvester tractor.
      At some point, police were told, Dunn got off the tractor, while it was apparently still in gear and slowly moving forward.
      “The tractor drove-up Dunn’s leg to the middle of his lower back, before coming to a stop, pinning Dunn to the ground,” Ptl. Troy Mackall said.
      Dunn was eventually freed by Boardman Fire Department personnel and was transported to Mercy Health/Youngstown for further medical assistance.
      A witness to the accident was identified as 15-year-old Gregory Carbon, police said.

     Boardman, Ohio — Although the COVID-19 Pandemic caused many uncertainties, the
      Boardman Civic Association was thrilled to be able to hold all four of its events in-person in 2021, honoring both individuals and businesses that have helped create a strong community.
      BCA has set the dates for their 2022 events.
       • Scholarship Awards Dinner, Mon., May 16
       • Candidates/Issues Dinner, Mon., Sept. 19
       • Community Awards Dinner, Mon., Oct. 17
      For the third year in a row, BCA will maintain its current officers for the 2022 year. The reelected officers are as follows:
       • President – Tommy Testa
       • Vice President – Meg Harris
       • Secretary – Mark Luke
       • Treasurer – Jeff Barone
      BCA is also excited to announce that they have added a new member to the Board of Directors. Makenna Ozenghar, Vice President, Client Service of Farris Marketing, has joined the Board.
      The Boardman Civic Association is a group of local business, civic and community leaders that are invested in the growth and development of the Boardman area. The Boardman Civic Association welcomes any Boardman resident or business to join and participate in its events. Visit www.BoardmanCivic.com for more information or contact Meg Harris at MHarris1421@yahoo.com

     NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
      The Boardman Township Board of Appeals shall hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM, go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/board-of-zoning-appeals/ for further information for consideration of the following cases:
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-10
      ASTRO MCCLURG LLC, property owner, 415 McClurg Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 6.01 Accessory and Temporary Use Regulations (C) (3) for a height increase from sixteen feet (16’) to eighteen and a half feet (18.5’). The property is further known as GL 31 DIV 4, Parcel 29-038-0-016.00-0. Said property is currently zoned I-Industrial, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-11
      LAAD Sign on behalf of MEIJER STORES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, property owner, 1400 Boardman Canfield Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts Table 1: Maximum Building Sign Area Allowance per facade to increase sign allowance by an additional forty three (43) Square foot of signage & (7) (c) for a projecting sign 6.56 SF larger than allowed and internally illuminated. The property is further known as LOT 1 TOO LARGE FOR DIMENSIONS MEIJER STORES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP PLAT NO 1 Parcel 32-090-0-021.00-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-12
      Fast Signs on behalf of BDMN REAL ESTATE ASSOC, property owner, 1280 Boardman Canfield Rd. Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 12.11 Permanent Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts Table 2 to reduce the required five foot (5’) front property line setback to zero (0’). The property is further known as LOT 3 150 X 300 ROYCE CIRCLE PLAT 2, Parcel 29-090-0-024.04-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-13
      CARNEGIE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, property owner, 1500 Boardman Canfield Rd. Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 4.07 Permitted Uses (3) Conditional Uses to operate a carwash. The property is further known as LOT 2 190.45 X 289.64 IRR MERCY HEALTH YOUNGSTOWN LLC PLAT NO 1, Parcel 32-090-0-021.02-0. Said property is zoned GB-General Business, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      APPEAL CASE AC-2022-14
      Janice Jones, property owner, 446 Tudor Lane, Boardman, Ohio 44512, requests a variance from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, Article 7.05 Fencing, Walls, Hedges, and Similar Structures (E) (3) (a) (i) to have a six foot (6’) fence up to (2) two feet from the property line on a corner lot. The property is further known as LOT 151 70 X 195 IRR N ENG LANES 4OT 38 101.7 X 163 IRR HITCHCOCK WOODS PL 1, Parcel 29-009-0-319.00-0. Said property is zoned R1-B-Residential, in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      Text and maps of the request may be viewed at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing. Please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Atty. John F. Shultz, Chairman
      Boardman Township Board of Appeals
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     LEGAL NOTICE
      The Boardman Township Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on the following amendment to the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution and Township Zoning Map on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM. Go to https://www.boardmantwp.com/zoning/zoning-commission/ for further information.
      Following the recommendation of the Zoning Commission, the proposed amendment will be referred to the Board of Trustees for final determination.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-02
      Baker, Bednar, Snyder & Assoc. on behalf of TOB KIA REAL ESTATE LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for 7870 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property in its’ entirety to GB-General Business zoning district. The property is further known as LOT 1 386.10 X 770.00 (IRR) TAYLOR KIA PLAT NO. 1, Parcel 29-093-0-033.00-0. Said property is currently zoned GB-General Business & R-1 Residential, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      AMENDMENT A-2022-03
      Universal Development on behalf of C & D Interests LLC, property owner, requests a zone change for Tippecanoe Rd., Boardman, Ohio 44406, from the terms of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution, effective January 1, 2021, in order to change the property to PUD-Planned Unit Development zoning district. The property is further known as GL 11 DIV 4, Parcel 29-117-0-004.00-0. Said property is currently zoned AG-Agricultural, located in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, State of Ohio.
      To view a hard copy of the texts and maps at the Boardman Township Zoning Office, 8299 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, until time of hearing, please call 330-726-4181 or email requests to tdavignon@boardmantwp.com.
      Peter W. Lymber, Chairman
      Boardman Township Zoning Commission
      Tricia D’Avignon, AICP
      Assistant Director of Zoning and Development

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township’s Board of Trustees, Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun approved an operating budget of $22.659 million for 2022, an increase of $1.17 million over 2021.
      The budget includes $603,932 in funding from the American Relief Act.
      Some $9.507 million of the 2022 budget goes to the police department. $4.842 million is budgeted for the fire department, $3.617 million will go to the road department, and $436,863 for the office of planning/zoning. The police department’s budget reflects an increase of some $500,000 over its 2021 budget.
      Also included in the budget is $1.99 million for administration/fiscal, and $995,667 for Federal Emergency Management Agency projects in the Wildwood Dr.-Ewing Rd. area.
      Trustees formally swore-in Shawn Conroy as a captain in the Boardman Fire Department.
      Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said that Conroy is a nine year veteran of his department.
      “He is a good steward of the fire service, a good leader and a valuable asset to the fire department,” Pitzer said.
      Trustees approved liquor permits requests for the Fire Fox Cafe, 7393 California Ave.; Roxbury Pizza Co., 558 East Western Reserve Rd. and Combine Brothers Bar and Grille, 7412 Market St.
      Chris McFall addressed the board about the request by Fire Fox, saying he will be investing $250,000 into the business (where a hookah bar is now located) and has plans for a lunch and dinner menu, and will create a bar and patio area.
      McFall said he expects the business to have an annual payroll of between $400,000 and $500,000, and he expects the transition to be completed by October or November for the restaurant and bar.
      McFall said recently completed renovations at the Southern Park Mall were a factor in his decision to invest in the Fire Fox.
      Tom Guerrieri, of Daffodil Trail, made a plea to Trustees for road resurfacing in the Ivy Hills neighborhood.
      Guerrieri said there are about 100 residents of his neighborhood and noted the first four-tenths of a mile of roadway are in deplorable condition. Moliterno, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said a firm has been hired to study township roads and the results of the survey will determine what roadways will be resurfaced this year.
      “The survey is the right thing to do for the 40,000 residents of Boardman Township,” Moliterno said.
      Road Superintendent Marilyn Kenner said grant monies are used for the annual resurfacing program, and daily traffic volume is a requirement for obtaining grant funds.
      She added that sales tax monies can also be used for road resurfacing and they are not dependent on traffic counts.
      There are about 144 miles of township maintain road in Boardman and resurfacing costs are about $120,000 per mile, Moliterno noted.
      Mrs. George Turner, of 84 Mill Creek Dr., expressed concerns over the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s proposal to turn Market St. into a two-lane highway for cars (also with a turning lane).
      Moliterno replied WRTA’s proposal is “not necessarily the best plan,” adding “We have no control over this.”
      Mr. Turner told the board since the Ohio Department of Transportation has closed Brookwood Rd. (for a traffic study) “Brookwood is more hazardous than ever.”
      “We did not approve of that closing,” Chairman Moliterno responded.
     

     Boardman Park is fortunate to have several very large magnificent Northern Red Oaks grace its landscape. Four of these Oaks can be seen along the North Trail. These beauties are most likely a couple of hundred years old. The stately Oaks, along with all the other trees, are the foundation of the park’s beautiful landscape.
      “I can’t imagine the Green Oasis without trees,” says the park’s executive director, Dan Slagle.
      The Northern Red Oak trees have many uses, and they are quite beneficial to both humans and animals. The tree provides shelter for nesting for mammals and birds. Many birds, rabbits, deer, squirrels as well as insects feed on the leaves, seedlings, and acorns of the tree.
      Environmentally, these Oaks sequester carbon in their mass as they grow. The Oaks convert large quantities of carbon dioxide to various organic compounds that make up wood. Oak trees therefore provide a means for helping to offset the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels related to the use of fossil fuels.
      Oak canopies also mitigate the effects of global warming by reducing ground surface temperatures.
      “On a hot summer day at the Green Oasis you can find a nice cool spot to relax and picnic under of one our oaks Trees.” Slagle says, adding “ They also improve air quality by storing carbon dioxide and exhaling oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. The leaves of an oak tree absorb airborne pollutants. It has been observed that one tree can absorb up to 10 lbs. of air pollution in a single year.”
      Oaks reduce water pollution by absorbing fertilizer nutrients, pesticides and other trace contaminants in soil, allowing compounds to break down slowly and be taken up as nutrients. Just one of these large oak trees will intercept and mitigate 7,000 gallons of stormwater each year, which helps slow the eroding energy of rain by intercepting rainwater on leaves and stems surfaces during storms.
      Identifying Features
      Leaves of Red Oak are alternate, moderately shiny, broadly obovate, with seven to eleven lobes that have bristles terminating each tooth on the forward-pointing lobes. Red Oak often has impressive late fall color, ranging from brick red to scarlet, although some trees may have golden- yellow, yellow-brown, or chartreuse foliage in autumn.
      The Flower of Red Oak is monoecious (both male and female flowers on the same tree), having pendulous pollen-bearing catkins in mid-spring that are the ‘showy’ golden-brown flowers seen from a distance.
      Fruit of the Oak is an acorn, which results from the miniature female flowers that take two years to develop into mature acorns. As such, they are not obvious until the second year, when they fill out rapidly during the summer and ripen.
      The bark of the immature Red Oak is light gray, very reflective in the winter sun, and surprisingly smooth. As the bark matures, it develops shiny gray flattened ridges that have intervening darker fissures. Only on very aged specimens lowermost portion of the trunk will have deep furrows and tall ridges with a dark gray to near-black color.
      This article is one of several stories
      The Boardman News will provide this year
      as Boardman Park observes its
      75th anniversary.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      The Boardman Police Department is continuing an investigation into the homicide 50 years ago of 12-year-old Bradley Bellino, whose body was found in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza on Apr. 4, 1972. Bellino was a fifth grade student in the Boardman Local Schools at the time of his murder.
      A belt (from JCPenney) was found strapped around his neck. The strap bore teeth marks; and body fluid, not Bellino’s, was later discovered on the boy’s pants.
      On Apr. 12, 1972, then Mahoning County Coroner Dr. David Belinky ruled Bellino’s death was the result of strangulation. Dr. Belinky said the interval between the onset of death and actual death was “sudden,” and suggested the lad may have been sexually molested.
      Three years ago, police contracted with Parabon Nanolabs, of Reston, Va. to conduct snapshot, genetic genealogy analysis of DNA evidence, including body fluids.
      “DNA testing has continued since that time and we have been collecting the DNA of potential suspects,” Capt. Albert Kakascik of the Boardman police Department told The Boardman News.
      After an intensive investigation following the discovery of the body, for years the investigation into the Bellino murder stood dormant, until 2001, when the Boardman Police Department revisited the case but could not develop any new leads. However, sources suggest a list of at least 20 possible suspects had been developed, and several search warrants were served on possible suspects, to no avail.
      “Only four or five of those people seemed to stand out,” Capt. Kakascik said.
      50 years ago, 12-year-old Bradley Bellino, of 61 McClurg Rd., left home at noon, apparently walking to the home of a friend, Donald Templeton, 733 Teakwood Dr., in Applewood Acres.
      A criminal complaint obtained by The Boardman News says about 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 31, the boy failed to return home, and the following day, Debbie Bellino notified police about 3:20 p.m. that Bradley was missing.
      Three days later, at 8:02 a.m. on Apr. 4, employees of Varie Bros. Trash Co. called police saying they found a body in a dumpster behind the Boardman Plaza.

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      After 13 visits to 8057 Aquadale Dr. since Jan. 7, 2021, Boardman Township’s Planning and Zoning has filed suit in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court seeking to have a 45-ft. long school removed from the property.
      The school bus that has been parked on the driveway of the property for more than a year.
      Named as defendants in the court action are Stanley Feret, 8057 Aquadale Dr.; Andrea Osiniak, 74 Forest Garden Dr.; Stasha Feret, (also known as Stasha Dyke), 3253 Hazelwood Ave., Downingtown, Pa.; and Luanna Feret-McNichol, 529 West Embargo St., Rome, New York.
      In addition to the school bus, parked and/or stored on the property are vehicles and trailers in the yard, as well as an oversized recreational vehicle.
      According to the lawsuit, using the property for storage is in violation of the zoning code, as it relates to residential areas.
      “Defendants were notified that they were in violation of the Boardman Township Zoning Resolution…[and] have failed to come into compliance,” says the suit filed by Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Karen Markulin Gaglione. Dating back to May, 2021, defendants in the matter have been notified at least three times by the county prosecutor’s office that using the property for storage of vehicles, including the school bus, is in violation of the Boardman Township zoning codes.
      “In order to avoid potential criminal and/or civil enforcement action, you must abate any and all outstanding zoning violations,” Gaglione said.
      “Since the vehicle bus exceeds the 24-foot allowable limit, it is not allowed to be parked on the property,” Beth Duzzny, Boardman Township property maintenance program coordinator said.
     
      PICTURE: BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP HAS FILED A COMPLAINT FOR A permanent injunction to prohibit storage of a 45-ft. school bus on the property at 8057 Aquadale Dr. Township zoning officials have visited the property 13 times since Jan. 7, 2021 In addition, the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office has, at least on three occasions, notified the property owner the bus must be moved, in order to bring the property into compliance with township zoning regulations.

      Two sisters, Denise Gorant Gliwa and Connie Gorant Fisher, both in their mid-60s, and born and bred in Youngstown, recently launched the podcast, Bite Your Tongue — building healthy relationships with your adult children.
      The sisters, who both attended Boardman High School and worked weekends and holidays at their father’s well-known candy company - Gorant’s Chocolatiers, are excited about sharing this new venture.
      “It was kind of on a whim,” said Denise. “We hit a point in our lives where our kids were gone, we’d been working at the same craft of over 30-years and wanted something new to learn, she added.
      The two knew they wanted to launch a podcast, but picking the topic became tricky.
      The sisters, along with another dear friend, Dr. Ellen Braaten, a Harvard psychologist who specializes in younger children, began exploring subjects of interest.
      The three woman had raised their now adult children together and realized that although everyone was talking about the ins and outs of their relationships with their adult kids, grand-parenting and when to bite their tongues, there was not a podcast dedicated to the topic.
      “There were a few episodes we found that dealt with the topic,” said Ellen, “but nothing that explored it to the level that we wanted to do it.”
      So the idea was born.
      “This was always my sister’s idea, said Connie, adding “She’s been thinking about doing podcast for years and I came along for the ride.
      “Ellen and Denise became the hosts and I became the software engineer. It was learning curve for me because technology was never my thing, but learning something new at this stage of my life is a good way to keep my brain active and growing.”
      “We are having a lot of fun,” said Denise, but doing a podcast, even twice a month, is harder than we anticipated.
      “Ellen, who is also writing a book and spends half of her time in Prague, is not always able to join us, but we keep plugging away.”
      Each episode explores different areas of parenting adult children. They have 26 episodes under their belts and listenership is growing.
      One of the most popular episodes has been “When they are Grown: The Real Pain Begins,” with Williams College Professor Dr. Susan Engle who wrote a story with that same title in The New York Times.
      Other episodes cover topics such as:
       •Whose Wedding is it Anyway: Discussing the stress of wedding planning
       •After the Empty Nest: Building Our Own Lives
       •Talk the Talk: Strategies and Tools for Giving Advice
       •Talking to Your Adult Kids About Finance
       •When They are Grown: The Real Pain Begins
       •Mothering Difficult Adult Children
       •Legal Documents your Adult Children need Now
       •Mental Health Matters
       •When Grown Kids Disappoint Us
      The list goes on an on. They find top experts in the fields including authors, celebrities, speakers and the media.
      “The most difficult part is finding the very best guests with the best experience who can really address our topics.” says Denise.
      “It’s important”, she adds, “because these years when our children are adults is the longest relationship we will have with them. Let’s make it a good one.”
      Connie adds that some people have said,“parenting adult kids, we are done. But really it is not about parenting, but instead continuing a healthy and connected relationship.”
      Both sisters remember their time in Boardman so fondly and visit often.
      “There is no place like home,” says Connie. “And we hope our friends and family in the Mahoning Valley will enjoy connecting with us through this podcast.”
      You can listen to the podcast by visiting the website at biteyourtonguepodcast.com or it is also available on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
      Feel free to reach out to them with ideas or thoughts about the podcast or episodes you love. Email biteyourtonguepodcast@gmail.com

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      A principal technical specialist for a world-wide professional service firm suggested to Boardman Trustees on Monday night changing Market St., at least from Midlothian Blvd. as far south at Mercy Health (McClurg Rd.), into a two-lane highway with outside lanes on both sides of the road preserved (dedicated) for use by public busses and bicyclists. “There would be turning lanes,” said the technical specialist.
      Timothy Rosenberger, of WSP USA, said the proposal has been under development “and the next step is a design phase to determine precisely what to do.” WSP employs some 49,000 persons world-wide. According to its web site, the firm provides technical expertise and strategic advice to clients in many areas, including transportation and infrastructure, as well as property and buildings.
      In 2020, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) received a $250,000 United States Department of Transportation grant to develop a comprehensive transit-oriented development – or TOD – plan for the Market Street corridor in Youngstown and Boardman.
      “It’s a way of trying to enhance transportation connections,” said Dean Harris, WRTA executive director said at the time.
      The WRTA says a “Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is land development that makes it easier and safer for people to get around by walking, biking or using public transit. Most new development in the past half century has been oriented to driving, with the result that land uses (like retail, housing, and office space) are strictly separated and buildings are surrounded by a sea of parking. TOD attempts to put public transit, bicycling, and walking on an even playing field with driving.
      “Market Street in the city of Youngstown has many older buildings in a state of disrepair, and vacant parcels ripe for redevelopment. The intent of the TOD plan is to use upgraded transit and multimodal infrastructure improvements and connections to create new economic initiatives like redeveloping and repurposing buildings that are in disrepair, and constructing new development on available parcels.”
      According to the WRTA, “The Boardman portion of the corridor needs sidewalk and crosswalk improvements to benefit pedestrians, and also offers many opportunities for ‘in-fill’ development.”
      “In many ways, TOD is a return to the way that Youngstown and its neighborhoods were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when most people traveled on foot or by streetcar. The ultimate goal of TOD is to create dense, walkable villages around key transit stations, in which most of the resident’s daily needs – groceries, coffee shops, health clubs, restaurants, schools, churches – are within a short (15 minute or less) walk, while jobs, educational and health care opportunities in other parts of the city are accessible by bus,” the transit authority says.
      Rosenberger said the quarter-million-dollar grant “opens the way for improvements at bus stops all along Market St.” He then suggested the “idea of putting special treatment bus lanes (including on Market St. in Boardman) so busses don’t compete with traffic…and bicycles and delivery vehicles” could also use those lanes.
      Boardman Trustee Larry Moliterno replied to that concept saying such a plan would likely increase congestion on Market St., adding Boardman Township does not have “auxiliary roads” to handle more traffic on Market St.
      Rosenberger suggested a TOD plan could be used to spur economic development along Market St. in Boardman, including with townhouse or apartment buildings on the site of the current Center Middle School, or at the Southern Park Mall.
      He said state and federal funding is being sought for “lighted shelters” at WRTA bus stops. Rosenberger said ridership on WRTA busses that service Boardman Township is “about 200 persons a day,” and the transit authority “needs to attract more riders.”
      Tabled until a later date was a motion to hire legal counsel for potential fire code enforcement at a building at 5600 Market St. Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said there were “concerns” over use of the second floor of the building for apartments that do not meet fire codes.
      “We could be in court unless they comply with the fire code,” the fire chief said.
      In other matters, Township Trustees awarded a bid of $581,188 to Boak and Sons for roof replacement at the Boardman Township Road Department garage; and authorized the purchase of eleven sets of body armor for the Police Department at a cost of $13,386. Police Chief Todd Werth said upwards of 75 per cent of the cost will come from grant money.

     Boardman High School senior Sean O’Horo took sixth place last weekend in Div. I in the 175-lb. bracket at the Ohio State wrestling championships held at the Schotenstein Center in Columbus. O’Horo ended his season with a 45-4 record.
      After winning his first two matches, O’Horo dropped a 9-0 decision to Chase Stein of LaSalle; and then was blanked by Kurt Thompson of Cincinnati Moeller, 11-0. During that match, O’Horo tweaked a ham string and forfeited his match for fifth place with Mitchell Broskie of Dublin Coffman.
      It was against Broskie that O’Horo earned a semifinal berth with a 4-3 decision over the #3-rated wrestler from Dublin Coffman. In the first period of the match, Broskie notched the first two points with a reversal, but O’Horo came back with two seconds left in the period for a reversal to knot things at 2-2. The second period saw Broskie riding strong on the top position, but again near the end of the period, O’Horo scored two more points with a reversal and a 4-2 lead going into the final period, where Broskie escaped for a point, but O’Horo held on to claim a 4-3 victory..
      O’Horo opened the state tournament against Jerrell Young, of Cleveland St. Ignatius. He was down 2-1 in the final minute of the third period, and secured a victory in the match with a final second pin over Young.
      “Sean was banged-up in his semifinal loss which made Sunday morning’s wrestle back match tough to get ready for. He couldn’t warm up the way he needed to and it showed, losing 11-0. After that we thought it wasn’t a good idea to try and wrestle for fifth place so he medically defaulted to finish sixth place.
      “The state championship is a tough tournament and so many factors come into play. Sean was on a roll and we had a shot to get into the finals, but it didn’t go that way,” Boardman Head Coach Dom Mancini said.
      Luke Geog of Lakewood St. Ed won the 175-lb state title with a major decision over Stein.
      South Range High School sent three wrestlers to the state meet, including Ray Cmil, in the Div. III 132-lb. class. Cmil wrestled his first, two prep seasons at Boardman High School.
      Cmil garnered a second place finish, dropping the championship match to Hunter Long, of Wayne Trace.
      In the 106-lb. bracket, the Raiders Hunter Newell placed seventh; and in the 165-lb. division, Lorgan Cormell claimed a seventh place.