Monday, May 02, 2005
The Eagles Hall
According to the all-knowing Pat Lowry, the Eagles Hall was at the corner of Rayen Avenue and 5th Avenue and was torn down in the late 1980's.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
83-year-old patient charged for taking extra newspapers from box
By Harold Gwin, The Valley Voice
On his way to the hospital for cancer treatment March 16, Andy Fusco stopped at a Mahoning Avenue newspaper box to buy a copy of The Vindicator.
Fusco, who is 83-years old with failing hearing and sight, says he intended to take only a single copy of the 35-cent newspaper.
But The Vindicator claims Fusco actually took four newspapers and filed theft charges against the retired trucker. The charges carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.
Fusco, of Winchester Avenue, pleaded innocent of the charge before Youngstown Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly.
The retired trucker said the March 16 Vindicator edition was very thin and he didn’t realize he had taken more than a single copy from the box in front of the Brite & White Laundromat at 3212 Mahoning Ave.
He said it turned out that he had taken three papers after putting his money into the machine, not four as The Vindicator complaint against him claims.
“It was an honest mistake,” said Fusco’s younger brother, Frank, who accompanied him to court.
Whoever filed the charges against him “should be ashamed of themselves,” Frank Fusco said.
The police complaint against Fusco was signed by Amy Grant, transportation and single copy manager for The Vindicator. She was contacted about the alleged theft by Chris Thompson, a Brite & White employee, who collected a $200 reward.
Chris Thompson, who has worked at the laundry for eight years, said she first noticed Fusco appeared to be taking more than a single newspaper copy from the box right outside her office window about eight months ago.
She said she saw him stop and take papers from the box nearly every day she worked. Thompson said she finally decided to intervene because the laundry customers like to read the newspaper while doing their laundry and the box sold out too quickly.
She said she even took pictures of Fusco taking papers on more than one occasion.
Thompson said she alerted a Vindicator deliveryman and The Vindicator sent someone out to stake out the box and catch Fusco.
Fusco said a man from The Vindicator apparently followed him from the Mahoning Avenue Laundry to a store on Meridian Road where he stopped to buy two Cleveland Plain Dealers to take with him to the hospital.
The man demanded the newspapers and, not fully comprehending what the man wanted, Fusco said he tried to give him all of the papers he had, including the Plain Dealers.
The Vindicator filed a criminal complaint against Fusco the next day.
Frank Fusco said his older brother wasn’t trying to steal anything.
“He’s on borrowed time,” Frank Fusco said, explaining that his older brother is dying of cancer and lives on $700 a month in Social Security benefits.
Thompson said she didn’t know that she would be eligible for a reward from The Vindicator when she reported Fusco for theft.
“I do feel bad, because of his age and everything,” Thompson said.
Still, she wondered, what does it teach children if an older person gets away with theft?
Frank Fusco denied her allegation of repeated thefts by his brother.
“That isn’t true,” he said. “I know my brother. He’s not that type of guy.”
Calls to the city prosecutor’s office seeking comment on the case were not returned by press time.
On his way to the hospital for cancer treatment March 16, Andy Fusco stopped at a Mahoning Avenue newspaper box to buy a copy of The Vindicator.
Fusco, who is 83-years old with failing hearing and sight, says he intended to take only a single copy of the 35-cent newspaper.
But The Vindicator claims Fusco actually took four newspapers and filed theft charges against the retired trucker. The charges carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and six months in jail.
Fusco, of Winchester Avenue, pleaded innocent of the charge before Youngstown Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly.
The retired trucker said the March 16 Vindicator edition was very thin and he didn’t realize he had taken more than a single copy from the box in front of the Brite & White Laundromat at 3212 Mahoning Ave.
He said it turned out that he had taken three papers after putting his money into the machine, not four as The Vindicator complaint against him claims.
“It was an honest mistake,” said Fusco’s younger brother, Frank, who accompanied him to court.
Whoever filed the charges against him “should be ashamed of themselves,” Frank Fusco said.
The police complaint against Fusco was signed by Amy Grant, transportation and single copy manager for The Vindicator. She was contacted about the alleged theft by Chris Thompson, a Brite & White employee, who collected a $200 reward.
Chris Thompson, who has worked at the laundry for eight years, said she first noticed Fusco appeared to be taking more than a single newspaper copy from the box right outside her office window about eight months ago.
She said she saw him stop and take papers from the box nearly every day she worked. Thompson said she finally decided to intervene because the laundry customers like to read the newspaper while doing their laundry and the box sold out too quickly.
She said she even took pictures of Fusco taking papers on more than one occasion.
Thompson said she alerted a Vindicator deliveryman and The Vindicator sent someone out to stake out the box and catch Fusco.
Fusco said a man from The Vindicator apparently followed him from the Mahoning Avenue Laundry to a store on Meridian Road where he stopped to buy two Cleveland Plain Dealers to take with him to the hospital.
The man demanded the newspapers and, not fully comprehending what the man wanted, Fusco said he tried to give him all of the papers he had, including the Plain Dealers.
The Vindicator filed a criminal complaint against Fusco the next day.
Frank Fusco said his older brother wasn’t trying to steal anything.
“He’s on borrowed time,” Frank Fusco said, explaining that his older brother is dying of cancer and lives on $700 a month in Social Security benefits.
Thompson said she didn’t know that she would be eligible for a reward from The Vindicator when she reported Fusco for theft.
“I do feel bad, because of his age and everything,” Thompson said.
Still, she wondered, what does it teach children if an older person gets away with theft?
Frank Fusco denied her allegation of repeated thefts by his brother.
“That isn’t true,” he said. “I know my brother. He’s not that type of guy.”
Calls to the city prosecutor’s office seeking comment on the case were not returned by press time.
New Downtown Candy Store Aims for Sweet Memories
Apr 20, 2005 8:00 a.m.
By George Nelson
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The sweet taste of nostalgia is for sale at a new downtown candy store operated by a nonprofit corporation that employs disabled adults.
The Touch The Moon Candy Saloon opened a week ago on Phelps Street next to City Hall. It is operated by Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc., which provides residential and respite services for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled children and adults.
“We decided we wanted to go with something fun and what's more fun than candy?” asks James F. Sutman Jr., ISLE owner and director.
Sutman said he wanted to start a business that primarily employs people with disabilities but would receive no government funding. The business would financially stand on its own, he continued, but at the same time “keep things lighthearted.”
ISLE also operates the Purple Cat downtown, a day program on Commerce Street where adults with disabilities produce unique crafts and art items.
The Candy Saloon stocks the kinds of confections typically found in any grocery store, but it specializes in offering selections familiar to baby boomers from their youth -- “what they call retro candies … that were really popular back in the '50s or '60s,” Sutman said.
The candy counter's nostalgic features include Beemans, Clove and Black Jack chewing gums, Swedish fish, candy necklaces, marshmallow candy cones, licorice pipes and Wack-O-Wax lips -- even BB Bats.
The Candy Saloon also sells Starbucks coffee as well as its own store blend, Velvet ice cream products, candy gift sets and sodas.
“We want to fill a niche,“ Sutman remarked. “It's going to take us several months to figure out what exactly the businessmen and women of Youngstown are looking for.”
The store fills special orders on request, he said, and places special emphasis on working with regional candy suppliers.
The Candy Saloon has 12 employees, including eight of whom who have some form of disability. Sutman said he always tries to have one non-disabled person working with a disabled person or, depending on the disability, sometimes two.
Sutman is encouraged by response from both employees and the community. “It has been a 100% success as far as my disabled clients are concerned, my disabled employees,” he said.
The store enjoys good foot traffic from workers at downtown employers such as InfoCision, the Mahoning County Department of Children Services and the Youngstown Police Department.
“The mayor's been in there five or six times,“ Sutman added.
By George Nelson
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The sweet taste of nostalgia is for sale at a new downtown candy store operated by a nonprofit corporation that employs disabled adults.
The Touch The Moon Candy Saloon opened a week ago on Phelps Street next to City Hall. It is operated by Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc., which provides residential and respite services for mentally retarded and developmentally disabled children and adults.
“We decided we wanted to go with something fun and what's more fun than candy?” asks James F. Sutman Jr., ISLE owner and director.
Sutman said he wanted to start a business that primarily employs people with disabilities but would receive no government funding. The business would financially stand on its own, he continued, but at the same time “keep things lighthearted.”
ISLE also operates the Purple Cat downtown, a day program on Commerce Street where adults with disabilities produce unique crafts and art items.
The Candy Saloon stocks the kinds of confections typically found in any grocery store, but it specializes in offering selections familiar to baby boomers from their youth -- “what they call retro candies … that were really popular back in the '50s or '60s,” Sutman said.
The candy counter's nostalgic features include Beemans, Clove and Black Jack chewing gums, Swedish fish, candy necklaces, marshmallow candy cones, licorice pipes and Wack-O-Wax lips -- even BB Bats.
The Candy Saloon also sells Starbucks coffee as well as its own store blend, Velvet ice cream products, candy gift sets and sodas.
“We want to fill a niche,“ Sutman remarked. “It's going to take us several months to figure out what exactly the businessmen and women of Youngstown are looking for.”
The store fills special orders on request, he said, and places special emphasis on working with regional candy suppliers.
The Candy Saloon has 12 employees, including eight of whom who have some form of disability. Sutman said he always tries to have one non-disabled person working with a disabled person or, depending on the disability, sometimes two.
Sutman is encouraged by response from both employees and the community. “It has been a 100% success as far as my disabled clients are concerned, my disabled employees,” he said.
The store enjoys good foot traffic from workers at downtown employers such as InfoCision, the Mahoning County Department of Children Services and the Youngstown Police Department.
“The mayor's been in there five or six times,“ Sutman added.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
U-Haul Self-Storage
The Isaly Dairy Building today - currently a U-Haul self-storage and truck rental facility.
Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley
Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley - formerly known as the West Federal Street YMCA building Sully Johnson operated the Booker T. Washington Settlement at West Federal Street and West Madison Avenue. In 1926, the center moved to a new location on West Federal Street and became the West Federal Street YMCA for the black community. In 1931, a new building was erected where the West Federal Branch operated for 43 years before merging with the main YMCA branch downtown. The area that housed the Belmont Branch YMCA was a slum area, and the YMCA wanted to reach out to the people there. Inside, they had all the facilities that were in the Central Branch, and a really nice gym and pool. It was in it's day a beautiful facility. Now that the Rescue Mission owns the building, the gym is gone, but the pool is still used, and many of the smaller churches use it for baptisms. The building now serves as the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. The apartments are still used.
Ursuline Academy
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Mahoning Valley in northeast Ohio was clearly emerging as a major center of industry in the United States. Smokey steel mills rose along the Mahoning River for miles through the heart of Youngstown, beckoning tens of thousands of men and boys to the harsh work within them. Many of the laborers were Catholic immigrants from Europe who brought little with them to this country except their hunger for a better life and a strong faith to sustain their dreams. From humble beginnings similar to the city that welcomed them in 1874, the Ursuline Nuns of Youngstown were also at work, creating an opportunity for education in the valley which conveyed an optimism as unfailing as that of their adopted community.
Under the direction of Mother M. Joseph Hopkins, the simple "pay school" for girls attached to St. Columba Church in downtown Youngstown was expanded to include grades 9-12 in September 1905. With an initial enrollment of twenty-five students, the Ursuline Academy of the Holy name of Jesus was founded, the forerunner of today's Ursuline High School. Thus began an Ursuline tradation of quality secondary education in Youngstown which reaches 96 years at this writing. Classes for the girls were held initially in an imposing four- story brick structure located at 217 West Rayen Avenue that also served as the sister's convent.
Mother Vincent O'Connell was appointed first principal of the Academy. The original curriculum stressed classical studies and language skills. Doctrinal religion was emphasized in a setting of strict discipline. Four years after its opening on June 16, 1908, the high school celebrated its first commencement in Youngstown's Park Theater. Two graduates were honored--Miss Eunice Marie Lawlor and Miss Mary Agnes Maloney. The winds of war that blew over the nation and world during this century's second decade also swept the Youngstown area to an unparalleled period of development and prosperity. It was a time for growth, and the Ursuline Order responded to the influx of population by extending its work to other parishes that were being established in the city.
Meanwhile, the Academy was also expanding, soon outgrowing it Rayen Avenue facilities. Mother Joseph, general superior of the Order, proposed that the community acquire the Chaucey Andrews estate on Wick Avenue for the Academy. Mrs. John Logan, Andrew's daughter and owner of the house, agreed to a sale in February of 1919. The high school enrollment of forty settled into their new location late that winter. Mother Bernard McCann presided over the beginning of the "Wick Avenue Era" as Principal.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
West Federal Street - Update
For the information of those who might no know yet, in downtown
Youngstown as of now, there are only two empty west end buildings --
the old Paramount Theater and the Lerner Shop building next to the
theater.
The row of empty buildings are to be torn down soon; the Wells
Building and Armed Services are being restored, the State Theater is
coming down as part of the Wells Building project, and the Masters
Block is being demolished.
The whole project will put a whole new face on West Federal Street.
When it's finished there will be five brand new buildings on West
Federal.
Youngstown as of now, there are only two empty west end buildings --
the old Paramount Theater and the Lerner Shop building next to the
theater.
The row of empty buildings are to be torn down soon; the Wells
Building and Armed Services are being restored, the State Theater is
coming down as part of the Wells Building project, and the Masters
Block is being demolished.
The whole project will put a whole new face on West Federal Street.
When it's finished there will be five brand new buildings on West
Federal.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Airbus in Youngstown... we can only dream!
Regional Airport to Be Pitched for Airbus Plant
Mar 10, 2005 8:00 a.m.
By Dan O’Brien
VIENNA, Ohio -- The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is one of three sites the state of Ohio will submit as a location for a proposed $600 million conversion plant for aerospace giant Airbus, sources confirmed this week.
The other sites under consideration are Columbus and Toledo, sources said. They spoke on condition of anonymity.
However, Ohio Department of Development spokesman Bill Teets would neither confirm nor deny that Youngstown-Warren is among the three sites. The packages, getting their finishing touches, will be submitted to Airbus officials by the end of March.
“Our philosophy is that Ohio meets a good number of requirements and that we’re worth looking at,” Teets said.
While the Mahoning Valley will be pitched for the project, sources said the odds of success are very, very long.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Airbus’ parent, is looking for a site within the United States to construct a plant that would convert Airbus A330 commercial airliners into aerial tankers that refuel U.S. military aircraft.
Leading the search is EADS North America, the holding company for EADS’s North American operations.
According to a company statement, EADS North America, based in Arlington, Va., is seeking a site where its new KC-330 advanced tanker aircraft could be assembled and produced or modified for U.S. military use. The site would also be home to a new Airbus long range aircraft engineering center.
The conversion plant is expected to employ some 500 at first, but that figure could reach 1,200 by 2012 depending on the delivery rates of the KC-330, said Guy Hicks, spokesman. “If we go toward a final assembly center, it would cost upwards of $600 million to build and directly employ 1,200 people,” he said. The engineering center would employ 150 aerospace engineers and is scheduled to go forward without the conversion and assembly plant.
Also, the plant would attract additional manufacturers and jobs needed to support conversion operations, he said.
The site should be selected by Dec. 31 and the engineering facility open by early 2006.
Ohio is one of 37 states vying for the project, Hicks said. In February, about 130 development officials from 35 states attended an information session EADS North America hosted in Washington, D.C. Qualifying states will be issued a request for proposal sometime in the second quarter.
With such intense competition, sources concede the Mahoning Valley faces an uphill battle. Among the criteria EADS on which is basing its site selection:
- An airport with a runway at least 9,000 feet long.
- An area that can accommodate 1.5 million square feet of production, hangar and office space.
- Transportation infrastructure that includes good access to rail, road and a deep-water seaport that can handle large volumes.
- An employment base that can meet the demands of world-class aircraft manufacturing.
- The location’s ability to establish a cooperative relationship with a nearby university or other institution with a strong aerospace department and research facility.
The Youngstown-Warren airport meets several of the criteria, including a 9,000-foot runway and the capacity to handle the proposed manufacturing space. Access to a deep-water seaport, however, may pose a problem, since the nearest port is Ashtabula on Lake Erie, 45 miles north. Also, the airport as yet lacks rail access.
“We have a lot of states responding that have inland locations,” EADS’ Hicks noted, which on paper places them at a disadvantage. However, inland communities have won similar projects in the past by adapting and addressing these logisitics issues, he added. Youngstown, he continued, is fairly close to Lake Erie, which could be a consideration.
Still, the Department of Development’s Teets said he’s unsure whether Ohio will even be considered for the project or issued a request for proposal.
“We’d like to think we have a realistic opportunity,” Teets said, citing important aerospace research institutions such as the NASA Glenn Center near Cleveland and the Wright Center near Dayton. “There’s merit in the fact that Ohio has a history of aerospace activity.”
He also noted the number of companies throughout the state that work with the advanced materials needed in aerospace construction. “Locating here gives you a large base of potential suppliers,” he said.
EADS North America was formed two years ago to secure new business in the United States and North America, Hicks said. The company employs 1,800 in the U.S. at 39 different locations in 11 states. Last year, EADS North America earned about $650 million and expects to do about $1 billion in revenues for 2006. Its parent, EADS, earned $40 billion in Euro dollars last year, he reported.
Last year, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport submitted a proposal to compete for the new Boeing 7E7 production facility. That project, however, was awarded to Everett, Wash., after that state compiled an incentives package that included approximately $3.2 billion in tax breaks.
Contact Dan O'Brien at dobrien@business-journal.com
Mar 10, 2005 8:00 a.m.
By Dan O’Brien
VIENNA, Ohio -- The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is one of three sites the state of Ohio will submit as a location for a proposed $600 million conversion plant for aerospace giant Airbus, sources confirmed this week.
The other sites under consideration are Columbus and Toledo, sources said. They spoke on condition of anonymity.
However, Ohio Department of Development spokesman Bill Teets would neither confirm nor deny that Youngstown-Warren is among the three sites. The packages, getting their finishing touches, will be submitted to Airbus officials by the end of March.
“Our philosophy is that Ohio meets a good number of requirements and that we’re worth looking at,” Teets said.
While the Mahoning Valley will be pitched for the project, sources said the odds of success are very, very long.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Airbus’ parent, is looking for a site within the United States to construct a plant that would convert Airbus A330 commercial airliners into aerial tankers that refuel U.S. military aircraft.
Leading the search is EADS North America, the holding company for EADS’s North American operations.
According to a company statement, EADS North America, based in Arlington, Va., is seeking a site where its new KC-330 advanced tanker aircraft could be assembled and produced or modified for U.S. military use. The site would also be home to a new Airbus long range aircraft engineering center.
The conversion plant is expected to employ some 500 at first, but that figure could reach 1,200 by 2012 depending on the delivery rates of the KC-330, said Guy Hicks, spokesman. “If we go toward a final assembly center, it would cost upwards of $600 million to build and directly employ 1,200 people,” he said. The engineering center would employ 150 aerospace engineers and is scheduled to go forward without the conversion and assembly plant.
Also, the plant would attract additional manufacturers and jobs needed to support conversion operations, he said.
The site should be selected by Dec. 31 and the engineering facility open by early 2006.
Ohio is one of 37 states vying for the project, Hicks said. In February, about 130 development officials from 35 states attended an information session EADS North America hosted in Washington, D.C. Qualifying states will be issued a request for proposal sometime in the second quarter.
With such intense competition, sources concede the Mahoning Valley faces an uphill battle. Among the criteria EADS on which is basing its site selection:
- An airport with a runway at least 9,000 feet long.
- An area that can accommodate 1.5 million square feet of production, hangar and office space.
- Transportation infrastructure that includes good access to rail, road and a deep-water seaport that can handle large volumes.
- An employment base that can meet the demands of world-class aircraft manufacturing.
- The location’s ability to establish a cooperative relationship with a nearby university or other institution with a strong aerospace department and research facility.
The Youngstown-Warren airport meets several of the criteria, including a 9,000-foot runway and the capacity to handle the proposed manufacturing space. Access to a deep-water seaport, however, may pose a problem, since the nearest port is Ashtabula on Lake Erie, 45 miles north. Also, the airport as yet lacks rail access.
“We have a lot of states responding that have inland locations,” EADS’ Hicks noted, which on paper places them at a disadvantage. However, inland communities have won similar projects in the past by adapting and addressing these logisitics issues, he added. Youngstown, he continued, is fairly close to Lake Erie, which could be a consideration.
Still, the Department of Development’s Teets said he’s unsure whether Ohio will even be considered for the project or issued a request for proposal.
“We’d like to think we have a realistic opportunity,” Teets said, citing important aerospace research institutions such as the NASA Glenn Center near Cleveland and the Wright Center near Dayton. “There’s merit in the fact that Ohio has a history of aerospace activity.”
He also noted the number of companies throughout the state that work with the advanced materials needed in aerospace construction. “Locating here gives you a large base of potential suppliers,” he said.
EADS North America was formed two years ago to secure new business in the United States and North America, Hicks said. The company employs 1,800 in the U.S. at 39 different locations in 11 states. Last year, EADS North America earned about $650 million and expects to do about $1 billion in revenues for 2006. Its parent, EADS, earned $40 billion in Euro dollars last year, he reported.
Last year, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport submitted a proposal to compete for the new Boeing 7E7 production facility. That project, however, was awarded to Everett, Wash., after that state compiled an incentives package that included approximately $3.2 billion in tax breaks.
Contact Dan O'Brien at dobrien@business-journal.com
Monday, March 07, 2005
Youngstown couple joins "Amzing Race"
Ohio lovebirds, family join `Amazing Race'
From the Akron Beacon Journal
Although the big national attraction for the next Amazing Race will be the return to prime time of some Survivor lovebirds, the series will also have a strong Ohio flavor.
Two teams on the show -- which begins March 1 -- are from Ohio, including Ray Housteau, 44, of Canfield and Deana Shane, 27, of Youngstown, who are described as ``dating on and off.''
Here's CBS' summary of them:
``Ray is a stockbroker and Deana is a marketing and promotions executive. Their primary motivation for participating in this Race is to put their on-again/off-again relationship to the test and see how they fare.
``Ray, who is 17 years older than Deana, has worked as a stockbroker for 18 years. A former college and semi-professional football player, Ray describes himself as cocky and admits that he's never wrong about anything. He enjoys weightlifting, singing and karate.
``Deana is admittedly just as determined and competitive as her teammate. She grew up camping in the backwoods of Ohio and has never traveled outside the United States. Deana's favorite hobbies include lifting weights, karate, hunting and fishing. Both admit they are looking for some answers to what the future holds for their relationship and are hoping the Race will provide some.''
From the Akron Beacon Journal
Although the big national attraction for the next Amazing Race will be the return to prime time of some Survivor lovebirds, the series will also have a strong Ohio flavor.
Two teams on the show -- which begins March 1 -- are from Ohio, including Ray Housteau, 44, of Canfield and Deana Shane, 27, of Youngstown, who are described as ``dating on and off.''
Here's CBS' summary of them:
``Ray is a stockbroker and Deana is a marketing and promotions executive. Their primary motivation for participating in this Race is to put their on-again/off-again relationship to the test and see how they fare.
``Ray, who is 17 years older than Deana, has worked as a stockbroker for 18 years. A former college and semi-professional football player, Ray describes himself as cocky and admits that he's never wrong about anything. He enjoys weightlifting, singing and karate.
``Deana is admittedly just as determined and competitive as her teammate. She grew up camping in the backwoods of Ohio and has never traveled outside the United States. Deana's favorite hobbies include lifting weights, karate, hunting and fishing. Both admit they are looking for some answers to what the future holds for their relationship and are hoping the Race will provide some.''
Letson named Youngstown CityScape leader
YOUNGSTOWN — Sharon M. Letson of Warren, former director of Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley, has been named executive director of Youngstown CityScape.
"Sharon will bring an energetic, creative and positive focus to CityScape, and our efforts to revitalize downtown Youngstown and the city's gateways," said David C. Sweet, president of Youngstown State University and CityScape chair.
Youngstown CityScape, an outgrowth of the Youngstown Streetscape program, is a nonprofit organization created in November to help revitalize Youngstown through downtown and corridor beautification, education and historic preservation.
The organization will rally volunteers and city residents to take action to improve the appearance of the city, including landscaping, litter cleanup and fostering community awareness of the importance of historic preservation. A major goal will be to build on the successful track record of Streetscape in the beautification of downtown Youngstown and extend these efforts along major transportation corridors leading into the city.
Letson, who has a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Grove City College, was director of Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley from 1994 to 2003. She previously was a manager at Famous Telephone Supply in Akron, a patient account representative at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and assistant general manager of KWTQ-AM Radio in Pittsburgh.
From the Vindicator
"Sharon will bring an energetic, creative and positive focus to CityScape, and our efforts to revitalize downtown Youngstown and the city's gateways," said David C. Sweet, president of Youngstown State University and CityScape chair.
Youngstown CityScape, an outgrowth of the Youngstown Streetscape program, is a nonprofit organization created in November to help revitalize Youngstown through downtown and corridor beautification, education and historic preservation.
The organization will rally volunteers and city residents to take action to improve the appearance of the city, including landscaping, litter cleanup and fostering community awareness of the importance of historic preservation. A major goal will be to build on the successful track record of Streetscape in the beautification of downtown Youngstown and extend these efforts along major transportation corridors leading into the city.
Letson, who has a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Grove City College, was director of Youth Leadership Mahoning Valley from 1994 to 2003. She previously was a manager at Famous Telephone Supply in Akron, a patient account representative at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and assistant general manager of KWTQ-AM Radio in Pittsburgh.
From the Vindicator
Supermax may house Death Row
According to Cleveland News 5, Youngstown's Super Max prison may soon hold the 194 Ohio inmates on Death Row. The state is considering the move from the Mansfield Correctional Institution to the supermax and Attorney General Jim Petro seemed receptive to the idea.
Six convicted killers already are confined at Youngstown, including four inmates involved in the deadly 1993 riot at the Lucasville prison.
The lone female under a death sentence is incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women at Marysville.
The Youngstown facility was opened in 1998. It houses 465 inmates described by state officials as the "worst of the worst" in Ohio prisons.
Six convicted killers already are confined at Youngstown, including four inmates involved in the deadly 1993 riot at the Lucasville prison.
The lone female under a death sentence is incarcerated at the Ohio Reformatory for Women at Marysville.
The Youngstown facility was opened in 1998. It houses 465 inmates described by state officials as the "worst of the worst" in Ohio prisons.
Amtrak Service Comes To A Hault in Youngstown
From WYTV
Amtrak rail service in Youngstown has ended, but some city leaders say they plan to fight to bring it back.
Amtrak says it can no longer afford to serve Youngstown on the line connecting New York and Chicago. Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti of the 4th Ward, says, she hopes with the valley's congressmen, and petitions signed recently by a local group, they can lobby amtrak to bring service to the city in around a year.
Almost 4500 people used the Amtrak Service every year in Youngstown.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Toledo Blade
... Dominic Liberatore, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers, conceded that the train's absence will be felt more in Youngstown and Akron than it will in Fostoria. The eastern Ohio cities averaged 10 and 19 passengers per night, respectively, and like Fostoria will lose their only Amtrak train service.
"The cities of Akron and Youngstown are losing a significant transportation choice," Mr. Liberatore said. Youngstown will be especially bereft, he said, because it lacks commercial air service and Greyhound has reduced its bus operations there.
Amtrak rail service in Youngstown has ended, but some city leaders say they plan to fight to bring it back.
Amtrak says it can no longer afford to serve Youngstown on the line connecting New York and Chicago. Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti of the 4th Ward, says, she hopes with the valley's congressmen, and petitions signed recently by a local group, they can lobby amtrak to bring service to the city in around a year.
Almost 4500 people used the Amtrak Service every year in Youngstown.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Toledo Blade
... Dominic Liberatore, the executive director of the Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers, conceded that the train's absence will be felt more in Youngstown and Akron than it will in Fostoria. The eastern Ohio cities averaged 10 and 19 passengers per night, respectively, and like Fostoria will lose their only Amtrak train service.
"The cities of Akron and Youngstown are losing a significant transportation choice," Mr. Liberatore said. Youngstown will be especially bereft, he said, because it lacks commercial air service and Greyhound has reduced its bus operations there.
Youngstown C-130 Aircrew Flies U.S. Senators From Iraq
Youngstown C-130 Aircrew Flies U.S. Senators From Iraq
Mar 6, 2005 2:00 p.m.
The Business Journal
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Military officials announced Sunday that a C-130 aircrew stationed with the 910th Airlift Wing at the Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township flew five U.S. senators – including John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (R-N.Y.) -- out of Baghdad, Iraq, at the conclusion of their fact-finding mission last month.
Joining McCain and Clinton on the fact-finding mission were Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis. The senators traveled to Baghdad to meet with interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh and Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, who is leading the push to train Iraqi security forces.
The C-130 aircraft commander was Maj. John Boccierri, who represents the 61st district in Ohio’s General Assembly. “It was a real treat to have both Senator McCain and Senator Clinton on our flight deck during the take-off out of Baghdad,” Boccieri said. “It was a special flight.”
Co-pilot Capt. Rodger Sharp, a teacher at West Branch High School in Mahoning County, said it was “an honor to meet a real American hero like Senator McCain. He gave so much to our country and when he thanked me for serving, I said, ‘Oh, no sir. We need to thank you!’ ”
Reservist Master Sgt. Chris Marino was the loadmaster on the flight and in civilian life works for Lencyk Masonry in Howland. “In 20 years of service, I’ve never had this many important people on my airplane,” Marino said. “They were gracious and respectful of the job we’re doing here. They said we’re making a difference in Iraq.”
Reserve Tech. Sgt. Charles Walker, the C-130 flight engineer, is also fireman for the city of Akron. “It was great to show the senators what we do every day here in Iraq. They experienced our mission firsthand and they will take this experience with them to Washington.”
The C-130 aircrew is deployed with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia, its precise location not identified due to "host-nation sensitivities," the Air Force says.
Major Boccierri and his 910th Airlift Wing crew are completing their third rotation to Southwest Asia.
Mar 6, 2005 2:00 p.m.
The Business Journal
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Military officials announced Sunday that a C-130 aircrew stationed with the 910th Airlift Wing at the Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township flew five U.S. senators – including John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (R-N.Y.) -- out of Baghdad, Iraq, at the conclusion of their fact-finding mission last month.
Joining McCain and Clinton on the fact-finding mission were Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis. The senators traveled to Baghdad to meet with interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh and Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, who is leading the push to train Iraqi security forces.
The C-130 aircraft commander was Maj. John Boccierri, who represents the 61st district in Ohio’s General Assembly. “It was a real treat to have both Senator McCain and Senator Clinton on our flight deck during the take-off out of Baghdad,” Boccieri said. “It was a special flight.”
Co-pilot Capt. Rodger Sharp, a teacher at West Branch High School in Mahoning County, said it was “an honor to meet a real American hero like Senator McCain. He gave so much to our country and when he thanked me for serving, I said, ‘Oh, no sir. We need to thank you!’ ”
Reservist Master Sgt. Chris Marino was the loadmaster on the flight and in civilian life works for Lencyk Masonry in Howland. “In 20 years of service, I’ve never had this many important people on my airplane,” Marino said. “They were gracious and respectful of the job we’re doing here. They said we’re making a difference in Iraq.”
Reserve Tech. Sgt. Charles Walker, the C-130 flight engineer, is also fireman for the city of Akron. “It was great to show the senators what we do every day here in Iraq. They experienced our mission firsthand and they will take this experience with them to Washington.”
The C-130 aircrew is deployed with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at an air base in Southwest Asia, its precise location not identified due to "host-nation sensitivities," the Air Force says.
Major Boccierri and his 910th Airlift Wing crew are completing their third rotation to Southwest Asia.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Letter to the Editor - 2010 is important for us all
This is a Letter to the Editor from the 3/1/05 issue of The Jambar.
Editor,
2010 is an important part of history here in Youngstown, Ohio, and also for Youngstown State University. Although we all are not part of the 2010 campaign, that does not mean we can sit idly by and look at this city and not lend a helping hand. We are all apart of this community whether we like it or not. Whether we commute to class or live on campus, this is still our environment. As a community and a university we should seek to make this town a better place than when we first arrived.
Whether this is to volunteer our time, donate our money, or lobby political leaders or businesses to pay attention makes no difference. The fact remains that we need to open our minds to the prospects of doing something besides running to our classes and then running to our cars. Without an understanding of our environment, we can not have an understanding of each other, and without that we first do not get a true view of what college can be, and second, we do not experience what is called humanity.
Get involved, get informed and stay intrigued. To the credit of the Jambar, we as students need a paper institution in order to keep us informed of the processes around us, yet we also have to go beyond printed information and make that information relevant by our actions. Get online, read the Vindicator and the Jambar. But by all means, get out, get involved and give of your time, money or skills. We are all smart and intelligent people, so why do we not show this town, state and nation what we are made of and what we are all about? If we do that, then we will feel better about ourselves and we will have accomplished much more in our lives.
-Joe Iesue
Editor,
2010 is an important part of history here in Youngstown, Ohio, and also for Youngstown State University. Although we all are not part of the 2010 campaign, that does not mean we can sit idly by and look at this city and not lend a helping hand. We are all apart of this community whether we like it or not. Whether we commute to class or live on campus, this is still our environment. As a community and a university we should seek to make this town a better place than when we first arrived.
Whether this is to volunteer our time, donate our money, or lobby political leaders or businesses to pay attention makes no difference. The fact remains that we need to open our minds to the prospects of doing something besides running to our classes and then running to our cars. Without an understanding of our environment, we can not have an understanding of each other, and without that we first do not get a true view of what college can be, and second, we do not experience what is called humanity.
Get involved, get informed and stay intrigued. To the credit of the Jambar, we as students need a paper institution in order to keep us informed of the processes around us, yet we also have to go beyond printed information and make that information relevant by our actions. Get online, read the Vindicator and the Jambar. But by all means, get out, get involved and give of your time, money or skills. We are all smart and intelligent people, so why do we not show this town, state and nation what we are made of and what we are all about? If we do that, then we will feel better about ourselves and we will have accomplished much more in our lives.
-Joe Iesue
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Mayor's race primary set
Well, they're off! Nine Democrats and one Republican have filed to run in the March primary.
The nine Democratic candidates are: state Sen. Robert Hagan (D-33), state Rep. Sylvester Patton (D-60), city council President James Fortune, Youngstown Police Chief Robert Bush, Councilman Michael Rapovy, former council President John Swierz, Bill Flickenger, Patricia O'Connell and Diane Murphy. The lone Republican candidate is Robert Korchnak.
Jay Williams, the city's Community Development Agency director and moderator for the Youngstown 2010 public forums, is expected to bypass the primaries and run as an independent in November. Independent candidates have until May 2 to file. One other independent candidate, Joe Louis Teague, has already filed to run in the general election.
Check out The Jambar for an article about the candidates.
The nine Democratic candidates are: state Sen. Robert Hagan (D-33), state Rep. Sylvester Patton (D-60), city council President James Fortune, Youngstown Police Chief Robert Bush, Councilman Michael Rapovy, former council President John Swierz, Bill Flickenger, Patricia O'Connell and Diane Murphy. The lone Republican candidate is Robert Korchnak.
Jay Williams, the city's Community Development Agency director and moderator for the Youngstown 2010 public forums, is expected to bypass the primaries and run as an independent in November. Independent candidates have until May 2 to file. One other independent candidate, Joe Louis Teague, has already filed to run in the general election.
Check out The Jambar for an article about the candidates.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Fifth Ave. in downtown Youngstown used to be an inclined bridge running above railroad tracks. Today, those tracks are long gone, the Consolidated Warehouse a memory, and the smaller building on the left rubble. In its place have been built an earthwork inclined slope, the county jail and the county misdemeanor jail (warehouse and small building respectively). A much different scene, indeed...
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Welcome Steelhounds!
The Youngstown SteelHounds will be the name of the new Central Hockey League team in Youngstown. Announced yesterday, the team will play at the Youngstown Convocation Center, a 5,700 seat arena currently under construction in Downtown Youngstown.
Youngstown's Air Traffic Control Tower may soon go dark
Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport's Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower may be going dark soon. Under a cost cutting plan, Youngstown's tower would be one of three state-wide that would close between the midnight and 5 a.m. There are few flights during that time although the air traffic controllers' union said the move would compromise safety. Lawmakers said it could lead to service reductions in their states. The FAA has final authority on the issue. The other two airports are Akron-Canton Regional Airport and Toledo Express Airport.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Central Fire Station, corners of West Federal Street and Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. This picture was taken in 1985 when Engine 1, Ladder 22, Squad 33, Battalion Chief 1, and Ambulance 55 were all running out of this station. Today, Engine 1 and Ambulance 55 have been disbanded, although some firefighter's still will say, "Send us a 55" when requesting an ambulance to the scene.
Youngstown State University - 1973
Youngstown State University was only a shell of the current campus in 1973. These views represent the most modern buildings on campus at that time.
Science Building early 1960's. This imposing structure is one of the many new buildings on the Youngstown University Campus, located in Youngstown, Ohio.
YSU's Maag Library was at the forefront when this picture was drawn in 1973.
Beegley Physical Education Center is a modern facility that adds much to the campus of Youngstown State University and its activities. Over the year's it has hosted YSU's Men's and Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball, as well as the outstanding, YOUNGSTOWN PRIDE!
Science Building early 1960's. This imposing structure is one of the many new buildings on the Youngstown University Campus, located in Youngstown, Ohio.
YSU's Maag Library was at the forefront when this picture was drawn in 1973.
Beegley Physical Education Center is a modern facility that adds much to the campus of Youngstown State University and its activities. Over the year's it has hosted YSU's Men's and Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball, as well as the outstanding, YOUNGSTOWN PRIDE!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Hagan for Mayor
Breaking News: State Senator Bob Hagan has announced that he will run for Youngstown's top job, according to WFMJ. This isn't really breaking news since we all anticipated this for some time, but at least it has now been formally announced.
Vindicator strikes enters fourth month
The Vindicator strike has entered its fourth month, and the newspaper has made no plans to talk with the striking workers. Vindicator reporter Pete Milliken did however receive a letter from Vindicator Human Resource Director Bob Wiseman detailing how striking Vindicator workers could resign from the union, cross the picket line and avoid paying any fines that the union could levy against its members who don’t comply with the work stoppage.
The letter also stated that the union could not require the Vindicator to terminate individuals who resign from the union and cross the picket line once an agreement is reached as long as the workers who resigned from the union continue to pay union dues.
Milliken burned the letter.
In other strike news, five reporters resigned from the union and crossed the picket line to go back to work. Among them is Dave Skolnick, the Vindy's leading political reporter.
The letter also stated that the union could not require the Vindicator to terminate individuals who resign from the union and cross the picket line once an agreement is reached as long as the workers who resigned from the union continue to pay union dues.
Milliken burned the letter.
In other strike news, five reporters resigned from the union and crossed the picket line to go back to work. Among them is Dave Skolnick, the Vindy's leading political reporter.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Ohio losing jobs
Ohio has lost 4 percent of its jobs since 2000 according to a new study by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies. The Dayton Business Journal has the full report.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
National City Bank Building sold
The National City Bank Building downtown has a new owner. A development group based in New York City has purchased the building, the first of future acquisitions the firm plans in the central business district. The group has inquired about other available properties downtown, including the Erie Terminal building. According to the Business Journal, other downtown buildings on the market include the Stambaugh and Wick buildings.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Say goodbye to Phar-Mor... AGAIN
The Phar-Mor Centre, which has been a staple on Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown for the last 19 years, will soon be renamed. The new name? 20 Federal Place. The building has been renamed to remove all remnamts of the now-defunct discount chain and its not-too-clean former president, Mickey Monus. InfoCision, a teleservices company based in Akron, is expected to renovate the fourth floor and as early as this month.
McKelvey to Business-Journal: Stay Away!
If you are a city employee, don't get caught talking to a reporter from the Business Journal, or so says Mayor George McKelvey. The mayor issued a decree last week telling city employees not to answer any press calls from the paper after calling them "untrustworthy" and "irresponsible." Well, let me tell you that McKelvey's reign as mayor can easily be described by those two adjectives, so it's a dozen of one, two half of the other. I am pretty sure he is just whining and that the Business Journal is a decent, if not good, paper. The full text of the mayor's letter can be found on the Business Journal's website.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
The Youngstown Car Industry
Youngstown has always had a connection with the auto inductry. Starting with the early carriage companies who made the first cars to todays GM plant producing the brand-new Chevy Cobalt in Lordstown, the auto business has been near the forfront of Youngstown industry. Below is a brief history of local manufacturers courtesy of the Youngstown Public Library.
Avanti
The Studebaker Corporation started producing the Avanti in 1963. In 1986, Michael Kelly purchased the Avanti Motor Corporation, located in South Bend, IN, and renamed it the New Avanti Motor Corporation. When J. J. Cafaro bought 47.5 percent of the company in April of 1987, he urged Kelly to move its operations to Youngstown. In August of that year, Avanti moved to the Ross Industrial Park on Albert Street and opened a showroom on Wick Avenue. Kelly sold his 47.5 percent interest to Cafaro in September of 1988 and Cafaro changed the company name to the Avanti Automotive Corporation. In 1991, Avanti, which produced the only handcrafted car in America, ceased operations after making only 405 cars. Michael Kelly, along with a partner, purchased the assets of Avanti in 1999 and relocated the plant to Villa Rica, GA, where the cars are still being made.
Blue Goose
In 1902, prominent area businessman Henry Wick engaged an engineer named L. B. Smyser to build a car for his personal use. The royal blue luxury car, known as the "Blue Goose", was said to have cost somewhere between $8,000 and $20,000 to make. The car's chassis was built in Youngstown on Wick Avenue near the Mahoning Courthouse, and was considered to be the largest and most expensive car in America at the time. The car was sold for $765 in 1904.
Booth
Dr. Carlos C. Booth, a local physician, designed the first car in Ohio. The Fredonia Carriage and Manufacturing Company, located at 155 -165 Market Street in Youngstown, built it in 1895. W. Lee Crouch, of the Pierce-Crouch Engine Company of New Brighton, PA, produced the engine. After selling the car in 1897, Dr. Booth designed a second car, again commissioning Fredonia Carriage to build it. It was completed in 1898. Both were called "Booth" cars. Dr. Booth is credited as being the first physician to use an automobile to make house calls.
Fredonia
In 1902, the Fredonia Carriage and Manufacturing Company changed its name to Fredonia Manufacturing Company and began producing cars known as the "Fredonia". It was considered to be the first car entirely manufactured in Youngstown. The company made approximately 200 cars over a two-year period. Fredonia Manufacturing filed for bankruptcy in 1904 and the factory was destroyed by fire in 1907.
Mahoning
The Youngstown Carriage and Wagon Company, whose name was changed to the Mahoning Motor Car Company in 1903, began production of the "Mahoning" automobile that same year. Charles T. Gaither, former engineer of the Fredonia Manufacturing Company, became one of the engineers. The "Mahoning" went out of production in 1905.
Packard
In 1898, Ward Packard bought a Winton automobile, which he felt needed improvement. When the owner of the Winton Company ignored his advice, he formed a partnership with one of Winton's major stockholders, George L. Weiss, Winton's plant manager, William A. Hatcher, and William Packard to build their own automobile as "Packard & Weiss". The first Packard automobile was finished in November of 1899. In September of 1900, the company incorporated as the Ohio Automobile Company, which developed such innovations as the first "H" pattern gearshift, and the first steering wheel in an automobile. The company was renamed the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. By this time, the quality of the automobiles had attracted wealthy investors from Michigan, who gained control of the company's stock and moved the company to Detroit in 1903. The original owners all left the company, although Ward Packard kept his stock and remained listed as president until 1909. The company merged with the Studebaker Corporation in 1954, with the last Packard automobile being made in 1958.
Sterling-Knight
Originally founded in Cleveland in 1920, the company reorganized as the Sterling-Knight Company of Warren, Ohio, in 1923. Production began in Warren in June of 1923, with 450 cars completed by the end of 1924. The company ran into cash flow problems the following year, but continued producing cars until the middle of 1926. By December of that year, the company was bankrupt.
Trumbull and Pendleton
The Trumbull Manufacturing Company in Warren made the first Trumbull automobile in 1899. The plant burned to the ground in March of 1900, but was rebuilt and producing both Trumbull and Pendleton cars by 1901. Another fire in 1905 destroyed the automobile manufacturing part of the plant, causing the company to switch its focus from cars to other machinery.
Avanti
The Studebaker Corporation started producing the Avanti in 1963. In 1986, Michael Kelly purchased the Avanti Motor Corporation, located in South Bend, IN, and renamed it the New Avanti Motor Corporation. When J. J. Cafaro bought 47.5 percent of the company in April of 1987, he urged Kelly to move its operations to Youngstown. In August of that year, Avanti moved to the Ross Industrial Park on Albert Street and opened a showroom on Wick Avenue. Kelly sold his 47.5 percent interest to Cafaro in September of 1988 and Cafaro changed the company name to the Avanti Automotive Corporation. In 1991, Avanti, which produced the only handcrafted car in America, ceased operations after making only 405 cars. Michael Kelly, along with a partner, purchased the assets of Avanti in 1999 and relocated the plant to Villa Rica, GA, where the cars are still being made.
Blue Goose
In 1902, prominent area businessman Henry Wick engaged an engineer named L. B. Smyser to build a car for his personal use. The royal blue luxury car, known as the "Blue Goose", was said to have cost somewhere between $8,000 and $20,000 to make. The car's chassis was built in Youngstown on Wick Avenue near the Mahoning Courthouse, and was considered to be the largest and most expensive car in America at the time. The car was sold for $765 in 1904.
Booth
Dr. Carlos C. Booth, a local physician, designed the first car in Ohio. The Fredonia Carriage and Manufacturing Company, located at 155 -165 Market Street in Youngstown, built it in 1895. W. Lee Crouch, of the Pierce-Crouch Engine Company of New Brighton, PA, produced the engine. After selling the car in 1897, Dr. Booth designed a second car, again commissioning Fredonia Carriage to build it. It was completed in 1898. Both were called "Booth" cars. Dr. Booth is credited as being the first physician to use an automobile to make house calls.
Fredonia
In 1902, the Fredonia Carriage and Manufacturing Company changed its name to Fredonia Manufacturing Company and began producing cars known as the "Fredonia". It was considered to be the first car entirely manufactured in Youngstown. The company made approximately 200 cars over a two-year period. Fredonia Manufacturing filed for bankruptcy in 1904 and the factory was destroyed by fire in 1907.
Mahoning
The Youngstown Carriage and Wagon Company, whose name was changed to the Mahoning Motor Car Company in 1903, began production of the "Mahoning" automobile that same year. Charles T. Gaither, former engineer of the Fredonia Manufacturing Company, became one of the engineers. The "Mahoning" went out of production in 1905.
Packard
In 1898, Ward Packard bought a Winton automobile, which he felt needed improvement. When the owner of the Winton Company ignored his advice, he formed a partnership with one of Winton's major stockholders, George L. Weiss, Winton's plant manager, William A. Hatcher, and William Packard to build their own automobile as "Packard & Weiss". The first Packard automobile was finished in November of 1899. In September of 1900, the company incorporated as the Ohio Automobile Company, which developed such innovations as the first "H" pattern gearshift, and the first steering wheel in an automobile. The company was renamed the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. By this time, the quality of the automobiles had attracted wealthy investors from Michigan, who gained control of the company's stock and moved the company to Detroit in 1903. The original owners all left the company, although Ward Packard kept his stock and remained listed as president until 1909. The company merged with the Studebaker Corporation in 1954, with the last Packard automobile being made in 1958.
Sterling-Knight
Originally founded in Cleveland in 1920, the company reorganized as the Sterling-Knight Company of Warren, Ohio, in 1923. Production began in Warren in June of 1923, with 450 cars completed by the end of 1924. The company ran into cash flow problems the following year, but continued producing cars until the middle of 1926. By December of that year, the company was bankrupt.
Trumbull and Pendleton
The Trumbull Manufacturing Company in Warren made the first Trumbull automobile in 1899. The plant burned to the ground in March of 1900, but was rebuilt and producing both Trumbull and Pendleton cars by 1901. Another fire in 1905 destroyed the automobile manufacturing part of the plant, causing the company to switch its focus from cars to other machinery.
Friday, February 04, 2005
All Around Town... on WRTA
Looking for a new way to get about town? WRTA offers bus routes to get you around Youngstown. WRTA operates 26 fixed routes within Youngstown, and in some portions of Boardman, Austintown, Liberty, Girard, Niles, Campbell, and Warren. The bus system serves all Youngstown City high schools, Youngstown State University, the Trumbull branch of Kent State University, all the hospitals and major shopping and employment centers. WRTA serves over 1.3 million riders per year covering nearly 149 square miles. You can even get to New Castle, PA by taking any of the East Side routes to Lincoln Knolls Plaza on McGuffey and picking up a New Castle Area Transit Authority bus from there.
The Best Part: Fares are only $1.00!
The Best Part: Fares are only $1.00!
Mayoral candidates late with taxes and quickly pay up
Apparently, being late with your taxes is not a quality people seek when picking a mayor for Youngstown, which is why State Rep. Sylvester Patton and City Council President Jim Fortune make a quick beat to the Mahoning County Treasurer's Office to pay up the money they owed for the second half of 2004. The mayoral candidates made the payments after a local political activist circulated a notice saying they were delinquent. WYTV has the story.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Valley Voice - New Issue Out Today
The newest issue of the Valley Voice is out today. Check it out for an interesting article about WKBN's former show-all anchor Catherine Bosley. She was shadowed for a day by Cleveland's WOIO CBS 19's Sharon Reed, who pulled her own Full Monty when she appeared nude with 3,000 others for an art photo being taken in downtown Cleveland. Bosley was fired. Reed was celebrated.
City using convocation funds for legal work
According to an article on the Business Journal's website, the city of Youngstown used federal funds allocated for the city's convocation center to pay for legal fees in a case against the Business Journal. This stems from a case in which the Business Journal was forced to take legal action to request city documents regarding the building of the convocation center.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Working Class Studies in Working Class Youngstown
Want to learn more about working class Youngstown and the working class foundations of America? Youngstown State offers a graduate certificate in Working Class Studies. It seems like a great 4-class program, blending history, sociolgy, literature, and politics.
For more information, check out: http://www.as.ysu.edu/%7Ecwcs/index.html
For more information, check out: http://www.as.ysu.edu/%7Ecwcs/index.html
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
2010 shows model city
I thought this article from a November issue of The Valley Voice was interesting regarding the Youngstown 2010 plan. The plan for Youngstown 2010 will be revealed tomorrow, January 27th at Stambaugh Auditorium.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Date: November 19, 2004
By ROGER G. SMITH
YOUNGSTOWN — The city as the subject of a forum at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities normally would send shudders through civic leaders.
They’d expect Youngstown to be the poster child for at least one of its many foibles: economic decline, high crime, corruption.
Instead, for a change the focus is on what the city is doing right.
Youngstown 2010 was held up as a model for urban revitalization this week at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass.
Jay Williams, the city’s Community Development Agency director, and Sarah Lown, director of economic development and the Eastgate Council of Governments, spent Wednesday at M.I.T. They were keynote speakers at a discussion series sponsored by the M.I.T. school of planning and architecture.
The series brings together students and faculty to talk about housing, community development and planning topics with other top academics and professionals.
The discussion series focuses on third-tier cities, defined as older, smaller, industrial cities still primary to their regional economic base.
Lown and Williams talked about Youngstown 2010 and how it might have far-reaching and long-lasting implications for the Mahoning Valley. Today’s planning is positioning the city for its place in the world in 10 to 15 years, Williams said.
They also talked about how 2010 might apply to cities across the country in similar situations.
"There are lessons to be learned in Youngstown, Ohio, and to showcase it at an institution such as M.I.T. says something," Williams said. "It speaks volumes to us. It’s a validation."
Corruption and economic failure serve only as the backdrop to what is becoming a Youngstown success story, he said.
Such forums are the way the city eventually will change its bemoaned image as a place where industry died and the mob thrived, Williams said.
Youngstown is taking on the role today that such places as Chattanooga, Tenn., played a decade ago, he said. Chattanooga is considered a model for how a small city can revive itself.
Youngstown 2010 ended up at M.I.T. via a consultant familiar with the city.
The consultant for Mt. Auburn Associates of Somerville, Mass., who also is an M.I.T. professor, had used Youngstown as a top example in a study of third-tier cities, Williams said. Mt. Auburn did consulting work for the city on its federal Renewal Community zone designation.
The consultant suggested Youngstown 2010 officials speak to the school, he said.
"It helps us tell our own story," said Anthony Kobak, the city’s chief planner. "It sheds more light on the good things that are happening in the planning process. I know we’re doing some really good things."
Such recognition shows Youngstown 2010 officials are doing some ground-breaking planning, he said.
Youngstown 2010 and its approach will be the subject in a chapter of a textbook on public participation that will be published in the summer, Kobak said.
Copyright © 2004 The Valley Voice - All Rights Reserved
-----------------------------------------------------------
Date: November 19, 2004
By ROGER G. SMITH
YOUNGSTOWN — The city as the subject of a forum at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities normally would send shudders through civic leaders.
They’d expect Youngstown to be the poster child for at least one of its many foibles: economic decline, high crime, corruption.
Instead, for a change the focus is on what the city is doing right.
Youngstown 2010 was held up as a model for urban revitalization this week at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass.
Jay Williams, the city’s Community Development Agency director, and Sarah Lown, director of economic development and the Eastgate Council of Governments, spent Wednesday at M.I.T. They were keynote speakers at a discussion series sponsored by the M.I.T. school of planning and architecture.
The series brings together students and faculty to talk about housing, community development and planning topics with other top academics and professionals.
The discussion series focuses on third-tier cities, defined as older, smaller, industrial cities still primary to their regional economic base.
Lown and Williams talked about Youngstown 2010 and how it might have far-reaching and long-lasting implications for the Mahoning Valley. Today’s planning is positioning the city for its place in the world in 10 to 15 years, Williams said.
They also talked about how 2010 might apply to cities across the country in similar situations.
"There are lessons to be learned in Youngstown, Ohio, and to showcase it at an institution such as M.I.T. says something," Williams said. "It speaks volumes to us. It’s a validation."
Corruption and economic failure serve only as the backdrop to what is becoming a Youngstown success story, he said.
Such forums are the way the city eventually will change its bemoaned image as a place where industry died and the mob thrived, Williams said.
Youngstown is taking on the role today that such places as Chattanooga, Tenn., played a decade ago, he said. Chattanooga is considered a model for how a small city can revive itself.
Youngstown 2010 ended up at M.I.T. via a consultant familiar with the city.
The consultant for Mt. Auburn Associates of Somerville, Mass., who also is an M.I.T. professor, had used Youngstown as a top example in a study of third-tier cities, Williams said. Mt. Auburn did consulting work for the city on its federal Renewal Community zone designation.
The consultant suggested Youngstown 2010 officials speak to the school, he said.
"It helps us tell our own story," said Anthony Kobak, the city’s chief planner. "It sheds more light on the good things that are happening in the planning process. I know we’re doing some really good things."
Such recognition shows Youngstown 2010 officials are doing some ground-breaking planning, he said.
Youngstown 2010 and its approach will be the subject in a chapter of a textbook on public participation that will be published in the summer, Kobak said.
Copyright © 2004 The Valley Voice - All Rights Reserved
Youngstown Pride to stop using Vindicator - The Valley Voice is now our source!
As a matter of policy, the editor of this blog has decided that we can no longer provide news to our readers from the Youngstown Vindicator. While we have long held that the Vindicator is a reliable source for news from Youngstown, we believe that their unfair labor agreement against Newspaper Guild Local 11 means that we cannot support them until they offer a fair contract to these workers.
Furthermore, we now offer our support to The Valley Voice, the strike newspaper of Local 11. It is published weekly. Subscriptions are available by e-mailing subscribe@valleyvoiceonline.com. They are available for $2 for home delivery and $6 for mail subscriptions. See www.valleyvoiceonline.com for more information.
Lastly, because the paper is only available online in .pdf versions, no news articles will be posted, however links will be placed on these pages for our readers to access the most recent edition.
Sincerely,
Joe Lowry
Editor, Youngstown Pride
Furthermore, we now offer our support to The Valley Voice, the strike newspaper of Local 11. It is published weekly. Subscriptions are available by e-mailing subscribe@valleyvoiceonline.com. They are available for $2 for home delivery and $6 for mail subscriptions. See www.valleyvoiceonline.com for more information.
Lastly, because the paper is only available online in .pdf versions, no news articles will be posted, however links will be placed on these pages for our readers to access the most recent edition.
Sincerely,
Joe Lowry
Editor, Youngstown Pride
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Cup o' Joe
If you want to find good coffee around Youngstown State, you don't have to look that far. Professor Jay Gordon and Jambar writer Bill Rogers made a trek around campus, drinking about 10 cups of coffee in two hours. Want to know the results, read below!
Cup o'Joe
By Bill Rodgers
Whether they take it with cream or sugar, in small cups, large cups or by the pot, one thing is certain: coffee will make trudging to class through the snow in 10-degree weather bearable for students this semester.
Luckily, Youngstown State University has no shortage of caffeine watering holes where people can get their daily java fix. With all of these choices, the question is: "Who serves the best coffee on campus?" For the more frugal student, the question may also be "Who serves the cheapest coffee on campus?"
Continue the article at: http://www.thejambar.com/news/2005/01/25/Ae/Cup-Ojoe-839923.shtml?page=1
Cup o'Joe
By Bill Rodgers
Whether they take it with cream or sugar, in small cups, large cups or by the pot, one thing is certain: coffee will make trudging to class through the snow in 10-degree weather bearable for students this semester.
Luckily, Youngstown State University has no shortage of caffeine watering holes where people can get their daily java fix. With all of these choices, the question is: "Who serves the best coffee on campus?" For the more frugal student, the question may also be "Who serves the cheapest coffee on campus?"
Continue the article at: http://www.thejambar.com/news/2005/01/25/Ae/Cup-Ojoe-839923.shtml?page=1
Steel production drops from last week
Pittsburgh Business Times - January 24, 2005
Domestic steelmakers saw their weekly output fall from the previous seven days, but increase compared to the same time last year, according to data released Monday by an industry group.
Production among domestic steelmakers was about 2.041 million net tons for the week ended Jan. 22. That was down from the 2.094 million net tons produced during the week ending Jan. 15, but up from the 1.941 million from the week ended Jan. 22, 2004, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
In the Pittsburgh/Youngstown, Ohio district, steel companies produced 247,000 net tons for the week ended Jan. 22. That was down from the 272,000 net tons they made the prior week, AISI data shows.
AISI is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit association of North American companies involved in the iron and steel industry.
The organization's data is based on reports from companies representing about 90 percent of the domestic industry's raw steel capacity.
Those companies that reported production figures said they were using 91 percent of their available capacities for the week ended Jan. 22. That was up from the 87 percent capacity utilization they reported during the same week in 2004, according to AISI.
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2005/01/24/daily8.html
© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
Domestic steelmakers saw their weekly output fall from the previous seven days, but increase compared to the same time last year, according to data released Monday by an industry group.
Production among domestic steelmakers was about 2.041 million net tons for the week ended Jan. 22. That was down from the 2.094 million net tons produced during the week ending Jan. 15, but up from the 1.941 million from the week ended Jan. 22, 2004, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
In the Pittsburgh/Youngstown, Ohio district, steel companies produced 247,000 net tons for the week ended Jan. 22. That was down from the 272,000 net tons they made the prior week, AISI data shows.
AISI is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit association of North American companies involved in the iron and steel industry.
The organization's data is based on reports from companies representing about 90 percent of the domestic industry's raw steel capacity.
Those companies that reported production figures said they were using 91 percent of their available capacities for the week ended Jan. 22. That was up from the 87 percent capacity utilization they reported during the same week in 2004, according to AISI.
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2005/01/24/daily8.html
© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Idora Park and its roller coasters - 2000
Nothing is more a part of Youngstown's history than Idora Park, an amusement park which began as a trolley park on Youngstown's South Side in the late 1890's. After a fire in 1984 effectively shut down the park, Idora was no more. Another fire in 1986 would claim even more of the park, with a March 2001 fire claiming the abandoned yet famous ballroom. These photos show all that remained of the park in the summer of 2000. They were taken by roller coaster enthusiast Paul Drabek who runs the website www.negative-g.com. The first photo shows the middle hill and brakerun of the Wildcat, the more famous of the park's two coasters. After it burned, seeing its yellow wood frame in the trees as you drive through bordering Mill Creek Park always created an eerie scene. The second two show the smaller coaster, the Jack Rabbit. During the 1984 park season, the coaster ran backwards and was called the Back Wabbit. This was done in a failed attempt to create a more dramatic ride. These efforts were not enough and that would be the parks last season, which only a few company picnics held in 1985.
Thanks to Paul Drabek for the use of the pictures. All rights held by Paul Drabek and used with permission.
Thanks to Paul Drabek for the use of the pictures. All rights held by Paul Drabek and used with permission.
Boom Boom
In Youngstown, one man never to mess with is Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, local kid turned lighweight world boxing champion turned actor. His mob movie "Turn of Faith," starring Sopranos star Tony Sirico and legendary actor Charles Durning was set and filmed in the fictional town of Pilton, Ohio - AKA Youngstown.
Market Street - The Legal Arts Building
The Legal Arts Building - This modern building is representative of a progressive Youngstown, which ranks as the 3rd largest city in Ohio when this view was taken in the 1960's. It is still located on Market Street, across from the Mahoning Co. Courthouse. In the background is the Voyager Hotel, now replaced with the Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and US Courthouse. A fire within the Legal Arts Building in late 2004 forced all of its tenants to other downtown locations while The Hub restaurant, a downtown restaraunt within the building closed in early 2004. The salt and pepper shakers are still full on the tables.
State Route 422 - Republic Iron and Steel offices
The Republic Iron and Steel offices on State Route 422 in Youngstown's Brier Hill district, while being closed since 1978, still stand.
The Mahoning County Courthouse
Mahoning County's large courthouse sits between Front Street and Boardman Street on Market Street in downtown Youngstown. The view of this early postcard photo from the 1950's remains almost identical to what one would find today.
West Federal Street - Downtown
Nothing beats a fantastic view of downtown Youngstown, as this site has many. Here is a view of West Federal Street, looking west from Public Square on a day very close to the Fourth of July.
Elm Street - The Richard Brown Memorial Chapel
The Richard Brown Memorial Chapel on Elm Street still stands, and much to my error, it's still the R.B.M.C. I previously thought it was something now else.
Wood Street - The Pelton Apartments
The Pelton Apartments were a swanky place to live on W. Wood Street on Youngstown's North Side.
Market Street - The Elks Club
The Elks Club on Market St was a grand building in between downtown and The Uptown area. Sadly, the building no longer exists.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Businesses pleases with revamped Plaza
The Jambar - pageone
Issue: 1/20/05
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Businesses pleases with revamped Plaza
By Chuck Rogers
Larry Silver said he knew 31 years ago that closing Federal Street to car traffic was a bad idea. Recently the city of Youngstown came to the same conclusion.
Workers spent months removing the brick walkways and unused fountains that occupied the first blocks east and west of Market Street. The newly-repaved Federal Street was opened to through traffic Dec. 7 for the first time since 1973.
Now downtown business owners like Silver hope the change in the traffic pattern will cause an increase in traffic through their stores.
Barry Silver, who owns Silver's Vogue Shop along with his father, Larry, said he thinks that will happen. The men's clothing store has been a fixture on Federal Plaza West since 1971.
"People bring people," Barry Silver said, citing the improved access to stores and the expected growth in downtown jobs. He said he expects business to turn around when summer brings more pedestrians to the area.
Jason Logero, owner of The Bean Counter Café on Federal Plaza East, said he has already seen a difference.
"From that afternoon [of the reopening] on," he said, "there has been a nice, steady increase in business."
Logero said initially he was one of the reopening project's biggest skeptics. But now, he said, he thinks it is the best thing the city has done.
In 2003 he located his coffee house on Federal Plaza because he wanted to put something into downtown. A chef and former Youngstown State University student, he said he wanted to capture a "downtown feel" in his establishment.
"When you think of coffee places," Logero said, "the nice ones are always downtown."
Besides coffee, he sells gourmet sandwiches and beer, and has wireless Internet access for his patrons.
With more customers passing through his doors, Logero is considering expanding his business into a larger space adjoining his current location.
Recently opened businesses along the newly reopened thoroughfare include The Core, The Bad Apple, Geo's, B and B's Unique Ladies Boutique and Howard's.
B and B's and Howard's share the same storefront at the corner of Phelps and Federal Plaza West and are run by the husband and wife team of Bea and Howard Lindsey.
The couple opened the store in September after Howard Lindsey retired from his job as a YSU dormitory maintenance worker. The store combines ladies accessories with a news stand and lunch counter business. Purses and scarves are on one side and hot dogs, nachos, candy bars and newspapers on the other.
Bea Lindsey says she's optimistic about businesses opening in downtown Youngstown. She says a jazz club will open in a bay-windowed building down the street and a spa has recently hung its sign over a vacant storefront on the opposite corner.
"More traffic and Infocision coming into the Phar-mor building will generate a lot more traffic for the vendors," she said.
Infocision, an Akron-based telemarketing firm, is considering opening a call center in the Federal Plaza West office building. The center will initially employ 150 people and may eventually double that number.
A new U.S. Courthouse and office building, the Mahoning County Children's Services building and the Youngstown Convocation Center are being constructed in the downtown area as well.
The Federal Street project has also created almost 100 new 2-hour parking spaces to help downtown visitors get closer to the shops and businesses. Almost all were filled before noon Thursday.
As Larry Silver said, "People want to go through town, not around it."
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Issue: 1/20/05
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Businesses pleases with revamped Plaza
By Chuck Rogers
Larry Silver said he knew 31 years ago that closing Federal Street to car traffic was a bad idea. Recently the city of Youngstown came to the same conclusion.
Workers spent months removing the brick walkways and unused fountains that occupied the first blocks east and west of Market Street. The newly-repaved Federal Street was opened to through traffic Dec. 7 for the first time since 1973.
Now downtown business owners like Silver hope the change in the traffic pattern will cause an increase in traffic through their stores.
Barry Silver, who owns Silver's Vogue Shop along with his father, Larry, said he thinks that will happen. The men's clothing store has been a fixture on Federal Plaza West since 1971.
"People bring people," Barry Silver said, citing the improved access to stores and the expected growth in downtown jobs. He said he expects business to turn around when summer brings more pedestrians to the area.
Jason Logero, owner of The Bean Counter Café on Federal Plaza East, said he has already seen a difference.
"From that afternoon [of the reopening] on," he said, "there has been a nice, steady increase in business."
Logero said initially he was one of the reopening project's biggest skeptics. But now, he said, he thinks it is the best thing the city has done.
In 2003 he located his coffee house on Federal Plaza because he wanted to put something into downtown. A chef and former Youngstown State University student, he said he wanted to capture a "downtown feel" in his establishment.
"When you think of coffee places," Logero said, "the nice ones are always downtown."
Besides coffee, he sells gourmet sandwiches and beer, and has wireless Internet access for his patrons.
With more customers passing through his doors, Logero is considering expanding his business into a larger space adjoining his current location.
Recently opened businesses along the newly reopened thoroughfare include The Core, The Bad Apple, Geo's, B and B's Unique Ladies Boutique and Howard's.
B and B's and Howard's share the same storefront at the corner of Phelps and Federal Plaza West and are run by the husband and wife team of Bea and Howard Lindsey.
The couple opened the store in September after Howard Lindsey retired from his job as a YSU dormitory maintenance worker. The store combines ladies accessories with a news stand and lunch counter business. Purses and scarves are on one side and hot dogs, nachos, candy bars and newspapers on the other.
Bea Lindsey says she's optimistic about businesses opening in downtown Youngstown. She says a jazz club will open in a bay-windowed building down the street and a spa has recently hung its sign over a vacant storefront on the opposite corner.
"More traffic and Infocision coming into the Phar-mor building will generate a lot more traffic for the vendors," she said.
Infocision, an Akron-based telemarketing firm, is considering opening a call center in the Federal Plaza West office building. The center will initially employ 150 people and may eventually double that number.
A new U.S. Courthouse and office building, the Mahoning County Children's Services building and the Youngstown Convocation Center are being constructed in the downtown area as well.
The Federal Street project has also created almost 100 new 2-hour parking spaces to help downtown visitors get closer to the shops and businesses. Almost all were filled before noon Thursday.
As Larry Silver said, "People want to go through town, not around it."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youngstown 2010 will "Unveil the Plan" Jan. 27
The Jambar - News
Issue: 1/20/05
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Youngstown 2010 will "Unveil the Plan" Jan. 27
By BJ Lisko
Anthony Kobak has a vision for the future of Youngstown. The chief planner for Youngstown 2010 says there is work to be done in making the Mahoning Valley a better place, but it is not unattainable.
"If you establish that you're trying to give good outreach and are genuine about your message, you'll get people to put their guard down," Kobak said. "They've been taken advantage of so many times."
On Jan.27, Youngstown 2010 will hold "Unveiling the Plan," at Stambaugh Auditorium. The organization has held meetings over the past two years to give area residents a forum to voice their comments, concerns and hopes for the future of the city. The event later this month will culminate those ideas in a draft of the organization's plan for Youngstown.
"We're going to highlight some of the main goals in the plan that night," Kobak said.
"We will also unveil a future land use map. It's a general foundation for the city to plan by in the future."
Apathy runs rampant in the Mahoning Valley, but Kobak says Youngstown 2010 has had little problem combating it.
"The attitude in the community is definitely changing, so I think that was an old obstacle," Kobak said.
But even with area apathy well in hand, Kobak admits there have been other obstacles to overcome.
"The biggest obstacle now is planning and a planning process," Kobak said. "It's kind of foreign to this area because it hasn't been done for so many years. It hasn't happened in a generation or more. It's probably been 50 plus years since a real plan has been around."
A major key to the success of Youngstown 2010 is keeping area residents and businesses from relocating.
"We have to work on the assets that we have in the city," Kobak said. "The wonderful art community, Mill Creek Park and businesses big and small - we have to make sure that they don't leave. We have to patronize them and give them a reason to stay. We have to build on what we have with making the city and neighborhood a cleaner and more presentable place."
Ultimately time will tell if Youngstown 2010 can turn around the fortunes of the city. Kobak thinks it can be done, and he is looking for as much support as he can get.
"Youngstown 2010 is only going to succeed if everyone supports the plan and gets involved," he said.
"Unveiling the Plan," is set for 7 p.m., Jan. 27 at Stambaugh Auditorium. For more information on the event or Youngstown 2010, residents can visit the organization's Web site at www.youngstown2010.com.
Issue: 1/20/05
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youngstown 2010 will "Unveil the Plan" Jan. 27
By BJ Lisko
Anthony Kobak has a vision for the future of Youngstown. The chief planner for Youngstown 2010 says there is work to be done in making the Mahoning Valley a better place, but it is not unattainable.
"If you establish that you're trying to give good outreach and are genuine about your message, you'll get people to put their guard down," Kobak said. "They've been taken advantage of so many times."
On Jan.27, Youngstown 2010 will hold "Unveiling the Plan," at Stambaugh Auditorium. The organization has held meetings over the past two years to give area residents a forum to voice their comments, concerns and hopes for the future of the city. The event later this month will culminate those ideas in a draft of the organization's plan for Youngstown.
"We're going to highlight some of the main goals in the plan that night," Kobak said.
"We will also unveil a future land use map. It's a general foundation for the city to plan by in the future."
Apathy runs rampant in the Mahoning Valley, but Kobak says Youngstown 2010 has had little problem combating it.
"The attitude in the community is definitely changing, so I think that was an old obstacle," Kobak said.
But even with area apathy well in hand, Kobak admits there have been other obstacles to overcome.
"The biggest obstacle now is planning and a planning process," Kobak said. "It's kind of foreign to this area because it hasn't been done for so many years. It hasn't happened in a generation or more. It's probably been 50 plus years since a real plan has been around."
A major key to the success of Youngstown 2010 is keeping area residents and businesses from relocating.
"We have to work on the assets that we have in the city," Kobak said. "The wonderful art community, Mill Creek Park and businesses big and small - we have to make sure that they don't leave. We have to patronize them and give them a reason to stay. We have to build on what we have with making the city and neighborhood a cleaner and more presentable place."
Ultimately time will tell if Youngstown 2010 can turn around the fortunes of the city. Kobak thinks it can be done, and he is looking for as much support as he can get.
"Youngstown 2010 is only going to succeed if everyone supports the plan and gets involved," he said.
"Unveiling the Plan," is set for 7 p.m., Jan. 27 at Stambaugh Auditorium. For more information on the event or Youngstown 2010, residents can visit the organization's Web site at www.youngstown2010.com.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Valley gets $1.2M for programs
VINDY.COM
The Valley's Home Page
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HOMELAND SECURITY Valley gets $1.2M for programs
Published: Fri, Jan 14, 2005
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Mahoning County is receiving about $400,000 less than last year.
YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning Valley first responders are in line for Haz-Mat suits, sophisticated surveillance equipment and other terrorism-response items to be bought through $1.24 million in federal homeland security grants.
Mahoning County will get $543,315, Trumbull County $462,987 and Columbiana $240,630 of the $26.5 million in funding Gov. Bob Taft announced Thursday for Ohio's 88 counties.
In all, the state received $77.8 million and divided it among six programs, from the state homeland security program ($32.7 million) and emergency management performance grants ($5.4 million) to law enforcement terrorism prevention ($11.9 million).
Four metropolitan areas — Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo — will divide $26.1 million.
First responders are law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and others first on the scene of disasters or terrorist acts.
Other items high among local first responders' requests include generators and mobile radios and repeaters, said Mary Smith, deputy director of the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency.
Setting priorities
Walter Duzzny, Mahoning County director of Emergency Management and Communications, said he was concerned how far the county can spread its grant when it is receiving about $400,000 less than the $900,000 it received a year ago.
"We have about $100,000 in unencumbered funds left from last year's grant," he said. "To get $543,315 is a big disappointment."
Mahoning has a seven-member screening committee of people with expertise in chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation dangers. That group forwards recommendations to a 27-member panel that approves funding requests.
"We're going to have to sit down and set priorities, see what pieces we can put into place," Duzzny said. "One of the things that has been under discussion is expanding our outdoor warning system of sirens."
Other priorities are decontamination equipment, detection devices and Haz-Mat suits, he said, noting that requests for about $1.5 million in equipment are pending.
Useful items
To date, Columbiana has distributed $1.26 million to first responders and has requests for more than $600,000 in items, Smith said.
"When we started we sent everyone a survey ... and they listed their needs and sent in an application regarding what they are looking for, what it is, how many they wanted and how much they cost," she said.
A committee of about two representatives of boards of trustees, police, firefighters, hospitals, medics, the FBI, utilities, engineers and others compares available funds with the requests and determines which will be filled.
Those requesting money are limited to items they can show will be used.
For example, there are two different types of Haz-Mat suits, Smith said. An applicant would have to show that it had personnel trained for either the Type 1 or Type 2 suit, and that their certification was current.
"Everyone has to sign a promise to keep the items insured, maintained and available for use," Smith said.
More grants
All of the Tri-County EMAs also apply for any grants they believe they have a chance of receiving and stay in contact with state officials to try to land money other counties fail to claim or spend.
Columbiana's Smith said that although the committee has members representing various interests, it has "always looked at what's best for the community."
"The best thing about our committee is that they are the most unselfish people and we have had very little turnover [since its inception in 2000]," she said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 2005 Vindy.com. A service of The Vindicator.
The Valley's Home Page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOMELAND SECURITY Valley gets $1.2M for programs
Published: Fri, Jan 14, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mahoning County is receiving about $400,000 less than last year.
YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning Valley first responders are in line for Haz-Mat suits, sophisticated surveillance equipment and other terrorism-response items to be bought through $1.24 million in federal homeland security grants.
Mahoning County will get $543,315, Trumbull County $462,987 and Columbiana $240,630 of the $26.5 million in funding Gov. Bob Taft announced Thursday for Ohio's 88 counties.
In all, the state received $77.8 million and divided it among six programs, from the state homeland security program ($32.7 million) and emergency management performance grants ($5.4 million) to law enforcement terrorism prevention ($11.9 million).
Four metropolitan areas — Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo — will divide $26.1 million.
First responders are law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and others first on the scene of disasters or terrorist acts.
Other items high among local first responders' requests include generators and mobile radios and repeaters, said Mary Smith, deputy director of the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency.
Setting priorities
Walter Duzzny, Mahoning County director of Emergency Management and Communications, said he was concerned how far the county can spread its grant when it is receiving about $400,000 less than the $900,000 it received a year ago.
"We have about $100,000 in unencumbered funds left from last year's grant," he said. "To get $543,315 is a big disappointment."
Mahoning has a seven-member screening committee of people with expertise in chemical, biological, nuclear and radiation dangers. That group forwards recommendations to a 27-member panel that approves funding requests.
"We're going to have to sit down and set priorities, see what pieces we can put into place," Duzzny said. "One of the things that has been under discussion is expanding our outdoor warning system of sirens."
Other priorities are decontamination equipment, detection devices and Haz-Mat suits, he said, noting that requests for about $1.5 million in equipment are pending.
Useful items
To date, Columbiana has distributed $1.26 million to first responders and has requests for more than $600,000 in items, Smith said.
"When we started we sent everyone a survey ... and they listed their needs and sent in an application regarding what they are looking for, what it is, how many they wanted and how much they cost," she said.
A committee of about two representatives of boards of trustees, police, firefighters, hospitals, medics, the FBI, utilities, engineers and others compares available funds with the requests and determines which will be filled.
Those requesting money are limited to items they can show will be used.
For example, there are two different types of Haz-Mat suits, Smith said. An applicant would have to show that it had personnel trained for either the Type 1 or Type 2 suit, and that their certification was current.
"Everyone has to sign a promise to keep the items insured, maintained and available for use," Smith said.
More grants
All of the Tri-County EMAs also apply for any grants they believe they have a chance of receiving and stay in contact with state officials to try to land money other counties fail to claim or spend.
Columbiana's Smith said that although the committee has members representing various interests, it has "always looked at what's best for the community."
"The best thing about our committee is that they are the most unselfish people and we have had very little turnover [since its inception in 2000]," she said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 2005 Vindy.com. A service of The Vindicator.
Monday, January 17, 2005
We can rid our town of the Flask political machine!
Jack C. Hunter Candidate for Mayor, November 4, 1969.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Mahoning River Flood Warning in Effect
...Mahoning river at Youngstown... * minor flooding is forecast for the Mahoning river at Youngstown. * At 3 am... the river had crested at 12.9 feet. * Flood stage is 10.0 feet......( edit!!!! rise to flood stage...crest at... remain above flood stage until...)crest near 14.7 feet this morning * the river will .....Will remain above flood stage unti Saturday afternoon. * At 15.0 feet... flooding will spread into Industrial areas along the river.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Friday, January 07, 2005
Arena officials await steel delivery
Published: Sat, Jan 1, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUNGSTOWN — Steel for building the Youngstown Convocation Center should arrive on the site by late next week, after about a week's delay by weather.
The arena is under construction between the Market Street and South Avenue bridges in the downtown area.
Snowy, icy weather in the Columbus area this week prevented access to fabricated steel being stored in a yard there, as did power outages, explained Jeff Kossow, the center's executive director.
Erection cranes are on the Youngstown site awaiting the steel.
"We're not uncomfortable because we built some time into this process," he noted.
The $41 million facility, which will be the home of a Central Hockey League team owned by businessman Herb Washington of Boardman, is scheduled to open in the fall.
http://www.vindy.com/basic/news/282277343205550.php
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUNGSTOWN — Steel for building the Youngstown Convocation Center should arrive on the site by late next week, after about a week's delay by weather.
The arena is under construction between the Market Street and South Avenue bridges in the downtown area.
Snowy, icy weather in the Columbus area this week prevented access to fabricated steel being stored in a yard there, as did power outages, explained Jeff Kossow, the center's executive director.
Erection cranes are on the Youngstown site awaiting the steel.
"We're not uncomfortable because we built some time into this process," he noted.
The $41 million facility, which will be the home of a Central Hockey League team owned by businessman Herb Washington of Boardman, is scheduled to open in the fall.
http://www.vindy.com/basic/news/282277343205550.php
Public to Get Peek at Youngstown 2010 Plan
Public to Get Peek at Youngstown 2010 Plan
Jan 5, 2005 11:57 a.m.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Youngstown 2010 Plan will be presented to the public on Jan. 27, according to Jay Williams, city community development director. The event, titled "Unveiling The Plan," will be held at Stambaugh Auditorium, he said.
A partnership between The City of Youngstown and Youngstown State University, the Youngstown 2010 initiative held a series of meetings over the last two years to give citizens the opportunity to express their concerns, hopes and vision for the future of the city, Williams said. A citywide plan then was developed to lay out the foundation for future policies and plans and listing specific goals and projects. The goals, policies and plans will guide the city in making decisions, he noted.
Although the plan has been laid out, the public's participation remains crucial to its success, Williams emphasized. "This event will help shape not just Youngstown, but the entire Mahoning Valley," he said.
"Unveiling The Plan" begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Visit Youngstown 2010: www.Youngstown2010.com
http://www.business-journal.com/Youngstown2010Meeting.asp
Jan 5, 2005 11:57 a.m.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Youngstown 2010 Plan will be presented to the public on Jan. 27, according to Jay Williams, city community development director. The event, titled "Unveiling The Plan," will be held at Stambaugh Auditorium, he said.
A partnership between The City of Youngstown and Youngstown State University, the Youngstown 2010 initiative held a series of meetings over the last two years to give citizens the opportunity to express their concerns, hopes and vision for the future of the city, Williams said. A citywide plan then was developed to lay out the foundation for future policies and plans and listing specific goals and projects. The goals, policies and plans will guide the city in making decisions, he noted.
Although the plan has been laid out, the public's participation remains crucial to its success, Williams emphasized. "This event will help shape not just Youngstown, but the entire Mahoning Valley," he said.
"Unveiling The Plan" begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Visit Youngstown 2010: www.Youngstown2010.com
http://www.business-journal.com/Youngstown2010Meeting.asp
Youngstown officials discuss grant dilemma
Published: Thu, Jan 6, 2005
The finance director wants to see if HUD will loosen its restrictions.
YOUNGSTOWN — City Finance Director David Bozanich said he will know Friday what kind of financial shape the city is in and whether it can hire cops to work exclusively at low-income housing projects.
As it stands, nearly $160,000 of the $200,000 Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority grant for police protection in 2004 wasn't used and the grant for 2005 may be lost. Police worked YMHA details, primarily at the Westlake Terrace Homes, in 2004 on an overtime basis, which was determined in late November to be in error.
In years past, YMHA grants, which come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, were used for a YMHA pat-rol, a handful of city officers who worked only on YMHA properties. The grant pays for "extraordinary," not routine police service.
Bozanich met Wednesday with Councilman Richard Atkinson, D-3rd, and Police Chief Robert E. Bush Jr. in a city council conference room to discuss the YMHA grant dilemma.
Concern
Atkinson expressed concern about the remainder of the 2004 grant and the entire $200,000 grant for 2005 being lost and questioned why the money can't be spent. He said millions in construction is going into the Westlake area on Martin Luther King Boulevard and surrounding streets.
"I'm concerned about having good protection there," he said at Wednesday's meeting. Westlake is in Atkinson's ward.
"Obviously, the way to do it is to hire officers," Bush said at the meeting.
Bush explained to Bozanich and Atkinson that the $41,000 expended does not have to be repaid to HUD but he can no longer assign officers to work the YMHA grant unless they are the same officers and they work at least 20 hours a week on YMHA properties. He said he can't do that without hiring new officers, he just doesn't have the staff.
The chief also told them that the 2004 grant, which expired in December, has been extended until June. He has until then to spend the remaining $159,000 — by assigning the same officers to the YMHA beat — or the money goes back to HUD.
Bush said the 2005 YMHA grant, which should have been in effect this month, is being held back until June, when the YMHA situation will be reviewed.
'Final numbers'
Bozanich said he'll have all the city's "final numbers" by Friday. Atkinson, Bush and Bozanich agreed to meet again then to discuss the possibility of hiring cops to work a YMHA detail.
Bozanich, however, told Bush and Atkinson that he wants to explore the idea of persuading HUD to ease its restrictions, to allow the grant money to be spent for police overtime. The finance director suggested U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-17th, might be enlisted to explore the idea.
Bush said he discussed the idea of a waiver of the HUD restrictions with Eugenia Atkinson, YMHA director. He said she will check out the possibility. She is the councilman's wife.
© 2005 Vindy.com. A service of The Vindicator.
http://www.vindy.com/basic/news/283487305654025.php
The finance director wants to see if HUD will loosen its restrictions.
YOUNGSTOWN — City Finance Director David Bozanich said he will know Friday what kind of financial shape the city is in and whether it can hire cops to work exclusively at low-income housing projects.
As it stands, nearly $160,000 of the $200,000 Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority grant for police protection in 2004 wasn't used and the grant for 2005 may be lost. Police worked YMHA details, primarily at the Westlake Terrace Homes, in 2004 on an overtime basis, which was determined in late November to be in error.
In years past, YMHA grants, which come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, were used for a YMHA pat-rol, a handful of city officers who worked only on YMHA properties. The grant pays for "extraordinary," not routine police service.
Bozanich met Wednesday with Councilman Richard Atkinson, D-3rd, and Police Chief Robert E. Bush Jr. in a city council conference room to discuss the YMHA grant dilemma.
Concern
Atkinson expressed concern about the remainder of the 2004 grant and the entire $200,000 grant for 2005 being lost and questioned why the money can't be spent. He said millions in construction is going into the Westlake area on Martin Luther King Boulevard and surrounding streets.
"I'm concerned about having good protection there," he said at Wednesday's meeting. Westlake is in Atkinson's ward.
"Obviously, the way to do it is to hire officers," Bush said at the meeting.
Bush explained to Bozanich and Atkinson that the $41,000 expended does not have to be repaid to HUD but he can no longer assign officers to work the YMHA grant unless they are the same officers and they work at least 20 hours a week on YMHA properties. He said he can't do that without hiring new officers, he just doesn't have the staff.
The chief also told them that the 2004 grant, which expired in December, has been extended until June. He has until then to spend the remaining $159,000 — by assigning the same officers to the YMHA beat — or the money goes back to HUD.
Bush said the 2005 YMHA grant, which should have been in effect this month, is being held back until June, when the YMHA situation will be reviewed.
'Final numbers'
Bozanich said he'll have all the city's "final numbers" by Friday. Atkinson, Bush and Bozanich agreed to meet again then to discuss the possibility of hiring cops to work a YMHA detail.
Bozanich, however, told Bush and Atkinson that he wants to explore the idea of persuading HUD to ease its restrictions, to allow the grant money to be spent for police overtime. The finance director suggested U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-17th, might be enlisted to explore the idea.
Bush said he discussed the idea of a waiver of the HUD restrictions with Eugenia Atkinson, YMHA director. He said she will check out the possibility. She is the councilman's wife.
© 2005 Vindy.com. A service of The Vindicator.
http://www.vindy.com/basic/news/283487305654025.php
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