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"Iraq Prison Scandal Hits Home, But Most Reject Troop Pullout"
Wednesday, May 12, 2004"WASHINGTON -- Public satisfaction with national conditions has fallen to 33%, its lowest level in eight years, in the wake of revelations of prisoner abuse committed by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, finds the latest survey by the Pew Center for the People and the Press. President Bush's overall job approval rating also has dropped into negative territory: 44% approve of his job performance, while 48% disapprove, the survey found.The Iraq prison scandal has registered powerfully with the public -- fully 76% say they have seen pictures depicting mistreatment of Iraqis by U.S.
"Consultant Needed to Sort Out Moving Issues, Reese Says"
Wednesday, May 12, 2004"By George NelsonYOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Before deciding where to relocate the Department of Job and Family Services and Child Support Enforcement Agency, Mahoning County should bring in a consultant, Commissioner Ed Reese said today. "I'm trying to touch all the bases," he said in an interview following the Board of Commissioners' regular meeting. At the meeting, Robert L. Ferguson, chairman of the board of directors for Southside Community Development Corp., submitted a letter asking the county to hire an outside consultant to analyze any proposals submitted for the project.
"Future Bright for F.N.B. Corp., CEO Tells Shareholders"
Wednesday, May 12, 2004"GREENVILLE, Pa. -- F.N.B. Corp. (NYSE: FNB), a financial services company with $4.6 billion in assets, Wednesday held its first annual meeting in Pennsylvania since 1999, making it a point to hold it in the town where it was founded in 1864.The meeting itself was routine, the election or re election of directors and announcement of a 23-cent quarterly dividend payable June 15 to shareholders of record June 1.What was not routine was that F.N.B., having spun off its Florida operations effective Jan. 1, celebrated the return of its headquarters to Hermitage, Pa. As for its dividend, Stephen J.
WCI Steel Proposes to End Exclusivity
Wednesday, May 12, 2004WARREN, Ohio -- WCI Steel Inc. has agreed to a stipulated order terminating its right of exclusivity to file a Plan of Reorganization. WCI filed its Plan of Reorganization April 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.Sponsored by The Renco Group Inc., WCI's ultimate parent, the plan includes a recently negotiated labor agreement (subject to ratification) with the United Steelworkers of America. The plan is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court and a vote of creditors and other stakeholders.Edward R.
19 State AGs Seek Legal Imports of Drugs from Canada
Wednesday, May 12, 2004COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Attorney General Jim Petro and his counterparts from 18 other states have called on the federal government to allow for safe, limited, controlled importation of pharmaceuticals from Canada. "Immediate action is needed to help relieve the crushing financial burden borne by millions of Ohioans as a result of the explosive growth in the cost of prescription medications," Petro emphasizes. "It is possible to provide citizens with affordable prescription drugs while ensuring safety."The Attorneys General wrote to U.S.
Butler to Exhibit Paintings by Cleveland Indians Shortstop
Wednesday, May 12, 2004YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Butler Institute of American Artwill host the first museum exhibition of paintings by the Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop, Omar Vizquel. The exhibit of 19 paintings, all acrylic on canvas, include figurative studies, landscapes and abstractions -- all composed with paint strokes in vibrant colors."Omar Vizquel approaches his art with the same fire and intensity that has been identified with his baseball career," says Louis Zona, director of the Butler Institute of American Art.
Aqua Ohio to Invest $1.6M in Struthers, Masury Districts"
Wednesday, May 12, 2004STRUTHERS, Ohio -- Aqua Ohio Inc. (formerly Consumers Ohio Water Co.) announced today it will invest $1.6 million on infrastructure improvements in its Struthers and Masury divisions, which serve more than 74,000 people throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Aqua Ohio says its capital program is consistent with the type of improvements the federal government is requiring of the country's aging drinking water systems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. water systems need about $150 billion in repairs to pipes, tanks, valves and treatment plants over the next 20 years.
First Quarter Existing Home Sales Just Shy of Record
Wednesday, May 12, 2004WASHINGTON -- An improving economy, low mortgage interest rates and a large underlying demand for housing kept total state existing-home sales near record levels in the first quarter. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia experienced sales increases in comparison with the first quarter of 2003, according to the National Association of Realtors.Total home sales include single family, townhomes, condominiums and co-operative housing.
Middlefield Banc Corp. to Repurchase Outstanding Shares
Wednesday, May 12, 2004MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio -- Directors of Middlefield Banc Corp. recently approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 4.99% of the company's outstanding common stock. The repurchase program will depend on market conditions. Accordingly, there is no guarantee of the exact number of shares that may be repurchased. Currently, Middlefield Banc has approximately 1,227,744 shares outstanding.Thomas G. Caldwell, president and chief executive officer, says the repurchase program will expire in May of 2005.
Akron-Canton Airport Passenger Total Sets Record
Wednesday, May 12, 2004GREEN, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio travelers are continuing to use Akron-Canton Airport in record numbers, reports Fred Krum, airport director. In the first quarter of the year, 290,000 total passengers used the airport, a nearly 22% increase compared to the same quarter of 2003.Additionally, the Airport posted the highest ever April traffic, with 109,405 passengers compared to 91,500 last year. Traffic will continue to grow in the months to come as AirTran Airways adds daily nonstop service to Boston starting June 5, Krum says.