YEA Condemns Kasich Comments on City Schools
Monday, November 24, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The leadership of the Youngstown Education Association announced Sunday that it “condemns” Gov. John Kasich’s speculations that the students in Youngstown public schools would be better served by converting their schools to charter schools.
The president of the YEA, Larry Ellis, made the announcement in a press release. The YEA is the collective bargaining agent for city school teachers.
Small Businesses Expect Strong Holiday Sales
Monday, November 24, 2014NEW YORK -- Nearly half, 47%, of retailers expect holiday sales to be stronger this year than last, reports the American Express OPEN Small Business Holiday Monitor. And 36% of small-business owners overall anticipate the same level.
Far more small-business owners, 42%, will give their staff end-of-year bonuses than a year ago, 27%.
Foundation Leaders Urge Giving on ‘Giving Tuesday’
Friday, November 21, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Local philanthropy leaders are encouraging Mahoning Valley residents to observe “Giving Tuesday” by donating to their favorite nonprofit organizations on Dec. 2, the Tuesday that follows “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”
“While shopping for the people you love, think about a charity or cause that’s close to you,” says Shari Harrell, president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, which supports local nonprofits and manages donor funds. “Your gift will be highly appreciated there as well.”
Small Towns Draw Tourists to Lawrence County
Friday, November 21, 2014NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- As you drive down the hill to the borough of Volant, Pa., you see one building stand out: Volant Mills. You can’t miss it. It sits at a bend in the road, a three-story white building with a blue sign proclaiming its name. It has been the center of commercial activity in Volant since it was built in the early 1800s.
Today the building, which is mostly a gift store, is one of the town’s top tourist attractions.
Poland Businesses to Celebrate St. Claus Dec. 6
Friday, November 21, 2014POLAND, Ohio -- The Poland Village Business Association will present "St. Claus" from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Participating businesses will serve treats and offer discount and coupons, Rebecca Nelis announced Thursday.
Nelis of Pathways of Ohio Counseling Center is coordinating the event.
Businesses that have hung PBBA wreaths outside will give Santa Surprise gifts to the first 100 families who visit their stores.
Johnson: Obama 'Arrogant'; Ryan: Order Is 'Measured'
Friday, November 21, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio 3, says he’s “deeply disappointed in President Obama” for taking “arrogant and unconstitutional action” in using an executive order to achieve immigration reform.
Johnson, whose district includes portions of Mahoning County and all of Columbiana County, issued a statement Thursday night following Obama’s address to the nation.
EGCC Head Count Up 10%, Valley Center Up 26%
Friday, November 21, 2014STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- The final count of fall enrollment at Eastern Gateway Community College is 3,195, a 10% increase from last fall, the college announced Thursday. The jump is the largest -- and one of the few -- increases among community colleges in the state, according to officials.
The increase is the result of 7% more new students and a 12% increase in the retention rate. Patty Sturch, dean of enrollment management, reported that enrollment on the Jefferson Campus in Steubenville remained even.
Brown to Tour YARS, Promote C-130 Upgrades
Friday, November 21, 2014VIENNA, Ohio -- The Air Force Reserve’s 910th Airlift Wing is scheduled to welcome Ohio’s U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown for an installation visit Monday.
During the visit, Brown will meet with wing leadership, take a windshield tour of the installation, visit the 910th’s avionics shop, view one of the unit’s modular aerial spray systems and walk through one of the wing’s C-130H Hercules tactical cargo transport aircraft. The YARS visit will be hosted 910th Airlift Wing commander Col. James Dignan.
46.3M Americans Will Travel Over Thanksgiving
Friday, November 21, 2014PITTSBURGH -- Nearly 46.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving weekend, the highest number for the holiday season since 2007, the AAA said Thursday, noting that’s a 4.2% increase from last year.
Almost 90% of travelers, 41.3 million, will observe the holiday with a road trip and also will enjoy the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in nearly four years. The national price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time since Dec. 22, 2010.
The busiest time for travel this Thanksgiving is Nov. 26 through Nov. 30.