The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

June 19, 2009

UPDATE: News Briefs from June 20, 2009

Man who fled after rape charges caught in Ohio

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A West Pittsburg man charged with the rape of a 35-year-old Jefferson Township woman was arrested Thursday in Boardman, Ohio, police said.

Michael R. Tackett, 39, was charged with rape, intimidating witnesses, aggravated indecent assault, making terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, possessing a weapon, and sexual assault for raping the woman between 8 and 8:30 p.m. June 11, police said.

Charges were filed against Tackett on Monday, and he left the area, police said.

Principal resigns to take job in another district

BROOKFIELD — Brookfield Elementary School principal Debra Gratz has resigned after 11 years with the district.

Ms. Gratz said in her resignation letter that she has taken a job as elementary principal with Girard, Ohio, schools.

She said she wants to become a superintendent and has been encouraged to expand her experience.

“I had a difficult time making this decision,” she said. “I love my Brookfield family.”

The board accepted her resignation Thursday.

Board eyes compiling list for construction jobs

BROOKFIELD — Brookfield school director Joseph Pasquerilla wants the district to compile a list of residents who work in the construction trades, and give it to the contractors building the new school.

The contractors would not be required to hire anyone from the list, but residents could have an opportunity to participate in an important community project, he said.

Other school board members said it sounded like a good idea, but wanted time to study the idea before voting on it.

“It’s very simple,” Pasquerilla responded. “There are no commitments here.”

Board member Ronald Brennan said he wanted to make sure such action is legal, although Pasquerilla assured him it is.

If board members approve the measure, they should advertise their intention and allow people to contact them, Pasquerilla said.

The board could reconsider the issue as early as June 29, when it holds a year-end meeting.

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Local News
  • Dietrich gift takes form


    Thiel College unveiled the first use of its $25 million gift from the late steel magnate William S. Dietrich II: An honors program that bears the name of the philanthropist’s parents, who met while students on the private school’s campus in the 1930s.

    February 12, 2012

  • Bridge backer argues demolition would violate law

    The man who wants to save the Kelly Road Bridge believes tearing it down would violate the Americans with Disability Act.

    February 11, 2012

  • Merchant accused of selling fake pot again

    The owner of a Grove City store already facing charges related to the sale of synthetic marijuana has been arrested a second time for selling the drug.

    February 11, 2012

  • Woman ends police standoff

    A Hermitage woman already facing charges for setting a fire in her apartment in May locked herself in the apartment Friday after showing police that she had a handgun.

    February 11, 2012

  • Store owner busted again for fake pot sales

    The owner of a Grove City store already facing charges related to the sale of synthetic marijuana has been arrested a second time for selling the drug.

    Ala H. Nassar, 27, of 125 S. Seventh St., Sharpsville, was arrested Thursday on charges of delivery, possession and possession with intent to deliver synthetic pot, criminal use of a cellular telephone and conspiracy to commit delivery.

    Abdallah H. Matariyeh, 27, of the same address, also was arrested on charges of delivery and possession with intent to deliver.

    February 10, 2012

  • Bids opened for work to widen Rt. 760

    PennDOT officials opened bids Thursday for the first two sections of a three-section widening of Route 760 in Wheatland, Farrell and Sharon.

    February 10, 2012

  • Timeline now at center of negligence lawsuit

    A jury will decide whether the normal statute of limitations applies in a lawsuit filed by a Sharon man accusing a Sewickley agency of negligence that resulted in numerous injuries to his disabled son.

    February 10, 2012

  • Social media alert first responders

    The Mercer County Fire/EMS alerts’ Facebook page is two years strong and continues to attract followers who want the latest updates on traffic accidents, fires and other emergencies.

    February 10, 2012

  • State cuts trickle down to township

    Brookfield Township “is in a world of hurt.”

    February 9, 2012

  • Toth takes $30k to settle lawsuit

    It’s typical for lawsuit settlement agreements to include a confidentiality clause that bars the parties from discussing the terms of the settlement.

    February 9, 2012