Minors banned from using tobacco in Greenville

GREENVILLE — People under the age of 18 are no longer allowed to use or possess tobacco products in certain public areas of Greenville.

Council members on Tuesday adopted an ordinance that’s effective immediately.

The prohibited areas are borough-owned properties, public streets, alleys or other roadways and sidewalks. Tobacco products include lit or unlit cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other lighted smoking products and smokeless tobacco in any form.

A violation of the ordinance is considered a summary offense and carries a fine of up to $300. Failure to pay can result in up to 30 days in Mercer County Jail.

Police will patrol certain areas, especially school zones, to enforce the ordinance and give people a chance to get used to the new law, Greenville Mayor Richard H. Miller said after the meeting.

Greenville-West Salem Township Police Chief Dennis Stephens, who once served as the school district’s resource officer, has said he thinks the ordinance is a good idea. Students who smoke has always been a problem, especially when they’re not on school property, he said.

Man pleads not guilty to drug and gun charges

SHENANGO VALLEY — A Farrell man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal drug and gun charges at his arraignment.

Kardell Lowery, 38, of 825 Fruit Ave., also waived a detention hearing and will be held until trial.

Lowery was charged with two counts each of drug distribution and conspiracy to commit drug distribution charges stemming from purchases of crack cocaine made under the supervision of authorities April 18 and 27, 2007, in Mercer County, officials said.

He also was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the Dec. 1 incident in which he allegedly fled from police who confronted him after a report of a man with a gun, and Lowery shot himself in the hand during the chase.

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