Fire official: Natural gas caused house explosion

Fire official: Natural gascaused house explosion
HOWLAND -- All indications are that the explosion that leveled a house on Raccoon Drive Northeast last week was caused by natural gas, Robert Sharp, assistant chief with the Ohio State Fire Marshals Office, said Monday.
"We don't know what the ignition factor was, but in all likelihood it was a pilot light," he said.
Sharp and his three investigators assisted the Howland Township Fire Department at the scene, and evidence collected was taken to the fire department.
Sharp said the occupant of the house and a representative from Dominion East Ohio Gas were interviewed.
He said the case has been turned back over to township Fire Chief George Brown.
Manger scene theft
YOUNGSTOWN -- A baby Jesus and one of three wise men were stolen Sunday from a front-yard manger scene displayed in the 2900 block of Vestal Road, police said.
The resident told police she saw a man get of out a green Chrysler minivan and take the wooden display pieces. She had copied down the license plate number and gave it to police.
Election certified
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Board of Elections has certified the vote from the November general election.
Meeting Monday, the board decided to count one questionable vote from Vienna Precinct B. It was cast by a doctor who had relocated, and then returned to the area, explained Norma J. Williams, elections director.
The countywide total was 110,747 votes cast. There are 142,436 registered voters in Trumbull County.
Regular court hours
YOUNGSTOWN -- Judge Theresa Dellick of Mahoning County Juvenile Court said that effective Wednesday, evening court hours will end.
All court business, hearings and detention visitation will take place during regular court hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
She said in a news release the evening hours had to be eliminated.
Fence, lawn damaged
YOUNGSTOWN -- A vehicle that drove through a lawn in the 600 block of Wesley Avenue also damaged a 20-foot corner section of vinyl fence on the property.
The resident, who discovered the vandalism Sunday morning and reported it to police, estimated the damage at roughly $3,000.
Route 11 restrictions
State Route 11 between Canfield and Niles will have various lane restrictions through Dec. 7 for bridge inspections.
The restrictions will occur daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Route 11 bridges at Western Reserve, Kirk and New roads and Mahoning Avenue. A minimum of one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times, the Ohio Department of Transportation said.
Cityscape historic event
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Cityscape's Education and Historic Preservation Committee will have its inaugural event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Central Tower downtown.
Tours of the Central Tower and newly renovated McCrory building will give visitors a glimpse into the buildings' historic architecture.
Music and refreshments will be provided.
The event is co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and Youngstown State University.
Youngstown Cityscape seeks to revitalize the downtown and its gateways through beautification, education and historic preservation.
Campbell house fire
CAMPBELL -- Firefighters are investigating the cause of a house blaze Sunday night at 64 Bright Ave.
The fire started in a bed in the basement, resulting in $50,000 in damage to the structure and contents.
The occupant, Olga Lebron, and several members of her family were not injured.
Two pit bull puppies died from the heavy smoke; a third puppy survived.