Boiler explosion was an accident

Boiler explosionwas an accident
FARRELL, Pa. -- Investigators have concluded that an explosion Friday at New Covenant Christian Center Church of God in Christ was an accident.
That afternoon, a furnace boiler in the church basement exploded, hospitalizing two people, including the Rev. Barbara McCrae, the church's pastor.
The Rev. Ms. McCrae was treated at Sharon Regional Health System and was discharged Monday.
Another person in the church, Bruce Davis, was airlifted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he was in fair condition Wednesday night.
Pennsylvania State Trooper Mark Baer, who helped investigate the explosion with a state fire marshal unit, said the explosion was caused by a problem within the boiler itself, but he didn't have further details.
There was no fire, but a neighbor said the blast caused vibrations that were felt as far as two blocks away.
The church is at Union Street and Darr Avenue.
Weather delaysclosing of bridge
YOUNGSTOWN -- The closing of the Indianola Avenue bridge over Interstate 680, originally scheduled for this week, will be delayed until Monday because of weather.
Part of a $3.6 million project to replace five bridges on I-680 in Youngstown, the Indianola Avenue bridge will be closed for up to six months. The project should be completed by fall 2005.
The posted detour will be Shady Run Road to East Boston Avenue to Shirley Road to Poland Avenue.
Valley man wins$175K in lottery
YOUNGSTOWN -- James D. Kennedy of Niles won $175,000 for matching five numbers in the Feb. 15 Mega Millions game. He filed a claim in the Youngstown regional office Wednesday.
After federal and state taxes totaling 28.5 percent, Kennedy will receive $125,125.
He used the auto lotto feature. The winning numbers were 3-16-30-21-38. The mega ball was 10.
Kennedy bought the winning ticket from McQuaid's Gas & amp; Oil, 501 Vienna Ave., Niles, which will receive a $1,000 agent bonus for selling it.
Employee reports theft
BOARDMAN -- An employee at Boardman Molding on Thalia Avenue told police that since the beginning of this month, someone has taken $20,000 worth of merchandise.
The employee reported $10,000 worth of aluminum pieces and 1,000 48-inch-long toboggans, valued at $10,000, had been taken. No further description of the missing items was available.
Vigil for peace, justice
GIRARD -- The Valley Coalition for Peace & amp; Justice will have its weekly Vigil for Peace & amp; Justice from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Liberty Street and U.S. Route 422 here.
The coalition has organized weekly vigils at various locations in the Youngstown area to protest the continuing occupation of Iraq and what the group says is the assault on civil liberties of Americans, as well as supporting many peace and justice issues.
For more information, contact Gary Sexton at (330) 518-1625.
Bed catches fire
YOUNGSTOWN -- Sparks from an electric blanket started a fire on a bed at 131 Wesley Ave. late Tuesday night, said Capt. Alvin Ware.
Damage was estimated at $2,000, he said. No injuries were reported.
Trafficking sentence
YOUNGSTOWN -- Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Esli Santiago, 33, of Cleveland to one year prison on one count of trafficking in heroin.
Santiago originally was indicted on three trafficking counts, but two were dismissed after a plea bargain. Santiago then pleaded guilty to the single count in December and was sentenced Tuesday.
Police said he sold heroin in the county Aug. 13.