Columbiana man sentenced for arson

LISBON -- A Columbiana man has been sentenced to six months in jail and fined $1,000 for setting fire to a sign early Monday.
James A. Martin, 71, of 44716 state Route 517, pleaded no contest Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of arson. He did not appear with a lawyer and made no comment about his actions.
Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge Mark Frost imposed the sentence but said he would reconsider it at a hearing at 1 p.m. Aug. 24.
A deputy saw Martin set fire to a sign offering a reward for recent fires at 43628 state Route 517.
Detective Andrew Sweeney of the sheriff's office said the other fires were put out before they caused much damage.
The buildings and land belong to Tom Blocksom, who inherited the property from the late William Goehring. Martin and others unsuccessfully claimed in court that Goehring had left the property to them.