Lake Erie memorial loses another chunk

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio (AP) -- Engineers examining granite stones high atop the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial found a second loose piece near where a chunk broke off last month.
The crew on Tuesday dislodged the second piece, which then fell to a plaza.
The monument on South Bass Island has been closed since June 22, when a 500-pound piece of granite fell onto the plaza. No one was injured.
The evaluation on Tuesday was a first assessment to determine what needs to be done to reopen the monument, said Andy Ferguson, the monument's supervisor.
"We'll need to do more of a thorough assessment to determine what needs to be done to get it in tip-top condition," he said.
The monument is one of Lake Erie's most recognizable sights. It opened in 1915 to commemorate Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie.
About 200,000 people visit the monument each year. The visitors' center remains open.