Fire probe continues

Fire probe continues

YOUNGSTOWN

Firefighters continue their investigation of a fire at a vacant South Side home that left three firefighters with minor injuries.

Firefighters were sent to 71 E. Ellenwood Ave. at 5:39 p.m. Tuesday. The fire also caused minor damage to a house next door.

Firefighter Robert Class, 23, was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center and treated for exhaustion, overexertion and strain. Firefighter Eugene Cook, 47, was treated by paramedics at the scene for an arm strain. Firefighter Christian Brown, 30, also was treated by paramedics for strain to his spine.

Damage to the house was estimated to be more than $8,000.

Recycling event

EAST PALESTINE

A recycling event will be from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday at Jasar Recycling, 278 W. Taggart St.

Separated recyclables, used appliances, downspouts and gutters will be accepted. Proceeds will be used to purchase cameras for the city park.

Sentenced for rape

MERCER, Pa.

A 26-year-old Sandy Lake, Pa., man will spend six to 15 years in state prison for raping a 12-year-old girl last May who got pregnant.

Andrew William Bennefield was 25 when he had sex with the girl in a house where both were staying overnight. Bennefield apologized and told the Mercer County judge who sentenced him Tuesday, “I’m not sure I deserve leniency.”

Bennefield claims he was drunk when he and the girl had sex. The girl was not forced but could not legally consent because of her age. Bennefield had pleaded guilty Feb. 11 to rape of a child. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Bonner says the girl had an abortion to end the pregnancy.

Bennefield must register with police as a sex offender when he gets out of prison.

Comic Book Day

All American Comics and Cards at 1295 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman, and at 161 W. Market St., Warren, will present comics for all ages during a free Comic Book Day from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

An array of comic books will be given away by participating stores to introduce people to the fact that comics are terrific reading.

For additional information on the event, call (330) 393-3137.

Relay for Life

NILES

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Niles is Friday and Saturday at the Mayor Infante Wellness Center in Waddell Park.

Opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m. Friday followed by a “survivors’ lap.” Other events include former Ohio State University football players — Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegel, Doug Datish, Troy Smith and Van DeCree — signing autographs for a $15 fee, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society; and pingpong tournaments at 7 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The event ends at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sand artist at mall

NILES

Carl D. Jara, sand artist, will begin sculpting a seascape out of sand Monday at Eastwood Mall. The seascape, made from 20 tons of sand, is inspired by the mall’s Captain McFinn & Friends Kids Club.

Jara attended the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron. He has won more than 24 medals for his work and is the 2002 North American champion. He is the artisan/technician for the Natural History Museum in Cleveland.

Staff/wire reports