288 gravestones vandalized

Ohio

Actor Tyler Perry donates $100,000 to Ohio schools

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry has surprised middle school students in Ohio by showing up at a musical concert and donating $100,000 to help student athletes in the city’s South-Western schools.Today 4:15 am

Toxic algae warnings posted at Grand Lake St. Marys

ST. MARYS, Ohio – Advisories are back up at Ohio’s largest inland lake warning some visitors to stay out of the water because of high levels of toxic algae.Today 3:47 am

Ohio district ponders creationism for hot topic list

CINCINNATI – An Ohio school district proposal to add creationism to a hot-topics list deemed appropriate for classroom discussion is drawing opposition from some parents and a civil rights group.Today 3:40 am

WELLSVILLE, Ohio – More than 200 gravestones in an eastern Ohio cemetery have been pushed over or destroyed by vandals, including those of the small town’s founder and his wife.

Wellsville Police Chief Joe Scarabino said Tuesday that three vandals toppled 288 markers last month. Some date back to the 1800s and could never be replaced. Damage could be as high as $500,000.

Scarabino said a 19-year-old man was charged with felony vandalism and obstructing official business after the Dec. 27 incident. Scarabino said charges also have been sent to the county prosecutor for two juvenile suspects.

Police say it’s unclear why the vandalism occurred.

Scarabino said wet weather conditions have made resetting the stones impossible in the cemetery that sits in Wellsville, a village of roughly 3,500 people.