Unusual Punishment for Church Statue Vandals
A pair of teenagers who admitted to stealing and defacing a statue of baby Jesus from a Fairport Harbor church on Christmas Eve paid part of their penance Sunday. In order to avoid longer jail time, Jessica Lange and Brian Patrick, both 19, were given an unusual sentence. Known for punishments intended to shame criminals, Judge Michael Cicconetti ordered the two to lead a donkey carrying a sign that read, 'Sorry for the jackass offense,' through the streets of the city. The duo must also replace the statue.

Flood Cuts Power to Apartment Residents
A relative heat wave came just in time for residents at Riverview Towers on Cleveland's west side. A flood early Saturday left residents of the public-housing unit without heat or water for most of the day. Some gathered in the building's lobby while others used their ovens to heat their apartments. Most of the water was drained by the afternoon and service was eventually restored. The cause of the flood remains under investigation.

Higher Taxes Considered to Akron Fund Schools
Akron city leaders are considering an increase in municipal income taxes for use by the city's schools. Lawmakers have until February 20 to make a final decision on whether to make this request on the May ballot. The city's income tax would increase to 2.25 percent if the proposed amendment passes, and new and renovated schools would be used as community centers for the public during evening hours.

Accident Kills Snowmobiler, Charges Considered
A snowmobiler was killed Tuesday morning when he crashed his vehicle at the Alpine Valley Ski Area. According to police the 25-year-old Willoughby Hills man, who remains unidentified pending the notification of family, rode with a friend to the slopes at about 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The two were riding over a hill on resort's front slope when the man crashed into a grooming machine. Rescuers say the man, who was not wearing a helmet, died instantly. Charges of trespassing and driving under the influence are expected to be filed against the victim's friend.
 

Electrical Worker Dies in Wiring Mishap
A Maple Heights man was electrocuted Tuesday as he worked on a light post on Route 8 in Akron. Police say that 27-year-old James Brulinski, who was employed by Perram Electric, Inc., had been working on wiring the post when the incident occurred. He was taken to Akron City Hospital, where he died.

Layoffs Expected in Police, Fire Departments
Police officers and firefighters in Euclid are bracing themselves for the announcement of layoffs. City officials will reportedly announce on Friday the cuts of 11 police officers and four firefighters in 30 days, along with 19 workers at the Service Department in two weeks. Mayor Paul Oyaski says the city is in a financial crisis that must be dealt with immediately, and other layoffs are probable.

Father Rescues Ice Fisherman, Friends From Lake Erie
An ice fisherman was rescued from Lake Erie by his father on Tuesday. Authorities say 44-year-old Dan Coutcher was fishing with two friends when the ice they were standing on broke loose and began to drift. Fortunately, Coutcher had his cell phone, which he used to call his father. The elder Coutcher contacted the Coast Guard, which monitored the scene as he rescued the three with a boat and a snowmobile.