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Cult comic book writer Pekar dies at 70

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Police: Cult comic book writer Pekar dies at 70

Cleveland -- Comic book writer Harvey Pekar, whose "American Splendor" was made into a 2003 film starring Paul Giamatti, was found dead in his home early July 12, authorities said. He was 70.

Officers were called to Pekar's suburban home by his wife about 1 a.m., Cleveland Heights police Capt. Michael Cannon said. His body was found between a bed and dresser.

Pekar had been suffering from prostate cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and depression, according to Cannon. Pekar had gone to bed about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in good spirits, his wife told police.

An autopsy was planned, said Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the Cuyahoga County coroner's office in Cleveland. He had no information on the cause of death.

-- Associated Press

Two die in apparent hospital murder-suicide

Mayfield Heights -- Police say a husband and wife died in an apparent murder-suicide shooting at Hillcrest Hospital July 9.

Police responded to a report of gunfire at the hospital at about 9 p.m.

The couple were identified as Albert and Dorothy Milstein of Lyndhurst. Both were 77.

Hospital officials said in a statement that no other patients or visitors were injured.

Few other details have been released. Authorities haven't said why the Milsteins were in the hospital or what may have caused the shootings.

-- Associated Press

Tentative contract reached
for teachers

Cleveland -- A union representing Cleveland teachers has agreed to a tentative contract that includes pay cuts but protects seniority rights.

The three-year deal also would allow many of the 660 union members who were laid off last month to return to their jobs, though the exact number has not been determined.

Other provisions call for the district's nearly 3,900 teachers to give up three paid training days, or 1.5 percent of their salaries. Union spokeswoman Tracy Radich called it a decent contract amid tough economic times.

The school district is trying to close a $20.9 million budget gap.

Teachers will vote on the contract later this month.

It also must be ratified by the school board.

-- Associated Press

Toledo casino
may be state's first

Toledo -- Developers say they hope to start construction within a month on what could be Ohio's first casino.

Toledo officials on July 8 gave Penn National Gaming Inc. final approval on a site that sits along Interstate 75 near downtown.

The casino is expected to be completed sometime in early 2012.

Penn National, based in Wyomissing, Pa., has rights to casinos planned in Toledo and Columbus.

Those cities, along with Cleveland and Cincinnati, won voter approval for casinos last year.

-- Associated Press

New design for Jesus statue hit by lightning

Monroe -- Church officials looking to replace a giant statue of Jesus that was destroyed by lightning want a new structure that is less flammable.

Tentative plans call for the new statute to be made out of limestone, instead of the combustible wood and plastic foam-frame that supported the old structure outside the Solid Rock Church, about 20 miles north of Cincinnati.

The new monument also will depict Jesus' full body, instead of just a bust.

The statue's feet will be on top of water, and Jesus' hands will be outstretched, similar to the iconic "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro.

A lightning strike on June 14 sparked a fire that burned down the six-story fiberglass statue nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way the arms were raised, similar to a referee signaling a touchdown.

The statue overlooked Interstate 75 and was one of southwest Ohio's most familiar landmarks.

-- Associated Press