September 18, 2008
Men charged with stealing 82-year-old church bell
The Associated PressTwo northwest Iowa men have been arrested and charged with stealing an 82-year-old bronze bell from a church. Authorities say the men stole the bell from the Oakdale Evangelical Free Church in Meriden on Sunday night.
The bell was sold at a salvage yard in Lakefield, Minn and was recovered by authorities. It will be returned to the church.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says both men have been charged with third-degree theft. They are currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bond.
The bell has been with the congregation since it was forged in 1926.
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Information from: Sioux City Journal, http://www.siouxcityjournal.com