Investigators now believe arson is the cause of the Thursday fire that destroyed the oldest church in Iowa — and the last one in the state made of logs. The fire was reported shortly before 8 A.M. at the Mars Hill Church south of Ottumwa.
The Wapello County Sheriff says five people, including three juveniles, are considered suspects in the fire that caused heavy damage to the 150-year-old church. The suspects range in age from 15 to 19 and all are from the Ottumwa area. No names have been released. No arrests have been made.