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Northern Wis. Community Steps Up After Suspected Church Arson

ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) — The northern Wisconsin community of Ashland has stepped up to help members of a church destroyed by a fire that officials believe was intentionally set.

Police say Salem Baptist Church was set ablaze Saturday. A 29-year-old Ashland man has been arrested in the suspected arson.

WDIO-TV reports the community's high school has offered its gym for the church to use for its Sunday morning service. The Bay Area Youth Network, which used the church, will meet in the school's auditorium for the rest of the year.

Other local churches have offered to let Salem Baptist use their space for meetings and offices. And Bay Area Rural Transit is giving its conference room to Salem Baptist.

Senior Pastor Rod Larson says Salem Baptist is "very grateful."

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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