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Show AnOflHll Slill Loom- Editor. News: On July 3, 1977 at approximately 100 a m . persons illegally entered King Commercial Building in Escalante. This building housed Star Hall. Valley Finance Company, the State Liquor Store, and an upstairs one bedroom apartment The person s went into the basement, cut the fuel lines leading to the oil furnace, let the oil run into an old pile of coal which the person s then attempted to set afire. This apparently failed so another attempt was made in another part of the basement, which also failed. The person s then carried fuel upstairs in beer mugs from Star Hall, threw the fuel on the walls and floor and then successfully set the building on fire. Because of the fast action on the part of Escalante Fire Department, the fire was contained on the ground floor, star Hall was gutted, with damage In excess of $10,000. The arsonist s were not apprehended. Due to the fact that the insurance company refused to honor the claim and litigation had to be effected, and also due to the fact that the arsonist was still walking the streets, the building was not repaired and was boarded up. The remaining tenants moved out causing further loss. On March 5, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the building was again illegally entered through an upstairs window and was set afire again. This time the building was a total loss. Law enforcement agencies appear to have no suspects. It is a frightening thought that there are persons walking free in Escalante who have such wanton disrespect for the law and for the rights and property of others. Also the consideration that the persons have no regard for the endangered lives of firemen who fought to control these terrible fires, and to keep them from spreading to surrounding buildings. Their efforts in fighting both fires is greatly appreciated. One fireman required a hospital stay to recover from smoke inhalation. In the interest of justice and for future protection of property owners, the following reward is being offered to encourage any help that can be given in apprehending the responsible parties. Without this apprehension there is certainly no reason to believe that these losses will be the last. LaRae K.Williams .a. J. .JL. a. L. .1. .J |