November 26, 1960

5th Barn burns in same area

       Johnson County Sheriff William Stillabower is investigating for possible arson following a barn-burning yesterday, the fifth such blaze this month in the northwest part of the county.  The barn, with several pieces of farm equipment, was valued at $25,000.  THE FIRE was discovered at 2:30 p.m. and was brought under control less than an hour after the arrival of members of the Bargersville and White River Township Volunteer Fire Departments.

         The barn is on the Floyd Pennington farm and is located next to the Center Grove School.  It contained two tractors and several other pieces of farm equipment.  Sheriff Stillabower said, noting the other blazes in the same area, said there was a “possibility of arson.”  Assistant Chief Ralph Wilson of the White River Department said there were some children nearby playing with matches, shortly before the fire broke out.  He said four of the five barn fires occurred in daylight and the cause of each of them is still undetermined.  He added that an officer from the state fire marshal’s office was helping investigate.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
 
    

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