July 8, 1973

Arson reports probed

       Investigators have ruled arson was the cause of two separate fires which occurred over the weekend at a beauty shop near Smith Valley and at a home in Franklin. Authorities said there was no indication, however, that the arson fires were related. Extensive fire damage estimated at $7,500 was reported at the Town and Country Salon on State Road 135 near Smith Valley. Fire of undetermined origin also gutted on unoccupied home at 1638 Crescent street on the north side of Franklin. The beauty shop fire was discovered Sunday morning about 9 a.m. According to a sheriff's report, arsonists apparently hurled a concrete block through a plate glass window at the beauty shop. Inside, investigators found evidence that glass jars of gasoline had also been tossed into the beauty shop. A burned out fuse (flare) was also found inside. Authorities said the fire did extensive damage to the beauty shop, but burned out without anyone seeing or reporting the fire. County police said there was no evidence of burglary at the beauty shop as both the front and bock doors were bolted and $12 in cash was still in the drawer inside. Sheriff's authorities, White River firemen and a state investigator were at the scene Sunday. The fire was believed to have been started sometime during the early morning hours Sunday. The beauty shop is operated by Margo and Dave Penn, 9002 Tree Top lane, Indianapolis. Bob Hiatt is owner of the building. Franklin firemen were called to the house fire on Crescent street about 10:27 a.m. Saturday morning. Fire Chief Glen Moore said the fire gutted the interior of the home, one of several unoccupied "doubles" on the north side of Franklin. Chief Moore said there was evidence at the scene that the fire was deliberately set. He said the state fire marshal's office has been contacted to assist in the fire investigation. No estimate of the fire damage was available. Other county fire runs, White River township firemen were called to extinguish a fire in a farm wagon loaded with straw on the Basil McCarty farm east of State Road 37 on Smith Valley road at 1;05 a.m. Monday. Firemen said about $800 damage occurred in the fire. Cause of the fire has not been determined. Franklin firemen made a run to 908 Duane street to extinguish a car fire discovered by Marvin Bernard at 7:35 p.m. Sunday. Firemen said a cigarette had apparently been tossed into the front of a 1964 Chevrolet. No estimate of damage was listed.  See related story HERE.    (Reprinted with permission of the Daily Journal)
 

(Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo)
 

---