October 14, 1973

Home, vacant house destroyed by fire

       Two weekends fires extensively damaged a home in New Whiteland and destroyed a vacant house west of Stones Crossing, firemen reported. Most of the personal belongings of the New Whiteland family were destroyed by fire and county sheriff's authorities suspect arson in the house fire near Stones Crossing. The New Whiteland fire occurred at the Ronald Yates residence, 921 Sweetbriar, about 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Exact cause of the fire has not been determined but extensive fire, smoke and water damage occurred. Firemen were called to the residence at 4:09 p.m. Sunday when the living room sofa reignited. The Whiteland Jaycees and neighbors of the Yates family are currently collecting clothing, furniture and bedding for the family. There are five child in the family, with the three older children most in need of clothing. They include girls, ages 16 and 17 who wear size 9-10 clothing and 14 clothing, and a 15-year-old boy who wears size 30-30 slacks and small shirts. Much of the clothing of the two grade school age children were saved. Persons wishing to contribute may call either Mrs. Brad Skeel, Jaycees President, at 535-4779, or Mrs. Larry Finkinebine, Jaycees Vice President, at 535-9663. Individuals may also call 535-9303 to obtain further information about what items the family needs. Bargersville and White River volunteer firemen were called to a fire in a vacant house on County Road 700 North, west of State Road 135, about 8 p.m. Sunday night. Scene of the fire was the former Ben Surface residence. Firemen extinguished a fire at the unoccupied earlier this year. The wood frame home was completely destroyed, according to firemen. Firemen reported they returned to the scene of Sunday night's fire at 3 a.m. today when a second blaze restarted. Sheriff's authorities joined the firemen in investigating the cause of the fires. Arson is suspected.   (Reprinted with permission of the Daily Journal)
 

           
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