Sleepy Hollow fire "suspicious"
Cleveland Fire Chief Steve Wheeler continues to investigate the fire that destroyed
Building 6 at Sleepy Hollow Apartments early Thursday morning, but he has called
for some help in that investigation.
Calling the fire "suspicious", Wheeler called in agents from the State
Fire Marshall's office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)
to assist him in the investigation.
The ATF is a law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice that
gets involved with fire investigations when arson is suspected.
Sixteen families lost their homes in that fire, and most of them lost far more
than just the roof over their heads. Furniture, clothing, food, personal belongings,
keepsakes, medicines, and Christmas gifts for several children disappeared in
the devastation.
Here's how to help
The community of Cleveland has reacted quickly to give aid to the victims of
the fire. A Sleepy Hollow Fire Victims fund has been established at First Bank
and Trust, and a board established that will administer the monies donated to
that fund.
A canned goods drive has been organized for the victims. Drop boxes are located
at Omni Physical Therapy on College; the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce on Bonham;
Rob Bassetts' State Farm Agency on Dallas; Brookshire Brothers; Wal-Mart; and
the City of Cleveland Administration Offices on East Boothe.
Three local peace officers and their families lost everything in the fire. A
chili luncheon benefit for them and other fire victims has been scheduled for
next Thursday, Dec. 18, at Stancil Park Log Cabin from noon until the food is
gone. The $5 ticket cost will go directly to the victim's fund.
Operation Refuge, Inc. of Cleveland, under the direction of Frieda White, is
working with the Salvation Army, ORI, and other community leaders in identifying
fire victims and their needs for food, clothing, furniture, housing, and even
new toys for the children who lost their homes in the fire.
The Sonic Drive-In is holding a car wash today, beginning at 11 a.m., at the
Sonic on Washington Street, with all proceeds going to the victims' fund.
Funeral Services
--Arturo Sosa; Services Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with
interment following at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens.
--John Parker; 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Pace-Stancil/Probst Chapel, with
interment following at the First Baptist Church of Romayor.
Police Report
Police made three arrests on Thursday, including Robert Lee Nash
for aggravated robbery; and Kenneth Byran Meek for public intoxication.
Timothy Ivers was arrested
on an unknown charge.
On Tap at the Texan
Tonight at 7 and 9 is the live action/animated cartoon comedy "Looney Tunes:
Back in Action". Admission is $2 for children aged 3-11, and $4 for those
aged 12 and older.
Did you miss a day? Catch up with the Archive.
