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Resident offers reward for John Looney House arson; commission says investigation is with state fire marshal
Summary
A local resident told the St. Clair County Commission work session they will offer a cash reward for information leading to arrest in the John Looney House fire and urged publicity; commissioners said the state fire marshal is handling the investigation and welcomed any monetary assistance to aid the probe and preservation efforts.
A resident addressing the St. Clair County Commission work session said they would offer a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever burned the John Looney House, and asked the commission to publicize the offer.
"Somebody set that house fire," the resident said, arguing the fire was not accidental and urging that the reward be published so others in St. Clair County or beyond might add funds. The speaker said they believed more than one person knows information that would help convict those responsible.
Commission members and county staff said the fire investigation is being handled by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. One county official said the commission would "gladly assist" if monetary rewards help the investigation or preservation work. A commissioner also reminded the public that county funds and procedures limit where the commission can give money, noting the distinction between private historical societies and county‑appointed historical commissions.
The discussion came during the public comment portion of a work session preparing the agenda for the Commission’s formal Tuesday meeting. Commissioners said the resident will be able to raise the offering formally at the Tuesday meeting; they also suggested the resident meet with Sheriff Billy Murray or his deputy and the county safety committee to coordinate any security or investigative requests.
No formal county appropriation or vote was taken at the work session. Commissioners said the county is in contact with the State Fire Marshal and that any financial assistance to support investigation or restoration would be coordinated through appropriate channels and legal review. The commission said it is open to supporting preservation of historic structures once investigative and legal questions are resolved.
