Mansfield, Ohio- Arson to The Core

The series of arson related fires in Mansfield, Ohio between June of 2012 and January 2013 may have ended. We've had a couple of deliberate fires  involving an open structure being built and another; but those arsons don’t appear to be related to the previous series of fires.

When I last updated this story one “suspect” was being sent to prison on a previous burglary charge and the other “suspect” was being held pending charges. While both suspects were being held; arsons #48 and #49 were committed on the same evening. Neither man was formerly charged. The local newspaper hasn’t released any further information.

The FEMA Grant (of $2.1 million dollars) was accepted by the City of Mansfield to compensate the hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. One would assume the grant money was used (11 Firefighters were hired) based on it wouldn’t come back to embarrass the city. It wouldn’t look good if the culprits were connected to an inside conspiracy group to win the grant.

I still believe the fires were/are somehow tied to an organization, group or someone(s) seeking a job. When I spoke to someone in the know of the situation I was told: “You better watch out, you’re going to upset the Good Ole’ Boys Club.” That doesn’t bother me. I have a security system.

Many organizations in Mansfield are intertwined with cronyism, so anything is possible.

I suspect the usual pattern will unfold of never hearing another word about the arson cases. It will be as if it never happened. Grant money will somehow be sought to tear down the burnt-out homes and buildings; so some will benefit. Sometime down the road a favor will be repaid here and there.

After I questioned why officials hadn’t attempted to have community meetings with the neighborhoods affected by the acts of arsons; the Firefighters Union announced the plan. I don’t recall seeing anything further mentioned concerning neighborhood meetings. The Union offered an additional $1,000.00 reward to the original $5,000.00 reward and no one spoke-up.

We’ve become historically accustomed to this scenario. In Mansfield, Ohio it’s accepted fear by the citizens and the same bullying behavior from those with power. The names may have changed over time but the game is the same vein of corruption.

Comedian Bill Cosby once referred to our city as “Little Chicago” after driving up Main Street on his way to a performance at our local theater. While we no longer have our Main Street lined with bars, the city is surrounded by the decay of empty storefronts and boarded-up homes. Chicago actually burned to the ground in 1871 and many citizens in Richland County feel lighting a fire would be an improvement.

The gist of their message is not to burn homes or property; what they truly seek is to rid our community of its corruption. When you have the magnitude of 49 acts of arson in 6 months, it’s a matter of following the money.  Ironically, that never seems to happen!

  Note: I originally wrote this blog 5 days before posting the story and (surprise) the money is available to tear down homes. Interestingly, St. Peters Parish area (including the Glessner Avenue area) is mentioned. It appears some organizations may want the houses razed to purchase the land cheaply and possibly expand? Stay tuned.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio - Slowly Burning

A week ago, downtown Mansfield, Ohio suffered acts of arson- #48 and #49 (simultaneously) since June. Apparently, the authorities were holding two individuals in jail while considering filing charges, when the two fires ignited. Since nobody has been charged, I’m assuming the suspect’s were released. One of the individuals had a previous history of arsons.

I still believe these acts of arson are somehow related to the $2.1 million SAFER (FEMA) grant money awarded to Mansfield and the push to hire 15 firefighters. Despite a $6,000.00 reward the neighbors to these acts of arson are just like Sgt. Schultz of Hogan’s Heroes fame.

Will we suffer our 50^th act of arson in downtown Mansfield, Ohio prior to the New Year?

Despite the snow, I wouldn’t bet against it. With a major portion of boarded-up houses, the downtown area is an easy picking for the prey. There are also many houses with boarded-up windows and tenants living within the homes. Mansfield has been fortunate to avoid human casualties since the fires began in June, but how long until innocent lives are lost?

 

If you know something, please contact the authorities or contact me. Playing the “hear no, see no evil” wildcard isn’t a solution or a humane response.

Arson is simply a form of terror and Fear is never the answer.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio- Does it Still Burn?

Back in October, I wrote a blog concerning the 42 acts of arson within the city of Mansfield, Ohio. Interestingly, it became my most viewed blog to date. Even more interesting was the fact that the majority of viewers were not from Mansfield, nor has one comment been received. From June to October we averaged an act of arson every 3.2 days.

The City of Mansfield was coincidentally attempting to pass a safety levy which would hire 3 additional firefighters. The suspicion arose as perhaps the acts of arson were somehow an inside job. On Saturday, November 3rd, we had 2 fires with abandoned buildings setting 3 feet apart. The fires diminished near the voting on November 6th, when the safety levy failed to pass.

So we now have 44 acts of arson within 6 months.

In October, I raised several questions:

• Why wasn’t the State of Ohio or Federal assistance summoned to assist in the investigation?

• Why hasn’t our Mayor or Fire Chief sought community meetings seeking information and vigilance?

• Why has no one come forward with information in lieu of a $5,000 reward?

Some citizens believe the acts were inside fires started to instill fear in the levy voters. Some residents feel it is another typical Mansfield, Ohio cover-up. Some believe it was someone seeking a firefighter job by promoting fear.

Late in October, I contacted a news reporter with our local paper. No response. I left messages. No response. Why?

On Thursday November 1^st, the local newspaper ran a story featuring the local Firefighters Union. The Union announced donating $1,000 to the existing $5,000 reward offered by the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist(s).

The Union also stated it would form a coalition of citizens, service organizations, church groups and neighborhood watch groups to assist in dealing with the acts of arson.

I thought that was interesting since I questioned this back in October.

Within the same interview it was noted the Mansfield Fire Department was awarded a SAFER Grant that would pay for the additional hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. The City of Mansfield so far has waffled at accepting the money. The Mansfield Fire Department has attempted to land this grant money for 3 years. 

Interesting.

Union dues and jobs are (were) at stake. Did the acts of arson have any direct bearing on being awarded the Grant? Is this the reason the fires have quieted? No cards left on the table? The levy failed.

Why is the City of Mansfield reluctant to accept the Grant money? Do they know something?

We do know a few things are certain:

1.     The fires weren’t started by some negligent crack head or drifter. The person(s) know exactly how to start a fire without any evidence.

2.     What better way to scare the poor low-income residents in those fire zones of downtown Mansfield into voting for a levy if you have a wienee roast every 3.2 days!

3.     Somebody somewhere knows who performed those acts of arson.

If anybody has knowledge of who may have started these fires and is afraid to contact the authorities, please contact me. We can work something out.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State Attorney General and the State Fire Marshall have been contacted.

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.