Arson reward offered
Rural fires spark Crimestopper aid
By Jim Collar
of The Northwestern
A cash reward is now on the table for anyone with information that could lead to the person or people responsible for a series of rural arsons dating back almost four years.
Winnebago Countywide Crimestoppers is offering $500 in hopes that someone will come forward with information related to 16 grass-fire arsons set in the townships of Winchester, Wolf River and Winneconne since 2002.
The most recent fires came last month. Fire departments from four counties worked against strong winds to get control of grass fires set about three miles apart in the Winchester area on Jan. 24. The blazes burned through several hundred acres of land before firefighters cleared the scene. Investigation remains open.
Capt. Steve Verwiel of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said detectives have found common threads among the fires.
While investigators continue to examine the evidence they've collected during the last four years, they're hoping the culprit spoke to others. The sheriff's department is hoping for some leads before the snow melts.
Jim Collar: (920) 426-6676 or
jcollar@thenorthwestern.com
