Franklin County man arrested for arson

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens has confirmed to FranklinCounty-News.com that an arrest has been made in a New Year’s Eve fire that was allegedly intentionally set.

Cary L. Price, 60, of Franklin County was taken into custody, according to sources, after law enforcement officials followed snow tracks from 415 Franklin Ave. in Orient. West Frankfort fire fighters were called to that home just before midnight on New Years Eve. A small fire appeared to have been deliberately set near the back door of the home. It was quickly extinguished. Earlier reports say that there had been an altercation between the home’s occupant and Price.
No official details have been released, other than confirmation of the arrest.
Price has been charged with felony arson and residential arson class one felony.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 16 at 1:30pm at the Franklin County Courthouse.

Officials investigate suspicious house fire in Orient

By BRUCE A. FASOL
West Frankfort firefighters were called just before midnight Monday to a house fire on Franklin Street in Orient.
When fire crews arrived, there was a small fire detected at the rear of the home. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly as it appeared to be smoldering grass or twigs.
According to sources, the fire may have been intentionally set. Sources say the homeowner informed authorities that a threat had been made following an argument earlier in the evening.
No official details are available, but some aggressive police work reportedly led to an arrest. It is believed that authorities followed footprints in the snow to a subject’s residence.
FranklinCounty-News.com is awaiting release of any name(s) associated with the arrest in the  possible arson fire.
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News