Arson draws reward

Several state investigating agencies are offering a $5,000 reward for information concerning a March 20 fire that destroyed much of the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole office in Nevada.

An investigation by the state fire marshal, Nevada police and fire departments and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms determined the fire was deliberately set.

The reward is offered for information leading to an arrest involving the arson. To report arson or information about an arson call the Missouri Arson Hotline at (800) 839-ARSON.

Nevada Police Detective Jens Barclay said the blaze is still under investigation and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.

"It could potentially result in a $5,000 reward," Barclay said.

The reward is offered by the Missouri Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the Professional Fire and Fraud Investigators Association and the Missouri Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

The building, located at 330 S. Prewitt is still being repaired. Until the repairs are complete, the the probation and parole office will continue to meet in Vernon Hall, part of the old Nevada Habilitation Center, or what is now known as Southwest Community Services at 2323 N. Ash St. in Nevada and has continued with business as usual.