Dec 19, 2014 2 min read

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A fireman watches as the remains of the Ice Plant restaurant in Glassworks are torn down following a structure fire on Jan. 5.

Tara Kinsell/Observer-Reporter

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A structure fire in Center Township claimed the life of Ruth E. Larimer, 83, in January.

Tara Kinsell/Observer-Reporter

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Fire shot through the roof of the Muhly’s Little restaurant in Clarksville in August.

Tara Kinsell/Observer-Reporter

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A structure fire in the early morning hours of Jan. 14 claimed the life of a Center Township woman. Ruth E. Larimer, 83, was found dead on the back porch of her trailer at 109 Cole Hollow Road. Her daughter, Susan Larimer, 58, escaped uninjured. She told investigators she heard a crackling sound and got up to see smoke filling the trailer. She said she began yelling and looking for her mother but could not find her.

The historic Ice Plant restaurant in Glassworks was a total loss following a fire on Jan. 5. Firefighters from 11 companies across Greene and Fayette counties responded to the blaze. Freezing temperatures hindered their efforts when hydrants froze, resulting in a loss of water pressure. Tanker trucks of water were brought in to assist but fire had gathered between layers of ceilings built on top of each other through the years when remodeling took place.

Fire swept the brick and block building that housed the Muhly’s Little Restaurant at 137 Center Street in Clarksville in August resulting in a total loss. The restaurant’s owner, Eileen Muhly, was next door at her convenience store when a customer alerted her flames were coming from the roof of the restaurant.