Hinkle fire fundraiser Sunday, 06.20.10!
Jim Hinkle, Wayne County Sheriff
WAYNE CO.—The Floral Hall at the Wayne County Fairgrounds was the scene last Sunday, 06.20.10, for a fundraiser held for the county sheriff, Jim Hinkle, a week after his rural home burned to the ground.
Organizers worked to create enough pulled pork sandwiches, potatoes, corn on the cob and more, enough to feed the many people who flocked to the place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There were also more desserts than could even be placed on the dessert table, as there was a call for folks to bring in a dessert to make the event even more sweet…and they responded en masse.
Hinkle said his home, which had been in his family for years as a kind of getaway lodge at a lake south of the Elm River area but had recently been completely remodeled, was likely the victim of a lightning strike, this according to a fire investigator from the state fire marshal’s office. The lightning was reported in the area, according to a weather report showing the many strikes, the night before around 9 p.m., when a storm blew through the region.
Investigators believe the strike may have created an electrical malfunction in a wall of the house, which subsequently caused the fire.
What's left of the chimney that ran through the center of the house
A view of the house from the basement
Hinkle said most of the house collapsed into the basement as it burned. He noted that his teenage stepdaughter was in the house that night and heard a loud pop about the time the lightning was going on. She told him later she got scared and left, going to her boyfriend’s house in town to stay, as Hinkle and his wife, Tammy, were in Effingham helping Hinkle’s son with his new restaurant. Therefore the house was fortunately empty when the blaze took hold.
What's left of an antique sewing machine
Hinkle lost a lot of antiques and collectibles in the fire.
A collection of mugs lost in the fire, collapsed where their cabinet burned
Hinkle was retired from the Illinois State Police and had several commemorative items from that agency. Note the keys melted from the heat of the fire.
A decorative china plate, melted like it was plastic
Hinkle's county squad, seriously damaged in the fire, had been moved away from the house. Hinkle said the vehicle is likely totalled.
What's left of the exterior of the home, the side that faces the lake
In the complete devastation of the house, Hinkle and his family lost everything. They are staying at an outbuilding on the property that wasn’t damaged; it was previously used as a kind of game room. However, they had nothing to take there—no clothing, bedding, towels, shoes, or other personal items. They had literally the clothes on their backs. Therefore, the fundraiser was held, and quickly, to help raise cash money so the Hinkles could have even the basics as they begin to put their lives back together.
Nikki Leonard, Hinkle's neice, shows Addison Hinkle, 4 and a half months and Hinkle's grandneice, to another of Hinkle's nieces, Laurie Barbre
Hinkle supporter Lou Savage and his wife enjoyed the meal.
Ronnie Tibbs, one of the many cooks and kitchenhands, helped bring in the corn
Andrew Tennis, 10, was impressed at the vast array of desserts brought in by volunteers
Beautiful Brittney Andrews enjoyed her meal while she greeted the attendees, who paid just a donation for the wonderful feed and signed in at Brittney's table. Brittney shared duties with organizer Jennifer McCracken at the front of the Floral Hall.
More photos, as well as information, coming up on the fire and how the Hinkles are doing in the next issue of Disclosure, on stands 07.14.10!
Short URL: http://www.disclosurenewsonline.com/?p=3599
Posted by Chris Beavers
on Jun 27 2010. Filed under Wayne.
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It is a shame that Jim lost many things that simply cannot be replaced. I hope him the best. I have known him since 1978 and have always considered him to be a fine guy.
Holy Crap! There’s a Public Official that you guys don’t slag off? That’s nice.
Mojo? Tell me, Admin, is that the name of some kind of heavy duty hand washing liquid? ha.
Mojo, if the public official is honest and above board, they will treat ‘em right.
Yup. It’s such a rare occasion that it stands out, unfortunately. But we know for a fact that Hinkle is a good guy.
I was (mostly) kidding! I think that most officials are honest, it’s just when the bad ones get caught that’s all you hear about. I thought it was nice to see one get treated nice.
As far as my name, it’s lifted from a Doors song (L.A. Woman) and I’ve used it for years as Forum name. I like to be different!
Hey Mojo, I like to kid around myself. Actually, it’s a good forum name and I was just having a little fun too. When I do get serious, I usually post too much.