Stemple v. Department of Welfare

GARDEN, JUDGE:

The claimant is the owner of a farm situated near Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia, located one-half mile from the Sugar Creek Children’s Center. Among other buildings on this farm was a small shed, used principally for the storing of hay during the winter months. On the 16th of February, 1979, the shed and its contents were destroyed by fire. An investigation which followed revealed that three juveniles who were living at the Children’s Center had started the fire. The claimant testified that the hay which was destroyed had a value of $350.00. Claimant also introduced…