Girdwood man convicted of arson and insurance fraud
Girdwood resident, William Halliday, 62, was convicted by a jury on Monday, Aug. 3 for first-degree arson and insurance fraud. Halliday’s home, off Alyeska Highway, was destroyed in a fire on Sept. 29, 2007.
“There was testimony from several witnesses regarding his statements prior to the fire about his intent to burn the house and collect the insurance money,” said Emma Haddix, Assistant District Attorney. “The other part that played a factor is that when investigators went through the scene they found accelerants, basically gasoline.”
Halliday had been divorced for several years. “He was disabled and unable to take care of it himself and maybe he thought this was the easier option,” said Haddix.
Following the fire, Halliday submitted a claim to his insurance company for approximately $160,000 for replacement of his home and personal property damage, but the insurance company, Allstate, refused to pay.
Halliday remains in jail until his sentencing Nov. 6. He faces between six and 11 years in prison.
Public meeting to discuss reckless driving and possible action on Seward Highway
This past month troopers have responded to four major vehicle collisions in the Girdwood-area. Three of those collisions resulted in death and in all of the incidents people were sent to hospitals to be treated for injuries.
Girdwood Fire Chief, Bill Chadwick, and a task force of concerned citizens have scheduled a public meeting Friday, Aug. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Girdwood Community Center.
The forum will include Department of Transportation officials, who will discuss what action may be taken to curb the spate of deaths due to motor vehicle collisions, especially the stretch of highway from Beluga Point to Portage. Trooper Sgt. Bryan Barlow of the Girdwood Post also plans to attend.
On July 26, Annette Knofel was killed when the vehicle she was a passenger in was struck head on at mile 88 of the Seward Highway.
Two days prior, 11-year-old Anchorage resident Seth Mandel died after the driver of a van fell asleep at the wheel and slammed into the vehicle he was riding in at mile 76 of the Seward Highway.
On July 19, a double head-on collision occurred at mile 74.5 of the Seward Highway when a driver fell asleep at the wheel and went into on-coming traffic.
July 4, 30-year-old Anchorage resident Kimberly VanRoten died after a vehicle crossed the center line in an attempt to pass other vehicles at mile 86.5 of the Seward Highway.
Two other fatal collisions have occurred this month in other areas of the state. Troopers implore motorists to always use safe driving behaviors while on Alaska roadways.
Additionally, troopers strongly suggest that motorist have their headlights on at all times. State law already requires motorists on the Seward highway to have headlights.
Headlights make it easier for other motorists to see you, even during daylight hours.
Troopers advise drivers to always use safe driving behaviors and wear seatbelts. If a driver is observed practicing unsafe driving behaviors, motorists are asked to call local law enforcement or the Alaska State Troopers to report the incident.
For more information regarding fatality statistics on Alaska’s roadways, visit the Alaska Highway Safety Offices website at http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/hwysafety/stats.shtml.
Lion’s Club Humpyfest this month
Rain or shine, on Saturday, Aug. 15 the Girdwood Turnagain Arm Lions Club will host its Annual Humpy (Pink Salmon) Fest, Second Chance Raffle and Rubber Ducky Races in Girdwood. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. come and enjoy the food, fishing, and fun. Along with the other activities, the “Flying Fish Raffle” split the pot will be held at the Girdwood ball field. Proceeds from the Humpy Fest help fund the Club’s community projects. The Humpy Fest is a family fun event and is presided over by the Humpy Queen. In the fish context, prizes are awarded for biggest fish (by weight), smallest fish, and ugliest fish with the judging at 5 p.m. Rubber Ducky Races will be held on California Creek during the day’s activities. We will have food for sale during the day.
Prizes are awarded thanks to the generous support of many area businesses. This is a great community event and we welcome any volunteer help on the day of the event. This is a perfect opportunity to see what it’s like to be a Lion! Please call Lion Kathy Trautner at 783-2717 or 360-9173 for further information. |
