Pumping Gas

The Village of Coalton’s entire supply of diesel fuel was recently stolen, and Coalton Mayor Kim Milliken is furious over the theft that occurred late last week.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office report, Coalton Maintenance Superintendent Fred Zupp contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, August 26, at approximately 10:20 p.m. to report that an unknown subject or subjects had trespassed onto village property. The unknown subject or subjects cut the hose on the village’s diesel fuel tank, and took 275 gallons of fuel and the tank hose.

According to Milliken, the tank had just been filled for use by the fire department. She explained that Coalton Fire Chief Chris Brown says that the fire trucks are full of fuel currently, but that fuel won’t last long if the area experiences several fires.

“I am so angry I could spit nails,” said Milliken. “Mr. or Mrs. Rocket Scientist, not only could this affect your family, but you have put my family and all the people in Coalton, Jackson Township and Coal Township in harm’s way.”

Milliken added, “Insurance will take weeks to settle, and then we will have to purchase tanks, have them set and then filled… it’s a sad day when someone is willing to put your life and mine on the line for diesel fuel.”

At this point, the incident is under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Only preliminary information on the theft has been released.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 740-286-6464. Tips can be submitted anonymously.