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Kitchen fire damages home

POINT PLEASANT — A fire which began in a kitchen on Mt. Vernon Ave. got out of control and ended up causing major damage to a residence on Monday evening.

Firefighters from the Point Pleasant Fire Department were called to the Coder residence at 2318 Mt. Vernon Ave. to fight the blaze around 9:30 p.m. Monday, according to Fire Chief Jeremy Bryant.

Bryant said no one was hurt during the fire but the home sustained enough damage to determine it is not livable at this time.

Hearing rescheduled

POINT PLEASANT — A preliminary hearing for a teacher accused of having a physical altercation with a student has been rescheduled for 1 p.m., April 11 in Mason County Magistrate Court.

James E. Jones, II, 52, Point Pleasant, will appear in front of Magistrate Cheryl Miller Ross for the hearing. He’s currently released on bond and represented by Attorney David Moore.

Preliminary hearings determine if there is, or is not, probable cause to send the case on to further proceedings in Mason County Circuit Court. Jones has the right to waive the preliminary hearing and take a chance with a grand jury which would then decide if there is, or is not, probable cause for an indictment.

Jones is charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor battery on a student following an incident which took place on Feb. 13 at Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School. Jones claims his actions were in self-defense.

Jones was suspended without pay from his job as a math teacher at PPJ/SHS and a hearing concerning his employment with the Mason County Board of Education has been tentatively set for April 9.