MOUNT VERNON — A failed inspection by three government agencies continues to keep the Curtis Inn closed.
The Mount Vernon Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Knox County Health Department inspected the hotel on Thursday morning and found over 100 fire code violations. According to Fire Chief Chris Menapace, some of the violations remained from an inspection in October, others were new and some appear to be a result of trying to fix violations found in 2012.
Examples of violations include locked deadbolts prohibiting a safe exit; an extraordinary amount of combustibles stored in areas not suitable for such materials; incorrectly wired electrical equipment; and fire extinguishers missing, discharged or out of date.
Menapace said he had not talked with the owner, Sucha Singh, Thursday afternoon but did speak with Jerry Baker, the mortgage holder of the property, who was present during the 3 1/2 hour inspection.
A message was left with Baker’s attorney seeking comment.
The hotel was closed on Feb. 7, as city officials learned the hotel was operating without a license. Subsequently, manager James Rhinebolt was arrested for operating a hotel without a license. He has been released from the Knox County Jail and is awaiting a pre-trial hearing on Feb. 20 and a trial date on March 6.
Law enforcement has been on the scene of the Curtis several times in the last week. The most recently during a Wednesday night security check by the Mount Vernon Police Department. According to the report, the officer was conducting a check just before 1 a.m. He noticed a room door was open a couple of inches and found the door frame was damaged. The officer noticed what appeared to be a person in the bed. Hubbard told the officer he was unaware the hotel was closed and said he did not break into the room.
James Hubbard, 35, Fredericktown, was arrested for criminal trespass, criminal damaging or endangering and resisting arrest.
A second room was reported broken into twice in the last week and one room was found to have a full wardrobe, a briefcase and food.
Related
-
Curtis Inn’s hotel license issued in error March 5, 2013
Curtis Inn a home for out-of-town man February 15, 2013
Curtis fails inspection; trespasser arrested February 15, 2013
Curtis fails inspection, remains closed February 14, 2013
Thefts reported at Curtis Inn February 14, 2013
Curtis license renewed; no opening set February 12, 2013
Drug paraphernalia found in room at Curtis February 9, 2013
Curtis Inn shut down; manager arrested February 7, 2013
MOUNT VERNON — The Curtis Inn was shut down indefinitely this morning and manager James Rhinebolt was arrested on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of operating a hotel without a license.
Curtis Inn making progress; some rooms open December 4, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The restaurant, laundry and 10 rooms at the Curtis Inn have received the OK to reopen, the new general manager of the hotel announced Monday morning.
Curtis Inn making required progress November 27, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The laundry room at the Curtis Inn has been cleared to reopen, Mount Vernon Fire Chief Chris Menapace reported.
No court date set for Curtis Inn owners November 12, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — When the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspected the Curtis Inn, they compiled a list of 84 violations and ordered most of the facility closed down.
Properties declared public nuisances October 25, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The declaration of two properties to be public nuisances was approved when the Knox County Board of Health met Wednesday evening at the Knox County Health Department.
Curtis building evacuated October 25, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — Within about 24 hours of first being told the building they were living in was being closed because of fire code violations, families packed up their possessions and vacated their rooms in the eastern building of the Curtis Inn.
Failed inspection closes part of Curtis Inn October 24, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — Residents of the east portion of the Curtis Inn have been ordered to evacuate the facility by noon today because of sanitation and public health issues.
Eastern section of downtown hotel closed by fire officials October 23, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The eastern section of the Curtis Inn is being shut down by the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Henry’s at Curtis temporarily closed August 18, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The doors were closed Friday morning at Henry’s at The Curtis Inn, a move made by Walter D’Sovza, manager of The Curtis Inn.
Henry’s renovating kitchen, bar facilities November 17, 2009
MOUNT VERNON — Henry’s at The Curtis Inn has closed in order to make renovations in its kitchen and bar facilities.
Henry’s closing upheld by health departmentf August 21, 2008
MOUNT VERNON — Health and sanitary violations discovered in an inspection Friday at Henry’s at The Curtis Inn have ordered for the restaurant to remain closed.
Singh pleads guilty to misdemeanor April 4, 2008
MOUNT VERNON — The owner of The Curtis Inn on the Square, originally charged with solicitation, pleaded guilty on March 11 to a reduced charge of persistent disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Contact Samantha Scoles
EmailCopyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
