Melville -
A 63-year-old man is in custody facing arson charges in connection with a fire that destroyed the historic King George Hotel in Melville on February 17, 2010.
Ronald St. Amand turned himself in to police on March 9 and has since been charged with two counts of arson.
He was reportedly a resident of the hotel at the time of the fire.
St. Amand appeared in Yorkton court the day following his arrest, and will remain in custody until a Yorkton court sitting on May 13th.
St. Amand faces two counts of arson:
Damage to property and disregard for human life.
The hotel was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, and there were no guests staying at the hotel.
Minor injuries were reported, but everyone escaped the building without being seriously hurt.
The destruction of the King George Hotel, which was over a century old, was quite a blow to the community, as it is one of Melville's most recognizable landmarks. It was constructed in 1909 under the name "the Windsor Hotel." Its name changed to the King George when new ownership took over in 1919.
Community members were looking forward to the grand reopening of the establishment, which was known for its live entertainment.
