Sorry, no photos are available.
Skatin’ Jakes 4300 N Access Rd, Chattanooga, TN
****Disclaimer: This is a piece where there are serious opinions made by the fire insurance company, Rick Igou on the arson case. Mark Falso/Dead-Rinks have expressed opinions and there are facts from the publications therefore, opinions are of Mark Falso's/Dead-Rinks' therefore you can express your own opinions if you like. To each own.
Skatin’ Jakes, yes, Skatin' Jakes was the name of a rink at 4300 North Access Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee. That was a very unusual name for a rink and very creative. I like how the operator named this rink Skatin' Jakes. Sounded very 1970ish name that you perhaps will never hear that again. Like Sk8 is to 2000s to 2020s.
Unfortunately Skatin' Jakes closed for good on April 19, 2000 due to a fire. Now that story had some conflicting parts because they said it was the owner, a former TV host personality Rick Igou set the fire intentionally and charged him with arson. They said he set the fire twice by using flammable liquid. The evidence they said was a rubbing alcohol bottle found at the scene. Did he? Let's debate here and learn more about it.
In August 2000, Rick Igou was under arrest and booked for the charges of Arson. A year later, in March 2001, Rick sued his insurance company and in court, July 26, 2001, the fire insurance company said it was fire set. And the court found Rick innocent in arson charges.
Hmm, Rubber alcohol is common in about every one's home and business for injuries people may confront. People fall down and get bruises often at the rink. Is that a tool to start a fire intentionally? I think not. It may have been stored improperly. Two bottles. Must be one bottle for each medical kit near by. Rinks are usually big and locations of first aid are usually more than one per rink. It makes sense as I think it is. My opinion. Let Rick go. That is my opinion if I was the jury. I would have to say if I was called to, I would say Jury nullification according to the 6th Amendment.
There are some linkable article left from Do it in Americas. First link was broken. No article found.
This is the July 26, 2001 article I took some segments in Italic from the Chattanoogan -
Chuck Knife, top arson investigator for the Travelers Indemnity Company, on Friday said there was evidence of two different fires being set inside the skating rink.
He said it appeared a flammable liquid had been poured out and then ignited. He said an almost-empty bottle of rubbing alcohol was found at the scene.
Now, that makes a difference. Poured? Was it intentionally or was it because they used the alcohol often for injured skaters or someone there who had cuts. Many times injuries. They get spilled on the floor! I am challenging (I took Criminal Justice and all issues must be addressed to challenge.
Same article, same newspaper --
Igou, 51, told the jury he is "not guilty" of both charges - arson and filing a fraudulent insurance claim.
Igou has filed suit against the insurance company in Circuit Court. He sued Travelers Indemnity Company of Illinois, saying they had not paid off on his claim on the fire that destroyed his rink on North Access Road near the Dupont Parkway.
The plaintiff said in the Circuit Court complaint that damages in the fire exceeded $1.2 million. He filed a claim of $600,000 on the structure and $86,768 on the contents, but the firm has refused to pay.
Ok, ok, the value was higher, that is understandable for everything from the building itself and the contents --such as skate rentals, lights, mirror balls, tables, benches, lockers, cooking appliances, and more. And the values for both are quite different than what it was really is. Was the insurance company jacking up prices? This is the year 2000, the prices are much lower back then than today for a rink. 1.2 Million Dollars sound reasonable in 2020. In 2021, the adjusted price would be more than 1.8 Million USD. 52 percent increase adjusted. It is about right.
Same paper and date --
The fire severely damaged Skatin’ Jakes at 4300 North Access Road. Capt. Randy Jacks earlier said the physical evidence obtained on the scene suggested that arson was involved. “There were multiple points of origin with no logical source of ignition.”
OK the fire department had their own investigation separately from the insurance company. A third party would be best source to separate the two-- the insurance company and the client.
Ok, so someone might have done it but please read it again. it says, "There were multiple points of origin..." Ah, multiple.. means a few or the many spots! Ok, that brings back my theory that it might have been where those skaters injured. I can proof that when I had a mini in-doctor outpatient surgery to remove my skin tag but when I was told to get up and can move around as it was done but I bled out in the doctor's office. Spots here or there. Think that way with the alcohol. Drips, spills, knocked over. And even used to wash out blood off the carpet.. You have to think about that. let Rick go.
That is why I have to say, "Jury Nullification." If your lawyer refuse to tell you about that, you must know that and that can change the face of your trial and has to let you go. Cite the 6th Amendment.
Again, same paper and date-
Prosecutor Dean Ferraro told the jury it was a situation of "desperate people do desperate things." He said Igou was in financial trouble because the rink was losing money and he owed his ex-wife and others. Igou filed bankruptcy in 1993.
Ok, that is what the prosecutor said in the papers? We will see. 1993 is a long time ago before year 2000 fire. Why wait 7 years? Bankruptcy usually last 7 years on your credit system. That was at the end of 7 years. This is why the Jury found him not guilty. Clearly.
The prosecutor said [Rick] Igou was one of only four people with access to the rink, and he was seen there shortly before the fire broke out about 9 a.m. on April 19, 2000. He said there was no sign of forced entry and that it was ruled that the blaze was not accidentally caused.
Rick Igou was one of four people who has the keys. So? What about three others? Look, I used to work for a rink and I had the keys. Only two to three of us were in the building at same time. That happened rarely and I had the key and the code to enter/exit the building.
I handled chemicals there for cleaning such as carpet, washed the floor, you name it. This case does not make any sense and this is why he was found innocent. Was there a set up? I mean someone wanted to set up Rick? He was a local known personality and politician as well. Look into that, folks! But I believe the alcohol was used for injuries and clean off the blood of the floor/carpet. Did any of you asked him about that at the police station, and court?
He said Igou was "inconsistent" in two statements to the insurance company and one to police.
Hey, he was nervous. Everyone usually say that.
The prosecutor said Igou called his insurance agent three days before the blaze to make sure he was still covered. He said he a fire restoration expert shortly after the fire that "it's better than hitting the lottery."
Hey, everyone usually wants to make sure they are covered. I know the timing was not right. And the wording Rick should have not said that. Many times we would say something like that with money or if not like someone, we would say, "Well, I am gonna kill him! He is nuts! (or She is nuts!)" and you do not mean that. That is exactly what happened. I usually let it go.
Same papers, same date-
Attorney John Cavett said Igou owned debt-free the rink as well as his house, land and vehicles valued at over $200,000.
He said he had spent almost $90,000 fixing up Skatin' Jakes.
The attorney said someone planning to burn the business would not have tried it in broad daylight by a busy highway.
He said most of the state's case was worked up by the insurance company's expert, who came here two days after the fire.
If that is true what the lawyer said that Rick Igou has debt-free, then why start the fire for? You do not need to worry about that. Rick put in money to fix it up. A very good point that most fires occurred at night, I see some articles about rinks burned down in a fire that are usually AT NIGHT. Usually arsons. And fightings and a couple of murders of rink owners. All are at night. Would he want to start a fire in daytime. I don't blame that the jury would say, "Ah, good point and no way he would start a fire.
This brought up a good question, does anyone who has access to the rink smoke? Should not be smoking indoors but I am sure somebody in there did smoke and a piece of hot burning tobacco must have fell on where spilled alcohol would be. Not intentional I am talking about. I am talking about just not thinking and walking with it and it falls. Hey, I know people who did smoke and some of it falls on floor or on their clothes or on seat of cars. (Someone did burn my car seat because of that! Grr). It was all an accident.
The state were focusing too much on the insurance company's finding, I noticed nothing about the fire department's finding! All pointed to the insurance company for sure.
He said Igou had an earlier insurance policy, but he let it lapse. He said the current policy was for a smaller amount than the first one.
Ah, you see? Usually arsonists and murderers would go after very high insurance payments if they can cleverly start a fire secretly or murder someone, respectively. Not Rick. Because he would take that as a loss with much smaller insurance. He clearly did not have much more money for a nice package deal on insurance. he lapsed the first one due to bankruptcy. It did not say that in the papers. Remember what the treatment the Media did with Trump? COVID? Kennedy Assassination? Etc? If smaller amount, no way would want to destroy the rink. No way.
He was so upset at the fire scene that emergency personnel had him go to the hospital to be checked.
Sure some people can fake it. You seen in the movies. But sometimes for real. Think about that.
Here is what Rick wrote to the Editor of the Chattanoogan newspaper-- (all included)
Rick Igou Comments On Arson Trial
Sunday, August 5, 2001
I want to express my disappointment with TV and newspaper coverage of the trial in which I was acquitted of arson charges.
It was repeated over and over in the media that I was "in debt," when in fact my debt was less than $20,000 and my business and home were unmortgaged.
Plus, No media in Chattanooga ever mentioned that a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent testified that no accelerants including petroleum products or alcohol where found in any samples taken from the fire scene.
I want to praise the jury, who labored over six hours over hundreds of exhibits, and my attorneys, John
Cavett and Barry Abbott.
Rick Igou
BINGO. See how the media wanted to paint innocent and good people as bad? Now media, you need to shape up or lose your license to be reporters! Unfairness and bias will not be tolerated. How could you do that to Rick the same way to President Donald Trump? Why exclude the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent's testimony for? Have you forgotten "Innocent till proven guilty?" Would you like me to run as the President of the United States and clean up all media? Don't start by saying the First Amendment. That was not the First Amendment when you wanted to crucify Rick the same way you did recently with President Trump! You are all fired, Media!
Why? I read all this thoroughly FIRST before I started saying the word, Disclaimer and this profile. Its called RESEARCH correct.
Besides Skatin' Jakes rink Rick Igou owned, who is 51 (in year 2001), at one time had a TV show on Channel 61. He has a website, Nooga.com. He ran for the City Council in 1983 in a public works race won by Paul Clark. The website is still operational today with over 40,000 subscribers.
The Interior.
N/A.
The Exterior.
N/A.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: N/A. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: April 19, 2000 - fire (Fire department and insurance co. says arson).
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable.
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- N/A to April 19, 2000
Reason for Closure: Fire destroyed the rink completely.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Do it in the Americas; The Chattanoogan - July 26, 2001 fire insurance says fire set;
The Chattanoogan - Rick Igou filed suit against the fire insurance company;
The Chattanoogan - Rick Igou wrote to the editor about how media said things;
Date of issue: 08 April 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.
Skatin’ Jakes, yes, Skatin' Jakes was the name of a rink at 4300 North Access Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee. That was a very unusual name for a rink and very creative. I like how the operator named this rink Skatin' Jakes. Sounded very 1970ish name that you perhaps will never hear that again. Like Sk8 is to 2000s to 2020s.
Unfortunately Skatin' Jakes closed for good on April 19, 2000 due to a fire. Now that story had some conflicting parts because they said it was the owner, a former TV host personality Rick Igou set the fire intentionally and charged him with arson. They said he set the fire twice by using flammable liquid. The evidence they said was a rubbing alcohol bottle found at the scene. Did he? Let's debate here and learn more about it.
In August 2000, Rick Igou was under arrest and booked for the charges of Arson. A year later, in March 2001, Rick sued his insurance company and in court, July 26, 2001, the fire insurance company said it was fire set. And the court found Rick innocent in arson charges.
Hmm, Rubber alcohol is common in about every one's home and business for injuries people may confront. People fall down and get bruises often at the rink. Is that a tool to start a fire intentionally? I think not. It may have been stored improperly. Two bottles. Must be one bottle for each medical kit near by. Rinks are usually big and locations of first aid are usually more than one per rink. It makes sense as I think it is. My opinion. Let Rick go. That is my opinion if I was the jury. I would have to say if I was called to, I would say Jury nullification according to the 6th Amendment.
There are some linkable article left from Do it in Americas. First link was broken. No article found.
This is the July 26, 2001 article I took some segments in Italic from the Chattanoogan -
Chuck Knife, top arson investigator for the Travelers Indemnity Company, on Friday said there was evidence of two different fires being set inside the skating rink.
He said it appeared a flammable liquid had been poured out and then ignited. He said an almost-empty bottle of rubbing alcohol was found at the scene.
Now, that makes a difference. Poured? Was it intentionally or was it because they used the alcohol often for injured skaters or someone there who had cuts. Many times injuries. They get spilled on the floor! I am challenging (I took Criminal Justice and all issues must be addressed to challenge.
Same article, same newspaper --
Igou, 51, told the jury he is "not guilty" of both charges - arson and filing a fraudulent insurance claim.
Igou has filed suit against the insurance company in Circuit Court. He sued Travelers Indemnity Company of Illinois, saying they had not paid off on his claim on the fire that destroyed his rink on North Access Road near the Dupont Parkway.
The plaintiff said in the Circuit Court complaint that damages in the fire exceeded $1.2 million. He filed a claim of $600,000 on the structure and $86,768 on the contents, but the firm has refused to pay.
Ok, ok, the value was higher, that is understandable for everything from the building itself and the contents --such as skate rentals, lights, mirror balls, tables, benches, lockers, cooking appliances, and more. And the values for both are quite different than what it was really is. Was the insurance company jacking up prices? This is the year 2000, the prices are much lower back then than today for a rink. 1.2 Million Dollars sound reasonable in 2020. In 2021, the adjusted price would be more than 1.8 Million USD. 52 percent increase adjusted. It is about right.
Same paper and date --
The fire severely damaged Skatin’ Jakes at 4300 North Access Road. Capt. Randy Jacks earlier said the physical evidence obtained on the scene suggested that arson was involved. “There were multiple points of origin with no logical source of ignition.”
OK the fire department had their own investigation separately from the insurance company. A third party would be best source to separate the two-- the insurance company and the client.
Ok, so someone might have done it but please read it again. it says, "There were multiple points of origin..." Ah, multiple.. means a few or the many spots! Ok, that brings back my theory that it might have been where those skaters injured. I can proof that when I had a mini in-doctor outpatient surgery to remove my skin tag but when I was told to get up and can move around as it was done but I bled out in the doctor's office. Spots here or there. Think that way with the alcohol. Drips, spills, knocked over. And even used to wash out blood off the carpet.. You have to think about that. let Rick go.
That is why I have to say, "Jury Nullification." If your lawyer refuse to tell you about that, you must know that and that can change the face of your trial and has to let you go. Cite the 6th Amendment.
Again, same paper and date-
Prosecutor Dean Ferraro told the jury it was a situation of "desperate people do desperate things." He said Igou was in financial trouble because the rink was losing money and he owed his ex-wife and others. Igou filed bankruptcy in 1993.
Ok, that is what the prosecutor said in the papers? We will see. 1993 is a long time ago before year 2000 fire. Why wait 7 years? Bankruptcy usually last 7 years on your credit system. That was at the end of 7 years. This is why the Jury found him not guilty. Clearly.
The prosecutor said [Rick] Igou was one of only four people with access to the rink, and he was seen there shortly before the fire broke out about 9 a.m. on April 19, 2000. He said there was no sign of forced entry and that it was ruled that the blaze was not accidentally caused.
Rick Igou was one of four people who has the keys. So? What about three others? Look, I used to work for a rink and I had the keys. Only two to three of us were in the building at same time. That happened rarely and I had the key and the code to enter/exit the building.
I handled chemicals there for cleaning such as carpet, washed the floor, you name it. This case does not make any sense and this is why he was found innocent. Was there a set up? I mean someone wanted to set up Rick? He was a local known personality and politician as well. Look into that, folks! But I believe the alcohol was used for injuries and clean off the blood of the floor/carpet. Did any of you asked him about that at the police station, and court?
He said Igou was "inconsistent" in two statements to the insurance company and one to police.
Hey, he was nervous. Everyone usually say that.
The prosecutor said Igou called his insurance agent three days before the blaze to make sure he was still covered. He said he a fire restoration expert shortly after the fire that "it's better than hitting the lottery."
Hey, everyone usually wants to make sure they are covered. I know the timing was not right. And the wording Rick should have not said that. Many times we would say something like that with money or if not like someone, we would say, "Well, I am gonna kill him! He is nuts! (or She is nuts!)" and you do not mean that. That is exactly what happened. I usually let it go.
Same papers, same date-
Attorney John Cavett said Igou owned debt-free the rink as well as his house, land and vehicles valued at over $200,000.
He said he had spent almost $90,000 fixing up Skatin' Jakes.
The attorney said someone planning to burn the business would not have tried it in broad daylight by a busy highway.
He said most of the state's case was worked up by the insurance company's expert, who came here two days after the fire.
If that is true what the lawyer said that Rick Igou has debt-free, then why start the fire for? You do not need to worry about that. Rick put in money to fix it up. A very good point that most fires occurred at night, I see some articles about rinks burned down in a fire that are usually AT NIGHT. Usually arsons. And fightings and a couple of murders of rink owners. All are at night. Would he want to start a fire in daytime. I don't blame that the jury would say, "Ah, good point and no way he would start a fire.
This brought up a good question, does anyone who has access to the rink smoke? Should not be smoking indoors but I am sure somebody in there did smoke and a piece of hot burning tobacco must have fell on where spilled alcohol would be. Not intentional I am talking about. I am talking about just not thinking and walking with it and it falls. Hey, I know people who did smoke and some of it falls on floor or on their clothes or on seat of cars. (Someone did burn my car seat because of that! Grr). It was all an accident.
The state were focusing too much on the insurance company's finding, I noticed nothing about the fire department's finding! All pointed to the insurance company for sure.
He said Igou had an earlier insurance policy, but he let it lapse. He said the current policy was for a smaller amount than the first one.
Ah, you see? Usually arsonists and murderers would go after very high insurance payments if they can cleverly start a fire secretly or murder someone, respectively. Not Rick. Because he would take that as a loss with much smaller insurance. He clearly did not have much more money for a nice package deal on insurance. he lapsed the first one due to bankruptcy. It did not say that in the papers. Remember what the treatment the Media did with Trump? COVID? Kennedy Assassination? Etc? If smaller amount, no way would want to destroy the rink. No way.
He was so upset at the fire scene that emergency personnel had him go to the hospital to be checked.
Sure some people can fake it. You seen in the movies. But sometimes for real. Think about that.
Here is what Rick wrote to the Editor of the Chattanoogan newspaper-- (all included)
Rick Igou Comments On Arson Trial
Sunday, August 5, 2001
I want to express my disappointment with TV and newspaper coverage of the trial in which I was acquitted of arson charges.
It was repeated over and over in the media that I was "in debt," when in fact my debt was less than $20,000 and my business and home were unmortgaged.
Plus, No media in Chattanooga ever mentioned that a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent testified that no accelerants including petroleum products or alcohol where found in any samples taken from the fire scene.
I want to praise the jury, who labored over six hours over hundreds of exhibits, and my attorneys, John
Cavett and Barry Abbott.
Rick Igou
BINGO. See how the media wanted to paint innocent and good people as bad? Now media, you need to shape up or lose your license to be reporters! Unfairness and bias will not be tolerated. How could you do that to Rick the same way to President Donald Trump? Why exclude the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent's testimony for? Have you forgotten "Innocent till proven guilty?" Would you like me to run as the President of the United States and clean up all media? Don't start by saying the First Amendment. That was not the First Amendment when you wanted to crucify Rick the same way you did recently with President Trump! You are all fired, Media!
Why? I read all this thoroughly FIRST before I started saying the word, Disclaimer and this profile. Its called RESEARCH correct.
Besides Skatin' Jakes rink Rick Igou owned, who is 51 (in year 2001), at one time had a TV show on Channel 61. He has a website, Nooga.com. He ran for the City Council in 1983 in a public works race won by Paul Clark. The website is still operational today with over 40,000 subscribers.
The Interior.
N/A.
The Exterior.
N/A.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: N/A. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: April 19, 2000 - fire (Fire department and insurance co. says arson).
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable.
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- N/A to April 19, 2000
Reason for Closure: Fire destroyed the rink completely.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Do it in the Americas; The Chattanoogan - July 26, 2001 fire insurance says fire set;
The Chattanoogan - Rick Igou filed suit against the fire insurance company;
The Chattanoogan - Rick Igou wrote to the editor about how media said things;
Date of issue: 08 April 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.