On Tuesday February 7, agents of the OIJ (Judicial Police) from San Jose were at “Tuanis” furniture manufacturer, which was burnt to the ground last Sunday, looking for evidence to determine if the fire had been intentionally set.

Tourist Police of Guiones and the owner of furniture manufacturer, Gerrit Duivenvoorden alias “Tuanis”, were also there.

“I’m still in shock about it [the fire]”, said “Tuanis” as members of the OIJ began unloading evidence markers and a dog. The dog was used to sniff out the scent left by burnt gas, which could indicate arson.

The OIJ confirmed the dog did smell gasoline, however, they cannot be sure at this time that the gas smelled was used to start the fire, and not just left on the property. The OIJ said they would return to San Jose to examine that and other evidence.

The OIJ also confirmed that they have a copy of the security video from the Nosara gas station from the morning of the blaze. The tapes will be reviewed to see if they could perhaps lead police to a suspect.

The fire, which started around 7am on Sunday, was quickly controlled by Nosara volunteer firefighters, with some help from the firefighters Nicoya.

Although the manufacturer was completely destroyed, quick work by the firefighters saved a house that was also on the property and kept the fire from spreading to nearby trees or buildings.

More Regional News

Mayor of Nicoya Takes a Rest For Health Problems

The mayor of Nicoya, Marco Antonio Jimenez, presented a disability notice on Monday, February 20th, before the Municipal Council because health problems impede him from exercising his labor for 22 days.

ASADA Nosara elects New Board of Directors
Old meter prices and water taps could return

At the Feb. 22 annual meeting of the water board (Asada) for the American Project, a new president was elected and outgoing President Rick Walker revealed some news for returning the ASADA to a sound financial structure.

Fire in the Nosara River Mouth Was Controlled by Firefighters

On Wednesday, February 22, residents of the Nosara river mouth were surprised when they saw a fire coming between the bank of the river and the bushes. The fire was the result of a bonfire left the night before, and it took Nosara’s volunteer fire brigade two hours to extinguish it.

Water Outages in the American Project to Continue through February

Periodic extended water outages may last another ten days throughout the American Project while the Asada, or water system, struggles with sputtering wells, budgetary, maintenance and personnel issues.

Motorcyclist Taken to Hospital after Accident in Barco Quebrado

William Garita Jimenez of Barco Quebrado was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Nicoya on Wednesday morning, February 15th after being hit by a truck.

Fire Destroyed Furniture Manufacturer "Tuanis" in Guiones

On Sunday February 5th, around 7 AM, the furniture manufacturer "Tuanis", located on route 160 in Playa Nosara, went completely up in flames. Nosara volunteer firefighters were the first to reach the fire, using water from the pool at The Village Foods.

New Law Looks to Organize Market in Liquor Licenses
• Municipalities Will Benefit

When it comes to profits from the sale of liquor, both the owner of the bar and the owner of the liquor license that the bar utilizes can take a big slice of the pie. But only 300 colones per year of the liquor license use tax goes to the municipality Why? Because the law that regulates these licenses dates back to 1936.

Better Late Than Never: The Montaña River Will Finally Have a Bridge

After Nosara and Ostional residents endlessly requested that the Government build a bridge over the Montaña River, it has finally become a reality. Since January 9th, machinery has been hard at work with breaking ground and opening the space needed to access the Bailey bridge.

Nicoya, Nosara and Samara Plan Projects for 2012 National Budget

Two motorcycles for the Public Force of Nosara, computers for schools in the district of Samara and new sidewalks for the park in Nicoya are the projects that have been selected for investing funds from the National Budget of Specific Items for 2012.

Danger at Samara Intersection
Bus Stop Locations Create Hazard for Drivers and Pedestrians

If someone isn't paying attention and using the proper caution, an accident could easily occur at the main intersection entering Samara, especially when buses are present, reducing visibility of oncoming traffic.

Municipal Power Struggle Hinders Budget for 2012

The Municipality will likely have to work with an adjusted version of the 2011 budget this year, according to Municipal Code article 98, since the 2012 budget was not approved by the General Controller of the Republic (CGR) due to issues with the proper approval procedure.