The fire and the damage were not in question, but attorneys argued Thursday morning over whether it was a case of felony arson or just a bad idea that got out of hand, with up to 40 years in prison being the difference. Kimberly Schmudlach, 48, of Poynette, appeared before Judge Todd Hepler for a preliminary hearing, charged with felony arson and misdemeanor neglect of a child. In the hearing to determine whether there was probable cause for the case to proceed, Assistant District Attorney Crystal Long called Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Detective Roger Brandner to testify. Through questioning, Brandner explained how on June 20 he had been monitoring a fire in Fountain Prairie, responding after the shed fire grew out of control and then had suspicious aspects to the case.