Story Published:
Sep 3, 2008 at 12:52 PM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM CST
The Village of Mackinaw is mourning the loss of what's being called a staple in their community.
Today flames ripped through the IGA food store leaving a majority of the building in shambles.
News 25's Syreeta Baker joins us here with the latest on the fire and how this loss has cemented the bonds between residents of the village.
Syreeta.
Mac. Mike.
Mackinaw's fire chief says flames broke out around 11 o'clock this morning. Almost ten hours later fire fighters were still on the scene working to put out the hot spots.
When the IGA store collapsed to the ground the only thing people could do was watch.
"It's not going to look right without coming around the corner and seeing the IGA for a while. And it's heartbreaking," says Patsy Tillery.
"To see it fall in the street and break up like that all we can think about is tomorrow. And think about the great memories we will have and seeing the next place built," says Noah Zehr.
The Zehr family the Owners of the IGA are not the only ones focusing on the future Mackinaw's Mayor Craig Frend says he is reaching out to his village.
Reminding residents they will get through this loss together.
"I just want to let people know that we will recover from this.
I know that we have a lot of shut INS and we have people already preparing stuff to make sure they don't have to worry about getting food or anything," says Craig Friend.
The IGA did more than supply food to this community.
The century-old building was its centerpiece. Still, owners of the IGA are keeping their setback in perspective.
"That's the one thing that matters everyone got out okay as long as they can make sure it doesn't catch on to any other business or any other houses. That's all that matters are that everyone is safe," syas Noah Zehr.
"Anytime there is a little problem or anything it just bonds them. And I'm sure most of these people up here will be looking for the Zehr family and seeing if they can help in anyway," says Patsy Tillery.
Providing help for a store owned by a family. Which residents say did so much for them...and now their preparing to return the favor.
In Mackinaw Syreeta Baker News 25.
Mackinaw's fire chief says the blaze was started by a circuit breaker in the corner of the store's basement. He says firefighters could be on the scene until as late as six o'clock tomorrow morning.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 1:27 PM Former Mackinaw Resident wrote ...
I grew up in Mackinaw and have great memories of walking or sneaking our cars from school at lunch hour to the IGA. The physical and mental hole that this loss is leaving in Mackinaw can be felt all the way to Florida!