FIRE DESTROYS FROHNA STORE

FROHNA -- Fire of undetermined origin has destroyed the West End Tavern in Frohna.

Don Boettcher, chief of the Frohna Volunteer Fire Department, said the familiar landmark and all contents are a total loss.

In addition to the tavern, Boettcher said the one-story, wooden-frame building housed a small restaurant, grocery store and barber shop. Only an adjoining meat-cutting room and cooler room were saved, he said.

No one was injured in the blaze, which occurred Tuesday about 5:15 p.m., he said.

"As far as we can determine, the fire started somewhere in the kitchen area," said Boettcher. "An employee saw a lot of smoke and tried to call the fire department, but the smoke became so bad the call could not be completed."

The chief said the fire spread rapidly because of the age and condition of the wooden building and flammable materials inside.

He said: "We arrived about three minutes after getting the call. The building was fully involved in smoke. About 15 minutes later, the fire went through the roof."

Boettcher estimated the building was at least 70 to 80 years old. He said the business was owned and operated by the Gary Scholl family of Frohna.

Firefighters and equipment from the Perryville Fire Department also responded.