No rushing investigation into mill fire

by Mike Warner

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms appears near the end of its investigation into the May 16 fire that destroyed the Homer Mill, but they haven’t given local authorities any clue about their findings.

ATF agents were back in Homer last week conducting follow-up interviews about the blaze, which occurred shortly before 4 a.m. Mill owner Lance Cuffle said he was sitting on an outside deck at the business when he smelled smoke. He called 911, but the old wooden building burned rapidly, and the best firefighters could do was to ensure the massive fire didn’t spread to adjacent properties.

“I think they are wrapping it up.” said Steve Fisher, Homer police chief, about the ATF investigation. “I’m guessing we might hear something in a month. Right now they haven’t told us anything.”

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Officials to look at LCS rental fees

by Will Forgrave

The Litchfield Community Schools Board of Education approved keeping rental fees the same for now, but will have the Facilities Committee examine the charges after Dave Chapman, maintenance supervisor, told the board he’d like to see the fees raised so the district can cover its costs for utilities and clean-up.

The district rents portions of the school building to the public for various events. The commons area currently costs $5 to rent, the old gym $25 and the kitchen $50..

None of the fees cover the cost for clean-up and utilities, according to Chapman.

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