Benefit planned
A benefit for the Kleemans coincides with Thursday's hoops game at New Glarus High School. Bring groceries, personal items or cash donations, starting at 6 p.m.
NEW GLARUS - A fire Sunday destroyed a historic building in downtown New Glarus. But the tragedy has helped bring a close-knit community even closer together, as they rally around a local family who lost everything in the blaze.
Kleeman's Bar and Grill, located at 116 5th Avenue, was completely destroyed following a fire reported at about midnight Saturday.
Seven fire departments responded to the scene, and battled the blaze for nearly 12 hours. The building was razed by crews Sunday afternoon because the structure was no longer safe.
The owners of the business, Greg and Erin Kleeman, had owned the bar for four or five years, said Susie Weiss, New Glarus Chamber of Commerce director.
Within a few hours after the fire was extinguished, Kleeman family friends started collecting household goods, clothing and other items to help the family, which includes three children. Friends of the kids even collected toys.
Business owners in New Glarus also joined together to help the family.
"We've been friends with them for a long time," said Melanie Judd, co-owner of Judd's Autobody. "A lot of people want to help them."
The outpouring of support for the family has been "phenomenal," she added.
"We've collected bedding, clothes, shoes, household items, books, toys, games and puzzles," Judd said.
She said the collections would go on as long as there is a need and community generosity.
"We'll do it until people quit giving," she said.
Along with Judd's Autobody, Tofflers, the Paoli Pub in Paoli, Burreson's Foods in Belleville and the Citgo gas station in Monticello are accepting donations and supplies for the family.
In addition, the Union Bank and Trust in New Glarus is accepting monetary donations.
Dennis and Mary Kaye Dorn, owners of the New Glarus Farm House Bed and Breakfast, have offered the Kleemans a place to stay for the next few months.
"It's something to get some stress off of them," Dennis Dorn said. "People reach out and help other people."
The Kleemans didn't want to be interviewed, but Judd said they know people are willing to help them.
"Everybody just wants to help," Judd said.
According to Weiss, the building has been a downtown business fixture since 1876, when it was a wagon and blacksmith shop.
Kleeman's Bar and Grill, located at 116 5th Avenue, was completely destroyed following a fire reported at about midnight Saturday.
Seven fire departments responded to the scene, and battled the blaze for nearly 12 hours. The building was razed by crews Sunday afternoon because the structure was no longer safe.
The owners of the business, Greg and Erin Kleeman, had owned the bar for four or five years, said Susie Weiss, New Glarus Chamber of Commerce director.
Within a few hours after the fire was extinguished, Kleeman family friends started collecting household goods, clothing and other items to help the family, which includes three children. Friends of the kids even collected toys.
Business owners in New Glarus also joined together to help the family.
"We've been friends with them for a long time," said Melanie Judd, co-owner of Judd's Autobody. "A lot of people want to help them."
The outpouring of support for the family has been "phenomenal," she added.
"We've collected bedding, clothes, shoes, household items, books, toys, games and puzzles," Judd said.
She said the collections would go on as long as there is a need and community generosity.
"We'll do it until people quit giving," she said.
Along with Judd's Autobody, Tofflers, the Paoli Pub in Paoli, Burreson's Foods in Belleville and the Citgo gas station in Monticello are accepting donations and supplies for the family.
In addition, the Union Bank and Trust in New Glarus is accepting monetary donations.
Dennis and Mary Kaye Dorn, owners of the New Glarus Farm House Bed and Breakfast, have offered the Kleemans a place to stay for the next few months.
"It's something to get some stress off of them," Dennis Dorn said. "People reach out and help other people."
The Kleemans didn't want to be interviewed, but Judd said they know people are willing to help them.
"Everybody just wants to help," Judd said.
According to Weiss, the building has been a downtown business fixture since 1876, when it was a wagon and blacksmith shop.