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Removing the Ruins

MADELIA – Cleanup crews are clearing debris in Madelia from the Feb. 3 fire that claimed several downtown businesses and destroyed a large portion of Main Street.

Demolition equipment started removing material from the fire site on Monday. A chainlink fence was erected along Main Street blocking a section of sidewalk in front of the wreckage while the removal takes place.

The entire cleanup is estimated to take three weeks. The early stages involve removing large pieces of metal that can be recycled.

As Madelia takes the first steps for rebuilding, various fundraising efforts continue to help the businesses destroyed by the fire.

On April 16, the Madelia High School Auditorium will host “Beauty for Ashes Celebration: A Christian response to the Madelia Fire.” On April 23, Anytime Fitness of St. James will hold the “Spin Strong” fundraiser. A bowling fundraiser is set for April 30 at Madelia Lanes.

A potential aid bill is currently in the Minnesota Legislature. House and Senate bills seeks to provide assistance as tax abatements for property and business owners affected by the fire. The bills have been passed out of committee and await further action.

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