By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Earlier this week, a fire occurred at Leonard Automotive (501 E. Market St. in Panora). No injuries were sustained, but significant property damage occurred. Dawn Shepherd, who works as secretary at the business, provided an update on behalf of owner David Leonard.
“Monday evening, Tuesday morning, the police department knocked on the back door and told David that his building was on fire,” Shepherd said. “He ran to the front of the building, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and realized how bad it was.”
“Panora Fire Department responded, and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department, and Panora Police Department,” Shepherd said. “We lost a substantial amount in the shop.”
Leonard plans to continue working in a temporary location and to rebuild the business.
“We will be rebuilding, hopefully in the same location,” Shepherd said. “We are looking for an empty shop that we could rent for a couple months while the rebuilding takes place. Right now, we’re waiting to hear the cause of the fire.”
Shepherd said the community has been supportive.
“It’s just devastating, but a lot of our customers have been dropping off gift cards or pizza during our clean up. They’ve been really good,” Shepherd said.