SPRINGTOWN — The Benton County Fire Marshal's Office is looking into the cause of a Thursday morning fire which destroyed a shop building belonging to Paul Lemke, a former mayor in Springtown.
Highfill Fire Department responded to find a fully-engulfed structure fire at 11771 Bredehoeft Rd., in Springtown, at 1:17 a.m. on Thursday, according to Gene Holland, Highfill's fire chief.
The fire was located in the shop building, located behind the house where Lemke's daughter lived. She was out of town at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported in the blaze which completely destroyed the shop building and its contents.
Lemke said he lost thousands of dollars worth of carpentry tools and building supplies stored in the shop building. He said he had planned to move them to a new home he is finishing on the south side of Springtown. Lemke estimated his losses at close to $20,000 on Friday. He said the building and its contents were not insured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Marc Trollinger, county fire marshal.
Lemke said he suspects arson, citing recent disputes in which he’s been involved over Springtown’s city government.
Lemke said on Friday that he is offering a $1,000 reward for information which leads to an arrest and conviction in regard to the fire. He said anyone with information may call the Benton Country dispatch number for the area at 479-273-5532. He also said those with information may do so anonymously and still be eligible for the reward.