Last week, a fire ripped through the repair garage of Bobnick’s Tractor and Snowmobiles Parts. The fire, caused by a common kerosene heater, but fed by a leaky snowmobile gas tank, destroyed the building used to maintain and repair snowmobiles, ATVs, lawn mowers and other types of equipment. When speaking to owner Scott Kessler, we learned he did not have insurance to cover a fire. In addition to the unseasonably warm winter weather and poor Christmas sales, this fire has devastated Kessler’s business. What we find more devastating than the fire is that nothing is being done as a community to support Kessler and his family through this tragedy. No one has come forth with monetary or physical support. There has been no mention of a fundraiser, or of any physical support being drummed up to help him tear down and rebuild not just the garage, but the adjoining storage area that also was damaged extensively in the blaze. In fact, there were more calls made inquiring about the sale of the Dari Creme than there were regarding the fire. Is that what this community is all about, people more interested in the local gossip rather than the welfare of a longtime neighbor? Where are the clubs, the organizations and volunteers that make up this community? What about the school where Bobnick’s three children attended classes? The Chamber of Commerce? The Lions and Lioness clubs? The Rotary? The Vets? The churches? Other local businesses? Kessler said he has lived here since 1979. Doesn’t this count for something? He’s contributed to the tax base and helped this community throughout the seasons, providing equipment and gear to better your lives and bring a lot of fun to what could be a gloomy season of cold weather. In Springfield last year, when Bill Elsey lost his home to a fire, the community rallied together. They came out in droves supporting him and his wife, with fundraisers of all sorts helping to raise money. This is a depressed area, economically. Everyone could use a little help. So when a fire breaks out, the fire department is not the only aid that should respond. Bobnick’s has been in this community for a long while. It’s time to give back to Kessler what he, his family and business have given to the community for more than 20 years. That is, simply, support.
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