Businesses work to recover after Nappanee fire

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

Tools

Graber's Flooring Studio and John's Butcher Shop were damaged in Nappanee fire

Graber’s Flooring Studio in Nappanee was destroyed by fire on January 19, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

NAPPANEE — A fire earlier this month in downtown Nappanee damaged several apartments and businesses. With the help of friends and neighbors, two of the affected businesses are already getting back on their feet.

Arden Graber’s flooring business, Graber’s Flooring Studio, was hit hard by the January 19 fire. He's still waiting to recover what's left inside. Several apartments above it were destroyed. In the meantime, he has set up shop in a building on the same block.

“We still had jobs that were in progress and we've been able to get out and install some of those and we've got more material coming in for new jobs,” he told WSBT News. “We did lose a couple that we'll have to re-order, but we've been able to keep installing some."

He says he's received an outpouring of support from loyal customers, the town, and even area flooring companies to help get his business back up and running.

"Here in this town, it’s been just a tremendous outpouring of calls, cards, and offers to help and people following through on helping,” he said.

John’s Butcher Shop, owned by Russell Miller, received water and smoke damage in the fire. He is now back in business.

He, like Arden Graber, is very thankful for the work of all emergency crews who helped out during the fire.

"The firemen did an excellent job as far as I am concerned. They did a wonderful job and the policemen, the ambulance and everybody that was here,” said Miller. “To build this structure with the coolers and the lockers for the Amish would be very hard to put back together. I am very thankful that this butcher shop was spared and that we're able to stay in business."

Arden Graber says he would like to eventually rebuild his flooring company at his original location if possible.

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