FIRE DESTROYS HAROLD’S SERVICE

Last year, Harold’s Service turned 60 years old. But it is facing an uncertain future after a fire on Saturday, May 18 that totaled the building on Slayton’s Broadway Avenue.

According to owner Glen Yotter, the state fire marshal has declared the building a total loss. Not only was it Yotter’s livelihood that went up in flames, his home was also in the building.

“Everything is gone,” he said. “All of the archery memorabilia is gone.”

Glen’s father Harold started Harold’s Service in 1965, and was also a charter member of the Beaver Creek Archery Club, which was founded in 1955. In 2010, Harold sold the business to Glen.

Glen said he is pretty sure he will not rebuild the business, but the building does have to come down. The brick walls are weakened and bowed, and the four I-beams that held up the roof are bent.

“I will still have the lot,” Glen acknowledged, adding that maybe he could put a small house on it.

As of Monday, Glen was staying in a room at the local motel with his dog Indy.

“He got scared and ran,” Glen said of his beloved pet. “The neighbor down the street got him for me.”

Gestures of goodwill and offers of assistance poured in immediately, Glen said.

“It is just unreal how people have been,” he stated. “People are walking up and handing me food, money, clothes.”

Glen’s glasses were lost in the fire, but a generous person already arranged for new glasses at the local eye care clinic. Glen said he has a new pair coming.

An account for donations has been established at Minnwest Bank.

The fire started while Glen was trying to loosen a stuck bolt. He was using an oxyacetylene torch to heat it up and the fire started. Glen said he couldn’t get the hood of the vehicle open to battle the flames.

“The whole place was in flames in seconds,” he said. “I called 911, grabbed my dog and got out.”