(Update 8:56-a.m.)

Firefighters from Menlo, Casey and Stuart were called to the scene of a structure fire early this morning, in Menlo. Menlo Fire Chief Ben Gilman told KJAN News crews were alerted to the fire in the vicinity of 506 Sherman Street, just before midnight (11:54-p.m., Wednesday). He said when they arrived, the narrow, two-story structure was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were on the scene for more than 8-hours.

The building, which houses a commercial cabinet finishing building owned by Roy Sargent, collapsed and was a complete loss. Gilman said Sargent had gotten most of his products out of the structure, but some machines and supplies, including flammables like paint, were lost. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.

Two firefighters, one from Menlo, the other from Stuart, suffered minor injuries when they slipped on the ice. They were treated for their injuries at the hospital, and released. In addition to the three fire departments, Stuart Rescue, deputies from Guthrie and Adair County, and an Iowa State Patrol Trooper assisted at the scene.

From the “Menlo -Our Hometown” Facebook page.

Cooking healthy, family-friendly meals on a budget can be a challenge. From planning to shopping to finding the time to cook and eat as a family, there are always things that seem to get in the way. If you and your family are looking to have some fun while learning skills to make family meal planning and preparation easier- welcome to Food, Family and Fun!

Food, Family and Fun is a five session course, held once a month, where families will come together to have a little fun while learning how to cook and eat good food! Cass County ISU Extension and Boost 4 Families are excited to offer this program in two locations in Cass County beginning mid-February. On Mondays, starting February 15th, the class will meet once a month at the Anita High School through June. A second location, at the Atlantic High School, starts Tuesday February 16th. Both programs will utilize the Family and Consumer Science classrooms at the schools so participants can get hands-on practice in a kitchen environment. Open to any family interested in improving their skills in family meal-planning and preparation, this program is geared towards families with children aged 5-18.

At each monthly session, families will get together with class leaders to prepare healthy meals through hands-on cooking experience. Families will make TWO meals at each session- one to enjoy during the class, and a second meal to take home and freeze or eat later in the week. Families will also participate in activities on communication, teamwork, meal-planning, and health and nutrition.

Due to space restriction in the classrooms, these class sizes will be limited and may fill up quickly- register TODAY! A small fee of $40 per family, to help with food expenses, applies but can be paid in $10 installments at the first four classes. For a family of 5 this costs less than $1 per meal! In addition, families completing at least 4 of the 5 classes will receive a kitchen “supply kit” full of kitchen essentials to put those new skills to use at home. To allow planning for food and materials, registrations are requested by Friday, February 12th.

To register, or for more information on class content, dates, etc.- find a brochure and registration form on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132 or email xcass@iastate.edu.

(Press Release)