Donnie Huinker of rural Ossian stands in the very spot that his Buick LeSabre sat when it sparked a fire Wednesday, Sept. 30, that destroyed his home of over 33 years. Huinker’s buddy, Connor, who belongs to his son that lives less than two miles from the farm, continues to make his daily visit to Donnie’s property, even though his home is no longer standing. (Zakary Kriener photo)
After the ashes finally settle
Zakary Kriener
News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com
Kicker – Huinker rebounding from devastating fire
After the ashes finally settle
By Zakary Kriener
Wednesday, Sept. 30, started just like any day for rural Ossian resident Donnie Huinker. After returning home from a trip to town, he parked his car in his garage and walked into the home as he had done for over 33 years.
“After I got in the house, I heard a small bang,” recalled the 84-year-old lifetime farmer. “About 10 seconds later, I heard a really loud bang, which now I figure to have been one of the tires or the gas tank exploding, so I decided to check in the garage and see what was going on.”
Upon peering into the garage, Huinker was alarmed to find smoke pouring out from under the hood of his Buick LeSabre.