Montz: Plan is to rebuild on same site

Charlie Montz stands on his empty home lot where his 1955 homestead once stood and he and his wife had called home since 1989.
A fire consumed their home at 1301 W. Park. It was a total loss. The fire awoke Montz on the early morning of Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 leaving him and his wife Charlene homeless.
The cause of the fire is still an on-going investigation, according to the State Fire Marshal. Montz added, “He did inform me that it (fire) had nothing to do on our part.”
Immediately news traveled of their loss of the home. An overwhelming response from the community, friends and family “stepped up to the plate” to assist and help the couple.
Montz added, “A friend, and Realtor, Dave Ruppert, had a rent house immediately for us. We moved in.”
The couple also discovered later on FaceBook that a crowdfunding account had been set up for them (Gofundme).
Montz added, “Dr. Zeb Stearns set this account up. And we thank you --all who did donate to raise funds. This was a tremendous help for us.”
Montz estimated that he and his wife will continue to rent for another 6-8 months with plans to rebuild at their Park Avenue home lot.
“We have recently talked to a local contractor with plans to rebuild. We are in the early planning stages.”
According to Montz there are still preparations to be done at the large lot. “They are breaking and pulling up the house slab, and then hauling dirt.”
Montz plans to build his new home at a smaller scale size.
He said, “We had a 3,200 square foot home. My wife and I desire now to have 1,800 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.”
The couple hopes to move into their new home by October.