Clean-up takes place at fire site ...

The site of the February 10 blaze that destroyed Waukon’s iconic Gus & Tony’s Pizza and Steakhouse on West Main Street had the remnants of the building cleaned up and removed this past week. However, restaurant owner Dave Bell said the clean-up is not an indication of any final decisions that have been made, but said it was simply time to get the project completed as the weather cleared and the contractor was available to accomplish the task.

Bell said the remaining open basement area will now need to be filled to existing ground level with dirt and then seeded down for grass growth to return it to “lot” status, as required by State of Iowa law. Pedestrians and other passers-by are reminded that the area is still off limits for safety reasons and anyone who is discovered in the area or trying to enter the area will be charged with trespass.

While the neighboring buildings that housed the Edward Jones Investments and Waukon Chiropractic Center businesses remain standing, their futures also continue to yet be determined as respective involved agencies and owners continue to assess their status. Photos by Joe Moses.