House fire in Richards

Sunday night around 10 p.m. neighbors began reporting a house fire in Richards. The home was located directly behind the Richards post office. Richards residents became concerned as they watched the fire burning out of control with 20-foot flames. That’s not a good feeling when the wind is blowing. All eyes were on the fire. Several fire departments responded including Richards, Shiro, and possibly others. We are so thankful for all of you that played a part in bringing this situation safely under control.

The yellow house had been formerly occupied by the Riccadilli family. This is the second time for this house to catch fire. It appeared to have been vacant since before the last fire broke out.

Many Richards residents conversed about the fire on social media. Greg Riley reported that there was a house on fire fully engulfed across from his home on Magnolia Street. Joy Montgomery reported seeing high flames from her house over a block away. An employee from Haynie’s Country Store also had her eyes on the fire. Ronnie Riley said the fire departments did great.

All residents slept much better that night knowing the fire was under control and no one was injured. Thanks again to all the volunteer firefighters for all that you do.

I would like to encourage everyone to go out and vote! If you have not registered there is still time to register for the 2020 upcoming election in November!

My apologies to all my readers as I have been sick and then I received some very sad news. I didn’t get to report in my column last week.

We received a call about my brother-in-law Richard Cordes who was the Menard County Judge. Richard is a Veterinarian and he and his wife Janis own the Menard had been sick with the flu or Veterinarian Clinic. Richard cold not sure and did not go to the doctor.

He had just returned from the San Antonia Livestock Show with his granddaughter who had won third place with her goat. He was a very involved grandfather who attended stock shows with his grandchildren. His wife, Lee’s sister Janice, was also sick. She had the flu or cold also. She said he complained he was not feeling well and for the last couple days since he returned from San Antonio, she tried to get him to go to the doctor. He insisted he’d be alright. Janice said that night she took NyQuil and went to sleep while he said he was going to stay up and watch the news. He planned on going to the auction barn the next morning.

She woke the next morning and found him fully dressed sitting in front of the television. She thinks his death was flu related. With all the flu going around please everyone if you are sick take care of yourself and if you do not get better please see your doctor. Richard just celebrated his 68th birthday two weeks ago. The people at the courthouse gave him a surprise party. Richard has been the Menard County Judge for several years and prior to that County commissioner. He was loved by many. A memorial service was held in his honor at The First Baptist Church of Menard Saturday, and the church had standing room only. He was loved by so many especially his children and grandchildren. Lee was really close to Richard and once told me he was the smartest man he ever knew. He has always been my favorite brother-in-law. He will be missed. Please pray for my sister-in-law Janis and family as they go through this difficult time. Thank you!

Life is short so please handle it with prayer!

Send news to bjigo78@ yahoo.com or call 979-324-7803.