Constantine may remove home destroyed by fire

Constantine Village Council members on Monday discussed a Jan. 11 fire that destroyed a historical residence at 320 S. Washington St., between the post office and Eley Funeral Home.
Village Manager Mark Honeysett expressed mild surprise that, considering the intense heat from the blaze, there wasn’t more damage to the post office, although the plastic on one of its meters melted and one window cracked.
One person was at home and in the basement, but was able to escape.
Honeysett said the area is not safe and the village may enter a contract with an excavation company to remove remnants of the home. The homeowner, Charlie Cauffman, would be required to repay that expense.
Honeysett said Cauffman speculated the fire started at or near a wood stove.
Village President Gary Mathers commended the community for pulling together to help neighbors and supplying the Cauffmans with necessities following the fire.