A business that has been a part of Grafton for decades went up on flames early Wednesday morning, Nov. 20. Before the sun came up -- flames and flashing lights lit up downtown Grafton. This, as smoke poured out of Heinz & Sons Auto Shop -- located near Beech Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
"I felt nauseous. It felt like it wasn't real," said Richard Rieck, Heinz & Sons owner.
Crews were called to the scene shortly before 5 a.m. after a passerby saw heavy smoke coming from the structure. Upon arrival, fire officials encountered flames coming from each end of the building.
Owner Richard Rieck says he ran down to watch as soon as he got the call. The business has been a part of his family for generations. "It's been in our family for 56 years. My brother and I have owned it for 32," said Rieck.