Account set up for fire victims

By Herald staff (Contact) | Austin Daily Herald

Published Friday, January 23, 2009

An account for the John Ryther family has been established at Farmers and Merchants State Bank-Austin branch.

John Ryther, 35, and three of his four children, ages 7, 9 and 12, were at home at the time of the blaze, which was reported at 1:16 p.m. Tuesday. They all escaped injury.

The Austin Fire Department was assisted by Brownsdale firefighters in battling the blaze at 24767 U.S. Highway 218 North in Lansing Township.

The Ryther family also experienced a house fire in October 2008 that caused minimal damage.

Photo by Eric Johnson

Austin firefighters work outside a home along Highway 218 North Tuesday afternoon as smoke and flames eat away at the second floor.

The latest fire caused extensive damage to both floors of the two-story house.

Ryther had no insurance.

Employees of Farmers and Merchants State Bank-Austin branch started the account for the Ryther family Wednesday.

Donations may be delivered or sent to the bank at 607 North Main St. in Austin. Checks should be made out to Farmers and Merchants State Bank in care of John Ryther Family Fund.

For more information, call 437-3253.

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