City of Waterloo Will Clean up Store Fire Debris

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Waterloo officials have agreed to clean up a huge pile of rubble that is all that's left of a clothing store that burned last year.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to remove the mess left after the Tri-City Clothing store burned on Dec. 1.

The clothing store owners leased the building from a man who still owns the property but hasn't cleared the debris. City staffers have cited the man, Gene Waltemeyer, but nothing has happened pending a court hearing.

Some residents expressed doubt that the city would get its money back for the cleanup, but Mayor Buck Clark says the pile of junk is a health hazard and must be removed. He promises the city will pursue cleanup costs.