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Historic Building Damaged by Fire

Posted: 10:55 AM Jul 9, 2012

STERNS, Ky. (AP) -- An eastern Kentucky structure built more than a century ago has been heavily damaged by a fire.

McCreary County Sheriff Gus Skinner told WYMT-TV (http://bit.ly/OPxRXt) that he thinks fireworks or possibly a discarded cigarette caused the weekend blaze at Stearns Coal and Lumber Company, which housed a restaurant and some shops.

Myrtle Coffey, who owns Stearns Restaurant, says she thinks the hot and dry weather contributed to the heavy damage.

Residents told the station that the historic building was the epitome of the area and the restaurant attracted people from across the country.

Coffey says although the building can be replaced, a lot of history has been lost.

Officials are still investigating the blaze.