Fire Destroys House Near St. Elmo

The home of Jeff and Katie Shelton near St. Elmo was destroyed by fire overnight.

St. Elmo Fire Chief Doug Engeljohn said the dogs woke Jeff Shelton who reported the fire at 2:20am. He and Katie and their three children escaped the house unharmed, but the house was a total loss.

Engeljohn said the fire started back in the laundry room of the single-story structure, located about four miles north of St. Elmo. Firefighters from Brownstown, Altamont, Tri-County Fire Protection District and Shumway assisted St. Elmo firefighters at the scene. The home was a total loss and all of the home's contents were destroyed. No one was injured.

Engeljohn said they went back into service at 7:15am.

Some fellow 4-H leaders of the Sheltons are collecting clothing for the family.

Here are the sizes:

Jeff is size 32X34 jeans, 32 shorts and large shirts

Braiden is size 32X34 pants, 32 shorts and large shirts

Kendrick is size 16 boys pants and shorts, and size adult small shirts

Gabbie is size 14/16 in pants, shorts and shirts

As for Katie, she will be able to get clothing at this time for her at her boutique.

You may drop off any of your donations to JoAnn Ring, Mandi Donaldson or drop them by the University of Illinois Extension Effingham County office weekdays between 8am and 4:30pm. You can also take items by this Saturday morning between 9am and noon when leaders are there for the 4-H Felting Workshop.