Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Find New Temporary Home; New Facility to be Built

The Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council has found a temporary home while work to replace their fire-damaged building is completed.

Teutopolis Banquet Hall attorney Chris Koester said preparations for the reconstruction of the hall, damaged by fire March 23, and the selection of the temporary home can begin after a delay due to a dispute concerning insurance coverage.

Koester said, "The insurance dispute and questions concerning coverage which prevented the Board of Directors from proceeding with construction activities have been resolved to our satisfaction."

In addition to proceeding with the planning and construction of a new building, the Board has found a suitable temporary location at 113 East Main Street, located near Habing's Furniture in downtown Teutopolis to conduct business activities in the short term. Meeting and beverage services will resume at the temporary location while the new building is under construction. Koester said it's anticipated the temporary location will be open for business in 90 days.

Koester said cause and origin experts from EFI Global determined that the fire was caused by spontaneous heating combustion of kitchen rags containing cooking oils in the kitchen area. The investigation revealed an absence of any electrical or mechanical means of ignition at the defined area of fire origin.