Fundraising efforts underway
By MMC Staff
RHINELANDER – An online fundraiser has been started for the owners and staff at R&T’s Dinky Diner. The restaurant on Thayer St. in Rhinelander was destroyed by fire on Tuesday, March 28.
Krystal Bowman, daughter of owners Rick and Terri, is asking for donations to help with expenses not covered by insurance.
“They do have insurance, but it doesn’t look like they’ll be covering everything,” Bowman stated on www.gofundme.com. “I’m starting this in an attempt to make up for their losses in revenue and to help all the employees who no longer have an income. The DD wasn’t a place, and it wasn’t just a job; everyone who walked through that door was family and part of a special community.”
On Tuesday, March 28, the Rhinelander Fire Department responded to a call around 6 p.m. of heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building.
“Rhinelander Fire Department was able to initiate an aggressive fire attack to stop the extension of the fire into neighboring occupancies,” Chief Brian Tonnancour stated in a release to the press.
The restaurant was closed at the time of the fire and there were no reports of injuries. Tonnancour said the restaurant has been deemed a total loss.
All occupants of the adjacent apartments were evacuated and accounted for. Six residents have been temporarily displaced due to power and gas being turned off. The Salvation Army is assisting them with temporary shelter.
The Rhinelander Fire Department, Pine Lake Fire Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Oneida County EMS, the Rhinelander Police Department and Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.
The Rhinelander Fire Department and State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the fire.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so by searching Dinky Diner Fire Funds at www.gofundme.com.
