Hecker’s Honkey Tonk Destroyed By Fire

The Honkey Tonk in downtown Hecker was completely destroyed today in an early morning fire. At 2:45 a.m., two passersby heard a boom and saw flames shooting out of the second floor of the bar and restaurant.

Hecker firefighters were on the scene within a few minutes, but the two-story structure was completely engulfed in flames. Smithton, Freeburg and Red Bud Fire Departments also soon arrived on the scene to help pour water onto the blaze.

“I could see flames from several miles away,” said John “Sinbad” Fahey, who was on his way home from his job.

The Honkey Tonk was open for business on Tuesday, and was closed at the time of the fire.

“I am thankful no one was inside the building and no one was hurt,” said Sherry Penberthy, owner of the business since 1998.

Route 159 was reopened to traffic at 5:30 a.m., but firefighters remained on the scene putting out hotspots.

Hecker Fire Chief Ralph Eckart said an Illinois State Fire Marshall had arrived on the scene and started his investigation into the cause of the fire.

The second floor of the Honkey Tonk begins to fall during the fire.

Firefighters put out the last of the flames during the early morning fire in downtown Hecker.

Metro Chrysler in Columbia closed its doors Friday. Employees were not given a reason for the sudden closure.

After 16 years of service, Chuck Wagner stepped down Tuesday as a trustee for the Village of Hecker. Rich Happel was sworn in last night to take the position.