Waterville Barn Destroyed By Fire

Fire destroyed a large horse barn north of Waterville midday Monday.  Waterville and Blue Rapids Fire Departments responded to the David Smerchek farm located at 422 Temple Road.  A large horse barn was completely engulfed destroying thousands of dollars in horse tack and related equipment. 

The barn was a total loss and one horse did have to be euthanized due to its injuries.  According to Marshall County Sheriff Hargrave Smerchek reported he had a heater running in the barn and left it unattended.  Hargrave stated that he believed the heater was the source of the fire.