Funds Established to Help Men Hurt in Tonica Fire

Donation funds have been created at two area banks to help the families of the men burned during an explosion at Dauber Co. in Tonica.

Joseph Smith of Magnolia and Roger Conrad of Streator were in critical condition Tuesday in St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, where they reportedly were taken to be treated for burn injuries.

A fund to benefit the Smith family has been established at North Central Bank in Ladd and Hennepin, where Smith’s wife, Kristi, is an employee.

Fellow employees decided Tuesday to establish the fund, according to Debbie Doyle at the Hennepin location.

“We just thought that, it’s hard enough, without having to worry about if money is not coming in, or if you have to take your vacation time to cover everything, meals and just traveling,” Doyle said.

“We just wanted to try and help out. Everybody knows her here.”

Donations can be made out to “North Central Bank,” with “Joe Smith” in the memo line and mailed to either bank location: P.O. Box 317 Hennepin, IL 61327 and P.O. Box 427, Ladd, IL 61329.

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