Family Business Destroyed in Fire

On Wednesday, June 11th around 8pm, Cox Welding Shop in Barneveld caught on fire. It was built in 1990 by Fantus Cox and his son-now business owner, Randy Cox. With the clientele Fantus built with his portable welder, the business was created and has been successful their entire 29 years. Randy and his father’s work has been most known for their continual service of farmers all over. 
                   Once the fire started, it quickly progressed and eventually a total of 12 different fire departments showed up to aid the Barneveld fire squad and EMS. (Hollandale, Ridgeway, Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Mount Horeb, Arena, Avoca, Blanchardville, Highland, Lone Rock, Verona, & Dodgeville). These amazing first responders were at the scene for hours trying to control the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.
                We cannot be more thankful for their help and the fact that no one is injured. Another thanks is owed to our local BP/Stop-n-Go and public library for their assistance of food and shelter for all responders. Our community never ceases to amaze us.
                  Whether it was lightning or electrically caused has been undetermined. Either way, we find ourselves standing here, the day after, looking at our destroyed building. My family and I feel helpless as we watch the backhoe grab piles of sheet metal, roofing, destroyed tools, and so much more. Dump trucks being filled over and over and over with pieces of my Uncle & Grandpas business.
                    Luckily, only minor water damage and power outage came to Marue’s Coffee House that shares a wall with the backside of the shop. But we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Building collapsed, equipment destroyed, and a farm at home to run, what comes next is not going to be easy for Randy , to say the very least. Due to escalating cost of insuring a high-risk welding company, he was unfortunately unable to insure the business. Randy strives to continue to serve the people this community and beyond, but will need significant community assistance to provide these services. And that’s what brings us here: in hopes that some, any financial assistance can be found. Any support will be extremely appreciated from our local, family business we can assure you this. Please consider donating.