Thirsty Camel in Columbus Junction burns

    COLUMBUS JUNCTION ? The Thirsty Camel, a restaurant located north of Columbus Junction on Highway 70 was destroyed by fire Sunday. The restaurant didn?t open on Sunday, so no one was in the building at the time of the fire.

    The fire started about noon. The Conesville Fire Department was the first department called to the scene. Fire departments from Columbus Junction, Wapello and Nichols also responded to the fire.

    Rueben and Dee Deese owned the Thirsty Camel. According to John Carpenter of The Columbus Gazette, the Deeses owned the restaurant for about six months. They developed a successful business and are saddened by the loss.

    No cause of the fire has been determined. However, it appears to have started in the upper area of the building.