Wright County Investigating Possible Burglary, Arson at 101 Liquor

The Wright County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a possible burglary and arson fire that occurred at some time between the dates of Feb. 24 and 26.

According to a notice of the investigation issued by Captain Greg Howell and the sheriff’s department yesterday, officers were called to 5410 Quam Circle on the morning of Feb. 27, shortly before the store opened at 11 a.m.

The business owner, Al Hartinger, filed a report of a burglary, and further investigation revealed there was also a possible arson at the store.

Through the Minnesota Arson Reward Project, Wright County and Highway 101 are offering up to $2,500 in rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspects that might be involved in the case.

The investigation is still open.

It’s the latest hit on Hartinger’s business, which has struggled financially since the store was enveloped by the Minnesota Highway 101 project.

Once a free-standing store known for its “BEER” sign along 101 by people who travel the route north to the lakes country, Highway 101 Liquors was hidden by the new overpass, the “BEER” sign obscured by an elevated offramp at the interchange with Wright County Road 36.

Hartinger, who lives in Dayton, told the council in the winter of 2010 he was “working day and night” to keep the doors open at his store.

Wright County is working with the State Fire Marshall’s Office to determine the cause of the fire.