WOWT 6 News has learned a community staple, the Sons of Italy Hall, may not be reopening its doors for many months. On January 13th emergency crews battled a two-alarm blaze that left extensive damage. No access to the hall has left many without their second home. The organization and the building itself have grown from generation to generation and sadly some of that history is gone forever.

"It feels very disappointing…very empty," said George Grillo the Vice President of the State Lodge. The barred doors, burnt and tarped roof are not what they’re used to seeing at the often bust building. "You miss the comradery. There's so much give and take and fun and laughter and it's gone," Grillo told us. For decades the hall brought hundreds every Thursday for spaghetti dinner. People like Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine have known over the years; it's always been a great place to shake the hands of voters. We interviewed him at the hall back in 2006 when he was running for his position.