May 1, 2025 1p; Edited at 8:50p
(WGTD)---The cause of a fire that destroyed a building along I-94 in Kenosha and dashed the relocation plans--for now--of a popular bakery has been ruled accidental.
The early Tuesday fire in the former "Uncle Mike's Highway Pub" began in the attic and was caused by an electrical problem, according to Kenosha Fire Dept. investigator Jake Waldschmidt.
The building was under renovation. "Elsie Mae's Pies and Pints" was scheduled to open on Mother's Day, according to owner Kelly Deem.
No recent electrical work had reportedly been done in the area where the fire began, according to Waldschmidt.
"Elsie Mae" had moved in under a rent-to-own agreement, he said.
In an interview with WGTD on the day of the fire, Deem vowed to find a new location in the Kenosha area for what she described as her dream business. "Elsie Mae's Pies and Pints" was to offer all of Elsie Mae's signature products along with craft beers and Elsie Mae spiked lemonades.
"Elsie Mae" still offers items for sale at a location in Lake Mills.
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