It's been a minute since The Press Bar burned down in St. Cloud.  It was an iconic bar that still carries so many memories for anyone who has lived here and gone out downtown St. Cloud over the years.  Your memories could be good, bad or otherwise, but almost everyone you run into has a memory from their time at the Press.

(Photo: Alex Svejkovsky, WJON)
(Photo: Alex Svejkovsky, WJON)
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Last February was when this fire happened.  It seems like a lifetime ago.  Soon after, an investigation was conducted and it was found that the start of the fire was arson.  The owner of the Press, Andrew Welsh has been accused of burning down the bar in order to collect the insurance.

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Originally he was arrested and charged with some state-level charges.  Last Friday he was re-arrested on Federal charges.  

The space where the Press Bar was, has remained empty and fenced off since the fire.  Many have been wondering what will be placed there after clean-up and the case is closed.  There is no word on when that will be, but with a global pandemic also still happening, it's a question on what will happen with that space, as well as the businesses that surround it.

Cowboy Jacks, which was directly affected, hasn't opened since the fire.  This is because of having to deal with smoke and water damage, coupled with the pandemic closures.

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