Breaking dive bar news update:
- Will Radik
It turned out the smoke was coming from everyone's favorite dive bar, the Vern. DON'T WORRY. THE PINBALL MACHINES ARE SAFE. The fire department responded quickly and put out the fire.
Fire department Lieutenant Dave Centers says the single alarm fire originated in an apartment above the Vern. It caused no injuries, though the Vern may have been slightly water damaged. I stopped by this morning and the building didn't seem badly off at all—a piece of plywood boarded up the apartment window and some smoke stained the bar's exterior, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're open for business in time for happy hour.