Fire victim finds no place like home
By Jill Gosche, jgosche@advertiser-tribune.com
Up until this week, John Panuto saw his house that was under construction from a distance when he commuted to work. Now, after more than seven months, he can call it “home” again.
“Today, I drove right from the house to work,” Panuto said Friday.
Panuto had been living with his ex-wife after a wayward bottle rocket ignited a fire in his home at 346 S. Washington St. in June. Panuto, 37, and his two sons, 17-year-old John II and 10-year-old Josh, spent the night in their remodeled home for the first time Thursday.
Josh said he had a good night’s sleep in his bedroom, and staying in the remodeled home for the first time was “sweet.”
“It was awesome, peaceful,” he said.
Panuto said he reflected on the house fire and its outcome Thursday night.
“It’s great. It’s so nice to come in here,” he said.
A splash of color
John Panuto’s once-blackened walls are showing signs of new life. The smoky hues have changed to primer white. One room is even blue, as a painting crew takes its turn renovating Panuto’s home. “So far, so good.
» Full StoryPicking paint ain't easy
By Jill Gosche, jgosche@advertiser-tribune.com Decisions, decisions. About six months after fire tore through John Panuto’s house, he’s looking at paint samples to decide what colors to apply to his home’s walls.
» Full StoryWorkers toil inside, outside fire-damaged home
Workers are putting their skills to work inside and outside the Panuto home as they rebuild the house damaged by fire. Outside, the roof is under construction.
» Full StoryClimbing toward move-in day
All Josh Panuto wants for Christmas is to move back home. John Panuto said his 10-year-old son, Josh, told him he didn’t want Christmas gifts because the family is getting its house back. “That’s what he wants,” Panuto said. “He wants his house back.
» Full StoryRebuilding begins
It’s time for John Panuto and his family to rebuild. He’s received an insurance settlement and is working with a contractor to renovate his burned-out home. “Me and my family moved on, and everybody’s grateful for that,” he said.
» Full Story