By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Fire destroyed the hunting lodge on Friday, Jan. 19, at Viking Valley south of Battle Lake. The exact location is Grue Church Road west of Eagle Lake.

Authorities were called to the scene of the fire at 7:20 a.m. The lodge was owned by the Viking Valley Hunt Club.

The fire, as of Jan. 22, was being investigated by the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal.

A Gofundme page has been established.

“Hi this is Jeremy, a friend and family member of Ben and Shannon Geones. The lodge was the heart and soul of the business and a major part of their livelihood.

“Ben and Shannon have always been generous and supportive of local businesses. Let’s support them and their two young daughters in this time of tragedy.”