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• Early morning blaze damages Elmwood area home
• Eau Claire builder in race for 3rd Congressional District

An early morning house fire damaged a rural Elmwood home Monday, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

The fire was reported at around 12:22 a.m. at the home of John Reinkey, 78, located at W2234 Highway 72.

Reinkey was home at the time of the blaze, but was not injured.

Authorities say the fire started in the chimney of the wood stove and was put out by firefighters.

The Elmwood Area Fire and Ambulance Service responded to the fire. The Spring Valley and Ellsworth Fire Departments also assisted at the scene.

The extent of damage to the home is not yet known. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

A home builder from Eau Claire will be challenging U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., for the Third Congressional District seat.

According to his Web site, Paul Stark says he is running for Congress because of what he says is the business as usual in Washington and the politicians there.

"Too many politicians test the winds and move in the direction of least resistance and most political gain," says Stark on his Web site.

"It is also my philosophy that Washington should empower her people to be self sufficient and not reliant on government," he adds.

Stark founded his own constructions company and is a member of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, the Wisconsin Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

He is also a member of several real estate associations.

Stark has a Bachelor of Business Administration-Accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and attended the University of Minnesota earning a Master of Business Taxation degree.

He is also a certified public accountant.

Stark has been married to his wife, Jane, for more than 17 years and they have two children.

Find out more about Paul Stark on his Web site: www. starkforcongress.com