Lightning Strike May Have Caused Fire That Damaged Barn

Authorities say a lightning strike could have ignited a fire that caused $250,000 damage to a barn and its contents Monday morning in Dubuque County. Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department deputies and personnel from the Sherrill and Asbury fire departments responded just after 7am Monday morning to a barn on Hochrein Road that was engulfed in flames.  Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy says officials met with owner Randy Klein, who said the pole barn was likely struck by lightning. There were no injuries. The building contained a skid loader, two tractors and hay.