Business : Christmas wish: Michael & Dowd owners set goal for re-opening

Workers have been putting the finishing touches on the foundation for the new Michael & Dowd building, and Mark and Lisa Vogt have set a Christmas goal for the date of their re-opening. The future of the other buildings affected by the February fire is less certain. Jon Clingman said there are too many variables for him to say now what will happen to the site next door to the furniture store. To the east of the area that used to be Clingman's is the remains of the Fischer law office building. Cousins Robert and John Fischer are still working with architects to see how much of the front facade can be incorporated into a new building. And to the east of the Fischer building, the Benton County Title building will need cleaning, new carpet and light construction work. All of those businesses are expected to remain in their temporary locations on 4th Street throughout the year.