Local News

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Burglars strike during the night by Marlo Benning Since the Dukowitz's, Brad, Bill and Karla, have owned Denim and Diamonds in Hewitt, they have been burglarized four times. The most recent break-in occurred sometime during the early morning hours of Monday, January 7, before that was this past May on Memorial Day weekend. The culprit(s) broke through the well-lit front door of the bar and successfully carried away the safe which they tore away from the wood it was bolted to. They also attempted to remove the ATM machine within the establishment, but left it behind, according to Karla Dukowitz who is frustrated by the vandalism they have incurred. She said that approximately $1100 in the safe belonged to the pull-tab sellers, Wolf Lake Wolf Pack, who give money back to the local communities and schools. "When they are taking their money, they're taking from the whole community," she said. Although, she is glad that damage to the building wasn't worse, they will have to replace their front door which was damaged beyond repair. Also, approximately $600 was taken of the bar's profits that was also tucked in the safe. She said that the safe has been found on the outskirts of town in a ditch. Dukowitz also said that the phone and cable lines were cut by their business. There was also an attempt to cut the wires on the exterior of Stampede Saloon and Grill in Hewitt, according to Todd County Deputy Corey Heid. In the past three burglaries at Denim and Diamonds, those responsible have been apprehended. The Todd County Sheriff's Office is investigating this most recent crime and is requesting anyone with information to call 1-800-794-5733. As of Monday, January 15 no arrests have been made. They are also seeking information pertaining to the Stampede Saloon incident and an attempted break-in at Jon's Family Foods in Clarissa which occurred sometime in the early hours of the 7th as well. marlo@inhnews.com