Pocono News Section

Garage Finally Reopens 5 Months After Arson

Garage Finally Reopens 5 Months After Arson - Monday, July 20, 2009 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Jul 20, 2009 @ 05:55pm EST
WAYMART, WAYNE COUNTY- More than five months after a Wayne County business was destroyed by fire, it's back open. Paul's Garage in Waymart started welcoming back customers early Monday morning.

This is a sight that workers and customers of Paul's Garage in Waymart have been waiting to see. Five months after an arson, the business is finally back open. Owner John Krajkovich said, ÒItÕs been a long time waiting. We're very excited to get back and up going."

A firebug torched it February 10th. Krajkovich says everything was destroyed. ÒWe spent a lot of nights here until midnight, but we got back up and going in 5 1/2 months, so I feel like we did pretty good," he said.

Banners and flowers now fill the lobby of the garage on this grand reopening, while on the walls there are plenty of pictures of the long rebuilding process. Customer Joyce Fox said, ÒItÕs great to be back. ItÕs great to have him back."

Fox is just one of many loyal customers who is happy to be back. ÒHe's always been good to us. He's done a very good job with our cars, whenever we need it done," she added.

The old garage is completely gone. The new building is set further back away from the street. Customers say itÕs bigger and better than ever.

Ruth Pranzitelli said, ÒEven the office is prettier. Everything. The outside. The ground. Everything. ItÕs a 100-percent improvement."

An improvement which also allowed Krajkovich to make changes. With more space he can now service low-profile cars, RV's and buses. ÒItÕs a very good feeling. ItÕs a feeling that you definitely want to have," added Krajkovich.

The firebug who torched Paul's Garage in Febuary still has not been caught. State police say they're still following leads in the case.