St. John’s Catholic Church in Viola destroyed by fire. The blaze broke out around 5 a.m. Thursday. The front of the church was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, according to Viola Fire Chief Jim Morrison. Mutual aid was provided by Matherville and Aledo Fire Departments. They were on the scene through just shortly before 8 a.m. The cause has not been determined at this time.
A press release from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department Thursday afternoon indicates the fire is under investigation by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, Viola Police Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office.