Downtown blaze claimed beloved cat

As Champaign downtowners, we are so saddened by the loss of the beautiful Metropolitan Building on the recent Friday. The days after the fire saw many people quietly filing through our little neighborhood, their eyes filled with disbelief. We are all thankful that the fire was contained, did not destroy the surrounding buildings, and that there were no human casualties.

However as it turns out there was a casualty after all, a small furry one to be exact – Montana, the beloved calico shop cat belonging to Mary Tangora and Larry Steinbauer of the Wind, Water and Light Gallery at 10 E. Main St. Montana held court there for many years, and all who met her couldn't help but fall in love with her. She was 14 years old and had some heart problems, but the shock of the fire proved to be too much for her. We will miss her, and didn't want her passing to go unnoticed. To Mary and Larry, we just want to say that we are so sorry for your loss.