CLEAR LAKE – A 76-year-old Clear Lake man is safe after his 37-year-old Ford Econo-Line van suddenly caught fire as he was behind the wheel of the vehicle on West North 7th Street in Clear Lake Saturday night at around 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Gary Blodgett, of 1225 North Shore Drive, was in his van just across from the DNR garages when the vehicle’s engine began smoking. He exited the vehicle, and immediately called 911. Along with about 30-40 spectators who heard the sirens, Blodgett watched as his van became a bright ball of fire.
Damage to the vehicle was extensive; the hood melted and caved in as the windshield instantly shattered, while firefighters from the two fire trucks put out the blaze. Gray, white, and black smoke filled the night sky, bellowing upward at what was estimated to be about 100 yards high.
“That was a damn good car,” said Blodgett, a retired orthodontist, state legislator, and Bush administration official. “Just three days ago, I had new brakes installed, and had the master cylinder replaced; I spent $350. I bought that van new from Bob Schukei in the fall of 1976. It’s a total loss.”
The van had quite the political history, with big-name politicians (and their family members) riding inside at one time or another, like George W. Bush, Fred Grandy, Terry Branstad, Bob Ray, Chuck Grassley, Jack Kemp, Roger Jepsen and Bob Dole.
A neighbor of Blodgett’s told NorthIowaToday.com that “We’re glad that Gary got out in time, and he’s okay.” But speaking on condition of anonymity, the neighbor said that “I’ll tell you one thing: Sandy Blodgett probably couldn’t be happier! She’s been after Gary to get rid of that old bucket of bolts for the 20 years they’ve lived here. As dependable as that rusty thing was, it was just a real eyesore. I know that Sandy’s got to be pleased about it finally being gone! They’ve got at least four cars I know of, so it’s not like Gary is gonna be without any wheels.” Sandy Blodgett is Dr. Blodgett’s wife.
Police and an ambulance also arrived on the scene, took a statement from Dr. Blodgett, and filled out a report. A tow truck arrived at approximately 6:45 p.m., and towed the vehicle away to an undisclosed location.
Gary Blodgett seemed to be taking it all in stride, saying that “nothing lasts forever. I’m going to see next week what I can get for it.”
19 thoughts on “Van with long political history, owned by Dr. Gary Blodgett, goes up in flames”
@ Rhonda and Mindy, while the sentiments you two express are those with which I very much agree, your expression of them leaves much to be desired. Please, please enroll yourselves in an introductory course in english prior to again exposing to us your semi-literate manners of expression. Thank you.
Your sentiments are also those that I wholeheartedly agree with. However, please note that “English” is always capitalized. You’re welcome. And please feel free to correct me anytime. Unlike some people, I’m entirely open to constructive criticism.
That’s what I call putting old NIACC in his place!
@ Mason City Resident. You and me think the same way. Why are the richest the greedyest.
Because rich people know how to spell words correctly.
Jewish Lightning
Look, the Nazi is back. Sieg heil, Publius, you rat.
I think doc’s druggy son might of left a hot crack pipe on the seat, that prolly caused it, hahahahahaha!!!!!!
Its worth 10 cents a pound. so fill er up with scrap from around the neighborhood and take it in. Good thing is you can get more in when its gutted from a fire.
Was Urdoll inside? Any stolen computer equipment?
@ Mis your right Urdahl will steal anything at the Court house thats not nailed down, he is greedy as hell. Never could figure how come a rightwinger, Gary Blodgett wants Jay to stay elected.
You all got it wrong. Jay is a DEMOCRAT didnt any of your rubes know that? Blodgett is a REPUBLICAN. They would never hang out.
Oh you think so, don’t I wish. Urdahl has been taking big money from Blodgett from day 1, he is the biggest whore of a excuse for superviser we ever had. Maybe read what really goes on around here. Then you instead of just popping off maybe you can make some sense.
Jay is the most HONEST elected official in Iowa, unbeatable in elections, raises his own money. Fights hard for the working man! You rubes just don’t get it.
For a classic example of conservative Republican greed, read the last sentence of this article.
I thought the exact same thing when I read this earlier today.
Too bad all them Republitards use to ride around in this van could not of been in it when it caught fire!
Maybe karma is catching up .
You can almost bet that if your not right in front of the fire station, and your vehicle catches fire, it’s going to be junk by the time that they get there. And it’s worse now with all the plastic in new vehicles.