No injuries reported, but an overnight fire gutted the Gilster Mary Lee chocolate factory in Momence. The fire resulted in the total loss of the plant – which employed several hundred people from the surrounding area. All employees escaped without injury. No word on the cause.

Several area fire departments answered the call about 11 pm (Tuesday) on East Washington Avenue. Firemen found flames had engulfed the factory. The State Fire Marshal is investigating.

94.1 wgfa