Crete woman rallies community to help injured friend rebuild after fire

CRETE, Neb. (KLKN) — The Crete community is banding together to help a woman rise from the ashes of a devastating house fire.

Diane Wendelin’s home was destroyed in a fire around 7:30 a.m. Dec 1.

Donna Rutherford knows Wendelin and said the tragedy hit far too close to home.

“When she was preparing food to spend Thanksgiving with the rest of her family, her house caught on fire,” Rutherford said. “Diane got a severe burn.”

Rutherford said Wendelin needs two more surgeries to completely heal.

She is faced with the task of rebuilding her life from the ground up.

So Rutherford’s salon, Hair Dimensions, is offering more than just beauty services.

Rutherford turned it into a donation hub, rallying the community to support her longtime friend in her time of need.

“She’s been a lifetime friend, and I love her,” Rutherford said. “I know her history, I know what the girl has been through. She has lost two sons, divorced, and I just want to help her.”

From small cash donations to larger items, the salon has become a central point of hope for a woman in crisis.

Rutherford said it’s about showing Diane she’s not alone in this journey.

“The Crete community is very giving,” Rutherford said. “I know my friends would be responsive, and I knew my family would be responsive, and this is my way in helping Diane going forward.”

The salon is not only helping raise funds but also offering a space for people to come together and show their support.

Rutherford said if she can help, then others can, too. Just stop by the salon at 14th Street and Main Avenue in Crete and drop your donation in the jar.

“I have been a friend of Diane’s and her hairdresser ever since she was in high school, and we have been long time friends and clients, and she’s very special to me,” she said.