Fire destroys Decorah ballroom

A popular northeast Iowa landmark has been lost to a fire. Firefighters were called to Matters (Mah-ters) Ballroom north of Decorah around six A.M. Firefighters from several departments were unable to save the historic structure. It was the second fire at Matters in just over three years. A December 2000 fire caused extensive damage, but the owners did rebuild. Matters has served as host to hundreds of musical acts over the past 90 years. The building was inducted into the Iowa Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.