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The owner of the Junction Bar and the Junction Inn is believed to have died in an incident Monday afternoon.
According to a report from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, they received a check welfare request at 6175 Peninsula Road near Makinen. The caller requested that his friend be checked on after receiving self harm text messages.
Deputies responded to the address to check on the 71 year-old male from Makinen. Deputies arrived on scene and observed the residence on fire. Deputies located a male/ homeowner deceased inside a detached garage. The residence was a total loss.
Gary Burow is listed in the St. Louis County land records of the owner of the home at 6175 Peninsula Road.
Burow owned the Junction Bar & Grill and the adjacent Junction Inn. While the bar has been closed for several years, the Junction Inn was still in operation prior to Tuesday.
The Junction Bar property tax records show unpaid taxes and penalties from 2023 and 2024 of $8,295.09.
Burow opened the Junction Bar & Grill in its current location in 2010, six years after the original location burned down. Previously Burow had operated the Babbitt Junction in the former home of the Babbitt Legion.
The Junction Inn, owned by Junction Properties Inc., is listed as being owned by Burow. He opened the Junction Inn in October of 2014.
The Junction Inn property tax records show unpaid taxes and penalties from 2023 and 2024 of $30,401.65.
According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the fire and death remain under investigation. There is no threat to the public and initial indications appear to be the result of self harm. The identity of the male is being withheld pending notification of family.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Colvin Fire Department, Palo Fire Department, Lakeland Fire Department, Aurora Fire Department, Central Lakes Fire Department and Medical Examiners Office.
