Investigators seek possible witness to fatal fire in Rock County

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(Gazette photo)

Investigators are still looking into the facts behind the death of a town of Newark man in a house fire earlier this week.  Rock County Sheriff’s officials say a person believed living at the home of Thomas MacGowan in recent weeks might be able to provide some clues.  MacGowan’s body was found in the partially collapsed home after the fire along Highway 81 Tuesday.  The Medical Examiner’s Office says the 62-year-old died as a result of a fire.  The man the authorities are seeking apparently needed a place to stay, and MacGowan had a history of helping such people.  Authorities also believe the man had permission to drive MacGowans red Chevy S10 extended-cab pick-up truck which is missing.