Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND -When the storm swept through Great Bend last Thursday night, USD 428 discovered they had some unplanned repairs to make.

USD 428 Superintendent Brad Reed and Assistant Superintendent of Finances Khris Thexton went around the district to survey the damage and found Lincoln Elementary School with the majority of its gymnasium roof torn off. The gym had nearly a half-inch of water covering the floor, but luckily the damage was contained to the gym.
Thexton mentioned at Monday night’s school board meeting that the district was fortunate to have D.V. Douglas Roofing come repair the roof so quickly.

“We called them the night it happened,” said Thexton. “They are from Garden City. He told me we’ll be there Saturday and get it watertight. They rolled in about 9 on Saturday morning and had everything finished by 7 p.m. I know that’s their job but they really made a difference.”

Many reports stated gusts of wind getting as high as 70-80 miles per hour Thursday night, but Thexton said the roof at Lincoln was rated at a 90-mile per hour uplift wind rating.

“The storm damage could have been worse,” said Thexton. “You think of Great Bend as a pretty good size town but everybody knows each other and so many stepped up, wanted to help and that was very nice to have,” he said.

Insurance adjustors are expected to inspect the roof this week and the district will have a moisture test on the gym to make sure there are no lingering water damages. Lincoln did not have school Friday because of the damages but resumed classes on Monday.