ANDOVER, KAN. Friday, October 28, 2022 – Saturday marks the six-month anniversary of the tornado that hit Andover and Butler and Sedgwick County in April 2022. Repairs, renovations, and rebuilds continue to move forward and an update can be found below: 

• The fencing for the dog park in Central Park is expected to be installed in about a month and materials have started to arrive. It took a few months for the order to be fulfilled by the manufacturer due to supply chain shortages.
• Andover city staff members have been and continue to work with various consultants to determine the direction of the Lodge, a main public gathering building in Central Park. The Lodge was fully demolished in Central Park a few months ago.
• The City of Andover lost a total of 18 vehicles in the storm. Ten new trucks have arrived, and another is on its way from the factory. One of the vehicles has been repaired and another vehicle has been partially repaired and is waiting on additional parts. 
• Repairs and renovations for the park maintenance shop, located in Central Park, were approved in August. Many of the storage buildings in the park were destroyed and insurance money will be utilized to consolidate the lost buildings into one. Roof repairs are complete on the park shop building.
• Repairs have started in City Hall as well. Some of the glass windows were shattered during the storm. 70 percent of what was damaged has been replaced. Supply chain continues to affect the remaining 30 percent of the glass that still needs fixed. Roof repairs have been approved by the City Council and contracts are in the process of being executed.

The second volunteer workday was held on Saturday, October 22. Around 30 volunteers focused on the Yorktown tree row, picking up debris. The next volunteer workday is set for Saturday, November 5. Those interested in helping can sign up at www.unitedwayplains.org and click “Get Involved” at the top of the site. 

The Long-Term Recovery Committee continues to meet on a regular basis. The Long-Term Recovery Committee will be responsible for strengthening disaster relief/recovery coordination between the City of Andover and Butler and Sedgwick Counties by sharing information, simplifying resident access to resources, and resolving cases with unmet needs. At this time, $122,146.08 has been distributed to 29 families in need from partners including the United Way, Great Plains Disaster Fund and Bob Mills.

If someone was affected by the April 29 tornado and has not been in contact with a case manager, please call 2-1-1. Financial donations are still being accepted and 100 percent of the proceeds go to disaster relief efforts. Donations can still be made through unitedwayplains.org.

Reference

Megan Schapaugh

mschapaugh@andoverks.com

http://andoverks.com