Town hall tumbles in high winds

Strong winds Sunday blew down the new town fire hall in Amnicon. The damage, shown in this Monday photo, is estimated at between $150,000 and $200,000, according to town clerk Gary Kane. The damage is also expected to push back the completion date of the hall by a few months. (Jed Carlson/jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

By news@superiortelegram.com

November 26, 2013 at 6:00 AM

High winds Sunday toppled the new fire hall under construction in the town of Amnicon.

According to Town Clerk Gary Kane, the wind knocked down three of the four walls. Half the trusses had been in place, and they were all on the ground, too.

"It looks like we're going to have to replace them all," Kane said. He estimated the damage could be as much as $200,000. But, he said, "nobody got hurt."

Mark Johnson Construction of Superior is the contractor for the building. Kane said the contractor's insurance should cover the cost of the damage.

The structure blew down at about 5 p.m. Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, winds reached a peak speed of 37 mph in Duluth Sunday.

Town of Amnicon voters approved a referendum to build the $450,000 fire hall, garage and attached town hall in November 2012, with 65 percent of voters giving their approval. The new hall was expected to open in March.

The wind damage will probably delay that opening by a couple months, Kane said.

Town hall tumbles in high winds

High winds Sunday toppled the new fire hall under construction in the town of Amnicon. According to Town Clerk Gary Kane, the wind knocked down three of the four walls. Half the trusses had been in place, and they were all on the ground, too. "It...