True Value, Java J’s continue repairs, opening date in question

True Value management and employees hope contractors will finally get some dry days so they can finish reroofing the hardware store.

“If the roof gets done Thursday or Friday we’ll be in rebuild mode ready to get it (interior) done,” said Manager Zeke Chafa.

The hardware store and in-store coffee shop, Java J’s, have been closed because of roof and water damages sustained during the tornado that hit northwest Creston April 14. Store co-owner Juliann Sinn said her goal is to open the store by June 1.

“Or earlier,” added Chafa.

The store’s six heating and cooling roof units will be replaced. During the storm, the units were tossed around on the roof. The impact of the units being thrown around left the roof with some gaping holes.

Roof damages created a wet mess inside the store, said Chafa. There were areas of the store that had about one and a-half to two inches of standing water.

“There was a ton of water everywhere,” said Chafa.

About $75,000 worth of merchandise was damaged and reported to the insurance company, said Co-owner Kent Sinn. Giftware was ruined, along with hardware. Kent said if the packaging was ruined, the item was ruined.

Chafa said employees were able to fill two storage containers, about 40 feet long by 8 feet wide, with damaged goods. He anticipates they’ll find more as staff removes plastic coverings from the display shelves.

The paint department sustained quite a bit of water damage, and a computer in the paint department will need to be replaced.

Counters in the coffee shop were covered in water, so new coffee machines are being ordered.

Support

Chafa said they were able to put their employees to work right away on clean-up efforts in the store once power was restored after the storm.

“We would like to thank all of our employees for all of their help during this time,” said Chafa.

Management said they’re also thankful for the support and patience of the community.

“We really miss our customers,” said Juliann. “We’re ready to open and see everybody again.”

Local students helped clean up debris from the area behind the store.

Too close

The Sinns have been able to focus much of their attention on getting the store open.

Juliann said they’re thankful they don’t have much to rebuild at home. The couple live on Clayton Road, which saw quite a bit of damage. However, the couple’s house only has cosmetic damage.

Three of the neighbors’ houses have been demolished from damages, and another one will be demolished soon. Southwestern Community College received substantial damage. There were also quite a few downed trees in the area.

“We don’t know why our house is still standing,” said Juliann. “It was a little too close for comfort for us.”