Storm Further Damages Rock Island Depot Roof

By Gordon HopkinsBill Harris of the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) appeared at the Jefferson County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, December 21, to inform commissioners that the recent storm has further damaged the roof of the historic Rock Island Railroad Depot Museum. The roof was already in dire need of repair and this new damage makes the situation that much more urgent.A severe storm hit much of Nebraska, including Jefferson County on Wednesday, December 15. While there was damage, no serious injuries were reported.Severe thunderstorms, high winds and even possible tornadoes were indicated by the National Weather Service. Temperatures reached an unseasonable 74 degrees in Jefferson County. While no tornadoes hit Jefferson County, wind speeds increased throughout the day, with gusts eventually reaching more than 80 miles per hour.Prior examinations of the roof indicate the Depot roof is leaking and will need to be replaced soon before more serious damage can occur inside the building. As a result of the storm, Harris told commissioners, “There's tiles falling off the roof now, so we need to do something about that ASAP.”Harris added, “There's actually one full piece of tile up there ready to fall off and if it hit somebody, it'd probably kill them.”JCHS placed fencing on the west side of the building, to prevent anyone from being injured by falling debris.JCHS is preparing to advertise for bids. Specs for the building are required first. Harris said, “We found the architectural drawing from 1996, I believe.”A bid for $259,357 (not including tax) came from Precision Construction and Roofing, a company based out California but provides services all across the country. Regulations require that the project be advertised for bids before one is accepted.The historical society is now looking into possible fund-raising avenues and is accepting donations from the public.

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