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KILLDEER, N.D. (AP) — Killdeer school officials are dealing with more than $1 million in storm damage as they prepare for the start of fall classes.
A July 10 hail storm that town officials have said was one of the worst local disasters in memory damaged school buildings, buses and even the football field.
All of the field's 60 lights have to be replaced — at a cost of $1,000 apiece — because the metal is dented and twisted, Superintendent Gary Wilz told The Bismarck Tribune (http://bit.ly/2atBchz ). Two large glass light covers also were shattered, though the glass was blown away from the field surface.
"We literally crawled every inch of that field on our hands and knees and came up with one dime-sized piece of glass," Wilz said.
The Killdeer Cowboys field is a point of pride for the community, which ponied up much of the $1.4 million needed for new turf, lights and track over the past two years. Friday night football games might have to be rescheduled until the lights can be replaced, Wilz said.
The hail and wind storm caused damage throughout the town of about 1,000 residents, stripping siding from homes, downing trees, and smashing windows in buildings and vehicles. Dunn County Emergency Manager Denise Brew has said virtually every building in town was damaged, and Police Chief Eric Braaten has estimated there are about 1,000 damaged vehicles in town.
"This isn't just us, this is a whole community" suffering, Wilz said.
He isn't sure when all of the school's damage can be fixed, but said buses will roll and classes will start Aug. 24.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
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