The American Legion lost its door after a driver plowed in front of the building last night (Wednesday).
The entryway to the American Legion was smashed in by a car on January 3. (Berett Wilber)
The entryway was smashed in, but no one was hurt, according to Ralph Strong, an army veteran who served in Korea and the adjutant for Haines’ Legion Post 12.
“The door was damaged, it was not usable — it was all caved in and there was no way to go in and out that way. Fire Department requires on a public place like this that we have two exits, and if that one was not repairable and couldn’t be repaired we’d be closed down,” Strong said.
A construction crew was cleaning up debris this morning (Thursday), working to fix the door enough so it could open and lock. Strong says they expect it to be repaired in time for the Legion to open as usual for their Friday night hamburger feed.
Police Chief Heath Scott said the driver responsible for the damage came into the station and took responsibility the morning after the accident. He said it didn’t involve drugs or alcohol, but blamed icy roads.
Bill Rostad, Commander of Haines’ Legion Post, said temporary repairs were good for now, but they’d probably order a new steel door come spring — there’s nowhere to buy one in town.
