Chadron State thriving despite fire
No problems are anticipated at Chadron State College because of the fire that threatened the campus last Friday evening. None of the facilities were damaged and college officials say the campus will be fully functional long before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 21.
The campus is already receiving guests. A geography conference with about 30 participants expected will be on campus Friday and Saturday and the football and volleyball players will arrive this weekend to begin practicing.
“We’re doing our darnedest to get everything back to normal,” said Alan Cisneros, the college’s maintenance supervisor. “The dorms have been getting some special use, but we’ll have them ready for everyone. We’re here to do what needs to be done for the sake of the college and the students.”
About 550 fire fighters and support personnel checked into the college’s residence halls over the weekend, but the number had dropped to around 400 by Wednesday afternoon as more and more of the lightning-caused fires in the surrounding pine forests were contained.
Sheri Simons, the college’s housing director, said it is anticipated that a small crew of firemen will remain in the residence halls to keep tabs on the fires for several weeks, but the college will have enough rooms to accommodate both them and the students.
Dr. Randy Rhine, vice president of enrollment management and student services, said the college has received some inquiries from students about the fire.
“We tell them we’ll be opening on schedule and everything will be normal. We got singed around the edges a little, but we still have a gorgeous campus that will be fully functional. Nothing happened that will affect our operation. We’re healthy and happy.”
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Category: Campus News