Storm-damaged Ritchey Mansion might be fixed by Sept. 1

NEWTONIA, Mo. (AP) -- Local preservationists hope that repairs to the tornado-damaged Ritchey Mansion will be complete by Sept. 1.

The Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association estimates that between $86,000 to $100,000 will be needed to repair damage to the building caused by the May 10 twister.

Association member Kay Hively said much of the damage to the building will be covered by insurance. But she adds that the organization will have to cover some of the costs of cleaning up the property and of running an underground power line to a utility pole.

The Ritchey Mansion served as a headquarters and a field hospital during two Civil War engagements in Newtonia.

The group hopes to have the repairs and cleanup on the mansion property finished by Sept. 1, although it has been hosting tours while repairs are made.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe: http://www.joplinglobe.com