Rebuilding West Liberty, KY "Small Town Destination Point"

June 11, 2012 - PRLog -- West Liberty - Weeks of demolition and rebuilding, several West Liberty businesses have reopened.  Houses are being framed. Roofs are repaired.  Recreational facilities are open and being used. “The ultimate goal is to rebuild and make our small town a destination point, said Morgan County Judge Executive Tim Conley.  Morgan County Government, the City of West Liberty and the Gateway Area Development District called a special meeting Tuesday, June 5th of the local businesses to discuss the direction of the business community and assistance for local business owners.

After being leveled by the tornado, many business owners are faced with the same question, is it worth reopening, especially in these economic times?  Looking at the challenges they may face: working long hours and dealing with insurance companies, the new state building codes, compliance issues.  Therefore deciding to reopen would not be an easy choice to make for a business that was damaged.

However just in 3 months, many of the local businesses have rebuilt or relocated and are conducting business.  “It pleases me to see so many people pulling together and working so hard to rebuild something that once was completely destroyed” said Judge Conley. “Our county is blessed with great people who never gave up, even when things seemed to be at its worse. Our people and businesses took the initiative and with some help from others, we are showing the meaning of small town values.”

Those who have relocated or rebuilt and open for business are Rite-Aid, Little Caesar’s, Primitive Homestead, Potter Funeral Home, Tanna’s Tips and Toes, McDonalds, and every day that list is growing.  China King and the Freezer Fresh are two of many who are working furiously to get their place back in operation.


Many building were destroyed, but the business owners continued working.  The West Liberty Post Office moved back to its location and is operating on normal hours.  According to Postmaster Petrey, the post office operated from a temporary location and only missed one day after the destruction.  

The local paper, Licking Valley Courier ran one day later. Government offices were moved to temporary sites. “We are here for the people of West Liberty. We want as much normalizes as possible,” said Judge Conley.  The Morgan County Swimming Pool opened during Memorial weekend as in previous years.  The basketball courts and the park areas are being used.  Events are being planned for the Amphitheater.


There is a character and an atmosphere that still remains in West Liberty. When someone becomes ill the entire community quickly jumps in to help the family. When someone dies the community quickly comes to the aid of the grieving family. When someone new moves into town they are quickly greeted with open arms and a big welcome. Community spirit is alive and strong and never touched by the tornado!


Next week the Morgan County Government Offices have set aside Wednesday, May 13th to recognize their move back to their offices.

Morgan County businesses are encouraged to contact the Gateway Area Development District for Tornado Disaster Relief Information located at Eagle Point MMRC 110 Lake Park Drive
Morehead, KY 40351 Phone: (606) 780-0090or visit www.gwadd.org .