Storm damage closes Olathe clinic

OLATHE  — After having to shut its doors on and off for the past several weeks, the Olathe Medical Clinic will start taking appointments again Friday.

Several weeks ago, strong winds and rain caused considerable damage to the clinic’s roof, walls and electrical work.

“There was an inch of water on the floor when they went to work that Tuesday,” said Mary Snyder, chief operating officer for Montrose Memorial Hospital, which manages the clinic.

The building contains several different offices including a family dentistry practice.

Building space was being rented by the hospital. Several of the offices relocated down the block. The clinic was able to move its phones across the hall.

However, while the contractors were repairing the damage, they found asbestos.

Asbestos, used in the old building, had been hiding under that paint, Snyder said.

She said there is not a health risk until the asbestos is disturbed, which happened when the team started removing the soggy sheetrock. While the asbestos removal was taking place, the clinic employees were not allowed in the building to operate the phones.

“They started with the asbestos removal last Friday and are hoping to be out of there by Thursday,” Snyder said.

Because the building is being rented, there is no cost to the hospital for repairs. The building will still be under construction, but the clinic will take appointments Friday by phone. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is at 308 Main St. in Olathe; the phone number is (970) 323-6141.